rich2k4 Posted April 30, 2016 Share Posted April 30, 2016 I have my eyes on purchasing a Helix within the next year. My ultimate goal is to set up a practice/recording rig that is as close to plug in and play as possible. I want to be able to play along to backing tracks or songs from the pc. Obviously I would need a PC, Studio Monitors, and the Helix. However, I am confused about the audio interface aspect. I know that the Helix acts as an audio interface through usb, but how does it interact with the PC volume? I want to be able to adjust the PC/backing track volume seperate from the guitar volume. Also, since the Helix acts as the PC's audio device, does that mean I have to have the Helix turned on whenever I want sound from my computer? This would be inconvenient because I would want to have both be as independent from each other as possible, while still allowing me to record on the fly. I also want to add a Midi keyboard to my setup, so that I can control the various virtual instruments that are available nowadays. How would this fit in with the Helix setup? Based on what I am looking for, does it make sense to use a seperate external audio interface? It seems with an external interface, I would have an easier time separating everything. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricksteruk Posted April 30, 2016 Share Posted April 30, 2016 If I was going to be moving the Helix out to gigs on a regular basis I'd get a separate audio interface. I'd make sure I got one with SPDIF or AES/EBU so I could connect Helix digitally. If you have a MAC you can create an "aggregate audio device" which means you can plug both Helix and another audio interface in by USB and use them both at the same time. Not sure if a PC has this facility?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhead Posted April 30, 2016 Share Posted April 30, 2016 Helix is not recognized as a midi interface by your DAW (it only has partial midi implementation) so it won't help you with your virtual instruments and midi keyboard. And yes, if it is your computer's audio device, with your speakers/monitors connected to its outputs, then it has to be connected and turned on if you want to hear sound from your computer. To bypass it you would need to leave it powered off and switch your speaker connections to the computer's audio outputs. You would control PC volume using the PC, not Helix. Sounds like a separate audio/midi interface is what you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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