Helix Rack Newbie

[nick70717273]

I'm about to purchase the Helix Rack. My only concern is that I don't want to have to "deep dive" as I'm not into that.

 

A question for experienced users:

 

Is it feasible to use the Rack version's controls as you would a normal amp? Meaning, just pull up a preset, tweak as needed (like you would on a Twin Reverb let's say) and go.

 

Thanks,

 

Nick

[silverhead]

Yes that’s possible. It’s even made simple by the fact that the Helix Rack has a front panel button that provides immediate access to the controls for the amp in each preset. You then use the front panel knobs to dial in the usual parameters including Drive, Bass, Treble, etc.

 

If that’s all you want to do I think you’re severely limiting yourself though. Are you planning to use some FX as well in various presets (Overdrive, compressor, delay, reverb, …)? If so, you can use the front panel knobs to control the parameters of these blocks as well. You simply need to select the FX block in the signal chain display and its controls appear. Tweak away!

 

Finally, I strongly suggest you get the Helix Control unit as well. This provides you with a visual display of preset information and enables you to use footswitches rather than your hands to easily navigate among your presets, turn FX blocks on/off without interrupting your playing, use Snapshots (a deep dive that you will eventually want to do), and more.

 

 

[cruisinon2]

On 9/13/2023 at 9:54 PM, MGW-Alberta said:

I hope you're about to get it really, really cheap.

If all you want is simple amp controls you would be far better off getting an amp.

 

This...and I'll go a step further. Having had experience with a variety of modelers for well over 20 years, and having used them pretty much exclusively for at least 10 years now, I can confidently say that there does not exist anywhere on this planet a "plug and play" modeler that one can turn on, set all the knobs at 12 o'clock, and POOF! you have instantly useable tone. They're NOT guitar amps. They're never going to be guitar amps. The tweaking stage is unavoidable. On the bright side, a good modeler can create any tone your mind/ear can conjure, once you know what you're doing... can't stress that enough. There WILL be a learning curve. But if you go into it thinking that you'll be up and running, thoroughly satisfied with your sound 5 minutes after you open the box, you are setting yourself up for a great deal of disappointment, frustration, and buyer's remorse. 

 

If you don't like fixing oil leaks, don't buy a Harley, lol.