Using Helix with this custom, hand-made amp.

[ElectricRelig 0]

Hey folks,

 

I'm looking for some insight from you as to the best way to use my Helix with this particular amp. I'm not very familiar with using effects loops and/or power amp. Just haven't taken the time to learn. The only real option I have is the external speaker input. Is there a way of incorporating the Helix into this, besides just going straight into the front of the amp?

 

Current signal chain: Guitar - Helix Guitar In - Helix 1/4" left/mono output - Amp

 

Thanks in advance.

[DunedinDragon 961]

It really doesn't appear at first glance that there's much you can do here other than go direct into one of the two channels, neither of which appear to simple be a pure power amp.  It looks like it's got one clean channel and one dirty channel, but no pure amp channel.  I'm not sure exactly what the cream circuit does, but I suspect it's just another variation of amp style.  There doesn't seem to be any effects loop circuit.  So basically you're limited to just running into one of the two channels.  This more or less limits using some of the main features such as the amp models, cabs and IRs, but all of the effects should work fine going into the amp.  The External Speaker plug is just an output to a speaker cab for that amp.

 

This may have been a better question to ask before you got the Helix.

[shanecgriffo 75]

you could get a frfr speaker , split the signal after your guitar (or in the helix) and then have the luxury of having your existing amp and any amp in helix as a stereo setup, i'm sure it would sound awesome

[Joepeggio 76]

DON'T USE EXTERNAL SPEAKER "INPUT".

 

It's most likely an output and at high power. Could fry the Helix.

 

All caps for emphasis. Just don't want anything bad to happen.

[ElectricRelig 0]

It really doesn't appear at first glance that there's much you can do here other than go direct into one of the two channels, neither of which appear to simple be a pure power amp.  It looks like it's got one clean channel and one dirty channel, but no pure amp channel.  I'm not sure exactly what the cream circuit does, but I suspect it's just another variation of amp style.  There doesn't seem to be any effects loop circuit.  So basically you're limited to just running into one of the two channels.  This more or less limits using some of the main features such as the amp models, cabs and IRs, but all of the effects should work fine going into the amp.  The External Speaker plug is just an output to a speaker cab for that amp.

 

This may have been a better question to ask before you got the Helix.

 

Buying the Helix wasn't an impulse buy. I have several amps with which I can use the Helix more effectively, I am just wondering if anyone has any input as to wether or not this type of amp can be used with the Helix, in a way that I've overlooked. 

[robbieb61 212]

There is a way to access your amp. And that's a very cool amp indeed. 
But...you wouldn't be able to use the speaker in the amp.  You would need to run the Helix to a monitor.

And you would have to buy another piece of gear.

The gear you would need would be a load box. Something like the Riviera Rock Crusher for instance.

Then you set up a send/return on Helix. The "send" goes to the amp input.  Now you take the Rock Crusher and you grab an extra SPEAKER cable. Unplug your combo speaker. Plug the speaker cable into the speaker output you just unplugged the combo amp speaker from. Then plug the other end of that speaker cable into the load box.
Now you run a SIGNAL cable from the line out of the load box back to the "return" on Helix. 

What you have now is the full amp sound of your Oxygen amp (both pre-amp AND power-amp sections) going into the Helix. 
And like I said...from there you would need to come out of the Helix to an FRFR or straight to the mixer, etc.

[theredguitar6 1]

It's not really the right way to go.  The amp is designed to have it's own signature sound and from memory ( i heard one a while ago) that's along the bad cat/matchless lines.

Ideally for helix  - if you want to go into a guitar amp - you want something that may be considered a good clean pedal platform. ...with plenty of headroom. Maybe fender blackface or even hot rod series.  Otherwise you're never going to achieve all the amazing cleans that helix can deliver. A 2 x EL84 amp is always going to break up pretty quickly.  You will have the same issues even if you use a loadbox.  I just can't see the benefit of using this amp - unless you love the sound .... in which case ...use the amp! ...maybe just use the helix as a multi effects unit and skip the amp modelling