Rick Beato — Helix Bass Pack #1

Rick Beato Bass Helix Pack for All Line 6 Helix Devices

The purpose of this pack is to share some really versatile and usable presets for bass.  With the Line 6 Helix, there are so many great guitar presets that come with it, and of course ones you can purchase from third-party companies, but I haven’t been blown away with the bass tones and there aren’t many Helix bass packs out to be purchased.  Therefore, I decided to craft my own for use with my own productions.  

Over the years, I have recorded a lot of different bass tones and it’s such an important component of a mix that sometimes doesnt get as much attention on creation as it should.  This pack contains 17 bass presets that should get you through any kind of gig or recording session.  There are the normal bass tones, as well as those that use distortion, fuzz, chorus and delays.  Of course, I have also created presets for both passive and active bass pickups but keep in mind that they wont sound as intended if you arent using that particular type of pickups.  Meaning… use an active bass with the active presets and vice verse.  I have included a list of the preset types as being either active or passive.  Regardless, they are all fun to play!   

As you will notice, most presets have a compressor early in the path.  This helps even out all of the playing BEFORE it goes into the amp.  Normally, I would have one after the amp, and then another in the mix but putting it before the amp/cab has really helped keep consistent levels.  Similarly, I have chosen to use 2 different EQs on most presets so as to utilize different EQ points, such as 500hz and 750hz.  I love to really tailor my bass sounds!   Also, on some presets I have added a chorus effect, which I often use in my mixes to widen the bass and give it some character.  Definitely tweak these sounds out to get the tone you are looking for.  Also, I recommend also using a compressor on your bass tracks in the mix after tracking as that will really help pin down the dynamics and make it sound consistent.      

This pack is compatible for all Line 6 Helix devices, although there is a separate folder for Helix Stomp users.  The presets were originally created using the Helix Native plugin and as a result, some profiles have more than the 6 modules that the Stomp allows.  This means that the Stomp preset might be missing a compressor or volume pedal in line but overall, that wont affect the main tone.  In total, there are 16 Helix Stomp profiles as one just could not be reproduced faithfully from the original preset using only 6 modules.  

I hope you enjoy these presets and get lots of use from them and dont forget to check out my Signature Bass Helix preset pack as well.  Some great tones from some of the best bass players out there!  

(Unless noted, all presets are only using stock impulse responses since custom IRs wont remain linked to the profile.  Also, for most presets, I left the other snapshots open for the user to tweak, customize, and save without disturbing the original presets.  You will see that EQ has been added to each preset when needed to help simulate the top and low end of the real amps and how I am used to hearing them.)