Helix amps sound way too muffled?

[fernandopaz]

Long story short: I'm trialing Helix Native but the amps are sounding way too "muffled", for lack of a better word. Am I missing something that must be configured on Helix, or perhaps on my DAW? 

 

Comparing the exact same capture playing through Helix Native and Neural DSP's modelers, the issue is very noticeable, specially when playing palm muted downstrokes or high notes. It's like the sound is being interrupted abruptly.

 

Helix Native's Amp+Cab Solo Lead OD, with default parameters:

 

 

Neural DSP's Soldano SLO-100 plugin, also with the default settings (a bit louder by default):

 

Now comparing amps modeled after the Peavey 5150, still same capture, and the same problem can be heard with Helix only:

 

Helix Native's PV Panama, with default settings:

 

 

Neural DSP's Archetype Nolly, with default settings:

 

 

Native Instrument's Guitar Rig 7, through the Van 51 combo (lead channel + hi gain, apart from that it's all default parameters):

 

 

More details in case it's relevant:

• OS: Windows 10
• Audio interface: Komplete Audio 1
• DAW: Reaper 6.64
• Memory: 32GB RAM
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H

[silverhead]

Have you experimented with changing the default settings? What version of Helix Native are you using?

[fernandopaz]

On 11/24/2023 at 1:46 AM, silverhead said:

Have you experimented with changing the default settings? What version of Helix Native are you using?

I turned off Hardware Compatibility Mode, as some say it improves resource usage (CPU). Also tested different amps and tweaked all the parameters. The issue is less noticeable in some amps, like the Mandarin Rocker or the Brit Plexi Brt. When I turn the drive up - either via the drive parameter in the amp, or adding pedals to the chain - again the issue is a bit less noticeable, but it's still there. 

 

Doesn't it happen to you if you play with the same settings? 

[silverhead]

Check to make sure you are using version 3.50 or later. That was the introduction of a new cab engine and cab models, resulting in (imho) a big sonic improvement.

 

Personally I don’t find the sound muffled at all. Then again I haven’t done the comparison that you mentioned. Also your monitors or headphones play a huge role in the sound you hear. If you have access to different ones do a comparison of those as well as the plug-in.

[fernandopaz]

On 11/24/2023 at 9:24 AM, silverhead said:

Check to make sure you are using version 3.50 or later. That was the introduction of a new cab engine and cab models, resulting in (imho) a big sonic improvement.

 

Personally I don’t find the sound muffled at all. Then again I haven’t done the comparison that you mentioned. Also your monitors or headphones play a huge role in the sound you hear. If you have access to different ones do a comparison of those as well as the plug-in.

Forgot to mention in my previous post that I'm using the latest version, 3.70.

 

Perhaps "muffled" is not the right word for it. It's like there's a noise gate hitting really hard, even though there are no gates in my chain (input gate is off too), so I don't think that's related to the monitors or headphones (I'm testing it with an Audio Technica ATH-M50X).

 

I just got back from the music shop where I tested their Helix LX and noticed the same issue.