Signal chain impedance question: Helix rack -> M20d -> Mackie Onyx 1640i

[vilechild]

hello everyone!

 

i hope this subject has not already been covered as this is my first post.

 

my question is about the signal impedance being received by the Mackie Onyx 1640i and the special inputs on channels 1 and 2 designed for guitar direct inputs.

 

my signal chain is Helix rack, 1/4 inch outs into aux input 1 & 2 on the M20d which is set to have only the high pass filter activated, otherwise it is dry (no eq, comp, etc...) then out of the main outputs into channels 1 & 2 of the Onyx.

 

the manual for the onyx states that using a direct guitar input on a low impedance device can result in loss of high frequencies redulting in dull tone. the manufacturer has added a "High-Z" button to remedy that issue.

 

my question is, is it necessary to implement the High-Z feature or has the Helix or M20d already corrected or 'conditioned' the signal impedance?

[tommasoferrarese]

Hi Z is needed just if you are plugging your guitar directly into the mixer. Guitar input in Helix is already taking care of the correct impedance, if set to auto it even changes its impedance to better reflect that of the emulated devices.

So just treat Helix output as a regular line output and you're ok!

[PeterHamm]

Is this live or recording. For recording that's too convoluted.

[vilechild]

thank you both very much for responding!

 

- Tommas, i wasnt sure what 'direct' was actually referring to. in this day of digital magic, i find myself overlooking details at times. something akin to, "i didnt know what this button did..." type stuff. i kind of tigured it was this way but after pouring thru knowledge bases i was getting a brainswell and thought id just swallow my pride and ask.

this response was excellent news as i dont have to rewire the board or set up a new DAW template. win.

 

- peter, my explanation of my set up wasnt complete haha i shud have mentioned that the M20d is being used as a sub mixer. we have 3 guitar heads, a bass, 2 Helix, a vocal booth and the mixer hooked up into the M20d, as we use multiple setups during both live performances and recording sessions. it doesnt make it convoluted if you really understand the AMAZING power of the M20d. imho, the M20d is extremely underrated and overlooked and the Line6 link is stellar technology. im only using a 16 chan mixer with 12 inputs being used for the drumkit which leaves me with 1 stereo input and 1 stereo output using the Firewire. thus the need for a way to bring multiple devices to the 2 stereo tracks. bang! M20d to the rescue. it just handles these inputs so well. its easy to navigate and the onboard FX are stout for creating a baseline. humble beginnings, right!? :)

 

if you have an idea how i can maximize my set better, i am all ears. im no expert, i just love making music.

[HonestOpinion]

You can select either mic or line level in the global settings for the Helix outputs, but as has been mentioned, neither use a Hi-Z input on the board.

[vilechild]

thanks, Honest!

 

its like the more i learn the more i dont know. i just wanna be sure im getting the best signal response into the DAW. my goal is to cut down on post production times as i am only one man with many duties. our recent upgrades have thrown my brain into a tizzy and i was feeling option anxiety like hella anyway, thnx also to the MODERATOR for movingvthis thread to a better spot in the forum.

 

cheers!

 

- vile.