Using other software plug-in and Helix as the interface

[deparko]

Greeting,

I have a Helix LT plugged into my macbook pro using logic pro..etc. I currently use my Helix LT as my audio Interace. I really dig a lot of my presets but also have software plugins like Neural DSP..etc that I'd like to use.  How best can I configure my Helix LT to deliver a 'dry' signal? do I use a default preset with no blocks? or USB channel 7/8? or should I get another audio interface and run the Helix LT through that? Trying to figure out the options and best path forward. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

 

D

[rd2rk]

I have a preset called "For VSTs". The Output Block is either set to an output that's not in use, or set to -120db, depending on what I've got setup/wired at the time.

This prevents "Direct Monitoring". That is, ONLY the VST is being heard.

I use USB 7/8 for the VST Input.

 

You can also set the Output Block to USB 3/4 or 5/6, which allows you to put Helix effects in front of the VST. This is useful for pure VSTs that don't have overdrives such as S-Gear, and also for pure amp sims. 

 

Another way to use this is to put your VST in a Helix FX Loop. Set the Path 1 Output Block to USB 3/4 or 5/6 and set the Path 2 Input block to USB 3/4 or 5/6. Set the VST track Input to 3/4 or 5/6 (whatever the Path 1 Output is set to) and the track output to 3/4 or 5/6 (whatever the Path 2 Input is set to). Since this is a completely digital route, there will be minimal added latency, as there are no extra AD/DA conversions such as would occur when putting outboard effects in a loop. You'll want to make sure that the DAW track you're using for the VST is sending on 3/4 or 5/6 and isn't also routing to the default Master USB 1/2 where any other DAW tracks are playing back directly to the Helix Outputs.

[deparko]

thank you very much..will try out