Is XLR an output for active monitor speakers?

[Marcelc1000]

I know i can connect monitors on outputs stomp XL. But i have two cables (dim 5 to 1/4"). Can i use these to connect the two xlr connections on the stomp XL to connect two active monitor speakers?

Or is this a stupid question from someone that does not understand the concept midi and xlr?

Do i better buy two cables 1/4" to 1/4" balanced?

 

 

[silverhead]

No you can’t connect a midi cable to a monitor input. Use 2 1/4 or XLR cables.

[theElevators]

There are many ways to connect your Helix.  Helix offers "balanced" (noise-free) XLR outputs and "non-balanced" (potentially noisy) 1/4" outs.  When you record or play live, you want the balanced outputs to go to the mixing console to avoid any degradation of your sound.  Then you can use what's left -- 1/4" for your personal monitor mix. 

 

Helix and other guitar modellers have an ability to create a sound of an amp/cab being mic'ed up with a virtual microphone.  That is very convenient, as there is no reason to blast a physical amp/cab on stage for that great sound.  So simply run that signal to the sound guy, and use a speaker cab onstage to hear yourself and get feedback, etc.

 

To clarify, balanced output is basically like the humbucker for sound signal cables, two signals cancel out the hum.  Instead of one signal, you have 2.  XLR jacks already have that extra pin that takes care of the noise.  There are also 1/4" cables that have balanced outputs called TRS--they are basically stereo 1/4" cables.  Pod Go for example has balanced 1/4" instead of XLR, and you can get the same noise canceling effect by plugging cables into yoru TRS jacks (you can even use TRS-XLR adapters).  But Helix only has balanced XLR outputs, 1/4" are non-balanced. 

 

I recorded a bunch of stuff simply using 1/4" outs, because the place where I recorded didn't have XLR cables, and it worked out just fine.  Balanced outs usually solve the occasional potential noise problem when the cables are traveling a long distance and there are outside factors (lighting, other signals). 

 

So in summary, how I set up my sound, and most people do:

1. XLR L/R straight to the mixer (set at mic level).  Volume knob doesn't affect it

2. 1/4" L/Mono to my power amp for a personal mix.  I can turn myself up/down with the volume knob.  This is the same exact signal (including amp/cab sim).