You May Be Using Your Helix WRONG!! | Stereo vs. Mono

[@artytoney2057]

Mr Jason do you know how much your videos help some one who is not real experienced in all this , what a great video , I would be so lost without your help thank you

[@NedJeffery]

One feature I have always wanted is a mono fx send block that allows stereo to pass through. The use case for this would be putting the send block in just before the amp+cab. Such that you can take an FX send and plug it into a mono stage amp, while the stereo chain goes on to the main out plugged into the PA.

[@robertott2112]

Huge revelation of what needs to be done for a stereo feel and especially delay separation - nowhere near as complex as you might imagine. In the proper hall with a sound-person who can handle two lines into the hall system, this opens up a world of opportunity.

[@sjsphotog]

Fantastic tutorial as always JS. another example why you're the best Helix channel. Rock on!

[@hernan_93]

Thank youuuuu... This is one of the most clear and important helix's videos I have seen so far regarding mono Vs. stereo!!!

[@WOMrecords]

Thanks a lot! All your tutorials are helping me so much!

[@JasonSadites]

My pleasure and THANK YOU :-)

[@davidwitek6119]

I would like to see a different color line coming out of the blocks to the next one so that you can see, visually, if you have a stereo or mono block. For instance, the line coming out of a stereo delay could be green and the line coming out of a mono delay block could be red. I'll have to post that on the Idea board.

[@tomwatson283]

This, for me, was a brilliant video to stumble across.

[@riksplace]

I just play at home and have sort of a small studio setup. I use no amp (just powered studio monitors) and now...no pedals. Only Helix Native in a DAW (Reaper). But before, when I had many iterations of pedalboards in this setup, I always run stereo because it's so easy and sounds so great. Today's vid showed that anything before a single amp is mono (no problem have always realized this)...but it made me realize how important it is to check all the panning in EVERY pedal after the amp AND in the splits. When using REAL pedals it's obvious about the L/R outs. But in the virtual world you have to be careful with all the settings as you go. Very good video.

[@picksalot1]

That was a very interesting topic, as stereo signals can be a challenge to keep track of, particularly if the effects are subtle. I wonder if a a more obvious visual que would help us keep track of what's taking place as the signal moves from one block to the next. Instead of having a single visible line come out of a Stereo Block, maybe 2 visible lines should come out. If they enter a Mono Block, then a single line would exit that Block. Another way to visually represent that it is a Stereo signal would be to have a single line, but with alternating color bands within in it to indicate when Stereo is coming out. That would probably be easier to implement in the existing software. 🤔

[@sjsphotog]

I'm sure the Helix mark 2 will have something like this with a larger display to help show more lines to make it look like the real thing with 2 "virtual cables" coming out of the stereo blocks.

[@gweiss27]

Phenomenal video - so well explained - I was wondering exactly how this work!

[@tonynorris7070]

Thanks for that Jason, always getting caught with this one

[@paulk2539]

Jason thanks you really do have the best Helix videos. 1 questions When you have stereo presets and you can only run mono out, will the Helix convert the signal to a mono sound? Sorry if you covered this.

[@andreajem7v]

Great explaination as usual! What about the difference between Y split vs. A-B split? Never understood it.....

[@sjsphotog]

Look back in his videos he goes over that very subject. Hundreds of great videos by Jason covers all your questions.

[@riksplace]

Excellent!.....I needed this......

[@MichaelColart]

Awesome vid again Jason!

[@RicCrouch]

Man, I’ve fallen victim to this SO many times! There are a couple of changes I wish Line6 would make to HX Edit and Native" First, I wish we had the option to choose the default type (mono, stereo, legacy) for a particular category (distortion, modulation, etc) of block. For instance, I might want my delays and reverbs to default to stereo, while my distortions were mono. Secondly, I’d like it where if you switched an effect from mono to stereo (or vice versa) for the parameters to remain the same. Many times I’ve pulled up a block, tweaked it, then realized I’d chosen the wrong category, then had to set it all over again after switching from mono to stereo. Little things, but I think it would provide some improvement.

[@simonandrachelperchard5779]

So stereo would only be a thing in a studio setting and not a live one?

[@aaron9142]

I have a Roland Jazz Chorus 22 amp which has two inputs for stereo and an effects loop which has one send and two returns for stereo. How do connect my HX Effects to utilize the stereo capability of the amp as well as utilize its effects loop for dealys and reverb?

[@sjsphotog]

Output L and R on the Helix to L abs R input on the stereo amp or use a y cable to take stereo output to split to the 2 inputs for your amp.

[@Zualra]

Thank you so much, for this !

[@tammelin_guitar]

Very informative and clearly explained as usual! Thank you Jason!

[@paulmdevenney]

interesting timing on this video. I've just finished a small EP (my first real attempt at something like this) and I found myself going back to my guitar sounds and converting my patches to full mono setups to avoid correlation issues in the mixes. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on mono / stereo guitar parts in a mix. The tracks I've been doing are pretty classic 80s style with L/R panned doubled guitars. In this scenario I think it makes sense to mono for the mix? Maybe if you were only playing a single guitar centre-ish then stereo would make sense?

[@sjsphotog]

Many times in the studio they take the single recorded tracks and dupe them and pan left and right in post on the DAW instead of using the EFX hardware like the Helix. Just depends on your work flow.

[@gustavorlore]

Whatttttt😮!!!!, fantastic insight. I did not know that, thank sir. Now will have to to change all my presets 😅.

[@xJuanRicoSuavex]

So just to understand, I am able to wire my HX Stomp XL with a Stereo Output (Output coming from Left and Right) but still go to Mono WHILE keeping the wiring unchanged? I got an Stomp XL and I'm trying to learn more about the device. I'm putting together a kind of do it all pedalboard where I don't have to remove pedals or change where the wires are routed.

[@DJBre]

Thank you Jason, amazing tutorial! :)

[@philf4086]

Great examples. Question here: if you manage your split block correctly but incorrectly reverse the merge block, is it still stereo but phase reversed? I would think so but what is your experience. With my HX, and with the implementation of 3.5, I set up a stereo rig of sorts using dual cabs and stereo blocks at the end of the chain. One side feeds my Headrush FRFR (right side), and the other my vintage 80's Fender Princeton Chorus (left side). My patches have taken on a new life!

[@ShreddingFinn]

I would say make note of the beginning of your stereo chain and make sure any mono effects are placed before it. Sometimes mono is better ( u2 delay gallop for example)

[@GeorgeAmodei21]

Going back on this TOPIC ( trying to figure things out rn ) Thx Jason

[@ShreddingFinn]

Stereo live is definitely hit or miss. I always play stereo if possible depending on the mix all the stereo processing can get buried, but if everything lines up its awesome. Next time you are playing acoustic in a small ensemble try it with a bunch of stereo effects that's a really good enhancement to one acoustic guitar

[@Syphus_SGL]

So Are you routing your helix outs to a set of separate amps (or FOH)? Otherwise stereo means nothing . . . Just want the above statement to be clear.

[@zakklee2556]

Can one live stream the gig in spatial audio, so everyone in the audience can use their iPhone with wireless buds?

[@artytoney2057]

@stevelorincz8975 that's another question I have if playing through say a 212 amp and using 4 cable method will.stereo sound be advantageous, I have a 112 powercab + also but trying to learn where stereo will.shine live I understand the advantages in recording live

[@garycoraluzzi1166]

Thank you very much Jason ! Besides being an incredible musician you have a wonderful gift of being able to explain and teach. The Helix is a wonderful piece of equipment that is and can be very challenging to understand. I am very thankful for all that you do for all of us all the time . Thank you Jason

[@redkurn]

i do wonder why helix doesn't stack overdrive or boost like a real pedal would, it seems to compress and lower the output. i know it's not a real set of pedals, but still...

[@matthew.wilson]

There's a proposal on the Line6 suggestions site (ideascale) to "Make stereo vs mono signal path visible in Helix software", though this could be extended to the UI of the unit itself. If you think that would be a good idea, please go give it a vote.

[@davidswilliams5259]

I'm using 2 Headrush frfr 112s but I'm finding that one is louder than the other. I'm using them one in front and one behind. The 1/4 output is fine and loads of headroom behind me but the moniter on the floor using Xlr is really quite in comparison. Any ideas guy's would be really helpful ❤

[@Drtydeeds]

Would be interesting to assign one of the parameters that "mono-izes"/stereo-izes the signal to an expression pedal and sweep throught mono>stereo>mono while playing - I wonder if that might cause the sensation of being encircled, at least partially by the audio.

[@davidwitek6119]

You can. Assign the foot pedal to the panning parameters of the split or dual cab block.

[@Drtydeeds]

@@davidwitek6119 I know, that’s why I said it would be interesting to do it 🧐

[@gpcnogueira]

Using only the Left/Mono output of a HX Stomp will “monolize” an stereo preset? Or I will loose all right side information? Thx Jason. Excellent video as always.

[@RicCrouch]

It will be summed to mono as long as only a single XLR is connected to the L/MONO jack.

[@karenmcspadden7240]

Hey Jason, with regards to the split, what if there are mono blocks only before dual amps? Is there still a need to do the hard pan at the split, or they will automatically go to both amps?

[@javierloperena994]

Why delay block is before the amp first on the chain?

[@thefix-itguyreviewer8151]

Here's a question about the EQ. When it comes to the SIMPLE EQ. I just use it somewhere in my chain to brighten up the sound per snapshot, instead of using the global EQ high gain.. I noticed when I switched to stereo simple EQ THERE WAS DEFINITELY A CHANGE IN THE SOUND!! It became darker with the exact same settings.. the mono was much brighter more detailed.. this happens whether I'm using an all mono blocks, combination of both, or stereo. And it also doesn't matter where I put the EQ in the chain same issue? So I'm wondering if you use stereo does it turn the high gain down double or something? So I would have to turn it up double. In other words if I have the high gain set to +4 with the stereo what I have to set it to +8? I don't know it's pretty bizarre?

[@thefix-itguyreviewer8151]

So I'm a little confused.. if you just plug the left channel into the mixer using the stereo one it should come out of both speakers in mono anyways? So I don't know why you would need the bottom one. As soon as you plug into the left mono output of the Helix it takes everything into that path.. correct?

[@Donfleebie1]

Why not put the stereo delay after the cab? What would be the diff. over the first block in your demo? I’m not trying to be a wise guy, I just don’t know. Thanks. Ok, I asked before the end Nevermind. Great work as always Jason. Because of your informative videos, I think I’ll keep my Helix, sell my Kemper, and not buy an FM9 although the factory presets sound awesome in the Fractal.

[@sjsphotog]

Copy your settings from your fractal to make similar Helix presets.

[@brysonlee3631]

He didn't exactly explain why, but when you delay after the amp, you are first going to the amp, compressing/distorting/etc, then delaying that sound. Most people do this with time based effects and modulation so that the amp is doing its thing first. Before the amp, you are first delaying your raw guitar sound, then amplifying it. The trails will be decreasing in volume before hitting the amp, thus the distortion or compression will be different with each delay. Try both and see what you like.

[@artytoney2057]

Mr. Jason do you always have to Pan your dual cabs opposite to get a preset to be in stereo

[@davidwitek6119]

If you don't pan the dual cab block the sound from each gets put on top of each other, summed to mono. This is still useful. For instance, if you use different mics, or different settings for the same mic, on each of the cabs then you are, basically, simulating a cab with two mics on it. This is used a lot in a studio to bring the characteristics of the different mics together, like a Shure 57, with its brittle clarity, and the more rounded tome of a 121 Ribbon.

[@artytoney2057]

@davidwitek6119 thank you and ya I've noticed the variance in using dif mics and cabs together , still trying to grasp all this stuff I've played for years but new to helix life can use all the help I can get ,thank u

[@Syphus_SGL]

My question is this: If I set my effects to stereo before the amp, does the signal get degraded in any form? I would think not. OR is this waste of processor power in the signal chain? I am curious about the negative effect of setting (or not changing to mono) in the chain? Just curious . . . Just wanted add . . . I understand the problem with things such as ping pong . . .

[@sjsphotog]

Same quality but yes stereo sums to mono and yes a waste of DSP power if your only getting mono output but using DSP of a stereo block

[@brysonlee3631]

When you delay after the amp, you are first going to the amp, compressing/distorting/etc, then delaying that sound. Most people do this with time based effects so that the amp is doing its thing first. Before the amp, you are first delaying your raw guitar sound, then amplifying it. The trails will be decreasing in volume before hitting the amp, thus the distortion or compression will be different with each delay. Try both and see what you like.

[@zakklee2556]

I want to perform in quadraphonic. Split a stereo to stereo ?

[@sjsphotog]

Haha

[@zakklee2556]

@@sjsphotog Dolby Atmos, that way I can make my flying V Fly.

[@frusciantegeartone]

Watching this and don’t even have a helix 😮

[@caro_lam]

there's no right or wrong when it comes to creativity my man ha ha!

[@JasonSadites]

Nobody suggested there was. The title of the video, as I think was explained well in the video, was referring to folks who were trying to accomplish a stereo signal but weren't because of lack understanding on how the signal flow works within the Helix.

[@caro_lam]

@@JasonSadites 😎okay my man ha ha!

[@AndreBass91]

fanculo youtube