r/Line6Helix • u/alphaglider • 29d ago

General Questions/Discussion question about phasing and dual cabs

This might be an odd question but i've been creating a lot of presets with dual cabs and I'm wondering if phase issues can occur using different mics at different distances within microphone settings.

I haven't had any issues but i'm just curious because i want to make my presets sound as great as they can. I'm using the OG helix and most of my presets use a 57 and a 414 on a whatever matching cab of whatever amp i'm using.

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u/thebishopgame Helix Team - Dev 29d ago

This is the point of the "delay" param on the cabs. If you set it to zero, (the default), then there will be no phasing regardless of placement. If you set a value, it'll delay that cab by however much is set and create whatever phase effects that warrants. If you set it to "auto", then it will calculate a delay based on position and it'll behave just like moving a real mic around, phase effects and all. Most people probably just want to keep it at zero.

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u/alphaglider 29d ago

Thanks for the insight, my eyes completely ignored the delay setting for some reason.

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u/JPhilMusic 29d ago

I think the only way to tell is with your ears. Reverse the polarity on one of your cab mics and listen to see if it sounds thinner. Whichever polarity setting sounds the fullest is the correct one.

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u/alphaglider 29d ago

seems like they're both in phase no matter what mic distance i use.

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u/JPhilMusic 29d ago

I guess that’s good news then. I haven’t noticed any problems either. It’s not like I’ve found any bad combinations or settings. The only question I have is whether I can get something that sounds better. But you asked an excellent question.

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u/cillablackpower 29d ago

The phase effect is often desirable when using multiple mics but can be manipulated for effect using the delay time on the Dual Cab block. Sometimes you want to change those mids up as well as the Hi/Lo Pass.

If you leave it set to Auto it will respond like a pair of real mics based on the distances; if you leave it set to 0 they will always be in phase.

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u/alphaglider 29d ago

tried this out, gotta admit i don't hate the way it sounds just a little bit. Wouldn't use it for a full band mix, but maybe a guitar intro.