Getting the sound of the Tube Amp into Helix

[FarleyUK]

Hi all,

 

I'm going to start running a full W/D/W setup that consists of two Alto TS210 speakers as the wet speakers, and then a Marshall Silver Jubilee 2525h amp with a 2x12 cab as the dry speaker.

 

I've set it in the helix so it works well, but I obviously need to use an amp sim for the Altos. I just wondered if anyone knew of a way to get the sound from the Jubilee into the Helix so that is going out from the Altos as well? It's got a DI on the rear if that's any good. I tried it, but got nothing from it.

 

Currently using the 2204 Mod amp for the Altos, so sounds like a wall of Marshalls - just thought I'd ask if this was possible though!

[DarrellM5]

Maybe you could run the amp's DI out back to the Helix and set it up on a separate path.  Then have that path go out to the Altos.

[jbuhajla]

Take the DI from the amp to one of the returns on the Helix. Then you can set input of one of the signal paths in Helix for the return the DI is plugged into. Then you have the DI signal on a separate signal path so you can add a cab block, effects, and run to the Altos. 

[vmoncebaiz]

If you can get it working, the direct out on the Jubilee should give you a line level back into Helix (make sure the return you're using on Helix is set to Line level and not instrument).

 

I've never been a fan of the direct out option on amps.  Although I haven't tried Marshall's version, most don't sound very good to me.  Alternatively, you could run a speaker load box from the amp's actual output and send that back into Helix.  Then you'll need a cab block or IR for it.  Pete Thorn does this in studio with Suhr's reactive load box.  I have yet to try this, but it seems like an awesome way to get tube amps into Helix's signal path.

[FarleyUK]

Cheers guys, for some reason I couldn't get it working before, but now it does; just taking the DI out into RETURN 3 and using that as path 2 input. Thanks!

 

I've got it set to instrument level though, as when I change to line it actually lowers in volume..... which is the opposite of what I thought would happen. It's also fairly quiet, but I can overcome that with a combination of the Alto volume control and the Helix XLR out control.

[FarleyUK]

As a follow up... played 2 gigs over the weekend with both the Silver Jubilee and the 2 Altos.

 

Friday night - couldn't get any volume at all from the DI out of the amp, ended up using the 2204 Mod amp model for the two wet speakers (the Altos). Sounded good.

 

Saturday night - figured out that the volume for the lead channel on the amp needed to be raised and the master lowered in order to get the DI signal :) Ran it through the wet speakers into an OH IR, and sounded seriously thick and huge. Very happy with it!