Get Even More Out of Helix Devices than You Ever Thought Possible!
Version 1.5 of this acclaimed e-book adds extensive information about the latest cab, amp, and effect models included in Helix version 3.80. Over 330 presets and files help kick-start your creativity, and there’s all the original material—including complete descriptions of Helix effects parameters—that have made this book a best-seller. You’ll find tips on preset construction, maximizing Helix’s processing power, multiband processing, creating EQ-based “analog” cabinets, bass processing, and so much more. And if you’re just getting started, simply load some presets—and start playing! Written by industry legend and amp sim expert Craig Anderton, this clearly written, profusely illustrated e-book isn’t “Helix 101”—it reveals the tips, tricks, and secrets you need to maximize Helix’s full potential.
Related Videos: The Big Book of Helix Tips & Tricks v1.5 by Craig Anderton
Free updates!
Even better, this is an exclusive Sweetwater Publishing e-book with free updates. We know technology is always changing, and information gets out of date. That’s no longer a problem! Sweetwater’s e-books are revised periodically. Not only do new buyers get the latest information, but e-book buyers can also download free updated versions, just like software “point” versions that go from 2.0 to 2.1. If the changes are so extensive that a new edition comes out, similar to changing from software version 2.0 to version 3.0, owners of the current book can purchase the new edition at a reduced price.
Being available only as a downloadable PDF file keeps the price affordable compared to print books — and, of course, there’s a search function. Also, click on a link in the table of contents or the body of the book, and you’ll jump immediately to what you want to read.
With 551 pages, over 129,000 words, over 330 presets/files, and extensive illustrations, this comprehensive book is essential reading for all Helix users.
Table of Contents:
- Chapter 01 | General Techniques
- Chapter 02 | De-Mystifying the Blocks
- Chapter 03 | Preset Construction Tips
- Chapter 04 | Poly Block Techniques
- Chapter 05 | Bi-Amping Techniques
- Chapter 06 | Cabinet Techniques
- Chapter 07 | Combi-band Processing
- Chapter 08 | Building Lead Presets
- Chapter 09 | 3- and 4-band Processing
- Chapter 10 | Helix Bass Processing
- Chapter 11 | Favorites Folder Files
- Chapter 12 | The Overachieving Audio Interface
The Big Book of Helix Tips & Tricks Author
From touring in the ’60s to session work on guitar and synthesizer in the ’70s to engineering and production in the ’80s to the present day, author/musician Craig Anderton is internationally recognized as an authority on music technology. Over 50 books and thousands of articles later, Craig is excited to be working with Sweetwater on an innovative — and affordable — way to provide timely, accurate information to musicians and home recording enthusiasts.
Chapter 1 | General Techniques
- Amp+Cab CPU Consumption
- Helix Floor, LT, and Rack (“4-Path” Devices)
- HX Stomp and HX Effects
- Amp+Cab Blocks and Processing Power
- Bass+Amp Blocks and Processing Power
- Additional Processing Power Generalizations
- Helix Family Compatibility
- Translate Incompatible Helix 4-Path Sounds to 2-Path Devices
- Stereo and Mono
- Mono/Stereo Audio Compatibility
- About Preset Levels, the Pad, and the Volume Control
- The Input Impedance “Trap”
- The Auto Impedance Option
- Tech Talk: Linking Input Impedance to Particular Effects
- How to Level Presets
- About Gain-Staging
- Favorites, and Preset-to-Preset Block Copies
- Mute One Path in a Preset with Parallel Paths
Chapter 02 | De-Mystifying the Blocks
- Distortion Block Parameters
- Dynamics Block Parameters
- EQ Block Parameters
- Modulation Block Parameters
- Delay Block Parameters
- Reverb Block Parameters
- Pitch/Synth Block Parameters
- Filter Block Parameters
- Wah Block Parameters
- Utility Block Parameters
- Send/Return and FX Loop Blocks
- Helix and the 4-Cable Method
- Amp Blocks
- Amp Blocks in Version 3.70, with Presets
- Amp Blocks in Version 3.80, with Presets
Chapter 03 | Preset Construction Tips
- Talk Box
- Parallel Autofilter
- Through-Zero Auto Flanger
- Use Preamps to Save Processing Power
- Clean Sounds with “Dirty” Amps
- 50s Vintage Echo Amp
- “Blooming” Reverb
- Dynamic Brightener
- Taming the Tycoctavia
- The Secret Wah
- The Customizable DIY Wah
- Dual Tremolo
- E Drone Raga
- Hindustani
- Humbucker <> Single Coil Converters
- Sci-Fi Feedback Effects Generator
- Deconstructed Guitar
- Truly Ghastly Sounds
- Sweet Soundscape
Chapter 04 | Poly Block Techniques
- Different Pitch-Shifting Flavors
- Transposition with Poly Capo
- Tribute to Wes Montgomery
- Low Tuning Presets
- Standard Low Tuning
- Bi-Amped Low Tuning
- Poly Pitch
- Pitch Fixes
- Nashville Tunings
- Layered Nashville Tuning
- Gourmet 12-String
- Poly Block Distortion Stack
- Bass Blast
- BassBlast 4-Path
Chapter 05 | Bi-Amping Techniques
- Bi-Amping in a Parallel Path
- Hybrid Bi-Amping + Multiband Processing
- Bi-Amping with Independent Paths
- Other 4-Path Bi-Amp Setups
- Share a Cab
- Bi-Amp Templates
- Bi-Amping with Preamps vs. Amps
- Bi-Amping with Distortion
- Bi-Amping for Greater Articulation
- Bi-Amping with Different Amps
- Converting Single-Band Presets to Dual-Band Presets
Chapter 06 | Cabinet Techniques
- Cab Options
- Amp+Cab Options
- IR-Based Cabinets
- Cab Frequency Responses
- The Modeled Mics: General Information and Parameters
- Mic and Miking Parameters
- Legacy Cab Mic Parameters
- Emulating Mic Edge Placement with Legacy Cabs
- Panning with Legacy Dual Cabs
- Current and Legacy Mic Responses
- Dynamic Mics
- Ribbon Mics
- Condenser Mics
- v3.50 Bass Cabs Mics
- Create New IRs by “Morphing” Cabs
- How to Create EQ-Based Cabs
- Combining Stock and EQ-Based Cabs
- About the Free EQ-Based Cab Presets
- Substituting EQ-Based Cabs for Legacy Cabs or IRs
- EQ Cab Applications
- Create Cab Impulse Responses from Other Sim Cabs
- “Amp Sweetener” Impulse Response
Chapter 07 | Combi-band Processing
- Template 1: Create Combi-Band Paths with the 3-Band Comp
- Template 2: Create Combi-Band Paths with Simple EQ
- Template 3: Create Combi-Band Paths with Shelf EQ
- Combi-Band Delay
- Combi-Band Tremolo
- Combi-Band Phaser
- Combi-Band “Amp Replacement”
- Lead Echo
- Tone Sovereign Crunch
- Wide Stereo Chords
- Dirtier Splitting
- Stereo LCR Lead
- Splitting with “Character” for More Coloration
- Preamps with Splits
- Customizing Amp Replacement Presets
- LCR (Left-Center-Right) Mixing
Chapter 08 | Building Lead Presets
- Effect Routing Options
- The Mixer
- Optimum Effects Chain Order
- ...But Effects Order “Rules” Were Made to Be Broken
- Common Parallel Effects Applications
- Mono Lead Effects for Live Performance
- Create Your Own Sounds
- Dealing with Option Overload
Chapter 09 | 3- and 4-band Processing
- Overview: Multiband Processing Options
- Multiband Processing Techniques
- 3-Band Template Presets
- 4-Band Template Presets
- 2-Band Template Presets
- Integrating EQ-Based Cabs
- Practical Examples and Free Presets
- New 4-Path Amps
- RevvGen Red Presets
- RevvGen Purple Presets
- Grammatico Presets
- Fullerton Presets
- Peavey Presets
- Line 6 Ventoux Presets
- Benzin/Das Benzin Presets
- Moo)))n Presets
- US Princess Presets
- Mandarin Rocker Presets
- Customizing the 3- and 4-Band Multiband Presets
- Snapshots and Multiband Presets
- Surround Sound and Multi-Channel Audio
Chapter 10 | Helix Bass Processing
- General Tips for Bass
- Main Squeeze 3-Band Comp
- Bi-Amping for Bass
- Eight-String Bass
- Stereo Bass
- Virtual Slides
- Funk Filter
- DI (Direct Injection) Sounds
- Hollow Bass
- Rhythmic Patterns for Bass
- LFO Mode
- Pattern Mode
- Bass Vibrato
- Bass/Drum Grooves
- Big Growl
- Sound Design with Bass
- Mr. Saturation
- Rude Bass
- Wide Bass
- Bass Room
- Slapback Bass
- Wah Bass
- Focusing-Type EQ
- Fifth Bass
- Fifth LCR Bass
- Dancing Highs in Stereo
- Autofilter Articulation
- Stereo Octave
Chapter 11 | Favorites Folder Files
- Unexpected Saturation
- Targeting Equalizer
- Dual Delay-Based Mono-to-Stereo Conversion
- Simple Delay-Based Mono-to-Stereo Converter
- Frequency Split Mono-to-Stereo Conversion
- Graphic EQ-Based Mono-to-Stereo Conversion
- Pre-Amp Lead Fix
- Resonator
- Virtual Room
- Multiband Utility Presets
Chapter 12 | The Overachieving Audio Interface
- Audio Interface Overview
- macOS and iOS
- Windows
- Aggregating Interfaces
- macOS Aggregation
- Windows Aggregation
- Helix Global Settings and Audio Interfacing
- HX Edit Software
- Multi In and Out, USB 1/2 Destination
- Recording with a Mic
- Recording Guitar
- Recording Line-Level Instruments
- The DI Shortcut
- Re-Amping with Helix
- Using HX Stomp as a Pseudo-Plug-In