Setting Unity gain/Levels with Helix and Tube amps (4cm)

[Vai81]

Hi Helix owners, I'm looking for some advice from those that are using the Helix with tube amps as effects only via 4cm. How are you tweaking the Helix to be unity gain with the amp? I find there is a slight volume drop with the Helix and I'm hearing something digital in it's tone. How are you tweaking the Helix to get it has transparent as possible and is there a correct way or incorrect way of doing this? Keen to understand as I have a few tube amps I'm looking at setting up with the Helix....

I have the following configured and would appreciate any feedback!

 

- FX Block's send/return levels (between amp's preamp and FX loop) set to +4db return and the 2.5db send
- 1/4" out set to Instrument 
- The end Output block's Level set to +2db
- Guitar Impedance in Global settings? I've set it to 1meg

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[CraigGT]

If you're getting a slight drop then maybe you have the guitar input pad turned on?

With this off I found no difference in levels at all when I switch the loop in or out on although I do have it set up a bit different to you.

 

Craig

[jbuhajla]

Are you using Helix just for effects, or are you using preamp models as well?

 

You would set your levels the same as if you were running a bunch of pedals. Play with just your amp for your dry tone (all your effect blocks bypassed). Turn on an effect and normalize that volume to where it is about where you want it compared to your dry tone, turn that effect off, go to the next effect. Helix is no different that running a bunch of stomp boxes.