steelstringer Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 Which block should I use (preamp or amp) if I am going from the 1/4 out from the Helix to the effects return of my tube amp? I want the Helix to provide my tone of course and I know to not use a cab block. I am confused as to the difference between the two. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joepeggio Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 Try both. Many will say preamp, but I found I liked the full amp better into the loop return of my egnater. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rd2rk Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 Let's say your amp is a Hot Rod Deville (HRD). Typically you'd use the 5150 preamp, replacing the HRD's preamp with the 5150 preamp. If you use the full 5150 amp, you're amping the full 5150 amp, pre and power, through the HRD power amp and speaker. If you use the 5150 amp and a speaker cab - hey, it's just a tone. If it sounds good, go for it! The joy of modeling is - NO RULES! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbuhajla Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 You won't break anything by trying both. Experiment with the bass amp models too, you'll be surprised. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelstringer Posted May 12, 2017 Author Share Posted May 12, 2017 Thank you for the replies. I will play around with both options. I am dialing in a clean Mesa and dirty JCM 800 tone tonight. I just got the Helix LT this week, and I am astounded by all of the routing and tone shaping ability. I also enjoy this message board; it's very professional and helpful overall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flotsam71 Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 I prefer to use pre amp models into the return of my jcm2000. 4 cable method works fantastic...A/B-ing my preamp with helix 2204 is amazing...very very close. I notice less gain using only preamp vs full amp. But more gain can always be achieved by cranking my poweramp!! I shouldn't call it gain I guess...more dirt! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickBosworth Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 I have tried both into my Egnater return and found that the full amps sound best.....especially the Litigator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelstringer Posted May 13, 2017 Author Share Posted May 13, 2017 Preamp ended up sounding better in my situation. The full amp made the overall volume get a bit crazy. That's the fun of amp modeling, I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erdefa Posted June 7, 2023 Share Posted June 7, 2023 Going into a PA, should I use the AMP block and not the Preamp? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rd2rk Posted June 8, 2023 Share Posted June 8, 2023 On 6/7/2023 at 4:50 AM, erdefa said: Going into a PA, should I use the AMP block and not the Preamp? Use the full amp + cab/IR when going direct to FOH or FRFR. Use the full amp w/o cab/IR when going into a solid-state amp and guitar cab. Use the preamp when going into a tube amp's return and guitar cab (unless the full amp sounds better). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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