Helix Floor and FRFR Issue

[wmatthews1986]

Hi all! I recently purchased a EV ZLX 12 G2 to reduce my footprint and run my helix through. I have all my presets exactly how i want them when the helix is hooked into my 5150 head and 212 cab (not using 4CM). When i plug into the EV FRFR, it sound muddy, muffled, constrained, like its neutered, something like that. Can someone tell me what i need to adjust? thanks!

[somebodyelse]

Apologies, I'm going to make some assumptions...

 

First, you should be sending instrument level signal to your 5150. That'll need changing to line level for your FRFR. If it were me, assuming the FRFR has an XLR input, I'd buy an XLR cable and use that output for FRFR (set to line level) and leave the 5150 on whichever output you use for that (at instrument level).

Next, I expect you're not using amp & cab blocks in to the 5150? You'll need to add 'em for FRFR - PV Panama would probably be a good starting point.

Then, before you go diving in to adding EQs, adjust the amp block's settings - don't assume just setting them like the real thing will give you the same results. It should, but it's not guaranteed.

 

If it were me, I'd copy your '5150' setlist to an empty setlist and add the amp & cab to these presets. This way, I'd have one set of presets for the 5150 and another set for the FRFR.

Add the appropriate amp and cab to your first preset, adjust the amp controls until you get it as close as you can. I would almost certainly go to the cab settings and adjust the high and Low cuts to at least 80 Hz and somewhere around 8.0kHz. Experiment with the virtual mic and it's positioning.

EVERY TIME YOU MAKE A CHANGE AND GET A POSITIVE RESULT, SAVE THE PRESET. Do this and you can always easily get back when you make things worse.

Once you've exhausted the possibilities, got as close as you can...

If you were using the same amp settings on the 5150, once you have an amp/cab combination set up the way you like, save it as a favourite and just add it to each preset, rather than keep adding amp and cab and adjusting the settings.

Next, if you need to tweek further, you may need to add an EQ and further tweek it. Maybe start simple with the 'Tilt' EQ. Maybe, you'll need more detailed EQ adjustments.

If you don't 'play out', you could use the Global EQ settings instead of an EQ block on each preset, BUT you'd need to remember to switch them off when using your '5150' setup. I'd rather use an EQ block, find the ideal settings, save as a favourite and add it to each preset...

 

I strongly recommend getting familiar with the user manual, and subscribing to Jason Sadites youtube channel.

 

Hope I've helped.

The real experts will be along soon.

 

[codamedia]

The fact that is sounds completely different is exactly what I would expect. They are completely different monitoring situations. 
 

On 8/8/2024 at 3:54 PM, wmatthews1986 said:

Can someone tell me what i need to adjust?

 

As with any setup, it starts with the amp model. Start by getting a great tone through the FRFR with just the amp/cab model, then add the effects. 

[theElevators]

FRFR's do that.  You need to take it and put on a stand.  It needs to be off the ground, that's how it's meant to be placed--on some kind of a stand.  The muddiness will go away that way. 

[cruisinon2]

On 8/8/2024 at 4:54 PM, wmatthews1986 said:

Can someone tell me what i need to adjust? thanks!

 

In a word, "everything". FRFR speakers and traditional guitar cabs are completely different animals. Any tones that you've created with one, will sound completely different through the other. You have great deal of EQing in your immediate future. The good news is, you'll only have to do it once.