Helix To Powercab L6 Link Digital Out Level

[rbosque]

The L6 Link between my Powercab 212 and Helix is only partially working.  I can send audio signal from the Helix and I can change speaker models from the Helix, but I can't control the Digital Out Level from the Helix to the Powercab.  The Firmware Version in my Helix is 3.11.0 and the Powercab is V 2.00.1 (both are the latest available as of this morning) and I am using the correct 110 ohm cable to make the L6 Link connection.

 

According to the Helix manual (3.10 Revision F), when a Helix and Powercab are interconnected via L6 Link, the Helix is supposed to automatically disable S/PDIF and switch to AES/EBU.  Then, you should be able to use the Digital Out Level to control the level of audio being sent to the Powercab.  But instead, when I connect the Powercab to the Helix using L6 Link, the Helix does not automatically switch to AES/EBU.  Moreover, it makes no difference whether I set the Digital Output to S/PDIF or AES/EBU; either way, I can adjust the Digital Out Level full scale from -60 dB to +18 dB and it makes no difference in the output level sent to the Powercab.  

 

Now, I know that I can change the output level in the Output block of the Helix but that also affects the output levels to the XLR and 1/4" connectors and I don't want those to be affected.  I want to be able to adjust the Digital Out Level to the Powercab independently of the XLR and 1/4" outputs for several reasons.  I want to thank everyone in advance for their replies.  

[phil_m]

34 minutes ago, rbosque said:

The L6 Link between my Powercab 212 and Helix is only partially working.  I can send audio signal from the Helix and I can change speaker models from the Helix, but I can't control the Digital Out Level from the Helix to the Powercab.  The Firmware Version in my Helix is 3.11.0 and the Powercab is V 2.00.1 (both are the latest available as of this morning) and I am using the correct 110 ohm cable to make the L6 Link connection.

 

According to the Helix manual (3.10 Revision F), when a Helix and Powercab are interconnected via L6 Link, the Helix is supposed to automatically disable S/PDIF and switch to AES/EBU.  Then, you should be able to use the Digital Out Level to control the level of audio being sent to the Powercab.  But instead, when I connect the Powercab to the Helix using L6 Link, the Helix does not automatically switch to AES/EBU.  Moreover, it makes no difference whether I set the Digital Output to S/PDIF or AES/EBU; either way, I can adjust the Digital Out Level full scale from -60 dB to +18 dB and it makes no difference in the output level sent to the Powercab.  

 

Now, I know that I can change the output level in the Output block of the Helix but that also affects the output levels to the XLR and 1/4" connectors and I don't want those to be affected.  I want to be able to adjust the Digital Out Level to the Powercab independently of the XLR and 1/4" outputs for several reasons.  I want to thank everyone in advance for their replies.  

Yes, connecting anything to the AES/EBU - L6 Link connection disables the S/PDIF out, but the L6 Link isn’t AES/EBU. It’s a proprietary connection that’s similar to AES/EBU. The Digital Out Level parameter in the Global Settings menu has no effect on the L6 Link level, as you’ve seen.

[PierM]

The S-PDIF and AES/EBU setting section isnt for the Link protocol. Is to pre-select the digital protocol being used to connect to an audio interface/DAW. The L6 Link protocol is proprietary, and it's automatically engaged when connecting a Line 6 device through a Link connection. The Digital Out Level is only affecting the Spdif and AES/EBU to DAW signals.

[rbosque]

Thank you, Phil_m and PierM for your prompt replies.  It's not what I wanted to hear, but thanks for letting me know

 

 I was hoping that the Digital Out Level would control the output to the Powercab when using the L6 Link.  The reason is that when I set the output levels on the Helix high enough to give the Powercab the level it needs through the L6 link for best SNR and maximum volume, the signal coming out of the XLR outputs at mic level is too hot for some mixers.  This is not too big a deal when I'm using my X-32 Rack mixer because I simply turn down the gain on the channel strips to compensate for the hot signal coming out of the Helix.  But some of the cheaper, simpler mixers at some venues and rehearsal studios can't handle the hot signal as well.  Having separate level controls for the XLR and L6 outputs would allow me to set levels better. 

[rd2rk]

3 hours ago, rbosque said:

According to the Helix manual (3.10 Revision F), when a Helix and Powercab are interconnected via L6 Link, the Helix is supposed to automatically disable S/PDIF and switch to AES/EBU.

 

Connecting L6 Link doesn't automatically disable S/PDIF - from the manual Page 25:
 

Digital
S/PDIF,
AES/EBU,
L6 LINK
Choose the Digital Output type (S/PDIF or AES/EBU), Digital Output Level, and the desired Sample Rate in the "Global Settings > Ins/Outs". The Global Ins/Outs settings are not necessary for L6 LINK—also see "L6 LINK - Powercab Plus and DT 25/50 Amp Options" on page 25.

 

That's confusing.

If the Global>Ins/Outs>Digital Output is set to S/PDIF, then connecting L6 Link disables the HARDWARE S/PDIF Out, but as others have said, Digital Out Level only applies to the signal over USB to a DAW. 

 

You didn't specify your other reasons for wanting to control the Digital Out Level, but if you want to control the Powercab's audible Output Level WITHOUT affecting it's XLR and 1/4" outputs, connect a MIDI cable and assign whatever controller you want to use to MIDI CC#7. This will give you the equivalent of physically turning the Powercab's VOLUME knob, which is independent of BOTH the Helix and Powercab's XLR and 1/4" Outs. It ONLY affects the Powercab's audible output volume.

 

EDIT: Your last post hit before I hit send.

 

To control the level of the Powercab's XLR Outs, use the LEVEL setting in Powercab, and compensate the Powercab's audible Level using the VOLUME KNOB.

[phil_m]

16 minutes ago, rbosque said:

Thank you, Phil_m and PierM for your prompt replies.  It's not what I wanted to hear, but thanks for letting me know

 

 I was hoping that the Digital Out Level would control the output to the Powercab when using the L6 Link.  The reason is that when I set the output levels on the Helix high enough to give the Powercab the level it needs through the L6 link for best SNR and maximum volume, the signal coming out of the XLR outputs at mic level is too hot for some mixers.  This is not too big a deal when I'm using my X-32 Rack mixer because I simply turn down the gain on the channel strips to compensate for the hot signal coming out of the Helix.  But some of the cheaper, simpler mixers at some venues and rehearsal studios can't handle the hot signal as well.  Having separate level controls for the XLR and L6 outputs would allow me to set levels better. 

If you’re not connecting stereo from the XLR outs, you could always use the XLR outs on the Powercab. You can control that level from the Global Settings menu in the Powercab itself.

[rd2rk]

Edited previous post.