@@SteveSterlacci sure, to be clear I mean the sound out the PC speakers is totally different between LF RAW and Natural. I wanted to use the LF RAW sound out of the PC speakers and at the same time have the mic emulation coming out of the PC XLR's going to FOH which the PC doesn't allow. So I thought 'Natural' would be the solution...but its not as it also completely changes the tone out of the PC speakers.
Thanks for breaking this down. I've been surprised how little good info there is out there on the PC. So, this is very valuable. I'd love to hear another video on thoughts on the speaker sims, how to dial them in, and maybe a discussion of how and why to use versus IRs. At first I didn't like the Line 6 speaker sims; but I think that has to do with starting over on dialing in a tone. Now I think they sound more like a real amp than IRs.
Definitely need to start fresh or at least understand it'll take some tweaking ! I spent a lot of time with the Cream model and really dig it I am on a 2 month tour right now but when I get home the plan is to do a lot with PC. As you said, there is very little good info out there so I figure since I learned the hard and long way I can make it easier for everyone else 😊
Hi Steve, Thanks for taking the time to make these videos. I am a 59 year old player from the UK who has only played pubs/small clubs and my band does not use FOH in as much as nobody mixes for us. I have always been a plug in and play with a few pedals type of player and as such am quite naive about my Helix and Powercab. I have had them for about 4 months but as yet do not feel confident enough to use them live. I know some people may think that is pathetic, but I bought them after watching many TH-cam videos and thought that the whole process would be much simpler than I have found it to be. What I was wondering is would you be able to do a video about how to plug the Helix to the Powercab to the FOH etc and actually show this for complete beginners like me. Either way, thanks again for the material you are posting. Cheers
I definitely can ! I'm on the road in Europe right now but we have a string of shows across the UK in August. Maybe I can show you in person? What part do you live in?
So steve if your just practicing and your playing from Helix into powercab with a l6 cable and you just want the most natural "amp in the room" sound what do u recommend running p cab on , should i cut off cabs on helix and run powercab speakers or leave helix cabs on and run frfr , what do u think sounds best for just playing through powercab in a room setting
Hey Steve, thanks for the videos! I just watched the round table discussion with Eric Jason and Doug and Chad. I received my P.C. 112 recently and the 212 was announced less then two weeks later. I'm on the wait list and swapping. The 112 performed great live so I'm really stoked about the 212. Thanks for your great insight on the flat raw mode. I have Axe FX 3 and am wondering how it will "talk" to the P.C. with the speaker sims? I know it will work with one speaker at a time but I'm curious if it can be programmed... Probably want to go F.O.H., from the Axe anyways so I'm going to try the flat raw mode for sure, along with FRFR. By the way, funny that you were out with the 212 and it stayed hush hush.. Cheers!
I think it'll work out great with the AX. I'd love to try one through the PC. The flat raw mode was best for me because it's the real physical speaker in the PC and gave me a great feel live. If you're sticking with direct from ax to FOH, that's the way to go 🤘🤘🤘
Hey man thank you so much for this information I’ve been beat my head trying to figure it all out I just bought a helix and was going to buy a powercab I tried it brought it back now trying to head rush 108 and it’s too boomy. So I think I should maybe go back to the powercab and give it a try I didn’t know how to properly navigate through all these different settings etc. So my question is this if I’m learning how to build up my own patches and tones which mode would be the most accurate or consistent that if I go say to a gym hall or play a gig would represent the time that I actually dialled in at home
Thats gonna come from experience with it. Unless you can crank it at sound check, there is no real way to make absolute certain. I would suggest leaning on the darker side at home, and using your Global Hi Cut if you sound too harsh in the venue
@@SteveSterlacci OK but what I mean is should I try the raw mode or the FRFR mode or the flat mode because I’m not sure when you dial in a tone what actually comes out of the output to the front of house is it going to be the same tone as a dial-in coming out of the speaker. That’s where I’ve gotten a little confused
Could you please do a video or explain how does it sound going from the amp out of a PodGo to the PC? Just want to use the PC as stage monitor, and send the mains out from PG to FOH.
Great post Steve. I am just setting up my Powercab Plus and I was wondering when building new presets would it be best to use FRFR mode to hear what the audience is going to hear? I know it sounds like a dumb question but don't have room to set up my PA system in my home or practice studio.
Yes that would be a good idea but not a perfect science. All PAs are different so always expect to have some varying results. I keep mine the same all the time because I've gotten the hang of setting it
Hi Steve - Good video. For clarification, could I get a little help on set up for powercab. I have a clapton strat with midboost which is a little different than a regular strat but not much. (without midboost engaged) Before I got the Powercab I was running into a tube amp effects return (so the EQ was flat but with speaker and such it still affects the tone considerably). The powercab seems to have a different effect. My questions are: 1) Some downloaded or purchased presets have an amp and cab, what is the best setting on the powercab to replicate the sound the way you intended. ( I'm assuming FRFR depending on what you used for monitors or headphones) Also, the guitar you used would affect some. 2) I'm a little confused on the Flat Mode voicings and the difference between FRFR, LF Flat, and LF Raw. 3) I want to be able to tweek a preset to my liking on the powercab (with proper setting for live) and then use the XLR output to the PA mixer (FRFR) (or direct from Helix} and have audience hear the same tone I hear on stage (as if a mic on speaker) and should that output be set to Line level or Mic level. I notice you use the LF Raw at PC and then direct to FOH from Helix. Then, isn't the audience hearing a different sound? I hope you can help me. My email is meganrand@frontier.com. Thanks so much for all your work on tones and youtube advice. Randy Jones
Hey Fred! 1) i use FRFR LF RAW so I am not dependent on the PC for a gig. If i need to fly out for something and can't use the PC, i dont want to have to re work my presets. 2) LF RAW bypasses the HF driver (basically takes away the floor wedge sound) and only uses the guitar speaker in the PC. Its the best amp in room feel IMO without having to touch my presets to FOH. 3) having the speakers in the helix, the audience hears what you hear at home. If you use an output from the PC, you are then adding color from the mic modeling. Which really is a more traditional way of doing things, but doesn't make my life easier as it makes you dependent on having the PC at every gig. Line/Mic- Line goes to speakers like monitors etc... Mic goes to mixing consoles-foh. Hope these help!
Can you discuss using 2 Powercab plus cabinets in stereo with the L6 link cable (cat 5)? So I now feel a bit confused as to what setting is the best to use for sending an xlr out of the powercab to the FOH.
CAT5 cable is only for Variax guitars. The L6 Link is an XLR sized but is able to carry digital information. It can go from the helix to PC and then from PC to PC and they will communicate with each other to be stereo
Its just plug and play unless you want to control things with the helix. You do this at the output block in helix and page over with the arrows to get to the menu ... if you're not controlling the PC and just using frfr or speaker sims, I'd connect with 1/4 or XLR for better signal
Hi Steve! I am new to the L6 family. I recently bought a Helix LT and a Powercab 112 Plus. I am not a headphones guy at all. What would you say would be the best flat mode voicing on the Powercab so the IRs in the Helix sound best? I see you've mentioned that I should you the FRFR voicing but it sounds really digital with my presets and IRS. On the other hand LF Flat and LF Raw sounds quite dark and whatever settings I apply there are a lot of low and high frequencies that are very harsh. What setting should I do? Should I change anything else? P.S. Doesn't probably matter but I am using an L6 Link Cable. How can I make my presets and IRs sound best through the powercab and not digital nor harsh? Thanks a lot!
If you're hearing things that are digital and harsh, its most likely how you are dialing in the preset. I always use LF RAW and the 1/4inch, line level out of Helix. The digital output is too low of a signal IMO and that makes it sound like a guitar with its volume on 1. Make sure you're gain staging properly (see my other PC vid), use low and high cuts if you hear harshness. I use mine with IRs or speakers going into the PC as well and it will work great. You just have to find your settings
Hey Steve, when you run your powercab plus onstage do connect to your Helix via XLR cable to the L6 links? If so, do u find value in controlling PC settings via Helix presets and selecting speakers models dynamically? Or do u just connect straight up 1/4 in or XLR and use FRFR and all tone from Helix? Thx
Got it. Thx. I'm trying to decide if my similar use case warrants the extra expense of the PC+ vs the PC. Are there any other + features that you take advantage of in your stage backline use case or any other use case?
Being a traditional tube amp user before using a Helix and playing live and loud I found the LF FLAT warmer and more amp realistic on stage, FRFR mode was a bit too high and even uncomfortable somehow. Maybe at the flat mode and letting the Helix do all the math and work was the solution after dialing all options for hours.
Hey Steve, I’m having issues matching the FRFR output level with modeled speaker level, it seems like when I go from FRFR to modeled speaker, there is definitely a drop in volume on speaker mode. What are the proper adjustments?
I have pod hd running to powercab. I use the direct out in the back running to FOH. I want to be able to use a mic sim. Is it “natural mode” that I choose?
Do you use a cab sim in the pod ? If you use a cab sim that's already in the pod then natural will give you the flattest response as far as the speakers go, but it may sound a little weird (it may sound great, I haven't tried this!) If you can turn off the cabs on the pod, then any speaker will work great
Hi,can u pls tell me if I get the the normal power cab from line 6, not the plus version,would I still be abel to use my presets with IRs ? Thank you for your help
Sorry for the noob question but I’m new to all of this digital platform. I have a helix going through my DSL 40 4CM. Is there a huge difference in tone? Thanks !
From a Marshall definitely. The powercab basically gives you a tone of speaker options in one cabinet and you can use whatever model in the helix with its proper speaker. 4CM sometimes gives people noise issues. I always stick with the PC and go direct
Steve Sterlacci Thank you for the feedback. I have noticed a more digital sound using it this way. Maybe it’s time to go to a FRFR. The 112 is a good recommendation for a bedroom player?
***EDIT NOTICE*** at 2:32 the NATURAL speaker setting is LF "RAW" (not FLAT as stated in the video), with the added microphone/direct options
@SteveSterlacci I tested this and Natural and LF RAW sound absolutely nothing alike.
Natural adds the mic emulation if you're going direct out of it. I got this info from L6 so i am sure there is a reason for this
@@SteveSterlacci sure, to be clear I mean the sound out the PC speakers is totally different between LF RAW and Natural. I wanted to use the LF RAW sound out of the PC speakers and at the same time have the mic emulation coming out of the PC XLR's going to FOH which the PC doesn't allow. So I thought 'Natural' would be the solution...but its not as it also completely changes the tone out of the PC speakers.
Thanks for breaking this down. I've been surprised how little good info there is out there on the PC. So, this is very valuable. I'd love to hear another video on thoughts on the speaker sims, how to dial them in, and maybe a discussion of how and why to use versus IRs. At first I didn't like the Line 6 speaker sims; but I think that has to do with starting over on dialing in a tone. Now I think they sound more like a real amp than IRs.
Definitely need to start fresh or at least understand it'll take some tweaking ! I spent a lot of time with the Cream model and really dig it I am on a 2 month tour right now but when I get home the plan is to do a lot with PC. As you said, there is very little good info out there so I figure since I learned the hard and long way I can make it easier for everyone else 😊
Really helpful Steve. Thanks very much. Had a Powercab plus already, but have just got my Helix.
Glad to help!!!
Hi Steve, Thanks for taking the time to make these videos. I am a 59 year old player from the UK who has only played pubs/small clubs and my band does not use FOH in as much as nobody mixes for us. I have always been a plug in and play with a few pedals type of player and as such am quite naive about my Helix and Powercab. I have had them for about 4 months but as yet do not feel confident enough to use them live. I know some people may think that is pathetic, but I bought them after watching many TH-cam videos and thought that the whole process would be much simpler than I have found it to be. What I was wondering is would you be able to do a video about how to plug the Helix to the Powercab to the FOH etc and actually show this for complete beginners like me. Either way, thanks again for the material you are posting. Cheers
I definitely can ! I'm on the road in Europe right now but we have a string of shows across the UK in August. Maybe I can show you in person? What part do you live in?
So steve if your just practicing and your playing from Helix into powercab with a l6 cable and you just want the most natural "amp in the room" sound what do u recommend running p cab on , should i cut off cabs on helix and run powercab speakers or leave helix cabs on and run frfr , what do u think sounds best for just playing through powercab in a room setting
Hey Steve, thanks for the videos! I just watched the round table discussion with Eric Jason and Doug and Chad. I received my P.C. 112 recently and the 212 was announced less then two weeks later. I'm on the wait list and swapping. The 112 performed great live so I'm really stoked about the 212. Thanks for your great insight on the flat raw mode. I have Axe FX 3 and am wondering how it will "talk" to the P.C. with the speaker sims? I know it will work with one speaker at a time but I'm curious if it can be programmed... Probably want to go F.O.H., from the Axe anyways so I'm going to try the flat raw mode for sure, along with FRFR. By the way, funny that you were out with the 212 and it stayed hush hush.. Cheers!
I think it'll work out great with the AX. I'd love to try one through the PC. The flat raw mode was best for me because it's the real physical speaker in the PC and gave me a great feel live. If you're sticking with direct from ax to FOH, that's the way to go 🤘🤘🤘
Thank You So Much for These Videos on the Power Cab Plus!! Please Cont............
I will! Thanks so much for your support
Hey man thank you so much for this information I’ve been beat my head trying to figure it all out I just bought a helix and was going to buy a powercab I tried it brought it back now trying to head rush 108 and it’s too boomy. So I think I should maybe go back to the powercab and give it a try I didn’t know how to properly navigate through all these different settings etc. So my question is this if I’m learning how to build up my own patches and tones which mode would be the most accurate or consistent that if I go say to a gym hall or play a gig would represent the time that I actually dialled in at home
Thats gonna come from experience with it. Unless you can crank it at sound check, there is no real way to make absolute certain. I would suggest leaning on the darker side at home, and using your Global Hi Cut if you sound too harsh in the venue
@@SteveSterlacci OK but what I mean is should I try the raw mode or the FRFR mode or the flat mode because I’m not sure when you dial in a tone what actually comes out of the output to the front of house is it going to be the same tone as a dial-in coming out of the speaker. That’s where I’ve gotten a little confused
@@TheZakkmylde yep. Same advice applies. You almost no doubt will need the hi cuts. I use LF RAW and speaker sims inside the helix
@@SteveSterlacci thank you :)
Could you please do a video or explain how does it sound going from the amp out of a PodGo to the PC? Just want to use the PC as stage monitor, and send the mains out from PG to FOH.
Great post Steve. I am just setting up my Powercab Plus and I was wondering when building new presets would it be best to use FRFR mode to hear what the audience is going to hear? I know it sounds like a dumb question but don't have room to set up my PA system in my home or practice studio.
Yes that would be a good idea but not a perfect science. All PAs are different so always expect to have some varying results. I keep mine the same all the time because I've gotten the hang of setting it
Hi Steve - Good video. For clarification, could I get a little help on set up for powercab. I have a clapton strat with midboost which is a little different than a regular strat but not much. (without midboost engaged) Before I got the Powercab I was running into a tube amp effects return (so the EQ was flat but with speaker and such it still affects the tone considerably). The powercab seems to have a different effect. My questions are:
1) Some downloaded or purchased presets have an amp and cab, what is the best setting on the powercab to replicate the sound the way you intended. ( I'm assuming FRFR depending on what you used for monitors or headphones) Also, the guitar you used would affect some.
2) I'm a little confused on the Flat Mode voicings and the difference between FRFR, LF Flat, and LF Raw.
3) I want to be able to tweek a preset to my liking on the powercab (with proper setting for live) and then use the XLR output to the PA mixer (FRFR) (or direct from Helix} and have audience hear the same tone I hear on stage (as if a mic on speaker) and should that output be set to Line level or Mic level. I notice you use the LF Raw at PC and then direct to FOH from Helix. Then, isn't the audience hearing a different sound?
I hope you can help me. My email is meganrand@frontier.com. Thanks so much for all your work on tones and youtube advice. Randy Jones
Hey Fred!
1) i use FRFR LF RAW so I am not dependent on the PC for a gig. If i need to fly out for something and can't use the PC, i dont want to have to re work my presets.
2) LF RAW bypasses the HF driver (basically takes away the floor wedge sound) and only uses the guitar speaker in the PC. Its the best amp in room feel IMO without having to touch my presets to FOH.
3) having the speakers in the helix, the audience hears what you hear at home. If you use an output from the PC, you are then adding color from the mic modeling. Which really is a more traditional way of doing things, but doesn't make my life easier as it makes you dependent on having the PC at every gig.
Line/Mic- Line goes to speakers like monitors etc...
Mic goes to mixing consoles-foh.
Hope these help!
Can you discuss using 2 Powercab plus cabinets in stereo with the L6 link cable (cat 5)? So I now feel a bit confused as to what setting is the best to use for sending an xlr out of the powercab to the FOH.
CAT5 cable is only for Variax guitars. The L6 Link is an XLR sized but is able to carry digital information. It can go from the helix to PC and then from PC to PC and they will communicate with each other to be stereo
Hello again, can you explain and show how to setup powercab plus to a L6 link into the helix? Thanks
Its just plug and play unless you want to control things with the helix. You do this at the output block in helix and page over with the arrows to get to the menu ... if you're not controlling the PC and just using frfr or speaker sims, I'd connect with 1/4 or XLR for better signal
Steve Sterlacci thanks 🙏
@@bailey12444 any time !
Good info mate..
Thanks babe
Smoke hot body.
@@JonnyLeeguitarist wait til you see the unposted ones lol
Steve Sterlacci 😂😂
Hey Steve. Quick question, I am actually have a small effect pedal which is the Boss ME 25, would this unit be suitable to the powercab?
It should be great !
@@SteveSterlacci Thank You Steve ! Keep up the videos!
Hi Steve! I am new to the L6 family. I recently bought a Helix LT and a Powercab 112 Plus. I am not a headphones guy at all. What would you say would be the best flat mode voicing on the Powercab so the IRs in the Helix sound best? I see you've mentioned that I should you the FRFR voicing but it sounds really digital with my presets and IRS. On the other hand LF Flat and LF Raw sounds quite dark and whatever settings I apply there are a lot of low and high frequencies that are very harsh. What setting should I do? Should I change anything else?
P.S. Doesn't probably matter but I am using an L6 Link Cable. How can I make my presets and IRs sound best through the powercab and not digital nor harsh? Thanks a lot!
If you're hearing things that are digital and harsh, its most likely how you are dialing in the preset. I always use LF RAW and the 1/4inch, line level out of Helix. The digital output is too low of a signal IMO and that makes it sound like a guitar with its volume on 1. Make sure you're gain staging properly (see my other PC vid), use low and high cuts if you hear harshness. I use mine with IRs or speakers going into the PC as well and it will work great. You just have to find your settings
@@SteveSterlacci So LF Raw while using the IRs in the helix.
@@john_sandilau yup
Hey Steve, when you run your powercab plus onstage do connect to your Helix via XLR cable to the L6 links? If so, do u find value in controlling PC settings via Helix presets and selecting speakers models dynamically? Or do u just connect straight up 1/4 in or XLR and use FRFR and all tone from Helix? Thx
All tone from Helix. Straight up. 1/4 usually. I never used the switching cabinet options
Got it. Thx. I'm trying to decide if my similar use case warrants the extra expense of the PC+ vs the PC. Are there any other + features that you take advantage of in your stage backline use case or any other use case?
@@joeviviano4788 honestly, no. I use it in LF Raw every time🤷♂️
@@SteveSterlacci 🤘 PS, thx again, love ur channel and how interactive u r with ur followers.
Thank you! I really appreciate that. Support means the world 🤘
Nice vid bud.
Thanks brother !
Being a traditional tube amp user before using a Helix and playing live and loud I found the LF FLAT warmer and more amp realistic on stage, FRFR mode was a bit too high and even uncomfortable somehow. Maybe at the flat mode and letting the Helix do all the math and work was the solution after dialing all options for hours.
Agree 100%. Exactly how I use mine
Hey Steve, I’m having issues matching the FRFR output level with modeled speaker level, it seems like when I go from FRFR to modeled speaker, there is definitely a drop in volume on speaker mode. What are the proper adjustments?
If you're on the + you have a gain level. Speakers default at -18 I think. Or just adjust the preset thats going in for different applications
@@SteveSterlacci I’ll give it a shot
Would you buy this an an "upgrade" to 2 JBL 305's for bedroom use only? Or do you reckon the 5's will give me all i need?
If it's for bedroom only, stick with studio monitors. If you plan to gig then go with the PC
I have pod hd running to powercab. I use the direct out in the back running to FOH. I want to be able to use a mic sim. Is it “natural mode” that I choose?
Do you use a cab sim in the pod ? If you use a cab sim that's already in the pod then natural will give you the flattest response as far as the speakers go, but it may sound a little weird (it may sound great, I haven't tried this!) If you can turn off the cabs on the pod, then any speaker will work great
Hi,can u pls tell me if I get the the normal power cab from line 6, not the plus version,would I still be abel to use my presets with IRs ? Thank you for your help
you can use your helix IRs and go into the flat mode. That is what I do. I dont think you can put IRs into the regular PC
In Flat LF Raw mode, does the IR in my preset need to be bypassed?
Nope. I still use helix cabs in LF RAW
Are the lf raw and lf flat only in the plus??
Nope! They are innthe regular as well
Sorry for the noob question but I’m new to all of this digital platform. I have a helix going through my DSL 40 4CM. Is there a huge difference in tone? Thanks !
From a Marshall definitely. The powercab basically gives you a tone of speaker options in one cabinet and you can use whatever model in the helix with its proper speaker. 4CM sometimes gives people noise issues. I always stick with the PC and go direct
Steve Sterlacci Thank you for the feedback. I have noticed a more digital sound using it this way. Maybe it’s time to go to a FRFR. The 112 is a good recommendation for a bedroom player?
@@keaganthorify for sure and if you ever start gigging it's more than capable of being used on stage