thanks for the feedback on this. TBH I tried using my Scarlett I/F using the line out straight in to my Blackstar StJames input and running Helix via Garageband.
theres one thought that comes to mind.
Guitar in to the amp sounds 3D. Guitar via Helix sounds 2D. yes I did turn off the cabsims!
So will get to a shop and try out the actual set up with hardware.