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Please forgive me for being a noob on the forum. I have question regarding the 4CM method and using the send and return blocks. I am going to use a combination of my amp distortion, clean, and the clean from the Helix into the effects return of the amp. I will use different snapshots to accomplish what I want to do. I believe I understand all I need to get started configuring them except the send/return blocks for using my amp as the preamp. I watched Richie Castellano's video first and that is where I found the need for the send block to get my amp sounds... but I watched another video from Paul Glover and he has a return block set up as well. My question is ... Is there really a difference or a need for the return block? It sounds like in Richie's video that he has his tone and effects... and same thing in Paul's video... so thus the confusion... is the return block needed to use your amps preamp with the helix?

I tried out my Mesa Boogie TriAxis with 4CM and get an awful noise. We've gone through about twenty different troubleshooting ideas on the facebook group and haven't found a winner yet. Three solutions I was not yet able to try due to lack of availability: Isolated coupler Hum buster cable ISP Decimator Anyway, the TriAxis is a beast and sounds great regardless of the hum. I don't think I'll be taking it to any gigs like this, though.

Hi! A strange thing happened to me when I fired up my HD500 today. The unit prompted me to update my flash even though I had the latest version installed. I chose to keep my presets. Anyway, the unit wiped everything out. As you can guess, no backups... When I bought the unit in 2012 I found a great thread on the 4CM where somebody explained EVERYTHING in detail, levels, settings etc. For example, he mentioned that the unit loses about 10 db(?) of volume before the fx loop, which you can compensate with the studio eq. I wasn't able to find this thread anymore today. If somebody knows please can you post the link, or if you have copied the info can you please share it? I have a gig with a new band tomorrow and I need to program new sounds... Thank you very much in advance! Erkka

Hey, I have to question, I use the POD HD 500X via 4CM with my Engl Gigmaster (Effects only) How should I asset the Comprresor (and which COmp I should use) for best results in your opinion. Genre is Metal/ Hard Rock And is there any way to eliminate the levle rise of the analog chorus? Thanks

Anyone using their favorite pedals with Helix, esp. in 4CM? I like some of the choices in the Helix, but also like the ones I already have. Just wondering if anyone else is going that way too. BTW, I also prefer my amp's preamp section, so the Helix is mainly for fx. My main goal is not portability right now, so I guess I'm using the Helix as a new and improved version of the G-s*stem. Having said all that, for portability purposes (sometimes that is desired), I plan on making presets that mimic the above. Not (to my ear, and that's the bottom line for all of us) an exact replica (if that were the case, then why use all of the outboard stuff), but good enough when going light is the purpose at the expense of the "exact" tone I want. I really try to get "that" sound using only the Helix, and will continue to do so, but pretty satisfied with the sound of the mass of wires and crap.

Does anybody could give me an piece of advice for a signalchain that effects that the sound with POD and 4CM is the same like the sound when I plug the guitar straight into the amp? Actually I'm trying with that chain. Noise Gate (Decay-20/th-35) ->Studio EQ (+12db Gain) -> Fx-Loop (0db/0db/100%) -> Mixer (Pan to center, B is muted and A at 0 db) Though the sound level is nearly perfect, I miss a little bass and dynamics. Any ideas? Greetz

I am trying to setup my Firehawk FX as an effects processor for my tube amps (Egnater Tweaker and Orange Dark Terror). I understand the concept of placing the preamp in the Firehawk's effects loop, as well as the cable routing and selecting "no amp/no cab" for the amp/cabinet model. My question is in regards to how to setup the Firehawk software, switches, and knobs after it's hooked up. 1) Where is the best placement in the chain for the effects loop, before or after the "no amp" model? 2) I assume the switches should be set to "AMP" for the output and "STOMP" for the loop, correct? Neither of my tube amps have any control over the effects loop level - "it is what it is" so to speak. They are both serial. From my understanding, most effects loops are setup for line level. Which means my Firehawk effects loop should be set to "STOMP" on the send going into the input of the amp, but should be "LINE LEVEL" when the signal is returned to the Firehawk from my amp's effects loop. I assume this is what the "FX SEND" and "FX RETURN" levels are for adjusting in the FX Loop block of the Firehawk? I have the mix set to 100%. After all that, it seems the "OUTPUT" of the unit should be line level going into the return of my amp - but everything I've read says that it should be set to amp mode, which is instrument level. Is this correct? 3) It is my understanding that with the HD line of processors, the signal between the input of the unit and the send of the effects loop suffers from a signal loss and needs to be compensated for. Is that also true with the Firehawk FX? 4) Where is everyone else needing to set the levels for master, guitar, and the "no amp" model volume? I figure the "no amp" model should be 100%, and in the case of my Dark Terror without a master volume, I would need to use the master volume of the Firehawk for controlling overall volume - what about the guitar level? Any tips would be appreciated. I've mucked about the settings some, but the amp does not sound the same with the Firehawk FX as it does without - tone suck. I have a feeling I'm just not setting it up right. I use a Rivera Rockcrusher attenuator to overdrive my power amp - sounds nice and thick/full without the Firehawk. With it in place, it sounds thinner and more "digital". Haven't even gotten to adding effects yet. Just trying to get the thing to sound the same with the Firehawk FX in place as it does without. However trying to avoid a huge pedal board at all costs!

Hi, first time user/poster of Line 6. I got the Helix today and was going to be using it with my Marshall JVM 210H, Marshal 412 cab with v30/25 watt greenbacks. I would also be using it straight into my daw for recording purposes. I was wondering, is there a way to quickly remove the cab simulations and put them back quickly, depending on what setup I'm using at the time? I would like to, not use, the cabs with my live setup because it doesn't sound good, but would like them to be there when in daw mode, because of how well they sound. I would like to do this without having to delete or change the patch. Thank you, Shawn.

Hi all, I've just bought Firehawk FX. I'm using it with Peavey Classic 30 in the 4CM setup. I've read all about the dreaded patch change latency problem but decided to give it a try instead. The latency of changing patches is ok for my purpose. It could be better but all in all my Peavey Classic 30 has a similar latency while switching between channels. BUT Everything is nice and ok unless I don't use the preamp of my Peavey in the effect loop. If that is the case the latency of patch switching reaches 1 second or more. The sound cuts and then slowly arises from zero. To give it simple: Guitar -> FX -> Send RCV in Peavey ----------- Patch Switching OK Guitar -> FX -> 4CM -------------------------------- Patch Switching with 1 second latency (sound arrising) Can it be a matter of the preamp of my Peavey that needs to somehow re-init if getting signal from INPUT or is it a problem of the Firehawk ? Please help, I don't know whether to return the unit because using it like this is impossible ... :/

Hey all - I recently picked up a JTV-59 and love it. I run it into my POD HD500 and Marshall JCM900 using the 4 cable method. For any of the modeled presets it sounds great. I run these into the effects return on the Marshall.. Before the JTV, I ran some presets through the "front" of the amp using the FX loop block in the HD500 and the 4 cable method. Now with the JTV running into the HD500 through the variax input/VDI, I get serious feedback when I try to engage the dirty channel. Basically the FX loop doesn't work. I tried to a/b the output from the HD500 (one to effects return on amp, one to front of amp) and only the effects return works. Anybody have this problem? I want to run the JTV through VDI to control models and supply power. But want to option to bypass HD500 amp models and go into front of Marshall for the dirty channel tone. Advice much appreciated. steve

Hi - I was just in the process of putting together a pedalboard with MIDI switcher and effects pedals to change channels / presets on Diezel VH4 and for fx. I just realized that the Helix might be able to cover off both of these. Can anyone confirm or attest to using the Helix in 4cm with a VH4 to change amp channels / presets and be able to use fx before amp and in loop? Unfortunately I just don't know enough about MIDI yet to answer my own questions or understand potential limitations. I see people are doing this with other amps though. If it works though would end up being cheaper / simpler than direction I thought I had to go, so potentially very cool! Thanks

Hi, I've run 4CM for a long time with my Blackstar HT5 without a problem, but I've just bought a Jet City JCA22H and I could do with a sanity check as it has a line level loop. So, the connections are all OK, but what should I have the output switches on the HD500 set to? I've currently got the 1/4" out switch set to LINE as this connects to directly to the amps loop input and the FX Send switch set to STOMP as this connects to the amp input. Is this correct? Thanks, Bod.

Good day guys, POD HD500 have been a great unit UNTIL....I'm using full 4 cable method. Problem: I'm getting DIGITAL DISTORTION when I crank my Laney Ironheart pass 6 o'clock. Elaboration: I'm using STOMP mode since LINE produce insane hiss. My guitar ---> IRT--->Vox 1x12 celestion G12M is super quiet even @ hard rock Alice In Chain kind of gain setting, running without any noise gate. Request: Please help me guys, I've been using POD HD500 for 4 years and this problem put me away from POD HD for post pre-amp stage efx processing. Any tricks to solve this problem? If so, please share. Treat me like a newbie , I'm seriously need a solid solution or else I just sell this POD and go for analog setup. Best regards, Damien

I love using the helix with my real tube amp. I can use the real amp-sounds and just effects and/or the preamp modulation from helix and a real power amp kicking a real cab. Now, I would reaaaally love to have the helix connected to my DAW at the same time so I could also record and reamp the signals but plugging the USB between my helix and my mac causes all the speakers go justinbieberbangingcyborgbritneyspearsbrmmmmmmmm : C I haven't had this kind of problem with any other gear in my home studio. Any ideas? I could just use the analogue connections back and forth between my mixer but would love to skip all the A/D/A-conversions...

I have an JVMHJS that I'm using in 4CM. I'm just not quite sure if I have the send / Return levels of the Helix, main Helix volume level and Serial Loop Gain / Attenuator on the amp set correctly. Anyone got any advice on a good procedure for this? Thanks, Neil

Hello everyone, I have my HD500x connected to my EVH 5150 iii with the 4 cable method. Recently I lost all my presets and managed to restore them but I lost a feature that is a must for me and that is controlling the amp (EVH) gain with the expression pedal. I did it in the past and I just can`t figure how I did it. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks

Overview: I use an M13 normally without any issue running into a Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue. Read about the 4CM method and wanted to test it since the Blues Deluxe has an effects loop, so I ordered a pedal snake. Got everything set up where it tested fine without adjusting where the send/return fell within the individual effects (FX) banks (i.e. Pre-all). So, then I went into the M13, set up a new scene for testing. For each FX bank, I dialed in the same effects: phaser, chorus and flanger at default settings so no matter what effect bank I chose, each effect would be at the same settings. I tested this and each bank played each effect properly. (in order, bank FX1/phaser, bank FX2/phaser, etc.) I then went into scene setup and set the effects loop for PostFX1, and went to test the difference between the effect in FX1 and FX2. Immediately I heard that FX2 was not applying the effect. The same occurred for FX3 & FX4. I then tested the chorus and flanger similarly - FX1 played the signal with the effect applied while FX2, 3 & 4 played the signal without the effect. I can't figure out why this is happening - I am guessing it is some simple setting but can't find it. Can anyone help?

Hello all. I hope I put this in the right area of the Forum. I have been using my Hd 500x most of the time as an effects pedal. Using the 4 cable method to utilize my amps distortion but have been using an amp simulator on the pedal for clean, say using channel 'c' on all banks for my clean settings. I would like to some how assign a channel to switch the amp channel to clean and add efects to it rather then use an amp/sim on the pedal. I do have some pretty great clean sounds but nothing quite as nice as the marshall clean(imho) I have an A/B channel switcher for the amp, but to switch the amp cahnnel then switch to the assigned channel('c') to get the effect i need is not seemless unuf. I have zero experience with midi or expresion pedals and am at a loss on how to achieve this. Does any body have a solution that may help me with this project? Thanks in advance Rick

I just picked up a Fender Hotrod amp and have my M13 hooked up using the 4 cable method. The Fender manual tells me to use TRS cables between my effects and the amp's FX loop. I know the advantages of balanced connections, but does the M13's FX send and return support a balanced connection or would I be throwing good money away on cables that won't perform any better than regular instrument cables? (I do have a bit of noise with the 4 cable method set up, but I'm pretty sure it's a ground loop issue).

I watched Lincoln Brewster play live. Just his HD500 into a mixer/PA. It sounds amazing: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BkT4tLiH32M He made his HD500 patches available but on the 500x it sounds like caca: http://www.lincolnbrewster.com/podpatches/Lincoln_Brewster_Main_2012.h5e.zip http://www.lincolnbrewster.com/podpatches/Lincoln_Brewster_Swell_2012.h5e.zip Does anybody have great/similar sounding patches made specifically to have your HD500x go straight into a mixer/PA? I'm looking for a nice clean, rhythm crunch and lead distortion patches but everything I've tried so far sounds horrible... My second option was to plug my HD500x into my Carvin V3 half stack 100W tube amp. Use the Pod to do the Midi channel switching via 4CM, as I'd assign each patch to a channel at my amp (but I have no clue how to do that on the Pod). I'd be willing to even pay someone to create 3 basic patches for me, so the effects are done properly before and after the pre-amp: • A true bypass assigned to my Carvin's channel 3 with reverb, a little compression, and basic delay (on/off) option only for clean rhythm and picking. • A reverb, sustain + delay quarter note tap tempo, 8th note tap tempo, and .8th tap tempo; that I'd assign to my crunch channel 2 for swells and ambient stuff. If you can't have 3 on/off delay here, then I'd move the .8th into clean channel 3 above. • A reverb, compression + delay patch I'd assign to my (distortion) channel 1 for lead solo and hard rhythm + a pod amp modeler or overdrive pedal to add some distortion oomph I've heard and seen people who've figured out a way to do it on YouTube. But they just play and don't share... It's very frustrating since Line6 manuals talk about everything except what we want done ha ha ha...

Line 6-ers, I need help. Just want to know the capabilities of the M13 - as I'm thinking of replacing my HD500 with it. I don't use ANY of the amp modelling on the HD500 - but I use the effects. I currently have to have 6 Scenes to cover 1 gig's-worth of effects. (90's Cover band called Sounds Like Teen Spirit) - on any given gig I would use Fuzz, Distortion, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, talk-box, delay, trem, leslie, compressor, whammy up 2 Octaves, Whammy Down 2 octaves, pitch up 5th, pitch down 3rd, wah, synth, Clean-boost - though I have an EP-101 for that now. It's not impossible - but it is annoying to have to jump back and forth for songs. It works, but It would be greate to get all effects into 2, or Ideally 1 "Scene". My questions: ONE Can I setup 12 effects on one scene - Drives in A, Mods in B, Delay/synth, etc. in C, and so-on. and then be able to turn on any 4 effects at once? E.G. - for Nirvana songs - could have distortion, and chorus on (one in A, one in B - then for Rage songs - could have Flange, Pitch, Whammy, on (A, B, C)? I guess the root of my question is - are you able to setup the M13 like a REAL pedal board - with the only limitation being that you can only have 4 effects on at the same time? (1 from each of ABCD columns)? TWO Does the M13 model input impedances of the individual pedals being modelled? (Like the POD HD 500 does?) Can I change this setting? I couldn't find anything in the L6 documentation on the M13. But the modelling of input impedances, While awesome, was a huge tone destroyer for the 4CM with my current Amp - so I had to set the global input impedance of all effects at the highest impedance (I think 3.5Mohms) to compensate. THREE Does the FX Loop take up one of the blocks on the M13 - or is it virtual...set it n' forget it? (I think I saw in the manual, that you can put it anywhere.) Thanks in advance for your feedback. Grunge on.

Ok, so the FX loop send is stereo and it says use a TRS plug. But what if I want to send a mono signal out? Do I need a TRS adapter to get both channels to go out? If I use a mono plug, does it sum to mono for me or will I only be sending one channel? I can't find any documentation on it so if anyone knows for sure, I appreciate the help...

Hi I bought homemade tube amp. However it has main input jack and return jack (access to power amp) only. There is no "send" jack from preamp. Is there any possiblity to use fx loop of my POD HD500? I would like to use preamp of this head.

Before anyone judges my post by the subject alone, I would like to note that I am not attempting to use VDI, simply 1/4" setup. I am toying with the idea of using the 4-cable method and buying 4 separate wireless systems to make it cable-free. I am wondering (from experienced wireless users and/or audio engineering experience people) if this is a bad idea. I would love nothing more than than to have to never mess with cables again, but I am wondering how much signal loss and/or hum I will get from this. I would like to hear some advice, warnings and educated coaching on this matter. Is it plausible?

Hey Line 6-ers, I've been using the Four Cable Method (4CM) for a few years now with my POD HD500 and a Blackstar HT Stage 60 amp. It's been quite successful, albeit after some very careful tweaking. I've posted a video with the results on my youtube channel if you would like to view it for some context: Click Here Essentially it details a disparity between the "Guitar In" jack and the "FX Send" jack. With all things in the signal chain being set to Unity - no FX blocks and Amp Mods on Bypass - The level coming out of the FX Send jack is -2.8dB LOWER, on average, than the source signal. I tested this with a signal generator, recording the level over time, averaging it out. Then putting that signal through the POD HD500 and out the FX Send jack, recording the level over time, averaging it out - and you see the -2.8dB difference. This is consistent across any of the settings for the FX Loop Level (STOMP/LINE) meaning that the issue is not related to that level - it's internal. About 2 years after I did this in-depth analysis - I haven't seen any changes in the firmware that fixed this quirk, but I did start playing with the FX Loop Level switch and the Unbalanced Out switch - which don't make any sense to me. My questions to the Line 6 Folks: 1 - Is the 2.8dB DROP from Guitar In to FX Send deliberate - or is it a bug? Or is it because I'm using a TS cable to go to ONE amp instead of a TRS->TRS cable? 2 - Can you help me (all of us) make heads or tails of the STOMP/LINE/AMP settings with Unbalanced Out, and FX Loop - the only number actually given is the LINE level for the Unbalanced out. From what I've read of the manual: Unbalaced Out: AMP = +4dBv (this is assumed because the only number given is the LINE setting of -10dBv) LINE = -10dBv FX Loop: LINE = +4dBv (this is assumed because the manual says "higher peak-to-peak voltage, making it optimal for Line-level devices") STOMP = -10dBv (this is assumed because LINE was assumed as the +4dBV) I HAVE to be reading this incorrectly - does higher peak-to-peak voltage mean -10dBv? - why would the 2 LINE settings be different? I do know that BOTH -10dBv and +4dBv are LINE-Level, one is for Pro audio application, and the other for Consumer application. Should all 3 of my levels be set consistently? (All at -10 or all at +4?) Currently, my setup is as follows: Unbalanced Out set to AMP(+4dBv), FX Loop set to STOMP(-10dBv), and my amps loop is set to -10dBv. The Result is Loud and clear sound from the amp - but it can be a little noisy, lots of digital background white noise (probably due to dirty power in my old house - so, not faulting L6 for that.)...I can barely turn it up past 2 or it's blowing my ears out. So that means that my amp and the FX Loop are both running at -10dBv, but that the FX Return on my amp is getting a +4dBv from the Unbalanced out of the POD. If I change the Amp's FX Loop to +4dBv - very subtle change, if any at all...hardly noticeable, same thing if I change the LINE/STOMP FX Loop on the POD HD. HOWEVER if I change the Unbalanced Out on the POD HD to LINE, my volume drops significantly and the gain doubles...my clean amp channel sounds like a dimed AC30. I'm hoping this Real-World example is a helpful analysis for everyone - I'm stoked about my setup and it's super easy to gig with - This is more of an intellectual exercise for fellow nerds like me. Rock.