6 Mistakes to Avoid Using The Line 6 Helix & HX Stomp

[@pacolocco3412]

My biggest mistake with the Helix was : Why Am I watching This, I Don't Even Have a Helix.

[@SteveSterlacci]

This made me laugh out loud 🤣🤣🤣 i appreciate the view and comment though! I hope you can find something useful on the channel

[@pandugus1550]

Me too. LOL 🤣

[@accidentals_hacks]

buy one! You know you want it. Unless you don't play guitar... hehe

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@accidentals_hacks yessssss!

[@bramatthews2]

you dont have one yet. Embrace the change! Ch ch ch changes

[@Jaryth14]

Commenting before I watch: My biggest mistake in all modeling devices with a visual signal path layout was to put the amp first in my patch. I don't know why I never thought about it in real-life terms where most of my effects would be going before the amp, but holy crap did it make a difference. It's especially a thing with overdrives and distortions. It turns out it's super important that they go before the amp so they can actually BOOST the amp signal. It sounds super obvious, but I spent like ten years thinking this was just what modeling sounded like.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Yes! Thats very important! Lol funny, but glad you fixed it

[@dewabintang2489]

My biggest mistake was to invest in FRFR speaker. What I missed was the sound of amp punching air. Ended up using the effect loop of amp and 4x12 cabinet. Huge difference that brings me back to the old days. Nothing beat the real cabinet

[@SteveSterlacci]

If thats the feel you need, thats the best option. Some people will always need that!

[@Utube-s8m]

I put it thru my 1x12 guitar cabinet from day one. No computer, no audio interface, no monitors etc. Same with the Kemper sounds fine. Is it as a great as a great amp and a great pedal no but it’s fun to fool with. Btw I add in a distortion, overdrive or fuzz into the kemper or helix and it really helps with feel and sound. The best modeler imo and simple to use and overlooked and now Yamaha owns line6 anyway is the Yamaha 100hd.

[@doublefatstrat]

I got yamahas hs 8s

[@Ricardo_Rosa]

My biggest mistake with the Helix was: I should have bought it a long time ago.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Preach!

[@WarframeCrunch]

Me too when it was costing less around 1600$ but now in my country it's for 1900$ : (

[@bridean3819]

My mistake was definitely not using snapshots with my HX Stomp. I was kind of disheartened when I could hear a noticeable gap in audio when switching presets, but with a little creative thinking I was able to get my 3 tones (clean, rhythm and lead) onto one preset and can now use Snapshots for tone, with no gaps in audio!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Awesome! I have a little "hack" video to navigate presets and get more snapshots out of it. It's somewhere on the channel 😅

[@bridean3819]

@@SteveSterlacci Will try find it, love your videos Steve! 😁

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@bridean3819 thank you! Means a lot

[@TmonkeyWins]

I’m a year or so into helix ownership and still haven’t delved into the world of snapshots… I know I’m missing out as I recognize times on a daily basis where I need them

[@CitAllHearItAll]

Best Helix advice I've heard. I am guilty of a few of these, and now I can't wait to sit down with my Helix and apply what this video has taught me! You rule, Steve! Subscribed.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Carl! Means a lot. Glad to help. I think I am up to about 70 Helix videos at this point

[@bluesky2145]

Great video. The reason that sounds different at loud volume is because of the Fletcher Munson curve and how we perceive sound. Old stereos had a loudness button to turn up bass and Highs at low volumes to compensate for this

[@janures]

Hey man, just wanna say thanks. As an analog guy I felt a bit overwhelmed when I got my hands on a Helix, to be fair - I still am. You tips help a lot. Even if you just repeat my thoughts out loud, it helps a lot to get some confirmation. So thanks and stay strong!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Much appreciated! I'm glad to help and hope you get more comfortable with the unit

[@douginny]

How is it? I get mine in 2 days

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@douginny its great!

[@starbuck-mz4ts]

The basics of Steve's message: 1. Proper monitoring -buy good monitors or good monitoring headphones 2. Jumping to IR's right away -get to know your stock cabs 3. Preset volume too loud-Helix does not like high volume 4. Too much low end--"squishy, mushy, farty" sound 5. Too much gain-bring down the bass and use the channel volume, not master volume. Try using the output block instead. 6. Making gigging presets at home and thinking they're going to sound good on stage. Go to the "Leveling Presets" video that Steve has put together. Use high volume on your studio headphones to test out but don't blow your eardrums out.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Hey now! What's the point of watching now?! 🤣😅

[@starbuck-mz4ts]

@@SteveSterlacci Making it easier for the rest of us to rectify these common mistakes. I’m guilty of most of them.

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@starbuck-mz4ts totally should just throw the time stamps in there 🤣😅

[@donthompson9752]

Totally guilty of 1. Too much volume, 2. adding high end instead of rolling off bass, 3. Too much gain.Gonna go back and check a few things. Another great , yet simple tutorial, gracias again, man!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks as always for checking it out Don!

[@wambamusic]

Your Tip with bypassing everything and take that Level as "default" helped me a lot! TY!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Glad to help! A lot of people disagree that it makes no difference, until they try to make a clean tone and wonder why its never as loud 😅

[@lebebop1682]

To deal with different situations (at home, studio, live, or with headphones, or a cab, or monitoring speakers etc etc..) the real secret with modelers like the Helix, is to use the low/high cut to always stay in the mix. It will do the 90% of the job every time. Personnaly, I always make my tones with headphones, that's my "sound reference", and after, depending on the situation, I will use the Parametric EQ block with it's low/high cut parameter to go back in the mix without touching anything else. Always works for me.

[@jimamsden]

Excellent set of things to avoid, agree with them all, and think these are the ones that are critical. For my biggest mistake, I think it's too much of a good thing. Less is more for gain, modulation, reverb, delay, etc. What sounds good by yourself will sound like indistinct mud with the band or in the mix. Second mistake I think people make is not sticking with a tone - trying to use a preset for every song and snapshot for every section of a song. This results in tone that's all over the place and leaves you with no identifiable tone that's yours. So I use Helix in "stomp" mode, relying more on footswitches that change a few parameters that can be combined any way you need. Snapshots are for big changes (variax open tunings, a quick acoustic tone, etc.). Mostly I use one patch all night.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Great way to see it ! I use 1 preset for my cover gigs. My touring gig i use about 4 just circumstantially since i run the 2 guitar rigs

[@GUITARSTUFF911]

I agree, One set of tones, adjustable effects as needed Clean, dirty, gain, EFX. Simple presets can hone your tone as yours and still have playability, simple setups are easy and less stressful when playing live, concentrate on playing not your sound as much. A simple set of presets can do a lot live!

[@johnschober4008]

My biggest mistake was buying numerous pedals, different budget multi fx, modellers and mini amps then selling them all to buy a Helix LT instead of just buying the Helix originally.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Many have had this same journey! Lol

[@andrewmvenegas]

I a newby and some of your acronyms aren’t understood, but I’ll research more. So far love your channels and I will be back! 💙🙏🏼

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thank you for watching!

[@fwolfe404]

Hey Steve, Great video. I haven't checked my bypass level yet, but I'll do that. One of the most challenging issues I've had with using every Line 6 multi effect pedal, (which I've been exclusive to Line 6 since the original red kidney shaped unit to now Helix, from Line 6 Variax 700, to now every JTV, 59, 69 & 89F), has been, trying to match levels of amps. The fender amps are nowhere near the output levels of Marshall amps. I typically add post boosts to even out the levels, and I've definitely gotten great tone I've used to record and play out with in 800 plus sized arenas, but I'd love to get your take on how you go about correcting this issues. On a different note...I purchased your Brad Paisley patch. Great work! Thanks for posting these videos, they're really helpful.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks for checking it out and for the support! I think this will absolutely solve your problems with the amp volumes. Just use that channel volume and it won't affect your tone!

[@mwdanny]

Great list. I haven’t made any “mistakes” per say as much as just the learning curve. Making patch after patch and perfecting each one. I learned a ton from you, Rhett Shull, Rick Beato, Jadon Sadites and Richie Castellano. I have fairly simple signal paths yet very full and real sounding rigs. Great video though, very helpful.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks for sharing man! I dont belong with such company 😅 but i am glad to help when I can

[@Rguitar333]

@@SteveSterlacci I recently bought my Helix. I watched hours and hours of videos trying to dial in presets, assigning switches etc. I was ready to send it back and then I found your channel. I love your Helix 2 minute tips and tricks videos. I've learned a lot and I'm enjoying my Helix now. Thank you for taking your time to share your knowledge with us. It really helps

[@SteveSterlacci]

Hey Rob! That really means a lot. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@PeterMatuchniak]

Don’t expect any preset or even a patch you’ve downloaded/purchased to sound any good for you, let alone anything like a video that showcases it. I’ve known this for a long time, way before the Helix, and still I get disappointed. Part of the problem is the designer used a different guitar, and along with different pickups, tone control, speakers, and even your room or headphones, it’ll often sound odd at best. I think the best advice is to build your own patches by starting simple: maybe just an amp/cab plus a room reverb. Make that sound good to you with a clean tone as well as an a edgy tone. Or conversely, throw in a bunch of FX that tickle your fancy, and experiment - a lot of patience and experimentation required here . Either way, I agree with your tip that you shouldn’t go rushing towards IRs - at least not until you’ve exhausted the other built-in options.

[@SteveSterlacci]

I have been meaning to make a video about this exact topic. How to tweak OTHERS presets !

[@danielbell4007]

I only ever bought 2, (at the same time) and I’ll never do it again.

[@Yahoomediaclub]

Invaluable Tips *√

[@erichintonband]

I used my 2 JBL 15” mains and dialed them at a loud volume. I know everyone doesn’t have a single-family home or rehearsal space but it works well.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Nice! That'll work

[@ZAYAZOfficial]

I’m late to the helix game but love it so far. Thanks for these useful tips! Subbed

[@SteveSterlacci]

Much appreciated!! You're gonna love it once you get a workflow down

[@thrash8315]

This was a great video for any modeler user, even, us, the abandoned Firehawk users.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Jason! Means a lot. Wish I had one to put some content together lol

[@stevendibella4458]

I switched from a Firehawk years back and don't regret a second of it. Flexibility, tone, routing, ease of use, community. Save up your pennies and look for an LT on special. You can find them for as little as $700. Best gear money you'll ever spend if you like the tones from the Firehawk. It is a Firehawk on steroids!!!!

[@TheStinkyDinkyBand]

My biggest mistake was not practicing and watching videos like this for hours.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Same except making them

[@TheStinkyDinkyBand]

@@SteveSterlacci I am planning on doing a channel. I’m not really expecting any followers, but it will be real and how a beginner player uses a nice new amp. Just let others know you don’t have to be top notch to make some videos. Like Malli Vanilli 🥴

[@escommentss]

I'm new to Helix and had my first show with it this past weekend. I'll just say that the experience was impressive and enjoyable! I'll also say that the support resources for this device on KZbin are endless! Thanks for this video BTW. I spent hours at home using my Electro-Voice ZLX-12BT 1000W 12-inch Powered Speaker turned up to stage volume as my monitor in which to build my presets which I have on stage behind me at the gig. It really only took a few minutes of tweeking the stage volume and patch levels between snapshots and I was ready to go! Definitely going to try your patch volume and gain staging idea.

[@micuronium]

Parametric EQ is a lifesaver. I high pass at 60 Hz and low pass at 8 kHz on the PEQ; leave the cab high pass at 80 Hz and pull back low pass to 6 kHz to start. The PEQ passes have a steeper slope. For high gain channels I scoop at about 320 and 570 +/- and bump 2.7 kHz by just bit. It sounds awesome. Try using the Greenback 25 4x12 with a R121 at 3” back as a “tone home base”. JIME (just in my experience)

[@SteveSterlacci]

This is an amazing tip for users. Especially those who want to dive into IRs without needing to! I am gonna try these settings

[@micuronium]

@@SteveSterlacci Just keep in mind the Q (band width) settings can be pretty wide (like 2.0 +/-) when scooping thick amps that are EL34-based, and even wider if using full-sized humbuckers (I use a bridge JB Jr) and the 2.7 bump might be actually narrow (7.0 +/-), which is counterintuitive to mixing.

[@alastairuminga9843]

This is not only for Helix users but also who are using other amp simulated fx out there. Learned a lot.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Much appreciated ! Thank you

[@tomulator]

I would add...Too much REVERB and DELAY to the list. People always put way too much of these in their presets...imo.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Its a tough one to balance. Especially in a mix vs on your own

[@GearStuffandThings]

The home to stage stuff is paramount! Excellent!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Huge mistake we have all made for sure !

[@butchbobcat]

Thanks, Steve! I've been thinking about getting a Helix & this is the 1st video I saw that has "don'ts" instead of all the good about them.

[@SteveSterlacci]

I try to be different when I can!

[@itsjohnnymillion]

The "preset compare to bypass" signal is such good advice. I bet it applies to so many other areas, like DAW, live mixing, etc. Thanks for the reminder.

[@SteveSterlacci]

You got it! Thanks. Its easy to think of it like a real amp and want to jack the signal for sure

[@JayMathy]

@@SteveSterlacci When you adjust the volume while everything is bypassed, do you crank the ouput block? when my signal is bypassed and my guitar volume is turned all the way up, it's extremely quit. I had to turn the output block up to +13. I'm using a Headrush FRFR 108 with the volume around 3. Should I turn up the speaker instead of the output block? Great advice. Thanks!

[@SteveSterlacci]

@Jack That's just to get a baseline for the overall preset volume. For going into an FRFR, I would set outputs to Line level and make any other volume needs at the output block if you really needed it. Thats just a guideline for making presets universally usable, as well as make sure you can make clean presets equal volume without having to turn up the gain

[@SteveSterlacci]

@Jack id try both turning up the speaker and try turning up the output block and see which sounds better to you

[@JayMathy]

@@SteveSterlacci Thanks for the quick reply! Super quick follow up, I run my hx stomp into a reverb pedal, then a loop pedal, then into my FRFRs. I have the output set to instrument level because it's going into a pedal. Should I still set to Line Level? I can't really say which sounds better to be honest.

[@jerryreff1857]

Steve, for those using it FOH and folding back into in-ears, a big mistake is ignoring an ambient mic. When I first go the Helix, we were not using an ambient and I thought "Well this was certainly a mistake!" It sounded pretty bad. Installed an ambient in the middle of the church and fed it into the foldback mix. Viola' great tones again.

[@SteveSterlacci]

In ears without an ambient mic is definitely rough! I know what you mean there

[@michaelbriggsphotography]

Awesome tips! Especially re: matching to the bypass volume. Currently going through my helix and doing this with all my presets now. Man, were they loud!! Haha.

[@SteveSterlacci]

It's not the worst thing in the world, but you definitely want to avoid blowing up a venues board 🤣😅

[@srenfriisalexandersen9423]

Absolutely hear ya on the advice to learn stock cabs. This really did it for me. Thanks for sharing!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks for checking it out and commenting !

[@NedJeffery]

The biggest mistake I made was trying to make dozens of cab combination presets blending different mics etc. The sweet spot is in finding which mic works best with which cab. Once you know that pick your 2 favorite, put them in a dual cab block panned hard left and right. You can make adjustments to the mic position to adjust the tonal balance. But 90% of the tone comes from mic+cab.

[@ekuzy]

What is the best combo you found? 😊

[@1974zah]

I found the same thing. I use the same 2 panned cabs and mics on all patches now. I'm back and forth on the amount of panning sometimes. I'm using a twin cab and Marshall 412 greenback one with dynamic and one with ribbon.

[@ekuzy]

@@1974zah twin cab? The deluxe twin?

[@1974zah]

@@ekuzy the Double C12N , which is a Fender Twin cab with ceramic Jensen's. Using a mix of American and British, open and closed back, and different mics works well for me. Works equally well with clean and dirty sounds. Playing around with the mic placement is also very worthwhile. Currently have them panned 33% L-R. I bet there are plenty of cool combos in there. This is the one I like best. Make sure you update to the newest firmware to get the next gen cabs.

[@bramatthews2]

These are all mistakes I used to make. Glad that we agree

[@SteveSterlacci]

YEP! LOL glad to be passed them

[@mattbrillhart2922]

I appreciate your channel. You are a professional but are providing tips that apply to everybody who uses these line 6 products-even hacks like me! :-)

[@SteveSterlacci]

I appreciate you watching and commenting! Means a lot and helps keep me going 🤘

[@vphathom]

i have had my helix Lt FOR 6 MONTHS trying to push buttons but now i am watching videos and trying to learn the system . this is my first modeling effects system . i use to use TC electronics G Major with voodoo lab midi control and use my Marshall for channel switching so i have a big learning curve .

[@riccardopocci73]

I absolutely agree with the IR thing. I made my best presets or patch with stock cabs. also because the scenario of IR shops is so bog that is someway confusing people

[@SteveSterlacci]

Yesss!

[@stevenelson4957]

All good points. Sound reference is definitely the thing. It’s what you trust as, the actual sound. I found a $299Berhringer wedge with a 12” and horn that has worked perfect. I set the wedge and the helix at the same output levels at all times. This little thing was a game changer for me. I also make sure to put the same affect first in every signal chain. And use the input resistance as a little buffer, EQ. Tried to power cab, air, basically smoke and mirrors. It is not easy for everyone to adjust to direct guitar. Once again, there are lots of rabbit holes to go down when using the helix. In my experience I think it is important to find a couple amps and affect you really love really get to know them, then experiment with all the available tools there are. Great video. Subscribed.

[@stevenelson4957]

#effect

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Steve! I will check out that behringer. Good call having the same first effect too

[@tdguitar]

Tip: Use Global Eq to tune Your sound to the room You're playing in.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Great one. I have a bunch of videos on this too

[@kg322]

This is extremely hard when playing with many other bands. When we set up, we have to plug in, tune, and go. No time to ew for the room. It just isn't practical, unless you are headlining and can setup early and sound check before the other bands set up.

[@SkylerMills]

Just an opinion, cut one song so you have 5 minutes longer to ensure your sound is as good as it can get

[@johnbeamon]

GREAT post, as usual. Valuable content. I'd love to see topic timestamps in the description; this is the sort of thing I'd refer people back to. For discussion's sake, I have mixed feelings about IRs vs stock cabs. A $30 IR bundle gave me a few IRs I use everywhere, and a guitar teacher would have charged me that much for a tone-shaping lesson. I also see pros and KZbinrs making patches with wildly different cuts of high and low end, each claiming they're optimized to sit in the mix. I'd say tone shaping is one of the biggest amateur challenges. I could follow you building a preset knob for knob, playing my Helix through the same speakers as your video, and not sound like you at the end. I've had this happen with other artists' commercial presets, sounding so much darker than the demo video on the same speakers that I can't use the preset I just paid for.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Its definitely a tough animal. Situations being so different it is really hard to nail universally usable presets. I know I make mine for live use and wind up making slight adjustments for studio use based on the track. I guess its instinct for me at this point but maybe walking through my thought process on making presets work for an individuals needs is a good video topic!

[@MoveUpMedia]

I’ve had a Helix for two years now. Played in studios and live. The best way to dial in tone and dynamics for me has been to use a Powercab. I have JBL LSR4328p monitors and nice headphones as well. I realized that the 25 years I’d spent dialing in tones on amps and pedals turned out to be the most accurate way to do this for modelers as well. I found myself making almost zero adjustments when going direct to PA with a band, or in a studio with this setup. Bonus: you get to scratch that itch of moving some air in the room. It’s made my Helix experience far more enjoyable. I wasn’t able to get that out of headphones or studio monitors.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Nice! I enjoy the PC as well. I was lucky enough to be on the beta team for the 212 before it came out. Was great on stage!

[@WorshipGuitarTheory]

Great vid. I’ve gone full circle - stock cabs to IRs and back to stock. Just learning how to use them and max out their potential. Big problem was learning not to rush into a full rig chain and just starting with a great amp and cab tone. Lose hours just tweaking!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Definitely need that solid foundation

[@77wogboy]

With the home > stage issue. If it's purely a volume thing, I thought that was what the volume control on the pedal controlled? Or the line/instrument level adjustment? I'm a few weeks away from my first gig with the XL, guess I will find out. But yeah if it's an EQ thing, then global EQ adjustment would help as well on the Stomp + Stomp XL. I've watched a lot of what you've done Steve and shared with others as well. I think your explanations are really clear, and I know you can't give away all the secrets of what you do, but you give enough to give me and I'm sure many others a massive headstart. PS. I also love that you don't kick off all your videos with an instrumental demo! Only the ones where it's relevant. Keep up the great work and thanks again for your advice.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks and that means a lot! I try to share all my secrets and don't keep any really. My goal is to get you to make yourself sound great! Its not that its an actual "volume" thing in terms of an adjustable parameter... Its really more "loudness" where at lower "loudness" it sounds VERY different than higher "loudness". Its the same with a real amp as well. At home, dialing in pedals at bedroom levels on 1 will sound nothing like when you are making them at full band levels at rehearsal/gigs with an amp on 3 or 4. Global EQ is a great way to get yourself out of a rough situation, but I try to make my presets 100% plug and play ready to go. Thanks again for the kind words! Here if you ever need

[@macshock632]

Mines: 1. Chasing the amp in the room feel using a frfr speaker. (I can get it easily by using a power amp and real cab) 2. To believe I have to tweak a lot. Most amps sound good as they are. Obviously adjusted for gain and volume 3. Dailing in patches using headphones. - i use irs not because of tone but they can be changed with snapshots

[@SteveSterlacci]

Great list! And good call changing IRs on snaps. Crazy flexibility like that is so cool! Thanks for adding!

[@macshock632]

@@SteveSterlacci to 1. I add: I use power amp and real cab just for me as stage monitor, before output I split the signal, the xlr goes into ir and then to foh. To 2: they sound good when played at gigging volume ~90db

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@macshock632 very nice! I have yet to try poweramp and real cab

[@lynseefus6049]

As Steve said, spend time on cab/mic combinations. Also get to know global settings - specifically high/low cut edits and sag.

[@SteveSterlacci]

All good parameters!

[@Doublewater11]

Subscribed. Great tips and live it when youtuber responded to fans!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks so much! I appreciate the support

[@shaneward5789]

Hey Steve, great concise video! I was already pretty happy with my Helix tones but your bit on gain staging made me question myself… yep sure enough I was waaaay too loud. Dialled some presets back and it’s like a whole new toy! Thanks!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Its only normal for us guitar players 🤣😅 thanks for checking it out!

[@danc3746]

My mistake...trying to use the Helix and Pod Go with a power amp and real cabinet. It sounds ok I guess when using the peramps, but then I recently ran these units through a couple of JBL 305mk2 Studio Monitors and it opened up a whole new world. I just ordered a Line 6 112 Poweramp for that bigger sound. But I highly recommend the JBL 305mk2 speakers for anyone on a budged, they sound great with the Helix or Pod Go.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Awesome! Great tip

[@IshredGuitar]

Thank you Steve for the video, great tips! Please allow me to give some advise here....It's taken me 4 years to get the pro tone I'm looking for on this Helix Stomp box and checkout the Blue Sky 100watt powered monitor/mains absolutely amazing studio tones with them. I'm purchasing me 2 more of them they're expensive but you get what you pay for of course. Guys try the 2 X12 Double C12N cab on the HX Stomp or Helix its kickass cab and no IR needed! For metal or rock lead tones only go up to 3.0 on your presence, for metal rhythm go to 7.0 on your presence, the presence takes part of your guitar signal and it re-routes it back through your pre-amp thus it boosts all your high gain distortion/saturation, if you (set your presence on 3.0 for lead tones) you'll realize you can have the gain up higher with better tone and clarity. Also don't for get when you set your low cut and high cut in your cab settings thus then the other effects pedals you add have to be matched if they have low cut and high cut. For example I set low cut on 80hz and high cut on 6.9kHz so I set exact same setting with my Room reverb low and high cut to match.

[@accidentals_hacks]

My biggest mistake was to use FRFR to dial in my sound. I was compensating for the Headrush's bassy sound, and as a result my sound was very brittle and high-pitched when I plugged it into the line at a gig.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Definitely been there!!!

[@TheMasonator777]

I’ve found that using a Headrush FRFR 108, the Cabinet low cut that works best is 130hz for the stock amp models and 110hz for clean. High cut, 4.5k for distortion, 8-18k for clean. I also try to roughly recreate the basic frequency curve of a Celestion Vintage 30 with the global EQ. It’s a good starting point at least. I also have to add… I think the best way to make live presets is gig loud through a full range speaker. Powered monitor, FRFR, whatever. Headphones aren’t going to reflect the low end the same at all. That’s the biggest issue I’ve had. Not enough or too much low end.

[@billhuang6506]

Nice video Steve. I want to add that HI CUT on cabs and IRs is your friend! Don't get hung up on the number but I start by a pretty severe high cut to maybe 8k. Obviously, adjust to taste at high volume if you're aiming for a live tone.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Was gonna add something like this but I couldn't justify it as a "mistake" to keep theme with the video. I am inspired to do a "best practices" list which that will be a major point in

[@billhuang6506]

@@SteveSterlacci I forgot to add LOW CUT as well. Don't mean to yell, but it's a huge deal - especially for the naysayers who want to talk about how bad Helix sounds...blah, blah, blah. And I agree with you about it not being a mistake, it just helps a lot. I would say for your best practices video you should go into the Fletcher Munson curve and all that goodness. Thanks Steve! BTW, subscribing now!

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@billhuang6506 much appreciated bill! Thanks so much. Agreed on all counts above too...

[@danedgar1539]

Good to know! I tried to search curing hiccups. I watched this with no idea wtf this is and it cured my hiccups.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Hey, whatever I can do to help, I am glad to do so

[@ChainsawChristmas]

I was listening to The Guitar Hour Podcast and they said they changed the guitar-in impedance to 1M Ohm instead of Auto and it helped with the "feel" on the helix. It definitely changed the tone a lot, but I'm not completely sure about the "feel" aspect. Those guys are insane players and I'm absolutely an intermediate bedroom player.

[@SteveSterlacci]

People love to talk about feel! Lol I don't exactly care. My inspiration comes from tone. As long as there's no latency, i am happy with my hx results

[@StephenSpelman]

Another great video, Steve. A mistake I made early on was thinking that every preset needed to have an amp and a cab. Of course Line 6 has designed the amps and cabs to mimic the ones we’d have to use in real life, but each Helix block in a preset is really only an electronic modification of the input signal. So - I’ve got one amazing preset for my Les Paul that has no speaker in it at all. The Helix actually lets you be like the Beatles as they started getting into recording production - “Hey! I wonder what this knob does!” Thanks again for a great video

[@SteveSterlacci]

People forget some of the greatest tones of all time were just direct to a board! No right or wrong was as long as there is good results

[@chuckcostello5167]

I made this "mistake" recently when bypassing my amp block to run into the front of my amp, only to realize the cab/IR block was still engaged lol It sounded great.

[@StephenSpelman]

Steve Sterlacci - I believe the lead fuzz guitar on the Beatles’ Revolution was straight into the board

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@StephenSpelman yup! Almost always with those gnarly fuzz tones

[@thematsc]

I must confess that I don't use Cabs at all. I think that the 12" speaker is just a historic thing and a gigantic (useless) low pas filter that ads....mud. I dont like mud :-)

[@richardmiller191]

Great video! I don't own one yet - just about to buy one. It's rare to find a vid that's really helpful and this one is! Thanks for posting!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Richard! That means a lot. If you wanna see some of the workflow, i have a few preset builds from scratch if you wanna check them out!

[@andrewbutcher3391]

I’ve just started watching your videos Steve…really helpful thanks….The reason really is I found half a dozen tones I really liked and just stuck with them. Recently I started tweaking….something I did for years before Helix…in search of “that tone”….I’ve sorted myself out now and gone back to playing….but always keen to learn….

[@SteveSterlacci]

Honestly, thats the way to go once youre inspired to play!

[@jonmarsh4763]

Great tips. If I had done a video on this concept before you, my tips would have been very similar. And like you, I too made almost ALL these mistakes when I started gigging 25 years ago with my first modeler (POD Pro rack). And it took a pro DRUMMER friend of mine in another band, who would come see us play live, to slap me in the face during our first set break and tell me I had WAY too much low end and WAY too much gain dialed in, and it sounded like a "hairdryer" to the audience. I, of course, fought him on this (because what would a stupid drummer know about guitar tones, right?), but I reluctantly agreed to let him re-EQ and re-gain my rig before the next set (pulling the low end and gain WAY back). And no shock at all, our 2nd set sounded remarkably better, and HEAVIER. Counter-intuitive to me at the time, but I saved that preset with his tweaks literally onstage, and have never looked back conceptually. Great vid!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Great story! Thank you for sharing. Glad we are not alone 😉🙃

[@harambo88]

many things in audio are so counter-intuitive. i love that bc i lack intuitivity and that makes me sub average in tasks where that helps but genius in tasks that afford to think against intuition.

[@jfo3000]

Some drummers have great ears. I played with two drummers with remarkable ears. They both were also outstanding drummers...so I guess kind of consider everyone's advice?

[@billiousbogg844]

Big help, cheers Steve - just subscribed! I play in a folk band and use Helix for fiddle as well as acoustic and electric guitar. The high volume thing is so true. It's great to get some pointers as the Helix is a complex beast and tough to shape your sound, especially when you have to take into account venue and audience sizes. Will check out your other vids!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Much appreciated!! Any questions feel free to reach out

[@joeemenaker]

Great comment about starting with a blank preset and checking for unity gain as you adjust each effect. Consistent gain structure is how you avoid getting clipping in your clean sounds.

[@Stashmanfpv]

I no longer gig and have spent more money on my Home Studio since then, but for FRFR, I guess I’m not picky, as I purchased the Headrush FRFR 112’s and they sound terrific for “at home.” I also have a nice pair of Focal and KRK monitors to work with and I also get great results for all my modelers and my music with all of ‘em. Folks, if you cant afford the top of the line monitors, use what you can afford and make the most of them. Not everything good has to cost a fortune and you can always move up later... A good set of cans (headphones) can also be your best friend! Most of all HAVE FUN!!! Best!✌🏼

[@mhmoretti]

Everything covered here has been very helpful for me. Thanks so much Steve.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Glad to help! Thank you for watching

[@Nicky-T]

Great video. My biggest mistake as a beginner was not realizing I could assign individual parameters to snapshots (duh). I was putting in multiples of the same block with different parameters dialed in and turning them on and off by snapshot! As far as the difference between home and rehearsal, the fist time I did a rehearsal, it sounded like I had a hall full of tweeters! Craziness. I'm using Alto 12" FRFRs; I would love to get a pair of Powercab+ but I have budget constrainch. 🎸🎸🎸 You're absolutely right about the IR rabbit hole, better to learn what you already have in detail first. I have barely touched IRs (I had the experience you described--TOO many choices with just one IR). But you made a great point that I hadn't considered--there's no adjusting them like you can with the cabs. You have to comb through a hundred of them to find what you want (if it's even there). From what I've seen with other users, it seems the super high gain players find the IRs useful. I'm happy with the cabs, especially the different mics you can use make a huge difference in tone. I think I need to go back and turn stuff down. My presets are way higher than unity.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Nicky! Let me know how the experiments go

[@joeemenaker]

The ability to adjust parameters of effects (beyond just bypassing them) in snapshots was why I returned my Headrush board and got the Helix.

[@apfelmistnutte]

You remind me of Nick Miller from New Girl, which is an absolutely good thing.

[@SteveSterlacci]

I will have to look into his character! LOL thanks! Hope to have earned your sub

[@DarrenSMusic]

I'd add using the high and low cut on every cabinet before adjusting any EQs. Often, I have found that my best results have come after setting the high and low cut before adjusting amp/drive EQs.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Was thinking about that but i couldn't figure out a way to make it a "mistake" to keep the theme of the video. Maybe a "Best Practices" video is in order where that will be a huge one

[@DarrenSMusic]

@@SteveSterlacci Best practices would be a great vid. I often see people complain that their Helix sounds too fizzy... That'll be due to the high cut not being used. I made the same mistake! Great vid as always.

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@DarrenSMusic I've got i think 2 or 3 vids on that exact topic as well 😉

[@muurimc]

Great video. I think I have "hit" all of these mines. Learned some lessons by watching these Helix videos and just try-and-error. Today really happy how my Helix sounds.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks for checking them out! Glad to help

[@BillMWirth]

I agree with your IR statement. Helix only needs a little tweaking. I just made the move from Headrush, and you needed IR’s because the stock cabs did not sound natural. I deleted them all off my Helix.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Glad you gave it the time to figure it out!

[@micuronium]

1) Headrush 112 is totally adequate and loud. 2) Use Parametric EQs to refine your tone, and take out some low end. I scoop about 320 Hz, take a pinch out at 570 Hz and high pass at 68 Hz. I also bump at 2.7 kHz for OD and 5.3 kHz for cleans. 3) don’t scoop your mids too much 4) understand what tone you’re going for and what kind of equipment creates it in the real word before trying to create a present. Have a comparison tone. Don’t go in blind. 5) dial in presets as you would hear them playing at volume. Then listen to what it sounds like in headphones. It’s different. 6) have presents you jam with and presets you play life with. Things sound different in a mix. My bedroom presets are much more scooped 7) Front-end all high gain amps with a a TS or SD-1 block with gain at 0 and volume at 10 (tone usually at 6-8). It focuses the tone perfectly. Reduce amp gain or pedal volume by a bit if need be for classic rock sounds. 8) Use ribbon mics on your cabs. It’s much easier to start with a fat tone and scoop lows and boost highs with an EQ than to try to fatten a thin sounding dynamic. Ribbon 160 works great on axis for cleans and off axis for OD.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks for the additions!

[@redjacemory4404]

Never felt the need to try IRs, and I pre-ordered my Helix before it was even available. The stock cabs are fantastic especially since 3.5.

[@lancenunez8252]

Use the low cut and high cut controls on the cab. Most times, dialing those to taste will help too much low end or top end fizzy.

[@monty442]

Guilty as charged....3,4,5... I also think i need to learn the global settings better. All my patches are high or low. I especially struggle with clean sounds/volumes. Thanks for all the videos keep up the good work brother!!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Get into the channel volume! Ive got a video on leveling presets as well if you want to check that out

[@willstoner5885]

Regarding monitors, I decided that since I was going to go to FOH with my Helix I thought it made the most sense to purchase a couple of floor monitors along with a small mixer that I can run my Helix through to imitate/replicate the intended use. My setup uses my Helix XLR out to a Behringer XENYX 1202FX and then 2 JBL EON 612 for the live FOH mix. I then also sometimes add a Headrush 108 for personal monitoring but I find that it makes all my patches very heavy on the bass side so I only use when needed. I control all my output sound at the board so the master volume on the Helix only sends to the Line outs and not the XLR. I can then control my volume for my personal monitoring by only using the Helix volume knob.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Nice! Whatever gets the job done 👍👍👍

[@-JohnGalt-]

Great tips, thanks man. Just got the stomp and I'm loving it.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks John!!! Much appreciated

[@chitlun]

My biggest mistake was buying a flight case for my Helix Floor instead of the back pack... Man that thing’s heavy! Regarding IR/Stock. I bought some Celestion IRs (can’t remember which ones) and always split the signal after the amp and have one of each. This gives me a great tone but my favourite IR has to be a free Fender Champ 10” that I found with 3 different SM57 positions... The edge position pairs beautifully, hard panned, with the 2x12 Interstate stock cab. Great video dude 👍

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks for checking it out and adding to it! I will check those out. Hope to have earned your sub!

[@chitlun]

@@SteveSterlacci Man, I thought I’d already subbed... Consider it done 🤘

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@chitlun you the best! Thank you

[@chitlun]

@@SteveSterlacci You’re most welcome sir 🤘

[@RickSanchezChannel]

Simple, direct and to the point! Great tips Steve! Thanks for the info. I always listen to the advice of those out on live gigs, and bro, yours are awesome! Stay blessed and keep it rockin'!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks again man!

[@AnimalJohn85]

Only started on this helix path so this is incredibly helpfull thankyou sir

[@mccloysong]

8:18 Absolutely! Like in the studio: it's a waste of time dialing in a tone with all other tracks muted only (unless it will be played back solo). Nine times out of ten the subtle, tasty stank you did is completely eclipsed by the band.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Yup!

[@scottpeters4401]

I have had a Helix for a couple of years...I have made all the mistakes..it’s definitely a learning curve....Maybe I am in the minority,but I tweaked,adjusted,played with the stock cabs to infinity,to the point I wanted to get rid of the thing.....then I got an Ownhammer IR pack....night and day....I do not like,or use the stock cabs...they sound lifeless and flat next to a great IR.....maybe it’s dependent on the style of music you play,but for me,IR’s are a must have for the Helix....just my experience and opinion....Your mileage may vary...

[@SteveSterlacci]

Totally valid opinion scott! Most people do prefer IRs. I do in some cases as well. As long as the end result is what you want! No wrong way to do it

[@S2mppa]

Thanks! Just got my HX and will take notice of these mistakes.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Good luck! You're gonna love it

[@Stashmanfpv]

What we need here is... More JESSICA JESSICA JESSICA!!! 😍 I siad the same thing on Jessica's page about More STEVE!!! Haha!! I think I gotta smile out of her! lol Thanks Steve, you've helped open up the Helix to me and I've gotten far more use out it from your videos and tutorials. Thanks buddy! Best always! ✌🏼

[@RobSchauland]

The biggest mistake I made was running this through an actual guitar amp (Diezel VH2 w/matching cab) and thinking that I had to choose speaker and cabinet blocks at all. O.D. pedal, EQ, Amp model, any other stuff...done. Sounds way better than trying to fiddle with mic placement on cabs etc. Especially when you're just a bedroom warrior.

[@GUITARSTUFF911]

To make all my presets and tones, I set up PA system sit about 75 feet back with helix and set presets in front of a full PA volume (concert level) with pre recorded backing track of band mates, and the tones that Helix can get in Live usage are Insane wow, cuts thru mix and sounds great!! Set it and forget it, sounds great night after night!!

[@SteveSterlacci]

I wish we all could get that time to tweak! Great way of doing it. Agree on all counts!

[@GUITARSTUFF911]

@@SteveSterlacci Just been making the best of the lockdown and downtime lol

[@SteveSterlacci]

All we can do right?!

[@jerryreff1857]

GREAT video Steve.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thanks Jerry!

[@ericcedeno11]

Thank you, I’ve been struggling with ALL of these for months

[@SteveSterlacci]

Glad to help!

[@johnsmits2494]

The Helix is a great product. However, it is abundantly clear that some of these comments come from people who still have to concentrate on just the guitar and the amp. Effects are like anything else, you need to learn all the angles, otherwise everything ends up sounding bad.

[@alext.1459]

Thank You soo much Steve! Loove your videos....i'm getting awesome tones with My pod go hooked with My tube amp or My cheap studio monitors But horrible harsh tones hooked to PAs. Will definetely try lowering The volume on My presets and leveling them with The unnaffected signal. Best regards from Chile,south america

[@SteveSterlacci]

Usually, a PA brings out the extreme highs as well. I use drastic hi cuts often when going direct. Thanks for watching and supporting!

[@robmuzick]

Man I’ve been using the Helix live and in the studio since 2017. And recently had to wipe it and rebuild all my patches. The tip about not making the patch too loud really spoke to me and since I already have to rework everything, I’m gonna try that. Thanks!

[@SteveSterlacci]

I think you will see a big difference, especially on whatever is receiving the line from the Helix. Sure, you can't clip within the helix, but you absolutely can clip whatever its going into

[@stevendibella4458]

Gain staging is paramount on modelers imho

[@ahighervibe4086]

I needed a speaker solution for my Helix, so I bought an inexpensive Column Line Array from Amazon. The result? it sounds AMAZING!!!! Total cost $250!

[@SteveSterlacci]

Very cool! Maybe i will check that out

[@mechajabo]

Your last mistake I'm very familiar with hah. I spent a long time coming up with patches in a home setup and was loving them. As soon as I brought it live it was so shrill at performance volume. What has saved me the most for that situation is the tilt eq block

[@SteveSterlacci]

Glad you got it sorted! I just use the global hi cut so it hits all my presets at once

[@BarrySW19]

On speaker cost, good 100W speakers for home use are going to be cheaper than good 1000W speakers for PA use - recommendations for good speakers at home use power levels would be handy.

[@danielbell4007]

I tried to use my HX stomp as a funnel when changing my oil... Did. Not. Go. Well! Joking aside, I used my shure 212 in ears when I first got my stomp, it was BAD!! I later plugged it in to my THR10C desktop amp on the Flat channel, and I’ve been doing that since. It sounds awesome and translated well to live use. My keyboard amp (kc60) works really well without coloring the sound. Not sure if keyboard amps really are flat response, but it does a good enough job for me.

[@SteveSterlacci]

LOL I havent tried the oil change yet....

[@williamedwards5004]

yeah. mistakes I made. , I have pod pro and firehawk and the helix puts them to shame . I slave into mesa boogie mark2 and a combo Marshall (1-12) . the mark2 to is running a mesa stack, yup 8 12inch speakers. sometimes ill split the stack with the Marshall running the bottom .... the mistake I made was thinking the helix would be as easy to program as the fire hawk or the pod pro. , not true. but its far superior then either of those units. I was thinking about sending it back in exchange for another fire hawk but took a nap instead and banished those thoughts.... woke up and watched a couple tutorials and its making sense.... well worth the $.

[@shellsjoint]

Great video Steve.. Sometimes just switching back from line to 1/4 works with my in ears...

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thank you brother!

[@zeluizsn869]

Great tips Steve! Thank You!

[@levrac68]

Great tips, thanks Steve. I'm hoping I didn't waste my money on a Fender Twin Rev Tone Master which I bought 2 months prior to the Helix. I send the Helix to it's clean input with bass/mid/treb set on 5 of 10. At night I use my Beyers or ATHs. Can't say I notice the Tone Master messing things up, but I'm a recreational user and will avoid the stage at all costs.

[@ChrisSmith-pj7um]

Hey Steve. Enjoy your videos. Very helpful! I have the Bose L1 pro 8. Would you consider that a good FRFR to use with the HX Stomp ?

[@VideoRevelation]

helpful yes thank you. So true about the tone being quite different in the live setting as opposed to home.

[@potluckfishing]

+1 on the IR's Since the last update the stock cabs are the way to go.

[@vivz5075]

I truely love my Helix (I was a Kemper guy before it) but I never liked the stock cabs. IMO, stock cabs can sound as good as Ir's BUT it needs more tweaking to make it sounds good. Also, stock cabs doesn't offer off axis options (come on L6....). To a newbie i'd just say "go for IR's but you don't need to buy tons of ir's from different sellers, just get a bundle from Ownhammer, stay in "Summary" folders and you're good to go".

[@SteveSterlacci]

I see value in both and definitely agree we could use better mic placement options! I think its just useful knowledge in general to understand the mics and cabs

[@Shadowcruise99]

Have you posted your suggestion on Ideascale, Vivz? line6.ideascale.com/a/home

[@vivz5075]

@@Shadowcruise99 No because I'll stick with IR's anyway. Off axis would be a cool option but Helix cabs are Helix cabs. Even with off axis or more mic placement, it won't be "drop and play" like ir's.

[@justinTime077]

My biggest mistake... trying a PodGo, HX Stomp, and then GT1000 *before* getting the Helix LT... But hey I know what I don’t like now, and more about what I want from this thing. Running out of blocks sucks, a supportive community and company behind your product is crucial..

[@SteveSterlacci]

Full helix or LT is always the answer to all problems! 🤣😅 glad you found what works for ya!

[@justinTime077]

@@SteveSterlacci I would love for you to expand on what you consider a good way to go for an amp-in-room setup. I think I saw a video of yours where you recommended a “best of both worlds” type of product to go for, but I’ve lost it. I was searching something like frfr vs studio monitors. I want to say the power cab was recommended as the best of both worlds... I don’t like wearing headphones until it’s recording time. I hate jamming with them on.

[@SteveSterlacci]

@@justinTime077 if you gig, pc. If you jam at home, get good studio monitors

[@justinTime077]

@@SteveSterlacci Is there no all-in-one solution? I hope to gig some day after the Great Pandemic of 2020, but right now I'm in my room not loving nor hating the Helix with 4cm. I will try it through a Mesa Rectifier that's on the way soon, but I also appreciate something more flat for experiencing the most True Tone I can.

[@SteveSterlacci]

All in 1 i would go PC. I use it in my guitar room all the time

[@MrCahouette]

Really good advices ! Thank you so much !! i totally change my presets and my sound

[@SteveSterlacci]

Glad to help! Thanks for watching

[@skywlker1763]

Great list. The big issue I have is making tones that sound good at home, but once I crank it up at rehearsal, it sounds like ass. Seems like it has to do mostly with the cab and mic (as others here have mentioned), and eq block. My newest patch sounds good in headphones so hopefully it’ll sound good at next practice 🤞

[@SteveSterlacci]

Thats definitely a growing pain when getting used to this stuff. I always dial in dark just to be safe. My ears have now adjusted to what will translate