codamedia

The cable in the middle is TRS. If you use the Line 6 Power Supply/Footswitch to power your Variax, this cable would go between the guitar and the Power Supply input. The other two cables are standard guitar cables.... aka TS cables. All three of those cables has a sleeve.... But yes... the two black cables have an addition to the sleeve to help them make better contact. For clarity, here is a diagram showing where the Tip, Ring and Sleeve are on a cable.

Take a good look at the ends of those cables. One should have TRS ends (tip/ring/sleeve) and the other should just have TS ends (tip/sleeve..... no ring). A standard guitar cable uses TS ends. The guitar should take 6xAA's. The clip that holds the AA's is connected via a 9v connector.... you can remove that clip and use a 9v instead, but the AA's will give you a lot better lifespan. Thick/Think/Long/Short/Pink/Green.... none of that is relevant. Cables come in varieties of sizes, and those descriptions don't suggest anything. You need to identify the ends as TRS or TS as I mentioned above. Yes... .a standard guitar cable (TS Ends) would be the proper cable to use if the guitar is running off a battery (not using a power supply or VDI connector) Alkalines work great. AA batteries will last about 4 times longer than a 9v will. I don't remember the lifespan off the top of my head, but I think the AA's get about 12 hours and the 9v about 3. When not playing the guitar.... UNPLUG IT so it doesn't drain the battery.

I'll play.... Variax: Martin D-18 Variax: Martin O-18 Real Taylor Variax: Gibson J-200 FWIW.... I always got a great acoustic tone from my 1st Gen Variax through my X3 Live.... and I get a great tone (easily) with my Helix. I always struggled with an acoustic tone through my HD500... but I struggled with every tone through my HD500. I always use a VDI cable with my Variax.

Mac has forced the hand with a complete drop of 32 bit apps... There are a few hoops to jump through with Windows 10, but at least it still works. Old PC's are a dime a dozen.... and likely the best bet to keep this old gear alive and running. I have a lot of older gear... and to be honest none of it more than 10 - 15 years old is still supported regardless of make/model. BUT - I agree with @brue58ski... it feels a lot different when it's a guitar.

That wouldn't be the UPDATE file.... it was likely just the "updater program". The UPDATE file would have been an "hxf" file... https://line6.com/software/index.html Hardware = Helix Software = Flash Memory OS = Mac OS X That would provide you the update file.... Then run the updater and tell it to use that update file instead of going online to find it.

I don't get excited or waste too much time with any effect that changes dramatically from venue to venue! Reverb is the prime example of that! The reverbs in the Helix easily get the job done for my live needs, and in the studio I'll use a different set of reverbs anyway - or leave it to the producer/engineer when applicable. I can respect that others have different needs, I'm just stating mine :)

For anyone that owns a Variax VDI Cable from Line 6 (or @psarkissian)....I have a question about the RJ45 connectors used. (this is not a question about the Neutrik Ethercons used) Do they use a shielded RJ45 connector (plastic with metal shield) or an unshielded RJ45 connector (just plastic)?

The only other option would be to try this on a different PC. If mulitple PC's don't work, and multiple cables do not work - that leaves the Bass PODxt as the most probable culprit.

@RichardSMF ... This is what I suggest you try based on your problems posted on the other thread.... Uninstall EVERYTHING related to the Bass POD XT Live... then reboot your system Go to this page.... https://line6.com/software/ From the "hardware drop down" choose "Bass PODxt Live" As of this post, look for Driver Version 4.2.7.7 for Windows. Download that and install it. Do not connect the POD until it tells you to! This is critical! Download and install Monkey 1.77 which should also appear on that page. Next - Follow the instructions EXACTLY as described above post to install JAVA and Line 6 EDIT for the POD If your BASS PODxt Live is still not recognized... then troublshoot your USB connection. Make sure you are NOT connected to a USB Hub Try different USB cables Try different USB ports

Then we should discuss the problem at this thread instead.... since it's not a Variax problem at this time. https://line6.com/support/topic/59140-how-to-install-line-6-edit-on-windows-10/

Since you are disgruntled that this is ALWAYS a problem.... then I suggest you look at your entire chain as a potential problem, not just the Helix. I see you have ruled out the "cable" as an issue... but I don't see mention of other important troubleshooting steps. Just because a printer prints.... that doesn't rule out other conflicts/issues. As a computer/IT tech.... I'll offer a couple suggestions that I don't see mentioned already. Remove all unnecessary peripherals from the computer.... this includes any printers, scanners, etc... Try connecting the Helix to a different USB port. There are reasons for this.... USB Ports are in pairs or groups within a computer... sort of like "internal hubs" for lack of a better description If you are on the same "group" as a slower device (keyboard, mouse) then the ports slow down to their speed... often USB 1. This would seriously hinder an update process. The point of disconnecting everything else and trying other ports is to find a "grouping" that isn't shared. Sometimes a USB2 device does not behave in USB3 (blue) ports. Try to find a dedicated USB2 (black) port if you have one. . If your only option is a 2nd USB2 port with a keyboard/mouse connected to the other.... try moving those to the USB3 port. Always start each process (attempt) with a fresh reboot... might not help, but never hurts! If it still doesn't work.... do you, or anyone you know have a PC you can try the update on? NO, you shouldn't have to.... but if your computer is the last "common denominator", you can't rule it out :) Good luck! Yet I've had my Helix nearly 3 years... and have never had a single problem updating it :) Something more is at play.... whether it's a faulty Helix, or a conflict at your system.

What is Monkey saying has to be updated... the POD or the VARIAX? If this is a POD problem, we should move the conversation over the the POD thread.

Try installing Line 6 Edit for the Bass POD XT Live. I believe the drivers will install with that.... I submitted a POST on how to install the XT Live (I'm sure it applies to the Bass POD XT Live as well) that might help you out... https://line6.com/support/topic/59140-how-to-install-line-6-edit-on-windows-10/

They might have had "something" built for them, but the "rockmodules" began in '86 and were in full swing as a commercial release by '87. I'd have a hard time believing that line of products was created because of them :) None the less - I do find it interesting that they actually used the X100 on those albums. Thanks for that info.

Your idea has merit.... I'll upvote it on ideascale if I see it there even though I am not likely to use it. As for your request for other options that exist.... Since you have a Helix floor, you can't get 16 but you can get up to 14 with some creativity. Set the Floor model to "10 Stomp Mode".... giving you instant access to 10 footswitches The toe switch under the expression pedal gives you #11 Creative use of the two external EXP pedals will allow you two more options (13 total). You can't use an EXP to turn an effect on/off, but you can controls it's level. (FWIW, I use mine to control delay levels. The delays are always on, but only heard when I ride the expression pedal) If you prefer a switch over a pedal... it's easy to wire a simple switch with a 10K resistor so it acts like an on/off control. The switch would toggle between the MIN/MAX levels of the effect. If you do not use the built in expression pedal.... it can be used in the same manner as the external pedals - giving you access to 14 in total. There are many tricks to making great use from the TOE SWITCH and 3 EXP options on the Helix Floor - you just need to think outside the box a little.

There is nothing unusual about this. Generally speaking.... a Les Paul will drive an amp harder than a Strat, while a Tele and/or P-90's fall somewhere in between. If you run pedals before the amps such as overdrives and compressors, they will also be effected by the output level of the guitar. Of course there are hundreds of pickup options these days for all styles of guitars... which is why I say "generally speaking".

Interesting... I like it when the actual musicians tell it as it was. The 1/2 Rack series (rock modules) started to come out in '86 so I naturally assumed that higher quality product would have been what they used on the album. What I didn't consider was that the album took 3 years to record... with tracking starting back in '84.

Personally... I would keep the babyface pro. I prefer to keep some separation in my products, so the failure of one product will not stop my workflow... only slow it down. Although I mostly work solo in my home/project studio, I also like having the option to track a pair of mic inputs... especially on my acoustic instruments. Doing that with the Helix would require a separate mic pre and/or mixer. YMMV. There is also likely to be a "sound" with the babyface pro that will differ from the Helix. Try them both to see if you are OK with the difference before making a decision. Never under-estimate the tonal quality of a mic pre. I am not saying the Helix won't be great in this regard, I'm just saying it won't be the same :)

If the INPUTS and the RETURNS are set the same (both instrument, or both line) then the tones "should" not change. The only variables would be the return level if it is set to anything but 0, or split block settings at the beginning of your chain if you are using a parallel path. Can you post a sample of the difference? Is it dramatic, or extremely subtle?

Welcome to the forum... In case you missed it earlier in this thread, Line 6 does not monitor these forums.... and they certainly don't take feature requests through them. It's a user forum to help each other. If you would like this feature added, please take the time to upvote the existing request on IDEADSCALE which is where L6 collects and discusses feature requests. (you need to create an account and sign in to do so). https://line6.ideascale.com/a/dtd/MIDI-THRU-should-pass-SysEx-messages/988293-23508

@rosskoss... isn't it fun to have your seemingly simple thread derailed :) In regards to your opening post... I agree with you. I have always found the models within the Helix respond a lot more like their "real counterparts" if I engage the input pad, or simply decrease the level at the beginning of the chain by about 6db. This isn't new with the Helix, I had the same experience with my X3 and HD500 as well. I actually use a simple GAIN block at the beginning of each preset. A GAIN block in that position can be thought of as a highly adjustable input "pad/boost". As a multi-instrumentalist - I find it very useful for balancing the input levels of all my instruments. When the input levels are consistent... the behavior of every block down chain remains predictable. There is no harm in experimenting. That's up to you. IMO, I don't see any advantage to run my primary guitar lower than it's "natural" sounding spot (-6).... but as already stated, I do adjust the gain block to balance the input of each of my instruments to match. EG: My Les Paul is -10, while my Strat is only -2.

FYI... you are in the legacy POD 2, XT forum.... Try posting this in the HELIX form to get some responses.

This post is intended to assist those that still require the aging Variax Workbench (original) on their Windows 10 machine in order to edit their first generation Variax guitars. Please note: You still need a variax interface or supporting device (XT Live, X3 Live, X3 Pro, HD500, HD Pro) in order to connect your Variax to the computer. The current installers on their own will throw errors or simply won't work... but it all has to do with the JAVA pointers in the installation. They simply don't "point" to the right locations anymore. Download an older 32 bit JAVA installation.... Visit this site... (note. This may change in time, don't count on it being here forever) https://www.oracle.com/ca-en/java/technologies/oracle-java-archive-downloads.html Click on the JAVA SE 6 link (you can try something higher if you want, but I know this one works which is why I mention it) Navigate to the "Windows x86" package and download it. Install this package Download 'Variax Workbench" from the Line 6 download area. Choose "Variax Workbench" from the SOFTWARE dropdown Choose "Windows 7" from the OS dropdown Click GO Now download version 1.75 for Windows Install the software, but uncheck the option to install JAVA Variax Workbench should now load.... and hopefully see your guitar if it is connected through a supporting device.

This post is intended to assist those that still require the aging LINE 6 EDIT on their Windows 10 machine in order to edit their PODs, XT's, etc... The current installers on their own will throw errors or simply won't work... but it all has to do with the JAVA pointers in the installation. They simply don't "point" to the right locations anymore. Download an older 32 bit JAVA installation.... Visit this site... (note. This may change in time, don't count on it being here forever) https://www.oracle.com/ca-en/java/technologies/oracle-java-archive-downloads.html Click on the JAVA SE 6 link (you can try something higher if you want, but I know this one works which is why I mention it) Navigate to the "Windows x86" package and download it. Install this package Download 'LINE 6 EDIT" from the Line 6 download area. Choose "Line 6 Edit" from the SOFTWARE dropdown Choose "Windows 7" from the OS dropdown Click GO Now download the WINDOWS 3.04 version of Line 6 EDIT (don't download the MAC version in error) Install the software, but uncheck the option to install JAVA Line 6 Edit should now load and find a connected device that is supported.

I'm not a reaper user, but every DAW I have used has "midi filter" settings hiding somewhere. Find that and make sure it isn't set to filter out notes by velocity... and make sure there isn't some sort of input quantizing going on. I fully agree with the post above.... don't use OMNI. Take the time to assign discrete midi channels to avoid unwanted clutter on the same path. As far as I know, the only issue with using the Helix as a 'thru" device is that sysex messages will be filtered out. Other than that, you shouldn't have any issues.