How to Record both iTunes & Helix USB Gtr into Ableton using Helix for Stereo output too on OSX

[d0stenning]

Its a simple requirement - In the process of discovering and playing about with Helix patches i'd like to be using the HELIX USB interface

as both the stereo master outs from my Ableton, while having my Helix guitar on USB 1/2 on one track  and backing tracks etc coming in from iTunes into a second stereo input so any time inspiration strikes i can record everything quickly. I'd rather not have to drag any backing track into Ableton ( or any DAW ) as that takes time - commits one - and kills inspiration. Also i could possibly be using Band In A Box instead of iTunes.

 

Now to divert iTunes or other audio apps one can use SoundFlower - setting the main OSX output option to point to Soundflower instead of the stereo outputs. One then specifies in Ableton that the ableton stereo outputs go NOT to the main mac outputs ( i.e. headphone set ) but instead to HELIX USB. 

 

Now of course this requires Soundflower to be the audio input in Ableton but I ALSO want to feed in the Helix stereo outputs with my guitar noodling on it.    So....... for this  one is supposed to use the Aggregate Audio Interface option in OSX to combine ( presumably ) the Helix interface AND Soundflower ( to route iTunes/BIAB etc into Ableton instead of to the main mac outputs ).  But.......  I cannot seem to get this method to work !!!

 

 

Has anyone managed to successfully solve this problem ? 

 

Cheers and have a nice Helix Day ! 

[Brazzy]

Have you tried to run them into the FX Return of the Helix. I've got the HD500 and run my drums and any other source into the FX Return of the Pod and put the FX Loop at the end of the chain somewhere. You can even control the mix with a pedal. Can also use an EQ after the return.

[d0stenning]

Have you tried to run them into the FX Return of the Helix. I've got the HD500 and run my drums and any other source into the FX Return of the Pod and put the FX Loop at the end of the chain somewhere. You can even control the mix with a pedal. Can also use an EQ after the return.

 

I'm talking about pure digital paths only via USB. on both mac and Helix.  

[Brazzy]

I'm talking about pure digital paths only via USB. on both mac and Helix.  

 

That's how I record drums and keys I run everything into the fx return and I record it all with my DAW. I hear ya though.

 

Hopefully someone has  the answer

Edited January 26, 2016 by Brazzy

[d0stenning]

That's how I record drums and keys I run everything into the fx return and I record it all with my DAW. I hear ya though.

But that means you're recording a Stereo mix of ( say ) the iTunes track mixed with the guitar feed - on the Helix ( or Pod ) itself,  whereas I want my guitar to go to a separate track in Ableton and the iTunes Stereo track to go to another track in Ableton and be able to change mix levels after recording.  I'm afraid its not quit what i'm after but thanks for the suggestion :)

[Brazzy]

But that means you're recording a Stereo mix of ( say ) the iTunes track mixed with the guitar feed - on the Helix ( or Pod ) itself,  whereas I want my guitar to go to a separate track in Ableton and the iTunes Stereo track to go to another track in Ableton and be able to change mix levels after recording.  I'm afraid its not quit what i'm after but thanks for the suggestion :)

 

Actually I would like to find out how to do that too :).