Matching input signal HX Stomp and Helix Native (again)

[javierdp92]

Hello guys!

 

I know it has been discussed before and I have read a lot of posts about it. I am doing something wrong probably, but I cannot find a solution.

 

The thing is that I am trying to create the same presets in the Native and in the HX Stomp. However, I need to match the input signals. The problem is that in my DAW (Reaper) my bass gets until -30dBs. Actually, all of my different basses get around there. My interface is a Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 and I set the input gain to 0 (all the way counterclockwise). I have also tried to use the HX Stomp as an interface and creating a preset with nothing in it and I get the same response (around -30dBs). I tried to increase the input in the Native, but I cannot find the correct level.

 

Do you guys have any other tip I could try? Thank you in advance.

[brue58ski]

"The problem is that in my DAW (Reaper) my bass gets until -30dBs"

 

I am assuming you mean the bass gets distorted until -30dbs. Could it be an instrument/line/mic level issue? Check your Focusrite and see if there are different settings for the input. You didn't describe how you're connecting the bass. I'm assuming you are going directly from the bass to the Focusrite when you're not using the Stomp. Maybe check to see if Reaper has a line/instrument/mic level setting. What it sounds like to me is the input is set for a low input like a mic but the bass is at instrument level. When you try your stomp. do you set the output level to mic level? Try that as well. That's all the info I can give you for now. I would need more information for a better analysis.

[rd2rk]

The best procedure is to create the preset on the HXS, export it, then import it into Native.

You now, IN THEORY, have the identical presets on the HXS and in Native.

 

So, using the HXS as your AI, you record the HXS preset on Track 1 with the Input set to USB 1/2 (HXS Main Outs).

At the same time you record the Native preset on Track 2 with the Input set to USB 5/6 (HXS Direct/Input).

 

IN THEORY the tracks should be identical.

Why does the DIRECT track (Native preset on Track 2) sound muffled compared to the HXS Preset on Track 1?

 

It's not a difference in db levels (LOUDER is BETTER). That happens at your ears, and (of course) you've levelled the playback output.

It's not pickup loading (In-Z). That happens at the HXS Input, not in Reaper or Native.

IOW, it's not a problem at either end of the signal chain.

 

I did this with the simplest preset possible - nothing but a bass amp/cab.

I repeated it before posting this just to be certain that nothing had changed in the latest Native update (3.71) since the last time I tried this.

Nothing has changed.

 

What to make of this?

Use the HXS for LIVE playing.

Use Native for re-amping, where you actually WANT a different sound for recording.

Or, waste valuable hours of your life trying to EQ Native to sound identical to the HXS.

 

 

[datacommando]

On 3/21/2024 at 7:25 AM, javierdp92 said:

The thing is that I am trying to create the same presets in the Native and in the HX Stomp.

Hi,

 

Why?

 

If you have already created presets in your HX Stomp, simply connect your Stomp to HX Edit and save your presets to your computer. (See the HX Exit Pilot’s Guide for more info about managing all your presets).

 

Next time you open your DAW and insert HX Native into an audio track, you can load any, or, all your presets from your computer, by simply dragging  and dropping  them in from HX Edit or elsewhere on your computer.

 

To save me from more typing, see the above post from @rd2rk, for more info regarding reamping.

 

Hope this helps/makes sense. 

[javierdp92]

Thanks guys

 

Yes, I checked all of the above, and it seems normal. 

 

I tried two ways of connecting: Using a clean preset with nothing on it to the Focusrite with the gain all the way to 0. Then I checked with a plugin how much signal I am getting and it was around -30dBs-

 

Then, I also tried the method described in the HX manual. I plugged the USB from the Stomp and use inputs 5 and 6 (which are directly connected to the input in the stomp, according to the manual) and I got the same signal.

 

I finally did this

 

On 3/21/2024 at 7:02 PM, rd2rk said:

 

 

So, using the HXS as your AI, you record the HXS preset on Track 1 with the Input set to USB 1/2 (HXS Main Outs).

At the same time you record the Native preset on Track 2 with the Input set to USB 5/6 (HXS Direct/Input).

 

IN THEORY the tracks should be identical.

Why does the DIRECT track (Native preset on Track 2) sound muffled compared to the HXS Preset on Track 1?

 

 

 

 

 

 

And they are. 

 

Something "funny" is that the other day I tried some presets in a full Helix. What I see is that the metering matched what I experienced. What is more, the compressors didn't seem to react (or at least in the metering) unless I set a Gain block before it. Or, the ones with Threshold, I had to set the Threshold (of the Deluxe Comp) at -47dB. I talked to some bass players friends and it seems something common, so everything is "normal".