Helix Stadium – Return input impedance with passive guitar pickups

[Jnohlic]

Hello,

I'm considering purchasing a Helix Stadium (standard version, not XL) for a custom-built seven-string instrument.

My instrument has three completely independent passive single-coil pickups, electrically similar to traditional Stratocaster pickups, each with its own output jack.

I would like to connect one pickup to the main Instrument input and the other two to Return 1 and Return 2, with three independent processing paths.

Could you please confirm:

1. What is the exact input impedance of Return 1 and Return 2 when set to Instrument level?
2. Is it 1 MΩ, as on the original Helix Floor?
3. Can passive single-coil pickups be connected directly to these Returns without significant loading or tonal differences compared with the main Instrument input?

The answer is important for deciding between the Helix Stadium and other processors.

Thank you very much for your help.

Best regards

[bbehrens]

I am sorry but there are not very many guitar players that have a need for three independent output jacks on their guitar. And someone more knowledgeable than I will probably provide a better answer. I am going to show you what appears in the Stadium App Editor (and similarly on the Stadium screen itelf).

 

There are the following inputs" None, Instrument 1, Instrument 2, Instrument 1+2, Mic, S.PDIF, Return 1, Return 2 Return 3, Return 4,Return 1/2, Return 3/4, USB 3/4, USB 4/5, and USB 7/8.

 

Both Instrument 1, 2 and 1+2 have the following input parameters:

 

 

Input Z has the following options: First Block, First Enabled (Block), 10K Ohm, 22K Ohm, 32K Ohm, 70K Ohm, 90K Ohm, 136K Ohm, 230K Ohm, and 1M Ohm.

Trim has the range from -24.0 dB to +6.0 dB

The Noise Gate is actually my preferred noise gate as it does a better job for me than the modelled Noise Gates in the box.

 

 

Return 1 only has the Trim Control and Noise Gate and not the Input Impedance values.

 

What Units are you considering that would have more than this? Just curious.

 

I hope that this at least helps.