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Using a CATALYST 60 with a PC 112+ into my Helix LT


NC870
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I've tried both cabs into the Helix with mixed results... underwhelming honestly...  but i'm sure i'm doing something wrong.

 

I have the PC 112+  connected using the "Link" function...   i'm going to use one of the 1/4" connections to go into the CATALYST.

 

Should I use the CATALYST  in "loop" mode, as opposed to the "Power amp" function?  I've read people had better results that way.

 

Will i get a true "stereo"  from the above?

 

Any advice is appreciated

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In your case (unless I'm missing something) the only reason to use L6 LINK Mode would be to enable per preset changes to the PC112+ internal configuration which would mean getting a different sound from the PC than from the Cat. If you want "true" stereo just use the Helix 1/4" outs to the PC's Input and the Cat's Return with the Outputs panned hard left and hard right. Use the PC's speaker emulation mode to find the speaker that best matches the Cat's speaker. In this configuration the "loop" mode on the Cat just allows you to use the Cat's Post FX which would give you a different sound from the Cat than the PC. You could bypass the Cat's FX, in which case the Cat's output would simply be higher than not using the loop mode (loop mode adds, IIRC, a 6db boost) which would be useful if you need more volume from the Cat to match the PC.

 

Keep in mind that, in regard to "true" stereo, no matter what you do the PC and the Cat will always sound different, but the configuration I described will get you as close as possible.

 

If, for some reason not explained, you want to use the L6 Link Mode vs the 1/4" Outs, the signal path would need to be split at the end (using up that path's split which could be otherwise used for parallel FX processing) with one Output Block set to DIGITAL and panned hard LEFT and the other Output Block set to 1/4" and panned hard RIGHT with the cable connected to the RIGHT Output jack. Using the 1/4" outs as described above is much simpler and is what I recommend.

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  • 2 weeks later...
On 1/13/2024 at 2:44 PM, rd2rk said:

In your case (unless I'm missing something) the only reason to use L6 LINK Mode would be to enable per preset changes to the PC112+ internal configuration which would mean getting a different sound from the PC than from the Cat. If you want "true" stereo just use the Helix 1/4" outs to the PC's Input and the Cat's Return with the Outputs panned hard left and hard right. Use the PC's speaker emulation mode to find the speaker that best matches the Cat's speaker. In this configuration the "loop" mode on the Cat just allows you to use the Cat's Post FX which would give you a different sound from the Cat than the PC. You could bypass the Cat's FX, in which case the Cat's output would simply be higher than not using the loop mode (loop mode adds, IIRC, a 6db boost) which would be useful if you need more volume from the Cat to match the PC.

 

Keep in mind that, in regard to "true" stereo, no matter what you do the PC and the Cat will always sound different, but the configuration I described will get you as close as possible.

 

If, for some reason not explained, you want to use the L6 Link Mode vs the 1/4" Outs, the signal path would need to be split at the end (using up that path's split which could be otherwise used for parallel FX processing) with one Output Block set to DIGITAL and panned hard LEFT and the other Output Block set to 1/4" and panned hard RIGHT with the cable connected to the RIGHT Output jack. Using the 1/4" outs as described above is much simpler and is what I recommend.

 

 

Thanks for this...  currently i have single path on this preset... do i have to split the path and send one output L/R?

20240126_110750.jpg

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On 1/26/2024 at 9:24 AM, NC870 said:

currently i have single path on this preset... do i have to split the path and send one output L/R?

 

No, just connect one Output to the PC's Input and the other Output to the Cat's Return.

When both 1/4" Outs are in use the signal path is automatically split L/R.

Make sure that there are no MONO blocks in the signal chain following the first STEREO Block.

Make sure that you're using the STEREO Looper.

Make sure to disconnect the L6 Link cable.

Set the 1/4" Outs to LINE level.

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On 1/26/2024 at 12:56 PM, rd2rk said:

 

No, just connect one Output to the PC's Input and the other Output to the Cat's Return.

When both 1/4" Outs are in use the signal path is automatically split L/R.

Make sure that there are no MONO blocks in the signal chain following the first STEREO Block.

Make sure that you're using the STEREO Looper.

Make sure to disconnect the L6 Link cable.

Set the 1/4" Outs to LINE level.

strange... i'm using an overdriven preset on the helix... but the Catalyst is clean?  

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