galroth Posted June 4, 2019 Share Posted June 4, 2019 Hi all, This will hopefully be a very simple question (: I just got my helix, I'm new to the digital/modeling world and am used to the very simple guitar > pedalboard > amp setup for gigs. Obviously I searched for tutorials and videos but couldn't find anything clear enough for me to understand, so please explain to me like a 5 year old- How do I connect my helix straight to FOH for playing live (no cabs/amp or anything)? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhead Posted June 4, 2019 Share Posted June 4, 2019 Connect the Helix outputs, either 1/4" or XLR, to the FOH feeds. You can use stereo or summed mono depending on what the house sound guy dictates. If using mono use the L/Mono output jack; if using stereo use both L/Mono and R jacks. If using the 1/4" outputs set the level to Line; if using the XLR outputs set the output level to Mic (see Helix Global Settings > Ins/Outs for these parameters). Also if using XLR tell the sound guy to NOT use phantom power on your channel(s). Use the standard stage monitors to monitor yourself on stage. Alternatively, use an FRFR personal monitor - not a regular guitar amp. If using a personal monitor I suggest using the XLR to FOH and use the Helix 1/4" L/MONO output to your monitor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galroth Posted June 4, 2019 Author Share Posted June 4, 2019 40 minutes ago, silverhead said: Connect the Helix outputs, either 1/4" or XLR, to the FOH feeds. You can use stereo or summed mono depending on what the house sound guy dictates. If using mono use the L/Mono output jack; if using stereo use both L/Mono and R jacks. If using the 1/4" outputs set the level to Line; if using the XLR outputs set the output level to Mic (see Helix Global Settings > Ins/Outs for these parameters). Also if using XLR tell the sound guy to NOT use phantom power on your channel(s). Use the standard stage monitors to monitor yourself on stage. Alternatively, use an FRFR personal monitor - not a regular guitar amp. If using a personal monitor I suggest using the XLR to FOH and use the Helix 1/4" L/MONO output to your monitor. Thanks! much simpler than I thought. Any advantage to using XLR over 1/4" cables? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverhead Posted June 4, 2019 Share Posted June 4, 2019 No real advantage over short distances imho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rd2rk Posted June 4, 2019 Share Posted June 4, 2019 You might also go into Globals and set the BIG KNOB to 1/4". This way FOH gets a consistent UNITY GAIN signal on the XLRs, and you can control your monitors (if you're using them) with the BIG KNOB. Although the BIG KNOB set full on is also UNITY GAIN, there's always a chance that it could get accidentally changed during a performance, which would not be good if it's controlling the FOH feed. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DunedinDragon Posted June 4, 2019 Share Posted June 4, 2019 2 hours ago, galroth said: Thanks! much simpler than I thought. Any advantage to using XLR over 1/4" cables? That's more of a question that deals with your situation. If you're going to a mixer run by a soundman that's provided to you by the event or club, he'll most likely want you to send via XLR as that's most common since that's what microphones and most, if not all, other inputs are going to be. If it's your local mixer run by you or someone in your band it's up to you as long as the mixer isn't too far away. For myself, if I go to a board I go via XLR simply because I reserve the 1/4" for my stage monitor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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