This should be mandatory watching for anyone with a Helix and PowerCab+. I watched this and another similar one. I went from wanting to throw my gear out onto the street to complete bliss. Thanks, Jason!
Jason is one of the most talented You Tube teachers. Serious and exhaustive in explaining facts and how-to‘s. His vids are true jewels for many different types of guitar players. Again: thx Jason!
I have the PC 112. I’m messing with some presets, some factory, some downloaded.. Using the PC as FRFR. The sound is just brittle, no low end.. no fullness. Harsh.
I just listed my 2X12 Powercab on a local market place. I just bought it a few months but I am having a horrible time getting it to not sound like a Spider. Its thin and shrill. I use a POD Go and having been playing it thought my cheap computer speaker set up and it sounds WAY better than my Powercab. I plugged it in to them it sounded good right off the bat. I will try and go through your videos to see what I can find and hopefully I can get this thing sounding good and keep it.
I had my Helix LT for about a month, I have the Line 6 PowerCab 112 (single speaker). I’m using my YJM strat (single coils, but not really) and I’m having a hard time getting the bass strings to sound clear and defined under gain. When hitting chords or playing rhythm… it just sound muddy, and undefined.. “wooly” Is there any area I should focus my attention on? There are a lot of positive reviews for this cab, I just wish I could get a clearer, defined bottom end! Help!!
Jason, I appreciate your expertise with the Helix and Powercab. You are my #1 go-to source when I have any questions and I watch your videos--sometimes a few times--and learn something new each time I watch them. That said, I have a question about this video. And I apologize in advance for the long post but I wanted to give as much details as possible from the start to answer any questions you (and any other readers) might have. First, some details about my hardware and signal chain. I'm using a Helix Floor (Firmware V 3.11.0 - b5021b0) with a Powercab 212 (Firmware V 2.00.1) connected to the Helix with an L6 cable. I also simultaneously send XLR out from the Helix Floor to the FOH mixer (sometimes to my Behringer X-32 Rack and sometimes to whatever mixer is available, depending on the venue, rehearsal space, etc. And sometimes I send from the Powercab 212's XLR OUTs to the mixers too, depending on the situation). Generally, I use the Powercab 212 as I would a regular guitar amp on stage so other band members and I can hear the guitar. And yet other times, I don't use the Powercab at all and just run straight into a mixer. Now on to my problem. Im having problems setting the output levels on my Helix so that the Powercab gets the right amount of signal without sending a signal that's too hot to the FOH mixer. This is not much of a problem when I'm using my X-32 mixer because I simply turn down the gain on the mixer but some of the cheap mixers I sometimes have to plug into can't handle the hot signal. And now on to my question. You mentioned setting the global output on the Helix to LINE level. I see three sources of output on the Helix: 1/4" Outputs, XLR Outputs and Digital Output. Next to the Digital Output is a Digital Out Level. No changes to any of the settings in any of those outputs make any difference in what signal level my Powercab is receiving. I assumed the thing to do was to set Digital Output to AES/EBU and then control the output from the Helix to the Powercab (via L6 cable) by adjusting the Digital Out Level but that doesn't seem to work. I can change the Digital Output from S/PDIF to AES/EBU and it makes no difference. I can adjust the Digital Out Level full-scale from -60.0 dB to +18.0 dB and that, too, makes no difference. Now, I can adjust the Output levels in the Multi output block using HX Edit, as you show in the video, but that also affects the level coming out of my 1/4" and XLR outputs. How do I adjust the output to the Powercab independently of the 1/4" and XLR outputs on my Helix? Thank you in advance for your reply.
I have two powercab + 112. I can use the link cable for either one and it works fine. When i try to link one into the other it comes on for a second and then shuts off. Only the second one does that. I have the right cables. Any suggestions?
I’m really not sure how these get good reviews. I messed with one for a week or so and it never sounded anything close to good. Regardless of the gain staging I employed. It sounded flat, nasally, and very compressed. Really disappointed and have decided to just stick with my FRFR.
How quiet is the PowerCab? Seems like it’s hit or miss with FRFR. For example, the white noise hiss that some of them have, whereas others report them perfectly silent with/out power conditioners.
im trying to use the powercab 212 as an audio interface. the guitar sound works well, but it sends the other tracks back through the speaker and records them onto the track I have armed and i am trying to record on and just ruins the track. anyone know what i am doing wrong or how i can keep the track i have armed from recording all the other tracks on it? i have am using studio one and i have never had this problem with any other audio interface
Does anyone know what issue i may be im having with trying to load irs to powercab through powercab edit , ive made sure of all requirements for p/c are met and have actually downloade quite a few diff ir packs to be sure , but they wont even come up on pc edit from computer , i can get the irs to load to helix fine but when i switch to p/c edit the folder just say none found really weird its like there searching for wave file and my packs are but wont load up
Question for you. Using the L6 link, can you have the modeled speaker on the powercab change per snapshot, or is it per patch only? I'm just curious. Thanks.
I set my pcab at 21-12'oclock and design my patches so the vol knobber on the Helix LT is at 12 o'clock. Plenty of adjustment both ways and when the band says I'm too loud, I show the settings and tell them I have it set EXACTLY the way it was the last practice. Then, by the end of the night I can't hear myself because of their volume creep. Same thing over and over. Then it's, "Hey!, I can't hear your solos." Well YOU need to turn down then don't you...LOL. Consistency is king!
I'm struggling with the idea of keeping big knob at MAX at all times because I use a different patch for every song and I use snapshots within patches. This means that volume levelling is a constant struggle. Occasionally I have to adjust in a live situation, for example when there are volume wars and I have a lead that needs to punch through. If it is maxed, that's pretty much impossible. Obviously you still need high output going to the Powercab to keep it in the yellow, but I find I have to deal with that within the blocks of Helix.
Thank you. I have the 212 plus. Without watching tour vid to set it for an optimal signal to noise ratio, I can say that the 212 plus is loud! But it’s great tutorial video! I learned so much from this.
Thank you for all your Line 6 videos! I have a Helix and a Powercab 112 (standard, not plus) and your videos have really helped me achieve a better tone. I have to ask though: I tried this trick and leveled some of my Helix patches so that the Powercab signal LED would alternate between green and yellow when playing. However, I began hearing quite a lot of unpleasant "rattling" (imagine a damaged speaker) from the Powercab when I did this. I had the Helix master volume all the way up and my presets leveled via Helix output block. Reducing the Helix output volume eliminates the rattling and I can increase the Powercab volume without re-introducing it. I connect the Helix to the Powercab with an XLR-cable using the analog interface since the standard PC112 doesn't have a digital input. Could I have missed something or should I suspect a defect in one of the devices?
Jason, very insightful as always. I don’t have a Powercab yet but I’m just about to pull the trigger. The one issue that I always struggle with whether with an amp or the Helix is the Fletcher / Munson effect. So how do you deal with that when setting up patches for live use? Do you just turn everything up loud when creating it? Or do you have some tips for transitioning a patch that sounds great at lower room levels to one that sounds just as good at performance levels? Thanks - Mike
Thanks Jason and by the way I ran my helix for the 1st time directly to PA yesterday doing some sound practice and that's when I realized how awesome your presets are on balance and sounding great tho I had to work on a few things with output gains and leveling , just going through diff presets I had for the 1st time running direct , yours were amazing , so greatful to have your help at working the helix into my playing , your awesome bro
Hey Jason. Great work. Question I have a helix in power cab are all your settings or patches that you have designed for my power cab to be an FRFR or flight mode or Ron mode or are you sending the signal directly from the helix to front of house. ?
Jason, I've watched a lot of your videos and I can say you've really helped me improve the tones in my setup. Thanks for all your great content! I did catch in one of them that you said you mostly use your Powercab in Flat/FRFR mode (as you do in this video). In my limited experience with my Powercab (have had it for less than a week), I feel the speaker modelling feels more like the "amp in the room", but this imposes limitations when recording. And here I'm talking mainly about tradeoffs related to routing capabilities, DSP limits, and Helix's ability to model dual cabs. (Maybe I should have bought a 212). Anyway, I have played with routing a signal to the powercab and splitting it off into Helix speaker cabs for the recording. Of course I can also just record direct from the powercab . . . of course the simplest solution is to do all modelling in the Helix and go Flat in the Powercab. I'd love to hear your thoughts / or see a video on this topic. Cheers!
Hi Jason. I'm super confused. I think I have a comparable setup to what you are using for this video. I have my Helix connected to Cubase via a Native Instruments interface with XLR. The interface input is set to line with the gain set to zero so the LUFS metering levels in Cubase are within acceptable ranges. I have my Helix connected to the PowerCab 112+ via L6 Link. I want to get the PowerCab LED into the yellow zone without the Cubase LUFS meter going too heavily into the red zone, since I want the Helix XLR output to be relatively gig ready for FOH mixing purposes. With this video, your LUFS meter is pretty heavily into the red. I thought that was a no-no. Is that okay, and if so why? Even with the Helix PowerCab FRFR Flat level dimed to 6, I've found that the only real way to get the PowerCab into the yellow LED zone is by upping the Helix output, but I don't want to cause front of house headaches by having an overly hot signal from the Helix XLR's. Any recommendations outside of running a split output from the Helix?
Great video! I just got a Powercab 112 plus and have a quick question for you. I use an HX stomp. My chain is guitar > Keeley compressor plus > stomp > strymon flint > Boss RC5 >Powercab. I have my output set to line, my stomp volume knob all the way up, and my compressor off and in order to get the signal light to turn yellow, I have to turn the channel volume of the amp model all the way up and set the output block to around +18. Is this normal? It seems like I have to send so much more signal into it than other people I’ve seen? I’ve also set the output of the speaker modes and FRFR mode to +0 and the input gain in global is +0. Any idea why i have to send so much more signal than others? I’m using an American Performer Tele with my pickups set to stock height and my volume knob all the way up if that makes a difference
Jason, love all your help with all your videos! Do you have any training for Helix and Line 6 DT 25? Thank you! I did purchase some of your Helix 3.5 times yesterday! Fantastic!
How do I get power cab plus 1x12 to come up in Hx edit on Mac? Since I got the update 2.92 no longer shows up. Can’t get any answers from Helix community. Sweetwater is of no help from a tech. side, there answer to everything is. I don’t know.
@@JasonSadites yes I have, that is when the issue came up. What are the step to get power cab+ too come up in hx edit when plugged into MacBook Air or iMac using a usb cable?Thank you
Hi Jason! It is possible to compensate the agressive hi and low cuts in the speaker sims with an EQ increasing some frequiencies? LF RAW sounds a lot more cab-like that the NATURAL for example
By the way, I would assume the most desirable (maybe common?) way of hooking helix to PowerCab (Plus models at least) would be L6 link. But the Powercab input gain settings are for Inputs 1&2. They don't affect the L6 link input level, correct? So it wouldn't even be an option to boost input level that way for PC+ users.
Hi Jason I’ve just purchased a helix and a headrush 108frfr speaker not sure which is the best way to connect 1/4 or xlr or is there advantages in using the line 6 l6 link cable cheers
Is there any benefit to sending a stereo (helix for example) to both inputs of the of a power cab 112 set to run cab simulation on both preamps? I figured it would be good for wet dry and maybe even dual amp set up routed if I set it to flat? I have a tonex and a hx stomp and trying to figure out the best way. Figure two preamps means more headroom? Enjoy the content
Thanks Jason! So in essence, the volume knob on the Powercab is acting more like an attenuator rather than changing the character of that sound/breakup (which is done in the "channel" volume in Helix)?
that thing is pretty expensive..I think...most of the people use it as a FRFR Monitor for Stage Volume (I mean it is all in the HELIX..tha cabs, the speakers, the Mics, the IRs)...therefore an active FRFR Speaker would do the same, for half of the price or not?!
lots of good info in this video. For me I use the AES link to the powercab and make sure that in my global preferences Volume Knob Controls does NOT affect the digital output. I think this is the equivalent of setting the volume knob to full but allows me to use the volume knob to control headphone volume, etc.
Hi thank you for the video it helped. But just one question - if you are using the factory presets all set to 0.0db, you have to go into each one, run through this process and dial them in individually, and save each one?? I'm using an helix LT to a Powercab 112 via the XLR line out.
@Jason Sadites, I don't know if i missed this or something, but where is your Helix main output (the big knob on the front, sorry if that's wrong terminology) set to? Always all the way up?
Dude... super helpful video! And I'm a fan of anyone who's got the Caress of Steel LP showcased ;) Question for meter level monitoring... I use Ableton - not cubase... any recommended ways for getting that RMS, peak, and LUFS monitoring in Ableton? Thx!
Hi Jason, how are you, thank you so much for explanations of all the details regarding the Helix, sometimes too deep hehe ;) I have a question regarding the setting up the powercab 112 and the preset volume levels: - i tried to set things up like you did in this video but i installed the Helix via Stereo XLR in my audio interface and on the interface there is an input gain, and if I turn on that knob, the Level meter in the DAW will dramatically change too. My question is how to set the input gain of the Audio Interface to have a propper setting up situation of the Helix presets and setting up the Powercab? Thanks Jason Cheers
The only previous video addressing this by Steve Sterlacci talked about boosting the input gain on powercab as an option which just didn't seem right to me so havnt done that from day 1, big Volume on Helix up full works way better. Instead of boasting the output volume on Helix would it be ok to just boost the volume chanel on the jazz chorus here or is there any downside to that? Great video
Thank you! Yes in a simple setup like I was using here with just the amp in the signal chain, using the channel volume on the Jazz Chorus would be perfectly fine if it gets the results you need. Just keep in mind if you have something in the signal chain after the amp, such as a compressor, the extra level going into it might affect it in a way that is not intended. Hope that helps :-)
Hi Jason - First thanks for your in depth replies videos, etc. I have a couple of questions please for using the powercab 1) Are most presets (yours or others) when purchased from marketplace or some downloaded from custom tone created with headphones or studio monitors which I think are FRFR? 2) If so, if I tweak my presets the way I want them with the PC at home on FRFR (amps and cabs on helix), will the audience then hear what I hear from the PC if I run XLR from power cab to FOH PA? Also, I'm still confused by the PC XLR output on the other modes. - (speaker model and speaker model/natural) If I like one of those (with the cab eliminated in Helix chain), and then use PC XLR output to FOH from those modes, will the audience hear what I hear from the PC? Thanks again!!
How do balance between your rhythm and lead volumes? Do you find it challenging to not have too little signal coming through on clean or rhythm because you’re accommodating for a boosted lead that you’re trying to avoid clipping too much? Having just gotten a 112+ I’ve loved it! It’s actually made dialing in dynamics better for me. I think I naturally had things in the yellow with a touch of red zone. Last question: do you run simultaneously to the FOH and if so any issues with line level or do you do some fancy splitting from the Helix? I’ve just been giving them the line out from my Powercab but in the future would want them to have a stereo signal while I have the mono on stage.
idk what I'm doing wrong but I cannot tell the difference between the yellow and the green. It just goes from green to red without a significant volume jump
Nice video. But how is it possible to play at a quiet level for example in your bedroom with the Powercab level set to max and still run a yellow clip signal into the cab? That would be monstrous loud!
This is a very good video, thanks for the detailed explanation. I also had an issue by setting up the POWER CAB input level at 6Db. I use a kemper profiler and noticed terrible noise in some of the sounds, we should always keep the inputs at 0 Db
I've noticed that the latest Helix update now shows an output of upto +20dB. Would it be right to assume the same settings would produce the same volume levels? Thanks for these videos. Appreciate your wisdom :-)
Excellent vid! How about expanding into which type of amp (preamp only/std amp with or without cab) and corresponding settings on the powercab (flat/speaker/frfr etc). Cheers!
Not at all, you just need to have at least one stereo element in a preset such as chorus or another modulation effect for instance. Hope that helps :-)
thanks for the detailed analysis! I'm curious if you leave output level headroom for any solo boost in level for live gigs? Or do you then send your FOH ouput chained out of the Powercab instead of the Helix? I have to be careful not to overpower the FOH inputs since sometimes I run direct from Helix to FOH and other times I run to Powercab.
Great stuff, and thanks so much! Just got me a PowerCab 112 Plus, so this is great information to have. As always, your videos are really well done, well explained, and very informative and interesting. Thanks again.
Can I make PowerCab changes via HX Edit with HX Stomp ? Will I be able to see PowerCab settings in HX Edit when using HX Stomp or only on the higher end Helix devices???
Hey Jason! Love your videos. So helpful. I use a Helix Floor at home for recording but I use it with a real tube amp with my band as just a multi FX board with no amp modeling. I think I'm going to get a power cab just so I can get the most out of the Helix live but my question is...with a real amp, should I have the master volume all the way up? Should I consider a line level signal in my current scenario? Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks!
Once again good content here. What's the best way to bump up the global level output across all presets if the knob is 100%. My presets might need to be all brought up to get into the yellow/red area. I bought the PC+ for the bonus of using the helix to switch speakers with the AES...cool!....but I haven't done that yet. I've always wondered why I spent the extra money for the + when I could have got the regular PC 112 and use it maybe the same basic way I use the helix now with the built is amp/cabs. Big $$$ difference.
Hey Scott, the truly best way would be to bump out the final output block of each preset to where it needs to be. If you were only boosting a small amount (+1 or 2 db) you might be able to get away with boosting the input level of the PowerCab if it doesn't add too much noise, which it likely wouldn't with a small amount of input gain. Hope that helps :-)
hello Jason, thanks for the video. So what's the fastest way to get purchased presets to level it up to your advice of integrated 18-18.5 ??Thanks in advance.
Hello and thank you for all your extensive testing and sharing of experience and use of these types of equipment. I'm in a middle of choosing what to do in the future on regards of amplifiers, speakers and sound quality requirements. I have two guitars, one with single coils only, and one with only humbuckers. I have a Helix Floor about 9 months old, a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, a couple of studio monitors, and am able to use PC as an audio recorder and so on. I'm looking for a unit/solution to use only in my home, I don't gig, and therefore have to go for a solution with low sound output. Problem I have is to find a solution that don't have "knife-sharp" or bad sound quality. I'm wondering if a solution with a low-powered amp (like Fender Champ Reissue 5W), a FRFR (like Powercab 112) of some sort or an attenuated/reactive loadbox (like UI Ox Box) for my Fender HR Deluxe, an amp with attenuation built-in (like Tone King, Fender Tone Master) is the best solution from a sound quality viewpoint. Flexibility is certainly in the Helix, but I can use it as a pedalboard as well. A lot of info here, but hope you can help me with some recommendations and what I could prioritize to do. Again thank you for your contribution. It's really appriciated.
The 5 watt amp will lack headroom - it will sound compressed compared to a 50 or 100 watt amp. Turning down master volume has a similar compression effect. Using an attenuator to limit power going to the speakers will allow the power amp and output transformer to distort naturally, but the speakers will not be overdriven or distorting. You can build a soundproof closet to put the speaker in and mic it. Or, you can just use a modeler and drive an FRFR speaker or headphones.
I was playing your Bassman preset through my Powercab 112Plus while watching your video. What a blast! Great video, great preset (it may be my favorite for my Strat). Keep up the great work!
@@JasonSadites What’s the secret? I set it up just like you said, just touching redline with line level. Was using deluxe normal, dr z, double normal models with natural speaker setting. They all sounded great on their own, but just disappeared as soon as the band kicked in???
Hi Jason, how is your Helix connected to your DAW when you are using the LUFS meter to set the clipping level? If it is connected via USB, does the output from the USB match the output of the XLR?
Hi Andrew, the Helix is connected via USB. I have never verified if they match, but as long as I use the same method all the time it always works perfectly.
@@JasonSadites Thanks for your reply. I have noticed that when connected digitally to the PC+ from the Helix, your patches are in just the right zone, but if you connect via XLR they go in to the red much quicker if not all the time. It seems the XLR out is hotter than the digital out.
Jason, thanks for all this great info. Have a question about recording with Powercab Plus. As a preface, this is for personal use and practice. Have the same set-up that I believe you are using, that is .......Helix Floor connected to computer via USB, Powercab 212 (connected to Helix via L6Link), Cubase 10 Pro. Goal is to set up patches that sound great on PC212, but then not have to fiddle with creating separate patches when I try and capture that emulated PC212 sound in Cubase. I am using Helix as the USB audio interface. I can capture the dry signal easy enough with USB 7. But then USB 1/2 is really only capturing the Helix processed sound, so I end up with Amp only, none of the PC212 Cab processing. Is there some way to capture the PC212 processed sound through existing connections ? Does that signal get pushed back to Helix via L6 ? I know the XLR outs of the PC212 carry this processed signal, but then where to connect those in my existing set-up ? Or do I have to use PC212 as the USB interface (but then I can't easily capture the dry signal) ? If you have any guidance on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks !
Also, I have considered using a separate interface (Stenberg UR44), and I know I can make that work. But it's just so much easier and cleaner using the Helix as the interface. The other option is using PC212 in FRFR mode and let Helix do the Cab modeling, but I have not been able to get that approach to sound any where near as good.
@@tlathbury8941 I have the same setup. As you've said you could capture the XLR outs but there's not much point because the XLRs are using cab emulation anyway so you might as well add a cab / IR to your recorded tracks after you've finished your performance. Alternatively, go with FRFR mode for simplicity. I can recommend Impulse Responses by York Audio.
@@lewisjenkins8174 Thanks Lewis ! After tinkering around with this quite a bit I decided on staying with Helix as my audio interface, but modifying the patches used for the Powercab (via L6 out). At the end of the chain for each patch I insert a split with a separate out, then I drop a cab model block on that split which gets me close as possible to the Powercab sound when recorded in Cubase. That split is routed by itself out to USB 3/4, which is the wet signal that I record into Cubase. This way any block adjustments to the patch that I make while practicing and playing on the Powercab are all captured automatically when I record, since I am only dealing with one patch. As a back up (for good measure), I also record a second dry track using USB 7, which I can use with Native if I feel the need to tweak sound further. My patches are relatively simple, so I can spare the space for the split. As an aside, I found the Powercab XLR outs hot and noisy, even after trying to compensate in PC Edit. They capture the essence of the sound well, but not ideal for recording. Also tried using Powercab as USB interface, but also found that noisy (pops), perhaps USB cable was too long, but I used the same cable with Helix with no problems. Thanks again.
I stand by my initial comment. It is wise under any circumstances. Also, you made these comments in a public forum. Be prepared to receive criticism and alternate approaches. You are not the sole source of knowledge in the universe. No need to be rude and dismissive. It lessens your stance.
@@ChristopherOrth you can stand by whatever you want. It doesn't mean you are correct. You also made your comment in a public forum so expect a response when you spread incorrect information that needs correcting so as not to confuse folks.
