Using the Helix as audio interface

[Mudloop]

Hi,

 

I currently use a gen1 Focusrite Scarlett as audio interface, but I've been experiencing some issues (buffers seem to overload, causing stuttering/crackling audio), mostly with YouTube videos, but sometimes with my DAW as well.

 

I was considering buying a new one (gen2), but then I realized the Helix Rack has everything I would need from an audio interface (or at least I think so, haven't tried it out yet).

 

The only issue is that I would leave it on pretty much all of the time. I rarely shut off my computer, and I listen to music pretty much all day... And I don't want to turn it on and wait for half a minute every time I want to have some audio... The Helix being quite an expensive device, I fear that this might decrease its lifespan too much. So even though it might save me $200 now, long term it might not be such a good idea.

 

Any thoughts on this? Should I not worry about leaving the Helix powered on all the time?

 

Also, does anyone know what's better for devices like this, leaving it on for extended periods of time, or regularly turning it off and back on?

 

Thanks!

[rd2rk]

The major wear on electronic circuits occurs during startup and shutdown, as the circuits heat and cool. Don't know about the screen and scribble strips.

[PeterHamm]

Every "live" instrument (except some of the bass) on this recording was recorded using Helix. All guitars and vocals. Some guitars direct, some acoustics miked. It works great for me.

 

https://peterhamm.bandcamp.com/album/protest-songs

[Mudloop]

The major wear on electronic circuits occurs during startup and shutdown, as the circuits heat and cool. Don't know about the screen and scribble strips.

 

Thanks... I would probably keep my floor control turned off most of the time, so the scribble strips wouldn't be a concern, but the touchscreen would be...

 

 

Every "live" instrument (except some of the bass) on this recording was recorded using Helix. All guitars and vocals. Some guitars direct, some acoustics miked. It works great for me.

 

https://peterhamm.bandcamp.com/album/protest-songs

 

 

Thanks for the response, however I wasn't concerned about the quality of the Helix as an audio interface, but rather about the wear it would have to endure if I kept it turned on all the time.

 

I did have a quick listen to your music, and the sound quality is excellent. The music is well done too. It's not my cup of tea, I like music with a bit more grit, but you're obviously a great musician.

[PeterHamm]

I leave my Helix on for long periods (sometimes a couple days at a time).

No problems. No overheating. Don't worry about it.

 

I turn it off when it's not in use when I can remember to, because I don't want to waste electricity and money, but i often forget and come down the next morning and it's still on.

[Mudloop]

I leave my Helix on for long periods (sometimes a couple days at a time).

 

No problems. No overheating. Don't worry about it.

 

I turn it off when it's not in use when I can remember to, because I don't want to waste electricity and money, but i often forget and come down the next morning and it's still on.

 

Thanks. I wish it had a standby mode where it would turn off the screen etc.

I now set it up as my main audio interface, and I notice that if I do turn it off, when I turn it back on, some programs don't seem to use it until I reboot it (Spotify). This is slightly annoying, but I might be able to solve it by putting it in an aggregate device.

[vmoncebaiz]

I try to turn my off when Im not using it, but I usually forget and it stays on for a day at a time if not longer.  The floor control is on whenever the rack is on.  No issues on either of them so far and its ben over a year (I think thats how long I've had them - hard to remember a time before Helix :)

[PeterHamm]

Thanks. I wish it had a standby mode where it would turn off the screen etc.

 

 

Nope. you DO NOT want that in a piece of gear designed to be used for live performance on stage... not imho anyhow.

[Mudloop]

Nope. you DO NOT want that in a piece of gear designed to be used for live performance on stage... not imho anyhow.

 

I do, because I don't play live :)

 

But also, it could be an option that you have to enable manually... and it could only kick in when you haven't touched any controls for over an hour, and maybe when no audio above a certain threshold has entered the device.

If it's just the screen that's turning off for protection (and the tap/tuner light), I'd say that's acceptable under those circumstances... Especially if they turn back on as soon as you use any control.

[PeterHamm]

But also, it could be an option that you have to enable manually... and it could only kick in when you haven't touched any controls for over an hour, and maybe when no audio above a certain threshold has entered the device.

 

 

I guarantee you that a LOT of the pros who use this live would NOT EVEN CONSIDER it if it had such a feature, though. That is anathema to live use. Always want an ALWAYS ON box for that.

[Mudloop]

I guarantee you that a LOT of the pros who use this live would NOT EVEN CONSIDER it if it had such a feature, though. That is anathema to live use. Always want an ALWAYS ON box for that.

 

Even if it's a feature that they'd have to enable manually?

Sucks that their pickiness would affect the studio guy who just wants to protect the lifespan of his device...

 

EDIT : I'd be willing to compromise, and have it just dim the screens a bit after a while :)

EDIT 2 : Or even a slightly hard to reach manual standby (just turns of the screens until I press something)

 

Posting these ideas here because I might put it on ideascale, and want to have a solid suggestion first :)