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Hello, I tried connecting my Helix Stomp XL to the return of my Marshall Valvestate VS65R during a rehearsal with the idea of using the speaker of the amp to utilize the amp and cab simulations that I have in the snapshots of my Helix. The configuration I used was as follows: 1. A cable from the Helix’s L/Mono Output to the return of the Marshall. 2. In global settings, I selected the output as ‘instrument.’ The problem is that with the volume control of the Helix at maximum, the Marshall sounds too quiet (almost imperceptible). Increasing the volume on the Marshall (neither the overdrive nor the clean channel volume) doesn’t work either. I also tried increasing the decibels of the output in the signal chain in the helix, but that didn’t work either. I’ve tried this with two Valvestate amplifiers from the 2000 series, and the same thing happens. So, during the rehearsal, I ended up connecting the Helix to a PA, but I’d like the option to use a cab instead of going directly to the PA. What could be causing this? Would I need to connect the Helix output to a physical preamp and then to the cab? Thank you very much.

Hi folks, being a newby on Helix I dare another question here. I am using the HELIX just as a multi-FX-board and as a control panel for my Marshall JVM410H. I love the amp's sound and would not have another one (as long as the Marshall won't go down. If one day it would do so, I plan to use the HELIX' DI-OUT with an alternative set-list with amp, cabinet etc. directly into the mixer). First step was to control the amp's sounds by MIDI Program change mode which worked absolutely perfectly. No need for the amp's footswitch anymore. :) Second step was using the 4CM in order to put the Wahwah at the beginning of the signal chain and delay etc. after the MARSHALL's pre-amp. I've been watching this video for instructions: https://youtu.be/Wvz3L8bJb1w Well, I've been doing as was said here, but the results were so bad, so that I had to switch back to standard send-/return (3 cables). So, maybe someone can help me with this problem, by answering a few questions: My amp has 2 effect loops, one serial (preamp out, return) and one that can be used in a serial (by putting the mix knob on 100%) or a parallel mode (mix 50%). The latter has the big advantage, that the original signal stays in the amp while the Helix (when its effect mix configured correctly) delivers just the FX signal, while the Marshall mixes the original with the Helix' FX to an optimal sound ... in theory. Now in the tutorial it says, that the amp's SERIAL FX loop should be used. Well ... is that so, that good results can get achieved ONLY with the serial FX loop? I ask, because MARSHALL does explicitely not recommend this, if you are not using hi class studio rack effects. Well, no idea, whether the HELIX qualifies as such ... ;-) I learned, that in the HELIX' preset you have to add a send/return block each. But then, there is a "fx loop" block, too. Is this the same thing as one send with the return block combined? I DID make it work, even in parallel mode by putting the delay's mix to 100% and the amp's return mix to 50%. Sounded great. Problem was: when I chose a Helix' snapshot of the same preset that has no active effects but noise gate (as I do many times for rhythm sound), there is some screeching and loud humming that I cannot explain. Even when I turn the guitars volume to total zero, there is a feedback loop somewhere and I cannot find its cause. So I have no idea, where to search. But like this, you cannot use this setting at all. Anyone any ideas? Sorry, if I repeat some questions for the hundredths time, but the forum's search routine could not find answers to my questions ... I appreciate any help, because I need the Wahwah and the delay. First one sounds crap in Send / Return, second one sounds crap in front of the Marshall ... HEEEELP! :(

FREE EJ Inspired Preset 1.1 for HX STOMP Thanks for checking this out! Tackling such a legendary tone is always a work in progress! Here are some details and tips for using this preset I built: Footswitch 1 - For dirty rhythm tones Footswitch 2 - For lead tone (use bridge PU and roll off tone) Footswitch 3 - Option to add chorus to clean sound (Extras: Footswitch 5 is delay on/off) My tip for setting this preset to your guitar’s output level: Go to the clean setting on the preset, go to your bridge pickup and hit it hard, try to get the slightest amount of breakup. If you need more or less, adjust it from the GAIN on the AMP block. (I had to turn up my Strat to at least 6.5 on the AMP block GAIN) Remember - the lead sound is meant to be used with the bridge pickup of the guitar with the tone knob rolled down. You will have to experiment with how much. (For me on my PRS it is about half way) - You are looking to remove the “stringiness” from the tone to get the smooth overdrive sound. (Stratocasters are NOT wired this way by default for some reason - for strats I think it’s way more useful to have tone control over the bridge and neck pickups rather than the middle and neck) Try the two above tips before trying to adjust any of the EQ on the pedal or amp blocks. A lot of EJ’s tone also comes from his hands, his articulation choices, his vibrato, and his picking strategy (economy picking). - Not to mention his crazy amp and pedal switching setup. This patch was built for HX Stomp (in mono) so it is minimal compared to what I could do to simulate EJ’s rig and tone using more DSP and blocks. For HX Stomp users - there is a bonus open block slot to add a lower DSP effect of your choice like compressor, delay, reverb, modulation, fx loop, volume pedal, wah, etc. If there was more processing power I would use the new poly sustain to get the live “Cliffs of Dover” freeze delay sound (this would be something to add for anyone using larger Helix models). I would also have a stereo option for the patch as well as try to recreate his Fuzz lead sound. If you dial it in take a video and tag me! I’ll continue making free presets and I’ll also have preset packs for sale soon. Follow me on Instagram and YouTube if you’re interested in keeping up to date with those! I am available for online private guitar/music lessons and I can also make custom designed presets and tones for you and your guitar/gear - feel free to contact me! I also can do recording remotely from my home studio. If you want to make a donation for the preset I have a venmo account. Thanks for the support! - David Feily Music FREE EJ 1.1 - DF.hlx

Bye, fellows. Line 6 don't update the firmware anymore, deciduous SD, without FX loop, no chances to detune guitar, so I sold it. I'm migrating to POD Go connected by 4CM to a Marshall AVT100X. Also, nobody else talk anymore in this group, so I leave it. It was a loyal partner, I will remember it fondly, but I will not miss it. Bye.

Hi everyone, i hope your'e doing well and stayin' safe. I've got a Marshall Valvestate 8240 (2 speakers with 40w on each, i assume this is an stereo combo amp) in pretty good conditions, replaced the preamp tube with an EHX 12ax7 valve and it sounds nice, with it's own EQ limitations. But i want to use the fx loop for my Helix LT amp sims. So i went to the official Line 6 youtube video about the cable setup, triying with the FX return in mono from the 1/4" output in Helix at instrument level (tried both instrument and line) but it sounds like there is phase cancellation and every amp sim within the Helix sound the SAME. Muffled, dull, no tube amp dynamics. The preset didn't have any send/return/fx loop blocks, just as the youtube video showed. Then i investigated and discovered that all valvestates have parallel fx loops (i alwys have the dry/wet knob at 100%) and it's highly possible that some preamp signal from the valvestate is bleeding to the master power amp. So i tried the 4 cable method, placing a send and return blocks in my chain with an full amp block (i've read that those amps have a nice clean master power amp so i use full amp models in Helix) and it sounded more real, but i still hear the phase cancellation. The Helix amp reacts much better with this setup but i also read that if i'm using the fx mono return i'm only getting one power amp side since it's an stereo combo and this maybe is the cause of the phase issues. I'm getting frustated with this fx loop thing, i'm sure i can unload my rig's full potential, but i would love to hear if someone uses his beloved Helix with an stereo combo SS amp with parallel fx loop and how. I'm about to sell my Valvestate, but i please tell me if it's worth to keep. Thanks for your help

Today I compared two amps with the corresponding models on the Helix Rack. My 1978 Marshall JMP 50w MkII non master volume (bridged), and my BRBS Vintage Class 50watt (https://www.brbsamplification.com/vintage-class-mk2) an Italian boutique amplifier, that is a 50 watt JCM800 clone (with some personal mods). I linked the cab output of the amplifiers to a palmer PDI 03, a load box/speaker emulator, bypassing the speaker emulation and put the real "amp block" in the first helix fx loop. Then I created a preset with the corresponding models (for the Marshall a Brit Trem Jumped, for the BRBS a Brit 2204) and a FX loop block with the true amplifiers, after that i put a cab block (a mandarin cab with a sm57 and a Royer 121, and then i created two snapshots: one with the model active, and another with the true amp. After some tweaking I really managed to match the true and the model amplifiers, and they are really really close, also If I have to dial pretty different values on the modeled amplifiers. In general, the amp models sound really really bright compared to the true amplifiers, but it's pretty simple to match the two without an EQ block. I really recommend this experience, is an eye opener! The helix is fantastitc! On saturday I will have my first gig with the Helix, and I'm prette excited!

THANKS, for your interest . . ( Replies, Welcome !! ) I assure you of personal experience (music production), that the following info will provide you with a satisfying result; based on the Marshall 1959/ 1987 amplifiers. That said, I have ultimately gained the sound-knowledge of these musical machines; whether such be 6L6, or EL34-based TONES. Otherwise, for practical reasons I choose to record through the orig. Line 6 Pod HD Pro modeler, as well . . Example : I have created a personal program patch which, has an uncanny sonic-resemblance to those particular EL34-loaded amps. An alternative speaker cabinet *(1x12) was substituted for the typical, matching 4 x12 (due to overall, sweeter tonality). Provided below, are the exact settings I employ for recording purposes : Vintage, Marshall-Style Amplifier 1.) Distortion/ Tube Drive : 84%, Bass 51%, Mid 2%, Treble 41%, Output 75% 2.) Dynamics/ Blue Comp : Sustain 14%, Level 98% 3.) Dynamics/ Boost Comp : Drive 70%, Bass 50%, Comp 5%, Treble 40%, Output 53% 4.) Brit P-75 : *112 BF Deluxe, 421 Dynamic 5.) Volume A : -3.0 dB, Pan A/ L 96% 6.) Volume B : +1.0 dB, Pan B/ R 91% 7.) Studio EQ : Low Freq. 700 Hz, Low Gain -1, High Freq 200 Hz, High Gain -1.1, Gain -0.4 8.) Reverb : '63 Spring, Decay 19%, P. Delay 21 Ms, Tone 27%, Mix 84%, 9.) FX Loop : Send -25.0, Return +14.0, Mix 92%.

Hi all, Until now I used my helix through the FX return from a Lab L9 (solid state). Sounds great and works fine. However, if I connect the helix with my JCM900 in the same fashion, it does not make any sound, regardless how much I crank up the volume. Also, if I connect my guitar to the FX return of the JCM directly, there is no sound at all. If I connect the guitar to the regular input channels A or B, all works fine, so amp itself is ok. But when I connect the helix to either channel I need to crank up the volume considerably before it becomes audible and then also sounds mudded. Questions: - I would prefer using the FX return from the JCM as i do with the Lab L9. Is that doable? If so, how do I need to do that (if that is different than with the Lab L9)? - Do I need to increase the output signal from the helix? If so, how do I need to do that? - Do I need to increase sensitivity of the FX return? If so, how do I need to do that? - Or is it likely that the FX return from the JCM900 is broken, since I do not seem to get any sound from it even when directly connecting my guitar? NB I prefer not to use a 4cm method as I do not intend to use the pre-amps from the JCM. Thanks for your suggestions. Eric

Hey guys, I am struggling with setting up a nice, punchy (but not brittle), convincing Marshall crunch on Helix. For the lack of a better example, below (the intro) is what I consider to be closest to my personal holy grail crunch tone as far as Marshalls go. Any tips on how to get there? Thanks!

After playing a friends Marshall DSL40 the other day I got very nostalgic for the tube sound and air pushing through a Celestion guitar speaker. Contemplating getting one of these and using my Helix for the effects pedals via 4CM. Quick Q's for the pros here: 1) Any of you have any experience with this amp positive or negative? 2) Any specific experience using a Helix with it? Any conflicts with the Marshall switch that goes from clean to gain channel? I'm a hobbyist basement player who wants more sonic punch than what I'm getting running my Helix through two Alto 112's via XLR cables. This Marshall seems to be in my budget so grateful for feedback pro or con.

I like to give the older Marshall models a bit of extra bite by using a drive pedal directly in front of the amp. I always seem to come back to the Tube Distortion and Tube Screamer in front of the Plexi and JTM-45. Output high, drive low; the usual thing. But perhaps I'm missing a trick. What do others like to use for distortion / drive effects with these amp models? Any clever tricks for setting the pedal controls? Any suggestions welcome, even if it's just 'stick to what you are doing' :)

Hello Helix users! First time post for me. I wanted to give some feedback on amp models I have encountered. Maybe some of you can relate! For reference, here's my current setup: ESP Eclipse (EMG 81/60) Signal chain: Guitar --- ISP Decimator ProRack G (pre) --- Helix --- ISP Decimator ProRack G (post) --- Mesa Boogie Stereo 2:50 Power amp --- 4x12 Stereo Cab (Celestion V30s) For my setup here, I am primarily using the preamp models, so the majority of my feedback here is surrounding them, though I feel the full amp models are reflected in a very similar way. Topic 1: The Cali IV Lead Gain/Drive - I'll preface this by saying I am a current Mark V owner, and have played various other Mesa Boogie Mark Series amplifiers. The gain saturation I am able to achieve from the real amplifiers is far more than the model is capable of. Seeking that Hetfield chug tone, I should conceivably be able to go straight from the guitar into a Mark IV and have all the gain necessary to get that tone, without having to put an overdrive in front of it (especially with active pickups). Overdrives, even with the tone control all the way down make the sound just a bit more tinny and thin. I have a good work-around right now, putting the Minotaur pedal in front with very low gain/tone, and turning the Lead Gain and Drive all the way up in the preamp model. Also, I've EQ-ed the crap out of it. To get that sharp bite I'm looking for, for boogies it's common that you must turn the bass control down, and adjust accordingly in the post EQ, which I've done. However, the Cali IV Lead model (in my humble opinion) should have loads more gain available to it that would be on par with say the "Line 6 Electrik" model. I'll finish this by saying that despite this one criticism, the Cali IV model sounds and acts SPOT ON to a Mark IV. Really impressed with it overall. And for anyone wanting to achieve that signature Boogie Hetfield tone (I would say the best representation of what I'm talking about is the song "Breadfan"), here's basically how I did it: Minotaur Pedal - Gain 1, Tone, 1, Level 6 Cali IV Lead - Lead Gain 10, Lead Drive 10, Bass 0, Mid 5, Treble 8, Master 3, Five Band EQ is all flat, except for 750hz at -8.0, and 2200hz at +2.0 Parametric EQ - 80hz +12.0, 240hz -5.0, 795hz -8.0 Everyone knows that taking out 750-800hz will get that scooped sound, but adding on that, if you dial down the 240hz range, it sculps the deeper bass to emerge ever more prominently, resulting in a very thunderous thump for all of your galloping desires. Also, the overall tone is still maintained very full, as only very specific frequency ranges are tweaked. Just my experience. Topic 2: All High Gain Models Are Muddy - After playing around with most of the high gain models, I've come to realize that I'm really only satisfied with the Cali IV (as mentioned above), and the Line 6 Electrik models. Reason being, on all of the other ones, to include the Rectifier, JCM800, 5150, and Soldano Lead, the higher the gain is turned up, the more muddy the bottom end turns into. Now, I own a Dual Rec, and have played on a JCM800 and 5150, and know that the bottom end of those amps is as sharp as a knife. I am aware as well that the Master control in these amp models has a direct effect on the tone of the amps. However, no matter where I have it set on any of them, it turns to muck when the gain goes up. I have also experimented with using amp blocks instead of preamp blocks and found there is little difference in regards to this specific issue. Granted, with the setup I have described above, it makes sense to use the preamp models, but at low/night time volume levels, the amp blocks sound good through my poweramp and cab as well. I really look forward to any comments the community would like to share about my topics, as well as any feedback the Line 6 staff/techs may feel compelled to share. Thanks! Mike

I know there are lots of threads about using the 4CM with tube amps but I couldn't really find what I was looking for, so, here goes another one. The idea is this, I have a marshall JCM 2000 DSL100, I want to use my marshall's preamp for distortion and the pod hd500x's preamp for my clean sounds. I'm connecting my guitar to the pod's guitar input, the pod's main output to my amp's fx retunr, my amp's fx send to the pod's fx return, and the pod's fx send to my amp's input. For my dirty tone I basically created a pach with basically a noise gate, a wah, and a tube screamer, I leave the amp block empty and after the mixer I put the "FX loop" block and after that a delay and a reverb. For my clean channel, I put the Fx block at the very start of the signal chain, after that, a chorus, phaser, a fender amp (without the cab sim) and after the mixer, delays, reverb, etc. So, my first problem is that while I was testing this configuration today, I realized that the "clean" tone sounded a lot louder than the dirty channel, my amp's preamp (btw, I also noticed that after putting the pod in the signal chain there's a general volume drop in the amp, but I don't mind as long as it sounds right) so, the things is, I can lower the clean amp (pod's amp simulation) but when I do, it affects the amp's simulation tone, If I lower the master volume, my dirty channel loses input so it lowers the distortion, so: 1 - What would be the best way to approach this problem and get balanced levels without affecting the tone too much? 2 - Is the order I place the effects (for both the dirty and the clean patches)correct or is there a more recommendable way to do it? 3 - Also, in the back of my amp, there's a loop level switch (-10/+4 effects) where should I leave it? 4 - If I'm not using any external effects, should I set my pod's out to stomp or line level? because for me it makes sense to leave it at "line" but I've read a few topics where people recommended to leave it at stomp with amps and stuff like that anyway. Thanks! :)

Hey guys, Just released this new Helix video. I really wanted this to be a solid rock track with a few different types of tones. I initially wanted to use a marshall amp model but I ended up using the Solo amp models exclusively for the guitars. The midrange on those amps is just insane! For the bass I used the Tuck n' Go amp with the Obsidian 7000 drive pedal. After some tweaking with that pedal I found that for me it works best when the eq is set completely flat. I'm using some very nice IR's from OwnHammer that are quite new and unique! It's the MR82 which can be found here: http://www.ownhammer.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=179 It's based on a Marshall 4x12 tall cab. Definitely check those out if you dig the tones. Here is the song! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sey4dPl_LU

Hi there I just got the line 6 pod 2 and was wondering if anybody knows where can I get Marshall distortion and clean sound settings, will be easy for me just to copy some of them, Im trying to avoid the download stuff in the computer seems to complicated, all the information provided will be really appreciated, Thanks :)

Does anyone else use a POD HD500X with a Marshall DFX250. Im looking to hear from users who have achieved a great tone by using this amp or similar Solid State Marshall Amps. What way they connect the pod to their amp (front end, Returns, 4CM), output mode they use, 1/4 out setting, Stomp or Line Setting, Mixer Setting, I've tried different ways of connecting the pod to the amp & using different settings on the pod, but I'm not convinced I've found the best sounding set up option yet. Using the 4 Cable Method, I was thinking of using the pod amp models in the same way you'd use a Wampler Ace Thirty or similar amp modeling pedals (into a clean amp). I know this is preamp into preamp, but surley you can view the amp models on the pod as pedals. I find that using the Pod Preamp Models (ie. Plexi PRE) don't have the same drive or character as the full amp models on the Pod. Any tips would be great. Cheers

I have created some good 4cm patches that work well with my JVM210. I have it sending midi commands to control my amp channels. For things to work on my amp, my fx loop has to always be on. On the patches I created, there isn't a problem, but when i switch to a patch someone else made it sends a midi note and either/or changes the channel on the amp or turns off the fx loop. WTH? Im lost! I can't figure it out, or how to fix this. Does anyone have this problem, or a fix for it? Thanks for all the help I have already received, and hope to get more.

i'm an pedal and amp guy all the way but when i heard the demos on line of the helix i decided to give it a shot and buy one. i recorded a quick audio track using the plexi patch with just a touch of room reverb and delay with no drive pedals. i gotta say i was pretty impressed with the tone of the plexi model. i think the greenbacks in the cab sound pretty legit too. this thing is a no brainer for recording. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULvbZMC13w0

I own a combo amp https://marshallamps.com/products/amplifiers/mg-carbon-fibre/mg50cfx/ and also a pair of hi-fi speakers http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006H4E1XU/ref=sr_ph?ie=UTF8&qid=1445447518&sr=1&keywords=q+acoustics+2020i After seeing a few people have trouble with the combo amp and multi fx boards, due to the separate settings on the amp, I was wondering if I should connect the firehawk to the speakers or even some new gear. I'd appreciate your opinion on what I should do and please provide links on how and what I need to wire it up with. Thanks -K

Good Afternoon, I have acquired a POD HD500 from a friend and love interfacing it with my computer and dialing in the sounds. My only amp is a Spider IV 75w and I have to run it in test mode as there is no FX Loop on it. I play my American Telecaster and Epiphone Les Paul Standard through this amp. I recently purchased a Taylor 214CE and was looking at the Marshall AS50D as a amp for it. My question is: Could I use the HD500 with the AS50D, playing my two electric guitars through it and get the same tones I get with my Spider IV. My venue is a medium sized church and my sounds range from clean to distortion, always rhythm, never lead.

Last week on Tuesday I found out we'd be playing Joy to the World on the weekend (which ended up turning out really well). So to practice and try out a few different amps and tones, I decided to record the song in Mixcraft and have my 10 year old daughter sing lead, and since my brother is staying with us while in town for Christmas, I asked him to sing harmony. Thanks to Palico for the suggestion to use the Marshall Super Lead with a T-75 cab, as it turned out to be a perfect combo for the tone I was looking for. The band had fun playing it this weekend, and I had fun recording it at home with my daughter and brother, so I thought I'd share: http://www.mediafire.com/listen/bt7nsgfbpk10l6k/JoyToTheWorld+-+Brian-Chloe-Tracy.mp3 This is my favorite tone so far that I've been able to get with the Marshall models on the HD500X. It's just the amp using cranked mids with a screamer in front of it and plate reverb at 30%. The right channel guitar does have analog chorus added, but that's it. I also used the bass octaver and the flip top model for the bass part.

I am fairly new HD500 user and this may have already been covered. Here's my situation.... POD HD500 with Marshall ma100 h (tube) + Marshall Cab. GUITARS...LES PAUL< STRAT styles. I would like to use the the marshall's master control...ie Volume to control sound levels. I enjoy using the amps within the POD SETTINGS as well. How can I have the best of both worlds?? In POD EDIT where should the loop go and how to ajust the settings so the amp and pod work together?? Thanks for any advice!! :)