Using helix through an amp? Using IR?

[twystedriffs]

So.. mostly because it's what I have, I am running my helix into the back of two power blocks and 2 different cabs. Totally thrilled with it, Ive tweaked days and days to get where I am at. I only use amps or pre amps, though I do have two patches where a cab adds a cool sound to my chain.. So for those of us doing this method and not FRFR.. do the IRs have any good results? Before I spend too much time on em, or buy some. Thanks, just curious what results you have had..

[roscoe5]

I occasionally use this method of Helix to a Crate Powerblock and do not use an IR in that signal chain.  I use Helix full amp models, not preamps.  Cant say I have ever tried just preamps to the CPB though.

 

When I or a soundman don't just mic the cab, I have an IR on a split path to Helix XLR out for the PA.

 

A good IR that is similar to your cab(s) can allow you to setup presets with headphones or studio monitors.  3sigma has most cab types and seem easiest to use.  there are of course other IR vendors.

[twystedriffs]

Thank you! I only have a few preamps in there, usually as part of a stereo chain..but certainly through headphones or into a PA my patches are awful. Good idea to find some IRs to balance that out!

[radatats]

TBH, don't waste your time or money on IR's until you have exhausted the capabilities of the stock cabs.  They have tremendous potential and are far easier to configure with mics, distance, early reflections and the dual cab blocks too.  There are so many IR's you can get and its a HUGE rabbit hole to go down, especially if you primarily run to real guitar cabs vice FRFR. 

 

There is nothing wrong with running cabs with real guitar speakers, just adds a different flavor to the tone.  Sometimes it works, other times it doesn't.  All takes time to play with and really listen to.

 

Personally I never use the preamp models even with my DT25.  There is a huge volume swing between them compared to the full amp models and the full amps just seem to capture more of the original amp's character than the preamps.

[roscoe5]

Yeah, radatats is probably right about the IR rabbit hole, especially if you are new to IR's.  Although if you are new and want to try, I would recommend a $7 pack of 3sigma IR's that are the same as your physical cab(s).  The 3sigmas only have about 10 IR's per pack, but they are really good representations of that cab.  I wouldn't go dropping $100 on a mega pack of 1000's of IR's right away...that might actually be my personal hell ;)

 

Otherwise, you can indeed get great sounds out of the stock cabs, especially with dual cab blocks and a parametric eq after.  That takes some work and experimenting too though.

 

What cabs are you playing through?

[twystedriffs]

I have a Crate 4×12, and a line 6 2×12. I have a three piece band, and like to put the 2x12 on the far side of the stage to give some stage spread. It sounds great as is, but I know I'm missing out on some helix goodies running this way. I habe some deep patches and juat sometime add a preamp or cab in a split chain for certain tones. I have not played with cabs much at all though, once I realized running just amps sounded much more vibrant. Im sure tweaking cabs can give you some nice sounds as well. I just had a bunch of gigs, and made a ton of patches based on that principle to get going. Now that I am fine tuning, I havent seen too many IR users running into amps. Thanks for the tips and thoughts..