Why I now use Stock Cabs | Line 6 Helix

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

This video is why I, personally, am using stock cabs now, and how you may be able to do the same. This may not fit you’re needs. I’m not asserting IRs are worse or vice versa. Keep an open mind. Be well! .. I’m already having a tough time keeping up with comments here so just a reminder to Keep the discussion civil my Dudes.

[@joncallon7790]

Not related to the video and I'm sure you have explained in separate video. What do you use for your drums ?

[@peterrovaniemi138]

So true Nick! I got tired of messing with tons of files so I actually use the few cabs I have in plugins, with visual mic placements, with my FM3 and amp now. So liberating and eeeeeasy. I think that the main lesson should be, use the tool that is most intuitive for you. Do not just follow the masses.

[@bertalanolah6565]

There is someone at Line6's whose job is to create cabs. When they dropped the first IR-loader into their modelers, he watched the world celebrate like the Ewoks did when the Death Star blew up. I'm sure he's silently whispering a thank you as he watches you, with a single tear drop on his face and with an emotional support teddy bear on his side.

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

Man! Thank you for the hilarious and equally nerdy comment. I appreciate comments like these. Appreciate you being here. More clever comments please!

[@wikedcircus6929]

Haha!

[@NStuffGuitars]

LMAO

[@lorddemise149]

Great Video as always! Since I own the Helix LT your videos were my go to tones. With and without IRs. I've been playing the guitar for 20 years now, but with gaps in practice and longer periods of no playing at all. I never came around to really dialing in tones, also with regular amps and pedals. Thanks for sharing your work and to helping bedroom muisicians like me to enjoy chugging with Headphones while daughter and wife are in the room next door! Greetings from Germany!

[@wilssantos2]

I 100% relate to that. I'd write exactly the same words (except I'm from Brazil) haha.

[@matthewbaer7871]

Straight banger after banger videos man, wish I knew about you way sooner. Thank you for all the great info bro.

[@nicolaschinchurreta]

Just got a helix and I’ve really been enjoying your videos. Great work

[@vubear]

This is an object lesson in how to use any modeller. These are the frequencies that a real speaker would be dialling out. Kudos to you for figuring it out yourself, I had to have someone teach me.

[@rickyallenmartinjr]

Keep up the good work man. Your videos always push me to do better at creating tones. I'll admit that I'm a hardcore IR junkie, but now I really want to dig in an learn how to use the stock cabs. Thanks dude! (Proud HX Stomp user btw)

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

I was in the same boat man and IR’s are still great. I’ve just grown to truly appreciate what we have in the box

[@sjsphotog]

Great as always Nick. Addibg a LA2A studio comp at the end of the chain to kiss the signal would help tame/flatten that curve a little as well to get it "mix ready". Also now that the v3.5 cabs are out there is even less reason to use IRs instead of stock cabs

[@mickeygiesbers8176]

It’s funny because I had the exact same thing that as soon as I got my Helix I instantly got IRs. All well and good, there are a lot of great IRs, but because of this video, I actually sat down and messed around with stock cabs too. It is pretty cool too in the sense that, I got a really nice sound combining 2 cabs that, at least one of them I would never think of trying, my favorite cabs are Mesa cabs, especially the Oversized cabs, so I’m right now using the Mesa cab, in combination with the Orange cab, I’d never think of that combination myself, but I saw it in the list when I was going through the cabs and was like, eeeh let’s try that... love it 😂

[@ManapartOfficial]

It took me 2 Nick's videos to actually buy 3 preset packs!

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

I really appreciate the support and more importantly, I’m very glad I’ve been able to help

[@ellleigh1216]

This video was so helpful! Thank you so much, I really haven’t invested the time into looking at IR’s, and have been getting bored of my sounds for a while, so thank you so much for this! 🙏🏻

[@galelongputt]

Thanks Nick I appreciate your hard work(play). I'm always trying to increase my Helix IQ

[@DoveSimon]

Great video and EQ referencing. Your preset packs are fantastic. Thanks Nick!

[@timwheeler4883]

I did the same thing when I got my helix but I guess I need to dive a lil deeper too! Keep up the good work!

[@jackprice7828]

Nick interesting video. I did the same thing with IR's. Diving in head first spending hundreds of hours. On my Stomp I really wanted to see what I could get with the stock cabs. I have really settled on using 3 main amp models, AC30, Matchless, and the Litigator. But it opened up a whole new world of tone using the stock cabs. Mainly because of the flexibility of setting the mic and speaker parameters, it has enabled me to have more options to shape my tones.

[@carlossalazar4508]

I learn new things everyday with Helix. Great stuff Nick! 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@boddumblues]

An eq. block after a cab goes a looong way of improving the sounds in the Helix, before going to IRs. I do use a lot of IRs though ;-)

[@bropetersbropeters193]

This guy is so damn good at this!

[@BillAltman]

Amazing tones are in the box! Great content man

[@chris_and_music]

I've also been digging the stock cabs lately. I've been using Horizon Drive + Rev Purple + 2 stock cabs (both the Blackback 30, one with 57 dynamic at 2 inch, the other with a 160 ribbon at 2 inch). Does a great job for hardcore/modern metal stuff.

[@woodenguns2755]

The horizon drive was such a game changer also the horizon gate my death core tones have gotten so much better

[@thedaver8]

I have gone back and forth with stock cabs, IRs, and mixing both together. I like the fatness that the stock cabs have, but I hate how muffled they sound most of the time. With IRs, I love how they feel a lot more lifelike and are typically more clear, but sometimes they sound sterile (like the Celestion IRs), cold, and stiff. I got some Ownhammer IRs recently, and I think they are BY FAR the best--it's not even close. To me this is the best of both sounds I was looking for. But to each his own! There's nothing wrong with playing what inspires you the most!

[@justinTime077]

IR is the closest Helix will get to sounding like a natural guitar + amp. If you ever play a fractal you might start to remember what a real amp sounds and plays like!

[@RobVenable]

Those are some of the best tones I've heard from stock cabs...especially once you blended with the Orange amp. I gotta try this!

[@gilbertduenas6031]

Hey Nick. Awesome video! You should try this thing I just did with headphones on. At the end of my tight metal patch I put a legacy room reverb but turned decay and Predelay to zero and turned off the low and high pass and only messed with the mix parameter. Around 40-50% it sounded absolutely massive and it made it insanely fun to play. It added that room sound but also just added more of the amp sound. I don’t fully know how to explain it but try it out it’s a lot of fun

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

sounds fun! I'll give it a shot

[@iluvyunie]

I like to split the lows and the mid/highs through 2 cabs then back through an eq, some reflections in the high end etc Stock cabs are legit Cool to see someone else doing this

[@jefflogan334]

Great video bro. Its worth the time to spend with the stock cabs.

[@ConstantineM]

I will revisit stock cabs too. Tnx to you. Nice :)

[@Cymbaline713]

Thanks for this video Nick! I've loved your Helix videos in the past but now they'll be so much more useful to me, since I almost always use stock cabs. I've tried IRs but it's just too deep of a rabbit hole for me to want to bother with. Your tones you got in this video are equally good as any other tones I've seen you get, and you don't have to wade into the IR ocean.

[@RiloRox]

Funny how we came to the same conclusion, as to how we situate the cabe in the chain. I do exactly the same. Only that i like the uber v30 a little bit more, same mics though.

[@davidforbes72]

Same happend to me, too. IRs are great to get a good tone quickly, but you need to listen to a lot and compare. if you use Stock Cabs, you need to understand a bit more the concept and also the leveling of loudness. Best results for me is to have split path with 2 different cabs (one more brighter, the other darker) and mixing them together. Another great thing, it is always right there on the board and not on some hard drive. For you as a preset provider it has the big advantage to not provide a IR in the set.

[@etlifeform]

I use both depending on my goal. The US Double Nrm is a great example of a patch that sounds great out of the box!

[@ArmanGrim]

As I expected it was an amazing Vlog as always man, so many thanks , keep it up dear brother, love you and your channel, cheers 😉🤘🍻❤

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

Brother, You’ve been a supporter for a long time. I appreciate you.

[@ArmanGrim]

@@NickHillMakesMusic Sure bro, I've already learned so many things from you and really enjoy every aspects of your channel, specially the sense of humor😉, just keep up the good work🍻❤

[@thescarletavenger8949]

I'm going through a similar situation with my Helix. Since I had it, I was using only IRs. And of course ownhammer ones, they are really the best on the market imho. For me they were always too harsh in the highs. But I thought always they fit better technically. I had less background noise with them. However, through your video I want to try it again. Perhaps I can now do the job without third party stuff. Thank you for your effort!

[@jorgeguitar2540]

I can’t still get that feel when playing helix compare to other amp sims. But I’m still here because I love your channel. you get great tones with helix and like when you go trough the settings.

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

Thanks for being here brother, and thanks for having an open mind

[@coreyrramsay8858]

When I got my Pod Go last September all I would read in forums and YT comments is how poor the stock helix/pod go cabs were but I actually found them to be pretty good. I have picked up some IR packs on sale from ML soundlab and Audio assault plus various free ones and TBH I have gone back and forth depending on the sound I come up with. I do need to learn more about dialing in the stock cabs better though. The 3rd party IRs are handy when using snapshots on the POD as you can change them between snapshots but you can't with stock cabs.

[@XGracelessTarnishedX]

Earlier when comparing your EQ curve to a commercial recording, you said ,"Again, I'm not trying to copy this tone". I'd like to see MORE people familiar with Helix tone shaping TRY to copy polished guitar tones that made it onto records. Extra points if you did the polishing in Helix(as opposed to the DAW or another unit). At the end of the day, isn't that the ultimate proof that these modelers are the real deal? It can either sound like THAT, or it can't. You also hit the nail on the head regarding people wanting to fire up a unit like this, and not having to have an audio engineering degree to dial in what they're looking for. I wouldn't be surprised if that's where the modeling competition goes from here. They all have done such a great job with modeling, now you have to decide who's going to give people the exact type of sounds that they're looking for, in the quickest, most convenient fashion? Plugins are quickly taking this market over. Especially if they have quality presets. Set and forget!

[@maraudermusic2714]

Recently when running a real amp into HX Stomp via DIY loadbox to use an IR I thought it sounded bland. Then in Reaper when I put the SSL EQ on and selected the factory "guitar" preset it just "popped". Previously when selecting this SSL preset the guitars would be WAY too over the top. So maybe my presets are too hot? I think this video confirms that for me. Need to get my ear adjusted to a more "flat/neutral tone. Whoever made the SSL EQ presets (CLA?) knew what they were doing because they all work really well on kick. snare, bass, overheads etc. And I like having the SSL on the channel strip to gain stage anyway so...

[@TheScientificSkeptic]

Luckily, I was following Jason Sadites a long time ago and didn't make the mistakes of getting into IRs, he has great lessons on the dual cab blocks and lots of great stuff on this subject.

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

Jason is a tad dude. Love his channel and I’ve learned a lot from him. Definitely wouldn’t consider it a mistake using Impulses, but people should be aware of the option paralysis that can occur

[@wilssantos2]

Yes, Jason Sadites! His series on tone dialing and effects is just a masterpiece. That's where I took the takeaway of using an LA Comp at the end of chain from. Everything sounds more mix-ready right out of the box. And yeah, using an eq for the cuts is more effective than the cuts available in the cabs themselves because a) the eq curve is more steep naturally; and b) you can control the curve like Nick showed. Plus, if you use a parametric EQ, you can dial in/out good/bad ranges. It's a pretty amazing tool, although the interface is not optimized for it. Though Jason seems to prefer a shelf-type eq, which seems to work pretty well too.

[@svart42]

At first I have used stock cabs as they sounded good with my Headrush 1x12 FRFR speaker. However when I started using Helix Native with studio monitors, I found they sound very fake and started using IRs with very good results. Unfortunately there's a limit of 127 IR files.

[@apoplexiamusic]

So far i like the tones i have gotten with IRs better... well with good IRs anyway. I did try out the dual cab block on the HX Stomp and got sounds i like out of it, but when i went back to the IRs i know, i felt like the sound of the built in cab was a lot flatter and not as big. I do like a lot of the cab choices in your preset packs though, I thought most of them sounded really good to my taste and some i didn’t like so much, but i know no one will have the same taste.

[@AndrewStonerock]

I tried using stock cabs when I first got helix. I was never able to get a tone I liked. I switched to ML sound labs IRs and instantly got the sound I wanted. I have also made my own IRs, which turned out pretty good. The stock cabs are great for clean tones. I've no issues getting dope clean tones with stock cabs. I just get aggravated when trying to use stock cabs on high gain tones.

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

Yep, I know. I felt the same way. I turned a corner though putting some time into em and now feel I’ve created my best tones. Also, my dude.. you didn’t even get through the video before you commented (shakes finger aggressively). Good to see you again Bro

[@AndrewStonerock]

@@NickHillMakesMusic I was in the process of watching it. I have to put my 4yr old to bed. So I commented first and I'll rewatch later.. two views is better then one!

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

Daddy duty first my dude!! Appreciate you. I was just joshin your tators

[@AndrewStonerock]

@@NickHillMakesMusic I know! I'll hit ya up when I'm done brostoieski!

[@ryancola69]

I've only just started digging into stock cabs after having jumped right into IRs as soon as I got the Helix 2 years ago. But I took your advice and I'm getting awesome results, to the point that I'm enjoying my stock cab tones a lot more than the ones with IRs. The secret really is to blend 2 cabs/mics!

[@bennettskb555]

Life’s not long enough to go down the IR rabbit hole

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

A rabbit hole it is Good Sir

[@benjaminswash2306]

Is the preset for the tones around 33:00 mark available

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

Not just yet my Dude

[@jelleterpsma4005]

Hi Nick, this is a great video, thank you very much !! I started with stock cabs, switched to IRs and now use both depending on what I'm after. Anyway, one thin I noted is that you put your high cut around 11 KHz, whereas in most of you other videos you don't use high cuts that often. Any reason for that? Or, were the IRs that you used already EQ-ed? Thanks again and keep up the videos, very very helpful.

[@PooNinja]

I just use the l6 cabs that match what I use for actual cabs! 🤘🏽 a g12 75 412 and a fender 212 , know folks prefer v30s but I know what I like and that’s what I use. 👍🏽

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

Yep, gotta use what you know for sure

[@johnnolan4312]

When I first purchased my Helix 3 years ago I didn't have a computer so I couldn't load IR's I spent hours and hours dialing in cabs, mics, etc until I found tones I loved, now that I have a laptop I downloaded some IR's and I have to say I'm not really too impressed

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

At the end of the day, whatever means to get the sound in your head recorded it’s probably the right answer for each individual, right? I’d be willing to bet if I was in a situation like you when I first got my helix, I would already have known what I now know today years ago. Thanks for being here man

[@TheDarthsteve316]

So around 32:50 when you're talking about the volume when splitting cabs, I think it's a Helix thing. Every split path has a +3.0db boost on the output level in the merge block. It's not there on dual cabs or stereo blocks by default, even if they're doing similar things.

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

Yeah... that makes sense. It’s like, I’m pretty sure I’ve noticed the boost, but forget about it when I’m doing something like this and I was compensating about 3 dB, so good call

[@Yahoomediaclub]

Gam other great well explained video...⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🎸🎧 Great Tones, and how we get there...Using (Rack& Floor)👌

[@crsantin]

I’ve only ever used the Helix stock cabs and mics. I think they’re great. IRs are a rabbit hole I don’t want to be bothered with.

[@JasonPelzel]

I like the stock cabs. I just like the default curve of the built in cuts. If you could change that curve things would be a lot easier with less need of the post eq.

[@JoshBeachel]

I use both. The cabs sound more neutral to my ears. It seems like the gear that is used to capture the impulse responses. Contributes to the characteristic of the impulse responses. Maybe the IR creators add there own little touch when capturing the IR. I took notice some of the own hammer IRs can have almost a boosted highend sound. I assume that's why they say to add a eq curve when using own hammer IRs.This is all subjective of course. And they all can be used to get great tones.

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

The capturing chain ABSOLUTELY colours the IR so you’re spot on there. Whatever gets to a great tone. Thanks for being here! I appreciate the support

[@TVoltG]

I have a boatload of IR's that were given to me. After a little over a year now, I still haven't loaded any into my L6. But 95% of the time I use my Helix as a preamp into my power amp into my 412 cabs.

[@capacitiveguitarresistance]

I love the stock cabs and I love tweaking them

[@ConstantineM]

I wonder what Jon from Sonic Drive Studio will think of this video. He use only IR's. I will love to see what he can do with stock cabs too. He don't like them but he can do everything sound awesome, so why not.

[@tomnowlin7396]

Jon works for Ownhammer though🤔

[@wilssantos2]

Hah yeah, I'm sure Jon would get it to sound well, but he can't do it in public without OH and/or SS plugins, since he's affiliated with those. I think that's part of the reason why he gets to make a living out of it, and it's actually commendable. He's a great guy too.

[@ConstantineM]

@@tomnowlin7396 not anymore

[@RetroDaydreamMusic]

I tell all my musician friends to learn as much as they can about the gear that they buy. I have a Line 6 HD500X that sounds just as good as my AXE FX & Quad Cortex. Honestly If your reading this and are looking at getting a AXE FX unit or Quad Cortex, save yourself over $1000 and buy a Line 6 HD500X. You can get them used for around $300 and they are built like a tank and can be used for both a usb interface and one hell of a guitar processor.

[@RandyFnRhoads]

So for who dosen't really record, do the line 6 products work wrll if im playing through an FRFR cab? Been checking out the pod go, and wondering if id be satisfied with that route over the traditional head and cab, and would it cover many different styles well? Thanks

[@Gavindeftrap]

God yeah, I have the helix and a headrush, insane

[@wilssantos2]

Yes, it does. I also have a Helix and a Headrush FRFR (although I'm dreaming of selling it and get the Powercab hehe). Sounds great, and I've literally retired my beloved Blackstar amp (which I'll have to sell at some point, since I literally don't use it anymore). Helix + FRFR covers all bases.

[@MattiHaflert]

So could you say that with the Pod Go (which hasn't got dual cab block) it's still better to use IR's?

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

I would say that at all. I have a preset pack I made for the POD Go using stock cabs that turned out KILLER. Of course, you can use em and get great results too

[@inkpad100]

Lol, you should be waiting for that 59' you can finally afford. Like I have sadly gave up on.

[@mattcat5668]

What pickups and guitar? Im using nazgul and sentient set in a 7 string agile interceptor elite mostly on my heavy stuff

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

I use a Solar guitars A1.6 artist with Stock Duncan Solar pick ups, and for baritone stuff, I’m using a Solar guitars baritone with DiMarzio titans

[@mattcat5668]

@@NickHillMakesMusic are those that good? ive been hearing alot of good things about that company and many artist have went to them

[@unikornproduction6467]

Ahhhhhh...0 dislikes....i need to do this for my father.... sorry..this video is sick🔥

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

I don’t get it...

[@KentQuickstad]

You alright dude?

[@igorfelix547]

Send me the IR download link, pls! thanks!

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

There is no IR my friend. These are the stock cabs in the Helix

[@igorfelix547]

@@NickHillMakesMusic ops, the comment was for another video of yours. excuse

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

Not a problem

[@ericchin79]

I want to hear what you have to say, I really do.... 3:22 in and I am still waiting for it

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

Sorry dude, it’s long. But thanks for making it that far lol. I do explain about 1:50 in as to why I’m making the video......

[@wilssantos2]

I really like the stock cabs. I always felt that people complain about them because it takes some technical knowledge in order to use them properly, but once you know what you're doing, they're very flexible and sound very good. One thing that I like to add at the end of my presets is a LA Comp to tame that dynamic and make it more flat. My go-to setting is -5.5 on the first item and -5 on the second, and it immediately sounds a lot closer to mix-ready from there. By the way, the Badonk is a great (simulated) amp.

[@NStuffGuitars]

I think after hearing the tone in this video I need to go back through my stock cabinets

[@ChadBoston]

Stock Cabs - ALL THE WAY

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

You’ve known this all along Chad!

[@ChadBoston]

😉

[@Music.is.my.Fuel.]

Early team

[@clintn6677]

Im using my tube head into a loadbox then to the hx stomp. The stock cabs sound much better than IR's in this situation

[@pauljosse]

i have used irs recently and its much easier to get great sounds, stock cabs seem to suck ass.

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

Definitely don’t suck ass as you say, but to each their own. I’ve found great success with both. Often faster wigs stock cabs. Have a great day and thank for being here

[@Eric-dd8bk]

People are just lazy and don't wanto to deep dive into learning a unit. And they think real amps and pedals are just "plug in and Play", but they are only "Plug in and Play" for you. Not for the sound guy. Your perfect and "Plug in and Play" gears never sound great through a microphone and the sound guy puts a lot of effort to make your sound bairable for the audience. With a multi effects unit, you are your own sound guy.

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

Some People like to tinker others don’t. I get it. There are things in other areas of life where I just want shiz to work without fuss so I wouldn’t jump to the lazy conclusion, but, I do find that putting time and effort into things generally yields results.

[@Eric-dd8bk]

@@NickHillMakesMusic Yap. I'm talking about those that make fun of multi fx units because they don't sound good atta the box. And those that can't make multi fx like Helix or AXE FX sound good and just write them off as useless or digital sounding or harsh sounding. When their perfect, "plug and Play" amps and pedals sound like that through a microphone and that's what modelers are modeling.

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

You’re right dude. Some don’t even bother to try before shitting on em lol

[@timburle4980]

That video in / out is irritating.

[@NickHillMakesMusic]

Sorry about that. Have a great day Man