HX Stomp - In-DAW Only Monitoring

[BlankPlank]

Hi folks, I've looked around but can't see anything along these lines.

 

I've recently downsized from a Helix Rack, to a HX Stomp and plan on acquiring Native too. I'm currently having the use my HX Stomp as my main interface as my RME has spontaneously blown up...

When using the Rack, I had outputs on my patches set exclusively to USB 1/2 so there was no direct monitoring outside of my DAW, but general audio was still output through XLR's. I'd like to do the same with the HX Stomp using the 1/4" outputs, but on the Output section of my patches on the HX Stomp, I can only select Main L/R, meaning that my patches are ALWAYS directly monitored, even outside of my DAW.

Is there a setting or something I can alter to help resolve this, or am I stuck with direct monitoring until I have my RME fixed and purchase Native?
Thanks in advance!

[rd2rk]

Use USB 3/4 for your DAW. That's the processed signal. USB 5/6 gives the UN processed signal for re-amping with Native.

In the Output Block, set the LEVEL  to -120db (full left/ OFF). The signal from your DAW bypasses the signal chain to the 1/2 Outputs.

[nandinga]

@BlankPlank I have the same problem. I want to listen directly from the Stomp and use DAW monitoring so I can add effects within it (same reverb sends as other channels, master bus compression, etc.).

 

These are the partial solutions I've came up with:

• @rd2rk's: Split your path at the end and set its output to go USB 3/4 (and inevitably to the FX send).
  Shortcomings:
  • Can't use the FX loop
  • Can't use parallel processing (can't split 2 times)
  • Need to edit the patch
• Use computer inputs USB 7/8 (dry signal from aux/FX loop return inputs) and ensure your FX loop is the last thing you use in your path.
  Shortcomings:
  • Can't use any effect after the FX loop
  • Need to edit the patch
• Use computer inputs USB 5/6 (dry signal from inputs) and set level of output block to -120dB (practically off).
  Shortcomings:
  • You're using the Stomp as an audio interface only. None of the effects, patches, etc. are usable.

I've been reading the manual very carefully and investigating the internet and I'm fairly certain there's no better solution, so this turns into a feature request:

 

Line6, can we add an option to turn off direct monitoring when connected via USB? I understand the usability risk of leaving that setting off, unplugging from your DAW and not understanding why you're not getting any sound, but maybe a way is to have an USB output block as an option (like we have for input) making it per-preset and clearly visible on the display.

[phil_m]

1 hour ago, nandinga said:

@BlankPlank I have the same problem. I want to listen directly from the Stomp and use DAW monitoring so I can add effects within it (same reverb sends as other channels, master bus compression, etc.).

 

These are the partial solutions I've came up with:

• @rd2rk's: Split your path at the end and set its output to go USB 3/4 (and inevitably to the FX send).
  Shortcomings:
  • Can't use the FX loop
  • Can't use parallel processing (can't split 2 times)
  • Need to edit the patch
• Use computer inputs USB 7/8 (dry signal from aux/FX loop return inputs) and ensure your FX loop is the last thing you use in your path.
  Shortcomings:
  • Can't use any effect after the FX loop
  • Need to edit the patch
• Use computer inputs USB 5/6 (dry signal from inputs) and set level of output block to -120dB (practically off).
  Shortcomings:
  • You're using the Stomp as an audio interface only. None of the effects, patches, etc. are usable.

I've been reading the manual very carefully and investigating the internet and I'm fairly certain there's no better solution, so this turns into a feature request:

 

Line6, can we add an option to turn off direct monitoring when connected via USB? I understand the usability risk of leaving that setting off, unplugging from your DAW and not understanding why you're not getting any sound, but maybe a way is to have an USB output block as an option (like we have for input) making it per-preset and clearly visible on the display.

 

So you want to hear the sound coming through you DAW, but not from the preset directly? If you select a different output at the output block, that's all you need to do. Set the output block to USB3/4, as you said. You still get playback from the DAW over USB1/2 back into the Helix, and that will be sent out over the XLR and 1/4" outs... I'm not seeing what's missing.

[rd2rk]

5 hours ago, phil_m said:

 

So you want to hear the sound coming through you DAW, but not from the preset directly? If you select a different output at the output block, that's all you need to do. Set the output block to USB3/4, as you said. You still get playback from the DAW over USB1/2 back into the Helix, and that will be sent out over the XLR and 1/4" outs... I'm not seeing what's missing.

 

HXS doesn't allow the Output Block to be changed from 1/2.

 

This is what Native is for. The preset I previously posted is all you need on the HXS. You do everything else in Native, and use whatever 3rd party effects you want. BETTER than using presets on the HXS, as you have no DSP limitation.

[phil_m]

11 hours ago, rd2rk said:

 

HXS doesn't allow the Output Block to be changed from 1/2.

 

This is what Native is for. The preset I previously posted is all you need on the HXS. You do everything else in Native, and use whatever 3rd party effects you want. BETTER than using presets on the HXS, as you have no DSP limitation.

Oh, I missed that this was the Stomp... The latest post came up in the approval queue yesterday, so I didn’t see the title.

[nandinga]

Quote

The preset I previously posted is all you need on the HXS

 

 

Which one @rd2rk, not sure I understand? can you use the pedals you have in the FX loop of the Stomp? and parallel processing? I'm mostly interested in a solution that allows me to practice with my pedalboard as assembled, and that means using HX effects both before and after the loop, which has other pedals on it. I in fact have pedals before the Stomp and in the loop.

 

The idea is to connect via USB and use the DAW as a practice tool, with eg. a fully tracked band (guitar muted, passing through a couple of extra effects in the DAW track, and the master bus.

 

I now see that other Helixes do support USB in the output block so the feature request boils down to just allow the same functionality in the Stomp... already developed, easy! hehe ;-p

BTW, sorry to hijack your thread @BlankPlank, but hope the solution to both our problems is the same.

[rd2rk]

In the attached preset, the Output 1/2 Block has the level set to -120. That effectively mutes Direct Monitoring.

Path B is USB 3/4. That takes your signal into your DAW.

You create your presets in Native, with whatever DAW post processing you want.

The DAW outputs your recorded tracks, mixed with your Native and DAW processed live guitar playing, to HXS Outputs 1/2, bypassing all HXS processing.

 

EDIT: the preset has a Poly Capo Block. Delete it if you like, it's not necessary, just something I was playing with using THU/Amplitube.

 

For VSTs HXS.hlx

[nandinga]

Thx @rd2rk, the thing is that if you use Path B output it goes not only to USB 3/4, but to the fx send physical outputs. If you do that and have some pedals on the loop and are using it as part of your chain, it effectively creates a feedback loop that renders it unusable.

 

Also, though less important, that solution doesn't permit parallel processing, since you need to split after all Path A effects to be able to use them, and you can only split once.

 

Not useful in my case but maybe enough for @BlankPlank?

[rd2rk]

6 minutes ago, nandinga said:

Thx @rd2rk, the thing is that if you use Path B output it goes not only to USB 3/4, but to the fx send physical outputs. If you do that and have some pedals on the loop and are using it as part of your chain, it effectively creates a feedback loop that renders it unusable.

 

Also, though less important, that solution doesn't permit parallel processing, since you need to split after all Path A effects to be able to use them, and you can only split once.

 

Not useful in my case but maybe enough for @BlankPlank?

 

Yes, in your (previously unstated) case, having real hardware effects in the HXS FX Loops, this would not work. The solution in your case is to trade your HXS for the full fat Helix, which is designed for more complex needs such as yours.

 

In the solution that won't work for you, but would work for @BlankPlank, parallel processing is entirely irrelevant. All of his processing will be ITB in Native and the DAW.

[soundog]

FYI,  I've settled on using my Stomp for DAW recording that's working nicely — by only using my audio interface rather than the Stomp's USB out for recording.

 

I use an Apollo Twin mkii (Thunderbolt) for recording through microphones (with headphone monitoring), and for output to two sets of monitors. Initially, I played around with switching over to the Stomp for recording and headphone monitoring when recording guitar tracks. I also tried using an aggregate device (under OSX). I found the aggregate device to be a pain and unreliable, and switching between the Stomp and Apollo to be cumbersome. So now I'm routing the Stomp through my Apollo only, and its made things much easier.

 

To do so, however, requires a direct box between my guitar and the Stomp to split the signal (I'm using a Samson MDA1 mono direct box). The DI's XLR out goes to the Apollo mic input, which in turn becomes my dry recorded track.  The split guitar (Thru) from the DI is my Stomp's input. I then route the Stomps Out L/Main TRS to the Apollo's TRS in for its preamp #2. I use this to monitor the processed guitar while recording (monitoring my DAWs output through the Apollo while hearing the Stomp's wet signal). I could record the wet signal in mono on a separate track (or could record wet stereo out if I used L + R for my Apollo inputs). But I personally like recording only a dry mono guitar track so I can treat it with plugins (amp sims, stereo effects, etc) when mixing. (I still have USB hooked up to my Stomp, for midi clock effects timing.)

 

Benefits: 1) using a single audio interface is easier to manage; 2) more flexible headphone and monitor outputs, 3) easier to dial in the guitar level when recording, 4) can play the Stomp through any of my monitor speakers with no computer required.

 

[rd2rk]

10 minutes ago, soundog said:

Benefits: 1) using a single audio interface is easier to manage; 2) more flexible headphone and monitor outputs, 3) easier to dial in the guitar level when recording, 4) can play the Stomp through any of my monitor speakers with no computer required.

 

This is the way I do it in my "studio" (the LR). Another advantage is that if I want to play through a VST, my Scarlett has better RTL than my Helix Floor.

It doesn't so much matter in my "office" (the DR) with my HXS, as I don't use hardware in the loops.