Sound artifact when using Helix and Powercab 112 Plus

[martski131]

Hi Folks,

I am having problems with peculiar sounds from my Helix setup.

I have a Fender Strat connected to the input of my Helix and the Helix is conected to my Powercab 112 Plus using an L6 Link cable. Sounds like the perfect setup...

However, when I play low pitched notes on the A and E strings I get what sounds like another synthesized note playing at the same time. I think it's there when I play higher pitched notes as well but it is not as obvious.  
It's a sound similar to that made if you play through an octave pedal that is set to the same pitch rather than an octave down. It's the same

note but it sounds synthesized and artificial and it's not something you can ignore.

I have tried the following without success:
Different guitars (a telecaster and my JTV-59 Variax)
A full factory reset on the Helix
Creating a new simple patch with nothing other than input > amp > output
Changing the input setting type from Multi to Guitar
Changing the output from L6 Link to 1/4-inch
A radical bass cut on the Global EQ (this reduced the artifact slightly but it's still there)

I am running the presets on my Helix without cabinet/mic models and just using the built in oresets on the Powercab. Strangely, it seems to sound worse when I set the Powercab to the FLAT setting. I have noticed that when I connect the Helix to another output device (I tried my Tech 21 Power Engine), there is no sign of the artifact. There is no trace of the artifact when I monitor through headphones either. I believe that

the artifact is not coming from the helix.

I am beginning to wonder if the Powercab is faulty but before I send it back to Anderton's (which will not be a trivial task) I wondered if

anyone on the forum has any ideas.

P.S. I am not sure if I should post this on the Helix forum or the Powercab forum so I am posting to both. I aplogise if this is in contradiction of the rules of use.

Martin

[SteveFrance]

Hi,

 

I post there cause i think you'll have more replies from helix owners.

Your problem is really strange, i have a LT and the PC+ too.

I don't notice what you have.

 

Have you tried to go mono xlr from Helix to Input 1/2 in PC+  to hear if there's a difference ?

[martski131]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the reply. It’s the only one I’ve had which was a little disappointing but I suppose no one else has had this sort of issue.

Anyway, I’ve contacted the store and they think there may be a problem with the PC+ so they are exchanging it for a new one. With luck that will sort things out!

Best wishes,

Martin

[HonestOpinion]

On 11/5/2018 at 8:20 AM, martski131 said:

Hi Folks,

I am having problems with peculiar sounds from my Helix setup.

I have a Fender Strat connected to the input of my Helix and the Helix is conected to my Powercab 112 Plus using an L6 Link cable. Sounds like the perfect setup...

However, when I play low pitched notes on the A and E strings I get what sounds like another synthesized note playing at the same time. I think it's there when I play higher pitched notes as well but it is not as obvious.  
It's a sound similar to that made if you play through an octave pedal that is set to the same pitch rather than an octave down. It's the same

note but it sounds synthesized and artificial and it's not something you can ignore.

I have tried the following without success:
Different guitars (a telecaster and my JTV-59 Variax)
A full factory reset on the Helix
Creating a new simple patch with nothing other than input > amp > output
Changing the input setting type from Multi to Guitar
Changing the output from L6 Link to 1/4-inch
A radical bass cut on the Global EQ (this reduced the artifact slightly but it's still there)

I am running the presets on my Helix without cabinet/mic models and just using the built in oresets on the Powercab. Strangely, it seems to sound worse when I set the Powercab to the FLAT setting. I have noticed that when I connect the Helix to another output device (I tried my Tech 21 Power Engine), there is no sign of the artifact. There is no trace of the artifact when I monitor through headphones either. I believe that

the artifact is not coming from the helix.

I am beginning to wonder if the Powercab is faulty but before I send it back to Anderton's (which will not be a trivial task) I wondered if

anyone on the forum has any ideas.

P.S. I am not sure if I should post this on the Helix forum or the Powercab forum so I am posting to both. I aplogise if this is in contradiction of the rules of use.

Martin

 

Have you tried reflashing the firmware on the Powercab+?  The Line6 downloads page has the latest firmware, Updater, and editor for the Powercab+. Even if you are on the latest firmware it might be worth rerunning the update anyway. Certainly can't hurt as a last ditch effort before returning it to Andertons. I would also check my global settings input/output levels etc. on the PC+.

 

The only other thing that occurred to me other than an actual problem with the Powercab+ is that you have an object(s) with a sympathetic vibration in the room that corresponds to a frequency that is  emphasized by the PC+ but not for example the Tech 21. Have you tried playing through the PowerCab+ in another room?

 

Lastly I would say suggest checking if the FRFR clarity of the PC+ and the existence of a "tweeter"/horn on the coax speaker might be surfacing a string buzz issue although that is probably not the problem if this is happening on multiple guitars.

[martski131]

Hi, got a replacement PC+ today and after trying it out the problem is resolved so it was a faulty PC+.

Thanks to all who made suggestions for your help.