Thanks for this video! I'm thinking it has to do with the physical amp's tube poweramp load. "AMP" models emulate the poweramp, which then goes into the physical poweramp. Effect is SUPER apparent when using something like the Mail Order Twin with OD, where the AMP model into my FX loop SLAMS my tube power amp, super fuzzy and very distorted. The preamp model with same settings is significantly cleaner and has more headroom (albeit quieter). For Blues and lower gain crunch, i think PREAMP has its advantages, and it has that airy tube sweetness. For High gain stuff like Prog Metal and Hard Rock, I think the AMP model is the only way to go, as the PREAMP models all sound like there's a blanket in front (try the REVV Purple with a Horizon OD in front). I think losing my Presence knob is what does it, as my amp's FX loop bypasses the presence too
I don’t understand why you have your IR in the chain, I thought the point of using a real amp with a helix, means you use a real amp and a real speaker? Are you doubting up on speakers?
I thought the same thing, but, then I forgot that I had the IR in the chain. So, I bypassed it, and oddly, it sounded better with the IR on. It defies logic, I know...my IR is MAGICAL!!!
I thought I was crazy because I think the preamps don't sound as good either. I'm new to the HX Stomp and I'm running it into the Return on my Katana 100. Interesting about the IR, guess it's all about experimentation. Thanks Scott!!
Isn’t the difference, amp models full amp head and pre amp just models preamp section? So if using power cab or frfr speakers, pa ect, can use amp and if going into fx return of real amp then use preamp.
Thanks for this video! I'm thinking it has to do with the physical amp's tube poweramp load. "AMP" models emulate the poweramp, which then goes into the physical poweramp. Effect is SUPER apparent when using something like the Mail Order Twin with OD, where the AMP model into my FX loop SLAMS my tube power amp, super fuzzy and very distorted. The preamp model with same settings is significantly cleaner and has more headroom (albeit quieter). For Blues and lower gain crunch, i think PREAMP has its advantages, and it has that airy tube sweetness. For High gain stuff like Prog Metal and Hard Rock, I think the AMP model is the only way to go, as the PREAMP models all sound like there's a blanket in front (try the REVV Purple with a Horizon OD in front). I think losing my Presence knob is what does it, as my amp's FX loop bypasses the presence too
The preamps are great in the Return of a real tube amp.Amazing
I don’t understand why you have your IR in the chain, I thought the point of using a real amp with a helix, means you use a real amp and a real speaker? Are you doubting up on speakers?
I thought the same thing, but, then I forgot that I had the IR in the chain. So, I bypassed it, and oddly, it sounded better with the IR on. It defies logic, I know...my IR is MAGICAL!!!
I thought I was crazy because I think the preamps don't sound as good either. I'm new to the HX Stomp and I'm running it into the Return on my Katana 100. Interesting about the IR, guess it's all about experimentation. Thanks Scott!!
Scott - Thank you so much. Very informative as usual. - Jim(my)
Isn’t the difference, amp models full amp head and pre amp just models preamp section? So if using power cab or frfr speakers, pa ect, can use amp and if going into fx return of real amp then use preamp.
Yes, I was talking about the difference in the sound. With modeled amps it’s not always what you might think.
Helix preamps need to be used in a real amp return (or 4CM) and a real cabinet, not an IR.