Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Jump to content

Can I create a patch with separate pre and main amps in the Helix?


RobBaartwijk
 Share

Recommended Posts

Hello all,

I wonder; I would like to have the reverb in the Helix sit right after the pre amp but before the main stage amp. I basically want to emulate old amplifiers that had a built in reverb. I don;t understand why Line6 has not added the spring reverb to for instance the Fender amps because the originals did have a built in reverb, but ok...

Is there any way to do this in the Helix? So a chain pre amp -> reverb -> Power amp(without the pre amp portion I would assume?)

Thanks in advance!

Rob.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No such thing.  

 

The Helix replicates the studio sound, more than anything.  When mixing, reverb is added post the amp/cab.  The exception is the '63 reverb unit, when it was placed before the entire amp/cabinet.

 

You can, however add the reverb before the cabinet, if you use separate amp and cab blocks. 

 

Honestly, it's all cork sniffing, and with some tweaking you can always get your desired sound.  For example, you can experiment with adding a compressor + reverb between the amp and the cab.  

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 6/25/2026 at 11:46 PM, theElevators said:

No such thing.  

 

The Helix replicates the studio sound, more than anything.  When mixing, reverb is added post the amp/cab.  The exception is the '63 reverb unit, when it was placed before the entire amp/cabinet.

 

You can, however add the reverb before the cabinet, if you use separate amp and cab blocks. 

 

Honestly, it's all cork sniffing, and with some tweaking you can always get your desired sound.  For example, you can experiment with adding a compressor + reverb between the amp and the cab.  


Yes I was afraid of this. I just want to completely recreate the 60ies setup but even the Helix has its limits. 

No worries, it is just an experiment, I have many many Many very nice patches that I have build without this option! 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 6/26/2026 at 12:48 PM, RobBaartwijk said:


Yes I was afraid of this. I just want to completely recreate the 60ies setup but even the Helix has its limits. 

No worries, it is just an experiment, I have many many Many very nice patches that I have build without this option! 

 


Hi,

 

Way back at the dawn of electric guitar time, it was common to have some effect such as Tremelo, built in between the pre and power amp. There is absolutely no reason that you cannot compile a preset using a similar approach.

 

In fact, available from Sweetwater is the “Big Book of Helix Tricks” version 1.5, by sometime forum contributor, @craiganderton Craig Anderton, in which he has included a free preset for purchasers to use. It is in the Free Files folder, Chapter 3, Vintage Echo Amp. As it is part of the download package when you buy the book, I am not allowed to share it here, but needless to say, it is vey simple to create something similar using a Preamp, an effect (eg Spring Verb), and a suitable cab.

 

Keep on experimenting - in the digital world there is very little danger of blowing anything up.

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 6/27/2026 at 8:36 PM, datacommando said:


Hi,

 

Way back at the dawn of electric guitar time, it was common to have some effect such as Tremelo, built in between the pre and power amp. There is absolutely no reason that you cannot compile a preset using a similar approach.

 

In fact, available from Sweetwater is the “Big Book of Helix Tricks” version 1.5, by sometime forum contributor, @craiganderton Craig Anderton, in which he has included a free preset for purchasers to use. It is in the Free Files folder, Chapter 3, Vintage Echo Amp. As it is part of the download package when you buy the book, I am not allowed to share it here, but needless to say, it is vey simple to create something similar using a Preamp, an effect (eg Spring Verb), and a suitable cab.

 

Keep on experimenting - in the digital world there is very little danger of blowing anything up.

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

 


Thanks, I'm just trying to find the limits on the Helix, I think the setup I was searching for would make a tiny difference to what I already have programmed.

Just messing 'round as Fleetwood Mac would have sung... :) 

  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 6/28/2026 at 12:02 PM, RobBaartwijk said:

Thanks, I'm just trying to find the limits on the Helix


Hi,

 

Well, good luck with that, because it’s possible to create some totally crazy rigs.
 

I have been using my Helix on an almost daily basis since 2015, and I don’t think I have even come close to pushing it over the edge, but then I guess that I never needed to.

 

Have fun, and keep on experimenting until you find that elusive tone.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...