Ways to use both Helix LT and Focusrite 18i8 with Windows 11/Reaper

[arschr]

My first post, long time lurker.

 

I have both input devices. My daw (ableton) only allows one asio driver for audio.
I think I remember @rd2rk has a similar set-up.
What are my setup options that will give me good flexibility and results?

• helix through focusrite (some how)
• focusrite through helix (some how)
• keep them independent (some how)

 

Thanks for any advice.

[silverhead]

If/when you just want to record your guitar and perhaps an external keyboard or something similar I suggest you use the Helix LT as your audio interface. If/when you need more simultaneous inputs for recording then use the Focusrite as your audio interface and feed the LT analog outputs into it if desired.

 

Using the LT and its ASIO driver will allow you to record both the dry (unprocessed) and wet (processed) guitar signals simultaneously into Reaper. You can then easily apply plugins to the dry signal.

[somebodyelse]

My own way of doing it.

I use a FR 18i20, so my setup is probably less flexible, since it's a 'plumbed in' desktop setup.

I use the Helix as an 'effects processor' rather than as an interface. I usually have it hooked up to a Powercab via L6 link, with analogue outs from the Helix to the 18i20 - one/two with the full fx chain, another bypassing the fx chain (ie. Input>output).

Basically, I'm hearing my mix through the desktop setup, my guitar through the Powercab, with both guitar and DI being recorded simultaneously on separate tracks.

Sorry if it's a bit vague. It's early, here

[rd2rk]

You remember correctly.

 

I have Helix Floor and FR 18i20. This allows me to use SPDIF for recording or playing through my studio monitors.

Having SPDIF also allows me to play through plugins with absolutely minimal latency due to fewer AD/DA conversions.

You don't have that option with the LT.

 

You didn't specify which generation of FR you have, but gen2 and up, even without using SPDIF, all have lower total RT latency than Helix when Helix is used as AI.

It's not a lot - 7.6ms vs 12.6ms at 64spls/48k - but if you're latency sensitive it matters.

This does not matter when recording ONLY, but if you'd like to use plugins such as Helix NATIVE, AT5, THU you want to use the FR as your AI.

Note that if you want to record while playing over and recording streaming audio, you should connect your computer's HP Out to the Line Inputs on the FR.

You'll probably need a "hum destroyer" to filter out the USB ground loop noise. I use a cheap Pyle PHE300. Behringer sells the same device with their brand name.

 

I also have a Powercab which I use as @somebodyelsedescribed but I take the Outs from the Powercab to enable me to get the speaker emulations and use the IRs on the Powercab. That spares DSP on my Helix for more complex signal chains. Not essential, just a personal preference.

 

More questions?

 

[arschr]

Thanks all. I'll need to think about this. I do also have helix native.

My current understanding is

• If I feed the helix LT through the Focusrite input ports, I'll loose ability for dry recording
• If I feed focusrite outputs to helix I'll loose helix return ports

[silverhead]

On 12/9/2025 at 6:12 AM, arschr said:

.... I do also have helix native.

...

You're probably already aware but an advantage of dry recording and Helix Native is that you can import/export Helix presets between Native and your LT, meaning you can easily transfer your studio tone to the stage and vice versa.

 

Again, you might want to use both setups (one at a time) depending on the circumstance. In the end it's what's in your DAW that matters, not how it got there.

[rd2rk]

On 12/9/2025 at 4:12 AM, arschr said:

Thanks all. I'll need to think about this. I do also have helix native.

My current understanding is

• If I feed the helix LT through the Focusrite input ports, I'll loose ability for dry recording
• If I feed focusrite outputs to helix I'll loose helix return ports

 

If you use your LT as AI you'll need to connect your monitors there and RETURN your signal to the LT using USB 1/2 for the Master out from your DAW (usually the default).

Your loops are still free.

You will incur the additional latency I mentioned, which is not a problem for recording from the LT (DIRECT MONITORING), but could be a problem if using other amp sims.

 

If you use the FR as AI, to get DRY recording you'll need to place a SEND block at the beginning of your signal chain and run that to a FR Input channel.

IOW, you lose the ability to use USB channels 7/8 for the DRY signal and you lose a block and loop (1 for MONO, both for STEREO) in each preset which would only really be a problem in kitchen sink type presets where you need EVERY block or if you need both loops for external FX/4cm. 

It's a tradeoff. What's more important to you - kitchen sink presets and external FX/4cm, or DRY recording?

 

I use my FR vs my Helix as AI for all of the above reasons (I sometimes use the other amp sims I mentioned) and also because routing all of my sound through the FR with speakers attached there is less wiring and a simpler way to connect other instruments to my system vs using Helix loops (of which I have two more than you) and creating my presets to accommodate that. When I want to go out and jam with my Helix I just pull the IEC, AES and 2 XLRs and I'm on my way.

 

Bottom line - if you were on a budget and didn't already have the FR, using your LT as AI would be most convenient, but since that's not the case, use the FR.

Also - when you upgrade to the Stadium XL you'll be able to utilize the SPDIF. Just sayin'.

[arschr]

@rd2rkIf I had spdif like on the stadium and focusrite, how would that change your recommendations? I'm unsure of what cababilities spdif adds beyond removing (some) digital to analog conversions. 

[rd2rk]

On 12/10/2025 at 4:25 AM, arschr said:

@rd2rkIf I had spdif like on the stadium and focusrite, how would that change your recommendations? I'm unsure of what cababilities spdif adds beyond removing (some) digital to analog conversions. 

 

Relating to latency when playing thru amp sims. Less conversions means less latency.

Not really a factor when using only the HW.