Search the Community

I'm running through my helix lt to my focusrite scarlet solo via XLR and using phantom power, because otherwise the guitar sounds like it's "not enabled". I always used this method for almost a year now. Some guy told me that this will damage my unit. Is this true? Should i be concerned or i'm fine on how i use it?

I have always used my HD500X 1/4 inch mono output to go to an amp, or to a mixer using a direct box. Recently, I changed my connections to using the XLR outputs to a mixer and cannot get any volume from the outputs. I am not new to the sound system setup and understand the ins and outs of low impedance balanced connections. Even with my mixer input gain maxed, the volume is barely hearable. What am I missing? I just realized tonight, and cannot check now, but I have only tried patches that I made, not any of the factory patches.

Hi, I have the following gear at my disposal : Laney IRT Studio Tube amp with matching cab, 2 Adam studio monitors and the Helix lt. I only play at home, no gigs... just for fun. What I would like to achieve.... Using my Irt Studio in a 4 cm - using the Irt preamp and I would like to switch from time to time to the Helix preamps or amps (without cabs, as mine is pretty ok). I managed to do this by watching the vids from Richie Castellano and J Sadites - each of them with there own interpretation of the 4 cm. Very interesting vids by the way. So far so good.... I also have 2 Adam studio monitors with XLR. There are also a lot of vids on YT how to set up a routing for wet dry wet... but most of them with 3 FRFR speakers. I am looking for a solution: Laney IRT for the dry signal and the Adam monitors for the wet stereo signal. What is the best way to set this up. I don't go FOH... just the mentionned gear. All info is welcome!!! Gr from Belgium... Peter

Greetings, I play bass with my Pod Go at a venue that seats ~400 folks. Live performances only. The sound board is about 70 feet across the room. I have been plugging into random DI boxes, but I thought it might be good to eliminate the middle man (DI box) and plug the Pod Go directly into the XLR jack in the stage. I don't know if this is a great idea or a terrible one, and I haven't purchased the 1/4" TRS to XLRM cable yet to try it. I think it would work great, although someone said I may need a LIFT setting to break any potential ground loop. The Pod Go has no such setting/switch (as far as I can tell), although I believe some of the higher end Line6 stuff does. Is this a non-issue? If I use the balanced, 1/4" TRS main out of the Pod Go, do I still need to worry about separately dealing with breaking any potential ground loop? (Or does the Pod Go handle this for me?) Thanks so much in advance for your help with this! buzz

Ok, so I have had my POD HD500X for a while and I recently played at a church with a really big sound system. The problem was that my POD was not sending a loud enough signal to where the gain on the mixer was distorting the sound from boosting the gain. (My dad who I was talking with who has run sound for 35+ years and said that unless the sound is distorted coming out of the board turning up the gain should not distort it.) Is this on the mixer side or my side? I have used the sam patch at my PA system at home and it works fine with no need to boost the gain. But with other systems I need to boost the gain to almost 40+dB. Is their an overall output gain on the board I need to turn up? I usually go XLR out. I don’t know what to do. Any help is appreciated!!! I can give you the patch if wanted.

I have a Helix lt, Variax 89f guitar, and a Tascam us 2x2 on my mac. The Tascam used combined xlr trs. i want to buy Presonus Eris E5 xt monitors 2 parts but i need also 2 cables to connect the 2 monitors to the output of the Tascam. I only see xlr cables male to female, i need male to male? the monitors do have female? and the Tascam also have Female connector? is that correct?

Hello all, been struggling with this for quite sometime. Thanks for the help in advance. Setup is simple: Desktop connected via USB to POD. POD connected via 1/4" outs to JBL LSR305 studio monitors. I get an annoying electrical noise that is from my PC (it fluctuates when I move the mouse or start applications/games.) It also occurs regardless of the POD unit being on or off, only depends on the monitors being on and all connections in place back to the PC. When I use the XLR outs to the monitor the signal is clean again, but, using the XLR outs i understand I need to switch my monitor to the +4dbU setting. Unfortunately, this makes the volume very low (about 25% of what the monitors can do at the max.) When keeping them on the -10dbV setting, the volume is better, but clipping starts to happen. I also have a power conditioner from Furman, and have tried plugging everything into different outlets, same outlets, I even changed the Power Supply on my PC. No luck lol. Hopefully someone has another idea. Thanks again! -Dan

Hey all, I experienced some confusion and frustration on the gig last night with my Powercab, and haven’t been able to find a clear answer since. I’m hoping this ever-knowledgeable community can help me sort it out. I’ll try to keep it brief: In the past, I’ve used my Helix (floor) into Powercab+, all analog (XLR to amp) >> Powercab XLR > FOH. All processing was done inside the Helix and I was using Helix cab sims/mics within the Helix, and sending that signal FRFR to Powercab (using Powercab as stage monitor and sending XLR to FOH, sans mic’ing). Everything has been great, always sounds great coming out of FOH. This time, different gig..different needs.. Decided to use 3rd party IR’s and store them in the Powercab (needed to free up processing space, plus figured.. ‘why not’) Setup was Guitar > Helix > (XLR into) Powercab > XLR > FOH. Same deal, just 3rd party IR’s and stored in the Cab. Helix was doing amp sim and effects, but cab IR was on the Powercab. Much to my dismay, at soundcheck.. everything sounded great on stage, but FOH was getting no IR/Cab sim from the Powercab XLR out. This brings me to my question, which I can’t find clearly stated in the manual or anywhere else: Does the Powercab 112+ send the signal of internally stored User IR-processed audio out via XLR?! Empirical (and embarrassing) evidence from last nights show tells me it does not, which to me is baffling and should really be much more clearly stated (Yes I realize I should and could have fully tested this ahead of time, I just assumed whatever was coming out of the speaker would go out the XLR, which had been my experience doing all of the sim’ing internally on the Helix and sending it into the cab FRFR). I don’t understand why you would store IRs, process incoming audio through the IRs.. but not send that processed audio out via XLR. That was my experience, but I can’t find any definitive answer.. is it a setting? Just the way it is? Helix amp sim > User IR in Powercab > all good out the front, no good out the back. I feel like that just can’t be right.. but it’s definitely what I was getting. The quick fix was to dial in the same IR locally on the Helix and use one of my XLR outs (from Helix) straight to FOH, the other to the cab. However in my embarrassed frustration, I failed to appreciate that put me in 2x IR mode on stage.. not a huge deal (and of course avoidable had I been thinking clearly). What was worse, again due to soundcheck timing and frustration.. I forgot to SAVE the patch with IR dialed on the Helix.. powered down.. turned back on at set time.. Needless to say, the first song didn’t sound good.. at all. Fortunately, the sound guy was quick to drop some EQ, but that screechy un-IR’d sound is going to live in my memory for quite awhile. If anyone can definitely help me answer this, I’d be truly grateful. I’m about to set everything up with an XLR out to my board to see what’s what, I suppose I already know.. but I guess I’m trying to find out if there IS a way to get the IR’d audio out via XLR, or if that feature is just intended for ‘in the room’ use and an FOH IR use must come from the Helix directly. Again, to me that sounds just super-wrong. What’s the purpose, to allow you to get the tone you want stored inside the Powercab, but not be able to gig with it.. I just don’t get it (yet :) ) So much for keeping it brief I guess, sorry for the novel. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thx - Steve

Hello All, I have a Helix LT and I'd like to have two identical outputs...one to my FRFR speaker for monitoring/stage volume and one to front of house. Do I need split my signal in each patch and make separate outs or can I simply send a 1/4 cable to my monitor and an XLR to FOH without splitting the signal path? Thanks!

I was wondering if anyone knows for sure what level the XLR outputs are on the SPider V 240? Are they Mic level, Instrument level, or Line level?

Hello Forum members, I've recently bought a Helix LT and very happy with it so far. The way I use it (for now) is that in live situations (rehearsal, we don't gig yet) I have patches set up with two signal paths. The effects only go to the 1/4" out which feed into the the front of the tube-amp we have in our rehearsal room. At home I don't have an external amp, so the effects + amp + cab simulation go to the XLR and I play using headphones. Maybe not ideal, but it does the job and allows me to set up patches quickly. But what I want to do next is to feed the XLR to the mixing desk in the rehearsal room so as to have both the amp as well as a signal for mixing. This mixing desk may have phantom power turned on (although usually off) and as multiple bands use the same rehearsal room I don't want to risk feeding phantom power to my Helix. I have browsed through the forums and found a lot of valuable information; an often used method is to go from the 1/4" to a DI box. But what I want to do is to use the XLR out (at mic level) and feed that to the mixing desk. I have purchased an "ART DTI" transformer/ isolator as I found some people recommending that device. My understanding is that compared to a DI box it leaves the signal level intact (i.e. MIC in = MIC out). Other than that it works pretty much the same as a DI box (but I do not know that for sure..... I don't know too much about electronics) All this said, I am confused about the following and hope someone could give me a clear answer on this: 1) Does this ART DTI indeed prevent the phantom power from going to the XLR outputs of the Helix? 2) I noted that when turning phantom power on there is a " plop" in the signal (I did some experimenting at home using my Focusrite soundcard; my headphones were connected to the soundcard). If I disconnect the Helix but leave the ART DTI still connected this "plop" is hardly noticeable. Does this still mean that even when the DTI is connected some signal is being sent to the Helix? 3) What actually happens when the Helix is exposed to phantom power? Will the electronics be damaged? I know that Line 6 clearly states not to use phantom power, but it is unclear at least what might actually happen, i.e. what the risk is. 4) What is actually the difference between dedicated " phantom power blockers" and the ART DTI isolator/transformer. Please don't suggest me to do things differently. I'm quite aware of what the Helix can do in terms of routing and indeed there may better ways to do what I want to achieve. I'm just trying to understand how this phantom power issue works and whether the additional product I bought actually protects me or not. Thanks a lot !!!

Hi Line 6 forum, My question is: Has anyone been able to successfully connect the Razer Sieren Pro with the UX2? If yes, How is this achieved? I've unboxed from new and fully installed PODFarm v2.59 & Line 6 Monkey/ Authorized my UX2 to my PC. My objective is to use the UX2 and PODFarm as a voice morphing/ changer for creative gaming purposes. The Razer Sieren Pro has three outputs: USB, Headphone/ AUX female jack and a DMX 5-pin output with a Y split XLR adaptor cable (one 5-pin into two 3-pin). The Razer Sieren Pro works correctly when connected directly to the PC, however the PODFarm voice morphing software doesn't transmit out through the Microphone. I've browsed many forums and tutorials and have tried the basic adjustments i;e: Adjusted the UX2 dials and enabling the phantom +48V button, tried multiple UX2 line/ microphone ports/ inputs/ outputs with the above mentioned cable/ AUX cable and also an aftermarket adaptor cable (one 5-pin to one 3-pin) , changing the PODFarm mixer INPUT: Mic 1 and tried the various other inputs, enabling UX2 as default through Windows 10 sound settings and disabling all other audio and recording inputs/ outputs. Still no success. Any clarity or result would be much appreciated, cheers.

I recently purchased the Helix and I was trying to use the XLR in a PA. However when I plugged in there was latency, very noticeable latency. I could almost hear my initial pluck of the string, but very, very faint and then the actual sound comes in late. I would expect this from the USB PC connection, but very strange with the XLR to a PA. I have no latency issues through the 1/4" or USB connection I looked all over the setting, manual, forums, youtube and could not find anything on this. HELP...

As Spider V Firmware 1.05 Release Notes promises: "New Global setting: "Phones Mode" switches the headphone output between normal operation (Phone) and stereo line out (Line) for connecting to a mixer or audio interface without muting the speakers. In Line out mode, the headphone output is not affected by the position of the master volume, nor the presence of a cable inserted into the Phones jack. This is primarily for use on a Spider V that does not include XLR outputs."I upgraded firmware on my Spider V 60, but this does not work for me, mode "line" mutes speakers.

Hey Helix fans, I am trying to get a descent sound from my Helix LT direct to PA through XLR. Problem is: it always sounds to edgy/fizzy when using any kind of distortion And instead of adjusting each effect with a super low "treble" setting, I'd prefer to use them just as I would real pedals into an amp, so I stay familiar with them. I've added a global high-pass filter to 8k... but still, I find it kinda just gives a "pillow over speaker" effect Any Amp/Cabinet combo settings you would suggest that might be ideal? Any suggestions for global settings? EQ settings? Thanks everyone

How do you guys setup your xlr out level for recording into audio interface? Rather have a strong signal with line level or rather send out a lower mic level to sound card in order to have more headroom flexibility? Generally, I find the sound quality better going into an audio interface than recording through usb option. THis leads me to a second question.: Can I only record a DI signal when recording through USB? Thanks, Cheers!

Hello I've just bought the LINE6 FIREHAWK,I have played for one hour, then I plug my headphones. When I've unplugged my headphone, no signal came out (XLR),. I've made a downgrade,then upgrade... factory restore... NO OUTPUT! Please, help me! txs

Is it possible to split the two (Left and Right) XLR outs for two different tasks. Say the Left out for the Mic input and the Right out for guitar only? Thanks!!

I tried to connect a PA using a cable from the XLR out, but the amp speakers are then silenced. I would like to use the amp as a monitor while sending the signal to a PA. Is there a way to have the amp on with an XLR cable connected? Or can this be done using a cable in the headphone out connection?

I'm somewhat layman in my understanding of this stuff, so bear with me if I seem confused. And sorry I've got so many questions. I'll be happy just to get some of them answered. 1) Do the x3 Live's balanced XLR outputs do what an active DI box does? UPDATE: The best official spec sheet I've found is this, and it's incomplete. http://line6.com/media/ips/uploads//monthly_08_2013/ccs-1070239-0-58043700-1376440351.jpg But apparently some user did some investigating and came up with these additional specs. http://www.benvesco.com/blog/the-digital-age/2007/pod-x3-specs-revealed/ 2) Do the XLR direct L&R outs supply a.)somewhat preamped signal? b.) lower impedance than the signal coming from my passive guitar pickups? I've read that this is what an active DI box does, yet the outputs are intended for XLR mic inputs on the mixing board, and mic level is even lower than instrument or -10 to +4 dB line level...which is seemingly the exact opposite of being preamped, so I'm confused about this. UPDATE: As for b.), yes, almost surely. As for the preamping confusion, "Mixing-console mic inputs in a live-sound context typically expect to handle signal levels from maybe as low as -55dBu, up to about +5dBu.", whereas passive guitar pickups might only get as high as 0dBu, so although mic level is normally low, it can be higher than instrument level too. 3) I've read that using a balanced line (before and after amplification?) will eliminate AC ground loop hum, so shouldn't every guitarist do this as a failsafe, even though there are other ways to prevent ground loop hum? ...rather than using the 1/4" outs that aren't balanced with no DI box. UPDATE: In addition to the balanced advantage, passive DIs apparently provide some reduction of ground loop hum because they use transformers that literally break the signal path (galvanic isolation), so the ground loop is broken. https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/prepare-di 4) What about the 1/4" outputs, and what level do they send at? UPDATE: They send at line level or instrument level, depending on what the "Line Out Level" switch is set to. If I use the 1/4" outputs to send to a physical combo amp and I turn the X3 Live's Amp and Cab emulation off by manually switching both to the off state, does that achieve the same thing as choosing "Combo Front" for the X3's 1/4" Outputs setting, or does it achieve the same thing as the "Combo Pwramp" setting instead...or neither? 5) With regard to using a different amp simulation VST that is not the X3's (running on a computer), yet using the X3 as an analog input device (so not using its USB capabilty) into that computer... and therefore needing to first send my guitar signal into a computer's audio interface... the audio interface is of course made to accept unadulterated instrument level signal straight from a guitar. But I once had a Zoom c5.1t fx pedal that had a built in tube\solid state preamp. And I liked how this c5.1t shaped the sound with its preamps, so assuming my ears and my taste are good, shouldn't it be a good thing to look for something to similarly preamp my guitar's clean signal before it reaches the amp simulation VST, to help it out a little so that I'm starting with a good base sound? I'm questioning if I could use the X3 in a similar manner as how I once used the c5.1t as a preamp (sending via either 1/4" or via balanced XLR outputs). Wouldn't it also reduce noise a bit by making the signal hotter earlier in the signal chain?

Hi! I'm from the Philippines and the gigging scenario is usually like this. Most of the time clubs here would have a decently powered guitar amp (50-100w) but not all clubs mike the amps so it can sit well in the mix with the vocals, drums, and bass. I use an HD500x. To get more consistent sound both on stage and at the audience I was thinking of sending the PL outs to the onstage guitar amp's FX return, and the XLR outs to the PA. The problem I have though is that if I set up my patches with any of the cab sims on, the FOH sound may be good, but the stage sound from the amp would be usually muddy. If I set the output mode to Combo Power amp, I know I would get a good sound on stage but I fear that I would have that harsh DI no cab sim sound coming out of the PA. So I guess my questions boil down to the following: 1. Do the XLR outs have some sort of "always on" compensation / speaker sim even if the active patch has the cab sim turned off? 2. If not, then I would have to turn on cab sim so that the HD500x's XLR PA feed would sound right, correct? How do I now make the stage amp sound good in this set up since the cab sim already colors the sound? Thank you MH

I would like to run my G10 to two amps using both outputs, but can't seem to get it to work. I have an unbalanced XLR to 1/4" TS cable, but all I get when I plug it in is a load hum. This happens in both amps. What am I missing here? Do I have the right cable? Or is it a bad (new) cable? Thanks!

Hi Guys, probably another beginner question if you don't mind. :) So far, I have tried the TRS (Amp mode), S/PDIF, and Phones output of my HD500x. They all sound different and I believe I have yet to dial in the best sound from them. Lately, I am inclined to try out the XLR output of my unit. My question now is, is there any significant differences in output between the S/PDIF and the XLR output? I mean, yes, one is analog and the other one is digital, but am I missing out on a significant difference in sound quality? Or am I missing out on a feature of the HD500x if I do not use the XLR output? I plan to send the XLR output to my monitor speakers via RCA input. One more question, if I use the TRS output in line mode, will it be the same sound I would get from the XLR output (minus the XLR and TRS noise cancellation feature)? Thanks in advance guys! Cheers!

Hi all, I've just upgraded from Amplifi 150 to FH1500 so I'm not too sure about the input/outputs yet. One reason I upgraded was that I could play both electric and acoustic through the amp. I'm not the sound man in the band and the one that is isn't too happy about line6 but I am. Question; can I plug both electric and acoustic in at the same time? I have an Acoustic with XLR out and a Variax Standard connected with a Line6 G10 so which inputs would I use. That might sound a bit basic, but it would really help if anyone could help. Line 6, user manuals would really help. Stew

So i have read a bunch of posts and wondered if there are any tips to apply to my patches and settings to get the best sound, knowing that i will not have stereo (left/right) and can only use mono (left) XLR to the house. 1. Should i make all my patches pan left 100%? 2. Should i set my XLR out to Mic Level instead of Line level? Anything else to consider?