Line 6 Helix Amp/Cab Options

[Jonni]

I initially wanted to run my Helix LT into an FRFR powered speaker. After a lot of research, it seems they just wouldn't cut it when it comes to pushing air.

Can anyone foresee any issues if i were to run the Helix into a separate power amp, and then into an FRFR bass cab (i.e. Barefaced Big Baby 2)? And if not, what power amps could you recommend?

I'm currently running into the effects return of a Fender Rumble 100 but i need to upgrade to a bigger amp. I don't want to waste my money on an expensive head when i'll be bypassing the pre-amp so it makes more sense to me to just get a power amp.

 

[seamonkey]

Instead of looking for FRFR look for Powered PA Cabinets, or FOH cabinets.
FOH works, and it scales up and down.
The "real" PS/FOH cabs will have published measurements and charts to show you just how capable they are.

 

[Redbrangus]

No, there shouldn't be any problems with using a separate power amp -- that's a good way to go and it used to be pretty common before high-powered heads began to be available.

One thing to be aware of is pro power amps typically need a fairly hot input signal to achieve their rated output power; Crown, for instance typically has an input sensitivity of 1.4 volts. You need to be sure your preamp has sufficient output level to drive the input of whatever amp you choose. I think it probably does, but I'm too lazy to seek out what the output level of the Helix is to confirm it. It would be in the owner's manual, I would think.

[Edit] I did look at the manual on-line; I couldn't find a spec about the actual output level, but I did note that both the XLR and 1/4" outputs are switchable between 'Mic' and 'Line' in the menus -- obviously, you'll use line output for the power amp.

I advise sticking with the usual manufacturers -- Crown, QSC, or Crest -- but I'm a pro sound guy and tend to be pretty staid in that sort of thing. The fact is, there are a lot of decent basic power amps out there...the differences between them are relatively minor and obscure...and usually inaudible in real world applications. I would recommend getting something with on-board DSP if you're buying new. I had a lot of luck with the Crown XTi series, but happily, I haven't shopped power amps in quite some time.

@seamonkey is right about searching for powered PA or FOH speakers; FRFR is a limiting term in that it doesn't have widespread acceptance as to what it means outside the gee-tar world.