Helix and tube amp?

Niallseroreilly

Interested to know what are the experiences of using the helix through a tube amp?

I'm thinking of taking the plunge and replacing my pedal board with the helix lt.

I use a Mesa Boogie Mark V:25.

Any drawbacks?

sgosden

I love it. Using Helix rack with a victory kraken. Only thing I'm not sold on is the tuner. The rest is amazing.

simonk

It works well - I've used it with my V:25 too.
Agreed about the tuner too, i find it frustrating. Maybe I've spent too long with Polytunes.

sweepy

I use an Axe-Fx through a Marshall 20/20, don't forget the power Amp and cab option either 

Strat_a_tat_tat

@sgosden and @simonk What's the issue with the tuner? Is it inaccurate?

sweepy

Strat_a_tat_tat said:

@sgosden and @simonk What's the issue with the tuner? Is it inaccurate?

there is a massive thread on he Helix forum about the ability or inability of the tuner to tune anything apart from your nerves

sgosden

The tuner is usable, Its fine if I'm just noodling at home. I just find my Pitchblack much more stable and accurate, also helix doesn't like the real low tuning on bass.

I just prefer putting a tuner infront of the input, so I can have a loop playing too .

menamestom

Using mine with a Fender Princeton Reverb and MJW Roadstar.   Sounds great with both.
No drawbacks so far, I used my POG occationally but not missing it so far.  There are so many additional options to what I had I'm thinking out what I've gained rather than what I've lost.

welshboyo

use mine with either a Bogner Shiva or Mesa Stiletto and a Blackstar HT5 - no issues whatsoever.

RandallFlagg

I tried my Helix through a Morgan PR12 and the clean dry sound was different, it was a small difference but noticeable. Enough to really upset me. I A/B'd it with my wife listening and she agreed. It was brighter, harder sounding, something in the transient of the attack of notes was hardened through the Helix losing a softness and some compression.

Obviously not really noticeable with a drive engaged but still bugged the hell out of me. Maybe it's the amp, maybe it was me, but the Helix input and outputs were set to unity with no global EQ and I didn't like it. 

Loved the Helix though and miss it for direct to studio monitor and headphones playing.

Wazmeister

At the moment, using it with the Carr Rambler.

Perfect and no issues. Also, works well with the stereo introduction of the DXR 10.

I mainly use mine as a pedal board 

menamestom

Used mine for the first time at a gig last night, it worked well.  I only used a few effects (Timmy, OCD, Trem, spring reverb, delay and flanger), but it just felt great to use.  I did manage to use the pedal edit mode to add delay feedback and used a snapshot to give a big distorted flanged part in a song, something that was logistically difficult before.

Listened back to the gig on the way home, happy with the tone.  I used an MJW Bantam which sounded ace.

Sassafras

I had to google 'tube amp'.
  

jgmouton

Careful, the Helix colours the sound.  It is not true bypass.

Cabicular

Drew_TNBD

jgmouton said:

Careful, the Helix colours the sound.  It is not true bypass.

It really doesn't.

simonk

jgmouton said:

Careful, the Helix colours the sound.  It is not true bypass.

I hope tongue was firmly in cheek when you typed this.

Sporky

Isn't the sound of an electric guitar straight into a PA or set of monitor speakers critically important to rock n roll?

professorben

RandallFlagg said:

I tried my Helix through a Morgan PR12 and the clean dry sound was different, it was a small difference but noticeable. Enough to really upset me. I A/B'd it with my wife listening and she agreed. 

You realise that's borderline domestic abuse right?

sgosden

professorben said:

RandallFlagg said:

I tried my Helix through a Morgan PR12 and the clean dry sound was different, it was a small difference but noticeable. Enough to really upset me. I A/B'd it with my wife listening and she agreed. 

You realise that's borderline domestic abuse right?

"yes dear... I can tell the difference, you're completely right" she says convincingly, with her feet up on the sofa, eyes not leaving her book.

RandallFlagg

sgosden said:

professorben said:

RandallFlagg said:

I tried my Helix through a Morgan PR12 and the clean dry sound was different, it was a small difference but noticeable. Enough to really upset me. I A/B'd it with my wife listening and she agreed. 

You realise that's borderline domestic abuse right?

"yes dear... I can tell the difference, you're completely right" she says convincingly, with her feet up on the sofa, eyes not leaving her book.

My wife reads?