Helix's Audio Interface to a Monitor Controller

[vincent7428]

Hello Friends, 

 

   I understand that we can use Our Helix Floor as an audio interface. I wanted to ask if its possible to be able to route the Helix's Audio Interface into a Monitor Controller (Ex: Mackie Big Knob, Palmer Monicon L)? This would allow me to go back and forth between two sets of monitors for referencing purposes when I use a Monitor Controller.  If this is possible, how would the steps go for me to make this happen? (I'm currently learning how to Mix music and trying to save money by skipping on a dedicated Audio Interface and just use the Audio Interface the Helix can provide). If anyone needs more information, I'll be more than happy to accommodate! Thank you all in advance. 

 

Many thanks,

Vincent  

[rd2rk]

I suggest that you download the manuals for the THREE Big Knob products, and whatever else you might be considering.

It LOOKS (after a brief look at the Big Knob Studio manual) like all you need to do is to connect the Helix to the computer by USB as ASIO Audio Interface to the DAW, and the DAW to the BKS by USB. Unless the BKS needs to be the AI, in which case, unless you have a MAC (create aggregate device), you'd need to connect a set of Outputs from the Helix to the BKS and route the audio to the BKS that way.

 

However, there's a lot of possibilities with these devices, you need to get studying!

 

I'm going to suggest that you'll find many more knowledgeable people in the area of studio design over on TGP in the RECORDING/LIVE SOUND Forum.

But seriously, FIRST READ THE MANUALS! There's videos too! 

[rd2rk]

I was just reading a little more, and the BKS is in fact an ASIO Audio Interface, so you can just use it instead of Helix as AI.

You might want to compare the audio specs on those to the specs on comparably priced AIs with S/PDIF (since you have a Floor).

The BKS doesn't really do anything that a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (for example) can't do, including swapping speaker outputs.

Bottom line, the BKS is just a fancy AI.

 

[vincent7428]

Thanks so much for the help. I'm a little lost in the Abbreviation for BKS though (lol). Can you explain to me what BKS stands for? I currently run the new M1 Mac. From my understanding, there are some issues with the integration with the Helix Floor and M1 but I still wanted to ask so I know what to do when the time comes. I really want to use the Palmer Monicon L for the monitor control. (I was just using the Mackie Big Knob as just another example). I thought it would've been as simple as having a cable run through the output of the Helix to the Input of the Monitor controller and from there, Have the Monicon L plugged in with two sets of monitors. And yes, reading the manuals for the Helix has been a great help. It's either I can find a way to make this method work (Helix to Monitor Control) OR just buy an audio interface and connect the Monicon L from there.   

[rd2rk]

BKS = Big Knob Studio. Being the first device you mentioned, I assumed it to be your first choice.

Palmer Monicon L = $240 on Amazon. That's a pretty expensive mixer. Nice wood though.

 

At the point where you feel the need for comparing a mix through multiple speakers, that implies (to me) serious intent. While Helix is a decent basic Audio Interface, it's not intended for a serious studio. Despite L6's claims that it can be the "HUB" of your studio, it's limitations as a studio "HUB" are many.

 

If you're only ever going to simultaneously record one or two instruments and a vocal with simple signal paths, maybe use it as a MIDI pass-through for synths and eDrums, you'll be fine. But at the point where you think you need a specialized speaker switcher for $240, consider, you're halfway to a proper multi-I/O Audio Interface with better specs (including better latency) than the Helix (Scarlett 3rd gen 18i20=$549 on Amazon). And, Helix can be configured for multiple speaker systems for use while you're saving for the better AI.

 

Do what you want and can afford, but just some things to consider.

 

 

[Dropt_Packt]

I have a similar setup with my Helix, and it has been working well for many years.  Basically I wanted to use two sets of output speakers, and to be able to control their relative volumes.  I'm using a competitor to the Mackie Big Knob: The Behringer Control2USB (Monitor Controller).  My setup is pretty simple:

 

Helix (and Other Sources) --> Mixer --> Behringer Control2USB --> [Studio Monitors] + [PA Speakers]

 

If you're using just the Helix as a source, you shouldn't need the mixer at all.  As for the Behringer, I am using the output from the mixer, going into one input on the Monitor Controller

 

As rd2rk mentioned, I think you'll find that the Helix has significantly better specs (lower latency, higher bit-rate and frequency) when used for digital recording or output.  In fact, I never even bothered to hookup my Monitor Controller via USB, though it does have that option.  Generally, if I'm recording anything, it's direct from the Helix into a DAW.  I guess if I needed to record other channels (like drums or keyboards going into my mixer), I'd use the Behringer Studio Monitor (or maybe run the other instruments through the Helix's additional inputs).

 

The setup works great for me: I can independently manage the volume of my monitors and PA speakers using the "big knob" (what a name!) on the Behringer.  It also has handy "mute" and "dim" (lower all volumes with one button press) options.  I use the Helix as the primary output of my PC and control computer sound output levels using the volume controller on my keyboard.  That, along with the Helix's built-in expression pedal for guitar/bass volume, keeps all of the volume level controls within arm's reach.

 

It sounds like you're on the right track, but I hope this helps.