Helix how to make a modelling FX Loop

[FAchterberg]

Hi all,

I was searching for how to replicate a FX loop with only using the Helix. So no signal to a real amp or something like that but just a regular signal path in the Helix which replicates an FX loop with effects on a amp. Normally the FX loop runs between the pre-amp and the poweramp. Although, the manual says you only should use the pre-amp if you use a real poweramp afterwards. And that is not the case as I run my Helix straight into FRFR Friedman Cab.

So I am wondering how to create a FX loop with only using the signal path from Helix without anything else. Or is the signal path already knowing that, every effect placed after the amp+cab model, should be in the virtual fx loop of the amp?

I have always used the signal path with some effects like compressor, distortion in front of the amp+cab model and some effects like delay, reverb and modulation. But in this case I try to replicate the settings of Tom Morello for some songs. It seems he has all of his effects in a the FX Loop of his amp. His pedalboard is quite easy and all the effects are available in the Helix as well as his amp.

I have set it up now as amp+cab and than all the effects but I believe that is not the same as an real FX Loop as I expect pre-amp > all the effects > poweramp > cab.

What is correct for this?

Kind regards and merry Christmas.

[codamedia]

Until Line 6 provides us with a separate power amp block, there is no way to chain a true "effects loop" within he Helix itself. 

 

The closest you would get (visually) is by inserting the "AMP MODEL > ALL EFFECTS WITHIN LOOP > CAB MODEL".... BUT, that really won't yield any audible difference than just placing the effects after the cabinet model. 

 

 

[rd2rk]

It's true that you should use the preamp models with a proper guitar amp for a true FX Loop.

You should use the full Helix amps for a straight Helix signal chain.

Part of the reason for this is that the impedance curve for the cab is baked into the power amp portion, and that affects both the tone and "feel".

That impedance curve is based on the cab that's modeled in the amp+cab option.

Helix doesn't separate the preamp from the power amp simulation, so you can't get a true FX Loop in the traditional sense.

The closest you can get is to use a full amp (not amp+cab), then put your time based FX between the amp and a separate cab.

The impedance curve remains optimum (for the modeled cab) even with the cab separated by those FX.

Not a perfect solution, but it is what it is, and any impedance curve is better than none.

We're all hoping for separate power amps in a future update, as well as selectable impedance curves to accommodate using other cabs/IRs, the way that Fractal does it.

 

NOTE 1: the above-mentioned impedance curve models the physical interaction between the power amp and speaker. There're in depth discussions about it over on TGP.

 

NOTE 2: Once upon a time, amps didn't have FX Loops, and ALL FX, when playing live, went into the front of the amp. If you use the amp+cab model, it's like when a recording engineer adds FX in post. It sounds different, but try it both ways, you might like it better one way or the other. Remember that in modeling there's no rules except "If it SOUNDS good, it IS good!".