How to connect Helix, DT25 head and FRFR speaker

[jonggamueda]

Hi All,

can i get some help and advice on how to connect Helix, DT25 and a Headrush FRFR.

 

Thank you all.

[rd2rk]

I don't own a DT25, but fro a quick look at the manuals:

 

Using quality XLR cables, connect the The Helix L6 Link socket to the DT25 L6 Link socket.

Connect the Left/Mono XLR (or 1/4" Left/Mono) socket to the FRFR.

If you have two DT25s and want stereo, connct an additional XLR cable between the Amps.

 

[waymda]

Hi

 

Assumption number 1 - you realise you need a speaker cab for the DT25 head and CANNOT run it into the headrush (unless you want smoke and flames and dead equipment).

 

I have  a pair of DT25s and a pair of PC+ FRFRs, so I'll base this reply on them, and known limitations. I cannot mix and match powercabs and DT25s at this point and have control over both.

 

As the DT25 contains pre (modelled) and poweramps (tube) you might want to run it using pre-amp models only bypassing the internal pre - this can be done using the Line6 Link output with an proper AES/EBU specc'd cable (looks like a mic cable but the impedance is different). 

 

The Headrush will require speaker/mic modelling post any Helix amps or it will sound like a head run into a PA speaker.

 

For my set-up I use the pair of PC+s a bit like the DT25s in that they run as a power amp with modelled speaker (no mic modelling) for stage sound, and I run a feed with speaker/mic modelling to the PA/inears.  The band hears an amp in the room, I hear a mic'd up amp in ears (with some room bleed).

 

Your set-up will mean the DT25 gives you amp in the room and the Headrush will give you a mic'd up cab sound - this will mean they are very different sounds.  You will be able to blend them well, but you need to be aware that they are doing very different things.  I'm not aware of any impulses etc that allow an FRFR to behave like a modelled cab without a mic (the Powercab seems to be unique in this regard).

 

So how would I run your set-up?

 

Path A: Effects that run before the amp (dirt pedals boosts etc) >>>> A/B split >>>> effects just for this amp (chorus, harmoniser etc) amp 1 >>>> Path B send panned hard left

                                                                                                                                           >>>> effects just for this amp (chorus, harmoniser etc)amp 2 >>>> Path B send Panned hard right

 

Path B: Stereo Effects that run post amps (reverb, delay, etc) >>>>>> A/B Split >>>>> Cab block or IR >>> post cab effects (EQ/compressor)>>>> XLR out panned hard left >>>> Headrush

                                                                                                                                           >>>>> final pre-cab processing (EQ/compressor) >>>> (digital) Line 6 link out panned hard right >>>> DT25

 

A mod of this would be to separate path B as entry points from path A and mono effects on each - ie run like a pair of completely different amps

 

The DT 25 can be set-up via Line 6 link to swap power stages, and a bunch of other stuff by clicking on the digital out pages in HX Edit.

 

This is a complex set-up, but once you get used to it you start to have a great work flow happening - I tend to use a template with the layout and mod from there.

 

BIG CAUTION: When you monitor from the headphone out or via USB you WILL NOT hear what you get from the headrush and DT25.  You will need to take a send from the DT25 balanced out and the left line of the Helix or an out from the headrush to get close.

 

I'm running the 2 PC+s over the pair of DT25s for this reason - my digital send can very closely replicate the XLR and line outs as the only diff is the cabs are modelled in the room.

 

If you like an approximate template let me know and I post one.