Music & Tech

I never thought I'd stop using traditional amplifiers and analog pedals but here I am after making the switch in late 2018. I can't go back.

I see my music and tech worlds merging a little bit. Specifically, I use Line 6's Helix Guitar Modeler. This is primarily a small form factor computer with some proprietary OS & software that enables you to emulate guitar amps digitally and sends the signals rather than playing with traditional amplifiers. I am able to play through DACs using a digital audio interface on my PC at home along with having all my custom tones and amps backed up. As I play live, I can run the helix directly into a powered speaker, then send the output to the front of the house, or straight to the monitors at a venue.

Haha, it's like falling down a rabbit hole! The Helix is powered by a high-performance DSP chip, which makes it ideal for audio processors, synthesizers, and A/D and D/A converters.

https://line6.com/helix/helix-lt.html#real-tone

Modeling technology has advanced a great deal with Helix guitar processors. Dual-DSPs reproduce classic and modern amplifiers and effects with a great deal of accuracy and dynamic range. Thes are done with




“The ADI ADSP-21591/ADSP-21593 SHARC+ Dual-Core DSPs integrate a set of industry-leading system peripherals and memory, ideal for applications that require programmability similar to reduced instruction set computing (RISC), multimedia support, and leading-edge signal processing in one package. These applications traverse many markets, including automotive, professional audio, and industrial-based applications that require high floating-point performance.”


https://www.mouser.com/new/analog-devices/adi-adsp-21591-adsp-21593-dsps/


I really love the blending of Music and Tech and it's amazing to realizing that lines really do blur the closer you get to finding so-called edges. :)

Link to my band who by the way all use Helix Products !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc0EOuWTzFs