Helix & hxfx

[BruTom]

Can the Hxfx run into helix via send and return to expand dsp (I assume you can, but want to be sure)

cheers.   Nick. 

[silverhead]

Sure. There are several ways to do it. The simplest would be to use the HX FX in front of the Helix (guitar -> HX FX -> Helix). Use the HX FX for any FX that you want to run pre-amp and use the Helix for amp, cab and any post-amp FX. You could experiment with other setups.

[rd2rk]

Since the HXFX doesn't have the Input Auto Impedance feature you might want to run your guitar into Helix, use a Helix Send to the HXFX Input, HXFX Send back to Helix Return, Helix amp, Helix Send 2 to HXFX Return, HXFX Send 2 back to Helix Return 2>Helix Main Outs. By combining both Helix Paths (1A->2A) and placing the FX Loop Blocks wherever the DSP is needed you've increased your total DSP by 50% and retained the versatility of the Auto Impedance feature. Keep in mind though that the Auto Impedance will only be affected by the Blocks preceding the first Send to the HXFX, as the Send is set at 1M.

[rd2rk]

On 11/26/2023 at 6:02 PM, MGW-Alberta said:

I am by no means a guru in the world of MIDI but I imagine you could probably even use Helix to send MIDI commands to HXFX to call up whole presets in HXFX, thereby freeing up copious amounts of DSP in Helix.  Even assign those HXFX presets to a Helix foot-switch maybe?

 

It's kind of like having 1024 HUGE pedalboards and being able to add your choice of 128 satellite boards, on demand, anywhere in the signal chain.

[rd2rk]

The problem with these multi-board confabulations is that each FX Loop adds <>3.6ms latency (1.8 Helix S/R+1.8 HXFX S/R) to the Helix's <>3ms end to end latency. It also adds two additional potential cable fail points. If you're connecting two Helixes, using SPDIF eliminates one of the converter latencies, but the SPDIF cables/connections themselves are not very robust and can only be used to connect the two boards In to Out to IN like one giant serial device loop. It enables creation of the ultimate "kitchen sink" preset to be sure but, TBH, until the advent of the poly pitch and feedbacker FX, I never had a situation where I ran out of DSP with my Helix.

 

The Helix/HXFX routing described above adds up to less than the RIAA recognized 10ms threshold of latency perception - slightly more if you use both loops, but still not really perceptible to most people - but add a wireless, that's another 1.8ms + a frelling BATTERY and potential 2.5mhz band external interference... It adds up. I'd rather minimize all that and just stick with my Helix all by its lonesome and connect my guitar with an old-fashioned cable. Well, new-fangled low-capacitance cable, but you get the picture.

 

High-tech minimalism! In fact, since I got my Catalyst I off-load the delay and reverb to the Cat, save Helix DSP and don't even need 4cm anymore!

 

Works for Me!