Using Helix as external effects unit from a mixer

[brightonbob]

Hi All

I want to use Helix as an external effects unit attached to my mixer. I want to be able, through the mixer, to use the Helix effetcs for guitars, keyboard instruments,  vocals etc without changing cables etc for every instrument change.

 

Q1) I am not sure if this will work, if its a good idea or if there any known problems?

 

Q2) I would like to be able to route both mono and stereo signals in and out. Can I use the Guitar in and Aux in to achive a "fake stereo" in - how could this be done?

 

Thanks

 

 

 

[soundog]

The Helix is surprisingly versatile in terms of ins and outs. The manual is helpful to get a sense for the possible routing. I'm assuming you want to use it with an analogue mixer. If so, yeah, you could certainly use it as a robust external effects unit. For that, you would just use aux sends from your mixer (mono, or stereo if you have them .... usually sends are mono). You could even use preset changes for different songs to change the effect block chains in the Helix. If you have two aux sends/returns on your mixer, you could even set up two separate effect chains (using path A and B in the Helix).