HX Effects FX loop

[CraigOrn]

Can somebody walk me through when and how to use the Fx loop blocks? I have mine hooked up via the four Cable method. Also, is it normal for the amp controls to not do anything when the FX loop is in use?

[rd2rk]

Guitar>Helix Input>Helix Effects>FX Send 1 Block>FX Return 2 Block>Helix Send 1>Outboard Effects>Amp Input>Amp FX Loop Send>Outboard Effects>Helix Return 2>Helix Effects>Helix Left/Mono Out>Amp FX Loop Return

 

In Global Settings>Ins/Outs you want the SEND configured as INSTRUMENT because it's either connecting to the Amp Input or the Input of the Outboard (Stomp type) effect in front of the amp, and the RETURN as LINE because it's taking the amp's pre-amp signal back to the Helix.

 

You want the 1/4" OUTPUT configured to Instrument (less noise, but go to LINE if the signal is too weak).

 

Play around with the Global Settings for the Send/Returns (Inst/Line) before fooling with the actual Loop levels. Crank your amp so that you can hear the noise levels in the effects loops. See NOTES.

 

NOTES: Bolded text indicates physical jacks on Helix. This is the way I configure My Helix Floor for my Egnator Tweaker 15/112 combo. I used to do this using a single effects loop. I'd been playing very quietly (apartment level). When I got a chance to crank it up I noticed a big hum in the effects loop. When I reconfigured it as above, the hum went away. YMMV.

 

IF THE FX LOOP BLOCK IS BYPASSED, THE SIGNAL IS GOING DIRECT TO THE AMP'S RETURN, BYPASSING THE AMP's PREAMP AND TONESTACK.

If you want to use EITHER the amp's preamp OR a Helix amp/preamp, that's how you do it - have a button that turns OFF the FX Loop and turns ON the Helix Amp/Preamp.