Setting Input Gain Optimally?

[Ka5par]

First of all, I'm very pleased that I got Helix, it's all working without a fault and it's excellent!

 

Since I'm not using guitar, but rather a Chapman Stick, I have a couple of questions about the correct or optimal input level settings.

As I understand - if the input level's aren't correct, all the distortion pedals and amp don't behave as they're intended.

 

The stick that I have is a stereo instrument with active pickups, but their output level is rather low.

For now I've decided to use returns 1/2 as inputs (instrument level). I tried also Guit and Aux inputs, but it wasn't possible to match them in input levels, at least I didn't know how (tried guit in pad, several impedance settings).

 

I added a gain block with +10DB gain (no other effects or blocks), measured the levels in a DAW and I got about the same level from my instrument compared to a guitar that was connected to "Guit in".

This sort of works, but for one I lose one block just for the levels and can't really test factory or other people's patches, since they don't sound as intended.

 

Question: Is there a better way to adjust the input gain?

Wish: I wish there was a global input gain control as well as input/output level meters - it's a bit cumbersome as it's now.

[bobthedog]

As far as I can see there isn't.

 

I wish there was though.

[PeterHamm]

No, you are doing it right imho.

And I desperately want to hear some audio of your setup!

[Ka5par]

No, you are doing it right imho.

 

And I desperately want to hear some audio of your setup!

 

Good to know at least.

Nothing special yet at the sound department, just checking out different amps to decide what does what the best.