Monsta-Tone

I just noticed that Mission has a specific Helix Expression Pedal. https://missionengineering.com/shop-2/products/expression/specific-use-exp/sp1-l6h/ My Expression Pedal has a 100K Linear Pot, and a Latching Switch. The Helix Expression Pedal has a 10K Linear Pot and a Momentary Switch. Guess I should pick one up and see if it works like I want it to. Does anyone here have experience with the Mission/Helix Expression Pedal and toggling between the Volume Pedal and Wah Pedal with the Toe Switch?

I have a Helix Floor. I have the built in Expression Pedal set up to toggle between Wah and Volume when I press the Toe Switch. I also have a Helix Rack (thank you my lovely wife for the Christmas present!) and Floor Control. I have a Mission Expression Pedal with Toe Switch that I plugged into EXP 1 and Toe Switch on the Floor Controller. I was wondering why it didn't work like the Helix Floor's Expression Pedal........ Then, the little candle came on over my head......Helix Floor's Expression Pedal is set up as Expression 2 when the Toe Switch is pressed....... Is there any way with the Helix Rack to use a single Expression Pedal in the same way as I have the Helix Floor set up? Also, from what I have read, there is no way to calibrate the external Expression Pedal. Is this still true with Firmware 2.71? Any help will be eternally appreciated.

If you change V1 plate resistor from 47K 1 watt to 59K or even 100K, you would be amazed at how much gain it has! There is a little bit of added noise if you go too high, and the lead channels are a bit noisier with OD pedals in front, but WOW! I have a TBR-1SL, S-120 2x12, Fandango 2x12, Venus 6 1x12, KR55, and an M60 2x10. That's a lot of Rivera amps for a Mesa tech..... I didn't get along very well with the Tre. I think the clean just isn't as good as the other amps. I gotta try the Helix with my S-120, but it is sounding so good with the TBR that I don't want to unplug it! I'm pretty sure that I got most of my noise issues worked out. I had to crank the Send on my amp and set the Output to my amp to Line instead of Instrument. Probably because the TBR has an input compensation circuit that is basically a boost pedal. Anyway....thank you guys! I would still like to know if the XLR Outs could be used as Humbuster. XLR to TS. Might have to just experiment a little bit tomorrow!

Thanks! I had a KR100, great amp, should be called, "The Loudest Amp On the Planet!" I have a KR55 now, but it has some internal noise issues. Lots of hiss at idle. I'm an amp tech and it's been driving me nuts for months, I just can't narrow it down. The TBR is basically channels 1 & 2 of your amp. It's not super high gain, but it does get crunchy. I have always used the Send and Return knobs in tandem with my Rivera amps. If the Return was on 4, then the Send was on 4. I don't know why I never thought about signal to noise ratio, but I discovered this week that if I keep my Send on 7 and just use the Returns as the overall master volume there is much less noise. I have a TC Sentry that I might try in front of the amp, but I hate the idea of using more external devices than I already do.

Even with the Ebtech Hum Isolator, I still have a fair amount of extra hiss and a slight hum. It is definitely not a deal breaker, but I would like to eventually record this setup and would like to eliminate as much noise as possible. So.....here are my questions: Question 1: All of the YouTube videos and threads on this forum mention using a Block for Send & Return to my amp instead of using Path 1A Send/Path 2A Input. I have a noticeably higher amount of hiss if I use a Block to Send/Return to my amp vs. using Path 1A Send/Path 2A Input. Is there a better way to do this that might be even more quiet? Question 2: Is there a Noise Gate Block, or are the only Noise Gates on the Inputs of Paths 1&2A? The Noise Gate on Path 2A Input kills the remainder of my hum and some of the hiss, but it definitely kills my sustain as well. Especially on Clean sounds. Is there a better Noise Gate built into the Helix? Question 3: Humbusters - Sort of...... I get it that the Humbuster thing is looked down upon on by some, but it really works for the Fractal stuff. Given that the XLR Outputs are "Balanced," can I use XLR to TS cables in a Humbuster configuration to eliminate even more noise? I have tried a 2nd Ebtech unit on the Returns of the amp. This did not change the noise at all. Question 4: Effects Blocks that are inserted into my amp's Loop all create more hum, hiss, or noise (depending on what Effect is used). For instance, Ducking Delay produces a higher amount of hiss and hum when engaged. All Effect Levels are currently set at their default 0.0db setting. Is there anything that can be done about this? So far, I am very impressed with the Helix! It is far easier to program from the unit itself than any Fractal product I have used. The only thing that I have that is as easy to program (from the unit) are my trusty old Digitech GSP1101's. Helix is definitely much more user friendly and better sounding than my old HD500X was as well! I just need a little bit of direction on how to get rid of the remainder of my noise...... Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I apologize if this topic has been beaten to death already, but I was unable to find exactly what I need to know through a search. I'm going to apologize for the length of this as well....... I just got a Helix. I've been using Fractal stuff for a while and wanted something that is easier to make changes to on the fly. Years ago, I had an HD500X. It didn't quite do what I wanted it to, so I moved to an FX-8. I am using my trusty old Rivera TBR-1SL stereo tube amp with my Helix. The amp is old (1990 or so) and has a little bit of built in hiss, but when I use the Helix, the hiss is exaggerated a bit and there is some hum that was not there with the FX-8. Here is my setup: Guitar --> Helix Input Helix Send 1 --> Ebtech Hum Eliminator (Channel 1) Ebtech --> Amp Input Amp Send --> Ebtech (Channel 2) Ebtech --> Helix Return 1 Helix 1/4" Outs --> Amp Return A & B (stereo amp) Here is my Signal Chain in Helix: Guitar --> Input Block Input Block --> Wah (Expression 2)(default position is OFF) Wah --> Minotaur (default position is OFF) Minotaur --> Volume Pedal (Expression 1) Volume Pedal --> Path 1A Output (Set to Send 1/2)(this is where my amp is inserted) Return 1 --> Path 2A Input (Set to Return 1) Path 2A Input --> 63 Spring Reverb (only ON for Clean Snapshots) 63 Spring Reverb --> Stereo Ducking Delay (only ON for Ambient or Lead Snapshots) Delay --> 1/4" Outputs Volume Knob is set to XLR Only - This was quite a tone sucker when set to 1/4" Outputs. Amp Switching is done via Midi, using an RJM Switch Gizmo.

That's a good idea! How many footswitches would we be able to assign the Mix to? I'm guessing only one? If there was a way to eliminate the loss of sound and have delay trails between presets/patches, none of this would matter.

Yes please!

Thank you. I will keep my eyes on the Helix. When this function is added, I'll definitely be getting one! It seems to have everything else I need. On the other hand.....if the M13 had more midi capability, it would almost be perfect for me. I like my HD500X, but it's a little more than I'll ever use. I do really like the midi functions on it though! Thanks again, and have a great day!

Thank you Line 6 for listening to your customers. It's really rare these days. Try getting TC Electronic to update the midi functions on anything....... That being said, I wouldn't even consider buying another Line 6 product until my question is answered. At some point, preferably sooner rather than later, will either the Helix or the HD500X be able to have discreet on/off functionality for individual effects? I play live mostly. The ability to turn a Chorus on with FS1, and then turn the Chorus off with FS2 would make it all worth it for me! This question has been asked by myself and others repeatedly, and not answered. I don't really care about recording, amp mods, etc. at this point. If I can do the following, I will buy a Helix. If not, I will keep looking. FS1 - My amp's clean channel with Chorus & Ducking Delay FS2 - My amp's clean channel with no FX (all FX turn off when FS2 is pressed) FS3 - My amp's dirty channel with no FX FS4 - My amp's dirty channel & lead boost with Delay It's as simple as that for me. I can use the other row of buttons to turn individual FX on or off as I need them. I will be using midi out to a Voodoo Lab Control Switcher to control my amp. Thanks! I do really appreciate everything you've done. I just need to make sure the Helix will work for me.

Not sure if this was answered yet, but I'm very interested in exactly this: I use my HD500x like a pedalboard. I don't use the amp mods, not that they are bad, I just really like my Rivera. I would like to be able to use Scenes (for lack of a better word) such as: FS1 - amp clean channel, ducking delay, chorus FS2 - amp clean channel, ducking delay off, chorus off, tube screamer on FS3 - amp dirty channel, no FX FS4 - amp dirty channel, amp lead boost, ping pong delay I would like to turn individual FX off when pressing one of the FS1-FS4 buttons. Sort of like having presets within a preset. This would make the Helix the best thing on the market for me and eliminate the need for seamless patch changes!

What can I say......There are many things that the HD is good at, and many things that it is not. Half the time I want to just give it away, the other half I actually feel inspired.

Help me vote for it! http://line6.ideascale.com/a/dtd/HD500X-Looper-Idea/754449-23508?submitted=1

Thanks guys! I'll submit it right now! I gotta admit, the Helix is making me think about selling the HD......

Is it possible to set the HD500X so that when it is in Looper mode the following happens: Bottom row of buttons works as it normally does in Looper mode Top row of buttons remains available to change FX states or send midi commands I am thinking that it would be much more versatile if I could change my tone in an easier fashion while in the Looper mode so that I can keep making layers of loops with different tones. If FS1 through FS4 were available, instead of just FS4, I could easily change amp channels on my Rivera, add Chorus, etc..

Here is a screen shot of the Mixer. I have moved the mixer to the front of the amp, and boosted the levels a bit. This helped a lot, but I feel the signal is a little bit too hot now. The amp is still lacking a little bit of warmth and depth, but the notes are very punchy and seem to be a little bit over emphasized. Here is a screen shot of the Controllers page. I am using the top row of buttons to turn FX on and off within the preset. The bottom row of buttons is sending Midi commands to the Voodoo Lab Control Switcher FS1 = Flanger & Dynamic delay FS2 = Phaser FS3 = Tube Drive or Screamer FS4 = Delay FS5 = Midi PC 001 (amp clean channel) FS6 = Midi PC 002 (amp dirty channel with no EQ) FS7 = Midi PC 003 (amp dirty channel with EQ) Switches on the HD are: Line/Stomp = Stomp Guitar IN = Normal 1/4" Out = Amp

Here is a screen shot of my FX page. I am using the top row of buttons to control different FX. I have moved the mixer to the front of the amp's input. I read about this setup in a thread here on this forum. It seemed to really help with some of the signal loss I am experiencing.

Hey guys, I have a gig this weekend on Oahu. I'll be flying in, so I'm taking my Mesa DC-3 combo instead of my regular amp, which is a Rivera K-Tre 55 combo. The DC-3 sounds phenomenal by itself. I've given it some serious mods, including a full set of Mercury Magnetics transformers and adding a choke. The DC-3 also has a Series Loop. I will not be using the HD amp sims. I like them, but simply like my amps much better. Here is my setup (using a Mogami 8 channel cable snake, configured with 1/4" TS connections and midi connectors): Guitar --> HD IN HD Send (TS cable, not TRS) --> Amp IN Amp Send --> HD Return Left HD Out Left --> Amp Return I have the HD configured to switch my amp's functions (channel and graphic EQ) via midi, using a Voodoo Lab Control Switcher. I have attached screen shots of the HD preset that I am using. I am only using one preset/patch because I want delay spillovers and instantaneous changes. The drop in sound a delays between presets drives me nuts. Here is my problem: The amp just sounds so much warmer without the HD. I have tried the DC-3 with pedals in front of and in the loop of the amp, and it sounds great. When I add the HD into the equation, I loose gain on the lead channel (as well as bass), and the clean channel gets thin and brittle sounding. I am guessing that this is a Levels issue, or possibly a TRS/TS cable issue on the front of the amp. I do not think that my issue is completely in the front end of the amp because I have tried using the HD in the Loop of my amp only and I still just don't like what it is doing to my sound. Any help would be greatly appreciated, and thank you in advance. I will attach screen shots of the HD Edit software so that all of my settings are easily seen.

Yes.....except....... There is a glitch between preset changes, drop in output for a second, and no delay spillovers. This is completely unusable in my situation. If I go from a clean patch with mild delay to an overdriven patch with no delay, the change is incredibly abrupt. I am trying to find a work around for this issue.

That's kind of what I'm trying to do as well, at least with 2 scenes. Another thing that would be really cool is to be able to run my amp in parallel with an amp sim. For instance, if I wanted to use an Uber or SLO sim and have my K-Tre (instead of another amp sim) on at the same time in parallel. Just the fact that we all have so many different ways of using the HD is a great testament to it's versatility! There must be thousands of ways to configure it. That alone sets the HD far above the TC gear. Hopefully this is something that can be implemented with no hardware updates, so we wouldn't have to buy the newest version when it comes out.

I think that would be perfect as well. I was just trying to think of a work around for the drop in sound when changing Presets. Some of the songs my band plays have 5 or 6 dramatic changes in sound. I'm the only guitar player, so it's very noticeable if my sound disappears for a second. I'll definitely vote for Delay Spillovers! Do you think that the drop in sound can be overcome with the current hardware?

Thanks for the links! I'm waiting for authorization to look at them. I honestly think that if we could have Scenes within a Patch, with delay trails, then this would be the ultimate floorboard processor! Nothing else even comes close to it's functionality for the price. The G-System is too big and takes too much time to dial it in. Plus, it doesn't have the built in EXP pedal.

I've been programming and playing an HD500X for a few weeks now. I really like how versatile it is! I'm using it with a Rivera K-Tre reverb combo in 4CM. I have noticed a little bit of tone suck, which is probably easily fixed by adding a buffer or EQ at the beginning of my FX chain. I do not use the amp models yet, although I was just reading about some of the new ones coming out and they have my interest. Here is my setup: Guitar --> HD IN HD Send --> Amp IN Amp Send --> HD Return Left HD Output Left --> Amp Return Here is my FX chain: Wah --> Colorful Chorus --> Tri Chorus Screamer Tube Drive FX Loop Noise Gate EQ Dynamic Delay Analog Delay w/mod In an effort to combat the dropout of sound and delay trails when changing Patches, I am trying to use Presets within a Patch. For instance: Button 1 = Clean amp channel, Chorus ON, Dynamic Delay ON Button 2 = Clean amp channel, Chorus OFF, Phaser ON, Dynamic Delay ON Button 3 = Dirty amp channel, all FX OFF Button 4 = Dirty amp channel, Analog Delay ON, EQ ON I know this is not entirely possible yet, but I am hoping there is a work around or a firmware update that might address this if it is possible. I currently am using the buttons like this, but it would be much easier to be able to just press one button: Button 1 - Clean channel CC, Chorus ON, Dynamic Delay ON Button 2 - Screamer Button 3 - Tube Drive Button 4 - Dirty channel CC, Analog Delay ON Any help would be greatly appreciated, and thank you in advance. I posted this on The Gear Page, but I thought I might go directly to the source and post it here as well.