I felt exactly the same way about line 6 stock cabs. I use 3 sigma and celestion IRs only now. Everybody that is new to the Helix or HX stomp needs to watch this video.
Hi Scott, I realised the other day, I can drop the whole folder called 48 or 96 and it sorts the rest for you. This vid is invaluable, mine creations up till now has sounded thin and fizzy.
thanks scott..... I"m just planning ahead.... still using the trusty old Zoom G7.1ut for now.... along with a floor pedal style rack for vocal effects etc.... I get some great sounds going straight to a power amp and marshall cab..... the helix is my future all in one processor......and if it does run two IR's on the same chain....I don't think there'll be any problem using one for response correction....theoretically...that is what they do.... thanks again....
Scott Fowler Those numbers are the resolution of the IR’s...1024 is good, 2048 is better...but, 2048 uses way too much DSP to be able to use more than one IR. So, I almost always go with 1024
Scott, on my understanding , doesn’t the IR have been recorded using a cab and a amplifier ? Than why I should place a amp block before the impulse response ? Doesn’t the IR already have the coloration of the amp it been recorded on it ? Placing a amp before wouldn’t be like coloring the sound twice ? I am just beginning wit IR’s and I am a little confused . Appreciate any help.
Redbelo Not really...an IR is really a digital snapshot of a specific mic in front of a specific cabinet...the amp isn’t coloring it, because it’s just a power amp, not a preamp that’s used to make the IR. To me, there are levels of feel with the Helix. The best (to me) is running the Helix (using 4CM) into a tube amp, or directly into a tube power amp, using the Helix’s amp models. Second best is running the Helix into a solid state power amp (like I do with the Seymour Duncan PowerStage 170), then into a guitar cab. Third, is running the Helix direct into FRFR speakers, using IR’s in place of the stock cabs. Last, to me, is running the Helix direct using stock cabs. Each way has its place, and advantages/disadvantages. For example, the best sounding way is also the heaviest way, lugging around a big tube amp. So, it really depends on your situation how the Helix will work best for you.
cool , I was looking on 3sigma , there is also reverbs and guitars ? and also acoustic guitar plugins , I don't think those are made for the helix? or are they ? any way I am in there right now , any recommendation on the plugin that really impressed you
@@Scottsguitarplayground I am surprised to see FRFR speakers/IR's as your third choice. I would think coloration from guitar cabinets would hinder tonal accuracy and make things more difficult. I'm on a tight budget and recently invested in the HX Stomp, currently using headphones or my yamaha THR10X, with the plan to invest in nice studio monitors for medium/low volume playing (bedroom practice). From your comments it seems I might be better off skipping monitors and FRFR's and going straight for a traditional tube amp, which I planned to do anyway after investing in monitors.
I’m using the helix in my Mesa boogie mark 3 and it’s not very bright and in your face it sounds like my amp is far away I’ve messed with fox loop options but sure what I’m doing wrong if I am I’m using 4 cable method
I use IR's 100% of the time with the Helix, into my FRFR's (JBL Eon 612's), and when I run it direct to the PA, as well as for home recording. I prefer the 3 Sigma Audio IR's, and these days, I only use four of their packs: Fender 65 Twin (2x12) Bad Cat (2x12) Hi Watt (4x12) Marshall 1960V (4x12) Rock on, Scott.
First of all, thanks for all the time and effort you put into your videos.... lots of really helpful stuff... thanks!!! I am trying out some IRs and liking them better than I did the first time I tried....just using some of the free ones from Ownhammer, mostly, so far.... forgive me if you've already covered this somewhere, but.... I notice that when I add one to a preset in the Helix, the level for the IR defaults to -18db. is there any tonal reason for this? is there an optimal level to use for IRs? Is the IR level just another way to tweak overall level? (almost too many ways to do this already!) I set it to 0, assuming that would be 'volume neutral', but it seems like that's louder than the line 6 cabs by a lot (or maybe it's just the amp I'm trying them out on mostly... the Cali IV Rhythm 2) any tips on this would be most appreciated!
The IR's are much hotter than the stock cabs, so, a -18db output level is a normal place to start for a crunchy type tone...I rarely go higher than -10db (usually for a clean lead). I usually start my clean IR's out at around -14.4db, and my crunch IR's at -17db...but, remember, I also use a pair of IR's at a time, so, the volume increases. Rock on, Scott.
Awesome videos Scott. Thanks for all the great info! I was so motivated by your review of the Helix that I went out and bought one for myself. I have a question, now that I have the unit and installed the firmware updater, and updated the unit though... I use a PC and in your video here, you have a Mac and have the "Helix Utility", I have no clue what that is or where to find it to download and install. Is it only for Mac or is there one available for PC? If so, where the heck do you get it? Been looking in their website but I can't find any mention of it. Thanks bro!
Rick Sanchez Hi Rick, Thanks for watching my videos! Go here for the Helix editor, make sure to get the most recent version...2.11 line6.com/software/ They have it for Mac and PC. Rock on, Scott
I have a question about loading 2 IR's at one time into a helix ... first if you can load two IR's at one time .. if you had a FRFR setup and you went thru an external real time analyzer, and set that for completely flat response from the frfr cab ,and then set a flat response condesor mic at the approximate distance your monitor would be from your head.... ...recorded the impulse and loaded it into your line 6 Helix.... would it work as the external eq did to tune the frfr....? My goal is a guitar/vocal set-up using just the helix with a couple of custom made 2x10" powered fr cabs... I'd like to start with a real flat response for the headset mic and cab IR's..... technically it should work...but how many IR's can a helix run thru at once...?
I shoot, edit, and upload all of my videos on my iPhone. So, I do it all without bringing my computer into it, it would just slow things down. Rock on, Scott.
Your physics correlating sample and bit depth is not quite correct, sorry to say, and I heard you say you don.t care, but Nyquist's theorem explains sample rates and bit depth as a foundation for digital recording. Sample rate is always effectively mathematically double the perceived/recorded upper frequency, as it is taking 96000 pictures per second of ever frequency between 0hz and 48kHz on both sides of the wave displacement, and bit depth represents the A/D D/A converter's ability to record an playback dynamic range relative to the recorded pressure level and relative amplitude of content. Yes you may hear a differential on input based on a higher sampling rate, AND the downward overtone series effect can effect tonality, but your deliverable at 44.1khz/16 bit means you have a hard shelf at 22.050khz and less dynamic range. I am not discounting your ears but am pointing out that physics is physics and overtones which bloom in physical space above 22khz are gone and larger sampling rates chew up more CPU to process. Not trying to be a douche because I am certain you hear a difference, as sound is experienced differently, but there is the actual reality of how sound transmits and is recorded and played back. Thanks for the information on IR use.
Prashant Malik Hi, The IR’s are not included. But, since I already placed them within the presets, all you need to do is use the IR Select parameter to assign the correct IR. With every preset package I send a list of the IR’s I used. Rock on, Scott.
Great question! I don't use any of the custom tuning options of my Variax (mainly because they don't work), but, I would assume that it would be easy enough to setup. Go over to the far left of the signal path, then page right until you see the tuning options, then go for it! Rock on, Scott.
Curious - why don't your Variax custom tuning options work? Does that mean you don't like them, or something is defective? I have a JTV-69 (would trade for an 89f, anybody?) and it works great, except for the manual method, which has issues because I tune the actual strings down a 1/2 step (not recommended by Line 6 but what do they know? :-) )
Thank you soon much! I was just literally search for the past hour to Find the correct way to dual IR in my Helix. Weird! I kinda figured this was the way but thanks for the confirmation!
Scott, as always dude, thanks for the vid, if you want to play the actual riff could you not add it as an MP3 track in GarageBand then you'de be able to play it through the helix via the usb?
Ricky Bobby Good question! I like the Martin IR’s from 3 Sigma Audio, but, I also liked the Taylor IR’s I found on some forum years ago. I’d say try a few and see what sounds good to you.
I have a question about loading 2 IR's at one time into a helix ... first if you can load two IR's at one time .. if you had a FRFR setup and you went thru an external real time analyzer, and set that for completely flat response from the frfr cab ,and then set a flat response condesor mic at the approximate distance your monitor would be from your head.... ...recorded the impulse and loaded it into your line 6 Helix.... would it work as the external eq did to tune the frfr....? My goal is a guitar/vocal set-up using just the helix with a couple of custom made 2x10" powered fr cabs... I'd like to start with a real flat response for the headset mic and cab IR's..... technically it should work...but how many IR's can a helix run thru at once...?
Jean Guion Wow, that’s a big question! I’m not sure about the construction of your own IR using the RTA, but, I’d like to hear your results after you try it. I can tell you that I routinely use up to four IR’s at once in my presets. My current preset package uses two separate signal paths, the top has a compressor, pitch shifter, amp model, IR, and reverb, splits to the secondary path (1a) for the second IR and a delay (or other effect). The bottom path does the same, but, with a different amp model. You shouldn’t have any trouble running guitar & vocals through the Helix. Rock on, Scott.
Scott's simplistic nature and dry humour is too addictive!
Love this guy!
That hairdo sure makes me look simple!
@@Scottsguitarplayground I think you are a great teacher Scott. I have learned a lot from you. Please keep up the awesome work.
Still enjoy watching and learning from these old videos...🎸🎸 Hope Tour is Rock'n your bones 🎸🎸
It's great that you're helping us regular folk get edumacated. This vid was very enlightening. Thanks as always Scott.
I felt exactly the same way about line 6 stock cabs. I use 3 sigma and celestion IRs only now. Everybody that is new to the Helix or HX stomp needs to watch this video.
Thank you so much for sharing your global EQ settings really sweetened up my HX tones in just the right places! Cheers!
i bought 3 sigma IRs too and i agree they sound very good, more 3D more presence, and focused.
Hi Scott, I realised the other day, I can drop the whole folder called 48 or 96 and it sorts the rest for you. This vid is invaluable, mine creations up till now has sounded thin and fizzy.
thanks scott.....
I"m just planning ahead....
still using the trusty old Zoom G7.1ut for now....
along with a floor pedal style rack for vocal effects etc....
I get some great sounds going straight to a power amp and marshall cab.....
the helix is my future all in one processor......and if it does run two IR's on the same chain....I don't think there'll be any problem using one for response correction....theoretically...that is what they do....
thanks again....
Useful and informative video. thanks for sharing
What is the difference between the 1024 and 2048 choices? Im not sure what those are. Thanks for the informative videos! They really help
Scott Fowler Those numbers are the resolution of the IR’s...1024 is good, 2048 is better...but, 2048 uses way too much DSP to be able to use more than one IR. So, I almost always go with 1024
Scott, on my understanding , doesn’t the IR have been recorded using a cab and a amplifier ? Than why I should place a amp block before the impulse response ? Doesn’t the IR already have the coloration of the amp it been recorded on it ? Placing a amp before wouldn’t be like coloring the sound twice ? I am just beginning wit IR’s and I am a little confused . Appreciate any help.
Redbelo Not really...an IR is really a digital snapshot of a specific mic in front of a specific cabinet...the amp isn’t coloring it, because it’s just a power amp, not a preamp that’s used to make the IR.
To me, there are levels of feel with the Helix.
The best (to me) is running the Helix (using 4CM) into a tube amp, or directly into a tube power amp, using the Helix’s amp models.
Second best is running the Helix into a solid state power amp (like I do with the Seymour Duncan PowerStage 170), then into a guitar cab.
Third, is running the Helix direct into FRFR speakers, using IR’s in place of the stock cabs.
Last, to me, is running the Helix direct using stock cabs.
Each way has its place, and advantages/disadvantages.
For example, the best sounding way is also the heaviest way, lugging around a big tube amp.
So, it really depends on your situation how the Helix will work best for you.
cool , I was looking on 3sigma , there is also reverbs and guitars ? and also acoustic guitar plugins , I don't think those are made for the helix? or are they ?
any way I am in there right now , any recommendation on the plugin that really impressed you
@@Scottsguitarplayground I am surprised to see FRFR speakers/IR's as your third choice. I would think coloration from guitar cabinets would hinder tonal accuracy and make things more difficult. I'm on a tight budget and recently invested in the HX Stomp, currently using headphones or my yamaha THR10X, with the plan to invest in nice studio monitors for medium/low volume playing (bedroom practice). From your comments it seems I might be better off skipping monitors and FRFR's and going straight for a traditional tube amp, which I planned to do anyway after investing in monitors.
"you can choose the 48's. I don't give a shit." Hahaha!!
Excellent video.
I’m using the helix in my Mesa boogie mark 3 and it’s not very bright and in your face it sounds like my amp is far away I’ve messed with fox loop options but sure what I’m doing wrong if I am I’m using 4 cable method
Do you use IRs live when going through FR/FR speakers? Like not direct in. Would you still use IRs?
I use IR's 100% of the time with the Helix, into my FRFR's (JBL Eon 612's), and when I run it direct to the PA, as well as for home recording.
I prefer the 3 Sigma Audio IR's, and these days, I only use four of their packs:
Fender 65 Twin (2x12)
Bad Cat (2x12)
Hi Watt (4x12)
Marshall 1960V (4x12)
Rock on,
Scott.
Excellent video. Thank you! :D
First of all, thanks for all the time and effort you put into your videos.... lots of really helpful stuff... thanks!!!
I am trying out some IRs and liking them better than I did the first time I tried....just using some of the free ones from Ownhammer, mostly, so far....
forgive me if you've already covered this somewhere, but....
I notice that when I add one to a preset in the Helix, the level for the IR defaults to -18db.
is there any tonal reason for this? is there an optimal level to use for IRs?
Is the IR level just another way to tweak overall level? (almost too many ways to do this already!)
I set it to 0, assuming that would be 'volume neutral', but it seems like that's louder than the line 6 cabs by a lot (or maybe it's just the amp I'm trying them out on mostly... the Cali IV Rhythm 2)
any tips on this would be most appreciated!
The IR's are much hotter than the stock cabs, so, a -18db output level is a normal place to start for a crunchy type tone...I rarely go higher than -10db (usually for a clean lead).
I usually start my clean IR's out at around -14.4db, and my crunch IR's at -17db...but, remember, I also use a pair of IR's at a time, so, the volume increases.
Rock on,
Scott.
Thank you so much for explaining this!
Awesome videos Scott. Thanks for all the great info! I was so motivated by your review of the Helix that I went out and bought one for myself. I have a question, now that I have the unit and installed the firmware updater, and updated the unit though... I use a PC and in your video here, you have a Mac and have the "Helix Utility", I have no clue what that is or where to find it to download and install. Is it only for Mac or is there one available for PC? If so, where the heck do you get it? Been looking in their website but I can't find any mention of it. Thanks bro!
Rick Sanchez Hi Rick,
Thanks for watching my videos!
Go here for the Helix editor, make sure to get the most recent version...2.11
line6.com/software/
They have it for Mac and PC.
Rock on,
Scott
I have a question about loading 2 IR's at one time into a helix ...
first if you can load two IR's at one time ..
if you had a FRFR setup and you went thru an external real time analyzer, and set that for completely flat response from the frfr cab ,and then set a flat response condesor mic at the approximate distance your monitor would be from your head....
...recorded the impulse and loaded it into your line 6 Helix....
would it work as the external eq did to tune the frfr....?
My goal is a guitar/vocal set-up using just the helix with a couple of custom made 2x10" powered fr cabs...
I'd like to start with a real flat response for the headset mic and cab IR's.....
technically it should work...but how many IR's can a helix run thru at once...?
You can use Quicktime to record your monitor screen instead of using camera/phone
I shoot, edit, and upload all of my videos on my iPhone. So, I do it all without bringing my computer into it, it would just slow things down.
Rock on,
Scott.
Thanks man very useful, helped me out. Subed and liked buddy
Thanks man. very informative. Keepem coming : )
Your physics correlating sample and bit depth is not quite correct, sorry to say, and I heard you say you don.t care, but Nyquist's theorem explains sample rates and bit depth as a foundation for digital recording.
Sample rate is always effectively mathematically double the perceived/recorded upper frequency, as it is taking 96000 pictures per second of ever frequency between 0hz and 48kHz on both sides of the wave displacement, and bit depth represents the A/D D/A converter's ability to record an playback dynamic range relative to the recorded pressure level and relative amplitude of content. Yes you may hear a differential on input based on a higher sampling rate, AND the downward overtone series effect can effect tonality, but your deliverable at 44.1khz/16 bit means you have a hard shelf at 22.050khz and less dynamic range. I am not discounting your ears but am pointing out that physics is physics and overtones which bloom in physical space above 22khz are gone and larger sampling rates chew up more CPU to process. Not trying to be a douche because I am certain you hear a difference, as sound is experienced differently, but there is the actual reality of how sound transmits and is recorded and played back. Thanks for the information on IR use.
The 11B didn’t stand for 11 Bravo as in Infantry did it?
With my hair?!? Ha...good one!
Hi. Show me please clean tone preset.
Very informative!
hey man i was wondering if ur presets come with IRs. If not how will i know which ones to use and where to put in the signal chain
Prashant Malik Hi,
The IR’s are not included. But, since I already placed them within the presets, all you need to do is use the IR Select parameter to assign the correct IR. With every preset package I send a list of the IR’s I used.
Rock on,
Scott.
Thanks, was helpful. I do have a question.
If I use an acoustic IR in a patch, is there a way to use the custom tuning? I'm playing a JTV-89F.
Great question! I don't use any of the custom tuning options of my Variax (mainly because they don't work), but, I would assume that it would be easy enough to setup.
Go over to the far left of the signal path, then page right until you see the tuning options, then go for it!
Rock on,
Scott.
Curious - why don't your Variax custom tuning options work? Does that mean you don't like them, or something is defective? I have a JTV-69 (would trade for an 89f, anybody?) and it works great, except for the manual method, which has issues because I tune the actual strings down a 1/2 step (not recommended by Line 6 but what do they know? :-) )
I have no idea...I bought this guitar used, and the tuning options have never worked. So, I'm kinda stuck with it the way it is.
I assume you've tried reflashing it?
That's fixed more than one issue in mine.
Thank you soon much! I was just literally search for the past hour to Find the correct way to dual IR in my Helix. Weird! I kinda figured this was the way but thanks for the confirmation!
I wish we could hear it.
Scott, as always dude, thanks for the vid, if you want to play the actual riff could you not add it as an MP3 track in GarageBand then you'de be able to play it through the helix via the usb?
What's the best IR for acoustic?
Ricky Bobby Good question! I like the Martin IR’s from 3 Sigma Audio, but, I also liked the Taylor IR’s I found on some forum years ago. I’d say try a few and see what sounds good to you.
Cool, dude...
One at a times ass. Hold shift, click the first and the last and drag all of them in at once. Windows of course, cant speak for mac
but uhhh .... yeah, thanks for the video
I have a question about loading 2 IR's at one time into a helix ...
first if you can load two IR's at one time ..
if you had a FRFR setup and you went thru an external real time analyzer, and set that for completely flat response from the frfr cab ,and then set a flat response condesor mic at the approximate distance your monitor would be from your head....
...recorded the impulse and loaded it into your line 6 Helix....
would it work as the external eq did to tune the frfr....?
My goal is a guitar/vocal set-up using just the helix with a couple of custom made 2x10" powered fr cabs...
I'd like to start with a real flat response for the headset mic and cab IR's.....
technically it should work...but how many IR's can a helix run thru at once...?
Jean Guion Wow, that’s a big question!
I’m not sure about the construction of your own IR using the RTA, but, I’d like to hear your results after you try it.
I can tell you that I routinely use up to four IR’s at once in my presets. My current preset package uses two separate signal paths, the top has a compressor, pitch shifter, amp model, IR, and reverb, splits to the secondary path (1a) for the second IR and a delay (or other effect). The bottom path does the same, but, with a different amp model. You shouldn’t have any trouble running guitar & vocals through the Helix.
Rock on,
Scott.