Getting Started with a Helix

[drew365]

My Yamaha DXR12 came today. I haven't played through it yet because I'm having trouble loading IR's.
I have 40 IR's imported into the editor. They show up when I click Impulses. But I can't seem to get them to load into a patch. When I select an empty block and then select Impulse Response, there are only two sample IR's available to put into the patch block.
I tried to copy from my Impulses list but I can't paste into the patch block.
I tried dragging them from my Impulses list, but they don't latch to the block.
A bunch of the IR's that are in my Impulses list, were loaded into my Helix when I bought it and have OH at the beginning of the name. I assume they are OwnHammer IR's. I'm also trying to place my 3 Sigma Audio IR's I bought. Neither work.
What's the dumb trick I'm missing?

 

[drew365]

Okay, I fingered it out. I was trying to load the IR's into the block. I didn't notice that the IR block "slider" has all of the loaded IR's available to rotate through. Dam you can go nuts with all of these cab options. I didn't realize it till tonight but I scored again with my Helix. Besides a bunch of Glenn DeLaunne patches, there's a bunch of Own Hammer IR's loaded. They sound the clearest. Not always the best, but they have a lot of presense.
Oh, and my Yamaha DXR12, demo unit, rocks big time. I'm starting to sound like a pro, well almost good at the very least!

 

[frankv]

Okay, I fingered it out. I was trying to load the IR's into the block. I didn't notice that the IR block "slider" has all of the loaded IR's available to rotate through. Dam you can go nuts with all of these cab options. I didn't realize it till tonight but I scored again with my Helix. Besides a bunch of Glenn DeLaunne patches, there's a bunch of Own Hammer IR's loaded. They sound the clearest. Not always the best, but they have a lot of presense.
Oh, and my Yamaha DXR12, demo unit, rocks big time. I'm starting to sound like a pro, well almost good at the very least!

Ya know the whole "returned helix" made no sense to me because I watched that unit come in and go into the display case. It stayed there.. then I watched it leave when I got it for you.

Perhaps it was a special demo piece loaded up for Sam Ash. I am going to ask my buddy on the history of that unit. Stay tuned

 

[drew365]

Ya know the whole "returned helix" made no sense to me because I watched that unit come in and go into the display case. It stayed there.. then I watched it leave when I got it for you.

Perhaps it was a special demo piece loaded up for Sam Ash. I am going to ask my buddy on the history of that unit. Stay tuned

I guess they could have loaded the unit up at the store. There were 40 IR's loaded. A bunch of them have OH at the start of the file name, and some have a U87 mic. I feel like I made out pretty good. The unit works perfectly and there were no scratches, so I have no complaints. I was just assuming it might have been a return. Between the deal you got me on the Helix, and the deal I got on the DXR12, and the fact this rig is killer, I'm a happy camper!!

 

[frankv]

I guess they could have loaded the unit up at the store. There were 40 IR's loaded. A bunch of them have OH at the start of the file name, and some have a U87 mic. I feel like I made out pretty good. The unit works perfectly and there were no scratches, so I have no complaints. I was just assuming it might have been a return. Between the deal you got me on the Helix, and the deal I got on the DXR12, and the fact this rig is killer, I'm a happy camper!!

Yeah something is very strange with that.. I don't think they would have loaded it up at the store. They are not that tech savvy..

Who knows, all that matters is you got a great deal and you have full factory warrantee. I will find out more details about the unit when I get to the store again.

 

[CaptainT]

Hey guys, I just read the thread because I am gassing for a Helix LT or the normal Helix Floor. I am undecided yet, but I won´t buy before Christmas anyways, so it doesn´t matter atm

I just wanted to share an Idea I had for travelling to rehearsals/Gigs with the Helix and my guitar

I want to buy this Gigbag and use the acoustic guitar compartment for the Helix. Saves me at least one bag to carry

https://www.thomann.de/gb/gator_g_pg_e_a_double_bag.htm

Cheers and thx for the cool thread (I know it´s a year old now, but I don´t mind XD)

I hope you´re still happy with your Helix(es)

 

[Pop1655]

Today I did an edit session just using the Helix unit, without the computer. Easy, peasy! I used the joystick and action button to move blocks down and then insert a volume pedal at the start of the chain. I then added an EQ at the end of the chain to use as a lead boost.

Agree! That's why I doubt mine will ever be on the floor.

There is so much tech to learn getting into this stuff, making pre-sets and patches, downloading things, making sure your chain is in the right order? When to use a Cab sim?

gah...too much work.

I totally get this statement. I think everybody's been there. I don't really get it coming from you as much as I get it coming from me or countless others. You're a sharp, snappy, very talented guy. I think you would have to commit to completely dedicating about 30 minutes to learning the basics and you'd be on your way much quicker than most of us.

 

[Kamen_Kaiju]

my brain refuses to mix computers and guitars. There's a mental barrier like it takes two different parts of my brain that refuse to work together. To me guitar is analog, computers are digital,..and ...that's kind of that.

I admit in the last year I got into Daft Punk (they have 2 albums I like, I'm not turning into an EDM fan or anything.) ..and one of those albums had a lot of orchestra work in it. Maybe that can help me bridge the gap some,....but even then I think I'd start trying to figure out how to make music with a computer more than I'd try to get used to using my guitar as a computer.

*shrug* ...idk,..it's a mental block.

 

[drew365]

Hey guys, I just read the thread because I am gassing for a Helix LT or the normal Helix Floor. I am undecided yet, but I won´t buy before Christmas anyways, so it doesn´t matter atm

I just wanted to share an Idea I had for travelling to rehearsals/Gigs with the Helix and my guitar

I want to buy this Gigbag and use the acoustic guitar compartment for the Helix. Saves me at least one bag to carry

https://www.thomann.de/gb/gator_g_pg_e_a_double_bag.htm

Cheers and thx for the cool thread (I know it´s a year old now, but I don´t mind XD)

I hope you´re still happy with your Helix(es)

It seems like the Helix would move around a lot in that compartment. The Helix is pretty heavy and having it move around would make it hard to handle IMO. Personally, I'd rather carry the Helix in a form fitted bag separate from my guitar. My guitar gig bag can be used like a back pack, which works pretty good.

 

[CaptainT]

It seems like the Helix would move around a lot in that compartment. The Helix is pretty heavy and having it move around would make it hard to handle IMO. Personally, I'd rather carry the Helix in a form fitted bag separate from my guitar. My guitar gig bag can be used like a back pack, which works pretty good.

yeah, you are right! I might put a formfitting foam into the compartment, so the Helix won't move around. Good input!

 

[drew365]

my brain refuses to mix computers and guitars. There's a mental barrier like it takes two different parts of my brain that refuse to work together. To me guitar is analog, computers are digital,..and ...that's kind of that.

I admit in the last year I got into Daft Punk (they have 2 albums I like, I'm not turning into an EDM fan or anything.) ..and one of those albums had a lot of orchestra work in it. Maybe that can help me bridge the gap some,....but even then I think I'd start trying to figure out how to make music with a computer more than I'd try to get used to using my guitar as a computer.

*shrug* ...idk,..it's a mental block.

I don't play the guitar any different through my Helix than I do through an amp. The Helix has the amp knobs right on the front. Once I twist a knob, it doesn't matter what's happening in the background, as long as it sounds good. I'm gigging with an amp tonight, just because. I just focus on the guitar playing and try to learn how to control what I'm plugged into. It's all the same. I can sound good or sound bad through either.

 

[Kamen_Kaiju]

maybe one day,..who knows. It's just not a priority or anything right now.

I've got a killer amp,..I don't really gas for another one.




...ok maybe a Marshall Code, just to play with and as a backup to my little Mustang 1. But my Soul Tramp looms over them all.

 

[cybermgk]

my brain refuses to mix computers and guitars. There's a mental barrier like it takes two different parts of my brain that refuse to work together. To me guitar is analog, computers are digital,..and ...that's kind of that.

I admit in the last year I got into Daft Punk (they have 2 albums I like, I'm not turning into an EDM fan or anything.) ..and one of those albums had a lot of orchestra work in it. Maybe that can help me bridge the gap some,....but even then I think I'd start trying to figure out how to make music with a computer more than I'd try to get used to using my guitar as a computer.

*shrug* ...idk,..it's a mental block.

Mal, my Kemper, all you really have to do is pick a Rig, adjust EQ knobs for the guitar (like an Amp), and play. Worst case scenario is you might push a button to turn off an effect.

Even the Axe FX is basically the same.

That is UNLESS you want to tweak.

Yes, some guys that do covers, etc, and have multiple sounds live, will set up scenes ahead of time, so they can just footswitch between them.

In reality your looking at it from the wrong angle. You use that 'computer' part of your brain to set things up, et al, separate from your playing time. Set em up ahead of time.

Then the units play just like any multichannel amp, when you play.

 

[Kamen_Kaiju]

so it's like the Mustang? Ok that's pretty cool.

except whenever I use an actual pedal in the chain it gets all weird. The Mustang is great as long as I stick with the one sound and don't try to boost it with a pedal.

idk maybe one day I'll play with them. It's just so low on my lists of things to do.

when I'm all set up with a new IT career, have my own place, and I'm totally settled and secure finally,...then maybe I'll start playing with guitar computers.

 

[drew365]

maybe one day,.. But my Soul Tramp looms over them all.

Copy that!

 

[cybermgk]

so it's like the Mustang? Ok that's pretty cool.

except whenever I use an actual pedal in the chain it gets all weird. The Mustang is great as long as I stick with the one sound and don't try to boost it with a pedal.

idk maybe one day I'll play with them. It's just so low on my lists of things to do.

when I'm all set up with a new IT career, have my own place, and I'm totally settled and secure finally,...then maybe I'll start playing with guitar computers.

High end stuff, works fantastic with pedals. I wouldn't have them, and divested myself of all but my 2 fenders if they hadn't. If the particular amp, modelled, being used, acted a certain way with a pedal, it reacts uncannily the same on both the Axe, and specially the Kemper.

 

[Kamen_Kaiju]

Copy that!

10-4

 

[Pop1655]

The only comment I would make on comparing Mustang user functions and results with one of the high ends is that there is no comparison. Not a knock. I'm a Mustang fan. It's just a different deal altogether.

Shifting to the the Acoustic/helix in the same "bag":
Not a doable deal !!! I would suggest completely abandoning any thought on that idea.
JMHO

 

[frankv]

The only comment I would make on comparing Mustang user functions and results with one of the high ends is that there is no comparison. Not a knock. I'm a Mustang fan. It's just a different deal altogether.

Listen to you.. hahahahah. Who would have thought..

 

[frankv]

Copy that!

Ernie Ball.. Yum Yum.... Pedal board.. not so much.. hahahah