Build A Professional Preset Set by Step, AND Global Settings Explained!

FREE RECORDING COURSE: www.chadcarouthers.com/
Hey guys! Thanks for watching, here is a simple rundown of how I setup and build presets for professional gigs and recordings.
Best used with SnapShots!
DOWNLOAD PRESET: (Will NOT work on HX Stomp)
sellfy.com/p/c4np68/
Abbreviated version for HX STOMP:
sellfy.com/p/cxcxhu/
Lessons:
[e-mail]
Connect:
/ thechadcarouthers
Music:
itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ro...

[@grenereriksen1994]

Great session. I've been vacuuming KZbin for new input about how to tweak my Helix for greater sound. And this is by far one of the greatest videos I've seen. Keep on the good work man. 👏 💪🤘

[@timtooke1264]

Great video! Didn’t ever think about mono before amp and stereo after amp😢 Good call 🙌🏻

[@ChadoFax]

Thanks so much! Is one of those things that they don’t tell you. We all love a good stereo sound, so it’s tempting to put stereo EVERYTHING. But that amp just collapses that signal right back down to mono. Glad that video showed some light on the subject for ya! Thanks for watching!

[@artytoney2057]

Thank god finally someone who knows what there doing who dont waist time rambling , great job thank you

[@ChadoFax]

This means so much to me! Thank you! I have watched my share of KZbin videos and I don’t like it when people don’t just GET on to what the thumbnail title says!

[@corey3815]

"Start at instrument and mic level." Such a simple fix for a frustrating problem I was having. Thank you so so so much.

[@ChadoFax]

You’re welcome!

[@AmoraMusicGroup]

Chad!!!!! Thank you so much man. This video helped me so much! I've had the helix for 2 year and have been touring with it for 1 year and have never been completely satisfied with my tone. After watching this vid and going back through my setup, I'm much happier with my tone. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Much props!!!! Keep Rockin'

[@ChadoFax]

Man, thank you so much for your kinds words!

[@coryslaney]

Excellent preset build tutorial Chad! I learned so much about the signal chain and stacking effects! Thanks so much!

[@ChadoFax]

Thank means so much! Thank you so much for watching. If you ever want to do a Helix Lesson, let me know!

[@jgmusic81]

Great, super helpful video. Thanks for that😉. And the tune on the beginning is killer😍

[@analogshooter]

Nice playing and great info on the Helix. And always fun to see how many funny faces a guitarplayer can make when playing 😄

[@hisdudeness6523]

Late to the party. Just got my helix a few days ago and already having a great time exploring it, but I have a lot to learn. This should help speed up the learning curve. Thanks!

[@gokeoyewo]

this is the best helix tutorial i have seen so far. Thanks man!

[@ChadoFax]

You’re so welcome!

[@KeithShelley1]

Excellent tutorial! You've given me a lot to consider when building a tone. Also, I think you've sold me on the Matchstick amp; it's one I usually pass on but it sounds amazing here. Thanks!

[@ChadoFax]

Thanks so much man! I found some amps are just better at translating in the digital realm. The Matchstick is just one of those amps that can sound a lot bigger than it is. Thanks so much for watching!

[@sdell88]

Awesome! Thank you! You just made my day with how to actually do this.

[@TheBbtlegit]

Man this is a wealth of information. I. just about to purchase this unit. And this will be very helpful. Keep up the good work.

[@ChadoFax]

Thank you so much for watching! Always means so much. Happy to help how I can!

[@discardiac]

Delay time knob impression is on point! 😂

[@ChadoFax]

Haha thanks, gotta keep the people entertained somehow! Been working on that impression for a bit. Thanks for watching!

[@mrfender5001]

Great video man!!! I can't lie I was hoping for a wet dry video! But still loved it!!!

[@robgroden]

I just stumbled on this video, great information and I can’t wait to try making this patch. Just subscribed and I look forward to watching more of your videos! Thanks

[@ChadoFax]

Absolutely man, thank you so much!

[@larrymarks5836]

This is the video I’ve been looking for. Thanks so much, great info.

[@ChadoFax]

Man, thank you so much!

[@hansolo3433]

This was an awesome video! Thank you!

[@elcesar01]

Love the video man!...really Helpful!

[@RichieSelmo]

Exellent sound..i love this preset..

[@jameslugo]

What a video. Best Helix video I’ve seen. You rule.

[@ChadoFax]

Hey! Thanks for watching, really means a lot. Hopefully it helped a little. I need to make a new one!

[@vivz5075]

Great video, great playing.

[@thefunkfactory]

Really helpful video thanks. Some really good tips. I’m late to the party too. Been using a Pod HD500X for years and been happy with it but wanted the extra tones/ control plus the integration with HX Native for recording and the new 3.6 firmware update with the Dumble OD style amp tipped me over the edge.

[@ChadoFax]

You’re so welcome! Thanks for watching, the longer I’m on the Helix it just keeps solving so many problems in studio and writing processes. That new amp is just stupid good. I immediately made it a part of my “go to” preset. Welcome to the Helix club!

[@murderdick]

This was a hugemoungus help my friend! Great video, thank you!!!

[@ChadoFax]

You’re so welcome.

[@vincemesaboogie6572]

Subscribed !!!! Thank you sir !!!! Us seasoned musicians who are starting off completely lost thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙇‍♂️🎸

[@ChadoFax]

Man, you’re so welcome! Thanks for subscribing!

[@Zappabain]

Try: when pluging guitar, adjust volume to a level where it sounds as strong as you’ll want every final tone to sound. That’s what ¿every? pedal expects (at least it seems to work with this one). Some say this way there’s more “clean” sounds and less high end digital “hiss”. Impedance depends on your guitar output, and it’s important as it affects the dynamics of overdrives as it changes the way the whole range of pickup volumes is received. There’s a video supposedly proving that if you add some gain to the output volume of the helix it doesn’t affect the tone, but he cheats cause he cuts the part where it added clipping distorsion. Investigate if you wish, those who believe anything way over the bypassed sound will clip may be wrong.

[@miltonalmonte7126]

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge this is my first time listening to you I am very impressed would like to learn more I just subscribed to your channel

[@ChadoFax]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m happy to share whatever knowledge I have!

[@jesserenderos9130]

Dude this was a great video! Thank you

[@ChadoFax]

Thanks my dude! Glad to help!

[@HeartlandRadio]

Well done. I learned a ton! Rock on, man.

[@ChadoFax]

You’re too kind. Thank you! Glad to help.

[@jhubbar2]

Super helpful and easy to follow! Just subbed

[@ChadoFax]

Thank you so much! Glad it helped a little. Hit me anytime if you have questions.

[@fidelquinones7584]

Wonderful teaching thanks for you time !!

[@ChadoFax]

Absolutely! Happy to help

[@fcallari581]

Great! Thanks for help

[@cg1903]

really enjoyed this / great energy - THX !

[@ChadoFax]

Thanks so much!

[@Jotapecaster]

Hi Chad! A technical question! in Live situation, do you use The Helix with don FRFR? (Headrush for a chance or Powercab?) or directly to PA? Thanks!

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Ive watched this a few times but never finished it. The little amp elf part at the end I was not ready for. Spit my coffee across the room so thanks for that! lolz

[@ChadoFax]

Music should always be fun and never too serious. Glad I could brighten your day a little! Thanks!

[@dani9114]

Awesome man 💪🏻

[@originalmixer182]

Mate this is an amateur video and now my favourite tone on my line 6 please keep up amazing work I’d love to see your take on metal tones

[@ChadoFax]

Thanks for watching! I’ll see what I can do!

[@originalmixer182]

@@ChadoFax omg I’m so sorry I meant to put amazing! Not amateur lol my bad sorry keep up amazing work

[@ChadoFax]

@originalmixer182 haha I figured, you’re good dude! However, you’re not wrong! I’m just an amateur KZbinr. Haha

[@miltonalmonte7126]

Amazing stuff

[@tombrisbane2724]

Excellent 👍

[@paulengelking]

Great stuff man

[@ChadoFax]

So thankful for the feedback! Thanks so much!

[@spivvo]

Great vid thanks!

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Best preset walkthrough tip video ever? I think so.

[@ChadoFax]

Wow. Thanks!

[@miltonalmonte7126]

Awesome

[@ralphfrancis9150]

Thank you so so much for this video. Just wondered if your life could be a little easier if you got into using a stream deck, to find and play things on your computer more quickly and easily.

[@curtissmith1653]

great video chad as always. For me, the biggest challenge I have in my presets has been getting the drives to sound right. I can't seem to find the sweet spot of "oh man this is straight from heaven" and "this has been possessed by garden gnomes" they either sound too artificial, or sometimes choke the top end and have almost like an amp covered by a sock feel. and stacking drives, to my ear always sounds very similar from drive to drive. i play at church and mix for various churches all over town. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[@ChadoFax]

To me it’s all about making sure the amp is able to break up on its own. And not using pedals to add “gain”, but use them to push the amp harder. That’s where you’re really going to get THAT tone! That’s why amps are 1 to 2 thousand and drive pedals are a few hundred bucks. It’s all amp and getting that dialed first.

[@jorgmadeheim3832]

Hey Chad, great great great!!! Greatings from Germany...

[@ChadoFax]

Greetings! I am always so humbled when people all over the world watch my videos. Thank you so much!

[@joje4713]

hi thank you for make great tutorial first !! anyway i have question .i thinking to using helix when i'm busk , so if i use mic and guitar with helix i have to make two of separate preset for vocal and guitar? or i have to make one preset for both of them? if i'm gonna make separate preset i cant controll them at same time right? lol if i have to make one preset for both of them, how can i controll only one of them when i play music? i mean if i made one preset for guitar vocal both after that , when i play music with stomp mode , i can turn on and off each effect for mic or guitar? or its impossible controll each ? it seems complicate to controll lol just i have to make a lot of snap shot, thats the only way to controll with vocal and guitar at the same time? i hope you get it ,what i'm talk about now , even my english is worst , lol ㅠㅡㅠ

[@ChadoFax]

You can have 1 preset for both! That’s just another reason the Helix is amazing!

[@derekbrueggen4598]

Good video Chad. What is the single knob box on the top right of your pedalboard 20 seconds into this video?

[@ChadoFax]

Hey! So years ago I built that little box out of plastic and leftover guitar parts. It’s just simply an expression pedal in a knob form. I plug it into my EXP 3 input on my helix and I normally have it controlling a reverb. I always put a super subtle reverb at the end of my chain for ambiance and a little extra feel, and that knob is assigned to the mix and decay parameters of that verb. So with one turn I can soak my entire signal and get super ambient, spaced out, shoe gaze vibes.

[@laventsmith494]

I like it 😊

[@pacodelux7]

Top ✌ thanks man

[@edsondelinski7500]

Man! You are awesome player, fun cool. Could you do another video for another patch sound? This one was a killer. I’m super fan of Tennesseean players!

[@ChadoFax]

You’re too kind! Thank you so much, just out here trying to make the strings do something cool! Haha thanks for watching!

[@SjaakShirly6559]

This is as I mentioned earlier so good! May I ask a question? I use GarageBand on iMac. I now connected the Helix via usb to iMac. I also have a Focusrite audio interface with Genelic speakers. In Garageband I set preferences “audio input -> Helix” and “audio output -> Focusrite”. Is it a better way to connect the Helix with 1/4 jack (or XLR) directly to the Focusrite interface? You explained your setup this way in the video. So in GarageBand both input and output will be Focusrite. Thanks in advance.

[@ChadoFax]

If it were me, I would use the Helix as a total standalone piece of hardware before your interface. I’ve tried the Helix as my interface and it wasn’t doing it for me. It’s great for on the road or a Mobil setup. But I would go stereo out of your Helix into the inputs of your interface. Try line level, then if you need more head room change the output on the Helix to “mic/instrument” levels.

[@SjaakShirly6559]

Chad Carouthers Thank you so much. I will defenitely try this. Appreciate your answer!

[@bachoyaryarashvili2793]

Nice playing man

[@lebebop1682]

Hey man, is there a way to keep the stereo from your delay (at 23:10 for example) when you are recording in your DAW ? Everything I have in stereo in my presets becomes mono when I record... Don't you have the same issu ? Thank you in advance for your answer

[@ChadoFax]

Hey! You really have to be careful that any stereo effect you’re using, doesn’t encounter a mono block. It will sum everything back to mono and you’ll lose your stereo image. Feel free to hit me up at [e-mail]

[@difab4n]

Overall very informative. I'm going to be forced to program two of these soon so again, helpful. I wish it sounded better, it doesn't even come close to a pedal rig. Though you sound very good, could use less of the playing if it's a Helix demo, thanks again

[@salamandermusic]

Disagree! The playing was extremely important to me. Hearing the sounds in action.

[@danielcerda5967]

Great video. As a suggestion maybe you can swap the helix in the big screen and you in the little. Cause it’s hard to see with that little size screen. Thanks

[@ChadoFax]

My friend, I appreciate your faith in my technological abilities! Haha I would love to be way better at this stuff, cause I watch so many Helix videos myself and I fully agree with you that it would be better. I just don’t have the time to learn that. I really appreciate you watching anyways. I know that struggle! Thanks my friend!

[@JJ3136]

You are awesome

[@ChadoFax]

That means a ton! Thanks so much!!

[@ileutur6863]

Random thought: I think modellers should have input, impedance and output presets based on your instrument. Of course every guitar is gonna be slightly different but there are a few archetypes you can aim for like low output single coils, mid output humbuckers, passive bass, active bass...

[@ChadoFax]

So the Helix can do simple impedance adjustments per preset. I’ve used it to help bring down the top end of a super bright tele I used for a bit. I’ve also used it to match the output impedance of an effect pedal going into the Helix. Moderate success with all of those efforts. But really at the end of the day, I leave it on “auto” and don’t worry too much about it. Great conversation for sure though!

[@bl8155]

Chad! Awesome video, question... why isn’t your strat noisy? What’s going on with those pickups? I’ve just bought my first strat and it doesn’t take drives well and it’s noisy as shiiiiit. Please send help. Ben

[@ChadoFax]

Go check out the specs on that guitar. Just google Vintage Guitars Thomas Blug. It has a “bucca switch” that activates a dummy coil under the pickguard. Kills hum and unwanted glassy top end. AND they’re only about $650!

[@bl8155]

Common Sense I got a Ulbrick NRS installed, job done!

[@bl8155]

Common Sense the NRS is great, my guitar however is not. It’s either a fender QC issue or as I suspect, a fuck up from Andertons. So now I’m with a lovely noiseless system in a a dud guitar with no warranty. 😭😭😭

[@bl8155]

Common Sense man they’re pirates! They’ve obviously fucked the guitar before sending it to me and tired to cover it up. It’s having some electrical issues which I can sort, but there’s damage to the neck that I didn’t see when I first got it because someone (Andertons) tried to patch it. Not cool. I’m going to sell it and get an Suhr I think. This was my first strat too!

[@raymondsmith3305]

I just bought one yesterday, it arrives tomorrow. I'm glad I watched this video.....I'm thinking you saved me a lot of time and frustration. Thank you, sir!!

[@ChadoFax]

Man, you’re gonna love it! And thank you for watching the video. Hopefully it gives a great jumping off point for creating some great tones for you!

[@MouseWanted]

Sound on video intro is so good

[@ChadoFax]

Thanks so much!!!

[@mrblues1981]

ive got a question on my helix every patch or presets sound louder or quite ,i have to turn the volume down or up every time i change the patch .so global settings solve this problem ? i want all my patch in same volume level

[@ChadoFax]

That’s has been a problem since day one. Best way to do that is hook it up to a computer and watch some type of volume meters in a recording program for preset leveling. I wish line 6 would help us out.

[@mrblues1981]

@@ChadoFax ohh ok its sound complicated ,maybe they update it soon or later :) i think every single amp mode on helix have a diffrent gain and sound thats why loud or quite

[@ChadoFax]

@@mrblues1981 you can also move the cursor on the helix screen to the output block and see the volume meters. That’s one way to work around not connecting to a computer. Also, some of the amps will have different mid range focus. Which can seem louder for sure.

[@mrblues1981]

@@ChadoFax i see thank you for advice

[@nigelsmith721]

Moves like Jagger.

[@sirnedwood8987]

I call the 3 lines the hamburger menu (because the 3 lines look like a hamburger). But it's essentially just the menu button.

[@miltonalmonte7126]

Thank you very much are you selling patches I would like to buy if you are selling

[@ChadoFax]

Check the description of the video.

[@JHSmithmusic]

"this one my lord? And you turn it up just like this and then you solo" 😂😂 great video as usual man!

[@ChadoFax]

Means so much you enjoyed it! Haha

[@dotnetdave4356]

Great video. It would be helpful if you made the Helix video larger ;-)

[@ChadoFax]

Bro, I barely know what I’m doing! Haha I’ll do my best when I make another.

[@SixStringFiasco]

Didn't know Tyson Fury played a Helix. BTW thanks for the video!!!

[@ChadoFax]

You’re welcome! Haha

[@miltonalmonte7126]

I need lots of help with my helix floor

[@ChadoFax]

Well I do Helix Lessons if you’re interested. Email me at [e-mail]

[@Maysha6bona]

28:37 What about me? - by Snarky Puppy?

[@ChadoFax]

Yep, I love that song and those guitarists!

[@marcuslewis8890]

Why did you choose to go into the interface instead of just running USB from the helix to your computer?

[@ChadoFax]

The main reason is so I can process the sound going in more. I use UA Apollo interfaces and I just prefer the unison pre amp sound. Secondly the Helix as an interface just felt a little too “cold” for me sonically. I have used it in the past on the road and for live uses running my Ableton synths through it with my bass signal. So it’s great for some things for sure. But for me I have just gotten a better result processing it as its own unit into studio pre amps. But whatever gets you making music and inspires you, go for it!

[@marcuslewis8890]

@@ChadoFax Thanks. I appreciate the response. I run an Apollo as well, but have always sent the helix in via USB. I will have to give it a try!

[@marcuslewis8890]

Are you using anything in Console with the pre-amps?

[@ChadoFax]

Yes, It depends on the type of song i'm working on. If it needs super punchy modern guitars I use SSL or API channel strips, if its more vintage or "vintage" sounding I use the NEVE 1084 or Helios preamps. I try not compress more than 3db going in if I use compression at all going in. I also try not to color too much with EQ.

[@marcuslewis8890]

@@ChadoFax Awesome. Thanks,

[@SjaakShirly6559]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU......(1000 times)

[@ChadoFax]

You are more than welcome! Glad it helped!

[@SjaakShirly6559]

Chad Carouthers I didn’t know where to begin. Now I know!!!

[@4evermetal92]

Would be cool to see how to set a tone for funk/gospel like on Israel and new breed music

[@ChadoFax]

Well funny you should ask…I start a tour with Israel Houghton, Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker this weekend. I’m more than happy to throw my preset I made for it up on the site if people are interested!

[@4evermetal92]

@@ChadoFax I’d buy it

[@fallingsky9242]

Why do u have the pedal board on a pedal board 🤔

[@ChadoFax]

Because, I like pedals…and the pedal board didn’t have any way of attaching more pedals, so I had to use another pedalboard for more pedals. Also, I like the additional angle it puts the Helix at. Feels better under my feet.

[@impersonalperson6199]

thank you, im officaly choosing over nural dsp...lol i dont trust ups here in ga lol

[@ChadoFax]

My dude…you’re making the right choice!!! Happy to help! Keep me posted on your tone journey!

[@miltonalmonte7126]

You must sell some patches please

[@ChadoFax]

I do! Check out the descriptions of my videos for the link to all my sounds! Thanks for watching.

[@augustoboido]

Obviously you’re running a stereo out put right? Mono IN and stereo OUT

[@ChadoFax]

Yes, mono in, stereo out via the XLR. But you could use either set of outputs.

[@YOUTHPASTORANT]

Should you hard pan the two channels on the FOH mixer.

[@ChadoFax]

Yep, panning is your friend! Haha but ping pong delays don’t always make it wider. Unless you’re sitting in the middle of the room you’re only gonna hear “one side” of the ping pong. So use that scale knob in certain delays at around 95% or 96% to make them wider!

[@den-mar9621]

why not have your cameras switched around? A close up of the helix would be better.

[@ChadoFax]

Cause I have no clue what I’m doing! Haha always trying to learn though.

[@KilSwt2318]

You made the helix SO MUCH EASIER

[@majesticpbjcat7707]

33:57 you turned into Jack Black

[@josephstewart5201]

As a new and inexperienced owner of a Helix Rack, I was truly hoping that this video was going to help give me a meaningful introduction to the initial setup, so that I could start (or hope to start) making some presets of my own, but I'm now running the newest Firmware version 3.60.0 and the parameters shown on your Global Settings screen do not match ANY of the parameters on my screen. They are wildly and completely different, making the whole exercise rather pointless for someone with limited experience in digital modeling. What a buzzkill!

[@ChadoFax]

Sorry you feel that way. It was made a while ago.

[@josephstewart5201]

@@ChadoFax Yes, I understand. My comment wasn't meant to be critical of you or your tutorial. Not at all! None of it is your fault. I was just expressing frustration because your video was quite good, yet I was unable to benefit from it. Just a victim of time, I guess. Best wishes.

[@78tag]

Thanks for the effort - I wish you hadn't sped up and skipped your moves when you got to the move advanced steps. You lost me in the 30;00 area. Thanks anyway.

[@ChadoFax]

So sorry about that, I was learning as I go and this was an earlier video for me. Since then, I fully agree with you I could have skipped and made this whole thing more direct and streamlined. Thanks for watching though!

[@78tag]

@@ChadoFax I got ya - that was why I even said anything. I could tell you meant well. thanks again.

[@ChadoFax]

Totally, but thanks for watching at all! Always means a ton.

[@lovef0rfire]

Next time make the thing you're explaining the bigger part of the video. Can't see crap in your video. Sorry

[@ChadoFax]

Sorry man, trying my best over here to figure out how to even post this stuff. I’ll try harder.

[@jayvanmatre8137]

That is the grossest color combination for a guitar I’ve ever seen. Snot and cat piss. Good content though. Thanks.

[@ChadoFax]

Hey thanks for being such a beacon of positivity for someone’s personal taste. So thankful you came here to let me know that. Selling it immediately…