The Line 6 Helix Gig Survival Guide
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- Опубліковано 13 лип 2024
- The Line 6 Helix Gig Survival Guide
A list of things that have either saved me or broke me on stage while using my Helix. These things can really make or break a performance before it even starts and they all come from personal experiences over the years using Helix. Hope you get something out of this!
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00:00 Intro
01:23 Consolidate Presets
02:27 Making Adjustments ON unit
04:27 DIAL IN DARK
05:40 Appropriate Preset Volume
07:40 Setting Outputs!
08:34 Mono-Stereo-Mono
09:51 Why do I have tape on my Helix?
10:37 Big Volume Knob
11:31 Save the day with Global EQ
13:00 The DUMBEST mistake we all make
13:52 Final piece of advice and closing
What would you add to this list from YOUR experience?!
Steve- Thank you for this video. All very helpful. But what do you recommend for setting outputs when going into a line isolator that will have the “thru” going to a powered speaker (FRFR) and the out going into a mixing desk? Thank you.
@@Mr_A_Mia I'd suggest using separate outputs for the 2 different needs. 1 to house 1 to FRFR. Use the line isolator for FOH
@@SteveSterlacci thank you so much!
@@Mr_A_Mia any time
Hey Steve... you can fix the expression pedal position problem like this: Global settings, EXP Pedals, EXP Pedal Position, and set it to GLOBAL instead of per preset. (you can set different behaviour for EXP1, EXP2 AND EXP3 ... when set to global, the current position of the pedal is used instead of the position which was saved. 😎
If you use only the left output (goes for both the XLR outs and 1/4” outs), the Helix will sum everything to mono. Functionally, it’s no different than adding a mono block at the end of your chain.
Great! Thanks for adding Phil. I was not 1000% sure of this, but figured to err on the safe side
Folks, I been following these tips as Steve made his vids. I have been trouble free at rehearsals and gigs. Although at the last show we didn't get a sound check and they did not bother to plug me into front of house. Lots of puzzled looks in the crowd on the first song. Finally someone said they could not hear me. I checked MY setup and discovered there wasn't a cable coming out of my right XLR out(front of house). Lucky I had one in my stage bag and while the drummer was cracking his sticks over and over I got the cable ran. And the rest is history! Thanks Steve for all your help in the past and future!!
Thank you ! Thats a funny story 🤣😅 i almost had that happen to me at a festival literally yesterday
10/10 Thumbnail.
ART !
Thank you! LOL
This is how I create my presets: First, I dial in my core AMP + CAB/IR tone focused on getting a good ''miced amp'' sound. At this point the goal is to get the midrange, character and overall sound of the AMP right...jangly or dark, pushed or scooped...do I want the attack/feel to be immediate and fast or saggy and spongy...etc, etc...
Once I'm happy with that I'll start cleaning up the edges by getting rid of some lows and highs...for this, I tend to use the CAB/IR filters as opposed to amp EQ...I find myself rarely adding an EQ block. I keep the Global EQ on at all times with the HighCut at 12kHz and will only use the other bands to correct for room acoustics if needed at an specific venue.
The next thing I'll dial in is my reverb as I feel it is a core part of the guitar sound beyond ''putting your amp in a room/space'', the type and amount of reverb is era/genre/style defining and really sets the vibe/foundation for other stylistic choices regarding FX.
The next step for me is gain staging and defining the volume differences between clean, rhythm/crunch and lead while keeping the overall patch volume in check so I'll set compression, overdrive and distorsion accordingly. Anything beyond this I treat it as FX and firewoks.
I try to build my presets so that they respond nicely regardless of which of my guitars I'm using...If the high end is in check when playing my Strat's bridge pickup I know my humbuckers and filtertrons are gonna be golden and if the neck pup on my LP sounds clear then everything else should work considerably well...that being said, all my pickups should be considered low/vintage output
Always try to avoid any noticeable level/volume differences between presets. The way I check that is by pluging into my DAW and using an audio metering plugin...Based on what it reads I'll make the adjustments to keep peaks below -6dB and the overall level around -12/-18dB. This is particularly important when you gig and plug directly into the FOH console...You want to avoid clipping their equipment while also sending a strong enough signal that they don't have to boost further. Once that is taken care off I'll go ahead and use the Global EQ if needed to make sure I'm 100% happy with what I'm sending to FOH :D
Thanks for adding this!
Thanks Steve ! I really appreciate you sharing your experience. Love your channel man . Thank You Very Much
Thanks for checking it out Gary! Means a lot
That was a terrific video, Steve! Thank you so much! 👌🏼🎸🖖🏻
Thanks for watching Steve!
Steve, the thumbnail for this is the best thumbnail in the history of thumbnails!!! Great job!!!
Thank you very much! Lol
Great tips. I like your Helix/HX stomp content.
Thank you! Means a lot
I’m just starting to gig w my band and this helped a TON! Thank you!
Awesome!!! Glad to help and thanks for checking it out
🙏🏿 extremely helpful advice. Thanks!
Thanks for checking it out!
Thanks, thanks, thanks. This is one of the, in fact, it might be the most useful, live-performance, Helix vid ever published. You hit so much so correctly done. Thanks, again. Richard
Thank you so much! Really means a lot
Thanks professor. Had to watch it twice and take some notes. You rock bro. Appreciate videos like this. Let's face it, it's not like the manual answers these questions. Your experience is huge for pretty much all my questions about gigging with this thing!
Totally agree about the manual! That's why I felt this was necessary as an "oh sh*t" guide 😅🤣
Fantastic video. Thanks Steve! Easy sub 🤘
Thanks Cam! Ive got tons of more in depth and quick vids on Helix around the channel
I've never considered the Preset knob a vulnerability before. That's wisdom born out of experience. This video was a great batch of info. Thanks for sharing.
Unfortunate experience! Hopefully it saves someone in the future! Lol
Appreciate your help!!!
Appreciate you watching!
Great tips,
1. For sure make copious use of command center and set up what I often call bunny hops. Link your presets together into a ring using HX presets so you’re never bouncing outside the ones you built for THAT show. Typical example is you’re at a wedding event, make it super hard to get to something outside what’s arranged.
2. When tweaking a snapshot even in edit mode, make DAMN sure you re-save again the preset with the snapshot you will start out on. Helix will by default reload the preset at the last saved snapshot.
3. If you have a helix floor or LT - GET an HXSTOMP and keep it in your helix top pocket with a copy of the presets for that gig. If things go south, pull out the stomp and you’re golden. If anybody else in your band or the bands before and after you have a problem, you’ll have saved somebody’s bacon. Load basic generic presets down the bottom, so your mates CAN use your stomp in an emergency.
4. Use a setlist app, and carry a spare camera connector kit and usb, Or use a widi jack and go wireless. If you’re away from your helix, you can edit the order of your setlist even last minute or mid show on your phone with OnSong or bandhelper or any other midi app and all this from anywhere, backstage or at the bar.
5. If running cabled on usb you can also send some filler music to FOH whilst you make any emergency changes, or go on break.
Publicity announcements in the can, ready to roll.
Nice list!!
Great tips, Steve. Thanks.
Thanks SS!
Great tips. Thanks
Thanks for checking it out!
Great video!
Thank you man!
I love the thumbnail
Thank you!
Very informative video, thank you VERY much! 👍🏻
Thanks for checking it out!
Great video! Thanks!!
thanks for checking it out!
Tip1, instead of using snapshots, put helix in pedalboard mode and assign a button to a different preset then when you go to that preset assign another button to go back to the previous preset. This frees up dsp and is more efficient if you want to use different amps during a gig. Tip 2, boost the mix on fx about 10 percent higher then you like because they seem to disappear at a show otherwise. Tip 3 instead of tweaking forever, turn off the cab sims and impulses and use a real cab that you like with a solid state power( or tube) this gives you the best real amp sound and feeling
Nice ones! Thanks for adding these. I have been thinking about a preset hopping vid like that
Great video, Steve. Tips from a pro who's made all the mistakes as we all do eventually!
Thank you for checking it out!
Great tips, thanks!!
Thanks for watching!
Love that shirt!
Thank you!
Excellent rules of the road for those gigging with Helix
Thanks Bret! Good luck with them
very good video! one time i thought i had a bad cable going to my powercab. thankfully i had a backup but it was super short. i moved my amp closer and tried the second cable, still nothing. i had some how turned the big knob all the way off with my guitar cable and didn't notice. my band thought i was losing my mind. i will definitely be bypassing that, thank you!
If I had a dollar for every time I've done this, I'd almost make as much as i do on the gigs lol
Bro thanks for all the great tips and tricks of the trade!
Thank you for trusting me and watching!
I’ve been watching you for the past 2 plus years since I switched to modelers. I started with the HX Stomp with an ACS1, H9, and Poly Effects Beebo in its loop. It’s basically more expensive than the helix I know, but I love it. I control most everything via my MC6. I’ve been able to use so much of your info to tweak my board and it’s helped me exponentially.
@@stevensrp2music985 Awesome! I think I'd love that board! Lol i want an H9 too. I am so glad you got something out of the videos
I definitely love my h9. It does so much. I’d love to have two. I don’t ever see myself without it. It’s been on my board for so long now. I’d recommend one for sure! The delays and Verbs are so insanely amazing! I still love my transistor tape too though
So good man
Thanks broA
Here's a tip # 4 , instead of always just adding a drive pedal, one of the best things you can do sometimes is just assign the drive of the amp to a footswitch and set the parameters to raise it when pressed, I like to also add the channel volume to the same switch and have it lower a little bit when boosting drive that way if keeps the volume even. This i also like more then using snapshots because its less of a web to get tangled in if you know what I mean
Thats another great one! I do the same thing
I love your shirt... Cool!
Thanks!
I have the same patch for all our songs. 55 songs over 5 sets.
Same amp, same IR. Same basic amp settings (just like a real amp behind me). Only thing I change is the FX levels and what happens on snaps. But I’m not messing with amp levels. Bottom row snaps. Clean (which breaks up on bridge humbucker and cleans nicely on neck middle single coils) Dirt (for breakup on neck and more on hum) Lead (as you’d expect) and last one is Ambient.
Top row is my FX on offs. Some songs I kick in trem on clean sound or my Adriatic delay so they are there always.
Works fine. I started from a patch that I knew worked well at volume. Then I use XLR to FOH with fixed mic level and global EQ to adjust for room.
Thanks for the tips. I’m going to tape up the preset knob too lol
You wont regret it lol
I don’t have an actual Helix but you made me feel welcome anyway 😘
You are always welcome Jack O!
This is good advise stuff even if it's not just about the Helix. Good video! Dig your channel! Sub'd.
Thanks so much Nate!
OMG the volume thing has gotten me. Combine that with having multiple presets you mention earlier in the vid, and you suddenly have a fun gig ;)
Simple is always more better!
This thumbnail tho 😂
😄😄
+++haha survival guide..... how cool !!! Steve+++
Thanks Axel!
Just a tad more gel up top.😉 Good work as always. Gale
No gel used here! Lol
Excellent advice. What about hardware failure like the exp pedal getting off kilter or dying. Or guitar in jack going….?
My advice is to design your presets modular. Exp dies - external one seamlessly works with all your presets.
Input dies-reconfigure the return jack to use it.
good points! maybe for part 2 some day!
If you use a looper, go to command center and assign record, play, and stop to 3 different footswitches. That way there is no tapping the looper, rec/stop/play, and then going back into pedal mode.
Love it!
That's one of the great things about Fractal gear - Global blocks. That gives you the ability to make one or more change(s) in one preset in virtually every kind of block and, if that block is linked via the Global Block function, it will implement the same change in all of your presets. Especially useful for amps spread over several presets in different kinds / shapes / sizes of room / venue. Perhaps something for Line 6 to maybe think about for a future update, if possible. Great video, Steve. Thank you very much!
That is definitely a great feature on the fractal! But what if you use different amps in the presets? Does it do it for all of AMP1 or is it just for a particular model?
@@SteveSterlacci You can can use 2 amps with X/Y settings per preset. So, you can assign each amp to a different global block and then the changes in each will be universal across the presets...If you want to use more than two amps per preset, er, you should maybe be asking yourself why, lol.
I mean if you use a different amp in each preset, but you find out all your presets are too bright or too loud, will the global change any AMP1 block? Or does it have to be the same model
@@SteveSterlacci There are about 10 individual global blocks for amps / effects. So you can link selected Amps in GB1, GB2 etc. It's really useful. So if u were using a Friedman and a Marshall model, you just link them together throughout your presets / scenes. Such a great feature.
@@Minseito i know there is a workaround where you can do batch settings, but the Fm9 unfortunately doesn't support global blocks. Another bother is that all the units aren't a cohesive eco system. With Line 6, all their units (hx but not pod go) regardless of size have the same blocks and the same updates at the same time. I hate that I can't tone capture and that the AXIII gets updated every few weeks and the FM9 has only seen 1 update in almost a year
Tip 5, if you want the best wah sound in the world, pick a wah (I like the custom chrome) and use the high and low cuts for the sweep, there's no need to have a wide range wah
another good one
I use cabinet volume often to balance out my presets when going between clean, dirty, and solo presets.
You're a mad man! But that works lol
@@SteveSterlacci channel volume is already by default usually at around 8 or 9 on most models so I save that for sort of on the fly tweaks but when I'm setting up like a 4 preset "block" (A, B, C, D) in Helix Edit if the volumes aren't jiving then I usually use the volume on the cabinet, especially for the clean and solo preset. usually a crunch and a super dirty are close enough already and the channel volume can in most cases sort them out. But once I start adding overdrive and gain amps I do always refer to the bypassed dry signal as my reference point. and in some cases use a decibel app on my phone if my ear is playing tricks on me.
I've found What sounds close though at a low volume at home can sometimes give you a huge disparity when the volume is cranked to gig/band rehearsal levels, or at times the clean can become louder than a driven amp once all the outputs are raised. it seems the volumes aren't linear but increase on a curve depending on the amps and gain, and overdrive pedals being using.
1:54 ...two words... okay, ONE word and two letters... GLOBAL EQ! That's EXACTLY what it's there for! 4:45... same.
Yessir!
Hey Steve, you unpacked a lot of stuff here. Some of it I do differently, but that's okay. Good to see that Firefly 338 again. Her twin is right behind me. Dude, the wide angle lens doesn't do you any favors, just sayin', lol. Great video as usual. I run my LT through my home mixer and made permanent tone adjustments on it (the mixer, I mean) to brighten it up. That way my presets don't get too out of control on the treble side. Seems to be working out. I remember the first audition I went to and the thing was SO tinny! And I hadn't even learned about the Global EQ yet! Something I would add to this would be to make sure you have some way of shading your Helix if you are going to be playing outdoors, otherwise it could be a show-stopper. I recently bought Chad Boston's sun shield, but people should be prepared to improvise with a big cardboard box and some duct tape or some such thing if they don't have one. What else? I keep my Master volume pot at about noon for creating presets. I have yet to play with a band that has a sound man or anything like that (small -time!). I just use the PA monitors to monitor myself and that also lets me have a good idea of what the audience is hearing, because it's the same mix. I can adjust the volume from there without having to go to the board. Here's a big on: I put a volume pedal block at the end of every preset (set to EXP 1, I have an external for other effects) so I can make on-the-fly volume adjustments at any moment, and keep the Global setting so it isn't affected by the preset level. Having it at the end means it won't affect the tone in any way, so I can wail away on a max distortion lead and have it quiet as a mouse if necessary. Saves me often. And yeah, if you ever forget and put ANY mono block in your chain after a stereo effect, it's toast (the stereo, anyway). Glad to see you're back to doing some videos, I missed you for a while there. Peace, bro.
Thanks for the adds Nicky! Why you gotta come at my new expensive lens like that 😭😭😭😭
@@SteveSterlacci Gotta stand back farther, but then you'll be tiny. Can you return it and get your money back? Or at least a normal "portrait" style focal length? When you reach out with your hands they look like the Incredible Hulk. Idk, maybe Jess likes that?
@@Nicky-T i was hoping everyone thought i lost weight....
@@Nicky-T its a zoom lol i can push in more next time. I was mainly hoping I can get better audio being closer to the mic. but oh well..
If you use a power cab you need to boost the volume to get the most from it.
Thats because its a speaker that wants a line level. Just as I said in the vid! 😃 also depends where you're sending signal to FOH. If you go from PC to FOH, the Helix volume won't matter for the FOH, so it can be as loud as the PC can handle
What impedance do you recommend for the DT 770?
Thank you for these tips. What do you think of putting a good analog eq pedal on the loop. Then you can tweak at your venue without messing with your precious presets.
I would just use the global eq, but if it works for you, thats great!
So is it good to set the channel volume at 7 and not to 9 or 10 to avoid che clip in the mixer?
It depends on the amp, overall volume and level of gain. Clean tones I usually have the channel volume on 10 and gain as low as it can go without being inaudible
Hey Steve, Question about the volume pedal. Can the pedal position be a set as a global setting vs preset to preset? Ive done the volume pedal thing on the helix and my pod xt live and yeah... is this a thing at all?
Yes that is a thing now! I forgot about that when I made this 🥲😅
It’s been 2 years now since I have been using the helix , but still I don’t think I know how to use it well. The main problem with me on the unit is the way how the unit feels when I play the unit. And the other thing is that it has a very brash and brittle hi end on stage or Venue to venue. And since I like a bit hi gain for my lead sounds. The noise gate if dailed in a lot makes the signal dry or dailed lower makes the signal to sensitive that I can hear myself when I palm mute the string and the noise comming out of my monitor’s
Interesting. Have you seen my Mistakes to Avoid video ? That may have some useful info
Curious if you have different settings and set ups. For example a preset just for lower volumes such as your house, then a preset for your live gigs?
Great question! I have a whole video on this 😃😅. Short answer, yes I do have home presets and live show / touring presets
Hey Steve -Thanks for Sharing your tips with us!
I often Play live on Stage with sunlight and i cant see nor read any of my Presets. Do you have any advice for me , preparing a sunshield or something similar?
I talked about this above before I saw this comment. Gear By CEBA makes a great sun shade that will protect it from spills. It's a little pricey, but I think it's worth it. Also, the sun can mess with your onboard expression pedal.
I got nothing aside from the shield from CEBA. I usually stand in front of it to create a shadow lol
maybe i am late to the game here - but where did you get that shirt man? very cool
NAMM 2019 I believe lol
That strand of hairs has a mind of its own. LOL.
Gotta keep things interesting!
I think I might want to take a tuner (separate) and an EQ pedal as an outboard separate unit. You want to dial the whole top end down? Twist, and done.
That's what the global eq literally is though 🤔
Mid gig would you fiddle with global EQ tho?
@@WarrenPostma if you need the whole top end brought down, yes. Its the same concept
Hi Steve, good info all around.
About leveling the presets near the bypassed signal. My tele into my HX stomp full blown signal hovers somewhere around -28db. That is a lot of headroom. So I've always felt comfortable getting about 10db higher.
I'd also read that line level is -10 to +4, so I wanted to get closer to there. The device itself looks like it wants to get you to that point, as well. In practice I end up halfway between instrument and line.
But you DO make a valid good point. FOH will likely want to have you at a mic level. I can debate if that SHOULD be the case, but the truth is there will be times that will definitely be the case.
I'm curious now. How much signal does a 57 micing a cabinet push? That'd be a good target.
Btw I haven't gigged for a decade and that was bass into DI, I just like debating so I can consume the nice extra info you're giving out of experience ❤
Thanks man! I think if you're using a DI with the stomp, it all goes out the window anyway and you'll be safe unless you're sending an insane amount of level. No right or wrong about it though! Whatever works for you is whats best
@@SteveSterlacci Well, I did learn some new things reading about it. Always happy to go back and add some more knowledge.
Btw, I'm half commenting for the darn algorithm, half for the discussion, really like the channel ❤
Cheers!
Man that means so much to me you have no idea! Thank you. Always down for discussion either way!
Guitar Helix🧬🎸
Yes!!
gooooooooooooo
🤷♂️🙋♂️🙋♂️🙋♂️
Oh what the hell, I have to look at my stomp again, I though it was only instrument and line levels and it’s mic? God damn it… and how do I bypass the volume knob?
Stomp is only line or instrument, which I would use instrument still. The volume knob control is in global settings and you can set it to only control the headphones 🎧
Very informative thx so much. My problem is that every time I switch sounds...my sounds doesn't kick in right away. Not sure what to do anymore ...please help
You need to be using snapshots and it sounds like you are in presets mode. Thanks for checking out the vid 🤘
@Steve Sterlacci thx Steve. I'm still new at it honestly and trying to figure out the difference between snapshot and presets
Really want that shirt in my size
theyve been gone since 2019
@@SteveSterlacci *tears*
Didnyou ditch the quad cortex and go back to the Helix for gigging?
Its still here... just not the best tool for my gigging needs. Hopefully it is eventually
how can i get one of those tshirt ?
NAMM 2019. Haven't been seen since
@@SteveSterlacci :( I found it on line 6 website but only size S
Where did you get the shirt?
NAMM 2019. Never to be seen again
@@SteveSterlacci I actually found it on the Line 6 website, but only in small
@@tomblankinship4750 just stretch it out! 😅
I know it's ultimately my choice, but would you wait to see what line 6 releases next instead of buying a helix now?
Helix still has plenty of life left and many more updates to come. The next gen is still a few years out
was someone there with you?
I work alone
I only use one bank of presets (setlist) and I do a full backup of that setlist so if I ever change something at a gig and screw up and can’t fix it I can always go to my backup setlist.
Great idea!
@@SteveSterlacci thanks, Steve! Love the channel!