USB Audio vs A/D converted audio from interface

[TROiSi3]

Hi all.

 

I've just jumped on the Helix train after using Fractal products for a long time - the main reason is I'm doing more and more guitar recording & processing ITB.

 

So far (just a couple days), I am VERY impressed with Helix Native.

 

You'd think I'd know the answer to the following question, as my late Father was a pioneer in digital audio, designing and building one of the first audio A/D & D/A. But I'm just a musician, not an electrical engineer.

 

QUESTION:

 

Is there any inherent difference (specifically for recording and re-amping DRY guitar signal) between running audio in USB from a Floor/LT/Stomp/XL versus plugging into a dedicated INST jack on an audio interface?

 

I know every interface is different when it comes to quality of inputs and preamps as well as clocking and on and on...

 

But for the purposes of using Helix Native, would you say:

 

1. it DOESN'T make much difference going USB in from (Stomp XL in my case) vs a larger interface with a dedicated hi-z inst input?

 

-OR_

 

2. it DOES make quite a difference in quality of the resulting "tone" at the output of the Helix Native plugin?

 

I have multiple options and I'm wondering if I should make my Stomp XL a dedicated "add-on" interface for direct USB recording, vs. plugging into my other interface and using the stomp in the live room. FWIW I also have another floor FX unit that has similar 4/6 USB I/O I could use as well. 

 

I would like to get an answer to this question, but if not, I hope this at least sparks some interesting discussion.

 

Thanks!

SP 

[silverhead]

Both options undergo A/D conversion. Helix does it at/in the Input block and passes the converted digital signal direct to the assigned USB dry output channel. Your other device does it at/in the hi-z instrument input block. After that I think everything is the same. So your specific question is: what is the relative quality of those two converters? Personally I have never had an issue with the Helix converters. I can’t speak to your other device. Personally I don’t think it would make an audible difference but I don’t have your ears.

 

I have been using my Helix Rack as my audio interface for more than 10 years and I love it. I think the ability to transfer Helix presets between the Helix device and Helix Native is a huge advantage when wanting to reproduce your studio sound on stage, or vice versa.