Multi-signal Routing with Mainstage 3

[THNRV]

To start, I have used my standard Helix exclusively for the last two years and have benefited immensely from the knowledge on this forum, both in ideas and for troubleshooting. This is the first time I am asking for advice rather than just jumping into tinkering on the user-friendly interface for fear that the routing I want/need to accomplish is more difficult than I am imagining it to be.

 

As of now, I am able to route my guitar using the Helix as an audio interface (w/ noise gate, compression, and preamp) into my Macbook to control synths/VSTs using Mainstage and Jam Origin's Midi Guitar 2 plugin, I also use the Helix to send midi notes (via USB) which launch backing tracks/clips/samples. These sounds are then both summed to the stereo output(s) in Mainstage and, for rehearsal purposes, I simply use the headphone out on the Helix to feed a powered speaker.

 

This is a quick and easy workaround for practice, but I know that myself and the sound engineer are going to need a lot more control when it comes to live sound. 

 

The following are my ideal signal paths for live situations with this project:

Signal Path 1:  (sounds played by me)

 

Guitar → Helix → USB Inputs 1/2 → Macbook Pro → Mainstage 3 → Midi Guitar 2 (controlling various softsynths) → Mainstage Outputs 1/2 → Helix L/R (either 1/4" or XLR) → Soundboard/PA

 

Signal Path 2:  (backing tracks/samples/one-shots)

 

Midi notes from Helix → Midi-to-USB → Macbook Pro → Mainstage 3 → Triggered Audio Clips → Mainstage Outputs 3/4 → Helix L/R (either 1/4" or XLR) → Soundboard/PA

 

Basically creating two separate stereo signals (which can be summed to mono when on a mono system), where the sound engineer can mix/EQ live and backing sounds independently.

 

I've already created a test concert in Mainstage with live sounds routed through Outputs 1/2 and backing tracks routed through Outputs 3/4, I am just a little stuck with what should happen next.

 

Are there already outputs on the Helix assigned to Outputs 1/2 (e.g., L/R XLR or L/R 1/4") and Outputs 3/4 (e.g., Sends 1/2)? Can these be accessed and altered as needed?

 

Or will I need to route them back through the Helix some way to get these sounds into the dedicated outputs on the Helix?

 

For example:

 

Route the Mainstage Outputs 1/2 to USB 3/4  and Outputs 3/4 to USB 5/6 and then create parallel paths on the Helix with one feeding the stereo XLR and the other to the stereo 1/4"?

Obviously, maintaining the lowest latency possible is essential for playability, and that seems like it may tax my CPU and the DSP of the Helix.
 

Not sure if I'm over-complicating the process and I don't have separate speakers or a sound system at the moment to test everything out.

 

Thanks for the help in advance.

[arkieboy]

It's quite easy to assign various sound sources - usb, internal guitar - to the various outputs available on the helix.  I have bass pedals plugged into the midi in of my helix, which control MainStage synths via USB: the MainStage audio is returned through USB to the XLR outputs; I send the guitar signals out from the jack sockets.  AFAIR what you want should be possible - I don't have a manual here at work to confirm though ...

[THNRV]

Appreciate the response, I assumed it would be possible but didn't know if there were any shortcuts or recommendations from others doing something similar.

 

When selecting outputs in Mainstage (I assume it would be similar in Ableton) with the Helix selected as the main input/output interface I was given the options of Outputs 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8. So there seem to be at least four dedicated stereo output options on the Helix.

 

So, from what you're saying here, the Mainstage Outputs 1/2 are sent to the L/R XLR (assuming it might also be sent by default to the L/R 1/4") on the Helix?

 

What I now need to figure out is where the Mainstage Outputs 3/4 are routed by default (if they are at all), and if it would be possible to easily route Outputs 1/2 to the XLR and Outputs 3/4 to the 1/4".

 

This individual is doing something similar but he doesn't really explain how he has the outputs routed:

 

 

The main difference being that he is routing Mainstage as well as guitar and vocals through separate signal paths on the Helix, which I understand how to do. However, I am only using the Helix as an audio interface to get my guitar signal (straight out from USB 1/2) to Mainstage to control the Midi Guitar 2 plugin, there is going to be absolutely no guitar signal routed from the Helix. Again both the backing tracks and live sounds will be generated through Mainstage into two separate stereo outputs, that will then be routed through the Helix outs if possible.

 

EDIT:

 

So after going a little deeper into the manual, I came across a section I'd skipped over before, believing it only to be for reamping purposes:

 

Seems like it will be possible, but I'll need to route the two separate paths to USB 3/4 and 5/6 then create two signal paths in the Helix, one going to XLR and one going to 1/4". Am I overlooking something or could it be done another way?

 

Edited October 9, 2018 by THNRV

[arkieboy]

I think you're right.  Setting USB1/2 is simply doable from the configuration menu - if you want to route the other inputs you will need to create an audio input path to receive them.  I have a separate audio path to take the external returns and mix them with the jack output - I have a VG99 connected to the returns for acoustic guitars and COSM synths.