HX Stomp XL, SS amp power amp via loop to 2x12 Celestion Cab vs. using a dedicate power amp and FRFR speaker?

[skiman1]

Sorry if this has been asked a million times, but I'm looking to use my HX Stomp XL direct to an SS amp head's power amp via the loop (Katana perhaps?) bypassing the amp pre-amp and coloration, then into a Celestion V-type loaded 2x12 cabinet.

I would of course disable the cabinet sim in the HX to utilize that setup but want to use the amp sim's in the HX which sound fantastic.

 

How does that kinda setup stack up versus using the HX into a dedicate power amp like one of the Seymour Duncan PowerStage units and a using FRFR speaker?

I've read a lot of mixed opinions on the "guitar amp power amp only - to- guitar speaker" when using pedals like the HX, and some of the threads don't seem to point out if when using that setup if they've even disabled the cab sim in the HX, which to me would be the only way to make it sound correct.

 

Looking forward to insights and experiences, and thanks in advance for replies.
 

SKI

 

 

[MayPRS]

My personal experience: I once tried connecting the Helix directly to my amp FX loop (thus bypassing the preamp), using the Helix amp models and no cab block. I didn't liked it - BUT this was just an experiment I was making and didn't spend much time figuring out. Just listened to it, didn't liked it and got back to my usual mode to connect things.

 

Perhaps others can elaborate on one method vs the other - just to give you my personal experience on this :)

[skiman1]

On 4/5/2023 at 9:51 AM, MayPRS said:

My personal experience: I once tried connecting the Helix directly to my amp FX loop (thus bypassing the preamp), using the Helix amp models and no cab block. I didn't liked it - BUT this was just an experiment I was making and didn't spend much time figuring out. Just listened to it, didn't liked it and got back to my usual mode to connect things.

 

Perhaps others can elaborate on one method vs the other - just to give you my personal experience on this :)

Thanks, I appreciate it. I bought the HX Stomp XL primarily for two things, using the 4 Cable method to run the Verbs, Delays, Mods in the loop, and to use those along with the Amp and Cab sim's for recording direct to my recording interface, and works great for that, just haven't had time to go through the other setup to run it via the amps power amp and out to my guitar cab, without the cab sim engaged of course. I'll see what it yields!
 

[skiman1]

On 4/5/2023 at 10:57 AM, MGW-Alberta said:

I have tried running Helix in pretty much every configuration and situation possible.  Powered stage monitors, powered FRFR cabs including Headrush and Powercab, powered reference monitors, headphones and direct to a P/A through house mains.  Even though I spent at least a week or two in each scenario, trying this and that, tweaking, swapping blocks etc. I was disappointed with every single one except running it into my guitar amp using 4CM.

I appreciate the insight, thank you. I bought the HX Stomp XL primarily for two things, using the 4 Cable method to run the Verbs, Delays, Mods in the loop, and to use those along with the Amp and Cab sim's for recording direct to my recording interface, and works great for that, just haven't had time to go through the other setup to run it via the amps power amp and out to my guitar cab, without the cab sim engaged of course.