rd2rk

You've been complaining forever about this that and the other defects and dumb L6 design decisions. You won't be happy until you get rid of this L6 POS and permanently remove yourself from the evil L6 empire. What's taking you so long?

Yes, Sascha, uh huh, we know...

That IS how it works, it's just not the solution to your problem which, unfortunately, doesn't seem to have a solution. How's this - The distance from the pedal bottom to the surface of the Helix when it's resting on the toe switch is 7/32". you could place a block of some sort, or a piece of stiff foam there so you'd feel where the extreme of the pedal is before activating the switch. Not high tech, but...

Because nobody else EVER made a STOMP switch that failed...

Just delete the Assign from the Bypass/Controller Assign screen.

If it's out of warranty you could try taking it apart and cleaning the switch, but I have no clue how big a project that would be.

Windows>Device Manager USB Ports all functional? Unless you're not using Windows - helps to know those things, including OS version... Try a different USB Port? Try a different USB Cable? Re-install Catalyst Edit?

Also consider that if you leave the cab sim ON and you're using the XLR Out on the Catalyst for FOH, you're now sending 2 cab sims to FOH, as it can't be turned OFF on the Cat. What's THAT gonna sound like?

Point taken and addressed by @lawrence_Arps. No, you didn't, and nobody stated or implied that you did. You need to take your own advice!

Not AFAIK, and not sure that this is your problem, but - From the Manual, page 7: 12. EXP 1/2, FS 7/8 Connect an expression pedal here to adjust a wide variety of parameters.* With a Y-cable (tip-ring-sleeve 1/4" jack, split to two tip-sleeve 1/4" jacks), two expression pedals can be connected. Alternatively, you can add one (or with a Y-cable, two) external footswitches to access additional stomps, presets, snapshots, etc. (FS7=tip, FS8=ring). To set this jack’s function(s), see page 57. By default, this jack is set to accommodate a Mission SP1-L6H Line 6 Expression Pedal, which has a toe switch that toggles between EXP 1 (Wah/Pitch or Poly Wham) and EXP 2 (Volume/Pan). For external footswitches, the momentary (unlatched) type should be used.

I use Helix Floor, not HXFX, so YMMV. This is how I set it up in 4cm: Guitar>HELIX IN (INST)>HELIX SEND (INST)>AMP IN >AMP SEND>HELIX RETURN (LINE)>HELIX OUT (LINE)>AMP RETURN Reasoning: The amp's INPUT expects an Instrument. The Sends and Returns are LINE Level. The Output is going to a poweramp IN, therefore LINE.* These are general rules of how amps work. The ACTUAL levels of various amps' FX Loops vary wildly. That (I believe) is why Helix/HXFX Loops have LEVEL controls because, bottom line, the difference between INST/MIC/LINE is simply db/voltage level of the signal, and it's all about GAIN STAGING. Being able to set the level to INST/MIC/LINE just gets you in the ballpark. In order to get these level settings I use two Helix FX Loops because the SEND/RETURN can't be configured separately. IOW - FX Loop 1 set to INST; FX Loop 2 set to LINE If you're using the FX unit simply in the amp's FX Loop, one FX Loop Block set to LINE is sufficient.* *If you've got guitar stompboxes anywhere in the signal chain, they expect an INSTRUMENT level signal.

Update your Helix to v3.15. To do this, start by performing a backup of your presets, then update HX Edit to the latest version (3.15). HX Edit will then offer to update your Helix. FOLLOW ALL OF THE DIRECTIONS EXACTLY! WRITE THEM DOWN IF NECESSARY! DO NOT SKIP ANY STEPS! Once you've updated, in Command Center, the little lightning bolt icons are the Instant Commands. One of the options is "Bank/Prog" (third option using knob 1: None-MIDI CC-Bank/Prog). Set MIDI CHANNEL to the Channel you want to set your amp to using the directions given by @tmingle. I recommend that you use Channel 2 so that you're NOT using the Helix default Base Channel(1). If you choose to use the default Base Channel (prevents having to set the channel for each Command Center command), then in Global Settings>MIDI/TapTempo set "MIDI PC Send" to OFF. This prevents Helix from sending the default PC# when you load the preset. The rest of the Instant Command parameters for Bank/Prog can be ignored except for PROGRAM. Set that as described in tmingle's directions. Set the other Instant Commands per his directions. SAVE. On to the next Snapshot.

Yes, that will be your best bet. Although I haven't tried it, you can even change amps using MIDI CC#5 with Values of 0-5.

Thanks for this post. Many have asked about this, and I could tell them the basics, but I always wondered why Marshall did it this way. Since I don't own a DSL40 I never dug into it, and no one ever got back with further questions. Your post will help lots of people down the road!

I don't think a Y-split is going to help. SS1 is strong. Equal to basic amp/IR/Send (see below*), which you said sounds fine. If this isn't loud enough with a drummer, the GPA-100 just hasn't got the balls for use with a 16ohm cab. It may well be that the rating for 16ohm isn't given for a reason... SS2 is weaker. By design? SS3 is downright anemic. That's probably due to the -18db cut in the Acoustic Sim Block. *I repeated your simple preset - amp and send only - with the Rectifire and then the DB Lead. Levels were virtually identical and no need to crank the master on either to get it loud. Both were equivalent level to your SS1, maybe louder by a couple db (ch vol - see below). Troubleshoot by starting in SS1, bypassing all blocks except the amp and IR, channel volume at default (5.7). Is it loud enough? If no, see my note on SS1. If yes, add blocks back in until you find the culprit. In the course of doing that you'll find out why you cut the channel volume to 3.7. Repeat on the other snapshots. You can try for an overall boost by raising the IR output level, but normal IR levels are -18db and you've got it set at -13db already. Won't hurt anything to crank it, but it's a band-aid solution. I'm just guessing here, but I think what's happening with the GPA-100 volume topping out at halfway is that it's designed to respond like a tube amp. When you crank the master on a tube amp it only gets so loud, then starts to compress. Some call it getting "squishy" and they like it. A simple class D amp just gets louder until it can't get any louder or the speakers blow.

I duplicated your preset as best I could with default settings on all blocks and and ran the send out to my HR FRFR112. With the volume barely cracked it was too loud for my apartment. Attach your preset and I'll test it out.

What you are hearing is the sound of one preset unloading from memory (it's sound ends abruptly) and another preset loading (it's sound starts abruptly). There's nothing wrong with your amp. If this behavior is unacceptable, buy a Helix LT or Floor and set it to "Spillover" (which uses an entire processor). Run the Helix Outs to the Catalyst Power Amp In. The Catalyst then becomes simple power amp and cab. Sounds great. Or you could get a Boss GT1000 or other device (?) that has the "spillover" function built in and either continue to use the Catalyst as a playback system or get another probably more expensive playback solution. All of the above solutions cost 2-3 times what you paid for your Catalyst. More if replacing the Catalyst as playback system. The workaround is to not change channels mid note. A quarter note rest should be sufficient unless you're a super shredder.

Per the MIDI implementation chart on the last page of the DSL40 manual: Channels 1-4 = PC#s: 0-3;4-7;8-11 etc - every 4 PC#s. If you're using snapshots - Snapshot 1 = Channel 1 Instant Command 1 = PC# 0 or 4 or 8 etc Snapshot 2 = Channel 2 Instant Command 1 = PC# 1 or 5 or 9 etc Snapshot 3 = Channel 3 Instant Command 1 = PC# 2 or 6 or 10 etc Snapshot 4 = Channel 4 Instant Command 1 = PC# 3 or 7 or 11 etc

Whether or not he knows the difference between guitar frequency ranges has little to do with the points he was DEMONSTRATING. His point was not so much about what's perceptible (people imagine that they can perceive all sorts of things) so much as what's real and OBJECTIVELY DEMONSTRABLE. Please do post a link to a video that DIS-proves anything he said, vs implying that he left something out that would disprove his main point. I'd honestly be interested and would happily re-post that link whenever I post this one.

Make sure you have the latest FW. Perform a Factory Reset. If the problem remains, open a support ticket. There should be no problem switching manually with the panel buttons. That's the minimum requirement.

I've found the volume levels of "custom" IRs to be all over the place. Depending upon where your IR is located in the signal chain it could be a simple matter of lowering the Output Level in the IR Block to avoid overloading the next block in the chain.

You're thinking about this the wrong way. Catalyst is NOT an "alternative to a high-end modeler and an FRFR". Catalyst is AITR vs FRFR. There is no "IR/modeling native to the Catalyst". Amp/FX modeling, yes. But while you COULD use the IRs in a modeler, they would not sound as intended because Catalyst is NOT FRFR. It's a GUITAR speaker in a GUITAR cabinet. The amp models in the Catalyst are voiced for the Catalyst speaker. You can use the amp models in a modeler with the Catalyst's power amp and speaker, and they sound VERY good but, again, you probably don't want to use the modeler's speaker modes or IRs, you want to use the raw amp models into the Catalyst for the AITR effect vs the mic'd cab effect you get with modelers/IRs/FRFR. I use my Catalyst 100 primarily with my Helix Floor. I also have an HXS. Yes, you can create Snapshots which use MIDI to control most every aspect of the Catalyst's configuration. The HXS allows 3 Snapshots per Preset, the HXSXL allows 4. The additional footswitches on the HXSXL provide more flexibility than the HXS. Beyond the additional Snapshot and footswitches the HXS and HXSXL are the same device. MIDI is fully functional on both. When you load a Preset or Snapshot you can instantly send up to a total of 6 MIDI messages divided among any of the 16 MIDI channels. Footswitches can be assigned to many functions, both on-board and for MIDI control of external devices like Catalyst. On my Helix Floor I have a single preset which, using Snapshots, calls all 6 Banks. I have Stomp Mode switches that call the A/B channels of whichever Bank is active. I have other Stomp Mode switches that control the Helix FX. Using additional presets I COULD have up to 1024 entirely different virtual pedal boards which perform the same Catalyst functions. I frequently use my Catalyst as the "Dry" component of a W/D/W stereo configuration with my Powercab 212. I also have presets for use with my HXS in a simpler configuration that uses the Stomp Mode footswitches to control the native Catalyst effects, switching channels with an external FS and changing Banks manually. An HXSL's extra footswitches would expand the capabilities of those presets. Catalyst can be used in many ways. 6 distinct two channel amps. 3 four channel amps. 12 distinct presets. OR any combination of the above. Essentially you have 6 "banks" of two presets (A/B) to use any way you like. Any of the 12 presets can be called via MIDI from the HXS/HXSXL. I could go on, but at this point I suggest that you DL the respective manuals for the Catalyst, HXS and HXSXL. Read them and come back with specific questions. SUMMARY: The combination of any Helix family device and the Catalyst 100/200 is fantastic. I have tried most every FRFR solution in the 6 years I've had my Helix, and the Catalyst sounds better than any of them. The only possible reason (IMO) for an FRFR/IR solution vs Catalyst would be if you play in a cover/tribute band and have VERY specific needs, or if AITR isn't important to you.

I have the Catalyst 100. I tested this 5 ways, using both the clean and hi-gain amps. Manual (push da button) Momentary FS ( Mosky dual - don't have a standalone latching FS) MIDI (via Program Change message) I strummed a chord and let it ring as I made the switch. In all cases switching was instantaneous and noiseless beyond the apparent differences caused by differing gain levels and FX settings. I was only able to reproduce your problem using the Ext Amp function on my Helix. In BOTH Latching and Momentary modes the changeover was wonky. Very strange. What FS are you using?

In order: Start by making sure your cables are all good. The Empress Input impedance is 1M, so in Global Settings>Ins/Outs set both of your Send/Returns (L/R) to INST. The Tempus Input Impedance is also 1M, as is the RC5. The Output Impedances of all 3 are much lower, so that shouldn't be a problem, but I'm not sure about that. It might affect the tone (hi freq attenuation). It's possible that you're overloading the Input of one or more of them, so fiddle with the Output levels of all 3 starting with the Empress. You are running 3 digital devices in a loop, so that's 4 ad/da conversions. That might be a problem. It's certainly a lot of accumulated latency (5 total=10ms from HXS Input to Output. That shouldn't matter (it's a potential "feel" thing), but...might be a problem. Remove all devices from the loop (just disconnect the loop cables). That eliminates the HXS itself. Reconnect the cables WITHOUT any devices (sends to returns). That eliminates the Loop itself. Add each device back in one by one. Again, be aware of the Output levels re the possibility of overloading the Input of the next device. If you still haven't found the problem, consult an exorcist. Kidding of course, but that's all I can think of for now.

Thousands of guitarists use digital delays/reverbs and have for many years. Nothing new. Here's an interesting video on the subject. Watch the whole thing. The demonstration of what the bit depth does is especially interesting: