How Can I Use The Line 6 Helix With A REAL Amp?

You may have seen my videos on creating particular amp tones on the Helix. But what if you want to use your amp in conjunction with the Helix? In this video, I look at some ways that you can use the channels on your real amp along with the Helix's effects and even its amp models.

TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction and tweaks
2:52 - Helix as a simple pedalboard (into front of amp)
3:29 - Helix as a pedalboard sound demo
4:50 - Using amp channels AND Helix FX
6:39 - Switching channels on your amp
8:20 - Amp channel switching demo
9:00 - Using Helix amp models with real amp
12:28 - How to set up Helix WITH real amp
15:13 - Summary

My Helix Tones Playlist:

Download my Helix presets:

Buy Me A Coffee:
(If you appreciate my videos or want to give something back for the Helix presets)

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases which means that I make a commission if you use that affiliate link. There is no additional charge to you and it really helps me keep this channel going. Thanks for your support.

○ Xotic XSC-2 (guitar):

○ Chapman CAP-10 (guitar):

○ Amp: Victory V45 combo

○ TC Electronic Polytune Clip (clip on tuner):

○ Sennheiser e906 (guitar mic):


○ Mogami Flat Patch Cables:

○ Auient Evo 4 (Audio Interface):

○ Auient Evo 8 (Audio Interface):
Amazon UK:

VIDEO GEAR:

○ Sony ZV-1 (camera):

○ Joby Telepod 325 (Extendable Selfie Stick/Tripod):

○ Samsung Note 9 (camera 2):

○ RØDE Wireless Go (wireless lapel mic):

○ RØDE SC7 TRS to TRRS Smart Phone Cable:

○ Hohem Mount Holder Kit:

○ Softbox Lighting:

○ Aputure AL-M9 Mini LED Light:

TRUEFIRE ALL ACCESS SALE. SAVE 40% (LIMITED TIME):

COME AND SAY HI ON SOCIAL MEDIA

[SticksAandstonesBozo]

As popular as these modelers are its always blown my mind there are so few videos like this which is how 99.9% of people would use them

[shahrinsyazwan]

Another possible method would be to run Wet/Dry/Wet, using the Helix's amp modeling to run the Wet channels, which I've used recently to quite a successful degree. Allows you to blend different amps as well if you want to get really creative!

[tomblankinship]

I like to just run out of the Helix into the effects return on my amp. Only one cable going to the amp, bypassing the amp’s preamp. That way I’m still using the tube power section of my amp, but I have a variety of preamps from the Helix. This gives me total control of my sound at my feet because the amp’s controls are out of the loop.

[nigelsherriff]

thanks for this. I love the sound of my blackstar pre-amp so i have bought a helix to run in the front of my amp as you cant beat a valve warm pre-amp sound. Really i want a simple sound, but total control over my effects which is what the helix does (compared to my boss GT-1000).

[Ibanezstrg]

I have a boogie jp2c and and thinking f out running a helix through the effects loop. I’m assuming it would sound glorious x10

[howardpittman]

This is good info - I just had a situation where I took my "Line 6 spider, took all effects out used it like a monitor got all my sound effects from my helix. Also with the little bit more power I could use if needed also clean quiet no buzzin FYI... When I was choosing my app with my headphones I got buzzing just with the helix

[frederikthaysen]

You sound so much like Chris Buck! Great video man, thanks!

[markphipps]

The tone you have on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is Fantastic. Do you have that preset available for download anywhere?

[Mohashm]

Thanks for taking the time to explain all of this. Just what I needed to know…

What I don’t get is why the hell do they call the helix an AMP?!

[iamstan_rimp]

Using it as a pedalboard is how i would run it personally. So how do you adjust the volumes of the different pedals especially during a sound check.

[BobSchusterMusiccom]

Very well done. As a new owner of a Helix LT I find myself envying the channel strips and the extra sends of your Helix. How 'bout a coffee?

[freshavocado]

I’m a beginner (sorta) .. this saved my sanity.. I’ll buy you a coffee sir!

[gangrenebob]

Nice, whats the setup of people running the helix into one of the FX loop holes?

[mathisto]

Mate thank you so much for the video. I’ve been wanting to know this info for ages while deciding to go to a semi digital setup, still using a real amp.
Liked, subscribed and coffee on its way mate. Thanks so much 👍

[basandi]

Can you record Helix in DAW direct via USB while connected to amp via 4cm method??

[davidcotterill]

Help please! I love your tones and playing but Ive downloaded your Amp and Helix $CM patch and cant get any sound from either the Boss Katana or the Blackstar silver line using the 4CM ...ive checked connections but nothing.

[victorventura]

Hello i love your videos. Can i use in Helix dual outputs ? One output XLR Left and Right With Amp+ Cab and effects to P.A and other outputs 1/4 Left and Right to diferent Amp, real amps a Mesa boogie and a Fender and in Helix the same patch with effects but without cab and amp simulation. Its possible? Does the DSP Can hold on ? Thanks regards from Portugal.

[theprogguitarist]

How is the feel of the helix preamp models with the tube power amp and cab? Does it feel like a full tube amp? Btw, is that Nathan King on bass? :D

[robertlove]

At 11:15, are you using the full amp model, amp and cab model, or just the preamp for that particular amp model..???

[michaelodroski]

I have a EVH 5150 III just want to get the most out of it not exactly sure how I want to run it live I also have pedals I want to run that I planed on using the Helix to run to the EVH to. I was thinking maybe I line to the line amp with Helix effects and and then the EVH effects looped to EVH I don’t know again just want the best tone