The MOST Important Thing To Know About Helix Amp Blocks! | Channel Volume vs Master Volume

[@MarkDrummond_Guitarist]

With respect to the nomenclature....it's kinda counterintuitive. I would expect the "master" volume to simply raise the volume, and the "channel" volume to drive the 'virtual power amp' ....but it is what it is. Great tutorial, thanks. Cleared some stuff up for me for sure.

[@Annunaki_0517]

In fact, isnt this the exact opposite of the way amps work in real life? Even my Line 6 DT50 has two channels, each with volume, and that volume effects the tone of the channel. Then the amp has a MASTER volume that just raises or lowers the decibels without changing the gain or the tone. Like any amp with Master volume. Why did Line 6 reverse this on the Helix???? Are they stupid?

[@BryceDriesenga]

@@Annunaki_0517 I'd reckon that the tone probably does get affected a bit when you raise/lower the Master on any real speaker. Thus, the Channel Volume is added on the Helix that allows you to raise the volume of the final tone of the block after any tone modeling, etc.

[@Newnodrogbob]

@@Annunaki_0517 no, they’re not stupid. Their amp models don’t have channels. They create a separate amp model for each channel of multi channel amps. The channel volume isn’t really supposed to represent the patch volume, not anything that actually exists on the amp. The master volume typically represents an actual knob on the amp they’re modeling.

[@StratsRUs]

I agree with you.

[@everettguy7070]

I always say with new technology now, us guitarist have to take on sound tech training to get the sounds we want. Nice to have a good teacher. Us old school guys appreciate it! Thanks Jason.

[@sjsphotog]

Prove it with data and facts not BS internet comments. Great job Jason

[@MikesWindow507]

Jason, great video as usual. I have never been sure about those two volume controls as the differences can be subtle depending on your settings. Nice to see it demonstrated in such a straight-forward fashion and it has really clarified the difference in my mind now. Thanks again.

[@ghost79ish]

Some of these null test videos haven't helped me much, but this is really helpful. The differences can be quite subtle sometimes between ch. And master vol. Thanks for this.

[@fleathedog]

Many thanks!! I'm new to digital (as of a few days ago) and was having trouble getting all my levels right. This helped a lot!!

[@JasonSadites]

My pleasure 😀

[@stevelamm2366]

Thanks for this Jason. I actually had this question on my mind a few days ago when setting up a new preset.

[@mr5410]

Thanks....just got a HX stomp....was wondering about this....they should rename ch vol to "BLCK Vol" (Block)....and Mstr Vol to "PWR-T Vol"....or something similar....🤔😁

[@akfortyfo7024]

Great video, Jason. Really appreciate all the work you do to teach us Helix neohphytes!!

[@philf4086]

Good test with a scientific basis (not opinion). Thanks for the clarification on CV vs. MV.

[@johnong2655]

It's 2022, still this concept is hardly being told. Thanks for letting us know. I think is one of the reason why people switch away from HX. Hope this really helps all users out there

[@timhopkins3810]

A good video Jason - I already thought this was the case but good for it to be proven 👍 As a very loosely connected question, if you have a non-master volume amp then would you max the master to match its real-life counterpart or would you do something else? I always just adjust to what sounds good anyway but would be good to know the official way 😊

[@Crabfather]

That's spooky - I was just thinking about this VERY THING around 6 - 7 hours ago!

[@timsellsted521]

Thanks for this explanation Jason!🎸

[@picksalot1]

The Nul test is one of the best proofs ever.

[@DrMetal1978]

So true. I never even touch the master volume. When I want clean vs dirty tones, I toggle between three drives and channel volume. Why mess with the master volume???

[@imakazero]

Just purchased the HXstomp. sounds okay out of the box. I'm running it through my Seymour Duncan power stage 200 and both volumes are maxed out but it still can not be heard over a drum kit. (playing metal of course) any ideas?

[@lenolsen9536]

How’s it going eh? Great job!!!

[@peter_on_bass]

Great video - thanks

[@southwoods4991]

dumb question what does the volume knob on top of the helix do? is it master or is it channel or is it just over all volume

[@JasonSadites]

It is the overall Master volume of the whole Helix. I always run mine on full. Hope that helps 😀

[@mabbatic]

Am I correct that if there are effects beyond the amp block, there will be a difference between the channel volume and output block volume? I would think pumping more volume into things like reverb would affect the tone differently than raising the entire chain.

[@JasonSadites]

Yes that is potentially correct depending on whether the post fx are linear or non-linear. I mentioned that in the video. This video was only addressing the difference between Channel and Master volume within the amp block.

[@SamueleForte]

Jason made a video about it quite a few time ago. But in general FX emulations such as the Transistor Tape or the Vintage digital, as well as some other modulations effect clips when pushed too hard, you can however compensate it to some degree with the headroom control. But standard delays and reverbs and most modualtions don't have this "problem"(which it isn't, they emulate how they would behave in real life)

[@mabbatic]

@@SamueleForte I usually use the output block for my lead boost. That way more or less I am only pushing the general volume level of everything combined.

[@jstepcz]

So "channel volume" does the same as "level"?

[@Annunaki_0517]

In fact, isnt this the exact opposite of the way amps work in real life? Even my Line 6 DT50 has two channels, each with volume, and that volume effects the tone of the channel. Then the amp has a MASTER volume that just raises or lowers the decibels without changing the gain or the tone. Just like any amp with Master volume. Why did Line 6 reverse this on the Helix???? Are they trying to confuse us?

[@noohmz]

Science [mic drops]

[@Realpatspray]

Is that why tremonti dimes his master and gain?