Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Jump to content

Helix as audio interphase


hyacinthum
 Share

Recommended Posts

I'm trying to understand the helix as an audio interphase. What I don't understand is how it can do 8 in / 8 out, when the back side only has two 1/4" inputs and one XLR input. That's three inputs into the helix. Based on that, I would expect the helix to be able to output three separate audio channels. Where does the helix pull the audio from in order to output the other five separate channels, that are claimed (8 in / 8 out)?

I could really use an 8i/8o audio interphase and effects unit, to go along with the unit that I use for sequencing tracks (Akai MPC Live). The MPC can send 6 separate audio channels. If I could route them all through the helix simultaniously, (put some effects on them) and then output them to a laptop - that would be great! That's what I expect to be able to do with a 8/8 audio interphase. But it seems that the helix lack the necessary inputs.. So I don't understand how it can output 8 channels..

P.S. I obviously wouldn't buy the helix just to use as an interphase. I would use it mainly as a guitar and bass effects processor, of course. But since I read that it can also be used as an audio interphase...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On the Helix Floor and Rack, there are 7 analog inputs - guitar in, aux in, XLR in, and the (4) 1/4" returns (they can all be used as inputs). There's also the S/PDIF input and the VDI input (only one of those can be used at a time), so that gives you the 8 inputs.

  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On the Helix Floor and Rack, there are 7 analog inputs - guitar in, aux in, XLR in, and the (4) 1/4" returns (they can all be used as inputs). There's also the S/PDIF input and the VDI input (only one of those can be used at a time), so that gives you the 8 inputs.

Wow, that's really cool. So the Helix can input eight separate audio tracks and output them all simultaneously and separately into a DAW, through USB? That's amazing for a guitar effects pedal! The helix LT obviously has less inputs (three as far as I can tell). Can the LT output three audio tracks simultaneously in the same way as the regular Helix?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wow, that's really cool. So the Helix can input eight separate audio tracks and output them all simultaneously and separately into a DAW, through USB? That's amazing for a guitar effects pedal! The helix LT obviously has less inputs (three as far as I can tell). Can the LT output three audio tracks simultaneously in the same way as the regular Helix?

 

 

Yes. You can definitely record three tracks with LT as an interface simultaneously.

 

Here's something though. If you are recording 8-channels of drums through mikes, you'll have to use an outboard mixer or preamps and then plug that into those inputs on Helix. That is NOT a great solution for serious recording, and you'd be better off having a multi-channel interface with balance inputs for those times when you need to do that.

 

Borrow one from a friend for the day, though. Don't buy one unless you need it all the time.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...