Helix LT how record mono output from two independent signal paths

[towers77]

Hi, I'm eyeing a Helix LT to finally enter the digital world, but before buying I want to know how I can do the following: make one signal path using a Vox AC30 simulation and a touch of reverb/delay, and a separate path with Diezel VH4 for a high gain sound, my goal being to record songs on my android device using an iRig Pro I/O that only has one input (it can be using XLR balanced or 1/4 TS unbalanced cable). So, I'm assuming each output from the Helix will have the signal of each path and I will need a special cable to connect to the iRig interface, right? Or it is enough to use only the output marked as LEFT/MONO?

 

I looked at multiple youtube videos and in all of them the person created only one path for splitting the guitar signal to use two different amps, and after that they merge again and go to XLR output. Do the sound quality is the same as using two independent paths?

 

Thanks for any advice and sorry if my question is dumb or already answered. I tried searching the forums but the search algorithm isn't too good in my opinion.

[rd2rk]

You can put two amps (and cabs if you like) in a single path. I usually place them in parallel and set the SPLIT to type A/B with a switch that changes the route.

The parallel paths then merge back into one path. Whichever amp is in the active parallel path gets its signal to the post amp effects and on to the Output.

Using all mono effects you can use the L/MONO Out and it will sound fine.

[silverhead]

The Output block in each path allows you to specify the physical output(s) where you want to send each signal path. The default value for each path is Multi which means 1/4", XLR, Digital, and USB 1/2 outputs are all active simultaneously. You can change that value if you wish but I don’t think you need to for your purposes. 
 

The output signal from both paths will appear at their respective specified outputs. With the Multi setting on both paths the 1/4” L/MONO physical output will send a mono signal that includes both paths. So a 1/4” cable from the L/MONO output to your iRig interface will suffice.

 

The sound quality is the same whether you use one or both paths. The second path will be necessary only if your total DSP requirements exceed the capacity of a single path. Amps are DSP intensive so using two amps in a parallel path (1A and 1B) rather than dual paths with one amp in each (1A and 2A) will leave very little available DSP for other FX. I would use two paths for greater flexibility.

[rd2rk]

On 11/13/2023 at 6:55 PM, silverhead said:

Amps are DSP intensive so using two amps in a parallel path (1A and 1B) rather than dual paths with one amp in each (1A and 2A) will leave very little available DSP for other FX. I would use two paths for greater flexibility.

 

It really depends on the amps being used. I have dual amp presets where Path 1 has the two amps and is fully populated (all 8 blocks assigned) and others where in addition to the two amps a wah and one mod are all Path 1 can handle (Vitriol comes to mind). I always use Path 2 for stereo reverbs and delays (also in parallel) which can also be dsp intensive, and whatever mods I want in stereo.

 

Different strokes, YMMV, whatever works best for a given situation. There's LOTS of possible ways to do just about anything in Helix!

 

 

[towers77]

Thanks, that's the piece of mind I needed. Last question, what about the noise? Is it better to use a XLR instead of a TS cable? As I stated, I plan to use a hi gain amp simulation.

 

I read that you can also put a global noise suppressor or use a physical noise gate in the fx loop if the hiss/buzz/hum is too much, but I don't want to choke the sustain.

[silverhead]

The noise issue depends largely on the length of the cable run. For practical purposes you probably won’t be able to detect any difference for a 1/4” cable up to 20’ length. Beyond that XLR is preferable. 
 

Another relevant factor that you haven’t mentioned is signal level. Make sure the Output Level (line, instrument) of the LT is set to match the expected incoming level of your iRig interface.

[towers77]

On 11/14/2023 at 11:12 AM, silverhead said:

The noise issue depends largely on the length of the cable run. For practical purposes you probably won’t be able to detect any difference for a 1/4” cable up to 20’ length. Beyond that XLR is preferable. 
 

Another relevant factor that you haven’t mentioned is signal level. Make sure the Output Level (line, instrument) of the LT is set to match the expected incoming level of your iRig interface.

 

Thanks, I will start with my desired preset and existing cables, and then check out if there's too much noise.

Fortunately the iRig interface has a status led and gain knob that allows to find the optimal signal level, so I'd expect it will be easy to reach a good sound for recording.