xroads

Have you tried the example settings from the manual? It helped me to find a decent setting. Adjusting the In and Out levels within your setup is also important; I always go for unity gain (i.e. same volume if you turn the pedal on and off).

Can you say something about the Minnow? How does it compare to an API tranzformer or basscis bpa? I am looking for a clean, dynamic pedal preamp that sounds musical...

I run mine flat as well, except with certain cabs I dial out some mids around 500Hz with the parametric EQ in order to remove a certain tubbiness in the sound. Sometimes I also use the Contour up to one quarter in order to get a different flavor.

How do you like it?

No - the cab changes the frequency range (mostly cuts off lows and highs), and adds some sponginess to the attack (like in the real world..). I have given up cab IR filters, as it adds too much mud to the band sound. Experts split the signal and go in parallel with one channel DI sound and one channel cab IR sound...

This is exactly the reason why I haven't tried the Helix yet - I have a good preamp with some pedals going into the PA and power amp/cabs for the rock band (Mesa Subway), and for the studio I use a good tube preamp. That's all I need. However, if the Helix stomp could replace my entire pedal board (envelope/octave/vol pedal/comp) that would be something to think about...

I would get a good preamp, which has all the connectivity you need (for in-ear, DI etc.), and has a great basic sound. This is IMHO the most important factor. Then I would add a booster/eq pedal in front to change to the slap sound. There are many out there (BB, MXR, Moer...).