Using floor Pedal with Helix Question.

[hifiman]

Was not sure where to ask this and hope this is the right place. Anyway I am running the Helix LT through my Friedman BE-50 Deluxe. I have it hooked up using the 4 cable method. I just ordered the new Friedman Smallbox pedal and want to use it along with the Helix. Not sure where to put it in line? Do I just hook it up going from guitar to pedal and then pedal to Helix? With the 4 cable method I am confused as to which cable the pedal would be placed In/Out. Thanks for any help. 

[rd2rk]

The Smallbox Pedal is essentially an "Amp In a Box". You can use it as an Overdrive by putting it between the guitar and Helix Input, or you can use it as an alternate "Front End" tonestack/pre-amp by putting it in a separate FX loop. With that FX Loop ON and the normal FX loop OFF you're replacing the BE-50's pre-amp section with the Smallbox running into the BE-50's FX Return. With the Smallbox loop OFF and the normal FX loop ON you're using only the BE-50's pre-amp section. With both FX loops ON you'd be running a pre-amp/tonestack into another pre-amp/tonestack, and it would likely be noisy as hell. Overkill, diminishing returns. Some people like using ODs in FX loops, but keep in mind that the FX Loops tend to add a bit of noise, which will be amplified by an OD like the Smallbox. Also, each FX loop adds latency to the signal chain (approx 2-3ms) when engaged. So, using the normal 4cm configuration or a second FX loop that's only ON when the other is off adds 2.8ms, Two FX loops on at once adds 4-6ms. Latency affects the "feel" or responsiveness of your picking.

[hifiman]

6 hours ago, rd2rk said:

The Smallbox Pedal is essentially an "Amp In a Box". You can use it as an Overdrive by putting it between the guitar and Helix Input, or you can use it as an alternate "Front End" tonestack/pre-amp by putting it in a separate FX loop. With that FX Loop ON and the normal FX loop OFF you're replacing the BE-50's pre-amp section with the Smallbox running into the BE-50's FX Return. With the Smallbox loop OFF and the normal FX loop ON you're using only the BE-50's pre-amp section. With both FX loops ON you'd be running a pre-amp/tonestack into another pre-amp/tonestack, and it would likely be noisy as hell. Overkill, diminishing returns. Some people like using ODs in FX loops, but keep in mind that the FX Loops tend to add a bit of noise, which will be amplified by an OD like the Smallbox. Also, each FX loop adds latency to the signal chain (approx 2-3ms) when engaged. So, using the normal 4cm configuration or a second FX loop that's only ON when the other is off adds 2.8ms, Two FX loops on at once adds 4-6ms. Latency affects the "feel" or responsiveness of your picking.

 

Thank you very much for the detailed reply and help.