---
version: "Rev D_v1.3"
language: "en"
---
# Dynamic DSP

Like nearly all modern audio processors, the Helix Stadium engine is based on DSP (Digital Signal Processing). Some models require many times more DSP horsepower than others, so it makes logical sense that fewer of those models could exist in a preset. To work around this, some processors restrict you to one amp, one reverb, one delay, etc. With Helix Stadium, we feel it's important to let you keep adding whatever you want to your tone, even if you may eventually run out of DSP for the current preset. Helix Stadium's four paths (Path 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B) each offer 12 block locations, for a total 48 block capacity.

That said, there are some rules governing the number of certain types of blocks you can add to a preset:  

|                  **Block Type**                   |                                                                                               **Maximum Allowable Instances**                                                                                               |
|---------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **Amp or Preamp**                                 | Any combination, up to four per preset (two per path maximum).                                                                                                                                                              |
| **Cab**                                           | Up to eight Cab blocks per preset (four per path maximum). Note that each Cab block can include up to two Cab models, two Cab IRs, or one of each.                                                                          |
| **Clone** **Amp, Amp+Cab, Preamp, or Distortion** | Any combination, up to four per preset (two per path maximum).                                                                                                                                                              |
| **Polyphonic ("Poly") and high DSP type Effects** | Up to two Poly Effect blocks per preset (one per path maximum). These effect models include the Feedbacker (Dynamics), Poly Sustain (Delay), Poly Detune (Modulation), Poly Pitch, Wham, Capo, and 12 String (Pitch/Synth). |
| **Looper**                                        | One Looper of any type per preset maximum.                                                                                                                                                                                  |

**To see which models can be added to the current Path, open the** [**Model List**](https://manuals.line6.com/en/helix-stadium/live/the-model-browser.md)**.**Grayed out items cannot be accommodated and are skipped over.  

## Tips to Optimize DSP

* Each of Stadium's two primary Paths (Path 1 and Path 2) utilizes its own independent DSP. If all of your blocks are on Path 1 (or on its split/parallel Paths 1A and 1B), you're only using half of your device's horsepower! To use two or more amps and more than a handful of effects, expect to use both Paths 1 and 2. An easy way to accomplish this is to set the Path 1 Output block to "Path 2A" to route Path 1 into Path 2 as a contiguous, serial Path. In fact, we've created two template presets---**Parallel Switch** and **Parallel Blend** ---with two Agoura amps in parallel spanning Paths 1 and 2 to optimize DSP, with plenty of room for pre (Path 1) and post (Path 2) effects. See the following [**Signal Path Routing**](https://manuals.line6.com/en/helix-stadium/live/signal-path-routing.md) page for details.

* Some block types use much more DSP than others, with Amp, Clone, Reverb, and Poly effect blocks being the most DSP hungry. Cab, EQ, Dynamics, Volume/Pan, and Send/Return blocks use relatively little.

* Some models may use more DSP than others in the same category. This is especially true with Agoura Amp models.

* Instead of a parallel Path with two sets of separate Amp and Cab blocks, try adding a single Amp block followed by a Cab block that uses two different Cab models/Cab IRs to provide some substantial tone variations.

* The stereo version of an Effect model will use approximately twice as much DSP as a mono version of the same model. Typically, you should use mono versions of effects that are placed before an Amp block, since the stereo signal is collapsed to mono when entering an Amp block. And, of course, if you're only using a mono output from Stadium, there is no need to use stereo models at all in your tones.

* Some model categories have "Simple" blocks, which use less DSP than others.

* Instead of toggling between two of the same Amp or Effect blocks (with different settings), use controllers or snapshots to instantly adjust parameters within a single block.