Leaderboard

Made the update to 3.50 last weekend. A really great update, very impressed. First thought was – Who stole my blanket…? Was a bit scared when I read the Helix forums on Line6.com and TGP, but finished the update without any problems, start to finish 25 minutes. Thanks Line6. So, time to update the Cheat Sheet… Some of you have already seen and used my Cheat Sheet in pdf and also know that I promised to move this to Excel… well this last update added some new challenge to this (new structure, more than one item with the same name etc.), so I’ll do some more work on that later. This last update, amazing as it is, adds some complexity so I decided to make a few changes. Made the printout in landscape as the font size became so small, I couldn’t read it. As landscape opened up space to add info that could be relevant. DSP was mentioned earlier so that is in. Ben Vesco’s site has been a great source to do this. Also added changes from last version in a more detailed way. If it’s a new amp/effect added (N), if it’s an update from last version (!) and if it’s a legacy (L). Also found a bass amp cab that was in Edit Pilot Guide but not in the firmware… Added the documentation of new/default amp-cab-mic combinations but skipped the old ones as when building presets now will probably be based on the new cab’s/mic’s. But all info on previous cabs, mic’s and effects are there to use. As before, all items appear in the same order as on the Helix unit itself. Not – There is info I don’t have at this point. It’s marked with “tba” and will be updated when available. From the beginning the purpose of this document was to have a short handy printout with a selection of info of interest in the guitar bag. Well, the last updates have made hardcopy less interesting. To many pages and to many lines… now 11 pages and 450+ lines/items. Today extended searchable info in condensed pdf-format is the quick way to find info without going through manual and additional info. Feel free to use it if it’s of any help. Open for feedback/suggestions to make it better. //Per Edit: I can’t delete the old files on the forum and the map is full… Download link via my Dropbox - https://www.dropbox.com/s/iavpjym4mxvr9s2/Line6%20Helix-Model%20Summary%2C%203.50c.pdf?dl=0

The documented installation instructions leaves all current setlists and presets intact. Even if you perform the recommended factory reset following the firmware update, the subsequent Restore from Backup step overwrites any new or modified factory presets unless you deselect them. Since there are new factory presets in v3.6. here they are for convenience. FACTORY 1.hls FACTORY 2.hls TEMPLATES.hls

If I don't use up all the available blocks in a preset, I'll use a separate Amp and Cab instead of an Amp+Cab. The miking is a big deal with the new Cabs, so when I find a setting that rocks my world, I save it as a Favorite. Then I can use it with other amps if appropriate, or at least try it and see if it gives the same magic results. I know, that's not exactly earth-shattering :) But I do find it useful to save selected new Cabs as Favorites.

Hi, attached is an xls. spreadsheet reflecting the latest update. You can sort the models etc. Let me know if there are any errors or omissions. Enjoy Bboy19 Helix 3.60 Amp Cabs Effects List xls.xls.zip

The Elmsley is fantastic IMHO, and I fall into the "I like the Grammatico" camp. The update went 100% smoothly here, but to be fair, I followed the documentation :) I guess it's time to start in on the next eBook update!

Hey all, So this weekend my HX stomp's rotary encoder #2 (of 3) went bad. The switch mechanism either gave out or was crushed internally, not sure. However, it stopped receiving button presses on encoder 2 under the screen. Long story short, I spent hours looking up posts, parts, sites, and came across what seemed like a compatible match. I soldered in the part a few moments ago and it works like OEM! I hope this helps anyone looking for the part. With ALLL that said, I can't guarantee that his works for the Helix as it does the HX. I've taken apart both units a few times for maintenance, however I just can't recall what was in the Helix Floor. Likely the same part. Here's the info: Digi-Key Part Number: PEC11R-4015F-S0024-ND Manufacturer: Bourns Inc. Manufacturer Product Number: PEC11R-4015F-S0024 Description: ROTARY ENCODER MECHANICAL 24PPR Encoder Type: Mechanical Output Type: Quadrature (Incremental) Pulses Per Revolution: 24 Actuater Type: Flatted D 6mm Detent: No Built in Switch: Yes Mounting Type: Panel PCB Orientation: Vertical Termination: PC Pin DigiKey Link: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/bourns-inc/PEC11R-4015F-S0024/4499668?utm_medium=email&utm_source=oce&utm_campaign=4251_OCE23RT&utm_content=productdetail_US&utm_cid=3294583&so=79660503&mkt_tok=MDI4LVNYSy01MDcAAAGJeZwhRZlHpMczuFUKJJnBAI1cw3UpEiZQU9lj1m6djk3uIrKIfkkv702-v2drrxYburU4cGCOMTLMqBRAgNp_JnbIz01ZS88mDLPy61Z9

Yes, the presets sound better - compare a legacy amp+cab with a new amp+cab, and set the parameters set as closely as possible. The new cab is a definite improvement. But the reduced CPU consumption is huge. I've come up with a zillion workarounds over the years to try and squeeze out more CPU power, but many of those workarounds just aren't needed anymore. This makes HX Stomp into a whole other animal. For example, I've come up with some presets where it wasn't possible to have two cabs for stereo, so I made "faux" cabs out of EQ. With the new cabs, I'm finding that presets that were impossible to fit into an HX Stomp before are now possible, and Helix floor gets an insane amount of added power with the new cabs. I can also do multiband presets with enough CPU left over to include a bunch of effects for leads. All I can say is well done, Line 6! Better sound is one thing, but better sound with less CPU consumption is amazing.

I analyzed all the mic models (as of the previous OS) for my Helix book. If you have it, check Chapter 6. The U87 has a more extended high-frequency response,which is why it's so popular for vocalists in the real world. It's also good for dry guitar. The U67 doesn't go quite as high, and has a bit of a bass bump. Here are the images from the book (top U67, bottom U87): So, if you want a sound more like a U87, use EQ on the U67 to add a gentle treble boost starting around 2 - 3 kHz (shelf EQ would be a good place to start), and lower the bass response around 100 Hz. But also remember that the response for either mic depends on whether they modeled the cardioid, omni, or figure-8 mode. I'm assuming cardioid based on the frequency response graphs, but that's a guess. Many engineers feel the U67 has a more "natural" sound than the U87, so it's often used for instruments as opposed to the U87. One of the major differences is that the U87 handles higher SPLs and the U67 has a lower output impedance, but that doesn't matter in our virtual world. Hope this helps...

I'm one of those users that reads the notes, follows them to a T and never have any issues with the updates. That said, computers are finicky little buggers and there are thousands of variables at play... we don't all have the same experience. What tends to bother me most is seeing the same post titles over and over again. Nobody takes the time to search for a solution... even when it's lurking on the same "1st page" of the forums.

Hi Don’t know how smart it is to update an old thread but here we go… I finally finished my Cheat Sheet DSP Summery and you can download it, as before, in pdf-format or now also in MS-Excel format. In short: Both versions include changes up to v3.51 (could not find anything affecting this in v3.52). Pdf-version is preformatted in A4 paper size. To show on screen it’s probably OK. To print, it can be scaled (depending on the pdf reader) to other formats. Excel version – There are a few enhancements from earlier polished beta in here. It includes “the master” for the pdf version (“Helix-Model Summary 3.50” tab), meaning it’s the Excel version of it and it can be formatted for printing in the choice of your own, just use the page setup in Excel. There is limitation at this point but a step forward, I hope… “Helix-Model DSP Summary 3.50” tab – Is the DSP calculator. Contains the same info as the pdf-version (same database) and adds possibility to do DSP-calculation. New cabs – Gave me some trouble as the combinations are both as the table on page 5 in the 3.50 Pilot Guide and as the note (*) below the table. To transform this into rules took some time. By combining the rules and making a DSP model of old/new/cab’s/ir’s I think I covered all combinations. Conclusion is that the new cab’s and IR blocks use less DSP but they really heavy on resources (DSP, memory…). Too long to explain here but can do if there’s interest. But, I bet you find a combo I haven’t tried… if so let me know. Reset configuration – You can now reset the whole sheet in one button or per group per path. Error handling – If you select anything outside design rules or DSP you get a warning, and it will be marked on the sheet. Doesn’t stop you from entering, just a warning. Search in Excel and pdf-version – in both versions you can search content by CTRL+F (windows and English) and then press next until you find it. In the Excel-version/”Helix-Model DSP Summary 3.50” tab you have a search box where you type the name (whole/part) and scroll down. The hits will be marked orange. I have kept the sort order of Amps and Effects “by appearance in the Helix” with the reasons its easier to find related to the Helix, some want it sort by L6-name and some original, the search function works, and it was complicated to implement as a “customization” feature. Will look into it later. The Excel file is in micro format (.xlsm) meaning when opening the file, you will probably be prompted to accept macros. Accept it if you feel safe with it. You need a not too old version of standard MS Excel package or Office 365 installed on your PC (think Mac works too) and micros activated. Numbers/Open Office/LibreOffice/WPS office etc. will have no/limited support and the same with Microsoft and Google cloud tools (no/limited support for MS micros/VBA). There is a “Read Me” tab in the Excel file with some more info. The link to the files on my Dropbox Pdf - https://www.dropbox.com/s/0c1ohe2pojaz6lt/Line6%20Helix-Model%20and%20DSP%20Summary%2C%203%2C50f.pdf?dl=0 Excel - https://www.dropbox.com/s/amsun1rpn1h9lvz/Line6%20Helix-Model%20and%20DSP%20Summary%2C%203%2C50f.xlsm?dl=0 Feel free to try/use it. Appreciate comments and suggestions (that’s the basis for improvements). Have fun… //Per

At home I usually play guitar through my HX Stomp, sitting at the desk and the pedal is not within reach. Switching via the included HX Edit I find a bit cumbersome, I would like to have hotkeys. While looking for a small, programmable desktop MIDI switch, I came across a MIDI JavaScript library that runs on the Chrome browser. I wrote myself a small script that can also access my connected HX Stomp via USB MIDI and is easily customizable to my own setup. I tested it only with my HX Stomp, but it can also send MIDI messages via other MIDI interfaces. Maybe some of you find it useful, too. Have fun with it! > Get it here

To follow up...obviously I didn't get it done for December, but that's because the book's 1.2 update has had "scope creep" :) The section on mics has been redone completely, and I have a new way to do frequency response analysis that I've applied to the new amps, new mics, and old mics. I also got permission from Line 6 to consolidate all the release notes since 3.0 as an Appendix (thanks Line 6!). The updated book is done, all that remains is updating the presets that come with it. So it's not too far away. Also, it will be a free update to anyone who has the 1.0 or 1.1 version.

After posting the same advice over and over and over throughout the last years (and for several times just during the last hours), I decided to post this here, so I can just link to it (it's also missing in any official Line 6 documentation, at least in a direct, straight ahead form). So, your update to whatever firmware failed? The following steps helped TONS of people over the last years, so give them a try. Note: I am assuming that you've backed up your HX family device already. In case you haven't, now is the time. But as your update possibly failed already, you won't be able to do so, then just proceed (and let's hope you've backed up before). 1) Shut down HX Edit (using it was likely the reason for the update not to work in the first place, so don't use it this time). Windows users *need* (<-!!!) to make sure no traces of it are running in the background anymore. You can either kill the process by using the task manager, in case you don't know how to do that, just reboot your computer. Again: It is ABSOLUTELY mandatory for the following steps to work that there's NO HX Edit or traces of it running. 2) Go to this site: https://line6.com/software/ Download the Line 6 Updater this way: That will take you to the site with the actual download (I'm not posting that link because there's various operating systems supported). 3) Install the Line 6 Updater. Edit: Mac users, in case you're running into troubles installing things, please read the bottom of this post. 4) Go to this page again: https://line6.com/software/ This time, download the actual firmware this way: Make ABSOLUTELY sure you select your hardware properly! Again, clicking "Go" will take you to the actual download page. Note: The file you will be downloading comes with a "hxf" file ending, make sure to remember the location you've downloaded that file to, you will need to know soon enough! 5) Connect your HX familiy device. Edit: 6) This*might* not be necessary, also, in case your unit really seems bricked, it might not work, but just to make sure, enter safe-boot (aka update mode). Here's how (copied from elsewhere on this site): - Helix Floor/LT: enter update mode manually by holding footswitches 6 + 12 - Helix Rack: ENC1 & ENC6 - will enter Update Mode (This feature is only available on firmware v1.06.5 and higher) - HX Effects: Holding the right arrow ">" Will put the unit in a fail safe update mode. Use this when the HX Effects is in a un-recoverable state - HX Stomp and Stomp XL: Page >: update mode. This update mode is helpful if the update is interrupted, and the HX Stomp will not boot properly. (this will apparently cause a blank screen) 7) Start the Line 6 Updater you've just installed (well, maybe you've installed it already in the past, just start it...). 8) DON'T sign in, chose "Offline Mode" (<-!!!). 9) On the following page, your device(s) should appear. If that's not happening, check whether they're properly connected to a dedicated USB port and not to some fancy HUB. Also check that the USB cable you're using is of decent quality. In case you've checked all that but your device still doesn't show up, quit reading this thread and look for another computer to try with, the following procedure obviously only works as long as your devices are detected by your computer (yeah, I know this sounds like "computing 101 nanny" stuff, but be it so...). 10) Select your device, just click on it. 11) In the following dialog, click here: In the following open dialog, navigate to the file you've downloaded in step (4). Make ABSOLUTELY sure it's indeed the file you've downloaded and not some earlier version or something for another device. 12) Click "Update". This might take a while, as can be read here: Wohoo! Once done, make sure you've got the latest version of HX Edit installed. In case you haven't, grab it from here again: https://line6.com/software/ Following page will take you to the actual download. Download and install. 13) Perform a factory reset before booting into HX Edit. Might not be required all the time but Line 6 recommends doing so. In case you didn't manage to do a backup before the trouble started, you might however want to do that now and then perform a factory reset. Here's the procedures for the various HX family products: Helix Floor/LT: While holding footswitches 9 & 10 (bottom row, 2 middle switches), turn on Helix Floor/LT Helix Rack: While holding knobs 5 & 6 (2 furthest right knobs below the screen), turn on Helix Rack HX Effects: While holding footswitches 6 & TAP (2 farthest right switches on the bottom row), turn on HX Effects HX Stomp: While holding footswitches 2 & 3, turn on HX Stomp HX Stomp XL: While holding footswitches C & D, turn on HX Stomp That should be it. Yeah, as said, computer nanny kinda stuff, but then, this really isn't explained too well officially (the official procedure is online updating via HX Edit, which seems to fail often enough to justify writing my little installment). Good luck! Edit: Quite obviously, in case everything worked, you might want to reload your backup onto your device, using HX Edit. Edit #2 To all Mac users running a macOS version from Catalina and onwards: Apple has added several security measures, starting with Catalina. In case an application (in this case most likely the Line 6 Updater, which I think hasn't seen an update to itself for a while, whereas HX Edit should usually just install fine) comes up with whatever error message when doubleclicking the installer, as a first step, try to do a rightclick and select "open". You will likely see a warning but it'll often allow you to click onto something saying "yes, open anyway". In case that doesn't work, it might take you to the security settings straight away. But apparently, sometimes it doesn't. As I'm still running Mojave at the time of writing this, I can't tell you the exact procedure, so here's some information: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202491 Thanks to @datacommandofor pointing me to those.

When staring at a document for too long, you become blind to the obvious... Updated version of the Cheat Sheet. Found that my macros hadn’t updated the Wah models and that my Swedish dialect influenced my writing :-). So the 3.5b-version is in the link below and the first post. //Per Edit: I can’t delete the old files on the forum and the map is full… Download link via my Dropbox - https://www.dropbox.com/s/iavpjym4mxvr9s2/Line6%20Helix-Model%20Summary%2C%203.50c.pdf?dl=0

Yes, we should be able to discuss modellers. However, when it comes to a computer OS nobody should ever use anything except Ubuntu. That's a simple fact beyond beyond the scope of any disagreement or discussion.

This has to be, possibly, the most annoying thing with these updates - the forum is littered with “update bricked my Helix” threads, it’s complete madness. It must be some form of blindness caused by sheer panic, along with a Me, Me, Me attitude. Considering the amount of time Line 6 has been suppling free updates to the Helix range, you might expect a little more from these folks, but that would appear to be totally futile. This has gone on for so long now that I’m becoming reticent to assist any of these cry’s for help, but… well ya know!

The Helix is the single best gear purchase I have made in my 40+ year career. It was the first modeler/multi-effect that met my wishlist, and has since exceeded it.

The free update for owners of previous versions is now available from Sweetwater. Here's what's new in v1.2: 459 pages (91 more pages than v1.1) 337 Presets and files (over 100 more than v1.1), including new presets for Poly Block low tuning, bass, bi-amp processing, EQ-based cabs, combi-band processing, and 82 new multiband presets for Helix 4-path devices Extensive analysis of all the new cabs and mics in v3.50, with frequency response curves and performance summaries Coverage of the new effects blocks in Helix 3.50: Pillars OD, Vita Dist, Vita Boost, 4-Voice Chorus, Flexovibe, Dynamic Ambience, Boctaver New section on Send/Return block applications Expanded bi-amping chapter Surround sound and multi-channel audio configurations with Helix I hope you find it helpful!

I've been using ToneX for a while now (SW and Pedal), with stock (ToneX MAX) and 3rd Party (Amalgam and Jason Sadites) tone models. It's nice being able to try amps that I'll never even see ITRW, even if they are restricted to what somebody else thinks sounds good. Some of them really do sound good. I have a Helix preset configured so that I can use Snapshots to quickly switch between Helix/Catalyst/ToneX for comparisons. Bottom line - the "Golden Ears" crowd can rave all day about how "night and day" superior "captures" are vs "models", and the "I've been playing tube amps for 700 years" bunch can yammer on and on about the "vastly superior feel and responsiveness" of captures vs models. My evaluation thus far is that ToneX is a nice toy and fun to use, and as the community gets better at making captures it will continue to improve in usefulness, but the excessive hype is just that. The main thing it succeeds in doing is expanding the "which of my 10,000 IRs is PERFECT for THIS tone" rabbit hole into "which of my 10,000 IRs and 10,000 Amp Captures is PERFECT for THIS tone" rabbit hole. My Helix ain't going nowhere. Zappa was right. Gracie too. "And if you go chasing rabbits and you know you're going to fall Tell 'em a hookah smoking caterpillar has given you the call He called Alice when she was just small..."

This already exists, more or less. The Level parameter in the Output Block gives you this ability.

I came up with this technique for the upcoming Helix book 1.2 update, but I wanted to share the concept with the forum prior to publication because I'm pretty excited about it. I haven't seen this kind of approach done before. My sonic holy grail is "clean distortion," which is why I like multiband presets. They reduce intermodulation distortion, which can create a splattery, undefined sound quality. This technique is about a simpler option that nonetheless increases definition, especially for high-gain amps. Place the same amp in parallel, and precede each one with a 10-band graphic EQ. Send alternate bands into the two amps. Sending frequencies that are further apart into each amp keeps the frequencies from interfering as much with each other. This interference is what creates intermodulation distortion. Note that the EQ's output levels are up +6 dB to compensate for less signal going into the amp. The improvement is most obvious when you're playing, but these three audio examples should help get the point across. With each example, the first part uses this technique with the Fullerton Jump. The second part uses one instance of the Fullerton Jump amp with the same settings. Both parts are level-matched to create the same LUFS (perceived level) reading. With Chords, you'll hear how there's more splatter with the single instance. Strums shows how strums are less defined with a single instance. Stereo takes advantage of the two amps to create a stereo spread. The difference isn't as big as using 3 or 4 frequency bands of distortion, but this technique does lead to a more defined sound quality (especially for amps with heavy saturation) and leaves enough DSP power to add other effects. I hope you find it useful! Chords.mp3 Strums.mp3 Stereo.mp3

Thanks for your interest, but it's an eBook (download only) that sells for $19.95. The only way to get it for free is if someone has posted it online, so it can be stolen. However, like software, book owners do get free "point" updates. Currently it's at version 1.1, and I'm working on version 1.2. Also, when there's a new edition with significant changes (like if a book becomes version 2.0), owners of the existing book can get the new edition at a reduced price. I've tried to keep the price as low as possible, it takes a lot of work to put together a 368-page book that also includes 230 presets. It's more like a labor of love, but it would be nice to be able to pay some bills from it as well :) That's what allows me to work on updates without having to charge for them.

Heads up. A new bugfix editor version HX Edit 3.51, and Native 3.51, are now available for download. There is no 3.51 firmware version (yet?), so you DON'T have to do a factory reset or restore. Just download and install HX Edit via the editor or the downloads page, and Native 3.51 via the downloads page (if you own it or want to trial it). Would recommend downloading and installing these, particularly if you have one of the issues listed in the 3.51 release notes.

There are a lot of quality Helix youtube videos out there, but I've really gotten some outstanding ideas and tones watching John Nathan Cordy videos, who generously shares his knowledge and detailed parameter settings (as well as some excellent riffing). I especially enjoyed his recent videos on Strat clean tones using the new cabs in a Stomp.

Done.

It was quite the bet. Normally, I take my Helix + the Seymour Duncan Powerstage to play. But I decided, lollipop it - I'm going with the new cabs straight to the PA via XLR The result? I've deleted my OwnHammer IRs. I have everything I need in the new update. The new dual Cabs are killer. The sound was amazing and the rest of the band really dug it! Anyway, just wanted to share this! Effing great! If only the firmware had shipped a JP2C model... then it'd be perfect :p

Hi, attached is an XLS. spreadsheet. You can sort the models etc. any way you want. Let me know if there are any errors or omissions. Enjoy Bboy19 Helix 3.50 Amp Cabs Effects List xls.xls

I use up to 3 amps glitch-free in complex presets with multiple FX, controlling it all with a combination of Snapshots and FS assignments of individual parameters. At the same time I use MIDI from CommandCenter to control external devices (Catalyst100, Powercab212+) and my DAW, including the plugins within it. The new stereo cabs - with newly shot (not the original) factory cabs which allow the mics to be moved in all directions, or dual IR cabs - sound terrific. And, of course, they'll keep adding features through FREE updates until the device is maxxed out, which according to L6, won't be for a while yet. They keep improving the CORE to make even more possible. IOW, NO, a new HW platform is NOT imminent. BUY IT! YOU'LL LIKE IT!

We all hate the Helix here. I'd ask the Fractal forum.

I've started on the 3.5 update by doing frequency response graphs of the new cabs. Then I want to show how the various mic positions affect the sound of selected cabs. For example, Line 6 models the proximity effect on directional mics, which comes into play when you move the mic closer to the speaker. It's most noticeable with the ribbons. However - if there are specific areas you want to see covered, drop by the forum! There is much about Helix that the book doesn't cover, like doing automation with DAWs, setting up footswitches, that sort of thing. I'll be prioritizing the new features, but if there's a sense that people really need some other features covered. I'll see what I can do. Also this probably goes without saying, but since I don't have a firm ETA yet, if you don't have the book you don't have to wait for the update to appear. You can get the current version, and grab the free update when it's ready. Thanks everyone for your interest and support!!! Doing these books is a bit of a labor of love, so it's good to know they're helpful to Helix fans.

No options have been taken away from you. You don't have a re-captured U87, correct. But then, all you had before is still there, so "taken away" simply doesn't apply.

@datacommando and many others have the patience of saints answering the same failed update questions time and time again while others just don't bother answering them anymore. All the instructions are displayed in HXEdit and if for some reason the update fails, the recovery instructions are easily found in this forum without starting a new thread.

I understand where you're coming from. Look at how many amps and effects have stood the test of time. It's ironic that some people want Helix to model amps and effects that haven't changed in decades, yet are dissatisfied with Helix's "progress." It's good to remember all that matters is the emotional impact on the audience, and that's up to the player, not the gear. No one ever came up to me after a concert and said "Wow, loved the sound of that multi-core chip!"

If a sim has a cab sound you’d love to use with Helix, it’s not only possible—it’s easy. The process requires a DAW, and sending an impulse (a short audio file) into the virtual cab you want to capture. After loading the impulse into a DAW’s audio track, insert the cab whose impulse response you want to capture as an effect for that track. Bypass all amps and effects—you want only the cab to process the impulse. Render the track, and export it as a WAV file. Then you can load this into an IR block. That’s the short form, The Big Book of Helix Tips and Tricks eBook goes into the details. The download for the book also includes impulse files in mono and stereo at various sample rates that you can use with your DAW. The process for different DAWs is similar, but there are specific examples for Studio One, Pro Tools, and Ableton Live. So...you don't have to buy me a coffee or a beer, just buy the book :)

I think the Helix is such an amazing piece of kit already that I am perfectly content to sit back and wait patiently for the next update. That is not to say that I don't always look forward to new features and seeing any existing bugs squashed. However, this thing has served me so well for so many years and so many gigs that I have a profound appreciation for it in its current state. What a phenomenal job the folks at Line6 have done and continue to do! They have shown some true vision and creativity over the years. The UI represents a standard of excellence and exemplifies ease of use. Picking up the Helix still remains one of the smartest equipment purchases I ever had the good fortune to make.

I thought some of you might find this helpful...boosting EQ around 3 kHz will make an overdriven amp more responsive to leads. The screenshot below shows four identical riffs. The first is played starting on low E, the second an octave above, another octave above that (i.e., starting on the open first string), and finally, the octave starting on the first string, twelfth fret. The lower image shows the same file, but processed with a major boost around 3 kHz. The level of the lowest frequency’s riff is essentially unaffected, the second one is boosted somewhat, but the two higher riffs have considerably more level. This makes for a more even, sustained sound with solos played on the higher frets. If you want more info, I wrote this up originally about Guitar Rig for a Native Instruments blog post.

DUDE! You've got the treble and presence dimed, the mids scooped, the bass down AND a Rat, which cuts the bass even more and is DESIGNED to make an amp sound HARSH. OF COURSE it's harsh! All you need to put icing on this cake is to plug in a strat! Wait - you're not playing a strat, are you?

I've got 2 laptops, both are the same brand but different models one is working with hx edit just fine, the other was ok until it just have stopped opening the HX Edit app and since then no progress... ....ok. I've read this, and it was my sollution: I found the answer on reddit. There's an SD card in my card reader. When I eject the card, HX Edit runs. When I insert the SD card again, HX Edit does not run. .....maybe someone like me will need this info. ..thank You and all the best

- Quit HX Edit! Don't start it again until you're finished with everything following. - Go here and download the Line 6 Updater (in case it's not installed on your machine already): https://line6.com/software/ - Also download the "Flash Memory" from there (it's the actual update). - Install the updater. - Reboot the Helix while holding down switches 6 and 12 (this will take you to safe boot mode). - Start the Line 6 Updater, select "Offline Mode" and see whether it finds your Helix. - If yes, select it and choose "local file". Point it to the Flash Memory file you've downloaded.

Read the manual, then if something will be still foggy ask here. ;)

Global EQ is intended to be used to adjust for the acoustics of specific rooms, not as a cure-all for deficiencies in preset design. You get to the gig, your presets sound "off" in that room, you use Global EQ as an across-the-board fix. It's a "last line of defense" sort of thing. Of course, there's no right or wrong in the digital wonderland, so you can use it any way you like, but it applies to EVERY preset and specific configurations cannot be saved. At home I use it to adjust for the Fletcher-Munson effect - at low volumes (<80-90db) I boost the bass and treble sightly, maybe cut the mids a bit. When I know that the neighbors aren't home and I get to crank the volume I turn OFF the Global EQ.

I'd consider getting something else if I ran out of possibilities with the Helix, but that hasn't happened yet and probably won't. It's deep enough to keep me interested, and friendly enough to keep using it.

IMO, the whole point of an LT or Floor is to eliminate the need to have a bunch of pedals, switches, amps--use the Helix to replace your entire signal chain. There are some purists that swear by their specific wah/distortion/delay. I'm not one of them. Helix has all the sounds, or a very very close approximation of all the sounds you may ever need. So if you want to simplify your setup, go with the Helix. If you must use your specific pedals, then don't. So right now my stage setup is done in around 2 minutes: Place the Helix Floor on the floor Connect Left/Right XLR Connect 1/4" cable to the Mooer Baby Bomb that connects to a 12" speaker Connect my wireless system, power everything on Done! All the settings are as I saved them, everything works. Do a quick sound check to make sure left/right are coming through as I expect them to. It's fantastic. I had to do it for 2 weeks every single day abroad in Europe and I was always the first one that was ready to play, before everybody else in my band. Plus, there are all these things that you need to maintain if you have individual pedals--they need to have fresh batteries, or a power source that works.... cables go bad, etc. So IMO a self-contained unit that has everything is a lot more reliable. However, if the entire Helix decides to die one day, then you have absolutely nothing working, and will have to resort to playing the spoons.... That's why with the Helix I always take a backup processor. I have a Pod Go that has all my sounds in 4 presets, that I can use to limp through the show in case my Helix dies. Or if I'm doing a series of shows and have room, I simply take a backup Helix with me. I did that in Europe: took the Floor and the LT with me.

The term "digital artifacts" is SOOOOOOOOO 2010......;)

Helix was overbuilt from the beginning in the areas that mattered the most for future updating. The design goal was specifically to create a platform. The technology is always less important than what you do with that technology. I have many digital devices from decades ago (e.g., Lexicon PCM-60) that use "antiquated" technology by today's standards. Yet they still sound as good as they did decades ago. The main reason for wanting faster/more expensive/hotter-running DSP is to speed up the rate at which operations occur. If you find the latency in Helix unacceptable, then you may need a unit with more powerful DSP (of course, regardless of the DSP, there will always be the latency involved in A/D and D/A conversion). However, DSP alone isn't the only factor. The efficiency of the coding is crucial. Based on 3.50, it's pretty clear Line 6 has managed to increase the efficiency dramatically, or we wouldn't have better cabs that require significantly less DSP. The question is simply whether Helix produces the sounds and effects you want. If not, then you need to find a unit that does. However, if you like a different unit better, it may have nothing to do with the underlying technology, but with the people who did the coding.

Contrary to codamedia's reply, this issue with pedals dying is known and discussed, and people have found a solution for it: https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads%2Fhelix-lt-pedal-sensor-issue.2307568%2F After a rather uncaring reply from the support ticket crew for Germany, i was pointed to find a service center in my area and call there, even though i already had a ticket. Them charging 90€ per work hour, i already imagined having to loan money to pay for this repair... Luckily there are other options, even though for a pedal that was barely used and died after 3 years just because Line6 decided to use a cheap component to save a couple of cents, it should still fall under warranty. On my Helix LT, the emitter LED is non-functional, but the receiver works fine. So i'm gonna buy a nice little infrared LED replacement and fix it myself, for a total of under 10€ (estimated). I hope that some other soul who has the same issue here, sees this and finds it helpful.

@Paulzx - Here's a little something to think about, a small demo of FS logic as relates to use with the Snapshot change function in Stomp mode, and how to think about describing what you want to do as clearly as possible - not easy, as you'll see. Demo preset attached. The demo assumes that you have Stomp Mode set to 10 footswitches. I have named the snapshots as SS1=Clean; SS2=Crunch; SS3=Lead. NOTES: When assigning CommandCenter functions to Stomp Mode switches, DO NOT use a FS that is assigned to Bypass or Parameter controls! The results can be unpredictable and difficult to remedy, up to and including irrecoverable preset corruption! Also, the Scribble Strip names are what they are, based on the Snapshot names I've assigned. Hopefully, someday L6 will heed the hue and cry of users to allow Custom Naming for Stomp Mode SS CommandCenter assigned switches. Do a search on Ideascale and VOTE FOR IT! Vote for all 17 suggestions for it posted by people who've somehow made it into the 21st century without understanding the concept of SEARCH BEFORE POSTING! :-) SS1 - Clean FS1 ON PRESS goes to SS2 (Crunch) FS2 ON PRESS goes to SS3 (Lead); ON RELEASE goes to SS1 (Clean) FS3 ON PRESS goes to SS3 (Lead); ON RELEASE goes to SS2 (Crunch) FS4 ON PRESS goes to SS3 (Lead) SS2 -Crunch FS1 ON PRESS goes to SS1 (Clean) FS2 ON PRESS goes to SS3 (Lead); ON RELEASE goes to SS1 (Clean) FS3 ON PRESS goes to SS3 (Lead); ON RELEASE goes to SS2 (Crunch) FS4 ON PRESS goes to SS3 (Lead) SS3 - Lead FS1 DOES NOTHING! FS2 ON PRESS DOES NOTHING; ON RELEASE goes to SS1 (Clean) FS3 ON PRESS DOES NOTHING; ON RELEASE goes to SS2 (Crunch) FS4 DOES NOTHING! So, now you're thinking "If, in SS3 (Lead), FS1 and 4 do nothing, why can't I use them for something else?" You can, AS LONG AS THE SOMETHING ELSE IS A SNAPSHOT FUNCTION! You cannot use them to change presets or perform ANY other function. If you try to do that, the function will change in ALL snapshots! You might well be wondering, after examining the snapshots in CommandCenter, where the RELEASE logic is for FS2 and 3? When you press those switches you are taken to SS3 (Lead). Therefore, the RELEASE logic is attached to those switches in SS3. That's why the ON PRESS function for FS2 and 3 in SS3 does nothing. Are we having fun yet? Paulzx1.hlx

Haven't seen anything, either. But then, my monitor is switched off.

Hello! I struggled mightily with this problem, so I want to document it on a clean thread. I'm grateful for those whio helped and tried to help with this issue. Problem: After migration to a new Mac Studio using Migration Assistant, Helix Native crashed my DAW hard with any access of the Helix Native Plugin. Attempting to load any project already using the plugin also crashed immediately. Ultimate Reason for Crash: Helix Native's authorization process is not friendly to the Migration Assistant. There does not seem to be a clean process for migrating to a new Mac. I'm still unclear on exactly what happened and why. Ultimate Solution: Completely uninstalling and reinstalling Helix Native. There is not a clean way provided to do this. The following information was provided by Line6 on what needs to be removed to completely uninstall Native and whatever data file was the actual culprit. Please use due caution before using this procedure: Please look for and delete the following files: /Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/Line 6/Helix Native.aaxplugin /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/Helix Native.component /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST/Line 6/Helix Native.vst /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/Line 6/Helix Native.vst3 Delete the following folders: Folder 1: /Library/Application Support/Line 6/Helix Native/ Folder 2: ~/Library/Application Support/Line 6/Helix Native/ - this folder is hidden by default. In Finder, from "Home" view, press Command/Shift/and Period to display the ~/Library folder. It will appear grayed out but able to navigate within it. Once completed, download and install the latest version of Helix Native. When you relaunch your DAW and access the Helix Native plugin, you may ore may not be prompted to log in and authorize. +++++++++ Many tried to help me with this. The tendency was to think my DAW (Digital Performer) was the culprit, so I installed Reaper and also tried to use Garage Band all with the same results. If Line6 was still providing telephone support, this would have been resolved much faster. Ticket support with 3-day turnarounds is tough. I've made the following recommendations to Line56 to hopefully spare others this problem. 1) If Helix Native is not friendly to Migration Assistant, let users know this, and provide a working procedure. 2) Provide a complete uninstall program, with a means to save user data. 3). Change the authorization process to avoid this problem. In the process of trying to resolve this, I did not run into a lot of people having this problem. I don't know why they would NOT have the problem if migrating from one Mac to another, unless their strategy was to simply reinstall everything. It may be that this occurrence was an anomaly unrelated to the normal process. I hope this might spare someone else the time and trouble.! Berst to all.

In your 3CM setup... set the HX Effects IN/OUT to Line Level. Now you can stop guessing about the configuration... it's matched regardless of how you set your amps loop. I'd usually set the amp loop to +4, but since you are encountering "possible" clipping, set it to -10, at least for testing. Start with a blank HX Effects patch. I don't mean turn off the effects, I mean nothing in it, not even a noise gate. If there is no clipping sound on the blank patch... slowly add one effect at a time to see where the problem begins. If the "clipping sound" is there already... then there are only a few possibilities. Try engaging true bypass mode on the HX Effects (it's in the manual) to see if it goes away. If it does, you may have a faulty HX Effects. If the problem continues in true bypass mode, the fault is likely in a cable or within the loop of the AC30. Test the loop of the AC30 by inserting a small patch cable between the send/return Don't assume your cables to the HX effects are good. Properly test each one of them. If you follow those steps, it will pinpoint the exact spot the problem arises and will take any guessing out of the equation.