Fun fact. In my retail days I had some Mesa training. Tien was great and went through all the stuff. My only question was how do you make it sound great quickly. His answer was you don't.
It's awesome amp. I was stupid at first and didn't know how to tweak it. Now, after I realized that eq goes in front of preamp and Graphic EQ go after the preamp It's one of my favourite amps in Helix. If not favorite at all. Such a beast.
Great video, John. As the owner of a Mark V-25, I learned a lot from watching Leon Todd’s excellent tone dialing videos of the Mesa Mark series amps and models. I highly recommend them even if they’re targeted for AxeFX and FM3 users as conceptually, they’re similar to the HX Stomp. After all, they’re modeling a real Mark series amp.
The Mark IV is definitely one of the best on the Helix. I’ve recorded a good bit of parts with it. It’s nice having that classic Mesa 5 band eq on your amp model as well. Cheers John. You sound great
@@LeonTodd 😂 “A setting of 6.0 on the GAIN control chooses the discrete resistor value most often found in this style of circuit.” But wait, was that with or without the Phat Mod???
I really appreciate these "read the manual" videos! I don't think I would've bothered with the Mark IV but after watching this, I dialed in an absolutely stellar tone that was squeaky clean even with my high-output Mark Holcomb PRS.
In my unbiased opinion the HX stomp is definitely the best piece of gear I've ever owned. It took me 3 or 4 months to dial in the tones I wanted with a little help of third party IRs. This amp has the most unique sound for lead tone imo, love it.
The problem is that people don't understand that the EQ on the Mark series amps is PRE GAIN, so it shapes the DI signal before hitting the preamp. The classic settings (at least on the lead channel) is 2 on bass, 2/3 on mids and 7.5 or more on highs. After that you have to use the graphic EQ, which acts kinda like a regular EQ we see on the other amps because it shapes the preamp tone. Assumed those facts, I think it's pretty easy do dial in it...
You’re so good at always going back to the thing that modellers are trying to emulate, obviously, but so few people seem to think (or at least talk about it) that way. Also I don’t think sheep or duck makes Fenton noises there’s something wrong with the book
@JohnCordy I had a "duh" moment because of this video! 🙄🤪 It never occurred to me to go to the real word amp manual for dialing in knowledge! Captain obvious to the rescue! 🦸♂️🤣🎶🎸 John, could you do a series of videos for the different amps in the helix with the aid of the manual on the screen? I think that would be productive for everyone! Keep up the great work on this channel brother! 👍👏 P.S. Could you upload some live footage of your gigs? I'd love to hear you with other musicians. 💙🎸🎶🙏
Good demonstrations.. too often do I just flick through a few a settings and go nah and move on. Will be spending more time testing more settings. I have noticed I feel like lower treble because it makes the amps feel more "real" to my ear. Either way, awesome as usual 🙃👍
Thank you for this video. You really know what you're doing... Line 6 default amp model settings and in general presets do not turn me on. Thankfully you can save a user default now. I haven't bothered with this particular model but now I will. By the way, I patched in via effects loop a Two-Notes Cab M instead of internal cabs or IRs. I think I've found the Holy Grail!
I think you made good job here, although I use different settings with my real Mk IV and HX Stomp. Cali IV is fairly accurate modeling, and best in the HX. It’s more compressed to play and more ”plastic” than real one but you can recognize that same tone right away.
Wow John that was superb playing!!! I tried the Mesa models awhile back but couldnt seem to dial them in very well. I think that K-Line Strat is the most versatile guitar you play. Those pickups just sing no matter what model you use.
Would you consider doing a video on some of the Fender models that have a Mids control in the Helix but not in the real world? I often have a tough time dialing those in. Thanks!
@@johnnathancordy the Deluxe and the Princeton, off the top of my head. The Princess pretty much sounds great no matter what, but I heard you can use the mids control to make it sound like different iterations of the amp (blackface, silverface, tweed, etc.). I can't seem to get the Deluxe to sound very close to my real life amp.
@@KeithShelley1 I have a lot of troubles with that too and only recently got one sounding like a deluxe. I had to get the clean tone I wanted first (which was super quite in comparison to my other presets) them boosted it with a simple eq. I think I tried using the db boost in the speaker cabinet section and it sounded kinda edgy, the eq block didn't. There's probably a better way to do this though.
Do other Makers generally provide such detailed instructions on how to dial in their Amps? I'd be interested in your insights on using different speakers with the Helix Amps in the Stomp. In my experience so far, different speakers sound like changing EQ settings. Thanks
My fav settings on Cali IV Lead is bass at 0, mids at 2,5 and treble at 6-7 or so. Post EQ is: 80hz turned down (or up, if you want more body) 750 scooped and everything last is by default or so. You can check how it's sounds here: ruclips.net/video/HEILtRxdRww/видео.html
@@johnnathancordy Thanks for the reply. I have been watching your videos for quite a while actually, and I have to say that you've been very helpful overall and I really appreciate your work ! Keep them coming :)
Had a MK II many moons ago which was a stunning amp...sold it....BIG MISTAKE. I now have the MK V....and I've been working on sounds for 4 years with this bugger. I reckon I've got a chance of joining Space X now!
I sometimes wonder if the Helix in general terms has a bit of shrill or fizzy top end in the hi treble . I don't hear it as much with Iridium which is more mid forward(which I don't mind) and possibly even less with the old Kemper
Seemingly interesting to 126 people as of writing this... 127-1. Great vid. I do twerking sessions on my helix/HX stomp from time to time (time after time?, if you fall I will catch... Anyway). This save me doing it and I can drink a cup of tea and hear the tones. It's awesome. Thankyou
Great reverb intro, but I play guitar not reverb. As for the amp, I can't tell anything -- the reverb is like looking thru rose colored glasses. Maybe if the intro was without reverb, I would have taken time to listen to the video and the ads. And, by the way, the strat, tele, and LP are not the only electric guitars on the planet.
Nightmare to dial in so completely authentic to the real thing.
lol
Yeah, but once you get it there... holy smokes!
Fun fact. In my retail days I had some Mesa training. Tien was great and went through all the stuff. My only question was how do you make it sound great quickly. His answer was you don't.
Hard pass 😶
It's awesome amp. I was stupid at first and didn't know how to tweak it.
Now, after I realized that eq goes in front of preamp and Graphic EQ go after the preamp It's one of my favourite amps in Helix. If not favorite at all. Such a beast.
Great video, John. As the owner of a Mark V-25, I learned a lot from watching Leon Todd’s excellent tone dialing videos of the Mesa Mark series amps and models. I highly recommend them even if they’re targeted for AxeFX and FM3 users as conceptually, they’re similar to the HX Stomp. After all, they’re modeling a real Mark series amp.
Thanks for this tip!
The Mark IV is definitely one of the best on the Helix. I’ve recorded a good bit of parts with it. It’s nice having that classic Mesa 5 band eq on your amp model as well. Cheers John. You sound great
So glad I kept my hx.... Your videos keep showing its endless possibilities
Why did I never think of this?! When using an amp model use the actual amp instruction manual pdf online! Great sounds as always John.
I think Alec Bourne (midi scientist extraordinaire) deserves a shout out for this as he dug into the manuals for some of the Moog filter stuff!
@@johnnathancordy I've just subbed to him cheers for shout out.
"one of the best amps" yep I agree
IV: Hard to dial in.
TriAxis: Hold my beer.
Fun that you used the manual for reference!
HA!! The TriAxis has entered the chat
@@johnnathancordy 😂
*Hold my dynamic voice boys*
@@LeonTodd 😂 “A setting of 6.0 on the GAIN control chooses the discrete resistor value most often found in this style of circuit.” But wait, was that with or without the Phat Mod???
I really appreciate these "read the manual" videos! I don't think I would've bothered with the Mark IV but after watching this, I dialed in an absolutely stellar tone that was squeaky clean even with my high-output Mark Holcomb PRS.
“...so that was probably interesting to maybe 1 or 2 people...”....I was one of those people for sure...rock on my brother!!!
I just recent started messing with this model. I dig the clean channel much more than I would have thought.
In my unbiased opinion the HX stomp is definitely the best piece of gear I've ever owned. It took me 3 or 4 months to dial in the tones I wanted with a little help of third party IRs. This amp has the most unique sound for lead tone imo, love it.
This video has been super helpful to me for dialing in my actual Mark IV. Great video, John.
Mark amps get a bad rep by many but I've been playing them for over 30 years, so I know how to get the tone I need out of them. Nice job John!
The problem is that people don't understand that the EQ on the Mark series amps is PRE GAIN, so it shapes the DI signal before hitting the preamp. The classic settings (at least on the lead channel) is 2 on bass, 2/3 on mids and 7.5 or more on highs. After that you have to use the graphic EQ, which acts kinda like a regular EQ we see on the other amps because it shapes the preamp tone. Assumed those facts, I think it's pretty easy do dial in it...
This is why I'm a fan of Sir Cordy 🤘💯
You’re so good at always going back to the thing that modellers are trying to emulate, obviously, but so few people seem to think (or at least talk about it) that way. Also I don’t think sheep or duck makes Fenton noises there’s something wrong with the book
Very nice overview. Encourages me to spend a little more time playing with this amp model that, until now, I’ve largely ignored/ overlooked. 👍
Super helpful and useful video. Thank you!
Awesome intro! Love your playing
This was super helpful. Thanks for all the insights and application. Looking forward to trying this out on my own.
I've been a mark user since my teens... they're a PITA to dial but man do they sound great when you have it figured out.
If I had a dollar for every video that was titled “one of the best xx in helix“ I’d have enough to buy 3 helix
@JohnCordy I had a "duh" moment because of this video! 🙄🤪 It never occurred to me to go to the real word amp manual for dialing in knowledge!
Captain obvious to the rescue! 🦸♂️🤣🎶🎸
John, could you do a series of videos for the different amps in the helix with the aid of the manual on the screen?
I think that would be productive for everyone!
Keep up the great work on this channel brother! 👍👏
P.S. Could you upload some live footage of your gigs? I'd love to hear you with other musicians. 💙🎸🎶🙏
An intro about intros. Meta boogie
Cool video. With the UA OX and Two notes lines being successful it will be interesting to see how the next gen of modelers step it up..
The eq section is intimidating. But works so well with les paul and humbuckers.
Good demonstrations.. too often do I just flick through a few a settings and go nah and move on. Will be spending more time testing more settings. I have noticed I feel like lower treble because it makes the amps feel more "real" to my ear. Either way, awesome as usual 🙃👍
Had a RevA, I dialed in a real close tone to the original. But have to follow the real world amp tweaks. Great Vid!! Tone Kills👍🏽
Thank you for this video. You really know what you're doing... Line 6 default amp model settings and in general presets do not turn me on. Thankfully you can save a user default now. I haven't bothered with this particular model but now I will. By the way, I patched in via effects loop a Two-Notes Cab M instead of internal cabs or IRs. I think I've found the Holy Grail!
I think you made good job here, although I use different settings with my real Mk IV and HX Stomp. Cali IV is fairly accurate modeling, and best in the HX. It’s more compressed to play and more ”plastic” than real one but you can recognize that same tone right away.
Superb.
That book of inspiration is my sons favorite 🤣
That tone from the intro jam is stellar. Is that somehwere in your bundle? And... which? And if not: I'd pay money to have that.
Yeh I'll drop those in!
Wow John that was superb playing!!! I tried the Mesa models awhile back but couldnt seem to dial them in very well. I think that K-Line Strat is the most versatile guitar you play. Those pickups just sing no matter what model you use.
the beginning song sounds so much better at 2x or 1,75x speed
What a chunky lead tone in the intro! Any chance these will be making their way into the patches folder?
Yeh I will chuck them in!
awesome
never knew that the hx stomp re[plicated what the controls could do
Great tones, what cab/mic setup were you using. The clean amp is certainly a hidden gem. Reckon the lead could do Mark IIC+ tones?
Would you consider doing a video on some of the Fender models that have a Mids control in the Helix but not in the real world? I often have a tough time dialing those in. Thanks!
Hey Keith! Which ones in particular come to mind?
@@johnnathancordy the Deluxe and the Princeton, off the top of my head. The Princess pretty much sounds great no matter what, but I heard you can use the mids control to make it sound like different iterations of the amp (blackface, silverface, tweed, etc.). I can't seem to get the Deluxe to sound very close to my real life amp.
@@KeithShelley1 I have a lot of troubles with that too and only recently got one sounding like a deluxe. I had to get the clean tone I wanted first (which was super quite in comparison to my other presets) them boosted it with a simple eq. I think I tried using the db boost in the speaker cabinet section and it sounded kinda edgy, the eq block didn't. There's probably a better way to do this though.
Do other Makers generally provide such detailed instructions on how to dial in their Amps? I'd be interested in your insights on using different speakers with the Helix Amps in the Stomp. In my experience so far, different speakers sound like changing EQ settings. Thanks
Generally I've never found manuals as thorough as Mesa boogie!
And yeh different speaker and mic choices are totally different eq curves
Any chance of getting this for the Pod GO? Thanks John!
great tone! do you think you can put this with the pod presets?
It's really excellent with a great sound and very nice musical phrases and the backing track is superb and I would like to work on it. is possible ?
Go to for the Les Paul!
My fav settings on Cali IV Lead is bass at 0, mids at 2,5 and treble at 6-7 or so. Post EQ is: 80hz turned down (or up, if you want more body) 750 scooped and everything last is by default or so.
You can check how it's sounds here: ruclips.net/video/HEILtRxdRww/видео.html
Please teach me how to adjust sound mesa jp2c.
Me too.
Which speaker are you using?
Awesome guides, as always. Do you have a global eq in your helix devices ?
Nope!
@@johnnathancordy Thanks for the reply. I have been watching your videos for quite a while actually, and I have to say that you've been very helpful overall and I really appreciate your work ! Keep them coming :)
@@stelisklados ah thanks! Hope that will continue!
Had a MK II many moons ago which was a stunning amp...sold it....BIG MISTAKE. I now have the MK V....and I've been working on sounds for 4 years with this bugger. I reckon I've got a chance of joining Space X now!
I sometimes wonder if the Helix in general terms has a bit of shrill or fizzy top end in the hi treble . I don't hear it as much with Iridium which is more mid forward(which I don't mind) and possibly even less with the old Kemper
Hmm I think you'll find loads of people were finding "fizz" with the Iridium once they started adding high gain pedals?
Is there options for simulclass harmonics and etc
Yeah I own this amp and I just leave the V in the EQ and make minor changes. Sound good anyway.
Seemingly interesting to 126 people as of writing this... 127-1. Great vid. I do twerking sessions on my helix/HX stomp from time to time (time after time?, if you fall I will catch... Anyway). This save me doing it and I can drink a cup of tea and hear the tones. It's awesome. Thankyou
Do you use instrument or line level on the Stomp?
John do you think that this, in any way, sounds less good than an actual Mesa mark IV?
I haven't actually played a Mark 4 - but, generally, in the room with studio monitors it'd be difficult to beat the real amp for any modeller I think?
Hi John, what do you use to loop?
How can i find that pdf
Just the LINE6 sound, like Jack Thammarat.
Great reverb intro, but I play guitar not reverb. As for the amp, I can't tell anything -- the reverb is like looking thru rose colored glasses. Maybe if the intro was without reverb, I would have taken time to listen to the video and the ads. And, by the way, the strat, tele, and LP are not the only electric guitars on the planet.
Thanks for the tips!
what other blocks do you have in this preset?
👍👍👀