Split block options

[themetallikid]

So in my Stone Temple Pilots band, I try to run a 'similar' style signal path to what he does.   This has typically been:

 

stereo chorus > split block > Path A - AC30/Ventoux stype amp for highs/edge type sound, Path B Placatar Dirty with all switches on for lows/thick type sound > stereo cab > post effects (delay/lead boost)

 

However, I have been running the split block as an A/B split with left side 100% path A, right side 100% path B.  I recently tried it with the split block being the one that allows you to set a frequency (I forget the name while here at work).  I have also tried the split 'Y' block where you just slide between A100>B100 so you can choose which mix/balance you want.  

 

Can someone explain in simple terms what difference there is and what makes sense.  Is there much difference between the Y split and the one where you can choose the left/right of each A/B path?  and what difference does that have from doing the frequency split option.  I obviously get that its grabbing everything +/- of the 650hz frequency and splitting it to paths A/B.  Is it 100% cutting the sound to the other path opposite the frequency selection?  

 

I'm going to try and find some videos on these, as I know Jason Sadites does the frequency split thing, which is what caused it to be added to the Helix, however he still uses a different method for some extra control which I get and he also doesnt run a stereo chain like I need for this project.  I'm not sure i've seen any other videos covering the options for this point in my signal.  

 

 

 

***I also get the 'dont use stereo live, it doesnt make sense' argument.  However, all other mono options I've tried just dont seem to get that chorusy type sound he gets on several tunes.  

[Schmalle]

With default settings Split Y is the same as Split A/B.

With a Split Y block when setting its BalnceA to L100 and its BalnceB to R100, you can process the L and R channels independently.

With a Split A/B block both path A and B get the same stereo signal with levels chosen with RoutTo.

 

So with your setup use the Split block as Split Y with the hard panned settings mentioned above. This way you give each amp one side of the chorus signal.

Make sure to also set A Pan to L100 and B Pan to R100 in the Mixer Block to keep both amps separated in the stereo image.

[themetallikid]

On 9/14/2023 at 1:32 PM, Schmalle said:

With default settings Split Y is the same as Split A/B.

With a Split Y block when setting its BalnceA to L100 and its BalnceB to R100, you can process the L and R channels independently.

With a Split A/B block both path A and B get the same stereo signal with levels chosen with RoutTo.

 

So with your setup use the Split block as Split Y with the hard panned settings mentioned above. This way you give each amp one side of the chorus signal.

Make sure to also set A Pan to L100 and B Pan to R100 in the Mixer Block to keep both amps separated in the stereo image.

I think that last part is maybe what I was missing.  Running my chorus with a pretty high depth, mix at 50%....it was audible for sure, but not nearly as wet as I would have imagined given I had the A100/B100 setting setup as mentioned.   

 

So if I kept my mixer (merge block?) as the default setting, then i'm essentially collapsing into a dual mono sorta thing?  I'm losing the stereo image?  

 

To be fair, as I mentioned, I dont really have a reason to be 'stereo' out front....however, I do want/need that sorta stereo/chorusy type sound.  How do I get from the split/amps/merge/stereo effects out of the Helix into the FOH mixer but not have my AC30 in one speaker and the Placatar in the other speaker only.  

 

I understand stereo enough to confuse myself with all the different collapsing/splitting options, but then we you add panning options at the board as well I get lost in the best practice for this application.  

[Schmalle]

On 9/14/2023 at 9:05 PM, themetallikid said:

So if I kept my mixer (merge block?) as the default setting, then i'm essentially collapsing into a dual mono sorta thing?  I'm losing the stereo image?

Yes.

Path A and path B are stereo.

If you use a hard panned Split Y you split a L/R signal to L/L on path A and R/R on path B.

If you mix L/L with R/R (default Mixer setting) you get L+R/L+R, but if you hard pan the Mixer you get L/R.

[themetallikid]

On 9/14/2023 at 2:58 PM, Schmalle said:

Yes.

Path A and path B are stereo.

If you use a hard panned Split Y you split a L/R signal to L/L on path A and R/R on path B.

If you mix L/L with R/R (default Mixer setting) you get L+R/L+R, but if you hard pan the Mixer you get L/R.

Thank you for that, that last line clears it up.  In my mind I thought that would be the case, but then overthought it and ended up down several thought paths that I couldnt get out of.   

 

I think then thats where I can play with the 'stereo image' a bit more.   

 

Appreciate your help.  

[themetallikid]

one last follow up...There might not be any actual difference to listeners, but again, my brain can't math all this...In my head there wouldnt be a difference, so why not just control it in Helix.

 

Lets say at the merge block I keep it A100/B100 and keep a true stereo L/R out.  Running into the board the mixer could then 're'-pan these Left/Center/Right or anywhere on that spectrum to balance the sound evenly.  Correct?  

 

OR...

 

I could just set my merge block to maybe A45/B45 (whatever mix I would choose).  Then at my output, I would essentially be back into that dual mono situation, but not a true 100% mono as the Left would have both signals, just a more pronounced Left Amp sound and the right would the opposite.

 

In my head those are the same scenarios just leaving it up to me or sound guy to determine.