Helix with SD PS170 and mesa 2x12

[jeremytabor]

Hi all!! I'm a new Helix LT user, running into a Seymour Duncan Powerstage 170 into a Mesa 2x12. I have tried so many things to get a good loud and high gain sound and just can't. Preamp models, full amp models, eq blocks,etc, they all sound super glassy and harsh and thin. I've messed with master volume, bias, bias x, amp eq, eq block with no luck. Any thoughts or suggestions are greatly appreciated, before I just give up and return this thing.

[zappazapper]

Tone is a very subjective matter. What doesn't sound good to you might sound fine to me and tons of others using the same gear. Words like "glassy", "harsh", and "thin" only go so far in describing what you're hearing. You might want to consider posting an audio clip of what you're hearing, and maybe even an example of the kind of tone you're looking for, like a YouTube video or something. 

 

Anyway, beyond that, "high-gain" to me starts with the Mesa Boogie Mark IV Lead Channel model. Both Gains at full, treble at full (treble full on a Mark IV will almost negate the Mid and Bass controls, so I wouldn't worry too much where they're set). That will start to give you tight palm muting, but if you want it tighter you can put a Tube Screamer model in front of the amp, Gain 0, Tone at 5, Volume full. Then use the built-in parametric EQ on the Mark IV to beef up the low end and maybe scoop out some mids. That's a good "basic" high-gain "thrash metal" tone to me. Might not be anywhere near what you're looking for. No way to tell unless you post clips. There are a number of other good high-gain models also. 

[jeremytabor]

In fairness, I gigged with it for the first time last night, and it ended up sounding great! I think a lot of my problem was not adjusting things with a full band, plus the signal i sent to FOH was dialed in very warm with a nice ribbon mic on the cab block so mixed in with my stage sound from the 2x12 things sounded very nice. The sonic interaction of the other instruments playing with the amp seems to have a significant effect on my ears that makes all the difference. I hadn't played with the Mark IV model, but dialed one in this morning per your suggestion and it does sound very nice! I dialed back the gains a little, my desired tone is what I'd describe as heavy rock, some nice heavy saturation but not full bore distortion. I'm going to tinker some more with it as my B amp in my chain. I'm an Andy Timmons fanatic (the man has perfect tone) and I know he uses the Mark IV a lot. Thanks for your time and suggestions! 

[zappazapper]

That's great, I'm glad things worked out. Happy endings don't occur that quickly that often around here, especially when it comes to "tone". The options available can be daunting, and also as it designed to be an accurate representation of a bunch of wildly different amplifiers, it's just as easy to get "bad" tone as it is to get "good" tone, since one man's treasure is another man's trash.

[Schmalle]

'Super glassy', 'harsh' and 'thin' are all adjectives that indicate a lack of bass and/or low mids.

[zappazapper]

6 hours ago, Schmalle said:

'Super glassy', 'harsh' and 'thin' are all adjectives that indicate a lack of bass and/or low mids.

That assumes that the solution, then, is to turn the Bass parameter up. I doubt that would work.

 

A picture, or in this case, an audio clip, is worth a thousand words.

"It sounds like THIS. I want it to sound like THIS."

With that kind of context-specific information, then we can really begin to offer help.