Routing GPDI/IR with a Line 6 Helix

Hi,

I’m interested in buying a GPDI/IR.

I’ve had a Line 6 Helix floor for a while but haven’t been thrilled with the amp modeling sounds, so I’m hoping to add a GPDI/IR to get the best direct recorded guitar tones.

One feature on the Vavlulator that I’m curious about is the ‘external amp’ feature.

Is it possible to bypass the preamp section of GPDI/IR and instead feed digital preamps from my modeler into the 1 watt power section of the Vavlulator?

My intention is to give the digital preamps a dynamic and reactive power amp sound before sending that output back into a loop on the helix.

The foot switch jack on the back of GPDI/IR would allow the unit to switch between normal and external amp modes and that can be performed via the Helix.

I assume that the routing would probably resemble something like a 4 cable method.

There are 4 loops on the Helix floor.

So the routing could be something like - Guitar>helix input>helix loop 1 out into front end of the GPDI/IR>GPDI/IR output into the loop 3 return of the helix.

Then for the digital preamps - guitar into helix> helix digital preamps sent out loop 2 output into the effects return of the GPDI/IR> GPDI/IR output into the loop 3 return of the helix.

The footswitching would allow the routing to change instantly from a single press.

This is a complicated question so thanks in advance.

I believe external amp mode is for adding the GPDI/IR as an additional channel to another amp with an FX loop. So, I don’t think that’s applicable for what you’re trying to do.

Instead, you should just be able to run the line out from your Helix into the FX Return on the GPDI/IR to use the Helix as the preamp and the GPDI/IR as the power amp.

Hope that helps.

2 Likes

Hey I’m new here, but I just got the GPDI/IR
I’m also wondering how I can just run my mailin d preamp into the gpdiir one watt power amp and be able to use the master and Dynamics control .I take my preamp out and go straight into the gpdi/it effects return and then the speaker cab out into my speaker cabinet and it works but I can’t use the master volume or Dynamics I just get a set volume .what do I do to use just the power amp and the master volume and Dynamics. And I’m running the preamp into the effects return that is closest to the speaker cab output Jack

Just to confirm, currently, you are taking Guitar → Malin D Preamp → GPDI/IR effects return and then GPDI/IR speaker out goes to your cab?