Helix using vox ac15HW

[Jrod2004]

So I've having trouble setting up the vox ac15HW with the helix seems too muddy when using the helix together and I get buried in the mix with everyone playing lol. No effect loop. So anyone using this amp with the helix?

[markdenman123]

Are you using the cab block?  Amp block or preamp block?

 

I would say that's going to be a tricky endeavor depending on what you are trying to accomplish.  I had, and gigged, an AC15 for a little while.  I found that there was very little clean headroom.  The amp broke up rather quickly - which is what I was after.  I used the amp straight in because most pedals I put on the front end muddied up the tone too much for me.

 

Are you using only effects, or going for the whole modelling experience?

 

If it's just effects, I would suggest an EQ block or adjusting the global EQ to "clean" it up.

 

If you want the full modelling experience...that's gonna be harder, especially at full band volumes.  First, I would remove any cab blocks you have.  Next, since the AC15 has pretty early break up, I would experiment with changing from amp blocks to preamp blocks.  This will still allow you to use the AC15 preamp as a "master" EQ/volume section to whatever you put in front of it.  If you plan on using more than one preamp model, you may need to run an EQ block (or even two) on each patch to clean up the sound hitting the front end of your amp. Bear in mind that with the way the AC15 breakups you will most likely never really experience the full effects of using multiple amps.  The platform is just too dirty.

 

To really get the best out of the Helix you need a cleaner platform that has less "character" than an AC15.  An amp with an effects loop is better.  A clean power amp is better than that.  A PA wedge (what I use) is better than that.  A specifically designed FRFR is the best.

 

Hope this helps without being to negative. Good luck!! 

[Jrod2004]

I guess I'll do the FRFR route. What would you suggest? I don't play heavy metal stuff. Alternative rock/(crunchy not too distorted) and clean ambient stuff is my focus in band setting. I play at a church where they play kinda loud lol, and I seemed to get lost in the mix with the vox lol especially in solo time. Thank you for responding.

[johnfrancis]

I play at church with a Line 6 L2t as monitor and XLR out to the board. No issues with being heard.

[DunedinDragon]

I guess I'll do the FRFR route. What would you suggest? I don't play heavy metal stuff. Alternative rock/(crunchy not too distorted) and clean ambient stuff is my focus in band setting. I play at a church where they play kinda loud lol, and I seemed to get lost in the mix with the vox lol especially in solo time. Thank you for responding.

 

If you're going the FRFR route it really doesn't matter what style you're playing.  They play whatever you put into the Helix.  That's the point of FRFR.  What I would recommend is you do some research on the different speakers out there so you can decide what's best for you.  Some of the more popular powered speakers are the Alto TS series, EV ZLX  series, Yamaha DXR series, QSC K series, or the Line6 stagesource speakers.  Any of them will do a fine job of keeping up with the rest of the band.

[jbuhajla]

I guess I'll do the FRFR route. What would you suggest? I don't play heavy metal stuff. Alternative rock/(crunchy not too distorted) and clean ambient stuff is my focus in band setting. I play at a church where they play kinda loud lol, and I seemed to get lost in the mix with the vox lol especially in solo time. Thank you for responding.

Does your band play isolated at church, or do you have amps/monitors on stage? Was your Vox mic'ed and went to FOH through the mains and monitors? Just a couple of questions to better answer your concerns. 

 

I use Helix at church, and we are isolated on stage. No open amps and we use in ear monitors. Helix does that well, and it will also work well if you have amps/monitors on stage. You can even build your "normal" Vox tone with the Helix. At home, I play though a couple of JBL Eon 610s. If you need an amp/speaker on stage with you, just connect one or two to the Helix, and you are ready to go.