Line 6 Catalyst as an FRFR

[franstone]

I'm considering buying a Catalyst 60 or 100 combo to use as my live FRFR on stage monitor. I'm currently using a Positive Grid Power Cab - which has two inputs / channels with a volume control for each. Here is my question about the Catalyst: when running my Helix LT into the FX Loop "Return" or the "Power Amp In", can you control the power amp volume on the Catalyst - E.G. using the Master Volume? Or can you only use the "Output Power" Switch? Is my overall volume solely controlled by the Helix? I trying to determine if I can increase my stage volume without changing the "front of house" volume. Thanks

[rd2rk]

Catalyst is not FRFR, it is a guitar amp with a simple guitar speaker.

 

In normal use (LT OUT>Catalyst INPUT) the CHANNEL VOLUME controls the volume to both the MASTER VOLUME and the XLR DIRECT OUT.

The OUTPUT POWER SWITCH and MASTER VOLUME affect only the Cat's speaker output.

 

IOW - the MASTER VOLUME is used for your stage level.

If you change the CHANNEL VOLUME (to FOH via the XLR DIRECT OUT) that will change the Cat's speaker output level and you'll need to use the MASTER VOLUME (which does not affect the XLR DIRECT OUT level) to compensate.

 

When you run the LT into the RETURN in Power Amp Mode, the CHANNEL VOLUME no longer controls the level to the XLR.

That level is directly controlled by the LT's OUTPUT LEVEL.

The MASTER VOLUME still works as described above.

 

I level my Helix presets on Helix, then leave the Helix OUTPUT LEVEL maxxed (UNITY = 0db boost/cut) and control my stage level with the Cat's MASTER VOLUME.

My Helix presets have no cab or IR, I use the Cat's cab emulations for FOH, which are applied to the XLR (and USB if using the Cat as ASIO) out.

You can also disable the Cat's cabs and use an external IR box if you so desire.

IME, the Cat's cabs/mics sound just fine, so I don't bother with an external IR Box (KISS applies).

 

TBH, if I'm going to FOH I typically just use the Cat's amps and presets and Helix is a pedalboard.

While the ability to use a million different amps in a million different presets is fun, the 12 amps in Catalyst provide all I need for live use and levelling 12 presets is a LOT easier than levelling 1028 presets! Again, KISS applies.

 

OTOH, the ability to have 1028 pedalboards is pretty cool too, if a bit overkill...

 

YMMV, especially if you're in a "just like the record" cover band, in which case I feel for ya!

 

If you decide to go for it, get the Cat 100. Helix/LT has great MIDI capabilities which can be used to advantage with the Cat 100's MIDI Input but would require a MIDI HOST to use with the Cat 60 which doesn't have MIDI DIN connectors.

 

[franstone]

Thanks for the response, it's greatly appreciated. If I decide to get the Catalyst 100, I'll still be using my Helix amps and cabs along with the effects. I've heard some Youtube demos using the Catalyst with and without the cab sims and IR's and I didn't think there was a huge difference thru the amp. I currently run my Helix L and R outs to my PG Power Cab and FOH since I don't use anything in stereo. Replacing the PG with the Catalyst also provides a "backup" in case the Helix fails (it hasn't in ten years of use). I am currently in a cover band but I rarely set up my tone exactly like the record. I play the rhythm and lead parts pretty close but I kick everything up "a notch or two". I can play all of our two - three sets using two presets. I could use one preset if someone in the band didn't insist of playing quite a few songs using capo's and off keys like Eb, Bb, Db, etc. I refuse to use capos! One preset is for standard tuning and the other uses the Helix Virtual Capo.