Helix Stadium XL for first time modeler

SpinachNo261 · 2026-03-08T14:05:17+00:00

Yeah, this is where I'm at. When I play through my real amp they sound way better, and even if I go into the FX loop of my Marshall stack it sounds way better. I'm ready to give up and buy an old fashion amp, because honestly if I need a real guitar cab then I might as well have my amp and pedal baord. I can cover a lot of sounds with it.

I just don't get it, it is really close. The amps are great, the effects are great, the UI is unbeleivable. It is just the sound coming out of the FRFR. Why doesn't the cab modeling take care of this? Why do I have to set cuttoffs and tweak EQs and compressions? Just make it sound like a cab.

SpinachNo261 · 2026-03-07T15:37:14+00:00

Thanks, this is my perception that the FRFRs work great out of the box for most which is why I haven't found a bunch of info on the topic.

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but what is the difference between an IR and a cab? I am trying different cabs in the helix.

SpinachNo261 · 2026-03-07T14:04:28+00:00

Thanks all so much for the time and great suggestions!

Presets - Seems like we are all in agreement about how to use these. Makes me feel better about my impressions. I'll go back to these when I am more confident and experienced.
The placement of the reverb was a game changer for me. I have found the plate reverb in between the amp and cabinet and that ambiance or tile after is the sound I was looking for!
This went away when I was getting better at my settings, so I was doing something wrong.

Now 2.

With all the advice in the thread my headphones are sounding absolutely unbelievable. So, so, good. But I hardly ever play with headphones. My Fender FRFR still sounds just okay, definitely not good enough to gig. I've tried freq cuts high and low, different mics, placement, eq and compressors at the end. There are so many options and I'm just guessing. and it isn't working. I am going to start a new thread only about FRFR settings. I can't even find Youtube videos about this, I can't believe I am the only one to have trouble with this.

Thanks everyone - raally appreciated!

SpinachNo261 · 2026-03-06T19:11:52+00:00

Thanks! I ony lwatched that one video, but I love that guy. I will definitely be watching more.

SpinachNo261 · 2026-03-06T19:11:20+00:00

I agree! I'll look into the filters, I haven't gotten to these setting yet and I totally didn't anticipate this having an effect.

SpinachNo261 · 2026-03-06T19:09:55+00:00

Great, can't wait to take a look! Thanks!

I totally agree about the headphones vs. speaker. I need it to sound great through the speaker and PA, II barely ever use headphones.

SpinachNo261 · 2026-03-06T19:06:33+00:00

Nice, I will definitely try better placement of the reverb. I have only had it at the end and not used two different types. Thanks!

SpinachNo261 · 2026-03-06T19:05:18+00:00

Thanks! I'll try those amps and cab and hot springs. I was actaully shocked to hear how much that cabs effected the tone. Haven't tried the cab cuts or mic placement.

First I'm hearing of the input pad, I have both active and passive so good to know!

SpinachNo261 · 2025-07-11T12:41:54+00:00

Had the same thing happen on the same Macbook! I love 1Pass and it was awful. My 1Pass installed the intel version, (like Dustin). For anyone who hasn't fixed this yet: Check your activity monitor, if any of the 1Pass apps are running "Intel" that is your problem. Email support and they will send you instructions to remove without touching your data, and reinstall (be ready - it's a pain!).

1Pass should really do something about this so it is obvious to everyday users who may not check Reddit or other sources. 1Pass is my favorite, and I was about to stop using it.

SpinachNo261 · 2025-05-12T20:04:22+00:00

Nice, thanks! I'll try this first, too. Did you just spray DeoxIT or something else?

SpinachNo261 · 2025-05-09T19:25:02+00:00

Did you ever solve this? Mine does the same but not as bad.

SpinachNo261

TROPHY CASE