euler1970 Posted August 19, 2019 Share Posted August 19, 2019 Hello, I am currently demoing Helix Native as I am interested in possibly purchasing the Line 6 HX stomp unit. I take complete blame for whatever I may be doing wrong and in no way am I trying to bash the Helix software. I have taken a couple of pre-recorded electric guitar loops in Logic Pro and then put the loops on an audio track that has just the Helix Native plugin loaded on it. Then, I simply run through the different Helix Native presets. The distortions honestly sound ghastly to my ears. Any guesses as to what might I be doing wrong? Again, I am not trying to bash Line 6...it's just that I've heard absolutely great things about the Helix software and would like to hear it for myself. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundog Posted August 19, 2019 Share Posted August 19, 2019 Be careful not to clip or overdrive your audio interface, and keep your level setting in Native below -6dB on the loudest peaks. BTW, what are you using for an audio interface? Your recorded electric guitar loops should be clean (not recorded from an amp, not distorted, etc). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
euler1970 Posted August 19, 2019 Author Share Posted August 19, 2019 Thanks! I was using some generic guitar loops from Logic. I'll try and post a sample here of what I was using. I have an Apogee Jam I use for an audio interface at the moment but haven't had a chance to play any guitar through it yet using Helix. Can you let me know what you think of the clips below? Thanks. The input for Helix is not clipping. Does it sound right? Using the 'PV Panama' preset in Helix for the second clip. Many thanks. Dry.mp3 Helix PV Panama.mp3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundog Posted August 19, 2019 Share Posted August 19, 2019 Your Dry file is already processed: the guitar tones are amped (real or modeled) and reverb/delay, etc. So if you run those already-processed sounds through Helix, you get some ugly results (processing on top of processing). Helix (and Native) are designed to process a raw "dry" guitar signal. Try using or creating a dry guitar tone. Your Apogee Jam will work nicely as an input device (interface) for you guitar. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
euler1970 Posted August 20, 2019 Author Share Posted August 20, 2019 Many thanks. Will give what you said a shot. I've heard some great examples of Helix on Youtube so it must be possible. Is there a difference in sound between using the HX Stomp with the Helix software versus using the Helix software by itself through a third party audio interface? Impedance maybe? In short, does the Helix hardware make a difference? Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundog Posted August 20, 2019 Share Posted August 20, 2019 Its subjective. Some say they can hear a slight difference. Most say they can hear no difference. It stands to reason that a decent audio interface helps. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
euler1970 Posted August 24, 2019 Author Share Posted August 24, 2019 Thanks Soundog. I've been able to get some good results now. However, Helix Native still sounds digital...to my ears anyways. Is there anyway around that using the Native software or perhaps third party plugins...just curious? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundog Posted August 24, 2019 Share Posted August 24, 2019 As long as you're trying demos, try some others. I really like Scuffhamp's S-Gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Axewarrior Posted August 24, 2019 Share Posted August 24, 2019 Just checked it out and im blown away. Was looking to download Native but now I have a dichotomy. It would appear that Scuffhamps package will give me the sound that im looking for in an instant. However, Native will team nicely with my Helix Floor. What are your thoughts Soundog? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
euler1970 Posted August 25, 2019 Author Share Posted August 25, 2019 13 hours ago, soundog said: As long as you're trying demos, try some others. I really like Scuffhamp's S-Gear. Already own S-Gear. It's the best amp software I have yet to hear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundog Posted August 25, 2019 Share Posted August 25, 2019 @axewarrior -- I suppose it depends on what you want for your recordings. Is it important your live presets match your recording presets? For me, its about finding really good tones for tracks quickly, and I get that from S-Gear. I also like how much easier it is to manage the presets and IRs — everything seems to be more self-contained and bullet-proof. And I love the simplicity. I still own Native, but its not my go-to amp sim. One advantage of Native is all of the stomp box emulations (if you need 'em). FYI, here is a good website for amp sim reviews. One guy's opinion: https://honestampsimreviews.com/category/reviews/amp-sims/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Axewarrior Posted August 28, 2019 Share Posted August 28, 2019 Hi Soundog They are very nearly the 'sounds in my head'. Damn. The problem now is....if I record with S-Gear plugins how will I emulate those sounds should I go live? Cheers 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deckard2 Posted August 31, 2019 Share Posted August 31, 2019 If I bought the HX Stomp unit would the Native software come with it free or is it an additional purchase? By the way, the effects in Native are really top notch, in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundog Posted August 31, 2019 Share Posted August 31, 2019 Yeah, the effects in Native are one of its best features. I think the current price for Native is $99 if you buy a Stomp — sometimes it drops to $70 during sales. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
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.