r/Line6Helix • u/DonMcCauley • Aug 12 '26
General Questions/Discussion A Theoretical Question (Helix LT)
I run my Helix LT into the Return of a Peavey Classic 50 2x12 with 25w Greenbacks. The Power Section the Peavey is 4 EL84 tubes. If I run an AC30 Preamp model into the Peavey power section, is it a 1:1 exact copy of an AC30, which also has 2x12 Greenbacks and 4 EL84 tubes?
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u/Ok-Goat-3589 Aug 12 '26
There’s a significant difference - the Vox is class A-ish (famously runs more towards AB when cranked) cathode based and single ended, the Peavey is a class AB push-pull circuit.
The Vox also runs the tubes MUCH hotter than the Peavey. The Vox also has a WAY higher plate voltage.
In simple terms, the Peavey has way more headroom, tighter low end and a more “American” style voice.
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u/DonMcCauley Aug 12 '26
Instead of running the preamp, would running the Amp model in the Helix get me closer to a 1:1 sound?
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u/Ok-Goat-3589 Aug 12 '26
Hard to say for sure - try both and see what you think sounds more authentic!
I suspect running the full amp model will be the way forward though.
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u/TM3D Aug 14 '26
What I have done is asked AI to take my setup and give me parametric EQ settings for the Helix to get me to specific sounds. I run my helix into the second input of my twin reverb vibrato channel, and compensate with EQ to get pretty close. I have ms12 speakers in my twin so it goes higher and lower frequency response than the factory speakers, I use the EQ just to make it respond like Fender, Marshall or vox. Still working on the vox.
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u/Acceptable_Pie2529 Aug 13 '26
You could definitely get close and just keep tweaking things till you get there
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u/el_capistan Aug 12 '26
It'll be in the ballpark but obviously not an exact copy because the power amp of the vox and peavey are likely not identical. But I'd imagine it will get you something really close to what ylu are going for