Updating Helix/HX

Updating Helix/HX

IMPORTANT! Carefully read and follow the update instructions below. If you don't—and then run to the forums asking why it's not working—the interwebs will make fun of you.

STEP ONE—Update HX Edit (Do This First!)

IMPORTANT! You must ALWAYS update to the latest version of HX Edit BEFORE attempting to install the latest firmware into your Helix/HX hardware. Otherwise you will not have access to all of the features that the updated firmware provides.

1. Visit https://line6.com/software/ and log into your Line 6 account.
2. From the center pull-down menu, select HX Edit. From the right pull-down menu, select your operating system. Click Go.
3. Choose the latest version of HX Edit from the list and click GET DOWNLOAD.
4. Carefully read the End User License Agreement (haahaaahaaa!) and click ACCEPT AND DOWNLOAD.
5. Once the HX Edit install file has downloaded, double-click it and follow the prompts.

STEP TWO—Update Helix/HX

1. Just to be safe:
   • Shut down all Line 6 software or any programs that use audio, like DAWs, iTunes, Spotify, video games, etc.
   • If your computer's sleep timer is set relatively short, disable it, as the update can fail if your computer goes to sleep
   • Make sure external devices are not currently sending MIDI to Helix/HX. If you're unsure, unplug Helix/HX's MIDI IN port
   • If you have Helix Rack and Helix Control connected, turn off Helix Control
2. Launch the newest version of HX Edit you installed in STEP ONE above. If you're not signed in, click "Check for Updates" in the lower right corner and sign in. If you're already signed in, it appears as "Update available!"
3. Click Update Now. A window appears, asking you to back up your Helix/HX hardware. Click OK, optionally rename the backup and/or choose a different destination folder, and then click Create Backup.
4. Continue following the prompts. Once updated, the window reads "Update Complete" and your Helix/HX hardware begins rebuilding its presets; wait for this to complete and click Back to HX Edit.
5. If you have Helix Control connected to Helix Rack, turn on Helix Control. If Helix Rack reads "Helix Control must be updated to work properly," press Knob 6 (OK). (Some updates affect Helix Control, others don't.)

STEP TRES—Restore Your Backup

1. From the File pull-down menu, click Restore From Backup... A dialog appears. Click Restore Backup and then Yes.
2. Once the restore has finished, turn your Helix/HX product off and then on again. If your Helix/HX hardware begins rebuilding its presets again, wait for this to complete.

IMPORTANT! In the unlikely event that your update fails, please follow the steps below:

1. Unplug the USB cable from both the back of your Helix and the computer.
2. Turn your Helix/HX device off and on.
3. Reconnect the USB cable to your Helix/HX device and the computer.
4. Download, install, and launch the latest version of Line 6 Updater. In a failure state, the device will not connect to HX Edit.
   • Line 6 Updater for macOS: https://line6.com/software/readeula.html?rid=9831
   • Line 6 Updater for Windows: https://line6.com/software/readeula.html?rid=9832
5. Select your device and try updating to the latest firmware again.
   • If the device does not show up in Line 6 Updater after these steps, try a different USB cable and/or USB port.
   • If it still doesn't show up, try a different computer.