haller88

Version 2.81 on regular Helix Using full Stomp Box for the unit. Has worked good since day one -> since updating to 2.81 -> Stomp Box mode will occasionally switch to Patch/Stomp box mode. I change the patch and sometimes it switches back to Stomp Box mode sometimes not. Rebooting seems to help. It occurs mostly right after I have hooked the Helix up to the computer (Window 10 machine with the latest HX Edit). Is this a known issue?

Last question - has anyone else used a simple foot controller other than an expression pedal with the Helix?

Looks like the answer is no and I will return the pedal to Amazon. The Logidy needs USB power to run and it appears that the Helix doesn't provide any options to provide power. I hooked it up to my TC Helicon Voice Live3 and it powered up and of course powered up with my computer. With my Helix - it is dead as a door knob. It appears that you can send Midi over the USB but it can't power any devices - back to the drawing board...

Since I had no response - I thought I would bump this up to the top. I read in the manual and in some earlier posts that the USB channel can be configured to receive MIDI so I believe this will work. The use case is that as a lead vocalist and primary guitar player - I would like a fairly foolproof method to switch into a louder lead option from an amp patch. I am finding that the wide array of buttons on the Helix (had a similar issue with the HD500) and small spacing makes it too easy to hit other buttons right next to the one I want to press. I am thinking the a small MIDI footpedal in front of the mic and having the HELIX off to the side for initial setup before a song might make the system more foolproof. I am thinking of ordering the Logidy and trying it out and I will post results if successful...

Thinking a need a separate Midi foot controller for my Helix - anyone use a Logidy UMI3 to control a Helix?

Cruisinon2 - thanks for your reply! I may look into the neck replacement option. I am also looking for some opinions on the higher frets and whammy bar versus the JTV-69. One of the things I am thinking about is selling my JTV-69 once I get the JTV-89F which would be in the same range as replacing the neck on the JTV-69. Since no one in my area stocks the JTV-89F - looking for some additional input from the group also....

I have had a JTV-69 for almost three years and have a somewhat love hate relationship. I use it a bunch to play with bands because of its versatility but am not the biggest fan of its play-ability. I have a fleet of various other guitars and I have to admit I am more a Les Paul or PRS Custom 24 fan. I love the Strat sound but not the biggest fan of its neck feel. I also love my Ibanez shredding guitars but play a different style of music. The JTV-69 doesn't give me higher register access and I just don't get a great feel for the neck. My question is -> is it worthwhile picking up a JTV-89F for its play-ability, neck feel and upper register access? I know it will have the same modeled sounds but it mags will be completely different but I use the guitar mostly for the modeled sounds anyway...

In response to middle comment from Line 6 - I agree that we would always want more memory so it sounds like we have as much memory as the budget would allow. Perhaps the flexibility in mixing up the blocks and stereo versus mono etc almost gets us into trouble. I do appreciate the flexibility and I would agree that the Helix is potentially the most flexible unit I have come across (I go back to very old Digitech units through the POD through more Digitech to the HD500 and have finally landed with the Helix. A couple of observations and I will close this out... 1. It appears that probably building a multiple path patch from scratch might be preferable than taking an already optimized single path patch and modifying it to a dual path. It appears that the Helix isn't always great about reallocating memory once it has been initially setup. I have had much better luck starting from scratch or nearly from scratch than modifying an existing patch. 2. When having a block copying issue - always revert to doing the editing on the device - the error messages are key to adjusting and moving things around... 3. It would be cool to see the memory block size for us adjustment geeks so that we could optimize what is on each path and the order etc - my guess is that this would be too much information for many but it would really help me with some of the patch edits... After all of the responses - I think I learned a few more things about the Helix that will help me down the line - thanks!!!

Well after taking Uber Guru suggestions to just do it on the editor itself (without the computer plugged in via the USB cable) I did have some better luck. The main thing that helped me out was seeing the error message when I tried to do something illegal (like have too many controllers on one block to copy and past iot or running out of DSP), I still can't believe the second run has more DSP - based on my current experience I would have guessed it the opposite. The two bottom lines are: 1. Make clearer error message show in the pc based editor in the future (at least what you see on the onboard editor) 2. The Helix for the money should have additional DSP! Well - that's all for now - at least I am moving forward with the Helix again!

evh0u812 - I did attempt to copy and paste in addition to dragging (it would be nice if dragging worked from a usability standpoint! malhavok - that is quite interesting and may point out that there is something in the protocol that is odd! I could have one chorus, two delays and two compressors along with an amp and IR on path two and under no circumstances be able to move the verb to the second path. I then deleted everything on the second path and put just an amp, a Line 6 cabinet only on the second path and still could move the verb to the second path... phil_m - I was using a 2048 IR -> see the previous comment - I went to no IR and nothing on the second path and still couldn't do anything... My conclusion is that there is probably some bug in the code for the second path and how it manages DSP. I had Path 1 loaded up and had no issues except being able to copy an amp into Path 1. For now, unless someone comes up with a silver bullet - I am assuming defeat due to memory management issues beyond my ability to understand routing. It would be awesome to see how much memory each block takes and total memory per path to be able to debug this issue. Maybe Line 6 has a debug display where I could figure this one out. Another frustration on a unit that has great sound...

Now I am perplexed -> it appears that Path 2 has a dramatically lower amount of DSP! I put one set of cabs on Path 1 and one on Path 2. I can load up a number of effects and a reverb block on Path 1 but can only have the amp/cab and some digital delays and soem other lower level block on Path 2. I deleted all of the blocks except for the amp/cab and I still can't move the reverb to Path 2! I included another screenshot - help!

I attached a screenshot of where I am in the patch. It would work if I could move the verb to the end of the signal path but it seems to be an impossibility. I think the main issue is using IR in the signal path. If I switch to Line 6 cabs -> it seems like I have a better shot and will try that but I think I have reached the limitation...

Got a question and I am afraid the answer is not going to be good... I am using a great stereo output effects box through my FX loop that sounds awesome in front of the amp/cab so I would like to create two paths to maximize DSP usage. I create a Path 2A and Path 2B. I am assuming that when people say that the DSP are used for Path 1 and 2 -> they really mean Path 2A and 2B? I get close to being able to manage DSP except I find I would like a reverb unit at the end of ther signal path -> I always run out of DSP if I put the reverb at the end of the chain even if I remove mostly everything before it. I can put the reverb early in the path but this sounds poor instead of later in the chain. The other thing I would like to do then is to move the one amp/cab combination early in the chain so that I could move the reverb later in the food chain but I run out of DSP doing some logical moves. It really appears as though we are quite limited in what we can move where so that I could have a decent signal chain with my stereo effect early in the chain. Does anyone have an great tricks for squeezing as much as possible from the DSP? Is there a Path 1 I don't know about? - I am pretty close to abandoning this but it seems very whacked out that I can't this to work with the money the Helix cost etc...

I see it when I use the volume pedal early in the chain. I will be playing for 20 or 30 minutes and suddenly it drops to 0% volume. I touch the volume pedal and it goes back up to 100%. I know that when I posted this with a prior firmware - I had about 5 or 6 people respond with similar issues. It is interesting that Line 6 even calls out the work around in their release notes. Sounds like I will only turn on the volume pedal if I am going to use it in a patch for volume swells. Other wise either delete it in the chain or leave it off...

I see we have a new firmware update so I quickly downloaded it hoping it would address the volume pedal dropping to zero random bug that I have been suffering with since I bought the unit. I did go through the Read Me and discovered that they hadn't fixed it outright but had a workaround by deleting the volume pedal and adding it back in. I did that on all of my primary patches and starting playing - 10 minutes into practice - volume pedal bug is still alive and well! My volume dropped to zero. I changed to another patch - 5 minutes in -> 0 volume again. Not happy... I guess I will relent and delete the volume pedal block where I can - in other cases I will turn it off and leave it in the chain and only turn it on when I am doing those Steve Hackett volume swells in the middle of a song. On the bright side - have heard good things about the added amps - I am hoping the distortion pedal is useful also...

This usually happens once a session whenever I power up the Helix. I will be playing along and poof - the volume drops to zero. I quickly go over the pedal and dial then volume back up and it usually doesn't happen again. Sounds like a bug - I hope the next release is on its way soon...

Thanks for the replies. I haven't tried a Helix with my EVs yet. It sounds like most of the responses here would indicate I should have much better luck with the EVs and the Helix in comparison with HD500X and the EVs. I really like most of the sounds I can get with POD HD amp modeling and my Peavey combo - it sounds like the Helix will improve that and also make it so I can use the EVs with the Helix for a wide range of sounds (the HD500X has several posts about the short comings of using a straight PA speaker - even high end speakers with POD HD & distortion without EQ'ing substantially). Currently I am also using the Strymon Mobius with HD500X for modulation and other effects - sounds like the Helix improves the effects greatly. Sounds like time to start saving some money and line up to get a Helix...

As a long time user of a HD500 and HD500X, I have noticed one defiency that has been noted on the HD500 forums - that the HD500/500X sounds beautiful through PA speakers with clean sounds but as soon as you add any overdrive or distortion - the sounds turns fizzy. I am using pretty decent powered PA speakers (EV ZLX-12P) and love the clean but find most distortion not very pleasant. I have heard many explanations and also solutions with EQ. Ironically, the best sound I have gotten so far is running the HD500/500X through a set of Peavey Bandits in the Post Gain Input outfitted with PA speakers. It gives me a nice balanced sound and sound close to the digital signal that I can pump to my computer. My question is does the Helix sound better through PA speakers for the wide range of clean/distortion sounds than a HD500/500X? I wouldn't mind using an IR to adjust the sound but I don't want to spend hours adusting each patch to sound good through a PA and then back it out if I want to use my standard rig. Any insight would be helpful - I am thinking of purchasing a Helix but am thinking this could be a sticking point if it doesn't sound much better than my HD500/500X through a PA speaker...

Brazzy - that post was helpful but when I used the down button on power on - it does go into Flash Update mode but since the USB driver still shows V0.00 so Windows 7 doesn't recognize the unit. I can't push anything because the USB firmware is corrupt but Windows does recognize there is a USB device on the hub - it just doesn't know what it is. I am hoping that Line 6 support might be able to send me a program that allows for pushing the USB firmware update in Flash update mode - we will see. Thanks for everyone's help - looks like I am getting close to either fixing this or giving up but have gotten some great advice...

Ran an old version of the software with the Antivirus turned off - no luck. I am hoping that Line 6 can help me with a way to force the USB drivers on the HD500 to get rid of V0.00 issue with the UBS firmware on the HD500 - not hopeful....

Thanks for your thoughts - in follow-up: 1. I will try to run the update with no antivirus on the computer. I had no problem updating and using the HD500 up to this release but worth a try. I did update the HD500X without any issue with Windows Defender on. 2. I have replaced the USB port and the chip (I had a PCB board builder install) -> I started with the port and then moved onto the chip. I am still getting the "damaged" USB port message in Windows - it recognizes the USB connection but can't communicate with it. 3. I will open a support ticket with Line 6 about doing a firmware push to see if I can resolve the USB V0.00 issue with another method of pushing the firmware onto the HD500 - thanks for the ideas...

I have tried restarting the computer and reconnecting. I have two things left to try which have little to no hope in addressing the issue: 1. Hook to another computer - I did try to do this before replacing the USB port and the control chip - but worth a try 2. Download an old device driver (I am thinking one from last year or the previous year) and attempt to connect the device - I did see one older post where someone tried an old device driver and by some miracle it reconnected Both are very long shots - more than likely the USB firmware on the device is corrupt from the latest firmware update procedure and since that is the only way for a layperson to connect to the HD500 - I have to send it to a service center. Since I recently started working for a hardware manufacturer - I have better insight into the equipment world - the only recourse is to have someone attach it to a test fixture and reflash the firmware to correct the USB V0.00 issue. Very frustrating... I did contact Line 6 and they said I could send the unit in for repair at my cost - not surprising but very frustrating since the latest firmware release bricked my USB port... I wish there was a diagnostic mode in the firmware menu you can access by pressing the right arrow at power up that allowed for a USB connection with the computer to push a firmware update on the device in the event of the a firmware update issue but it does appear that is possible... Any other thoughts would be appreciated...

Hi I've owned my POD HD500 for 4 years and recently bought a POD HD500X. I updated the HD500X to latest firmware and loaded the modeling packs and all went well. About a month ago, I decided to update the HD500 also. The USB was the horrible four pin design but I always got the USB port to work. The flash update started and the part of the update got to the point where it asked to unplug the unit and restart. Everything seemed great but when I plugged the unit back in - the HD500 was no longer recognized by the computer. The firmware is flashed to 2.32 but the USB reads the dreaded V0.00. I believe the USB firmware is corrupt. I went through resetting the device by doing the hold the left arrow while powering up (losing all my settings and returning to the factory patches). I attempted to load older drivers and had no luck. I tried it on another computer and no luck recognizing the USB port. I then replaced the USB port - no luck and then with the help of a PCB board builder at work - replaced the USB chip ala the You Tube video - no luck. Windows does not recognize the USB port and states an error message that the USB port appears to be malfunctioning. Sending the HD500 will cost about almost as much as it is worth so I am looking for any ideas before I either spend the big bucks on a bad firmware update from Line 6 (guaranteeing the last Line 6 product I buy because the update bricked a great working unit) or just forget about it and see if I can sell it on Ebay. I did get a response from Line 6 to send it back to a service center but I am pretty upset that a general firmware update following the instructions would fry the USB firmware in the process. Any ideas would be helpful - thanks!

Hi Bjnette, Thanks for the suggestion - I did uninstall all of the Line 6 components and then installed a driver from 2012 that I knew worked with my POD HD500. It didn't work - I still get the USB Error message that the device did not initialize properly. It was a good suggestion. I have the new USB port on order and will install in a week and see if that helps - last stop will be a service center but at least I have my HD500X working! Thanks for all of the suggestions and I will let you know how I work out on this...

Some good points - thanks for the idea Duncann on the firmware update being successful but the USB finally failing. I almost wonder if the new firmware is more sensitive the USB failures or issues than the old firmware set - I will admit that my USB did not have the plastic piece in the middle from very early on. It is interesting that I could get it to work with a loose USB for the last two years and now I just can't get the USB working with the new firmware. I can't flash back to the old firmware due to not being able to see the HD500 in Windows so I can't test it out. I have been very careful whenever I update things and this time it was no different. I ordered a new USB port for the HD500 and will install in a couple of weeks - I will see if it addresses the problem... On Line 6 side - it would have been good to do a FMEA on the items like the USB - it seems like it was design issue from the beginning - but in defense of design engineers - you can't think of everything. Most user would not pick up on the fragile USB port until it is too late. I was careful with mine but I also have kids and at least a couple times found my equipment moved around and wonder if the plastic piece was broken off by the kids... Thanks for everyone's suggestions... P.S. Hopefully I didn't fry the USB chip or my work will be for naught....