djames79 Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 Apologies if this has already been asked but I can't find any instructions on how to connect to the FX return on my Blackstar amp. Not looking to do 4cm, don't want to go in front of amp, just want to run it through the fx loop to use Helix pre amps and my amps power and cab... So far I have helix 1/4 out into the fx return of the black star & Guitar into helix Now my questions is... What do i put into the front of amp? I tried a 1/4 jack lead - it worked I tried helix send out - it worked Which way is correct? Any help appreciated... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelhun Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 I only just recently got the Helix, and I don't have the amp you are referring to, but I tried this exact idea and had good success by simply running the Helix 1/4 mono out into FX return of my amp and guitar into Helix. That's it. You shouldn't need to plug anything into the front of the amp, at least I didn't need to. This allows you to use the preamps from the Helix, and the power amp of your amp to power your cabinet or whatever you're using. So in a sense the"amp" in this situation that you are plugging your guitar into is inside the helix. The "FX loop" in this situation consists of everything post preamp inside your Helix and your actual amp's power amp. The signal is then fed into your cabinet. This might not be technically correct but that's at least how I understand it, and it has worked for me so far. Do be aware that bypassing the preamp essentially makes all your master volume, channel volume and onboard eq settings on your Blackstar useless, so you will need to control volume from the Helix directly. I think. Take this for what it is, the experience of a helix newb. I'd argue that whatever set up you use, if it sounds good, then it is good. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MusicLaw Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 Connecting Helix's Main L/Mono 1/4" Out to your Blackstar's FX Return will work fine to accomplish what you want to do. It also allows Helix's Main Volume knob to control the feed from Helix's Output Block (at the end of Helix's Signal Path) to your Blackstar's FX Return. As you become more familiar with Helix's versatility, you may wish to explore other signal routing options, such as using a Helix FX Send Block and Helix's corresponding 1/4" FX Send Jack to route the signal to your Blackstar's FX Return Jack. This would free Helix's Main 1/4" Out jack for other simultaneous use, if needed, such as FRFR spkrs, Studio Monitors, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djames79 Posted March 21, 2017 Author Share Posted March 21, 2017 Thanks for the reply gents, I have a Blackstar HT Stage 60 and upgraded speakers with a pair of classic rubys. I’ve rigged it up like you Michael, 1/4 of Helix into the fx return of the amp and guitar into the Helix but I get no sound, but…if I plug something into the front of the amp like I did with the 1/4 patch cable I got sound. I also got sound if I plugged helix send to the front of amp too, not heard any difference in quality either way. I’ve just been jamming for a couple of hours today at neighbour friendly volumes and it’s sounding damn good, even with some of the cab/i.rs i purchased enabled I was floored at how cool it sounded. I’ve been using a Yamaha DXR10 for the last couple of months and it’s a cool FRFR but at band practices I’ve been missing that punch you get from a 2x12 amp behind you. I'll use the DXR as a monitor and I should be all set Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelhun Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 Is your FX loop on? I know on my amp if I don't have the FX loop engaged then I wouldn't get any sound with the set up we both tried. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MusicLaw Posted March 21, 2017 Share Posted March 21, 2017 A single DXR10 won't move as much air as a 2x12 combo guitar amp at band practice. However, a pair of DXR10s sure comes close! ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RRMark Posted March 22, 2017 Share Posted March 22, 2017 Thanks for the reply gents, I have a Blackstar HT Stage 60 and upgraded speakers with a pair of classic rubys. I’ve rigged it up like you Michael, 1/4 of Helix into the fx return of the amp and guitar into the Helix but I get no sound, but…if I plug something into the front of the amp like I did with the 1/4 patch cable I got sound. I also got sound if I plugged helix send to the front of amp too, not heard any difference in quality either way. I’ve just been jamming for a couple of hours today at neighbour friendly volumes and it’s sounding damn good, even with some of the cab/i.rs i purchased enabled I was floored at how cool it sounded. I’ve been using a Yamaha DXR10 for the last couple of months and it’s a cool FRFR but at band practices I’ve been missing that punch you get from a 2x12 amp behind you. I'll use the DXR as a monitor and I should be all setYup it's the same for me into a Vetta2 combo, I have to plug a dummy 1/4" jack plug into the front input of the combo to allow the fx return to work direct from the Helix 1/4" out (no IR). Other cool things, it's stereo and has master bass and treble controls. I also simultaneously use xlr out with an IR to the PA.I assume the fx return would give you more headroom than the input. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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