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Mic or Line Output for Helix


tarang74
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For the outputs, XLR and Line out

 

If I’m outputting to a console, will it be mic or line?

 

If both are connected to the same type of speaker, (all knobs same), will XLR and Line out have the same levels?

 

Also am I correct in saying that I don’t need a DI box?

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When you connect a microphone to a console, that's mic level. Connecting via XLR I always start with mic level. In a pro situation that usually gets it.

If you're connecting to amateur gear you may need Line level if the signal is too weak.

The level of the outputs will always be what you set them at in Global Settings.

If you're sending via XLR, you don'r need a DI box. Just be aware that phantom power from the board needs to be OFF or it will mess with your sound.

The Helix 1/4" outs are NOT balanced, so cable runs of >20' could mess with the sound (noise, attenuation) which is the best reason to use XLR cables to the board.

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2 hours ago, enjalt said:

 

Pointing to the manual (albeit French... which works for you ) is not a bad suggestion, but was the downvote of the OP really necessary? The OP knows the options, just wanted advice on which one to choose. This forum is all about advice and helping out :)

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  • 6 years later...
On 12/14/2025 at 5:00 PM, Motto85 said:

Just wanted to also add that the output of the clean signal comes from channel 8 if you're recording. I haven't seen anyone talk about this on any of the forums yet.

 

We talk about it frequently here whenever the question of Helix vs 3rd party Audio Interface comes up.

That only works if you're using Helix as the ASIO Audio Device in your DAW, and you can use either 7 or 8 for the various applicable Inputs.

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On 12/15/2025 at 12:00 AM, Motto85 said:

Just wanted to also add that the output of the clean signal comes from channel 8 if you're recording. I haven't seen anyone talk about this on any of the forums yet.


Hi,

 

Ooh, resurrecting a thread that has been gently sleeping for 6 years.

 

The OP asked a question regarding Line or Mic level signal output to mixing desk, but your comment actually referenced USB channels. You mention a clean signal on USB 8, which is only partially correct, depending on the HX device you are using.
 

The Helix Floor, Rack and LT units can send a DI audio signal on USB 7 & 8, with the Floor and Rack boxes usually designated for a Guitar source on 7 and a Mic on 8, as they are equipped with an XLR Mic input with 48v phantom power available. Others in the HX family generally use USB 5 & 6 for Direct Injected unprocessed audio. This has the advantage of facilitating your DI audio to be sent back over USB to your HX with its dedicated USB in channel to be re-amped with whatever preset you decide.

 

There is a section of each version of the units User’s Manual with a basic description of how to set up and use your HX to use USB audio for recording and re-amping technique. Basically, any audio sent from your computer, and or, DAW on USB 1&2 will pass through the HX unprocessed, perfect for jamming along to YouTube vids. Depending on whichever other USB Channel, from 3 through 8, you select as the input on your device - that audio can be re-amped to suit.

 

Hmm… I’m surprised that you seem to have missed any mention of this stuff in these pages. It’s not a secret. Simply type “Reamp” into the Search bar at the top of the main Helix forum page - then watch it light up with results!


Hope this helps/makes sense.

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On 12/14/2025 at 11:54 PM, rd2rk said:

 

We talk about it frequently here whenever the question of Helix vs 3rd party Audio Interface comes up.

That only works if you're using Helix as the ASIO Audio Device in your DAW, and you can use either 7 or 8 for the various applicable Inputs.

I just hadn't seen it yet, my bad. But I'm not getting mic signal from channel 7 though--I always thought that was designated as the unaffected DI guitar signal, and my own use seems to cosign with that.

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Page 68 of the LT 3.80 manual:

 

 

2 Re-amp Src (USB 7)

3 Re-amp Src (USB 8)

USB out 7 and 8 are dedicated to recording a DI signal which can be used for re-amping; choose which two inputs will be sent dry (unpro cessed) to your DAW.

By default, USB 7 is set to “Guitar” and USB 8 to “Variax.” See “USB Audio”

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On 12/15/2025 at 6:56 PM, Motto85 said:

I just hadn't seen it yet, my bad. But I'm not getting mic signal from channel 7 though--I always thought that was designated as the unaffected DI guitar signal, and my own use seems to cosign with that.

 

Hi again.

 

You haven't told us what Helix device you are trying to use with a microphone.

In my earlier reply, I mentioned that only the Helix Floor and Rack models are fitted with XLR Mic inputs and 48v Phantom Power, also by default USB 7 is set for Guitar and USB 8 is set for Mic. These can be changed to Aux, Variax, Variax Mags using the encoder below each option.

 

Example video - Helix Floor.

 

 

 

If you are using any of the other HX units then you will probably need to use a "Lo Z to Hi Z changer" (Impedence Matching Transformer) in order to use a 1/4'' socket input to connect your mic.

 

Example product:

https://www.hugohelmermusic.com/p-5859-hosa-mit435-lo-z-to-hi-z-microphone-transformer.aspx?srsltid=AfmBOop6qL39Y7IpWUTDNH-eGY3g8qC0nOMwH6DovshbuhaCLgJyu2g6

 

Lots of HX Stomp users are managing to add mics using this sort of set up.

 

Example video:

 

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

 

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