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Helix for all-in-one solo gigs (no mixer)?


billlorentzen
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I play a lot of solo gigs with backing tracks. I'm wondering if Helix can pull off these requirements in addition to processing guitar:

 

1. Stereo input for tracks

2. Mic input with compressor (LA2A), EQ, verb and delay

 

Some potential problems might be:

 

1. Changing patches interrupts all signal flowing through Helix. This may not be an issue, as long as I select the right patch before I start the track (I have all my current HD 500 patches configured with exp pedal control and fx buttons so that I don't have to change patches going from rhythm to lead playing within a single song).

2. Not enough processing for the vocal fx (above) plus several fx on the guitar (gate, distortion, compressor, modulation, delay, verb, wah or autowah, and maybe some extra effect, plus of course, the amp.

3. Mic pre or fx not good enough to process vocals to a high standard (I'm an audio engineer, so I'm pretty fussy, plus my vox need all the help they can get!)

 

Anyone doing this, or tried this?

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What do you have your backing tracks on? If you are playing from a computer then that will be easy as the Helix will act as the sound card. If you are playing from another source then every sound you use will have to have a separate line set just for whichever INs you use.

 

Since you have 4 lines avail for processing I can't imagine you not having enough processing for vocals, the max I have used is 2 lines full of effects for 2 different guitar sounds at the same time and have had zero problems with that.

 

I have only used the Mic pre just testing it out in recording, it sounds good to me but haven't done extensive testing with it.

 

I wish they would have global setting for some of the INs so that they are always ON, but as of yet they don't, you have to assign them a line.

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yeah I really wish they had kept the CD/MP3 input and let it function just like USB 1 & 2.  I really don't want to drag a laptop around and unfortunately my Android tablet isn't playing nicely with audio over USB.  I'll probably have to root it and see if it works better but I have no desire to buy an iPad...

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3. Mic pre or fx not good enough to process vocals to a high standard 

 

My Helix is on preorder! So, not yet..But, I can chime in with some info; the mic pre: it's TI-Burr Brown, and is the same mic pre that is used on the Line 6 M20d mixer.. (I have the M20d, and it does sound excellent)

 

Here's the exact quote from L6Arnie:

 

The pre amps in Helix and in the StageScape mixer are TI Burr Brown digitally controlled analog mic pre amps. They are actually quite expensive and very high quality.

 

http://line6.com/support/topic/15969-helix-phantom-powered-mic-pre-any-good/?hl=burr&do=findComment&comment=117524

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