Adding the catalyst to the helix signal chain

[Stratsmyboy]

Can anyone share a pic of their signal path showing how theyd implement the catalyst among the signal path? I want to know how to be able to switch between multiple catalyst amp options as well as the choice of helix amp choices within in a preset. Not saying i will but ive only ever went into the front of a powercab and have never used an effects loop, not even with a tube amp so its new to me. Im guessing i can figure out a standard set up but jumping straight into the multiple catalyst channels and how i introduce helux options may be a bit too far straight off the bat. Havent received my helix yet as im waiting for a few things to sell but ive had one before and im just prepping and getting excited about it and the catalyst together.

[rd2rk]

Attached are 4 presets - 2 for Helix with Cat FS (LFS2) and 2 for without the FS (NFS).

 

Configuration:

Wire the rig for 4cm using Send1 and Retrurn2. I find that when switching Helix amps that this configuration is less noisy than using a single Send/Return Block.

In Global Settings configure Stomp Mode for 10 Stomps and setup Preset Mode with 4 Presets and 4 Snapshots.

Put the physical FX Loop Switch on the back of the Catalyst in the LEFT (FX Loop) position. This places the Cat's FX after the RETURN and before the Power Amp.

MIDI Channel is 1 (BASE on my Helix) which is the Catalyst Default.

 

The 2 presets call the Clean Amp and the Boutique amp in Cat Bank1 and Bank 2, the A Channel of each. They'll call whatever you have in those Banks/Channels.

To call others just copy the Presets and change the Program Change message (PC#) in the second Instant Command per the Cat Manual.

In the NFS versions you'll also need to change the PC#s on the A and B switches.

The first Instant Command turns ON the Cat's FX Loop, allowing 4cm to work.

 

I don't use the Helix footswitches to BYPASS the Cat's FX because when you change channels after using the Helix switches it confuses one or both of their tiny brains and the switches no longer do what they're set up to do. The way I get around this is to use the Cat's B channel to turn on Cat FX.

I use the Helix FS for Cat Boost in the NFS versions because when you use MIDI to switch channels after turning the Boost ON it goes OFF but the Helix switch is still ON. If you need to turn it on again you just hit the switch twice. For some reason if you do that with the Cat FX the switches start working backwards - MIDI OFF is ON and vice versa. IDK why it's different with the Boost, it just is.

 

The Cat's FS (LFS2) works the opposite - when you turn on the Cat's Boost it stays on when you switch Channels. Again, IDK why it's different with the Boost, it just is.

This is part of the reason I recommend getting the LFS2. BUT - With the LFS2, if either of the switches are ON and you change Helix Presets, the Cat's Preset loads in its SAVED state but the LFS2 switches remain ON. Re-syncing requires turning the LFS2 switches OFF. Without the LFS2 (the NFS Presets) if the Cat Boost switch is engaged and you switch Channels, the Cat Boost switch remains ON but the Cat's Boost is NOT on (unless the Cat's Preset was SAVED with it ON. You have to hit the Cat Boost switch to turn it OFF and re-sync or hit it twice to turn it ON. I know, it sounds very confusing, but play around with it and it should make sense.

 

Keep in mind that these presets are intended to show you the principles of how the interactions work in a couple of Helix "Kitchen Sink" presets. Once you understand the principles you can create multiple specific use presets both on the Helix and the Cat which will behave the way you need them to.

 

There are two Boost switches in the NFS versions, one is the Cat Boost and the other is called Lead Boost. Lead Boost just adds 5db to the Output Block Level, so it's a Clean boost, whereas the Cat Boost is before the amp and overdrives the Cat Amp's Input.

 

The Snapshots "HiWatt" and "OrangeRkr" turn OFF the 4cm (by turning OFF the Send/Return Blocks) cutting the Cat's amps out of the signal chains. The Helix Amps are in Parallel and are always ON.

The Snapshots simply redirect the signal from 2A (WhoWatt) to 2B (Mandarin Rocker). Obviously, you can put whatever amps in there that you want, just save the Preset with both amps ON and let the A/B Split do the routing.

 

I hope this all makes sense. Study the way it all works in Command Center and if you have questions feel free to ask.

 

Have Fun!

 

Catalyst1 NFS.hlx Catalyst1.hlx Catalyst2 NFS.hlx Catalyst2.hlx

[Stratsmyboy]

Hi thanks for that, really appreciate it. Sorry i havent got back sooner but this is the first opportunity ive had.