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1. I've only tested it my home studio and once with the band in rehearsal. Working up the courage to take it out on a gig as it puts me at the mercy of Windows PC stability. I will set up similar corresponding Helix only patches as backup. 2. My portable rig is a Dell Venue 11 Pro tablet w/ detachable keyboard with Windows 10 Intel i5 and 8GB RAM (will mount on a mic stand tablet holder). My home recording rig is an Alienware X51 R2 Windows 10, Intel i7, 16GB RAM. 3. The only connection between Helix and computer is the USB cable. It passes audio and MIDI control. All other connections for guitar, powered speakers (JBL EON 515XT), headphones, etc. are on the Helix. I am using blank Helix templates/patches with the Helix output set to USB 5/6 and the AT4 input set to Helix Input 5/6. This passes only the AT4 USB tone only. You will still hear your clean guitar signal if you leave it on Multi. Instructions are in the Helix manual though. Helix is about the best controller and interface for AT that I have seen. Between the MIDI capabilities and customization of Helix and the MIDI assign and learn functionality of AT, almost anything is possible (except the Helix MIDI assignment to knobs 1-6 apparantly). Presets are super easy, MIDI CC with the 3 Helix expression pedals to AT amp or effects knobs works well, AT effect on/off with Helix footswitches also works. I had always thought about the AT Stomp IO for AT3, but it was like $800 I believe. Stomp IO is no longer supported with AT4. I purchased the IK Pro Duo interface for it's small form factor and MIDI I/O. But I think Helix is a better 1-USB-cable solution. 4. Over headphones and studio monitors, I still prefer AT4 Mesa amps, Engl, Soldano, and the new AT4 Brit collection to Helix. There is a nasally quality to the Helix amps and/or cabs I have a hard time getting past (I'm sure the forum arrows will fly at me soon :ph34r: ). I don't have a good FRFR setup like L6 L2/3's, Atomic, Mission, Friedman, etc. just the JBL Eon 515XT's. Honestly, it's really hard for me to justify the thousands more when Helix preamps into my Mesa power amps & cabs sounds great, as does AT4 through headphones, studio monitors, and the JBL's. I have spent a lot of time with AT3 and now AT4 and am really familiar with the sounds and settings. However, AT with a band I really had to adjust the eq's and cabs a bit to cut through the mix. The Helix amps and cabs have more edge to them. The feel of the newer AT manufacturer certified models and AT4 brit amps is great, but you do have that 64-128 samples or more latency (depending on your PC hardware and settings). Not sure if it's the Helix hardware, drivers, or both, but Helix has enabled to go to 64ms latency, where I could only really go to 128ms with the IK Pro Duo interface. The Helix models do have a better feel with near zero latency probably since they are integrated with the hardware. Now, one thing that does sound great is the Helix amps (no cabs) to AT4 with cabs only (no amps). This leads me to believe it is the flavor of the Helix cabs that I, and maybe some others, don't like...at least in a studio setting. The ability for Helix to load custom cab IR's addresses this. I have not purchased/tried IR's yet, but there are lots of users that prefer them over the Helix cabs. If you want to save a bit of $, keep an eye out for open box Helixes on Musicians Friend for $1199. They come up in batches and go quick.

So maybe block(s) that could be placed and edited for external control configuration only and not really affect the audio. Could be handy for external MIDI preamps and effects units, as well as software transport control. This type of control block functionality could maybe be further leveraged in the Helix editor (when it materializes) to control older MIDI gear that did not have software editors. FYI, other USB MIDI controllers have knobs that spin continuously. Anyway, I think I've drifted into Helix utopia philosophy now. I do appreciate it for everything that it actually currently does. Even if I do think those 6 little knobs are begging to be MIDI transport controllers ;)

Is it possible to assign the knobs 1-6 knobs below the display to send MIDI CC to external devices, like you can with EXP 1, 2, & 3 and JTV control knobs? I would like to do a couple of things with them to help me tweak things on the fly on the Helix without going back to my rack or computer. 1. I have blank routing-only presets configured for Amplitube 4. The knobs on the Amplitube amps are capable of MIDI learn/assignment to MIDI CC#'s and ranges 0-127. I could potentially remotely control Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, Volume, and Presence of a software amp if I could make an assignment. 2. My Mesa Triaxis v2.0 (and maybe Marshall JMP-1) is capable of instant MIDI CC of each preset's parameters, such as Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, Volume, and Presence to MIDI CC#'s and ranges 0-127. Again, remotely controlling certain MIDI rack parameters from the Helix knobs 1-6. I was sort of assuming you could when I bought the Helix. For some dumb reason when pre-reading the manual, I thought that the Command Center Instant locations 1-6 were the knobs 1-6 (duh, now I know better). I don't see a way to do this in the Helix manual or in the Helix Command center, but I thought I would ask here.

Page 28 of the Helix manual specifies *.wav format. iTunes also recognizes *.wav files too as a compatible audio format, which would explain them looking like iTunes tracks. Maybe there is a bug in the drag/drop functionality. In the Helix application under the Impulses tab, it looks like you can click Import and browse to the IR *.wav files.

Good suggestion. I really need to try some IR's. I've been out of the modelling game for a few years since I gave up on my Pod HD500/DT/JTV setup to get back to to my Mesa tube amps. Helix is my "soundcard", but have been using Amplitube 4's Cab Room. I'm not sure how that compares to these standalone IR's from Redwires and Ownhammer, but I don't think there is a way to configure and export IR's from Amplitube. Thanks for the inspiration, I do want to try the Triaxis to Cab Room through the Helix. I also have a Marshall JMP-1 and an old Jackson JX-3 tube preamp. I think Amplitube alows you to run power amp only models too. Not sure if Helix does.

I think there are a few other threads on DT/Helix integration. From what I understand, L6 Link can pass audio, but not control at the moment. I believe users are controlling amp topology over midi through the computer DT editor and saving to a preset in Helix. The DT amps have great midi implementation docs and Helix can be set up to send midi control messages. It seems like you could set up a Helix preset to edit DT topology directly, but I'm not sure if users have tried it I'm not sure how much time I would invest in that though as DT integration is one of the top Idea Scale items.

To be honest, I was really considering the RJM Mastermind GT to control my Mark V with an amp gizmo, a few pedals, and TC Nova System when Helix came out. The RJM was about $1500 and offered control only. I thought I would give Helix a shot since it seemed to have a similar level of contol, scribble strips. loops, Ext switches, and expression pedals. The effects, amp models, usb audio interface were bonus to me. The Brit and Plexi preamps are a nice compliment to the Mark V. I actually just hooked up my Mesa V Twin pedal and am able to switch channels and bypass with the Helix Ext Amp jack to the 1/4" jacks on the V Twin.

Wow. Thanks for all of the great replies, links, and pics. I'll get a quote on the Lava Cable solution and go from there. Hoping to stay around $200 or less. Seems like good quality separate cables and the nylon mesh solution (Python, etc) would be around that also.

Always a personal taste of course. I definitely agree that there is a greater volume and gain difference between preamps that you have to adjust/compensate for, and you likely do lose the signature power amp characteristics of the models by going preamp only. Maybe darker power amps are a Mesa thing, because my Mark V also sounds dark and muddy unless I go preamp only on the Helix. I'm not saying you can't get cool sounds from the Helix full amp models, and even cab models through a tube power amp. But when setting up patches on Helix to have same same feel, cut, and texture as the Mark V native preamp on other patches, Helix preamp only settings sounded more in the same universe as the Mark V physical preamps. I went back and plugged Helix back into my 2:90 and thought it was night and day. I was originally bummed out when I tried Helix into 2:90 the first time, even turning off cabs. I think the 2:90 and Mark V power amps sound somewhat similar, with different voicing options. Again, just personal preference both jamming at home and with the band live. I will say that I cannot easily match Helix through headphones, my JBL Eon 515xt, and the Mesa tube amps and V30 cabs They are all different animals with different tonality and feel. I just find Helix preamp through the Mesa tube power/cabs the most gratifying and inspiring, despite the likely deviation from the sound of the original digitally modeled amplifiers

Ha, I did diverge from your original question with Triaxis ramblings. Like robbieb61 said, 1/4" cables straight from the Helix L & R outs to the 2:90 A & B channels (set to line). I'd do a stereo cable from the Helix Ext Amp to a 1/4" Y adapter to plug into Deep and Modern switch jacks on the 2:90. You'll find that the presence knobs on the 2:90 are your friends.

I have hooked my Helix up to my Mesa 2:90 and my Recto 2x12 and it sounds awesome! I think it sounds best with Helix preamp only, no cab or amp modelling. You can even use the Helix Ext Amp jack to control two of the three amp voicings, Deep, 1/2 drive, and Modern. I have a Triaxis 2.0 fat mod with the recto board and a really want to take some time to integrate it 4CM (maybe more for stereo) as Helix doesn't have Mark models yet. I was reading through the Mesa Triaxis MIDI implementation and Helix docs. In addition to Triaxis MIDI program change / preset switching with Helix, I think you can map and CC control just about any of the Trixis parameters with Helix, maybe the 4 Triaxis switches too. There are MIDI based computer editors for the Triaxis, so I think it's possible. It would be cool to map the Tri gain and inversely CC the master with a single expression pedal. It would also be cool to have a Triaxis editing patch on the Helix with Triaxis MIDI CC commands mapped to the Helix knobs. That would be a solid weekend in the mad scientist lab though ;)

I'm looking to clean up the cabling from my Helix to my amp, currently using a Mesa Mark V but have others I may want to use. I have found several options, but the one that looks most appealing is Lava Cable Power Tube, which seems almost perfect. There is no price listed though and just says "Made To Order", but has a Lifetime Warranty. http://www.lavacable.com/index.php?id=150 3x 1/4" mono cables (4CM, 3 to amp input, send, return) 1x 1/4" stereo cable (Helix Ext Amp for switching whatever) 1 MIDI (MIDI back to RJM Amp Gizmo and Mark V, and any other MIDI gear) 1x power (power the Helix) I've also looked at Pedal Snake, but not too keen on the detachable ends. https://www.pedalsnake.com/ Pedal Python seems like a good DIY solution to use your own supplied cables, but would be a bit thicker. http://www.pedalpython.com/ I've used split black plastic corrugated wire loom and my own cables before, but that stuff is a pain. I was wondering if you guys have used Lava Cable or Pedal Snake before or had any other suggestions.

I use my Helix with a Mark V combo, and plug the Mark V into a Recto 2x12 cab occationally (all V30 speakers). 4CM works best for me, and i find the the Helix preamp-only models (with no amp or cab modelling) sound best to me. I used the Global EQ at first to shave a little of the highs off, but I really need to go back and just adjust each patch now that I found what I like. I also use an RJM Amp Gizmo and matching cable with the Mark V so I can switch the 3 channels, reverb, EQ, Solo, etc. via Helix midi. Alternately, I think you can use Helix's "Ext Amp" jack with a 1/4" stereo cable to a stereo/mono/mono Y cable to the Mark V Ch 2 & Ch 3 switching jacks to control all 3 channels (Ch1 default on), but I haven't tried that yet. You probably already know this, but the top left voicing switch on each of the 3 channels affects the power amp section as well, allowing you to tweak the Mark V power amp to the Helix preamps if you like. (Ch 1: clean/fat/tweed, Ch 2: edge/crunch/mark I, Ch3: mark 2c+/mark IV/extreme), in addition to being able to set each channel to 90W/45W/10W, and the rectification of Ch 1 & 2 to tube/diodes, and Ch 3 to pentode/triode. I'd like to eventually try EL34's instead of 6L6's in the Mark V since many of my favorite Helix preamp models are british-style.

Still haven't had time to play around with the Helix today. But it will be really easy for you to AB Helix and AT4 without swapping and cables. Set up a couple of patches with different IO routings, one Helix and one USB, and footswitch between them. You can even lay down a track/loop with a dry signal in the AT4 recorder, route the usb dry back into helix on one patch, and full AT signal on the other. Makes AB compare and helix editing much easier if you don't have to strum the guitar at the same time.

Also I think the Mesa Mark series is pretty high up on the Helix request list. Check out Line 6 IdeaScale and you can vote them up...I did. I wouldn't be surprised to see them in the future, but of course wouldn't suggest you base a purchase on that.

I have Amplitube 4 with the Mesa amps. I will see if there is something close to an Amplitube Mesa Mark III in Helix. I actually love the Helix as an interface and midi controller for Amplitube 4. One USB cable for audio and midi control. Helix allows me to set latency at 64ms on my PC now (must be the hardware and L6 drivers), and is working well with the midi learn of Amplitube. Over headphones, I still really like the Amplitube 4 Mesa amps a little better than Helix. I do like putting the Helix models through the Amplitube cab room though. However, I think Helix sounds better live 4CM through tube guitar amps. I started with my Mesa Mark V, but actually digging the Marshall and Matchless models through my EL34 Mesa Stiletto II. I don't have high end FRFR speakers, only JBL Eons, which are okay.

Thanks to Digital Igloo for the quick reply on IdeaScale... Unfortunately, 4CM can't be supported via a single L6 LINK cable, as audio is sent in only one direction.

In trying to hook up my Mesa Mark V recently, I had to resort back to my RJM amp Gizmo. This got me thinking that Pod HD500/DT amps accomplish signal and topology switching over L6 Link. Why couldn't Line 6 develop a remote breakout box for amp switching and loops. Sort of a cross between the RJM amp/rack gizmos and HD500/DT functionality, via a single L6 Link cable. Posted to idea scale http://line6.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Helix-Amp-Link-Remote-Breakout-Box/810477-23508 It requires a lot of cables to accomplish 4cm, amp switching, midi, etc. between a floor Helix and an amp. It seems this could all be accomplished over L6 Link, a single digital XLR cable, and a Line 6 remote breakout box (Amp Link?). It seems there is similar functionality with Pod HD500x and the DT amps. Why not open up that functionality to any amp, rack, mixer, computer, etc. The unit could be 1-2U, half to full rack width, with optional rack kit, with send/return loops, switching jacks and/or DIN jack with custom amp cable or generic 1/4" cables (similar to the RJM amp/rack gizmo concept, and maybe midi (could still require a midi cable in addition to L6 Link), possibly USB for remote computer software/midi control, maybe another L6 Link out for connection. Personally, I would like to connect to and control a Mesa Mark V or a Mesa Triaxis & 2:90 stereo rig, and maybe have the option of switching to or blending with FRFR speaker(s). Running a single XLR cable back would be a dream! A $299 price tag would be sweet, but RJM gets a bit more for their similar gear

http://line6.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Helix-Amp-Link-Remote-Breakout-Box/810477-23508 Helix L6 Link Remote Breakout Box It requires a lot of cables to accomplish 4cm, amp switching, midi, etc. between a floor Helix and an amp. It seems this could all be accomplished over L6 Link, a single digital XLR cable, and a Line 6 remote breakout box (Amp Link?). It seems there is similar functionality with Pod HD500x and the DT amps. Why not open up that functionality to any amp, rack, mixer, computer, etc. The unit could be 1-2U, half to full rack width, with optional rack kit, with send/return loops, switching jacks and/or DIN jack with custom amp cable or generic 1/4" cables (similar to the RJM amp/rack gizmo concept, and maybe midi (could still require a midi cable in addition to L6 Link), possibly USB for remote computer software/midi control, maybe another L6 Link out for connection. Personally, I would like to connect to and control a Mesa Mark V or a Mesa Triaxis & 2:90 stereo rig, and maybe have the option of switching to or blending with FRFR speaker(s). Running a single XLR cable back would be a dream! A $299 price tag would be sweet, but RJM gets a bit more for their similar gear

I play guitar and bass and have gear for both, as well as a couple of JBL EON's. I started with Helix through a pair of JBL EON 515XT's which sounded good. Not exactly what's coming out of the Helix headphone jack to my Sennheiser HD 280's, but good. The JBL's have a treble and bass control which help. Loud as heck too. Helix through each of my Mesa Mark V, Stiletto Deuce II, Triaxis, 2:90 power amp, and 20/20 power amp into a Recto 2x12 (4CM with the heads/preamps and direct with the power amps) sound great, but it's somewhat limited to electric guitar sounds. The 2x12 has v30's and I think Mesa Black Shadows or something else brighter would help. I'm wondering if a retrofitting a stereo guitar cab with 12" coax speakers with tweeters would sound good. Maybe one of the speaker companies will come out with a 12" FRFR coax guitar speaker targeted to modeller rig retrofits. I tried Helix in the effects return of my old Peavey Transformer 112 (for the heck of it since it was out) which sounded surprisingly good. Cool thing about that amp is it's all analog component modelling of preamps and power amps and cab sims (not digital software), only digital control, controllable via midi. The power amp and cab sim configuration changes with the amp models (controlled a front dial), setting it to "Clean" bypasses amp/cab sim circuits. So even with Helix in the effects return, I could still get different amp/cab sounds from the Peavey side and save them to Helix presets. I think the Peavey Blue Marvel speaker is intended to be pretty neutral tone wise. It is only 50W solid state and open back, but good for a grab and go jam. Maybe the old Peavey Bandits would be okay too since they are Transtube tech also. I'm actually kinda diggin' Helix into the effects return of my Mesa Walkabout Scout 1x12 4ohm 350W. I wouldn't say it's pure FRFR bliss. The passive radiator makes it a little bassy, but a little Helix global eq tunes it pretty well. The adjustable tweeter level and frequency on the Mesa bass cab is helpful too. Good acoustic and bass guitar sound and feel through that cab with (and without) Helix though. 4CM to that setup with electric, bass, and acoustic might be interesting. It's also nice to have a little Mesa in the mix. I have a Mesa M9 Carbine and 2x12 bass cab. I'll probably dig that out and hook it up next. I have a Marshall EL34 100/100 hand JMP-1, but haven't dug them out yet to try it. Also have an old Crate Powerblock stereo guitar amp (75Wx2 digital I think) that may not be bad. A hybrid rig with the Mark V mounted back in its 1x12 combo and the Walkabout 1x12 bass amp might be really cool too, especially with Helix's dual path and I/O capabilities. My young son gets a little jealous when I start playing "rockin' guitar" without him, so testing and research time is a little limited ;)

Not sure of the Mesa input impedance. And honestly, I really don't know what the signal path and buffering technology is in the Helix. I really don't want to start a great debate on this forum, but here are pretty good articles on buffered vs true bypass http://www.guitarplayer.com/effects/1018/all-about-true-bypass-pedals/13031 http://www.bossus.com/community/boss_users_group/1633 Also, now that I'm thinking about it, 4CM adds A LOT of cable. Maybe there is or isn't some buffing in the Helix that helps with this. Maybe Nightfly's cables are really long or have other issues with them.

This post with some Helix send/return loop settings suggestions may help too http://line6.com/support/topic/18791-4cm-sound-differences/ Some statements from the post The return has to be set at 100% for 4cm. You will have phase issues if not, which is the "plastic" sound that you describe. You will also want to make sure you bring down your return dB level. If not you will be going into your effect loop too hot and this will cause unwanted clipping which will make it sound harsh. I have mine on -6.5dB.

Im assuming you are trying to match the sound of plugging your guitar directly into your amp as closly as possible when running through Helix with some/all blocks bypassed. You might be able to compensate for some your perceived "flatness" by adjusting the global eq (page 40 of the manual) or adding eq and adjusting levels of the preset(s). If your trying to bypass the Helix completely and get a pure plugged in tone, you might want to look at a true bypass looper. I use a Keeley, it's really small. There are others too, even midi controllable like RJM if you want to go that far. I keep the Keeley true bypass looper on my pedalboard anyway as a safety net in case anything on the board (cables, pedals, power) craps out on a gig. I've tried Helix with my Mesa Mark V, Stiletto Duece 2, and Triaxis/2:90 so far and haven't had really taken issue with 4CM sound quality. Plugging straight into the amp and true bypass is IMO the best possible tone usually though. Maybe you can post your cabling method here too to double check that.

A user customizable editor utility could be very useful. This could also lighten up Line 6's workload keeping up a single environment with user feature requests. Users could drag & drop and resize knobs, sliders, text fields, etc. and map them to either Helix controls or MIDI, group them to suit their needs and accessibility requirements. There could still be templates based on amp and effect type. A person may not use the same editor configuration scheme for all scenarios. Users could create a custom dashboard for whatever application (live, recording, deep editing, etc.). Maybe the control schemes/scenes could be assignable to change with a Helix preset or footswitch. Users could post and swap schemes for different amps, pedals, pedal boards, etc. Users could also select, create, and share custom skins. I wouldn't mind paying a few bucks on the Line 6 store or other app stores for this if needed as long as the Helix still comes with a default generically configured free editor. This is already done for computer games and general MIDI control. Hexler Touch OSC is a pretty nice example too ($4.99) http://hexler.net/software/touchosc The GestureWorks game mapper on Steam is a decent concept example ($1.99). http://store.steampo...com/app/296610/

A user customizable editor utility could be very useful. This could also lighten up Line 6's workload keeping up a single environment with user feature requests. Users could drag & drop and resize knobs, sliders, text fields, etc. and map them to either Helix controls or MIDI, group them to suit their needs and accessibility requirements. There could still be templates based on amp and effect type. A person may not use the same editor configuration scheme for all scenarios. Users could create a custom dashboard for whatever application (live, recording, deep editing, etc.). Maybe the control schemes/scenes could be assignable to change with a Helix preset or footswitch. Users could post and swap schemes for different amps, pedals, pedal boards, etc. Users could also select, create, and share custom skins. I wouldn't mind paying a few bucks on the Line 6 store or other app stores for this if needed as long as the Helix still comes with a default generically configured free editor. This is already done for computer games and general MIDI control. Hexler Touch OSC is a pretty nice example too ($4.99) http://hexler.net/software/touchosc The GestureWorks game mapper on Steam is a decent concept example ($1.99). http://store.steampowered.com/app/296610/