rd2rk

I had a quick look at the User Guide for the Sample Rack. I can't imagine why you'd want to try to play this thing with your Helix. WRONG tool for the job. That said: In Helix Global/MIDI, note the Helix Base Channel Number. Turn MIDI PC Send/Receive OFF. Using a 5 pin MIDI cable, connect the Helix OUT to the SR IN. On the Sample rack, make sure that the MIDI Receive Channel matches the Helix Base Channel. Select a Kit. You MIGHT be able to send a PC# using an Instant Command (see below). Go to the MIDI area and see which MIDI Notes the TRIGGERS use to trigger what sounds in the kit. In Helix Command Center, set the buttons correspondingly. The User Guide that I found at the Alesis website gives virtually NO info about using Sample Rack with MIDI, other than a picture of a MIDI controller with drum pads connected to it. There's no info about whether or not you can change kits via MIDI (though it seems to imply that you can - start by sending PC# 001 to [MAX # of kits]), and since there's no default MIDI Note map, which appears to imply that Alesis thinks that all MIDI drum pad controllers use the same layout, which seems absurd. By looking in the MIDI area to see what notes the triggers send by default, you may be able to figure it out. Good Luck! Right tool for the job? Maybe one of those pedal rigs that keyboard players use with synths? Looks like the pedals on a Hammond Organ. Probably costs a small fortune. EDIT - using a VST Synth/Sampler with a computer would be pretty easy to set up. Took me a few seconds when I tested it.

https://www.cantabilesoftware.com/free-vst-host If you MUST use a MAC, he's been working on the MAC version, last I heard he was close to a BETA. The PC version is really good.

Cool! Though it seems like whichever method, FCB or Helix Loopback, that the mapping could get messy. I suppose each Preset in your gig setlist could be configured to lead to the next song's Preset, and you could have a saved SETLIST for each band you're in and every different show, and just change them every time the band/gig's setlist changes, and pray that the BL doesn't call a song out of order.....seems so much simpler to take 15 minutes before the gig to create a SETLIST in setlist order, and tell the BL that if he's gonna change the order he needs to give you a moment to get to where you need to be. I'm thinking that this has a very limited application. Nice to know that it can be done, but......

Unfortunately, unlike the FCB, which can send multiple messages with a single pedal press, the Helix will only send ONE message at a time, so the loopback trick won't really get it for you either. One nice thing about the FCB (if you've got the floorspace to use it), is that in addition to the 100 presets that you can set up to jump around in the Helix, you also get TWO additional Expression Pedals! GO CRAZY! EDIT - Should you decide to go with an FCB, be sure to get the UNO chip upgrade. You'll then have FIVE additional Stomp controllers and improved Expression Pedal action. And get the ControlCenter Editor, save your sanity when programming it!

How long are the cables that you're using? Under 20', shielded cables shouldn't add noise. There seems to be an issue with the Helix Send/Return loops adding noise that's resolved using the level settings. I don't remember the details, but there are a number of threads about it on here.

For UMC404 MIC Input 1 Helix INPUT Block blank (X) TIP from UMC404 Insert 1 => Helix Return 1 => Mono Return Block 1 => Helix effects => Mono Send Block 1 => Helix Send 1 = Ring from (to) UMC404 Insert 1 Helix OUTPUT Something you don't use, digital maybe? You could do this for all 4 mics on one preset. There's a template for it that gives you 4 separate signal chains.

By simple I'm guessing you mean "press this, then that". No. BUT... if you have a programmable midi pedal (such as the FCB1010) you can program it to send: CC#32 with a Value of 000-007 (Setlist 1-8) + PC#000-127 (01A-32D) + CC#69 with a Value of 000-007 (Snapshot 1-8). If you press the PRESET button, then select the Preset you want, the correct PC/CC#s and Values to program into your controller will show up at the bottom of the screen. Or, if you can remember CC#32 for the Setlist and CC#69 for the Snapshot , in GLOBALS, set Preset numbering to 000-127 instead of 01A-32D, then the PC#s will show up on the scribble strips. NOTE: I just tested this with my FCB1010. It worked, but you need to use PC5 to send the PC#, as that controller sends AFTER the CC#s. This will vary with the device you're using as a controller. Also, switching too quickly MAY crash the Helix. It only happened once in my tests, so it may have been an anomaly. Be sure to set PC RECEIVE to MIDI and make sure that the sending device is on the same MIDI Channel as the Helix Base Channel.

A) Yes. 128 B) Using Helix Edit, Export the existing IRs to a directory on your computer, then import them back when needed.

In old time hot rod terms, your supercharged engine is delivering so much torque to the rear wheels that the tires got no grip! So, if ya gotta have that Rat sound, you need an old strat or something with PAFs.

If you're SURE that your Setlist Presets were right at the time of the back up, and they were corrupted when restored, yeah, that's a BIG problem. Time to open a support ticket.

Guitar => HX IN => HX Comp/Drive => HX Loop1 Send => Amp Input => Amp FX Send => HX Loop1 Return => HX Univibe/Delay/Reverb => SPLIT => => PATH A => IR => HX FX Send 2 => PA => PATH B => HX OUT => Amp FX Return That might work! I don't have a HX FX, I have the full floor model, so maybe someone who has an HX FX could chime in? Formatting in this reply box is SUCH a PITA!

Guitar => HX IN => HX Comp/Drive => HX Loop1 Send => Amp Input => Amp FX Send => HX Loop1 Return => HX Univibe/Delay/Reverb => SPLIT => => PATH A => IR => HX FX Send 2 PA => PATH B => HX OUT => Amp FX Return That might work! I don't have a HX FX, I have the full floor model, so maybe someone who has an HX FX could chime in?

I saw the Tubes live back in the 80s when I lived in SF. Totally hysterical! They'd be SO not PC today! Also saw Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys. Talk about not PC! Good Times!

We just goofin' on ya!

Try restoring your setlist backup. You DID make backups, right?

No. The reverb and univibe come AFTER the amp. Keep in mind that you're only getting the PREAMP portion of your amp. If you want the sound of your amp's POWER amp in the PA, you'll need to get one of the reactive load type boxes, such as "Universal Audio OX Reactive Amp Attenuator with Speaker Modeling" ($1299). You leave off the HX Impulse, send the HX OUT to your amp's FX Return, and put the box between your Power amp and speaker You can then use the impulses in the box for the PA, and your guitar amp speaker cab for stage monitoring at whatever volume you need, with full crank tone. This is the PRO way to go. It's WAY expensive, but allows total control over the whole signal chain. You could just mic your amp. But, how loud do you need to get your amp in order to hit the "sweet spot"? Will the neighbors call the cops? Will the bar owner pull your plug? Between the OX BOX, your HX and your amp, you've got a very expensive rig with lots of pieces to carry around and setup/tear down. Or, you could return the HXFX in trade for a full Helix and forget the real guitar amp. In the immortal words of the great philosopher Fee Waybill: "What do you want from life? Well, you can't have that. BUT - If you are an American Citizen, you ARE entitled to...........and, a baby's arm holding an apple!"

Guitar => HX IN => HX drive/delay/comp => HX Loop Send => Amp IN => Amp FX SEND => HX Loop Return => HX reverb/univibe/Cab Impulse => HX OUT => PA

Just goes to show how subjective this all is. Elsewhere (Gearpage?) I've seen people rave about how accurate the Shiva is. As hideout said, modelers give you the sound of a modeled amp through a mic'd cab. The mics and cabs are themselves modeled. It'll NEVER sound EXACTLY like the real, amp in the room that you remember from years ago. Before you get all crazy with eq, try swapping out different mic and cab combos. Sometimes the most illogical seeming choice is the one that does it for your ears! Then use the eq to fine tune.

Which is where Native can be handy. If you record a dry track as well as a (Helix) effected track, you can route the dry track to a Native track (or several for that MASSIVE guitar sound) and do whatever you want with it. When you think you've done all you can with Native, you can use "post" processing effects to make your "perfect" Helix/Native track fit perfectly in the final mix.

If you want to use the Helix with your Fender amps (no fx loop), think of the Helix as a traditional pedal board. Don't use Helix amps or cabs, just use the fx. Running through your PA gets you into the realm of FRFR (Full Range Flat Response). In theory, FRFR systems are designed to not color the sound - what comes in is what goes out. In real life, however, it doesn't work out that way. Even if the amplifier section is clean, all speaker cabs color the sound to a greater or lesser extent. You didn't specify which Kustom Profile system you have, so I've no idea of the speaker configuration, but if you're a play-at-home/jam with friends only person it should be ok for starters. If you want to get the best out of the Helix and/or you play professionally, you'll definitely want a better system. L6 has just released the Powercab series. The Alto TS310/312 powered speakers are decent and affordable. The Headrush FRFR112 (what I have) is essentially a TS312 without mic preamps. Lots of people here use the Yamaha DXR10/12 series as well as the JBL EON and QSC K series. If you've got really deep pockets, there's other guitar specific FRFR solutions available (Friedman ASM12. Atomic CLR, others). Bottom line - what are your needs (amateur/pro) and how much ya wanna spend?

One of the very few joys of having a local GC is their returns policy......

To be honest, I've been somewhat underwhelmed by the Helix bass amps. They just sound dull to my ears. Then again, I haven't spent much time dialing them in, because I keep going back to my ME-50b! As far as your need for serious stage levels, the PV seems somewhat underpowered. Compare it's specs to the Alto TS315: Output Power: 2000 W peak (1300 LF + 700 HF) 1000 W continuous RMS (650 LF + 350 HF) LF Driver: 15-inch (381 mm) LF driver, 3-inch (76 mm) high-temperature voice coil HF Driver: 1.4-inch (35 mm) neodymium magnet HF driver with precision wave guide Crossover: 2 kHz Maximum SPL: 134 dB peak, 131 dB continuous (dB SPL @ 1 m) Frequency Response: 50 - 20 kHz (+/- 3 dB) Frequency Range: 43 Hz - 22 kHz (-10 dB) Horn Coverage: 90° H x 60° V nominal Equalization: Contour Switch Low and High Frequency +3dB Boost Connectors: (2) XLR/TRS 1/4” (6.35 mm) combo inputs, (1) XLR link output, (1) IEC power cable input Controls: (2) Volume, Power on/off switch, Contour switch, Ground-Lift switch Indicators: 2 x Power LED (front and rear), Clip limiter LED Protection: Electronic clip, Thermal and transducer overdrive protection Power Connection: IEC with Mains Fuse AC Voltage Input: 100,110-120,220–240 V, 50/60 Hz Enclosure: Trapezoidal, injection-molded, polypropylene enclosure, with perforated steel grille Mounting/Installation: 36 mm standard pole mount, Wall or ceiling mount using TSB125 bracket, Flown application with integral M10 suspension points, Wedge monitor Dimensions: (H x W x D): 25.7” x 16.6” x 15.4” / 652mm x 421mm x 392mm Net Weight: 41.3 lbs. / 18.8 kg. Design Origin: Designed and tuned in the USA Accessories: TSB125 Bracket, TS215 Cover A pair of these will run you $700. However, while the Altos will be a lot easier to deal with than your Markbass rig, that's a hard rig to beat with FRFR speakers!

Example: Path 1a - Input=Guitar Output=USB1/2 Path 2a - Input=MIC Output=USB3/4 Just as you now have guitar on 1&2, you should then have MIC on 3&4.

Download and install the Helix Editor. That installs the editor and the updater. Then open the Updater and select your device. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS to install the latest firmware.

Have you tried a factory reset? Helix Floorboard/LT 1. Holding footswitch 5+6 on boot restores Global parameters 2. Holding footswitch 7+8 on boot restores presets and setlists—THIS WILL OVERWRITE ALL USER PRESETS AND SETLISTS 3. Holding footswitch 8+9 on boot restores presets, setlists, and IRs—THIS WILL OVERWRITE ALL USER PRESETS AND SETLISTS 4. Holding footswitch 9+10 on boot restores presets, setlists, globals and IRs (restores factory bundle)—THIS WILL OVERWRITE ALL USER PRESETS AND SETLISTS 5. Holding footswitch 10+11 on boot will rebuild your presets in the latest loaded firmware 6. Helix can now restore by clearing only the current preset instead of wiping out all presets. While holding footswitches 11 + 12 7. Helix can now, after firmware 1.06.5, enter update mode manually by holding footswitches 6 + 12