New User With Questions

[purptiger]

I have had the Helix about two days and I have some questions about it:

 

I am using it with a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe with and without 4 cable method. Therefore, I mostly use mono effects. So wonder if I am using a mono amp can I sometimes use stereo effects? I like the stereo chorus and the rotary speaker.

 

I don't understand the parallel routing and wonder if I will use it much since I going into a mono amp (return loop). When and why would you route this way especially with my setup?

 

I am coming from a Boss GT 100 background and miss things like touch wah , auto wah, accustic simulator, and ability to mimic different types of pickups.

 

I am happy so for I have put in two programs for EC's Badge and Pretending. Since I am using a mono amp in return loop and 4 cable method should I primarily use the preamp models or should I look at amp and cabs? Also I find the scribble strips too bright sometimes and wish there was a way to adjust the contrast and brightness. Maybe this will be a future addition. Still rockin and liking the Helix so for. Thanks for any tips and advice you guys can give me. By the way I am visually impaired so that is why I hope for changes in the scribble strips.

[aleclee]

If you only use the mono output from the Helix, it'll sum the output to mono.

[jbuhajla]

1. You can still use all stereo effects (reverbs are only stereo), the signal is summed to mono when you are going single 1/4" out to your amp. 

2. With parallel routing of effects within Helix, you can route delays and reverbs in parallel so you don't lose articulation, run modulation on just one side, etc... Experiment with it and you will see. 

3. If you bypass your amps preamp, you will use preamp models in its place. Don't use amp/cab models. 

 

I use 4CM sometimes with my Blues Deluxe Reissue. Keep in mind that using something like a Mesa Rectifier preamp going through your amp will not sound like a Rectifier going through a 4x12 cab, but it can still sound pretty cool. The Fender preamp models play very nicely with it. 

[FlyingsCool]

So many things to do with parallel routing.  As @jbuhajla said, also, you can run super serial, you could create a path for mic in and effects for that...

 

Just run through the templates and the factory presets and you'll find lots of examples of different ideas.

[Phil_GMC]

I've not had my Helix LT for long but I do think a "Helix For Dummies" guide would be great. I don't really understand having effects in series or parallel or why you would do it. I think the Helix is extremely good if you understand effects order etc but it's a mountain to climb if not.

[silverhead]

I've not had my Helix LT for long but I do think a "Helix For Dummies" guide would be great. I don't really understand having effects in series or parallel or why you would do it. I think the Helix is extremely good if you understand effects order etc but it's a mountain to climb if not.

I think the guide should be called 'FX for Dummies'. It applies to anyone who plays guitar, whether using analog or digital FX, live or in the studio. Your average analog pedal board player needs the same understanding as a Helix user, and vice-versa.

 

I'm sure such guides exist, whether separately or as a conglomeration of websites. Google?

 

EDIT: Google the term 'Guitar FX for Dummies'. Have fun reading!

[Phil_GMC]

Yeah I guess the Helix is basically an electronic pedal board and amp system. I'm only a home hobby guitarist and have only really had multi effects so don't have the experience of putting pedals together and I've only really edited presets. My last one, before this Helix LT was a Boss GT100 which I still have, I did have an Atomic Amplifire 12 for a while but traded when the LT came out as the shop had a 30 exchange plan and I was just inside it. That was good but the effects weren't pedal based. For instance the delay block has 30+ knobs to twiddle if you want them.

 

Sorry for hijacking this thread purptiger.