rd2rk

The Channel Volume on the Amp can affect the tone by changing the levels that the effects that come after the amp see. The best thing to do is change the Output level at the very end of the chain or, if it's a mono preset, add a gain block at the end.

If you've gotten your second MIDI cable, plug your FCB into your Presonus (INS to OUTS, OUTS to INS), fire up the editor, open the sysex I sent and load it into the FCB. Be sure to follow all the directions, including holding down the DOWN pedal for at least 10 seconds to SAVE the sysex to memory. Then unplug the FCB OUT cable from the Presonus and plug it into the Helix. If you've got Helix -Global-MIDI - MIDI PC RECEIVE set to MIDI then you should be good. Works for me! Let me know.

I DL'd and installed the Cubase Elements 10 Trial. Helix is connected via USB. FCB is plugged into Helix. Everything works in Cubase. Pick a time when we can communicate without having to spend hours waiting for each others replies. We WILL get this working. EDIT: Might want to tell me what time zone you're in. I'm in Colorado, US, MST.

Correct.

I've got four possible ways to connect MIDI instruments to my computer - Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Interface (direct); FCB1010/UNO floorboard(thru);HX Floor(thru);DIN to USB Interface. Testing four devices - Seiko DS-250 Synth;Alesis eDrums;FCB1010/UNO;Helix. Using MIDIOX, testing each midi interface separately, no problems UNTIL I connect the interface that the eDrums are on. As soon as I connect (in MIDIOX) whatever interface that the eDrums are on, the endless data stream begins. It doesn't end until I disconnect (in MIDIOX) the device that the eDrums are on and clear the display. Using a VSTi MIDI Monitor in Reaper, no problems at all with any configuration, regardless of what MIDI interface I use for the eDrums. Conclusion: There's no problem with the Helix as MIDI Interface, with any MIDI device EXCEPT eDrums, and ONLY when monitoring with MIDIOX. Regardless of whether I'm using USB or DIN. MIDIOX has a problem with eDrum data, regardless of the interface used to connect the eDrums. Since your Beatstep is more like a drum machine than a synth, that could be the source of the problem. Why you're getting strange results in Mixcraft I can't tell you, as I don't have Mixcraft to test. If there's a free demo version of Mixcraft that isn't MIDI or VST crippled, I'll give it a try later, if for no other reason than that I've never used it (Reaper, Sonar, LIVE, Protools, Cubase another one I can't remember, but not Mixcraft - it'll be FUN!).

As you know, MIDI OX is not really supported. I've seen the Never-ending event stream with som controllers, not others. What exactly are you trying to control on the tablet? What controller are you using into the HX?

AND... for those who are interested, this feature request is already up for vote on Ideascale. So hurry up and VOTE!

OP's problem seems to have gone from "no distortion" to "dull and lifeless". I got nothing on that. Hoping to hear back from him on whether jonandtice's eq suggestions helped him out with that.

I believe that you are correct. It can SEEM that the amp's gain is affected if your amp's settings are all up high and increasing the Channel Volume overdrives something that follows the amp, or increases the volume such that the tone settings in one of those devices become more pronounced. Unfortunately, nowhere in the Helix manual is the Channel Volume fully explained. Some of that confusion could be from this passage: "If you're looking for a gritty boost for a solo, instead of adding a Distortion block, try assigning a footswitch to increase both the Mid and Channel Volume parameters of an Amp+Cab, Amp, or Preamp block" That could be taken to imply that Channel Volume affects the amp's tone, when what they're really saying is that by boosting the mids you affect the tone, and a slight Channel Volume boost helps it "cut through" for the solo. A better idea would be to increase the mids and add the volume boost at the output block so as not to affect the gain staging of any of the post amp effects. Hopefully, the next time the manual is updated (when v3.0 comes out is what I heard) they'll remedy this, as it causes much confusion.

Actually, I think it controls the amps output to the devices downstream - delays and whatnot, but you're correct that it's not part of the actual amp's gain staging. Some people use it to control final output, but it COULD overdrive the downstream devices. I COULD be wrong about that, but I don't think so. I use the final output block for preset leveling.

When you get your second midi cable, you'll need to have the FCB running thru the presonus to use the editor for the 2-way communication required. After we've verified that the sysex I sent installed and is working properly, THEN you can connect the single cable to the Helix, and we'll take it from there.

MIDIOX will also work, but since he's already got Cubase running, and he's a newb.....

Insert this on an audio track. Create a midi track with the FCB (it's interface - probably the Helix - in globals be sure that MIDI THRU is ON - or the presonus - whatever the fcb is plugged into) as input, the audio track (or midimonitor on the track, not sure how cubase names vst inserts). Both tracks probably need to be in record mode.

Didn't want to scare him!

Your amp doesn't have a proper effects loop. It has a line out, which would allow you to take your Fender amps/effects presets out to the HXS with the IR loaded, but there's no way to bring that back to the X2, which would be a waste anyway since you'd then be sending an IR of a guitar speaker back thru a different guitar speaker. You'd need a FRFR speaker or studio monitors to get the benefit of the IR. Sorry, it's just not gonna work. If you've already got the HXS, what do you need the X2 for? Trade it for a good FRFR speaker and be done with it! As for the best FRFR speaker, don't bother starting a new thread. Just search for FRFR here and/or over on GearPage. There's at least 20 existing threads covering every aspect of that topic!

Not sure what you're asking? If you're asking can a Fender Fuse preset be imported to HX Stomp, that would be a no.

To free up DSP, Click the Arrow (output block) at the end of the signal chain. From the menu select Path 2A. Cut/Past the looper and some other stuff from path 1A to the end of 2A. Move some stuff from the beginning over to the right. Now add your distortion. You might want to consider, rather than modifying the Factory presets, copy the ones you want to mod to a different bank and rename them, then mod them there. That way, if you hose it up, you've still got the original, you can start over!

I like it a lot! I have the older GT Pro (HSH) that is all maple. The newer ones have poplar "wings". Does it matter? Is there even enough wood there to make a difference? IDK. 6LBS. The only PITA is setting the intonation. No screws, push pull. The bridge can be set to "float", but the range is limited and the trem action is stiff. Unless you're fond of deep dives and pull ups, it's sufficient for it's intended purpose (vibrato). It stays in tune nicely, but those who claim that the Steinie bridges "never go out of tune" must have better drugs than me. Headless does take a bit of getting used to. They hang differently (especially the basses - I also have an XT-2), and when I first got it my hand kept flying off the end of the neck when I went down low quickly. Bobbin sniffers always change out the pickups, but they're just not real high output, and sound just fine to me. The "Steinberger" branded PUPS are based on the original EMG design. As a whole, it's very neutral sounding. A bit bright (tiny maple body), but neither tele nor LP sounding. It's own thing. If you get one, buy a couple extra sets of strings. I've never broken a string, but you won't find them at your local GC! You can get the OEM (Gibson) strings at SW and on Amazon, and D'Addario makes sets with slightly different gauges.

I asked because not all MIDI interfaces are capable of passing long sysex files. Either of your AIs should be fine.

Try it both ways. If YOU can hear a difference with the BIG KNOB turned down, you can always get a little analog mixer to put between the Helix and your speakers. I do that in my office setup just because the Helix is under my desk and it's more convenient to control the level from my desktop. Live performance, the BIG KNOB controls the level to my stage monitor and, at least at that volume level, I don't hear a difference.

The Helix doesn't show up in Device Manager/Sound,Video and Game Controllers? If it does, what driver version is it using?

-12db is good. What I get in both Reaper and Live. Leaves plenty of headroom before 0db which generally indicates the onset of digital clipping (AFAIK).

Question: What is the make/model of your soundcard/AI?

Two way communication is only required to use the editor. Your preset probably didn't work because of a Global settings mis-match. See previous post about that.