Helix Native sound quality issues

[thomasgriff]

Hello,

I used to play guitar quite a while ago (around 15-20 years) and have recently decided to return by trying out Helix Native.

I’m currently using Helix Native on a Windows PC with Reaper, connected through a Motu M4. I still have the same guitar I had back then—it's a budget model equipped with Seymour Duncan JB and 59 pickups. While it’s not a top-tier guitar, it’s well set up in terms of electronics, pickup height, and intonation.

Despite this, I’m struggling to achieve a good sound with Helix Native. I’ve set the input levels correctly using the gain knob on my interface (keeping it right in the middle of the input meter, and the loudest I can play doesn’t exceed -12 dB). However, the sound remains thin, no matter how much I adjust the amp, drives, and EQ settings.

The only improvement I’ve noticed was when I added another instance of Helix, using the "DI" factory preset before my desired preset. This setup applies several enhancements, notably the studio tube pre from the preamp/mic section, which helps restore some of the chunkiness I'm familiar with when playing through a traditional amp.

Am I missing something? What steps can I take to achieve a decent tone? I’ve seen videos comparing the hardware Helix to Helix Native, and the difference was striking—the software version sounds quite thin. I suspect this may relate to recording techniques, as the software and my interface seem adequate on paper. Any suggestions?

[rd2rk]

On 9/17/2025 at 1:10 AM, thomasgriff said:

Am I missing something? What steps can I take to achieve a decent tone? I’ve seen videos comparing the hardware Helix to Helix Native, and the difference was striking—the software version sounds quite thin. I suspect this may relate to recording techniques, as the software and my interface seem adequate on paper. Any suggestions?

 

Just because you have a YT Channel doesn't mean that you know what you're doing.

 

You can't actually HEAR a computer. You can't actually HEAR Helix Native or, for that matter Helix or any other modeler OR your "REAL" amplifier.

The "chunkiness" of a "real" amp is largely a property of the amp's cabinet and speaker.

 

Route your MOTU's output through the RETURN of a real guitar amp and speaker and it will suddenly be chunkier.

EQ the crap out of the signal you send to your 3" studio monitors and it will sound exactly like your 3" studio monitors.

 

Helix Native sounds just like Helix. Both sound like the playback system which provides the actual SOUND to your ears.

My 6" Rokit studio monitors sound very different than my HR FRFR112 or my Catalyst100 or my Powercab PC212+.

Death metal palm mutes sound very different when you play through a Fender Twin vs a Dual Rectifier and 4x12 cab.

 

Finally - "TONE" is subjective. "Chunky" is a perception. 65db bedroom levels thru studio monitors will NEVER be as chunky as 105db thru the aforementioned Dual Rectifier and 4x12. Google "Fletcher-Munson".

 

Have fun looking for a playback system that appeals to YOUR ears in YOUR playing environment! ;-)

[datacommando]

On 9/17/2025 at 8:10 AM, thomasgriff said:

Am I missing something? What steps can I take to achieve a decent tone?

Here we go again - 

 

https://blog.line6.com/2023/09/15/eric-klein-at-least-half-of-your-modelers-sound-is-determined-by-your-playback-system/

 

Plus there was this from a while back -

 

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

 

[thomasgriff]

On 9/18/2025 at 6:41 AM, datacommando said:

Here we go again - 

 

https://blog.line6.com/2023/09/15/eric-klein-at-least-half-of-your-modelers-sound-is-determined-by-your-playback-system/ 

 

Plus there was this from a while back -

 

 

Hope this helps/makes sense. geometry dash scratch

 

Thanks for your suggestion. This is so useful for me.