rd2rk

NOTE: I don't have a mpx-g2. The following is based on reading the manual. If it doesn't work, get back to me! I've attached a sample preset demonstrating how this works. Snapshot1 selects Lex Bank 1 Preset 5. This is the Snapshot that loads by default (was loaded when the Helix Preset was SAVED) when the Helix Preset loads. SS2 selects Lex Bank 2 Preset 10. SS3 selects Lex Bank 3 Preset 15 Buttons 8-10 select different presets from within a Snapshot. Button 8 selects Lex Bank 1 Preset 0 Button 9 selects Lex Bank 2 Preset 50 Button 10 selects Lex Bank 3 Preset 100 See below for further info. ************************************************** NOTE: Just replace "Ventris" with "Lexicon". In Global Settings>MIDI/Tempo, set "MIDI PC SEND" to OFF. This prevents Helix from sending it's default PC# when you load a Preset. In CommandCenter, assign "Instant Command 1 (IC1)" - the first lightning bolt - to the Ventris PC# (Program Changes/Presets) that you want to use for each Snapshot. Read the Ventris manual. They may be numbered 0-127 or 1-128. Helix is numbered 0-127. When you load a Helix Preset, any and all commands assigned to ICs in the Snapshot that loads by default will automatically be sent. By default, Helix and most MIDI devices communicate on either MIDI Channel 1 or ALL channels (OMNI). Helix communicates on MIDI Channel 1 (BASE) by default. Set the Ventris to communicate on MIDI Channel 1 (unless you've changed the BASE channel in Global Settings>MIDI/Tempo). This way, if you add other MIDI devices later, you can set them to different channels and specify which device you're sending commands to by being specific about it in Command Center. When setting commands in Command Center, BASE is the default MIDI Channel. Leave Bank CC00/BankCC032 at their defaults. These are used to change BANKS in devices that have more than 128 presets. NOTE: On Multi Bank devices, Bank CC00/BankCC032 (either or both - see device manual) are used to specify the Bank. 0=Bank 1; 1= Bank 2 etc. Here's the tricky part: Once you've assigned a PC# to an IC in a Snapshot, it will stay on the last called PC# until specifically changed by another Snapshot, then it'll stay there until changed again. If Snapshot 1 IC1 is assigned to PC#5, and you switch to Snapshot 2, Ventris will stay on Preset #5 UNLESS you assign IC1 to a different PC# in Snapshot 2. If SS2/IC1 is assigned to PC#79, and you move from SS1 to SS2 and then to SS3, SS3 will still be using PC#79.So if you want all Snapshots to be PC#5 except SS3, assign IC1 to PC#5 in ALL Snapshots EXCEPT SS3, and assign IC1 in Snapshot 3 to a different PC#. Remember that the Helix Preset will load with the Snapshot that was active when the Preset was last SAVED. If, in Global Settings>Preferences, you have Snapshot Edits set to Discard, don't forget to SAVE the Preset after each Snapshot Edit BEFORE moving to the next Snapshot. That said, check each Snapshot to be sure it does what you want. Hope that all makes sense. Lexicon mpx-g2.hlx

OK, so now I have the correct manual for YOUR version of this amp. That makes THREE manuals. 1.) The Rear Panel CHANNEL SELECT rotary switch must be set to FOOTSWITCH for the Footswitch to select either channels or features. Where is that switch set? Unfortunately, that is the only reference to that switch that I've found in the manual, so I have no idea if it could be a contributing factor.. There is no logical reason for that. It could only occur if the amp's Input was somehow wired into the channel switching circuits, which would make no sense whatsoever. If you're saying that when you take a TS (guitar type) cable from the HXFX LEFT/MONO Output to the INPUT on the front of your amp, that causes a problem with the channels, contact Mesa Support. Not that it should matter, but have you tried using the HXFX in the amp's FX loop (4cm wiring)? It might not help with the actual channel switching, but for troubleshooting purposes it at least removes the HXFX as a (possible though improbable) cause of your problem. Here's another idea. Do you have a continuity tester? You say it all works great with your FXL8 Pro. Use the continuity tester to find out exactly what's going on with the switches on the FXL8 Pro, then try to duplicate that with the HXFX. Your amp has more controls than the space shuttle. The manual shows a clear preference for using the proprietary footswitch. Without having your hardware here in front of me, I'm running out of ideas. You may be able to get more specific help here: https://www.forum.grailtone.com/ That's the Mesa Boogie forum.

CORRECTION: In my instructions I said that Helix numbers programs 1-128. That is incorrect. EDIT: Helix is numbered 0-127.

CORRECTION: In my instructions I said that Helix numbers programs 1-128. That is incorrect. EDIT: Helix is numbered 0-127.

ADD TO PREVIOUS: I just noticed that HX FX has two EXP/EXT AMP jacks. If they're both set to work as EXT AMP and you use two cables (TRS?) you don't need a Y cable, but the warnings I noted still apply! DANGER WILL ROBINSON! DANGER!

Terminology. "Input jack" to me means the cable from the guitar to the AMP INPUT. If you mean the cable from the "External Amp" jack on the Helix to the Channel jack(s) on the back of the amp, then that makes sense. Is that yours? I had a look at the FXL8 Pro and it seems to have two switching jacks. Are you using both to switch the amp channels? Is Ch1 ON when both switches are OFF? IIRC, the way it works is that if either of the amps channel jacks (2 or 3) are "shorted" (ON), Channel 1 is OFF. Since Helix switching is either/or that could be the problem. ***You might try an "INSERT" (Y) cable (TRS to dual mono). Use two buttons, one assigned to 1(TIP), the other to 2(RING). When both switches are OFF you should have Channel 1. I have no idea what would happen if both switches were ON. It MIGHT damage the amp.*** IF I WERE YOU I would contact Mesa support and ask. You might also try Asking AGED HORSE on Talkbass. He's a Mesa design engineer, and usually responds quickly. Ask first if you should PM your question, as there may be rules about that sort of thing.

Most modern 1-12/2-10 combo amps weigh around 30-40 lbs. My FRFR112 weighs 38 lbs. The GK MB210-II (500 watts) weighs 39 lbs. (not cheap though - $900). Fender Rumble 500 (2-10) weighs 36 lbs. ($600).

Here's what the Dual Rectifier manual says about it: EXTERNAL SWITCHING JACKS: These jacks allow (usually MIDI-programmed) operation of your amplifier’s functions from an external switching source. In either case, the switching is accomplished by connecting (“shorting”) the jack’s “Tip” to its “Ring” (or ground.) So it's not the Helix, it's the way channel switching is implemented in the amp. Again, using the VDL "Control Switcher" with MIDI works fine. The Switcher connects to the amp using multiple TS cables and MIDI from Helix Commmand Center to the Switcher controls it. Helix works fine with simple channel switching amps.

I have two different manuals for the Dual/Triple Rectifier. One shows a patchbay with "Tuner/Chan 2/Chan 3/Solo/Loop". If that's yours, I went through this with another user (can't find the thread) and the only solution that worked was MIDI control using a VooDooLabs "Control Switcher". Expensive, extra box, but works great.

If you've done much research on modern bass amps (if you're not on Talkbass yet go there now), you know that a lot of bass players are using 250-500watt amps through single 12" speaker cabs for the kind of venues you're describing. As an all purpose affordable solution, I'm using a HR FRFR112 (<>$300). It's WAY loud and my bass sounds as good through it and Helix as any of the small bass amps I've tried lately. If you follow my advice over to Talkbass and search for variations on "affordable bass amp" you'll get lots of suggestions.

IMO. YMMV. You need to do two things ASAP. 1) get a bass amp. 2) decide how much you like being in a band where you’re not respected.

Page 31 of the XR18 manual. PC#s 1-64 sent on MIDI Channel 1 recall Snapshots 1-64. You can set Instant Commands to load the required Snapshots on Preset load and Helix Snapshot change. I wrote the following to help someone with a different device, but just change "Ventris" to "XR18" and it all applies. ************************************************** In Global Settings>MIDI/Tempo, set "MIDI PC SEND" to OFF. This prevents Helix from sending it's default PC# when you load a Preset. In CommandCenter, assign "Instant Command 1 (IC1)" - the first lightning bolt - to the Ventris PC# (Program Changes/Presets) that you want to use for each Snapshot. Read the Ventris manual. They may be numbered 0-127 or 1-128. EDIT: Helix is numbered 0-127. When you load a Helix Preset, any and all commands assigned to ICs in the Snapshot that loads by default will automatically be sent. By default, Helix and most MIDI devices communicate on either MIDI Channel 1 or ALL channels (OMNI). Helix communicates on MIDI Channel 1 (BASE) by default. Set the Ventris to communicate on MIDI Channel 1 (unless you've changed the BASE channel in Global Settings>MIDI/Tempo). This way, if you add other MIDI devices later, you can set them to different channels and specify which device you're sending commands to by being specific about it in Command Center. When setting commands in Command Center, BASE is the default MIDI Channel. Leave Bank CC00/BankCC032 at their defaults. These are used to change BANKS in devices that have more than 128 presets. Here's the tricky part: Once you've assigned a PC# to an IC in a Snapshot, it will stay on the last called PC# until specifically changed by another Snapshot, then it'll stay there until changed again. If Snapshot 1 IC1 is assigned to PC#5, and you switch to Snapshot 2, Ventris will stay on Preset #5 UNLESS you assign IC1 to a different PC# in Snapshot 2. If SS2/IC1 is assigned to PC#79, and you move from SS1 to SS2 and then to SS3, SS3 will still be using PC#79.So if you want all Snapshots to be PC#5 except SS3, assign IC1 to PC#5 in ALL Snapshots EXCEPT SS3, and assign IC1 in Snapshot 3 to a different PC#. Remember that the Helix Preset will load with the Snapshot that was active when the Preset was last SAVED. If, in Global Settings>Preferences, you have Snapshot Edits set to Discard, don't forget to SAVE the Preset after each Snapshot Edit BEFORE moving to the next Snapshot. That said, check each Snapshot to be sure it does what you want. Hope that all makes sense.

Sounds like unrelated issues. With the switching cable disconnected at both ends, is it all good? If so, does changing channels manually work right? Are you using the correct (TRS) cable? Are the amp's channel switches correctly configured?

Like I said, size of the club matters as much as the type of PA. In a small club, the instruments least in need of PA support are the drums and bass. The instruments most in need of restraint are the guitar and drums. It's all about balance. The ability to attain that balance in any given venue situation is a sign of a band's professionalism. Nobody can say what you should have done at that gig, but what seems most obvious is that you need to have a band meeting devoted to how to handle this sort of thing in the future.

You're both right. If the PA is low wattage and has little crappy speakers you don't want to mix the bass with the vocals, you won't get the best of either. If you've got a high powered system, WTH does he think is happening on a big stage with everybody mic'd? However, at a small club (size is relative), you should probably be using a bass amp and letting the small club PA be dedicated to the vocals.

You need a splitter to get true stereo.

Another thing you could try would be to set the Volume Knob to control PHONES only (Global Settings), use a TS from the Phones Out for your amp return, and use the Left/MONO out for FOH. If it works (could be a problem with level to the amp return) that would eliminate the drawbacks I noted in my previous post.

Assuming that you're using L/Mono Out into your amp, create a split at the end of your chain. That Out will be SEND L/R. Further assuming that, since you're going to a MONO return on your amp, you're NOT running any stereo effects, a simple TS cable connected to the SEND output will get what you're after. The drawbacks are that you'll need to sacrifice a block for the send, and because unlike the L/MONO Out, the SEND (I'm pretty sure) isn't balanced, you'll need a DI box to go to FOH.

In Global Settings>MIDI/Tempo, set "MIDI PC SEND" to OFF. This prevents Helix from sending it's default PC# when you load a Preset. In CommandCenter, assign "Instant Command 1 (IC1)" - the first lightning bolt - to the Ventris PC# (Program Changes/Presets) that you want to use for each Snapshot. Read the Ventris manual. They may be numbered 0-127 or 1-128. EDIT: Helix is numbered 0-127. When you load a Helix Preset, any and all commands assigned to ICs in the Snapshot that loads by default will automatically be sent. By default, Helix and most MIDI devices communicate on either MIDI Channel 1 or ALL channels (OMNI). Helix communicates on MIDI Channel 1 (BASE) by default. Set the Ventris to communicate on MIDI Channel 1 (unless you've changed the BASE channel in Global Settings>MIDI/Tempo). This way, if you add other MIDI devices later, you can set them to different channels and specify which device you're sending commands to by being specific about it in Command Center. When setting commands in Command Center, BASE is the default MIDI Channel. Leave Bank CC00/BankCC032 at their defaults. These are used to change BANKS in devices that have more than 128 presets. Here's the tricky part: Once you've assigned a PC# to an IC in a Snapshot, it will stay on the last called PC# until specifically changed by another Snapshot, then it'll stay there until changed again. If Snapshot 1 IC1 is assigned to PC#5, and you switch to Snapshot 2, Ventris will stay on Preset #5 UNLESS you assign IC1 to a different PC# in Snapshot 2. If SS2/IC1 is assigned to PC#79, and you move from SS1 to SS2 and then to SS3, SS3 will still be using PC#79.So if you want all Snapshots to be PC#5 except SS3, assign IC1 to PC#5 in ALL Snapshots EXCEPT SS3, and assign IC1 in Snapshot 3 to a different PC#. Remember that the Helix Preset will load with the Snapshot that was active when the Preset was last SAVED. If, in Global Settings>Preferences, you have Snapshot Edits set to Discard, don't forget to SAVE the Preset after each Snapshot Edit BEFORE moving to the next Snapshot. That said, check each Snapshot to be sure it does what you want. Hope that all makes sense.

4cm. Put the FX Loop and the HXS preamp on the same footswitch, saved with one ON one OFF, so that hitting the switch toggles them. You need Helix Floor or Helix Rack. With HXS you can have 4cm on two of your amps, OR Stereo on one, but then you're out of physical loops, and you've already used 2 of your 6 available blocks.

Grew up on Staten Island, live in Colorado now.

Yes. See page 29 of the manual. Yes. In front or in an FX Loop (SEND/RETURN). See page 28 of the manual. Yes. You'll probably want to use an FX Loop (SEND/RETURN). See page 28 of the manual.

You should check out the thread over on TGP, where Doug has been an active participant, answering questions including those that arose from the video.

According to an article in Consumer reports, if you suffer from Zombie Finger and don't have a stylus handy, you can use a pork sausage. Just sayin'...... https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/06/zombie-finger-and-touchscreens/index.htm

I like the touchscreen, but I'm with ya on bluetooth. If Future-Helix had a touchscreen that, when you touched a device the scribble strips changed to the device parameters that could then be adjusted using the rotary stomp switches - oh, wait, then it would be copying the QC......no, HXFX kinda does that already, just needs rotary switches, but that would be copying........darn those pesky lawyers! FREE THE UI! BEST PRACTICES RULE!