Helix Stadium XL – Low Output Volume and No Independent Input Gain Control

[ullo1955]

Hi everyone,

I’d like to ask other Helix Stadium XL users about something I’m experiencing with output levels and input level control.

I’m currently running firmware 1.3.2.

Compared with my previous Helix Floor, I find the overall output level of the Stadium XL surprisingly low.

I have tested the unit using:

• 1/4" outputs into a Focusrite Scarlett 8i8 line input

• XLR outputs

• Headphones directly connected to the Stadium XL

I have already checked the Matrix Mixer and the individual output levels, and I can raise them to maximum, but the overall available output level still seems quite low.

With the 1/4" or XLR outputs this can obviously be compensated for by increasing the gain or volume on the external audio interface, mixer, powered speaker, etc.

However, the headphone output is a different matter. Even with the headphone/output level and Matrix levels turned up, I find the maximum headphone volume considerably lower than I would expect from a unit like this. With my previous Helix Floor I had much more volume available and could simply adjust it to whatever level I needed.

So my first question is:

Is the lower maximum output level, particularly from the headphone output, normal by design on the Stadium XL, or is there another gain/output setting that I may have missed?

There is another related issue that I find somewhat limiting.

With external audio sources such as AUX and Bluetooth, I can adjust their contribution to the final mix using the Matrix Mixer, but what I am referring to is the actual input gain/trim of the incoming signal itself.

I would like to be able to increase or decrease the level of an incoming AUX or Bluetooth source before it reaches the final output mix, rather than simply adjusting its level within the Matrix.

Compared with my previous Helix workflow, I find this less flexible.

So my second question is:

Is there any independent input gain/trim control for AUX and Bluetooth audio, or is the Matrix Mixer currently the only level control available for these sources?

To summarize, I’m trying to understand whether:

1. The Stadium XL genuinely has a lower maximum output level than the original Helix Floor.

2. The relatively low headphone volume is normal hardware behaviour or a firmware issue.

3. There is any additional gain stage available before the Matrix Mixer.

4. AUX and Bluetooth have any true input gain/trim adjustment, independently of their Matrix level.

I’d especially appreciate feedback from anyone who previously owned a Helix Floor or LT and can directly compare the output and headphone levels with the Stadium XL.

Thanks in advance for any help or confirmation.

[bbehrens]

I have found that volume levels for both input and out on both the O.G. Helix Floor and the Helix Stadium XL need some tweaking and adjusting. But I have always found levels on the Stadium to be comfortable for everything except the Amp output as I do not really use that one (I go direct FOH via XLR or Headphones at home typically).

 

I would try using some tools such as Orban Loudness meter, which I use to determine an input source volume, YouLean Loudness Meter 2, which I use to set output level from the Unit. I also really like the recently developed MeterMaid software (all of these are free to download and use.

 

I have also noted that there is a definition and Clarity in the Helix Stadium that is superior to the O.G. Helix, which makes sense. But that can change your perception of the volume some.

[DaniGP]

I had the old HELIX too, and I've had the STADIUM XL for a few days now; I've noticed the same thing as you—the volume is much lower on the STADIUM. I have it connected to KRK5 monitors; with the previous HELIX, I couldn't turn it up past the halfway mark—my ears would have exploded—but with the STADIUM, I can set it to the maximum.