User Manual

21
Tips to Optimize DSP
• Each of the two primary paths utilizes its own DSP. If all of your blocks are on
paths 1A and 1B, you're only using half of the available horsepower! If you plan
oncreatingtoneswithtwoormoreampsandmorethanahandfulofeects,
expect to use both paths 1 and 2
• Some block types use much more DSP than others, such as amps, cabs, IRs,
and pitch shifters. Not surprisingly, the Amp+Cab block uses the most. EQ,
Dynamics, Volume/Pan, and Send/Return blocks use relatively little
• Some models may use more DSP than others in the same category. This is
especially true with amp models
• Instead of a parallel path with two Amp+Cab blocks or two separate Amps
and Cabs, try adding a single Amp block followed by a single Cab > Dual block
(mixingtwodierentCabscanprovidesomesubstantialvariations)
• ThestereoversionofaneectsblockwilluseroughlytwiceasmuchDSPasa
mono version of the same block. Likewise, the dual version of a cab block will
use roughly twice as much DSP as the single version
• Some model categories have “Simple” blocks, which utilize less DSP than
others
• Insteadoftogglingbetweentwoofthesameamporeectsblocks(withdif-
ferent settings), use controllers or snapshots to instantly adjust parameters
within a single block.
Block Order and Stereo Imaging
Mostoftheeectsmodels in Helix LT have both mono and stereo versions. A stereo
block displays after its model name in the inspector. The stereo imaging—or how
wide your tone appears with stereo speakers or headphones—is highly dependent on
the type of blocks you add and in what order.
Keep the following things in mind when building tones:
• All Amp+Cab, Amp, and Preamp blocks are mono, so any stereo signal sent
into these will be collapsed to mono. As such, it’s a good idea to add only
mono blocks before amps and preamps
• Addingamonoeectsblockwillcollapseanyprecedingstereoblocksonthe
same path to mono
• If you’re only ever connecting Helix LT to the front of a single guitar amp or PA/
FRFR speaker, there may be no need to use stereo models at all (except, of
course,formodelsthatareonlyoeredasstereo)!
What is Variax?
Line 6 Variax guitarsfeaturespecialelectronicsthatmodelthesoundofotherspecic
guitars and instruments, as well as allow for instant retuning of each string. Helix LT
andVariaxworktogetherinpowerfulandexibleways.Youcan:
• Store Variax model, tuning, and/or volume and tone knob positions with a
Helix preset or snapshot and recall them instantly
• Toggle between two Variax models and/or tunings via footswitch or MIDI CC
• Turn the Variax volume and/or tone knobs to remotely control one or more
ampand eectsparameters in Helix LT. You could almost think of them as
EXP 3 and EXP 4.
• Split Variax modeled and magnetic signals, process them separately through
independent signal paths, and either mix them together or route them to dif-
ferent outputs
• Power a Variax guitar's modeling engine via a VDI (CAT-5 or Ethercon) cable,
eliminating the need for the Variax guitar's removable battery.