Running tube amp preamp stage into Helix

[loydall]

Hello - I'm sure this has been asked many times before but I'm specifically interested in the fact that, if I run my tube preamp stage into the Helix and then on to a cab sim and out to FOH/PA, that preamp stage isn't actually going through anything that emulates a powerstage before it goes to the cab block. Are there ways to use a Helix amp block sos that it just acts as a powerstage to give my tube preamp signal the power-stage feel/boost?

[rd2rk]

No. To get what you're after you'll need a reactive load box such as the Two Notes Torpedo.

[loydall]

On 12/3/2025 at 4:37 PM, rd2rk said:

No. To get what you're after you'll need a reactive load box such as the Two Notes Torpedo.

I'm not talking about running the power-stage out of my tube amp into the Helix of course - I just wondered if anyone had tried running FX loop out from a tube amp into the Helix and then running through an amp block with everything on the block set as neutral/clean as possible (in terms of gain and EQ) but made use of the amp block power stage things like sag etc to enhance the preamp signal coming from the tube amp?

[rd2rk]

I know what you're saying, as you stated, it's been asked many times.

There is no power amp block in Helix.

A Reactive Load Box allows you to incorporate the power amp out of your amp into the signal to FOH via a Line Out.

At this point in time it is the best solution.

I've tried what you are suggesting. It was less than satisfactory and wasted a lot of time.

While you COULD try various Helix amps set as neutral as possible and find an acceptable sound/feel, an RLB is the simplest way to do it.

[loydall]

On 12/3/2025 at 5:34 PM, rd2rk said:

I know what you're saying, as you stated, it's been asked many times.

There is no power amp block in Helix.

A Reactive Load Box allows you to incorporate the power amp out of your amp into the signal to FOH via a Line Out.

At this point in time it is the best solution.

I've tried what you are suggesting. It was less than satisfactory and wasted a lot of time.

While you COULD try various Helix amps set as neutral as possible and find an acceptable sound/feel, an RLB is the simplest way to do it.

 

Fair enough - I guess I could actually try this easily enough by running a preamp block into an amp block (which does sound like a strange idea) but that would give a similar set up I guess. Basically I'm trying to justify buying a new tube amp but still use my helix going direct to FOH which I really like as it's so easy and reliable to set up.

[loydall]

Just for clarity - my idea was Guitar > Helix In > Overdrive block(s) > Helix Loop out to tube amp input > FX loop out on amp back to Helix > Power amp block (I know they don't exist but something acting as a poweramp block eg neutral amp block) > Ambient effect blocks > Cab block  (only on right channel) > left channel back to amp fx loop in and right channel off to front of house... something like that. Sounds like a bit of a faff to be honest.

[rd2rk]

FWIW - you're already getting the SOUND/FEEL part of using a tube amp on stage.

The difference in SOUND to FOH imparted by the tubes is not all that noticeable out in the audience.

How much time/money do you want to spend getting that last 5% that only the audience hears?

[Schmalle]

It's true that there is no specialized power amp block. Bummer, right? - Kind of, but probably not really: 

 

There are many amps with power amps. Some of the amp models come with a very simple preamp section. You may use that fact to achieve your goal.

 

Try the A30 Fawn Normal or the Tweed Blues Normal. As a rule of thumb start with Bass and Treble to zero and Mids to 10 (if it has a mid control). Why? - Because most amp's tone controls produce a mid cut when everything is set to noon and we want a neutral sound from it.

 

Another approach: Compare the activated amp model (that you use for power amp sim) with the bypassed one. Try to dial it in so that it as neutral as possible to get a feel for the amp and to get a good starting point.

 

Obviously you need to start with the question: What do I want to achieve with this power amp simulation? Saturation? Power amp sag / compression? A different frequency spectrum?