Helix + Powercab Plus equipment volume settings

[eharding]

When playing a Helix through a Powercab Plus, should I turn the Helix volume all the way up and control the overall volume from the PC+ or vice versa?

 

Or maybe it doesn't matter?

 

Thanks!

[rd2rk]

Consider four scenarios:

 

1) Jam/small gig no FOH - Annoying to run back and forth to the Powercab to adjust levels. Crank the Powercab and control level with Helix Big Knob.

2) Jam/small gig no FOH - Annoying to have the Big Knob accidentally changed by dragging an instrument cable across it (or whatever). Take the Big Knob out of the scene by setting it to an unused output, thus delivering max signal to Powercab. Adjust levels with Powercab Output Knob.

3) Bigger gig with FOH support - set up like 2) so that FOH gets a consistent signal from Powercab XLR Out. Adjust stage level from Powercab Output Knob.

4) Bigger gig with FOH support - take FOH from Helix XLR Out (with Cab/IR), XLR NOT controlled by Big Knob. Big Knob controls level to Powercab (like 1)) or nothing at all (set stage level with Powercab Output Knob, like 2) or 3)).

 

Scenario 3) works because the Powercab XLR Out takes it's signal from the Powercab INPUT level, which is controlled by the Output level from Helix, but is NOT affected by changes to the Powercab Output Knob setting.

 

As long as the output level from the Helix is not overloading the Powercab Input (level light Green to flickering Yellow) you're good there. Set each preset's output level with the Powercab Output Level OFF, and the Helix Big Knob Maxed, using just the Powercab Input Level light as reference. If you do this for all your presets, they'll be output db leveled. That does not mean that the APPARENT (as perceived by your ears) level will be equal, but that'a another subject entirely.

 

 

[eharding]

Thank you for the help!