rd2rk

There's definitely something wonky going on with the 3NoteGen. I've tried a dozen different configurations - using multiple 3NG blocks, one block and Snapshots, various configurations of the 3NG blocks.... Some configurations work with the Swell FX, some work sometimes. My favorite so far was when I set up three 3NG blocks, C-E-G, all Osc on each set to the one note (C,E or G), same octave, all Osc settings identical, + AdSwell. All blocks played thru the AdSwell - but which ones played depended on which buttons were pressed AND THE ORDER THEY WERE PRESSED IN! Sometimes none would play, sometimes all, sometime 1 but not 2 and 3, sometimes 2 and 3 but not 1, sometimes 1 and 3...... entirely at random! Sometimes a note would play consistently on consecutive presses, but if you waited a few seconds between presses it wouldn't play. At one point I got frustrated and started rapidly pressing combinations at random and one of the buttons switched itself from Momentary to Latching and got stuck in the ON position. Yet it was still working as Momentary, just backwards! Just for kicks, I set up a preset with only MIDI Notes C-E-G and pointed it at my Synth plugin in Sonar. Ain't got no problems like Helix 3NG can't seem to handle! If you REALLY NEED this function, I suggest you get with Support. I've had my Helix for over 2 years, this is the buggiest thing I've ever seen!

Don't use OMNI, use a specific channel other than the BASE channel. If the PK-5A is on Channel 1, either change it to Channel 2 or change the BASE Channel to Channel 2. Set MIDI over USB ON, MIDI THRU ON.

I tried this with the Adriatic Swell, no output problem. The default settings are subtle. Try cranking the feedback, mix, threshold and attack. Of course, I don't know what you're after, and it's not really my thing, but randomly tweaking those settings definitely made a difference, so it's not a "bug". Attached preset.

I run the MIDI from my eDrums into the Helix. MIDI over USB ON, MIDI THRU ON. No problems. Are you using your Roland on the same MIDI Channel as the Helix Base Channel? Try changing the Roland to a different channel, could be that there's no MIDI MERGE happening.

While that IS the simplest way to change channels, using midi allows for the saving of complete amp presets. More complicated, but much more powerful.

Turn Globals/MIDI/PC SEND = OFF In Command Center use an Instant Command to select your desired Preset

"I just simply can't!" Can't what? I don't have a H&K, but had a quick look at the manual. It SX! I found a YouTube video that seems pretty straight forward. Here's a decent explanation of the programming: Here's how you use 4cm: Guitar>Helix Guitar IN>FX Blocks>Helix Preamp Block (if used)>Send/Return Block>Helix Loop SEND>H&K INPUT>H&K FX Loop SEND>Helix Loop RETURN>FX Blocks>Helix(Left/Mono) 1/4" OUT>H&K FX Loop RETURN. Remember to set up your Presets/Snapshots to turn the Helix Preamp and SEND/RETURN Blocks On or Off depending on whether you want to use the H&K or Helix Preamp. H&K Preamp = Helix Preamp OFF - Send/Return Block ON Helix Preamp = Helix Preamp ON - Send/Return Block OFF In the manual, I don't see the Serial Switch you mentioned. Leave it in whatever position works. If I've misunderstood your problem, please provide more detail.

1) Nice to know I can use my cheap old passive Pyle DI instead of buying a blocker 2) Whatever out I send to FOH, it's at the default (0.0db?), since the Big Knob is set to the out that goes to my stage monitor 3) Since the FOH guy is more than likely gonna FIU anyway, it shouldn't matter that I'm using a $30 Pyle DI vs a $100+ Radial 4) see 1,2 & 3 So, 1/4" out, Inst level (line if FOH needs more signal), Big Knob set to XLR, XLR to my powered stage monitor, good to go. I haven't played a big enough gig to have my bass into FOH in a long time, but good to know!

Thanks! More DIY than I wanted, but good to know about!

You're playing barefoot on stage?

You're right, I didn't notice that. Would require something like this: http://www.primovasound.com/midx_20.html to make it work. EDIT: Where did you see a midi host for $30? I want it!

And therein lies the devil in the donut shop. "Sorting it all out" is fun for Linux fans, but the reason that most musos use Windows and Apple is that someone else already sorted it out for us. Not that our systems don't have problems, but getting the basics up and running doesn't require a lot of technical reading on subjects that differ from distro to distro. And the community of users willing to help out is HUGE! Don't get me wrong, if it works for you, great. But every time I've looked into it (going back to mid 90s, and I'm a former IT guy), my takeaway is always "STILL not ready for prime time!" When a non-technical user can install any major DAW or standalone audio program he wants and be up and running in a couple of hours, I'll dump Windows in a heartbeat! The reason that ain't ever gonna happen is inherent in the heart of Linux - the OpenSource model. There's no money in writing SW for Linux that would create a market for it, and the difficulty of using what the community creates further restricts the market to people who like to tinker with the internals and SW idealists. Nothing wrong with that, it's just not a commercially viable model. Trust me when I say that I WISH it were different- every time MS does a major update I'm holding my breath.......!

I must be missing something. 1) use a phantom power blocker (unless the DOD does this and OP is trying to avoid buying a PPB?) 2) how would that ever be an issue with direct from Helix XLR at mic level, big knob assigned to 1/4"? 3) bad FOH guy can FU a free lunch! 4) see 2 What exactly is OP trying to accomplish?

What's the context? If you're IN a HXFX Preset and using the Command button to send a PC to an external device/sw that will work to turn the light ON/OFF, but every time you hit the switch it will send the PC, regardless of whether the light is on or off at the time. EDIT: You deleted the message that this was a response to Maybe if you described EXACTLY what it is (apart from turning the light ON/OFF) that you're trying to accomplish?

If you're sending a PROGRAM CHANGE Message, the message is sent, but the light goes out because you're not actually selecting a Preset in the HXFX. It only stays on if you're selecting a HXFX Preset in Preset Mode.

What exactly are you trying to send? If you are sending a MIDI NOTE message, setting the NOTE OFF parameter to MOMENTARY will produce that behavior, as when you PRESS the button it sends NOTE ON, and when you RELEASE the button it sends NOTE OFF. Setting that parameter to LATCHING will Send NOTE ON, but won't send NOTE OFF until you press the button a second time.

HUH?

In Globals/MIDI, turn OFF "MIDI PC Send".

I've just been having a closer look at the manual for the Source Audio Soleman: https://media.americanmusical.com/ItemFiles/Manual/SOR_SOLEMAN_manual.pdf https://smile.amazon.com/Source-Audio-Soleman-MIDI-Controller/dp/B01IO4YQUS/ref=sr_1_15?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1540327848&sr=1-15&keywords=midi+foot+controller This is a very interesting unit that I somehow never saw before. If it's not too big - 10.5x3.5 - it could be your solution! I might have to get one myself!

The problem that you're always going to run into where size is concerned is that your needs call for at least 7 buttons, or 4 and a Bank switch. Unless you have teeny tiny feet, there needs to be a significant space between the buttons. That doesn't change with a DIY solution. The McMillen is 18 inches long and 4 inches wide, much smaller than the FCB, but still not tiny. How do they fit 10 buttons and a directional pad and still allow for control via normal adult size feet? Soundog's button mod sounds workable, and the McMillen website has a picture of the unit being run over by a car, so it may be sturdier than it looks! That may be your best bet. But, if real estate is as scarce as you indicate, you may be S.O.L. As far as extra footswitch inputs go, that's what the MIDI input is for. With the stock FCB, that provides the potential equivalent of 100 additional footswitches! Plus 2 expression pedals (potential of 4 total with the 2 HX connections) and amp channel control switches. That's a lotta control! If you can live with only being able to call 3 of your 4 presets from your external controller, here's another posibility: https://smile.amazon.com/Logidy-UMI3-MIDI-over-Controller/dp/B002YL81RW/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1540327848&sr=1-2&keywords=midi+foot+controller Programmable via app, and 2 can be used at once, giving 6 buttons and 2 exp pedal inputs. Total footprint 12"x3". Another FCB/Mcmillen alternative: https://smile.amazon.com/Source-Audio-Soleman-MIDI-Controller/dp/B01IO4YQUS/ref=sr_1_15?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1540327848&sr=1-15&keywords=midi+foot+controller Has editor app, 10.5"x3.75" Coming soon to a Bio-Tech clinic near you! MIDI control via Brain Implant! :-) Maybe not, but why not a heads up display? Go all Top Gun! I'm getting silly now..... Good Luck!

The Audiofront stuff looks good, but only one has 5pin connectors, and that has only 3 inputs. I can't find the user guide, and after installing the app it appears to do nothing without a device connected. It would be good for controlling the 3 extra blocks, but with 4 snapshots.....I also had a quick look at the forum, and I see no indication (again, I can't find the user guide) that it supports Bank Change messages, or the ability to send multiple messages with a single button press. That means that you'd have to first select the Preset on the HXFX before you could send a CC through the Audiofront to change the snapshot (lots of tap dancing) and again, only three inputs. That device alone is $139, and by the time you buy the buttons it's getting pretty expensive and still won't do what you want. If you like to tinker, soundog's suggestions are quite do-able. Personally, while I could handle the programming, I'm hopeless with a soldering iron. Then, after you've built the board and programmed it, there's the problem of a sturdy enclosure.... The McMillen Softstep is worth looking into, smaller than the FCB, highly programmable. But a while back I had a quick look at the manual. It didn't look easy, and I don't trust the buttons. I wish someone would gift me one so I could check it out.... :-) On the other hand, I've been using the FCB/UNO for almost 15 years, and I can tell you positively that it will do everything you specified and more. Plus you get 2 free expression pedals! I could even provide you with an example sysex to show you how to set it up, programming is that easy. The only real problem (apart from the size) could be that while the HXFX has 128 presets, the FCB/UNO is limited to 95, configured in 19 banks of 5, plus the 5 "Stomps" which send the same messages in every bank. Do you really need more than 95 presets?

Has inputs for expression pedals, but doesn't send CCs via the buttons, therefore does little more than change programs. and so fails OP's basic requirements.

If you read this whole thread, you know that all of this has been discussed ad nauseum. This thread got really ugly. The prime movers have apologized. I hope that, rather than continuing to beat this dead horse, you'll take part in this "thread redirection": THANKS!

Why is it that people can't post an opinion without insulting others? It appears that even if mod locks this thread, it's just going to pop up again. PLEASE people, try to post your opinions without attacking others in the community! Maybe, as a community, we should start a campaign of always responding to these kind of posts with a "Be Nice!" message. Of course, then we'll be attacked for being overly sensitive. Thread redirection: Anybody have any POSITIVE suggestions for how this community can deal with the problem of rampant rudeness? Or are we doomed to be no more than a reflection of the problems we're seeing in society as a whole? Someone remind me why I quit doing drugs?

The best combination of price, programmability, and dependability, is going to be the FCB1010 with the added UNO chip and ControlCenter Editor. There are others, some more powerful, but for your stated needs, The FCB is more than enough. With the UNO mod and editor, you're looking at $200 NEW. They're almost always available used on eBay for less. Don't be put off by detractors who say that it's hard to program. With a basic understanding of MIDI, the UNO chip and the ControlCenter Editor it's a piece of cake. The biggest drawback to the FCB is size. the 2 expression pedals make it longer than the Helix, so if floorspace is limited that could be a problem. If the FCB doesn't get it for you, keep in mind while you're researching alternatives that any device without a SW editor is going to be a PITA.