Quick Summary of the 5 Tips: 1. High Pass/Low Cut (80Hz) & Low Pass/High Cut (10khz) presets. Mimics tube amp and speakers natural roll offs. 2. Compression on last block to (a) mimic studio outboard compression to even out dynamics & tame high end harshness & (b) mimics effect of a tube amps natural compression when cranked. 3. EQ: Pull out frequencies. Subtractive EQ to help gain staging down the chain. Remove low end mud & boom. High end harshness. Position: Post amp and cab & Pre Fx. EQ in the FX loop position. 4: Soft Clipping/OD pedal post amp & cab position to mimic speaker breakup and power amp saturation. More for ‘feel’ as opposed to more gain. 5. FX placement: Experiment with before and after the amp. Delay reverb B4=like pedals straight into amp & After = Studio effect/clarity.
Here's a great trick for helix. Place the kinky boost between amp and cab sim, I set it to just above unity gain, leave the boost off and set the bright to taste. Its been dubbed the Eric Johnson trick.
I've started using a Hotcake OD as a way of adding more sparkle to my sound. Pedal has a ton of output and go from completely clean to fuzz territory, and it has a tone knob labelled "presence". Knobs are somewhat interactive. I've been using it set completely clean, with the presence knob all the way up, and it's wonderful after a compressor that kills highs. It does something to the signal that an EQ can't do.
There's something different about your arrangements these days. They've got this "breaking out/finally free" quality that i really enjoy. Good stuff, man. Thanks for the tips.
I understand why we want to replicate those tube amp sounds with modelling but in a way I also think, when ya have all that creative modelling potential at your fingertips, why would ya wanna bother trying to make sounds that have already been done to death. Make something amazing and different sounding. Ya got the tools! Make it unique!
I think that's what's so exciting about where this technology is at...people who want to experiment and use these new tools to create new sounds can. People who want to create a traditional sound can. Whats more, both of these groups can do so without needing 10s of 1000s of dollars of gear...or a bunch of different pieces of gear connected. A 13 year old can recreate the tones (or close enough) that inspire them to play...or have the freedom to innovate...in their bedroom with gear that can be amassed over a couple of xmas' and bdays. Pros can do the same without needing a full time roadie and tech hauling and maintaining a crap ton of gear.
Sometimes a song calls for a classic sound, familiarity is something to be thought of when coming up with tones of your own. Something recognized is what originally draws the audience in, until you've gotten recognition and can begin altering a sound to fit yourself. This is the evolution of musicians over time, and if you notice a lot of people get frustrated when artists change their sound. Its what they're known for. A lot of the greatest bands started out as cover bands.
Lol i have a fender mustang 3 v.1 and i turn on all the goofy shit on there just to see what I can do with it. Anything with multi effects can give you weird ass sounds 😆
1. High Pass and Low Pass implementation (global setting) 2. Compressor at the end of signal chain (very last) 3. Subtractive EQ a.k.a using EQ to take out - dB a certain frequency (placed after cabinet before modulations/delays) 4. Soft Clipping, soft shaper (for Kemper only) 5. Effect Placement, a.k.a putting your effect chain like the real live setting (put everything, e.g. delay, reverb, or OD/Dist pedals BEFORE your amp head) Hope it helps for summary. Should you wanna hear any detailed explanation and sound samples, of course watch the video thoroughly like I did. Hehe. Thanks for this video, Rhett! You tha man!
Man, that intro! It was one of the best mix I've ever heard, amazing! You could do a step by step on how do you recorded, mixed and composed that, it would give so much insight! Amazing content as always man, keep it up the good work! Thanks.
it kinda' reminds me of that LADY ANTEBELLUM song " i need you now," and the solo was like eric johnson playing in a style like david gilmore { if that makes sense}, not that he ripped it off , it just has that feel, i like it BTW
great tip on the compressor last in the chain: I have an HX stomp and while it is very responsive to the guitar volume in terms of gain level, the volume drop is quite annoying in most of the amp models, so the compressor last will keep the "front end" gain dynamics while evening out the volume Great content as always, Rhett
For A/Bing different effects combos or adjustments to different parameters on the Kemper, I've found the looper can be really useful. Record a simple loop, hit play, exit looper mode and A/B as much as needed. It speeds up the workflow pretty nicely.
Another great tip I found in YT is to match the amp and cab volume to the bypass volume of your guitar, which eliminates some digital clipping that sometimes can occur.
I tried your suggestions last night at a gig and they made a big difference (in a good way). I am really starting to love my tone through the HX Stomp. Thanks so much Rhett.
Rhett this was huge for me! I use a Kemper on a regular basis and the other day I literally spent 3 hours trying different things to accomplish the tone in my head. The graphic EQ is a game changer.
Super informative, I'm a Helix Rack user myself, and I always liked to use some Cpmression after the amp. Thanks a lot Rhett, I love watching your videos, I never miss one of them !
Just downloaded Rhett's Helix presets- they are great, the tips he talks about in the video do really make a difference. I've been using my Helix for over a year, I love it but I'm a total noob when it comes to stuff like high pass filters and all that. Can't wait to try these out live in a band context. Rhett- you should do more vids like this for us guys who are using modellers but need some advice.
I don't comment often, but when I do, it's because I'm blown away by the blue Novo solo tone. Absolutely massive. I haven't heard anything like that come from a single coil except for Jimi's Voodoo Chile (slight return) after the wah intro. Great choice in the fuzz.
I’m with you on the delay and reverb in front of the amp emulation. However, I often put some additional stereo (room or plate) reverb after amp and cabinet just to make it feel less mono and more like in the room. Especially for in ear situations or headphone monitoring a great tool.
One thing I like to do with the kemper when playing through a real can via monitor/power amp out is to mess around with “sag” and “tube shape” under the “amplifier” section. You can add a bit of squish and resistance to it and it makes a huge difference to me and feels like I’m really interacting with the whole setup while playing
I’ve been messing with this and this is indeed true. Should I generally be turning up the sag to make it sound more realistic or down? Thanks for the tip
I really struggled with getting my tone on the Helix, and when I applied some of your tips regarding the high pass, EQ and some compression after the amp block, my tone shaped up to be what I wanted it to sound like! Thank you so much!
One of your BEST videos ever. I've doing some of these things with the Helix but this gave me more things to try. Also, it gives me a framework to think about the signal flow. The music and the opening "eye in the sky" were icing on the cake. Thanks for the GREAT episode.
I don't know why I never thought of putting a little compression at the end of the chain... Great idea. Putting a little room reverb at the end of the chain helps with getting more of an "amp in the room" feel too. Great video.
Spent some time just applying some of the things that you have mentioned in this video. Really helped me clean up my tones on my Helix. I normally use a parametric EQ to make a few narrow cuts in areas that I felt were really harsh. However, adding that compressor towards the end really started to provide the feedback/responsiveness that I've always been looking for. Subscribed to your channel, and shared this to lots of people. Really great stuff!
The "Pride (In the Name of Love)" riff during the pre-/post-amp delay and reverb demo was amazing. I do really like how those two effects sound in front of the amp, although it sounds good either way. The grit that comes onto the tails and repeats from running into the preamp is an oft-overlooked part of the tone. Pete Thorn did a great video about EVH's use of the Echoplex delay into the front of his Plexi and how that's the key to really nailing the sound of the riffs (aside from practicing your butt off to get the tempo and the notes right, of course).
FYI, regarding low cut, the lowest note on a guitar in standard tuning and A=440 Hz is E2 (open 6th string), which has a fundamental frequency of about 82 Hz. The lowest note on a 4-string bass is E1, 41 Hz (an octave lower). For completeness: the open 1st string is E4, about 330 Hz. If you go up 24 frets from there, you're at E6, 1319 Hz. So the range on a modern electric guitar is about 80 to 1300 Hz. Above that you're getting overtones/harmonics.
That Intro is awesome, I LOVED IT. That delay at 19:50 sounds amazing, especially when listening stereo monitors and headphones. Around 18:00-20:30 you talked about the tape delay and reverb and I am so thankful you talked about having reverb and delays at the end of the chain and after the amp, I've never done that but I love the sound of the reverb after the amp and I cant wait to try moving it in my set up and hearing.
So with my Axe FX setup I was working under the impression that models of the amps already have the frequency range to match what the amp its copying has. No need to go in and carve out more with high/low cut. Sure, do it to create and shape the tone you want but not to match the sound of the amp. On the Axe FX they have room reverb built into the cab block. You can dial in as much or as little as you'd like. Including things like room size, reflections, and dampening. This completely separate from reverb and delay blocks that can be added anywhere in the chain. Nice opening btw, looked and sounded great.
I use the HX in my computer/monitors only, but run a cable out of the fx send to the return of one of my little tube amp heads on a 4x12 behind me a few feet set to a really low volume. Helps get that "in the room" feel thing going.
I really dig your real Aunt tones you're pretty much a real amp kind of guy that's moved over into modelers I'm a guy that had a GSP 2.1 Legend when it first come out the first year and then rocking them through big Peavey CS 800s and Marshall cabinets
Agree with all the comments about the intro. Smooooth. I dont have either Helix or Kemper but have the Tech21 flyrig v2 as my rig core. SansAmp is based on the 'blonde' series, and then drive options for Mesa/Plexi. It takes pedals really well and includes effects loop send/return. Can def. still apply these concepts even if I'm not using the two systems demo'd here. Thanks Rhett!
Thanks for the tips .... I have several tube amp heads and cabinets and now I,m getting the best tones of my life with the HX Stomp and a Tech21 solid state power amp .... the warmest tones and versatility !!!
You are a humble guy bro. It may be the best quality any of us could wish for. Compressor? A guy gave me a Boss compressor about 20 years ago and said he didn't like pedals that didn't do anything. I had a nice guitar and rig and noticed a little difference but the more I played, the more I noticed it. I sold it and got a Keeley Compressor and it has been on 85% of the time. It's probably the sustain I like the most.
Great video Rhett, another thing you can do which I do is adjust the sag in the amp, that will have more of an effect to the feel than sound but you can hear and feel the difference, if you want more of a spongy feel this is a good way to do it.
Holy shit Rhett, Those tools must make a big difference because I can actually hear it...... This is a first for me..... I can't normally hear subtle differences over the ringing an snow...... Keep doing what you do!!!!!
Killer intro ! You're one of the reason there's a Helix at my feet right now while watching your video. The soft clipping and the compresion were subtle but had me jumping, amazing trick. Thank you for your advice and good work !
I tried some of these tips on my Kemper . The Graphic EQ adjustment really improved my clean sounds. Less spikey "Digital sounding ". Much better than just adjusting the main or Monitor Out Put EQ . Thanks Rhett !
One thing I like to do is put a very short decay, low mix room reverb after the amp(s). People complain that modelers don't feel like playing through a miced up amp and this is a way of helping
Man, I was very happy with my Helix before. But I've never considered it as being a FR/FR device. The high cut was a game changer. It definitely tamed some of the ultra high frequencies I was fighting.
Hey Rhett. This info is so great. I basically could not stand the sound of my modeler with my frfr or going direct to front of house. But this info has definitely renewed my faith and I now can reintroduce this setup back into my options. Thank you so much. Benny
Great stuff! Agree 100%. 1. HP & LP 2. Post comp to FEEL like a tube power section. 3. FX into amp, NOT in the loop (FX will feel more homogeneous, and less separate from the amp)
IR selection can also achieve the high pass and low pass you may be looking for. Marshall cabs with greenbacks will roll off quickly above 5k and more slowly below 130hz.
4 года назад+1
Indeed. I don't usually bother with global EQ and try different IRs instead.
Yeah mic technique used to make the IR makes a world of difference on even the same speaker. Good IR packs give you lots of mic, placement, distance, and angle options for each speaker and cab combo. It's often quite the rabbit hole to fall into. The speaker and cab have WAY more impact on your final sound than many people realize. IR's are no different.
You know, using that deluxe compressor and the high/low pass really made a HUGE difference. I was using the 5 band MESA EQ in the Helix before but I was able to get better results with the high/low pass. The compressor at the end, just as you described, really does add that slight "tubey" feel. Good stuff Mr. Shull!
very helpful stuff here...thanx for explaining the "why" of using low and high pass adjustments to your amp/cab sims...the only video i've seen that actually details what you're trying to emulate with a real amp...
I suggest also looking into overdrives/boosts with tubes in them. I put a kingsley page in front of my helix stomp and I now have the touch sensitivity I was looking for.
Awesome video, Rhett. There were a few tricks I was unaware of that I am stoked to try. Others were 'studio tricks' that I use in my DAW but hadn't considered using directly in my Kemper. Also, what a great into song. I really appreciate that you do that, as well as the cinematic choices, like split screens, aerials, etc. Keep up the good work and amazing music. Cheers from Norway.
I learned a lot about compression by dragging a compressor around the signal chain in my Headrush. I’ve also learned where I personally like tremolo, phaser, etc. But most surprising is how I’ve learned how simple my favorite signal chain is, and really all I ever needed was a house out in the country where I can crank my amps!
I love compression first stage to smoothen my playing and to help hit the sweet spot of a modeled amp and stay there. A little roll of volume makes for subtle tone response. If an amp is modeled correctly it should have the natural compression when pushed. Totally agree with post compression use to get there, all an art. I was using the hi roll off on cabs starting at 6k but lately have gone as low as 3600hz.
Hi Rhett, the reverb/delay placements makes sense because the modelers are so good at recreating this makes it a more natural sound. I’m taking a lot with this video since I’m new to the HX Stomp world. I also have a Ceritone 2550 Silver Jublee (point to point) which I love plus Marshall 4 X 12 but I feel this just to big to haul around. I also have Katana 100 watt head and Mesa 1 X 12 open back that’s works very well. As I learn more I may get a Jet midi controller and another HX Stomp together instead of a full Helix. Many of us would love to hear your thought on the Katanas. As always thanks for teaching us.
HI Rhett. A bit off topic, but you might be interested in this. I bought an Orange Terror Stamp. Yesterday day I ran my Helix Stomp into the return of the Stamp and into a cab - worked really well. I could see an application where my amp dies on stage and I could run it into the speakers of the amp.
Hi Rhett, thanks for your great EQ-Tip!! I use it for all !! my sounds in Line6 Pod500X and take the "Studio EQ" with the following stettings: Lo Freq = 75Hz - Lo Gain = - 7 dB and Hi Freq = 8000 Hz - Hi Gain = -7dB --- for all my sounds usefull cause they are a more amplike and less hifi. Greetings from Germany
Rhett Shull I learned a lot (I don’t have/use modelers yet, no qualms with them, just haven’t gone that route yet). This was really enlightening man. Also, I know you’re gonna hate me for it, but you misspelled compression (sorry 😟). Love YOUUUUUU
Wasn't sure whether to write this or not, but I hope it gives you something nice to take away... I watched a couple of your videos about a year ago and found them a bit dull... skipped over your channel every time it showed up in my feed for a long time after that, but gotta say that I now regret anything I missed from you during that time... Over the past 6 months your content hasn't failed to not only teach me new stuff, but also to inspire me to pick up my guitar after EVERY watch! 😊 ... The behind the scenes stuff with Noah is especially of interest to me, so much so that I just subscribed! 😊 ... Is there any release date for an album with all these great tracks you guys have been producing lately???? Great job all round bro... keep doing what you're doing... no plan B 🤘🤘
This came at the right time for me! I have a 60W Tweed Blues Deville 410 which is great... until the kids go to bed. I got hold of Amplitube for bass since I don't have a bass amp but I decided to try using it for guitar for late night practices. Total $h!t show but a lot of the pointers in this video clearly point out my problem areas, especially the HP/LP tip. One thing that stood out to me was the use of EQ after the amp. This is something that's become a huge no-no for me when recording an actual tube amp. It robs the guitar/amp/cabinet of it's warmth, leaving it with a colder, more digital tone. Is this just less of a concern with sims? Typically, if I want to bring it out in the mix, I apply a harmonic exciter, accentuating the highs. If it's a little too hot, I apply tube or even tape saturation, re-purposing the unnecessary highs. Punch? Add compression with attack. In the past, Parametric EQ was my hammer and every problem was a nail. Now, I'm conditioned to hit the breaks every time it comes up. =D Thanks for everything, Rhett!
Rhett Shull kemper user here. So do you apply the same principles you demoed on the hx effects to the kemper (global eq, compression start the end) Also, if I profile comes with the eq already tweaked do you leave it or set it 0 and apply the graphic eq? Thanks man
Rhett... You're like a Novo show room. Those guitars have a special place in my heart that no other guitars have- And I've never even held one... Yet. 👏🏻
As usual, a very clear and concise explanation of the topic and your approach/reasoning. Modeler pedals are a hot topic and as a tube amp player I've learned a lot from your vids. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Rhett!
I know it’s a lot less capable, but I picked up a Fender Mustang II head some years back. I’m pretty sure a lot of us non-pro players never really dig too deeply into what these are capable of. My goal is to create some presets for both my acoustics (fishman retrofits) and electrics, so that I basically don’t do anything other than switch instruments. I have a four switch and two switch controller, and their effects pedal as well. I’m going to use some of your and Rick’s advice and ideas to finally create what I want. I’m starting to understand signal chain a lot better, and how gain and EQ work properly. It’s going to come down to making a “nest” in the basement for a weekend, and really trying to figure out what’s up. Thanks for waking up my musical brain just a little. As a side note, I really appreciate your candid admissions about the struggles of both improving and maintaining your playing skills. I’m in my fifties, and I just realized that my hands are showing some wear and tear from the REST of life. If you’re twenty-something, please don’t roll your eyes when I tell you that you’re going to see (and miss) a lot of opportunities along the way, and the possible negative outcomes you use to justify all the missed ones will likely never matter. It’s okay to indulge your musical inner child once in a while, especially if you want good memories. Thanks again.
One of the best "tricks" I have learned in 35 years of using preamps/modelers (I bought the Digitech 944 Chain Reaction brand new in 1987-88. Using multi-fx ever since...too many to list). Try your factory patches sure. But start fresh patches...remove EVERYTHING but the amp. You can sometimes remove the amp and use just the pedal models. Dial in just the amp. Make that sound good. Add the cab if you wish. Go back and adjust the amp. Make that sound as good as you can. Now...if needed...add your EQ tricks. Once you have a good amp patch, save it as a base. Now blend in your effects. This takes some time....but once you learn your device, it will go faster for each new amp. And it's worth it.
Rhett, superb content as ever. I'm a pedals into amp kinda guy but the AHA moment for me was definitely your tape echo. Too often we take stock presets as the starting point, which is OK. But understanding why things are the order they are is so key. Something Dan and Mick from @thatpedlalshow started to (and continue to) open my eyes to. EQ HP/LP was gold too. Looks like my Sunday afternoon is going to be fun playing with Helix Native!
Rhett, I find you to be a great teacher. Thanks for sharing. I love your channel especially all the stuff you’re doing on modeling now I’m about to take the plunge and I’ll probably end up getting the helix right now. I’m playing through a boss M 80. I’m a big fan of effects boxes all in one’s looking seriously at the helix floor.
Thanks Rhett! You're killing it. I cant wait to get home and work on my hx stomp now. And that track was killer. Cool about the high pass and low pass too. I really noticed the low pass doing its thing. My best tip right now for using the stomp integrated with a board is to use midi control. I'm able to use all of my favorite strymon pedals and overdrives/fuzz and switch them all with a single button push.
That was informative and very helpful, thx! Actually, I got a tip, cause I saw that LED blinking on your HX Stomp. I had that too (for weeks) and it annoyed me a lot, but was too lazy to do any research. In case somebody wants to have a hint: Press both "Page" buttons at the same time, you're now in "Menu", then press the "Page >" button on the right once, you're now seeing "Global Settings", press the left dial button right under it and scroll with the upper dial button between "Home/View" and "Action" to that eye sign on the right, it says "On" at "Tap LED". With the dial button in the middle right under it you can switch that to "Off". Press the "Home/View" button, you are back and the LED doesn't blink anymore.
Rhett: The opening guitar work for this video is mondo tasty! As is the lick you play at 10:17. You have a natural gift for playing things that are very ethereal. You need to do a CD of your guitar work and sell it online (in your store). Multi-track with RS playing all tracks.
My first video course, The Tone Course, is now available. Check it out here!
flatfiv.co/collections/rhett-shull/products/the-tone-course
non of you url with presets to download works ...could you upload please?
The link is not available. How cab i get the preset?
Quick Summary of the 5 Tips:
1. High Pass/Low Cut (80Hz) & Low Pass/High Cut (10khz) presets. Mimics tube amp and speakers natural roll offs.
2. Compression on last block to (a) mimic studio outboard compression to even out dynamics & tame high end harshness & (b) mimics effect of a tube amps natural compression when cranked.
3. EQ: Pull out frequencies. Subtractive EQ to help gain staging down the chain. Remove low end mud & boom. High end harshness. Position: Post amp and cab & Pre Fx. EQ in the FX loop position.
4: Soft Clipping/OD pedal post amp & cab position to mimic speaker breakup and power amp saturation. More for ‘feel’ as opposed to more gain.
5. FX placement: Experiment with before and after the amp. Delay reverb B4=like pedals straight into amp & After = Studio effect/clarity.
LOL I wrote my own summary while listening.
Dude that intro, that needs to be made into a song and released, fantastic.
Yeah, it´ awesome! Go for it Rhett!
Word. That was awesome.
Indeed: reminded me of Mike Oldfield, Fleetwood Mac and The War On Drugs, which is a huge compliment. :)
Jimmy R I strongly concur with this statement
So much... This!
Here's a great trick for helix. Place the kinky boost between amp and cab sim, I set it to just above unity gain, leave the boost off and set the bright to taste. Its been dubbed the Eric Johnson trick.
And no more money wasted on new pedals trying to achieve that sound - or a thousand other sounds.
I've started using a Hotcake OD as a way of adding more sparkle to my sound. Pedal has a ton of output and go from completely clean to fuzz territory, and it has a tone knob labelled "presence". Knobs are somewhat interactive. I've been using it set completely clean, with the presence knob all the way up, and it's wonderful after a compressor that kills highs. It does something to the signal that an EQ can't do.
There's something different about your arrangements these days. They've got this "breaking out/finally free" quality that i really enjoy. Good stuff, man. Thanks for the tips.
I understand why we want to replicate those tube amp sounds with modelling but in a way I also think, when ya have all that creative modelling potential at your fingertips, why would ya wanna bother trying to make sounds that have already been done to death. Make something amazing and different sounding. Ya got the tools! Make it unique!
Hell yeah. I'm using a Helix and Variax combo and more bothered about reassigning the tone knob to control the pitch shifter and stuff like that.
agree. bring something new to the table.
I think that's what's so exciting about where this technology is at...people who want to experiment and use these new tools to create new sounds can. People who want to create a traditional sound can. Whats more, both of these groups can do so without needing 10s of 1000s of dollars of gear...or a bunch of different pieces of gear connected. A 13 year old can recreate the tones (or close enough) that inspire them to play...or have the freedom to innovate...in their bedroom with gear that can be amassed over a couple of xmas' and bdays. Pros can do the same without needing a full time roadie and tech hauling and maintaining a crap ton of gear.
Sometimes a song calls for a classic sound, familiarity is something to be thought of when coming up with tones of your own. Something recognized is what originally draws the audience in, until you've gotten recognition and can begin altering a sound to fit yourself. This is the evolution of musicians over time, and if you notice a lot of people get frustrated when artists change their sound. Its what they're known for. A lot of the greatest bands started out as cover bands.
Lol i have a fender mustang 3 v.1 and i turn on all the goofy shit on there just to see what I can do with it. Anything with multi effects can give you weird ass sounds 😆
1. High Pass and Low Pass implementation (global setting)
2. Compressor at the end of signal chain (very last)
3. Subtractive EQ a.k.a using EQ to take out - dB a certain frequency (placed after cabinet before modulations/delays)
4. Soft Clipping, soft shaper (for Kemper only)
5. Effect Placement, a.k.a putting your effect chain like the real live setting (put everything, e.g. delay, reverb, or OD/Dist pedals BEFORE your amp head)
Hope it helps for summary. Should you wanna hear any detailed explanation and sound samples, of course watch the video thoroughly like I did. Hehe. Thanks for this video, Rhett! You tha man!
Man, that intro! It was one of the best mix I've ever heard, amazing! You could do a step by step on how do you recorded, mixed and composed that, it would give so much insight! Amazing content as always man, keep it up the good work! Thanks.
it kinda' reminds me of that LADY ANTEBELLUM song " i need you now," and the solo was like eric johnson playing in a style like david gilmore { if that makes sense}, not that he ripped it off , it just has that feel, i like it BTW
that is ment as a compliment
An entire video of that intro would be magical.
great tip on the compressor last in the chain: I have an HX stomp and while it is very responsive to the guitar volume in terms of gain level, the volume drop is quite annoying in most of the amp models, so the compressor last will keep the "front end" gain dynamics while evening out the volume
Great content as always, Rhett
For A/Bing different effects combos or adjustments to different parameters on the Kemper, I've found the looper can be really useful. Record a simple loop, hit play, exit looper mode and A/B as much as needed. It speeds up the workflow pretty nicely.
Another great tip I found in YT is to match the amp and cab volume to the bypass volume of your guitar, which eliminates some digital clipping that sometimes can occur.
I tried your suggestions last night at a gig and they made a big difference (in a good way). I am really starting to love my tone through the HX Stomp. Thanks so much Rhett.
Rhett this was huge for me! I use a Kemper on a regular basis and the other day I literally spent 3 hours trying different things to accomplish the tone in my head. The graphic EQ is a game changer.
Super informative, I'm a Helix Rack user myself, and I always liked to use some Cpmression after the amp.
Thanks a lot Rhett, I love watching your videos, I never miss one of them !
To make a modeler feel like a real tube amp just strap a 50lb lump of lead to it.
LMAO
This made me laugh. Thank you.
Idk though because my headrush pedal board is like 20 pound !??!
The clean at the beginning. Kemper or Helix?
That's the easy way. Strap it to a stack of cinder blocks.
Just downloaded Rhett's Helix presets- they are great, the tips he talks about in the video do really make a difference. I've been using my Helix for over a year, I love it but I'm a total noob when it comes to stuff like high pass filters and all that. Can't wait to try these out live in a band context. Rhett- you should do more vids like this for us guys who are using modellers but need some advice.
The intro was beautiful and amazing. Fantastic and informative quality indeed!
Yup that was great
@@dep1001 Indeed my man
Truly fantastic !
Just want to say the opening is extremely professional. Was wonderful job of editing. It had that million dollar feel.
@@justinTime077 Agreed haha
I don't comment often, but when I do, it's because I'm blown away by the blue Novo solo tone. Absolutely massive. I haven't heard anything like that come from a single coil except for Jimi's Voodoo Chile (slight return) after the wah intro. Great choice in the fuzz.
I’m with you on the delay and reverb in front of the amp emulation. However, I often put some additional stereo (room or plate) reverb after amp and cabinet just to make it feel less mono and more like in the room. Especially for in ear situations or headphone monitoring a great tool.
Yeah bro me to
Rhett - This is perhaps your best instructional video. I enjoyed watching this and learnt a lot. Thanks and love from India!
One thing I like to do with the kemper when playing through a real can via monitor/power amp out is to mess around with “sag” and “tube shape” under the “amplifier” section. You can add a bit of squish and resistance to it and it makes a huge difference to me and feels like I’m really interacting with the whole setup while playing
I’ve been messing with this and this is indeed true. Should I generally be turning up the sag to make it sound more realistic or down? Thanks for the tip
Jadon S. Depends on the profile but I find I usually like when it’s turned up a bit
Haven't even started the vid. But I just wanted to say that this channel is absolutely great, and this is coming from a guy who is totally into metal.
I really struggled with getting my tone on the Helix, and when I applied some of your tips regarding the high pass, EQ and some compression after the amp block, my tone shaped up to be what I wanted it to sound like! Thank you so much!
One of your BEST videos ever. I've doing some of these things with the Helix but this gave me more things to try. Also, it gives me a framework to think about the signal flow. The music and the opening "eye in the sky" were icing on the cake. Thanks for the GREAT episode.
I don't know why I never thought of putting a little compression at the end of the chain... Great idea.
Putting a little room reverb at the end of the chain helps with getting more of an "amp in the room" feel too.
Great video.
The music during the beginning of this video was simply stellar!
Spent some time just applying some of the things that you have mentioned in this video. Really helped me clean up my tones on my Helix. I normally use a parametric EQ to make a few narrow cuts in areas that I felt were really harsh. However, adding that compressor towards the end really started to provide the feedback/responsiveness that I've always been looking for.
Subscribed to your channel, and shared this to lots of people. Really great stuff!
The "Pride (In the Name of Love)" riff during the pre-/post-amp delay and reverb demo was amazing. I do really like how those two effects sound in front of the amp, although it sounds good either way. The grit that comes onto the tails and repeats from running into the preamp is an oft-overlooked part of the tone. Pete Thorn did a great video about EVH's use of the Echoplex delay into the front of his Plexi and how that's the key to really nailing the sound of the riffs (aside from practicing your butt off to get the tempo and the notes right, of course).
Great stuff in here dude!! Thanks for the shout out!!
BTW that intro was 🔥
The king of tone! Awesome video, thanks Man!! Sorry my english, i'm brazilian.
FYI, regarding low cut, the lowest note on a guitar in standard tuning and A=440 Hz is E2 (open 6th string), which has a fundamental frequency of about 82 Hz.
The lowest note on a 4-string bass is E1, 41 Hz (an octave lower).
For completeness: the open 1st string is E4, about 330 Hz. If you go up 24 frets from there, you're at E6, 1319 Hz.
So the range on a modern electric guitar is about 80 to 1300 Hz. Above that you're getting overtones/harmonics.
That Intro is awesome, I LOVED IT. That delay at 19:50 sounds amazing, especially when listening stereo monitors and headphones. Around 18:00-20:30 you talked about the tape delay and reverb and I am so thankful you talked about having reverb and delays at the end of the chain and after the amp, I've never done that but I love the sound of the reverb after the amp and I cant wait to try moving it in my set up and hearing.
So with my Axe FX setup I was working under the impression that models of the amps already have the frequency range to match what the amp its copying has. No need to go in and carve out more with high/low cut. Sure, do it to create and shape the tone you want but not to match the sound of the amp. On the Axe FX they have room reverb built into the cab block. You can dial in as much or as little as you'd like. Including things like room size, reflections, and dampening. This completely separate from reverb and delay blocks that can be added anywhere in the chain. Nice opening btw, looked and sounded great.
That minute and a half opening of black and white drone footage and guitar was killer. I almost wished it was longer. Great work!
I use the HX in my computer/monitors only, but run a cable out of the fx send to the return of one of my little tube amp heads on a 4x12 behind me a few feet set to a really low volume. Helps get that "in the room" feel thing going.
I really dig your real Aunt tones you're pretty much a real amp kind of guy that's moved over into modelers I'm a guy that had a GSP 2.1 Legend when it first come out the first year and then rocking them through big Peavey CS 800s and Marshall cabinets
Agree with all the comments about the intro. Smooooth. I dont have either Helix or Kemper but have the Tech21 flyrig v2 as my rig core. SansAmp is based on the 'blonde' series, and then drive options for Mesa/Plexi. It takes pedals really well and includes effects loop send/return. Can def. still apply these concepts even if I'm not using the two systems demo'd here. Thanks Rhett!
Thanks for the tips .... I have several tube amp heads and cabinets and now I,m getting the best tones of my life with the HX Stomp and a Tech21 solid state power amp .... the warmest tones and versatility !!!
Lovin' that snow drone footage.
You are a humble guy bro. It may be the best quality any of us could wish for. Compressor? A guy gave me a Boss compressor about 20 years ago and said he didn't like pedals that didn't do anything. I had a nice guitar and rig and noticed a little difference but the more I played, the more I noticed it. I sold it and got a Keeley Compressor and it has been on 85% of the time. It's probably the sustain I like the most.
Rhett, the opening videography is straight up LEGIT. I loved it, and that intro track is amazing! 😎👍
I hate when demo songs sound incredible cause then I want to keep listening to them. Please upload that as a song, that was sooooo good.
Wow! Thanks. One of the most helpful videos for us who use modelers. Can’t wait to try this out.
Subtractive EQ is key to using them ,most newcomers find it counter intuitive. Great tip !
Great video Rhett, another thing you can do which I do is adjust the sag in the amp, that will have more of an effect to the feel than sound but you can hear and feel the difference, if you want more of a spongy feel this is a good way to do it.
Excellent intro! I’m buying a Kemper this month and really looking forward to digging into the multiple sounds.
Thumbs up for the soft shaper tip on the kemper. The sound gains thickness and it's actually quite noticeable through headphones.
hands down, the best tips ever. You made my Kemper behave way better. Thanks bro!
Holy shit Rhett,
Those tools must make a big difference because I can actually hear it......
This is a first for me.....
I can't normally hear subtle differences over the ringing an snow......
Keep doing what you do!!!!!
Killer intro ! You're one of the reason there's a Helix at my feet right now while watching your video. The soft clipping and the compresion were subtle but had me jumping, amazing trick. Thank you for your advice and good work !
I tried some of these tips on my Kemper . The Graphic EQ adjustment really improved my clean sounds. Less spikey "Digital sounding ". Much better than just adjusting the main or Monitor Out Put EQ . Thanks Rhett !
Another great intro! When is the video album coming out, Rhett? You've got the touch.
One thing I like to do is put a very short decay, low mix room reverb after the amp(s). People complain that modelers don't feel like playing through a miced up amp and this is a way of helping
I'm an old, grumpy analog geezer whom so far has not drank the modeling kool-aid. I will say however, I may try your recipe! Good work Prof. Schull!
Man, I was very happy with my Helix before. But I've never considered it as being a FR/FR device. The high cut was a game changer. It definitely tamed some of the ultra high frequencies I was fighting.
This was really insightful. Not just for Multi effects, but I learned a ton about tone in general. Thanks!
Just bought a Line 6 Pod Go and I am devouring these vids atm.
Thanks Rhett!
Hey Rhett. This info is so great. I basically could not stand the sound of my modeler with my frfr or going direct to front of house. But this info has definitely renewed my faith and I now can reintroduce this setup back into my options. Thank you so much. Benny
Great stuff! Agree 100%.
1. HP & LP
2. Post comp to FEEL like a tube power section.
3. FX into amp, NOT in the loop (FX will feel more homogeneous, and less separate from the amp)
IR selection can also achieve the high pass and low pass you may be looking for. Marshall cabs with greenbacks will roll off quickly above 5k and more slowly below 130hz.
Indeed. I don't usually bother with global EQ and try different IRs instead.
@ Exactly - as i mentioned usually roll off the high shift a little - which is just a tweak of the IR
Yeah mic technique used to make the IR makes a world of difference on even the same speaker. Good IR packs give you lots of mic, placement, distance, and angle options for each speaker and cab combo. It's often quite the rabbit hole to fall into. The speaker and cab have WAY more impact on your final sound than many people realize. IR's are no different.
The music and videography for the intro is pure art. Beautiful.
You know, using that deluxe compressor and the high/low pass really made a HUGE difference. I was using the 5 band MESA EQ in the Helix before but I was able to get better results with the high/low pass. The compressor at the end, just as you described, really does add that slight "tubey" feel. Good stuff Mr. Shull!
very helpful stuff here...thanx for explaining the "why" of using low and high pass adjustments to your amp/cab sims...the only video i've seen that actually details what you're trying to emulate with a real amp...
Fantastic vital info for us old jazz guys! THANK YOU
Bro I just applied these tips on my profiles and everything sounds waaay better!! Thank you so much for sharing!
I suggest also looking into overdrives/boosts with tubes in them. I put a kingsley page in front of my helix stomp and I now have the touch sensitivity I was looking for.
You make the best videos on RUclips. That intro was amazing. Also that firebird is beautiful!
Subscribed because of this video. Also, your music to introduce the video was amazing.
This is actually a great insight for mixing if you receive somebody's amp sim recording. I'm definitely gonna try this from a mixing perspective.
This intro track is magic, well done man!!!
Awesome video, Rhett.
There were a few tricks I was unaware of that I am stoked to try. Others were 'studio tricks' that I use in my DAW but hadn't considered using directly in my Kemper.
Also, what a great into song. I really appreciate that you do that, as well as the cinematic choices, like split screens, aerials, etc. Keep up the good work and amazing music. Cheers from Norway.
I learned a lot about compression by dragging a compressor around the signal chain in my Headrush. I’ve also learned where I personally like tremolo, phaser, etc. But most surprising is how I’ve learned how simple my favorite signal chain is, and really all I ever needed was a house out in the country where I can crank my amps!
I love compression first stage to smoothen my playing and to help hit the sweet spot of a modeled amp and stay there. A little roll of volume makes for subtle tone response. If an amp is modeled correctly it should have the natural compression when pushed. Totally agree with post compression use to get there, all an art. I was using the hi roll off on cabs starting at 6k but lately have gone as low as 3600hz.
I just come here for intros. While the channel itself has lot of good stuff and a good amount of info. But intros, they are just another level.
Hi Rhett, the reverb/delay placements makes sense because the modelers are so good at recreating this makes it a more natural sound. I’m taking a lot with this video since I’m new to the HX Stomp world. I also have a Ceritone 2550 Silver Jublee (point to point) which I love plus Marshall 4 X 12 but I feel this just to big to haul around. I also have Katana 100 watt head and Mesa 1 X 12 open back that’s works very well. As I learn more I may get a Jet midi controller and another HX Stomp together instead of a full Helix. Many of us would love to hear your thought on the Katanas. As always thanks for teaching us.
HI Rhett. A bit off topic, but you might be interested in this. I bought an Orange Terror Stamp. Yesterday day I ran my Helix Stomp into the return of the Stamp and into a cab - worked really well. I could see an application where my amp dies on stage and I could run it into the speakers of the amp.
Hi Rhett, thanks for your great EQ-Tip!! I use it for all !! my sounds in Line6 Pod500X and take the "Studio EQ" with the following stettings:
Lo Freq = 75Hz - Lo Gain = - 7 dB and Hi Freq = 8000 Hz - Hi Gain = -7dB --- for all my sounds usefull cause they are a more amplike
and less hifi.
Greetings from Germany
Check Out My Helix Presets and Kemer Profiles here!
flatfiv.co/collections/rhett-shull
Rhett Shull I learned a lot (I don’t have/use modelers yet, no qualms with them, just haven’t gone that route yet). This was really enlightening man. Also, I know you’re gonna hate me for it, but you misspelled compression (sorry 😟). Love YOUUUUUU
Wasn't sure whether to write this or not, but I hope it gives you something nice to take away... I watched a couple of your videos about a year ago and found them a bit dull... skipped over your channel every time it showed up in my feed for a long time after that, but gotta say that I now regret anything I missed from you during that time... Over the past 6 months your content hasn't failed to not only teach me new stuff, but also to inspire me to pick up my guitar after EVERY watch! 😊 ... The behind the scenes stuff with Noah is especially of interest to me, so much so that I just subscribed! 😊 ... Is there any release date for an album with all these great tracks you guys have been producing lately???? Great job all round bro... keep doing what you're doing... no plan B 🤘🤘
Can you have a Guitar Collection Tour of all of gear at home and on the road?
This came at the right time for me! I have a 60W Tweed Blues Deville 410 which is great... until the kids go to bed. I got hold of Amplitube for bass since I don't have a bass amp but I decided to try using it for guitar for late night practices. Total $h!t show but a lot of the pointers in this video clearly point out my problem areas, especially the HP/LP tip.
One thing that stood out to me was the use of EQ after the amp. This is something that's become a huge no-no for me when recording an actual tube amp. It robs the guitar/amp/cabinet of it's warmth, leaving it with a colder, more digital tone. Is this just less of a concern with sims? Typically, if I want to bring it out in the mix, I apply a harmonic exciter, accentuating the highs. If it's a little too hot, I apply tube or even tape saturation, re-purposing the unnecessary highs. Punch? Add compression with attack. In the past, Parametric EQ was my hammer and every problem was a nail. Now, I'm conditioned to hit the breaks every time it comes up. =D
Thanks for everything, Rhett!
Rhett Shull kemper user here.
So do you apply the same principles you demoed on the hx effects to the kemper (global eq, compression start the end)
Also, if I profile comes with the eq already tweaked do you leave it or set it 0 and apply the graphic eq?
Thanks man
Rhett... You're like a Novo show room. Those guitars have a special place in my heart that no other guitars have-
And I've never even held one...
Yet. 👏🏻
As usual, a very clear and concise explanation of the topic and your approach/reasoning. Modeler pedals are a hot topic and as a tube amp player I've learned a lot from your vids. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Rhett!
Fantastic intro! All the layers are very tasteful and sound killer.
Beacause of your videos I started to play guitar once again! Good bless you mate!
Getting fancy on the VIDEO editing NICE!!!! Looks great LOve the new production!!!
Melodic perfection in your intro. ROCK on sir.
Tried the Compressor trick. Works amazingly to bring the tube tone out! Huge thanks!
I know it’s a lot less capable, but I picked up a Fender Mustang II head some years back. I’m pretty sure a lot of us non-pro players never really dig too deeply into what these are capable of. My goal is to create some presets for both my acoustics (fishman retrofits) and electrics, so that I basically don’t do anything other than switch instruments. I have a four switch and two switch controller, and their effects pedal as well. I’m going to use some of your and Rick’s advice and ideas to finally create what I want. I’m starting to understand signal chain a lot better, and how gain and EQ work properly. It’s going to come down to making a “nest” in the basement for a weekend, and really trying to figure out what’s up. Thanks for waking up my musical brain just a little. As a side note, I really appreciate your candid admissions about the struggles of both improving and maintaining your playing skills. I’m in my fifties, and I just realized that my hands are showing some wear and tear from the REST of life. If you’re twenty-something, please don’t roll your eyes when I tell you that you’re going to see (and miss) a lot of opportunities along the way, and the possible negative outcomes you use to justify all the missed ones will likely never matter. It’s okay to indulge your musical inner child once in a while, especially if you want good memories. Thanks again.
One of the best "tricks" I have learned in 35 years of using preamps/modelers (I bought the Digitech 944 Chain Reaction brand new in 1987-88. Using multi-fx ever since...too many to list). Try your factory patches sure. But start fresh patches...remove EVERYTHING but the amp. You can sometimes remove the amp and use just the pedal models. Dial in just the amp. Make that sound good. Add the cab if you wish. Go back and adjust the amp. Make that sound as good as you can. Now...if needed...add your EQ tricks. Once you have a good amp patch, save it as a base. Now blend in your effects. This takes some time....but once you learn your device, it will go faster for each new amp. And it's worth it.
My best use for a compressor is when you're playing a great big Spanky amp at very loud volumes it helps keep it under control
Rhett, superb content as ever. I'm a pedals into amp kinda guy but the AHA moment for me was definitely your tape echo. Too often we take stock presets as the starting point, which is OK. But understanding why things are the order they are is so key. Something Dan and Mick from @thatpedlalshow started to (and continue to) open my eyes to. EQ HP/LP was gold too. Looks like my Sunday afternoon is going to be fun playing with Helix Native!
Rhett, I find you to be a great teacher. Thanks for sharing. I love your channel especially all the stuff you’re doing on modeling now I’m about to take the plunge and I’ll probably end up getting the helix right now. I’m playing through a boss M 80. I’m a big fan of effects boxes all in one’s looking seriously at the helix floor.
To get a real amp sound and remove the harshness on my Kemper, when going DI I just adjust the cab setting high shift to -0.5 (approx)
What helped me most to achieve that "real feel" with my modeler is the Digitech Freqout pedal in a really subtle setting, first in my chain.
Can u elaborate on that?
@@wouldoox8024 Obviously not lol
Your intros are incredible.
Thanks Rhett! You're killing it. I cant wait to get home and work on my hx stomp now. And that track was killer. Cool about the high pass and low pass too. I really noticed the low pass doing its thing. My best tip right now for using the stomp integrated with a board is to use midi control. I'm able to use all of my favorite strymon pedals and overdrives/fuzz and switch them all with a single button push.
That was informative and very helpful, thx!
Actually, I got a tip, cause I saw that LED blinking on your HX Stomp. I had that too (for weeks) and it annoyed me a lot, but was too lazy to do any research. In case somebody wants to have a hint:
Press both "Page" buttons at the same time, you're now in "Menu", then press the "Page >" button on the right once, you're now seeing "Global Settings", press the left dial button right under it and scroll with the upper dial button between "Home/View" and "Action" to that eye sign on the right, it says "On" at "Tap LED". With the dial button in the middle right under it you can switch that to "Off". Press the "Home/View" button, you are back and the LED doesn't blink anymore.
Rhett: The opening guitar work for this video is mondo tasty! As is the lick you play at 10:17. You have a natural gift for playing things that are very ethereal. You need to do a CD of your guitar work and sell it online (in your store). Multi-track with RS playing all tracks.
Dude honestly, your channel rocks !
man your guitars are always soo nice to listen but also to look at