I finally convinced our sound people that the big volume knob on the Helix needs to be maxxed for unity gain. We were having noise issues and the gate on the board was cutting off notes. They did as I asked and it was as if the heavens opened. The surprise and shock in his voice on the talk back mic was priceless.😂
That's great! Yeah, if you have the trust built between you and the FOH team, I would always start off by having them "help" me. I say, "hey I'm dialing in this tone. What do you need to do to it to get it set well in the mix? Because I'm working really heard to show up with a live sound ready to go." In my experience this has gone over really well. If I notice their gate is clipping off the end of my swells, I let them know that I already have a gate on my end, so they shouldn't need it on their end. They'll always apply some comp and EQ to adjust for whatever is happening on stage that day...but bring them along in getting the best tone.
@HeyWorshipLeader when you say you already have a gate, is that the input block gate? Or do you put a noise gate block at the end of the chain to avoid clipping (esp for intense verbs).
I make sure the channel gain on the amplifier block is set so that the amp volume matches the volume of the dry guitar signal for all my presets/snapshots. That keeps everything in ballance and never clipping any sound system I'm going into.
This is a great tip. Do you look at a sound wave for a visual comparison or just use your ear? The only thing is that I’d intentionally probably add a small volume boost with some gain blocks when they are are engaged, but I reckon this is a great tip
If you need several sounds and therefore several patches for a gig, you can also tweak the GLOBAL EQ setting to adjust the general volume of ALL your patches. I use it every time on my Helix 🙂
Great tips! Have had similar issues but instead of level and tone differences between patches the differences are obvious when I’m running my hybrid rig in front of an amp vs running direct into the mixer
Hey Jimmy, great tips for actually making the adjustments needed to level. Any tips on how to best test whether you actually need to match levels between patches? Do you just use you ears, do you visualise output levels, do you analyse wave forms in a DAW?
Honestly...I use my ears at home first. I go from clean amp setting to another preset with clean amp setting and go from there. If you want to be more precise, you definitely can use the wave forms in your DAW. I just haven't felt the need to be that precise.
Great video! I actually had the exact same question (I thought the video was all about this issue 😅). Could you do a video about comparing presets while setting volumes using wave forms?
The issue with using a wave form is that one or more of your tones might get lost in the mix even if it hits the same level on the meter, depending on the EQ setting. A clean tone might be present in the mix, but an overdriven tone may get lost in the mix on the same volume. So you really have to use your ears, and set all the tones in a way that they don't get lost in the mix. That involves setting your EQ right for live situation, which is different from your bedroom solo jamming. You need a lot more mids in the live setting that sounds almost like fart in your headphones, but works in live and full band situation and mix.
Have you ever tried out your cab block after wet effects? I should sound more like real staff. Because when you put wet effects in loop of amplifier in the end the audio goes thru connected cab. I do that because from time to time i need to use power amp and cab. So, i configured my helix to send audio with cab simulation thru xlr and signal without that block thru jacks.
I have tried that and you are right. It can be a good sound to have your wet effects go through the EQ curve of the cab. And if you use a power cab...all the better to retain that consistent sound...thanks for sharing!
Hey I have a trouble with HX Stomp! I have 2 devices with exactly same settings on both of them, clones))) Using same preset and same guitar, and problem is that on 1 device i have input clipping! What may be the problem?
This seems backwards to me. I am sure you are right. But in real amps, channel volume is for the preamp and master volume is for the power amp. So channel volume will change tone in the preamp and master volume would adjust the “loudness”. So based on what you are saying, it’s backwards in the Line6 products?
Not him but there's one crucial information you are missing. Channel volume in Helix is just the loudness of your amp, where as the master volume works the way you described and there is a drive slider for the pre amp gain. Channel gain is just to level out the amp block in Helix.
Thanks for the video.👍 But I still have a question. When I play live or during practice, I can hear the audio break up with ugly distortion 😭(clipping) and I can't seem to find a way to get the same sound from my headphones (at home) at church. From what I understood from the video, I should lower the channel volume on my amp and crank up the master volume? What about the volume knob on my guitar? I am using a Pod Go. Please help me🙁
I think I saw you most recent comment on another video...but wanted to answer here as well...It could be a number of things, but it’s probably too much volume going into certain effects. I would just turn down your channel volume and let them turn you up at the front of house. I would not turn up your volume on your amp to fix this issue because that does change your guitar tone.
I see that they are all -18 as well...sometimes, IR's set at the same level also will be different volumes based on different ways they were captured...so you can freely change that parameter ...but I would take the vol down to the lowest...and try not to turn them up...remember, we want to keep from having too much volume going into our wet section...
Great tips, but unfortunately you never actually explained how you make loudness equal across presets. Yeah I know just use ones ears, but you gave the impression up front that you used some specific process.
Not him but ganna give you the way I'd been using that keeps your tones in balance while never clipping any sound system you go into. I make sure the channel gain on the amplifier block is set so that the amp volume matches the volume of the dry guitar signal for all my presets/snapshots. That keeps everything in ballance and never clipping any sound system I'm going into.
That's a good point. I was thinking more for live playing...but also, every headphone is different with different impedance...my HD 600's need all the volume they can get. I go over how to use different headphones in this video: ruclips.net/video/PpZuQOe2oso/видео.html
So I go to a gig. Have my volume knob turned all the way up for unity. Everything sounds good and then I kick on my distortion pedal and the volume is too low. How would I boost the volume on the fly if I have no more volume on my volume knob?
If you kick on your distortion and it's quieter than your clean tone, then you need to bump the "Level" parameter on the distortion block until you get the volume you want...if it's already maxed out...then you might have some other issues. You could also assign the "Channel Vol" of the amp to the same foot switch as the distortion to bump up vol that way as well...and same again for the output block...so much volume on tap...just depends on how you want to go about it.
Thanks for the reply. Distortion is tricky what sounds good at home will often be too quiet in a gig situation. With a separate distortion pedal all I have to do is reach down and turn the volume up or down if it's not perfect. I need to have that same ability during a gig if my Distortion block is too loud or not loud enough. I leave my volume knob at halfway which is not what is not recommended by most. Adjustments need to be done quickly what suggestions do you have for that? A separate switch? Volume pedal ? I don't really want to buy more stuff
No need to apologize. Yeah...I talk fast...working on it. But if it's too fast, RUclips has playback speed adjustments! I just watched this video back with your comment in mind and things are explained and demonstrated well. Sorry.
FREE Helix/HX Tone Secrets PDF Guide HERE: 👉🏻 jimmy-cooper.mykajabi.com/tone-secrets
I finally convinced our sound people that the big volume knob on the Helix needs to be maxxed for unity gain. We were having noise issues and the gate on the board was cutting off notes. They did as I asked and it was as if the heavens opened. The surprise and shock in his voice on the talk back mic was priceless.😂
I’m still having that debate with my sound team 😂
That's great! Yeah, if you have the trust built between you and the FOH team, I would always start off by having them "help" me. I say, "hey I'm dialing in this tone. What do you need to do to it to get it set well in the mix? Because I'm working really heard to show up with a live sound ready to go." In my experience this has gone over really well. If I notice their gate is clipping off the end of my swells, I let them know that I already have a gate on my end, so they shouldn't need it on their end. They'll always apply some comp and EQ to adjust for whatever is happening on stage that day...but bring them along in getting the best tone.
Keep it up! Bring them along, and don't fight them and you'll win
@HeyWorshipLeader when you say you already have a gate, is that the input block gate? Or do you put a noise gate block at the end of the chain to avoid clipping (esp for intense verbs).
Excellent video! Needed. Thank you Jimmy!!
Glad it was helpful!
I make sure the channel gain on the amplifier block is set so that the amp volume matches the volume of the dry guitar signal for all my presets/snapshots.
That keeps everything in ballance and never clipping any sound system I'm going into.
This is a great tip. Do you look at a sound wave for a visual comparison or just use your ear?
The only thing is that I’d intentionally probably add a small volume boost with some gain blocks when they are are engaged, but I reckon this is a great tip
@@uncletoby1
Thanks for your reply.
I just use my ears.
Eric here btw.
My man, I so needed this. Have been struggling with this. Super cool...Thanks
That’s great. Glad to help!!
Your videos are fantastic!
Thank you very much!
Actually just started building prestes and this has happened to me in service. Its been driving me crazy!!
Thank you!!
Glad to help!
The Pod GO is capable of switching the volume knob's function. Global Settings
If you need several sounds and therefore several patches for a gig, you can also tweak the GLOBAL EQ setting to adjust the general volume of ALL your patches. I use it every time on my Helix 🙂
Great tips! Have had similar issues but instead of level and tone differences between patches the differences are obvious when I’m running my hybrid rig in front of an amp vs running direct into the mixer
oh yeah...the real amp will be a whole other beast to tame
Also, pay attention to the Level parameter if you are using an IR (especially an acoustic instrument IR in an acoustic preset).
good tip!
The background music is tasty!
thanks!
Do you have a video on what the Sunday ready pack looks and sounds like? Helix floor preferably
That needs to be my next video because I get asked that question the most...thanks!
Hey Jimmy, great tips for actually making the adjustments needed to level. Any tips on how to best test whether you actually need to match levels between patches? Do you just use you ears, do you visualise output levels, do you analyse wave forms in a DAW?
Honestly...I use my ears at home first. I go from clean amp setting to another preset with clean amp setting and go from there. If you want to be more precise, you definitely can use the wave forms in your DAW. I just haven't felt the need to be that precise.
Great video! I actually had the exact same question (I thought the video was all about this issue 😅).
Could you do a video about comparing presets while setting volumes using wave forms?
The issue with using a wave form is that one or more of your tones might get lost in the mix even if it hits the same level on the meter, depending on the EQ setting.
A clean tone might be present in the mix, but an overdriven tone may get lost in the mix on the same volume.
So you really have to use your ears, and set all the tones in a way that they don't get lost in the mix. That involves setting your EQ right for live situation, which is different from your bedroom solo jamming.
You need a lot more mids in the live setting that sounds almost like fart in your headphones, but works in live and full band situation and mix.
Have you ever tried out your cab block after wet effects? I should sound more like real staff. Because when you put wet effects in loop of amplifier in the end the audio goes thru connected cab.
I do that because from time to time i need to use power amp and cab. So, i configured my helix to send audio with cab simulation thru xlr and signal without that block thru jacks.
I have tried that and you are right. It can be a good sound to have your wet effects go through the EQ curve of the cab. And if you use a power cab...all the better to retain that consistent sound...thanks for sharing!
What about sound checking with your master set to 3/4 and then cranking to 100 right when service starts, for that extra rizz? Is that bad?😂
😂😂
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🥳🥳😲😲😲
Thanks!
Hey
I have a trouble with HX Stomp!
I have 2 devices with exactly same settings on both of them, clones)))
Using same preset and same guitar, and problem is that on 1 device i have input clipping! What may be the problem?
That's interesting...I wonder if someone the factory setting might be different? Global settings? instrument level vs line level?
This seems backwards to me. I am sure you are right. But in real amps, channel volume is for the preamp and master volume is for the power amp. So channel volume will change tone in the preamp and master volume would adjust the “loudness”. So based on what you are saying, it’s backwards in the Line6 products?
Yes! Exactly. I think that’s why a lot of people get confused
Not him but there's one crucial information you are missing.
Channel volume in Helix is just the loudness of your amp, where as the master volume works the way you described and there is a drive slider for the pre amp gain.
Channel gain is just to level out the amp block in Helix.
Thanks for the video.👍 But I still have a question. When I play live or during practice, I can hear the audio break up with ugly distortion 😭(clipping) and I can't seem to find a way to get the same sound from my headphones (at home) at church. From what I understood from the video, I should lower the channel volume on my amp and crank up the master volume? What about the volume knob on my guitar? I am using a Pod Go. Please help me🙁
I think I saw you most recent comment on another video...but wanted to answer here as well...It could be a number of things, but it’s probably too much volume going into certain effects. I would just turn down your channel volume and let them turn you up at the front of house. I would not turn up your volume on your amp to fix this issue because that does change your guitar tone.
@@HeyWorshipLeader Thank You, I will try this at my church
Can you please provide tips on IR leveling? Where should it be set? I notice that it’s usually at -18db
This is how I adjust my “level”
I see that they are all -18 as well...sometimes, IR's set at the same level also will be different volumes based on different ways they were captured...so you can freely change that parameter ...but I would take the vol down to the lowest...and try not to turn them up...remember, we want to keep from having too much volume going into our wet section...
Great tips, but unfortunately you never actually explained how you make loudness equal across presets. Yeah I know just use ones ears, but you gave the impression up front that you used some specific process.
Not him but ganna give you the way I'd been using that keeps your tones in balance while never clipping any sound system you go into.
I make sure the channel gain on the amplifier block is set so that the amp volume matches the volume of the dry guitar signal for all my presets/snapshots.
That keeps everything in ballance and never clipping any sound system I'm going into.
if the knob is all the way up on the Pod Go it is too loud for my headphones.
That's a good point. I was thinking more for live playing...but also, every headphone is different with different impedance...my HD 600's need all the volume they can get. I go over how to use different headphones in this video: ruclips.net/video/PpZuQOe2oso/видео.html
So I go to a gig. Have my volume knob turned all the way up for unity. Everything sounds good and then I kick on my distortion pedal and the volume is too low. How would I boost the volume on the fly if I have no more volume on my volume knob?
Meant to say distortion Block in the HX stomp not a separate pedal
If you kick on your distortion and it's quieter than your clean tone, then you need to bump the "Level" parameter on the distortion block until you get the volume you want...if it's already maxed out...then you might have some other issues. You could also assign the "Channel Vol" of the amp to the same foot switch as the distortion to bump up vol that way as well...and same again for the output block...so much volume on tap...just depends on how you want to go about it.
Thanks for the reply. Distortion is tricky what sounds good at home will often be too quiet in a gig situation. With a separate distortion pedal all I have to do is reach down and turn the volume up or down if it's not perfect. I need to have that same ability during a gig if my Distortion block is too loud or not loud enough. I leave my volume knob at halfway which is not what is not recommended by most. Adjustments need to be done quickly what suggestions do you have for that? A separate switch? Volume pedal ? I don't really want to buy more stuff
I really love your enthusiasm but I got nothing from this. You are trying to take a VERY important topic and spew it out as quick as possible. Sorry.
No need to apologize. Yeah...I talk fast...working on it. But if it's too fast, RUclips has playback speed adjustments! I just watched this video back with your comment in mind and things are explained and demonstrated well. Sorry.
@@HeyWorshipLeader You are totally correct. I forgot about this option. Thanks...