Helix + Two Notes Cab M

[roscoe5]

From re-re-re-reading the manual for the Two Notes Cab M+ (TNCM), I just discovered that the TNCM line in is TRS and will take a stereo cable.  I am able to connect the Helix 1/4" phones out to the TNCM line in with TRS cable and have a dedicated global output to FOH or headphones.

 

This was significant to me as I REALLY don't like using Helix FRFR live, or even just jamming with friends.  After trying almost everything available (Line 6 Powercab + - harsh and  speaker models are weird standing in front;  Line 6 Spider Valve - big but sounds good; Fryette Powerstation - still like this one; Seymour Duncan Powerstage 700 - harsh and least favorite; and all the traditional guitar amp options) I FINALLY really connected and got along with Helix into the power amp in of a 4lb Matrix VB800 (fits in Helix backpack, class A/B power, not digital/harsh) + 30lb NL212 Neolight cab (most versatile 212 I've ever played - Mesa Recto, Marshall 1936, Orange, Bogner, Carvin, Peavey). AND I can walk into a gig or jam in one trip.

 

Of course this requires me to turn off cab models and any IR's in Helix.  But now I can just add on the TNCM to Helix via phones jack when needed.  This gives me that global cab model/IR "on/off" I always wanted in Helix.  The phones level control on Helix is VERY useful, using the TNCM frees up some Helix processor power, and I do not have to mess with my Helix cab-less presets anymore.

 

When I first got the TNCM, I had visions of using Two Notes BlendIR to capture my Matrix NL212 and just popping the TNCM into and effects send/return block for live use.  I'm a one cab-to-rule-them-all type of guy (BTW you can't switch cabs in TNCM via Helix or MIDI...come on Two Notes!), and used to drive myself crazy messing with all different cab models, mics, IR's...(IR-PTSD just kicked in).  I liked the Two Notes cabs WAY better than Helix cabs or IR's anyway.  But the TNCM with Helix send/return block was more wiring to mess with and I did not want to put Helix on a pedalboard.  So I shelved the TNCM and would just miked up the cab live, or turn on some cab blocks or IR's if required.

 

Anyway, this was a huge deal for me and I thought I would share.

[adagosto]

Thanks for your thoughts and experience.

 

The Matrix VB800 seems like a difficult item to buy nowadays.