Practicing to music without laptop/usb - options?

[themetallikid]

Ok, so my gf needs my laptop for schoolwork sometimes as her ipad doesnt work with some sorta site or something.   Normally I connect Helix USB>Laptop and just monitor via headphones on my Helix.  Works great!!  

 

Other than the solution of her getting her own laptop, not in the budget currently, how can I route the audio from my phone/spotify to be able to practice or tweak presets.  I bought an extension cable for 1/8" > 1/4" conversion.  I dont have my Helix in front of me at the moment...but where could I route the audio on the helix?  Do I need specific presets that utlize the aux in/return jacks in the preset itself?

[DunedinDragon]

If you're just doing everything by ear I might suggest a simple, cheap audio interface that would allow you to plug in the Helix XLR out to a XLR input and your spotify audio output into a USB input and just use the headphone output on the interface.  An M-Audio M-Track Duo would probably work fine for $69 from Sweetwater.

[rd2rk]

If you can live without HX Edit while she's doing her homework, a "camera kit" will bring the iPad Audio in.

My iPad has a "lightning" connector and this was a cheap solution:

 

Amazon.com: AGVEE [5ft Lightning OTG MIDI Cable USB Type-B Cord Compatible with iPhone iPad iOS for Piano, Midi Controller, Midi Keyboard, Audio Interface Recording, Black : Musical Instruments

 

There's also Type C connector versions.

[datacommando]

On 6/16/2023 at 8:09 PM, themetallikid said:

Ok, so my gf needs my laptop for schoolwork sometimes as her ipad doesnt work with some sorta site or something.   Normally I connect Helix USB>Laptop and just monitor via headphones on my Helix.  Works great!!  

 

Other than the solution of her getting her own laptop, not in the budget currently, how can I route the audio from my phone/spotify to be able to practice or tweak presets.  I bought an extension cable for 1/8" > 1/4" conversion.  I dont have my Helix in front of me at the moment...but where could I route the audio on the helix?  Do I need specific presets that utlize the aux in/return jacks in the preset itself?

Hi,

 

I have used the Apple Camera Connection Kit to hook up to an iPad for getting audio in and out - it utilises the USB.

 

I had this working with GarageBand and AmpliTube on the iPad - no problem.

 

Oh, yeah - I keep forgetting that I also have  one of those IK Multimedia iRig gizmos to hook up from guitar direct into the iPad. I haven’t used either of those items for a couple of years but both worked for me. IRig is the cheaper option, lots of different versions.

 

https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irig2/

Hope this, helps/makes sense.

 

[themetallikid]

ok was hoping for a non-buying more lollipop approach.  There isnt a separate input on the helix I can utilize? I'm guessing the aux in would have to operate within the preset i'm using?

 

I have an xair18, but i'd have to install the software on tablet to use it then to mmake adjustments....more than I was hoping for.  

[datacommando]

On 6/16/2023 at 10:29 PM, themetallikid said:

I'm guessing the aux in would have to operate within the preset i'm using?

Hi,

 

If you have the input on your Helix set to MULTI it will accept audio from Guitar, AUX and Variax simultaneously. The issue is the Aux in is rated at 10kΩ input for an active-pickup equipped guitar or bass.

 

Suppose you could stick your guitar into the regular Guitar In and the 1/8” to 1/4” from the phone to the AUX in on Helix. IIRC, the 10k in is like a mixer input, or a Send/Return. The Aux in on Helix has never been specifically recommended for jacking in a phone or MP3 player, but AFAIK, the output impedance of phones, MP3 players etc. is usually in the range of several ohms.  It’s one of those give a try and if nothing blows up - great!.

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

[rd2rk]

The Aux In is Mono, and would require a separate path so yeah, special presets.

The USB cable I suggested (with appropriate connectors) is universal - audio from USB1/2 on the iPad goes direct to the Helix output that you specify in Global Settings.