Using LT with amp 4CM just for effects. Ideal setting for big vol knob?

[boynigel]

Unless i'm missing it somewhere, i don't see anywhere in the manual where it says what the ideal setting is for the big volume knob in a scenario where you're using it solely for effects via 4CM (and amp channel switcher). 

 

I've just been setting it to the max setting, but wonder how others set theirs who might be using it in the same scenario, and why they went with something other than diming the knob.

[rd2rk]

The "ideal" setting is MAX***.

At MAX (full clockwise) it is UNITY GAIN. That means 0db.

Counterclockwise it attenuates the signal.

The effect loop of most modern amps is either -10db (for STOMPBOXES) by default or there's a switch to allow for +4db (for RACK FX).

If you're getting a huge volume jump when you switch amp channels (or switch from the amp's pre to a Helix amp) you can assign whatever switch you're using (or SNAPSHOTS) to send that message to also adjust the OUTPUT BLOCK LEVEL or the levels at the FX LOOP BLOCK.

 

***IIRC, the BIG KNOB adjusts the output level in the digital realm, it is NOT an analog control.

That means that there is a possibility that it COULD affect TONE as a result of some complicated electronic mumbo-jumbo involving bits.

There's an explanation I read on some high-end stereo site if you search for it.

In reality, most humans can't hear it. Many people are quite happy using it as an easily reachable volume control.

 

My thoughts are that at a real-world gig, if you're using a cable (vs wireless), the possibility of dragging the cable over the knob and thus changing the setting and pissing off the FOH tech or just causing your solo to disappear suddenly or blow everybody's head off is not worth the convenience of using the BIG KNOB. 

I disable it completely, which leaves it at MAX (UNITY/0db).

At home I use it for a volume control.

 

 

[waymda]

On 9/18/2025 at 12:33 AM, rd2rk said:

My thoughts are that at a real-world gig, if you're using a cable (vs wireless), the possibility of dragging the cable over the knob and thus changing the setting and pissing off the FOH tech or just causing your solo to disappear suddenly or blow everybody's head off is not worth the convenience of using the BIG KNOB. 

I disable it completely, which leaves it at MAX (UNITY/0db).

At home I use it for a volume control.

  I concur, the one time I had issues with something going on with volume at a gig was when the big knob was somehow enabled.

 

And it wasn't even the one holding the guitar causing the issue!