rd2rk

I just sent the following to the guy at InMusic/Headrush/Alto who gave me the initial info: "Sorry if it seems like I'm being obtuse or combative, BUT.... If the lack of a mic preamp is the ONLY difference, imparts no special tonal advantage, and both units are the same price, then other than the free advertising from the giant logo, I wonder what's the point of the Headrush FRFR-112? Being the same company, you certainly knew that the TS312 was on the way. Seems like a good way to give the Headrush brand a negative image, selling a lesser device for the same price? OR.... is there actually a voicing difference that you, personally, are unaware of? If there's someone there with a better explanation of what's going on here, you really should get them involved, because I'm 5 minutes away from returning this to Sweetwater and posting my experience on every music and guitar forum of which I'm a member (which is every one that matters). What gives?" ---------------------------- I imagine I won't hear back until Tuesday or Wednesday. I'm also going to let my Sweetwater rep know about it. If, in fact, this whole FRFR-112 thing is just a marketing scam, they're not going to get away with it. I'm not normally a vengeful person, but we deserve better than this!

So, if the lack of a mic preamp is the ONLY difference, imparts no special tonal advantage, and both units are the same price, then other than the free advertising from the giant logo, I wonder what's the point of the Headrush? Being the same company, they certainly knew that the TS312 was on the way. Seems like a good way to give the Headrush brand a negative image, selling a lesser device for the same price?

Actually, I'm feeling kinda burned. If the ONLY difference is that the FRFR-112 lacks mic preamps, I'd'a rather got the TS312 and had the additional functionality - without the giant Headrush logo. Does a mic preamp color the sound? Does using the 1/4" input on a powered cab like the TS series bypass the mic pre? Anybody know? I might buy the TS312, compare the two, and return the HR-112 to SW if I can't tell the difference.

FWIW - per Headrush/Alto support, the difference between the FRFR-112 and the new Alto TS312: "As mention in my previous email, The FRFR 112 is a full range/ flat freq response, ideal for monitoring and does not have any preamp built inside for microphone usage compare to the TS series from alto professional. That would be the difference between the two items." So, no built-in mic preamps means if you're using XLR, you need to set it to LINE. Otherwise, the only difference is the logo.

I use a Dunlop 535Q. Very adjustable for whatever sound you want. I'm selling it, and I'll never buy another Dunlop WAH. After not all that much use, the pedal action got floppy - couldn't leave it in a "cocked" position anymore. I looked for an adjustment, there wasn't any visible way to tighten it. I contacted Dunlop, and they generously offered to repair it for ONLY $75 (half the retail price), plus I pay shipping. I told them that that was outrageous, just tell me how to adjust it. They sent me directions to completely disassemble the unit (not a simple task), so that I could "try" tightening a strip of metal that goes over the axis rod. I could see that just by looking under the pedal, and it was as tight as it was ever going to get. In other words, THERE IS NO WAY TO TIGHTEN IT! I then looked at pictures of EVERY Dunlop WAH, THEY'RE ALL THE SAME! They sell millions of these things. Am I the only one who's ever noticed this flaw? Rant over.... It's going on Craigslist and I'll probably replace it with a Fulltone Clyde Deluxe. More expensive, not as wide a tonal range, but an obvious external adjuster for the pedal tension, and interesting buffer options. I've only ever used the Crybaby before the Helix, never tried it in a loop, because I don't want to be bothered adding a Loop to every preset.

Yes. Read the manual starting at page 35 - SNAPSHOTS>PARAMETER CONTROL

I'm pretty sure that you can't use the L6 Rack Floor Controller the way you described, but if all you want to do is allow the Guitarist and Bassist to control their own effects, you can use any old MIDI foot controller with standard MIDI barrel connectors. For instance, a Behringer FCB1010 can be picked up for $75 used. Just set up the Helix preset so that, for instance, FS1-5 control the Guitar effects, and FS7-11 control the Bass Effects. Set up switches 1-5 on the FCB1010 to Toggle CC#s 54-58. Make sure the MIDI Channels match (if the Helix Base Channel is 1, the FCB needs to be set to Channel 1). You're good to go! If you spend an extra $50 for the UNO Chip and ControlCenter Editor, you can even have the LEDs on the FCB reflect the ON/OFF status of the Helix effects! DISCLAIMER: I haven't tested this. If you're interested in this type of solution, let me know and I'll test it for ya'!

Glad I could help! Truth is, I don't really use it at all, I just know how. Before I had Helix, I messed around with computer based amp sims, controlling them from an FCB1010 and a couple of Korg nanoKontrols for the amp controls. MIDI is not rocket science, nor is it intuitive. But once you get the basics, you can apply them across whatever devices or software that you encounter. The hardest part, as you've discovered, is reading the manuals, which usually treat MIDI either as an afterthought (Line6), or as Quantum Physics (certain Roland and Yamaha synths). Potential uses for the MIDI implementation in Helix: Imagine that you're a solo artist, combining synths, sequencers and drum machines with your live guitar performances. Using Instant Commands, you could send preset changes to your synths, and start and stop sequences on any or all of them. You might use a VST Host such as Cantabile to create songs and setlists. You could, by selecting a single preset on the Helix, cause Cantabile to switch songs. Cantabile can then be programmed to send all of the Preset Changes to all of your synths and drum machines and start the song and play entire arrangements including sending further preset changes on all of the devices, including the Helix, without further intervention on your part. You could also change settings in any given device using the Helix Footswitches, even modify the pre-programmed arrangement within Cantabile (need a longer bridge to keep the people dancing? Repeat a section of the arrangement out of order? Cantabile is VERY powerful!). The only MIDI you can't send from the Helix is Sysex commands, useful for stuff that's way outside of anything I've ever contemplated. A simpler and very popular use is to control MIDI enabled devices such as the many excellent Strymon effects, placing them in the Helix loops. You could set the initial Strymon presets on multiple units, then use Snapshots to change those over the course of a song! There are composers who write entire symphonies using Synths and MIDI. Lighting rigs can be controlled by MIDI. Really, with MIDI, you're only limited by your imagination (and your budget!).

Like I said, I don't have the TS212, I have the TS210, and my perceptions are based on that. IMO, yes, the FRFR-112 sounds that much better for both guitar and bass. And yes, I spent considerable time playing guitar thru it before I sent the Helix in for service. While it's been in service, I've been using Native which, to me, sounds exactly like the hardware version, and sounds much better thru the FRFR-112 than thru the TS210.

DEEP BREATH! Midi is not for the faint of heart. First: What kind of computer are you using? IF PC, THEN - did you do this: From the manual, page 42: *NOTE: For USB MIDI operation on Windows computers, it is necessary to download and install the Line 6 HX Effects device driver, available from line6.com/software. There is no driver installation necessary for connecting to an Apple Mac computer or an iPad or iPhone mobile device. For connectivity with iPad and iPhone mobile devices, an Apple Camera Connection Kit USB adapter is required (sold separately). Next: Set both your HX and AA3 to the same Channel#. DO NOT rely on OMNI! All devices have the option, it doesn't always work as expected. You might also want to set your INSTANT COMMANDs and AA3 to a Channel OTHER than the HX BASE Channel. Not essential, but helps to avoid confusion as to whether YOU set the command (or forgot to set the channel when you set the command), or the HX is doing it's own thing. Next: I assume that you're connected to your PC via USB cable, and that USB is turned ON in GLOBAL/MIDI. Get a MIDI Monitor program (MIDIOX is free and the best for PC). Test to be sure that the HX is sending MIDI. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you did this: "In GLOBALS/MIDI set MIDI PC Tx = OFF - this prevents the HX from sending the default PC# on Preset Select In COMMAND CENTER, set an INSTANT COMMAND to the AA3 PC# (and the AA3 Channel) that you wish to call from that HX Preset - this sends the PC# of your choice to the AA3 on HX Preset Select." NOTE: The HX may also send CC#61 as it does on the Helix. Nobody knows why. It will also send any Toggling CC#s that you've assigned to regular footswitches. .........AND SAVED the preset in which you set the INSTANT COMMAND, when you select that preset it should send the PC# that you set in the INSTANT COMMAND. If you select a different preset, nothing will be sent UNLESS you've also set an INSTANT COMMAND in THAT preset. It's an either /or proposition. Once you've turned OFF PC Tx, you need to set INSTANT COMMANDs in every preset that you decide to use. The price of granular control vs Global Defaults. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ".......this deleted my entire preset, so I LOST ALL of the work I already did. !" After you've restored your lost preset, BACK UP your presets so that in the future, you just need to IMPORT the lost preset to restore it. "How do you clear or delete a snapshot ?" You're always going to have Snapshots. Whether or not they do anything depends on what you configure them to do. By default, the snapshots mirror the base preset, until you configure them otherwise. If you want to wipe all the changes you've made to a snapshot, you could copy and paste over it with the base preset (Snapshot 1). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- YOU CAN DO THIS! IT'S DO-ABLE! It's a lot like life - nothing worthwhile is ever easy!

Since I actually bought a FRFR-112, I sent their support a request for what's the diff info. The auto generated acknowledgement came from the parent company of both HR and Alto, InMusicBrands. Will post back if they reply.

Use Snapshots.

You know all the EQ problems that so many of us have a problem with? The Alto seemed to emphasize them. The Headrush does not. How these things (FRFR) speakers sound is, of course, highly subjective, YMMV. But, in my ongoing love/hate relationship with my Helix, the Headrush has been a major factor in my keeping it. Also... I'm actually a bass player. The Headrush sounds GREAT with both an ME50B plugged straight in, and the Helix bass presets, which didn't impress me thru the TS210, sound really good thru it! I'd been looking for a lightweight Class D amp, and not being impressed by what I was hearing at the ridiculous prices that are being asked. The Headrush and the Helix just might do the trick. Now, when and if the Helix gets back from service and the dropout problems are resolved, I just MIGHT be ready to rock again!

It's not surprising that there's no L6 speakers at music stores. They're relatively expensive. produced in relatively small quantities and, apparently, not really being pushed by Yamaha. Their new Powercabs haven't even been released yet, and will be a while getting into stores, if ever. That there are no Altos makes less sense, because they're relatively cheap and very popular with DJs. Heck, you can even get them in DENVER at GC! Headrush has just been released, and is pretty specifically meant to be used with modelers, so you may NEVER see them in stores. However, if there's no Yamaha, QSC or JBL, I've gotta wonder - just what the heck DO the music stores in Nashville sell for PA and DJ use - PEAVEY? I'm currently very happy with my Headrush, which replaced an Alto TS210. I bought the Headrush from Sweetwater. If I didn't like it I'd've returned it in a heartbeat. SW is REALLY GOOD about that. GO FOR IT! Whadaya got to lose?

The male version of the TaTa effect?

Really? This AGAIN? What's this, the 5th or 6th thread you've started on this subject? MODERATOR.......!!!

"Let me start with, I got my HX Effects about 2 months ago. While I love many things about it, there are some frustrations I've had too. Especially trying to use the HX as a simple, MIDI control and effect system. When I was told about the HX it sure sounded like it could deliver on my basic needs of great effects, without built-in Amp Sims, CHECK, The ability to use the Atomic Amplifire ("AA3") Or other 3rd party Modelers as my Amp sounds, CHECK, and what I thought would act as the MIDI controller to have the AA3 change presets a.k.a different amp tone, after stepping on a preset switch on the HX. As an example if I press preset 1A, the effects on the HX are added, and via MIDI the AA3 changes to the specific amp tone. Instead of having to choose amp tones (presets) on the AA3 manually, like I do now! A pIan !" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I don't have the HX, I've got the Helix floor. I just had a quick look at the HX manual, and MIDI functions look to be the same. So based on what I've just read, and if I get what you're trying to do, it's going to be about the same as what I do with my Helix and various amp sims. In GLOBALS/MIDI set MIDI PC Tx = OFF - this prevents the HX from sending the default PC# on Preset Select In COMMAND CENTER, set an INSTANT COMMAND to the AA3 PC# (and the AA3 Channel) that you wish to call from that HX Preset - this sends the PC# of your choice to the AA3 on HX Preset Select.

Indeed, different animals. My only purpose in comparing them was to point out that THE FIZZ in the Helix that so many complain about is not a necessary component of amps modeled in the digital realm. For me, it's the sort of thing that tends to disappear in a mix, live or recorded. It's just SO annoying when I'm sitting around noodling by myself, which is mostly what I do these days on guitar. BUT...I just got a call from someone I haven't played with in years, looking for a bass player for some loosey-goosey jamming! I'm excited! I'll get a chance to see how the Helix bass amps sound through my new Headrush 112 in a live setting! OH BOY!!!

+1 on the "READ ME FIRST" idea (Idiot's Guide to Basic Tone Design"). Still, the "FIZZ" (in some quarters known as "That L6 Sound"), would better be removed than providing another cheat sheet that nobody will read. How about a new effect called "FIZZ KILLER"? (insert tongue-in-cheek emoticon. Hey, what happened to the emoticons? How can we possibly be expected to communicate digitally without emoticons?)

Like I said, he needs to cooperate with you and all the others who are trying to help him. As for S-Gear, you're a professional sound designer! I wouldn't expect you to think anybody's presets are totally awesome! The point I was making is that the S-Gear presets are inspiring without requiring a huge amount of tweaking to make them minimally useful. And the tweaks provided are intuitive to anyone who's ever used an amp - bass, mid, treble, presence. Switches to shift the tonal centers for the tone stack. There's some "deep" parameters for tweakers, and a 5 band EQ on one amp for the "Boogie" type sounds. All of which and more are in the Helix. Yet, I can throw together a simple and good enough for r'n'r preset in S-Gear in a few minutes that might take hours (or days, considering the ear fatigue factor) with Helix. Sure, once I've got it in Helix there's snapshots and a million effects that make the Helix such a great performance tool, but the learning curve is steep. OP might have a point that making it simpler to get the basics by engineering out the widely complained about "FIZZ" factor (not present in S-Gear) might add appeal to a larger market who just want to plug in and go! Is there ever such a thing as too big of a market?

This kind of helps make the OP's point. Why all of this complex EQing, just to get a simple rock'n'roll sound? At home, when I want to just plug in and play, I fire up S-Gear. Almost any of the factory presets are inspiring, whether thru my studio monitors or FRFR speakers, and other than the actual amp tone stacks, there aren't any EQs! Unfortunately, taking a computer to the local beer joint is not something I care to do, which is why I have the Helix. Between GD and Fremen I've got a lot of useful presets, and JS has some great ideas for creating good sounding presets from scratch. It could be that L6 needs to have a look at what S-Gear and the aforementioned after market and YouTube guys are doing and figure out how to create basic presets that sound good without requiring a degree in sound engineering and/or endless hours of tweaking. It's nice that Helix allows a dedicated sound designer to make presets that sound exactly like any artist or any song, but the large number of complaints similar to OP's indicates that there's a lot of users who just want to plug in, twiddle a coupla knobs and rock out! THAT SAID - OP's failure to cooperate with all the people here that have tried to help him is what's causing some of us to start thinking that he's an idiot troll.

"Presently, I have one that is being rented to me so that I can see if it is going to work for me before I put out 2000.00 dollars." If I was you (and you're not actually an idiot troll), I'd return that RENTED Helix and RENT something else. This is NOT a problem with Helix, it's just simply that YOU DON'T LIKE IT! Some people like Strats, some like Les Pauls. Different strokes. No point you having a stroke over it. Just move on!

FRFR means Full Range Flat Response. Full Range means 20Hz - 20kHz. Flat Response means you get out what you put in. Most powered PA speakers are Full Range. ALL speakers color the sound one way or another, so there's really no such thing as Flat Response. BEST is totally subjective. How much do you want to spend? Lot's of people use QSC, Yamaha and JBL. All pretty pricey. There are specialty speakers like Atomic and Friedman. Also pricey. Line6 just released a new series of speakers made specifically for this purpose. Two price points. Alto makes speakers like the above mentioned QSC, Yamaha and JBL. Very affordable. Headrush just released a new speaker made for modelers. Similar to Alto in design and price (same mfr) but voiced differently and more powerful. I had been using an Alto TS210, which sounded OK. I just got the Headrush 112, sounds MUCH better. If the money becomes available, I intend to try the new L6 speaker for comparison. Bottom line, there's no definitive answer to your question, just opinions. You'll need to research the options. Lots of opinions here and on Gearpage. Just saw Geetah's response. Add that to what I've said here. Good luck and have fun!

Can the unnamed app you're using on the unidentified phone be controlled via MIDI? Is there a hardware interface available for said phone that's recognized by the app? If you answered YES to all questions, then the answer is "MAYBE".

I bought into the "lifetime upgrades" scam that Gibson perpetrated on us. I was very happy that Bandlab had resurrected Cakewalk, but I want to see Bandlab's contributions to the product before I contribute to Bandlab. If they fix the bugs and add value in some significant way, I'll be happy to donate. The initial release still loses my MIDI routings and Control Surfaces, and still sometimes crashes when adding/deleting VSTs. These are problems I didn't have while I was trying out Reaper. The one real change I noticed was in the procedure for inserting "Soft Synth" tracks, and that has a bug! Not a good start, but It might have to do with the way it works with projects created with the original product vs projects created from scratch with the new version, I haven't gotten around to trying that yet.