Optimum settings for outboard amp?

[rwinking]

Hopefully I can articulate this properly.....I use the Helix rack and control for FX only and it is superb. I don't mind the amp models but prefer my tube amp. So I run the rig 4CM with distortion and compressor  going into the front of an egnater modular amp (with the tube preamps) then into the time based FX and then out into the power section. My question is the volume control on the Helix and where to set it. Do you think it is better to have the master volume on the egnater set high with the Helix lower or set the Helix high and the master on the amp low.

It's interesting that the HX FX doesn't have a master volume on it.

So what do you think and what is your reasoning behind your conclusion?

Thanks everybody!

rick

[rd2rk]

The Volume Knob on your Helix is actually an attenuator. Dimed (or disabled) is UNITY (0db).

You don't need it IF the Eg's Master Volume is after the Return. That is, it's actually a power amp level control.

That's how my Tweaker worked, and I just took the Helix Volume knob out of the equation by assigning it to something other than 1/4".

That way all the gain staging adjustments are in the FX and as long as you're not overloading the FX Loop (has its own send/receive levels) you're good.

Simple is better.

[rwinking]

Hey, Thanks so much! I had no idea that you could bypass that volume knob. It really helped in the tone department....like a lot! I have a bunch more presence and clarity now. This is a real game changer for me. I mean I liked my tone but this will make it tons easier to get my tone and beyond.

So I assigned it to digital which really isn't doing anything anyway, right?

rick

[rd2rk]

Right.

[adagosto]

BUT, now that you have disabled the Helix volume knob, you no longer have that built-in attenuator. So, without that, how are you able to get low volumes/are you able to get low volumes and do you even care about low volumes?

 

I have a Stomp, and I've never tried to disable the Stomp volume, but now I'm curious how my Vox would sound. Thing is, when I bypass the Stomp, the Vox always sounds much louder and well, better. Its not at all bad with the Stomp on, just different. Sometimes things that are louder inherently sound "better", but I think there's more going on.

 

Good question...good answer...now I have questions! LOL

 

[rd2rk]

On 8/30/2022 at 8:08 AM, adagosto said:

BUT, now that you have disabled the Helix volume knob, you no longer have that built-in attenuator. So, without that, how are you able to get low volumes/are you able to get low volumes and do you even care about low volumes?

 

I have a Stomp, and I've never tried to disable the Stomp volume, but now I'm curious how my Vox would sound. Thing is, when I bypass the Stomp, the Vox always sounds much louder and well, better. Its not at all bad with the Stomp on, just different. Sometimes things that are louder inherently sound "better", but I think there's more going on.

 

Good question...good answer...now I have questions! LOL

 

 

By using the Master Volume on the amp. Note my comment on the LOCATION of the Master Volume in the circuit. I'm not familiar with your no-model-specified Vox, so I don't even know if it has an FX loop or where the Master Volume is located in the circuit.

 

Instead of hijacking this thread, start a new topic and describe EXACTLY your amp and configuration. While you may have provided that info in one of your many other threads, having it all in the thread I'm working on is helpful.