Help on connections - 4 CM plus XLR outs

[MayPRS]

I'm guessing this is possible on the Helix but I wonder if you guys can guide me: I want to use my amp on stage with 4 CM - I make the usual 4 CM connections and there's a FX Loop block (I started with one of the 4 CM templates). Works great.

 

I wonder how can I do the following:

 

• No Helix amp on the 4 CM connection (I want to use my physical amp);
• Same signal path/blocks BUT with an added Helix amp+cab thru the XLR outs only so it can be connected directly to mixer.

 

Possible and how to do it? 

[MGW-Alberta]

(Assuming you are referring to Helix)

 

Use paths 1 and 2 independently.  Do not join them.  

 

Create your 4CM preset on path 1.

Set the path 1 output block to 1/4".

 

Now create your P/A preset with the amp block on path 2.  

Set the path 2 output block to XLR.

[MayPRS]

On 3/7/2023 at 1:50 PM, MGW-Alberta said:

(Assuming you are referring to Helix)

 

Use paths 1 and 2 independently.  Do not join them.  

 

Create your 4CM preset on path 1.

Set the path 1 output block to 1/4".

 

Now create your P/A preset with the amp block on path 2.  

Set the path 2 output block to XLR.

 

Thanks for your reply. Yes it's an Helix LT.

 

I already knew I could do it that way (sorry for not being clear on my first post - my fault) but I was wondering if I can use the same effect blocks instead of having to duplicate them on path 2.

 

[MGW-Alberta]

You can't have the amp block both enabled and disabled at the same time.

[rwandering]

No, you can't have an amp on and off, but if I am understanding what the OP asks, it can be done. 

 

There are multiple ways, but what I think is the simplest:

• Dedicate Path 1 to your effects / and your send/return for 4CM.
• Path 1's output is Path 2
• Path 2 splits into a/b
• 2a's output is your amplifier's return (note I think 2a needs some block, like a 100% volume at leaste).
• 2b has your selected amp (or amp/cab) and other effects you might want.  It's output is XLR.

 

[MayPRS]

Thank you all for the replies. I was searching for some videos and this came up:

 

 

But I think this method needs the delays, reverbs, mods, etc to be duplicated on the Path 1 B...

[MayPRS]

On 3/7/2023 at 3:19 PM, rwandering said:

No, you can't have an amp on and off, but if I am understanding what the OP asks, it can be done. 

 

There are multiple ways, but what I think is the simplest:

• Dedicate Path 1 to your effects / and your send/return for 4CM.
• Path 1's output is Path 2
• Path 2 splits into a/b
• 2a's output is your amplifier's return (note I think 2a needs some block, like a 100% volume at leaste).
• 2b has your selected amp (or amp/cab) and other effects you might want.  It's output is XLR.

 

 

Just wondering if I can do the above... BUT on Path 2b I can put a Helix cab to XLR outs. Correct me If I'm wrong: in 4 CM the physical amp's preamp is also "inside" the Helix correct?

 

So, if like @rwandering said, I connect this way:

 

• Dedicate Path 1 to your effects / and your send/return for 4CM.
• Path 1's output is Path 2
• Path 2 splits into a/b
• 2a's output is your amplifier's return (note I think 2a needs some block, like a 100% volume at least).
• 2b has a helix cab and other effects you might want.  It's output is XLR.

 

Would this be a good way? Meaning I use the physical amp preamp for everything but for XLR out I also add the cab - also does this mean I can get the effects in stereo on XLR out?

 

Many thanks!

 

 

 

[rwandering]

On 3/9/2023 at 1:45 AM, MayPRS said:

Correct me If I'm wrong: in 4 CM the physical amp's preamp is also "inside" the Helix correct?

Well yes, and for clarity (I hope), in 4CM you have this:

 

1. Guitar (cable 1).

2.(Potential for) effects before your physical amplifier's pre-amp.

3. The pre-amp of your physical amplifier (cable 2)

4. The send from your physical amplifier's effects loop (post pre-amp, before power amp) (cable 3)

5. (Potential for) effects before the physical amplifier's power amp.

5. The return to your physical amplifier's effects loop (cable 4).

6. Your physical amplifier's power-amp.

 

So the amp's preamp is inside, but the power amp is not.

 

On 3/9/2023 at 1:45 AM, MayPRS said:

2b has a helix cab and other effects you might want.  It's output is XLR.

 

So yes, you can do this, but you don't have a power amp on the XLR output.  You may at least want to add a gain block before the cab or increase the volume on the output. 

 

And to be clear -- you can do a lot of things with the Helix and some might not seem "right", but may sound great!  

 

P.S. Hoping "may PRS" doesn't mean you may get a PRS.

[MayPRS]

On 3/11/2023 at 3:47 PM, rwandering said:

P.S. Hoping "may PRS" doesn't mean you may get a PRS

 

Ah ah ah - I don't have a PRS at the moment but when I registered I did (the one in the picture - an S2 Singlecut McCarty). Maybe time to change the avatar :D