4 Cable Method Using a Real Amp and Helix Preamps

Viewer question about how to use Helix preamps with a real amp in 4 cable method...not as difficult as you think. There is a catch though!
If you want to try this patch yourself grab it here: tinyurl.com/4tn3t2da
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0:00 - Intro
1:20 - 4CM setup
4:18 - Noise!
4:53 - Preamp setup
10:34 - Final thoughts
4 Cable Method Using a Real Amp and Helix Preamps
#4cablemethod #Helix #preamp

[@mathieuchauvette6391]

Dude... thanks for taking the time!!! Appreciated - From the random guy on facebook who needed help :)

[@linoleum1979]

NICE!!! I had been asking as well! Nice to see a video finally! Thanks BEN!

[@isaacwilliams153]

Man, nice explaination! Very clear and easy to follow!

[@ryancox8282]

What’s the advantage of setting it up this way versus just running the preamp through a send/return block? Wouldn’t doing it that way just give you a send/return block that is your victory preamp? Then you could run whatever you want ahead of that preamp. Your switching between the two could then be simplified by having a foot switch assigned to turn off that block and switch on a helix preamp…

[@davidwharton5912]

I think the idea of panning L/R for the split channels, was to make the set up simpler without needing to use the Send/Return blocks. However if you want to do a similar set-up in HX Stomp (XL), then you do need to use the send/return blocks as you only have the one line in/out (L/R). I'm here looking to see how to use helix amps mixed in with the various Catalyst per-amps on FX Loops.... I think my next stop is the MIDI section .... deep dive.... send help 🤪

[@therealdealblues]

Thanks for the video. New to the Helix and have never seen this particular idea for switching between amp and preamp sim. Regarding the noise, I eliminated it by using a passive Lehle ISO unit between the Helix and the cable running to the front input of the amp if that’s of any help. As you noted unplugging that cable eliminates the noise, an isolation transformer on that cable makes things perfectly quiet.

[@oscarmejia6408]

I strongly believe you’re getting noise because you’re ultimately sending an entire 1/4” signal but panned…. It works but hélix is still trying to send a line/instrument signal (other important settings you need to check on your helix) but the signal is panned making it strange for your rig. That is why the FX send/return blocks within the Helix work so much better no matter what configuration you try.

[@IZE83L]

I think if you change the LIne output going to front of amp from LINE signal to INSTRUMENT signal it will eliminate that hum...

[@blueeyephil]

Thanks for your video. I like your idea of top and bottom lines. And using the EQ blocks to switch between the real amp and Helix amps in order to keep the pedals in front of the amps the same. As far as the noise I've seen a number of posts on FB complaining abought that. One thing I wonder if there is an issue with line vs instrament when going from Helix to the amp that might be causing it.

[@linoleum1979]

YES!!!!

[@pdx666]

Hey there great video do you know if I could achieve this with a HX Stomp XL. Any help would be greatly appreciated

[@davgilmore6858]

Great video, but the part with 4 cables is too fast. I can't see exactly where cables goes..

[@Sun5two]

Put a (better 2) Behringer HD400 Noise Supressor in the Send / Return from Amp to Helix to eliminate Ground Hum, then Zero Hum

[@killtheauthorguitarguy9601]

Noise suppressor in the loop between helix and fx send would do it no???

[@blakeyuk1981]

So can a JVM and Helix be used in a 4CM as normal to get the benefit of the Amp tone. Then connect the Helix to the power amp in/out on the JVM. Is that how to use the JVM as a powered speaker?

[@IbanezShreds]

Could you please explain more where the middle line with the Helix preamp is being sent to? I don't think it was explained in this or the 4CM video. I could have just missed it. Edit: I switched it to "Output Path 2A" wish me luck. Also thank you for the video by the way, very intimidated by my new Helix.

[@BenHartwellGuitar]

Yeah that's right. The middle line, so line 1B goes to 2A so that it feeds the audio into the front of the preamp. The Helix patch is available to download in the description if you want the exact patch I build. Don't worry the Helix is awesome, you will love it.

[@crsantin]

Can someone provide any insight into the tone suck issue with Helix and the 4cm. I’ve tried everything and watched every video out there. Helix in 4cm ruins my tone and feel. I’ve tried numerous amps. Helix takes something away from my amps. Any ideas out there?

[@isaiahrockne8698]

Some amp FX loops operate at line level, and others at instrument. Make sure to match your output levels on helix