Quick question for anyone using Helix with Yamaha DXR

rich75

I've been running an XLR lead from my Helix into channel 1 of my Yamaha DXR10 and it hasn't been as loud as I would have expected. The Helix output and DXR input are both set to line level

Yesterday I decided to try hooking up one of the Helix 1/4 inch outputs (also set to line level) to channel 2 of the DXR with a normal guitar lead and the difference in volume was massive.

Given that both units were set to line level in both cases I would have expected the volume to be similar, so I just want to make sure I don't have a problem with either the Helix or the speaker.

The volume control is set to control the XLR and 1/4 inch outputs so it isn't anything to do with that.

Has anyone else had a similar experience or is it just me?

Thanks

Teetonetal

Dont gave the dxr.. but try turning the xlr volume knob assign off on the helix . That way it should default to unity gain.  Might make a difference. 

MtB

Try a different XLR lead, the other may be faulty - I've had this with cables.

John_A

My DXR is the same, loads louder when using the 1/4 in, and noisier too.  Haven't really investigated as I use the XLR input using a jack-XLR cable from the 1/4 out on the Helix and it's more than loud enough

Jonathanthomas83

I use XLR to XLR from my Axe FX, but yes, the DXR is quieter than when I use the 1/4 jack, you're not alone.

TimmyO

What have you got the level control next to the XLR in set to? 

rich75

Thanks for the replies all. Sounds as if the XLR channel on the DXR just runs quieter than the 1/4 inch channel.

The level control next to the XLR has been set to line level to match what the helix output level is set to, so I just would have expected the volume to be similar on both input channels on the DXR given that they're both meant to be line level.

I can work round it but just wanted to check nothing was faulty. 

Thanks 

TimmyO

rich75 said:

Thanks for the replies all. Sounds as if the XLR channel on the DXR just runs quieter than the 1/4 inch channel.

The level control next to the XLR has been set to line level to match what the helix output level is set to, so I just would have expected the volume to be similar on both input channels on the DXR given that they're both meant to be line level.

I can work round it but just wanted to check nothing was faulty. 

Thanks 

There's a *switch* that says line/mic and then a *control* knob which centers on zero with attenuation and gain - where is that set?  Turn it up :-) 

rich75

TimmyO said:

rich75 said:

Thanks for the replies all. Sounds as if the XLR channel on the DXR just runs quieter than the 1/4 inch channel.

The level control next to the XLR has been set to line level to match what the helix output level is set to, so I just would have expected the volume to be similar on both input channels on the DXR given that they're both meant to be line level.

I can work round it but just wanted to check nothing was faulty. 

Thanks 

There's a *switch* that says line/mic and then a *control* knob which centers on zero with attenuation and gain - where is that set?  Turn it up :-) 

Lol - I had kind of worked out that turning up that knob would make it louder  It was pretty much flat out which is what I thought was a bit odd. 

When I say the two channels are different in terms of volume I mean when they are apparently both set the same on their respective volume controls.

Stinkfoot

I've also just taken the FRFR leap with a Helix/DXR10 combination. Been extremely happy with some of the patches I've downloaded but also am a bit confused re the difference in results I'm getting between using the 1/4 inch and XLR connections.

The XLR sounds great and really low-noise through the DXR10. The 1/4 inch sounds quite noisy regardless of whether I select line or instrument level output settings (have tried a few different cables and always the same results).

I had hoped to run it so that I'd connect 1/4 inch to the DXR10 with the big volume knob only affecting my own monitor level, and then sending XLR straight out to the desk with no interaction when I'm changing volume levels on the Helix. But unless I can solve the issue with the noise I'm getting, it doesn't seem like that option is going to be available to me.

Any thoughts whether this might be a fault with the Helix outputs, a DXR10 'feature', or an element of numptiness on my part somewhere?

cheers!

exocet

The specs for the DXR / DSR Speakers quote different sensitivities for the XLR and Jack Inputs. The XLR are set to +11 dBu and the Jacks -3 dBU so the Jack input will be 14 dBs louder.

Cabicular

Try a DI box inline
the 1/4 are a lot hotter
where do you have the volume knob?
i have mine at noon or less when I'm doing this into an amp

Stinkfoot

yep, I also have been keeping the volume no higher than half way when running into the DXR. Perhaps it's just a case of finding the right balance between the volume settings on the Helix and the DXR. I'd just assumed it should be a nice quiet signal when not running either at extreme volumes.

At least the XLR does the job nicely anyway.

John_A

I found exactly the same problem, it's the DXR10 not the Helix.   For some reason the 1/4" input is noisy with any input source.  I just use a jack-XLR cable from the Helix 1/4" out to the XLR in on the DXR and use it exactly as you say,  using the volume knob to adjust my monitoring level.   Works a treat.

Stinkfoot

That's great - I'll give that a go then.

Really pleased with the sound though so far. Now just need to take that next step and leave my amp at home for the next gig....gulp!

John_A

Stinkfoot said:

That's great - I'll give that a go then.

Really pleased with the sound though so far. Now just need to take that next step and leave my amp at home for the next gig....gulp!

After one rehearsal with my Helix I haven't used an amp since, it'll be fine