rvroberts

Download the current manual. (v2) Read up on snapshots.  Turning on and off pedals is simple - you just set it to on or off and save the snapshot - if it's the first save of that device for that patch you will then have to go to each snapshot and save the state.  Parameters (like gain or delay time or whatever) on pedals, amps etc require you to make them snapshot aware - its a setting - easy to follow in the manual, hard to describe - or YouTube it! Just about every problem I'm seeing lately has a video or is really clear in the manual.  But that's your problem - you have not set it for saving  in a snapshot.

Hey guys, I can't help with you problem as it it exists, but I suspect illegal naming.

I don't know this for sure, but I suspect you can't name things with symbols like + & ! # etc on the Helix itself?

You are doing that with the editor - am I correct?

If so, its just a typical computer - these characters are illegal - that's because they have programming applications and the Helix is seeing them as some form of expression it can't resolve.

Just a guess, but if you rename them in your backup and then do a full reinstall I suspect your problems are solved. 

Hi DustyF92, I'd give the Mackie a go.  But definitely read all the stuff about setting up global EQ and at stage type volume.   Don't get any preconceived ideas though about hi and low frequency rolloff. You will definitely need both. but as you volume goes up, you may well find you need to be a bit more drastic than you expected before it starts to sound like something you might expect to hear from a guitar amp.  I'm using a pair of Berhinger B112 which is a very similar self powered speaker, and with a bit of careful adjustment, I'm getting a stage sound that feels really good to play, and seems to work really well sent to front of house.  I'm not convinced that the Line 6 stuff is going to do a significantly better job (I know well respected sound guys who think they are over rated as sound reinforcement) - just might save you some of the need to spend quiet as much time tweaking your sound to start with - but that took me 2 hrs in a studio and I've made a few slight adjustments to a few sounds since - and I was a total valve guy till I got the Helix.  If I was going to spend a whole lot more money, I'd be more likely to look at some of the guitar oriented FRFR boxes mostly because they try to do things like use dual concentric speakers, so you have less of an issue with a crossover to a horn. (not that that is actually really causing much of an issue in practice).

Bottom line is on a noisy live stage with whatever weird bounce and room sound we all have to live with all the time, I think you'd be hard pressed to hear a real difference.  Wedge style boxes pointed at where you are standing so you can hear yourself really well and sounding good, for me, beats some loud back line that I can't hear properly and is driving the sound guy nuts!

Thanks Guys,

Regalpierot, you got me thinking there - I'm sometimes using Mainstage on my laptop - the extra flexibility of the iPad solution is interesting. Sounds like a nice practice solution anyhow.

Cruisinon2 - I've never even tried the 500X - I guess it's time I did. The picture I get of the Amplifi is its for hobby players - so taking it live is probably asking too much.

I still want to give the FlyRig a go though as its still the really simple fix if it works - its like Regalpierot's 4 get out of jail free sounds with no fuss.  And if I got a 500X, I'd have to use it mostly that way anyhow, because I could never find my way around a full show worth of sounds like I've got on the Helix now.  But I'll give one a try, as it is possibly a more flexible and cost effective solution if its not too big a step down from the Helix.

Thanks everyone - any other practical suggestions taken gladly - small and compact - can just go in the same case as the Helix would be great!

OK, let me ask my question another way. I started my first post with a few backup rig suggestions and what I was hoping was to get some feedback on those and/or another suggestion I was not considering.

Some guide lines-

I run a stereo pair of FRFR speakers, so I'm happy that in that area the worst I will get is mono if one of them goes down.

And size is a second factor. I'd like some thing small that can feed the FRFR boxes.

So I suggested Amplifi FX100 or sans amp fly rig.

Either of those sound like a "lite" version of my Helix rig. The Blu amp someone suggested wouldn't work as its a 100w amp, it's not really designed to feed FRFR speakers.

I have been following with some concern some threads on the Amplifi having too many issues for live, but it is difficult to tell as you generally only hear the bad stuff on these forums, and being comfortable with the Helix, I realise how much of the forum problem posts are user error or at least naivety.

I'm never going to lug a second amp again! So please think Helix replacement/backup, not a whole different solution.

Anyone got something to say on those choices given that clarification?

Helpful solutions aporeciated.

So no one looking for a cost effective backup just in case??

If you system dies 10 mins into a gig, you can't just say to the audience - oh well, it had to fail one day.  So you can all go home now - these things just happen....................  I think you say sorry small technical malfunction - and cover for a minute while you plug something else in and they barely notice!

Would anyone like to suggest a backup plan/unit?  

Interesting that being listed as a Line 6 Expert and totally supporting their policies goes hand in hand.

Well this is a small sample, so I can't really support that statistically!

I've been considering a Amplifi as a Helix backup in case of failure (I'm not expecting it - but if my/when my Helix eventually goes down, I've got a big problem having sold my amps to fund the thing!).  So reliability and workability of the fill in unit is a consideration.

What I'm seeing here as an observer, is people having problems and an apparent unwillingness if the "inner sanctum Line 6 Experts" to hear them.

The problem seems to be that they bought into the wrong technology?  But surely the problem is that they are having Blue Tooth trouble and want a more stable solution - like a cable? (maybe a misguided solution based on the internal architecture of the device) 

Now I don't have any personal experience of these problems - it might all be a result of total ignorance of blue tooth technology - hence the argument - you bought into the wrong technology.

But if there is a real problem, then Line 6 and its expert supporters (what are experts - a football team, a religion - or are experts employees?) need to rethink their customer service.  If something does not work well, its the manufacturer's problem, and their job is to be really nice to their customers while they do their best to address their failure.

If its totally user error  - then I guess you got to say that nicely and move on - then at least someone like me won't be thinking - better not consider an Amplifi.

Are you using the 2.01 editor also?

Yes, I fear Helix failure.

Things go wrong.  I'm not even interested in the analog V Digital conversation - but I am really interested in a fall back position for if my Helix fails.  I'm in Australia - I'm betting if it fails I'm going to be some time without it.  Short of having a spare Helix.................  Any cost effective fall back solutions - Sansamp fly rig?....Amplifi FX100.

Something that can plug into my FRFR system and quickly produce an acceptable sound??

Well Baggas,

You seem determined to complicate your life!

I've had some luck looking at mixing desk road cases.

I didn't want to add all the bulky stuff you intend to do but some of the bigger Mixer case form the local companies (even some on eBay) might work out.

Also some keyboard cases.  

Here's a start for you - google around - there are bargains.

http://www.cases.com.au/DDX/scripts/default.asp

https://www.giggear.com.au/road-and-flight-cases/

http://www.dq.com.au/

Hi, I understand what you are saying.  I believe Pete Thorn is using the Helix on certain gigs.

I use the Helix on my gigs, but I'm not that famous.

So lets talk a bit about the obvious.  

In most original band situations the range of sounds you need is not huge - partly due to history and the advantage that it gives the band a "sound".  That narrows toy range of sounds you need to make.

Now if you are at the top of your game doing huge arenas, you don't need to compromise on anything - so you might not chose to emulate a Marshall stack, a Vox and 2x tweeds in stereo - you can enjoy finding the best examples of the real thing.  And at those high volumes, you can run them at just the perfect level to get "that" sound.

You also don't need to carry anything - there's a road crew and a tech or 2 to keep it all working perfectly.

So no, you probably are not going to use the Helix, even if no one can tell the difference except you (maybe).

But its kind of like asking do they change their own strings. 

And then there's all their endorsements to consider.

The Helix is not going to be on those stages.  My name on a few pedals is worth $$$$$?????

Only a few gods are really using Fractal too, and they've been working that territory for quiet some time.

But just move one step down the food chain and you will start to see Helix appearing more and more. (Someone cited Barry Gibb's guitarist on another thread) 

The minute you got to get your own gear to a gig/and or you play smaller venues at controlled levels, (even some setups with no amps on stage), the Helix comes into its own.

This is exactly what Pete Thorn is saying he is doing - no I have no proof  - but he's still a gun for hire, not a god, so I suspect he really does have to work different types of shows. 

But I know the Helix is a live monster - I'm getting compliments form top players on my tone (wouldn't be complaining if it was on my playing actually.....).

And a few have said, "you're direct into the PA aren't you?".  So they are hearing it and thinking about it even though they can have exactly what they want on stage.

You will see more Helix's on big stages over the next year - I guarantee it!

Thanks for that - I've been using the vox for that territory - I'll have to give the Park a decent try.

Interesting - I used to use 2 x AC15s in stereo.  I use the AC15 (Essex A-15) with an IR - (2x blue back celestions with a SM57).  I get a very nice approximation - its not perfect, because it actually covers more territory as I have it in the Helix, so I'm getting a very AC15 sound but a tad more flexible.  I'm actually using 2 the other has green backs for a bit more total complexity.  Love it - its everything the voxes used to be and more (great stereo delay to begin with)

So the question has to be how you are doing it and what you are hoping to achieve.

Firstly, you have to be using an FRFR speaker system for the approach I'm using.  (if you run it into say a vox speaker box you wouldn't use an IR - but then you would have to mic the box with a 57!)  I also have really drastic EQ (global EQ) on the whole thing to keep all the sound in the territory of a celestion speaker - I drop everything below 100Hz drastically and at about 5.7KHz I do the same.  This type of curve is good practice for any FRFR box and feeding to the FOH because that's the type of frequency you expect from a guitar amp.  When set like that. I find I get a very similar response to the voxes including response to the volume knob.

But it is a produced sound - its the sound I want because its a Vox miced with a 57 and well EQ'd - not maybe as cut your head off as standing directly in line with the speaker - but the sound of sitting in the control room listening to the recorded sound.

Found it on YouTube - yep Helix, no doubt.  Thanks for letting me see that you can get Jules Holland through the back door via YouTube.

ABC might run it in a year late an night in Oz - if you are lucky!

Would love to look, but its only available in the UK it appears?

Hi Henry, I also am in a covers band - and this thing gives me so much more than any rig I had before.  And way more compliments from musos. Firstly, don't think of it as a stomp box.  It can be -  but there are much cheaper options for that.  It's every amp you ever needed to play any song in your band's set list.  And its every speaker box and every mic - and you can change the lot for every song if you like.  You don't plug it into your amp (not if you want the wide range of possibilities). You go direct from the Helix to FOH. A FRFR (full range flat response) self powered cab replaces your amp and can sound like almost anything.  So if you are crazy enough to want a different rig for your verse and chorus and something totally different again for your solo - you can do it.

Now most sane people don't - they set up 4-6 great amp and cab patches and each setup has a nice selection of pedals (your choice).  They might have a few variations on that for specific songs. With that you can do say fender clean funk, Vox chime and Marshall grunt plus a mesa boogie and say a Dr Z.  And each rig has its own virtual pedal board. And once you have got them adjusted just right, they will sound totally convincing.  Feeding that direct to FOH  - in Stereo - you get better sound through the PA than you probably ever had before. Predictably - every night.

Yes, it will take you a few weeks before you are feeling in control - you got to learn the thing - but if you have used a few different amps and a pedal board, it works exactly the same - you just suddenly got a ton more choice.  You plug you guitar in, you connect say a compressor, an overdrive, a stereo chorus an amp, some cabs, a mic, a delay (think like you are in the studio - you can put the delay after the amp and get great delay sounds) and you are done.  It's a produced sound.

If you don't want to think through all that  - definitely don't buy a Helix.

I find that the Helix really does exactly what it says on the box.  It models effects, amps, speakers and mics.  So if you have used a lot of amps and pedals, run stereo rigs, recorded in studios, and spent time in a control room, you are well equipped to build great sounds.  Much of what is asked on this list is from people without that experience not understanding how you would do it in the good old days in a studio.  Or they expect it to be something they plug into their amp and it will sound suddenly like any amp!

The Helix simulates the studio experience and lets you reproduce it live.  If you get that, and you have some practical experience of that, you are probably good to go without any help from anyone!  From what i've seem of the few professional preset sellers - that's what they are.  They think - its a marshall - got a close and a room mic, got a delay and a chorus, and they know how you put that together.  If you are struggling you need them - if you got that sort of experience in you life you probably don't.

Think that might depend on where in the world you are!!

Your Amp does not have midi (from my brief look online) so midi won't do it.

But you can set up footswitch or patch/snapshot amp channel control.

Read this discussion - complete with mistakes and all the usual stuff!!

http://line6.com/support/topic/18353-external-amp-switch-doesnt-work-help/

Should have you getting your head round it - you also need to look at your amp manual for the wiring of plugs that can communicate these amp change signals.

This topic might drive you to an amp tech!

I've got my sound adjusted for stage volume with quiet a bit of low and high cut. I do it with globals and I'd be more happy if I could save a few rather than one, but to answer your question, you would need a really good FOH guy to get the type of sound you would dial in yourself if you are feeding him/her the type of heavy bottom/bright top you tend to create at low volume or through phones. Your average midrange desk doesn't even have very good EQ for thi type of thing and the adjustments they would have to make would start to look extreme from a normal mix. Generally they have a fixed bass ant treble frequency and maybe a sweepable middle. Some of the new digital desks have something similar to the Helix global EQ, but it would be very trusting to imagine the sound guy would make the rather drastic low and high cuts you really need.

Send them an EQ'd sound that is good for high volume and then they only need to make minor tweaks for the room.

Works for me. I'm getting compliments on my sound regularly now.

Yes, but that would put you in the extremely small percentage who would find that useful - so I'd say don't hold your breath!!

OK - the above solution is worth a try - maybe more than 6dB - but a little experimentation will solve that.

It might be that you degrade your tone a little as you are setting sensitivity before the AtoD converter for all your other guitars - but I'd see if you can hear any difference before making too much of that.

Also worth a try is to not use the pad, and put a gain stage cutting your level first in you chain to cut level from the R7 - use a clean patch to test - your ears can tell you if you are getting any digital distortion from the input - that would be the simplest solution if it worked - I don't think gain stages use much DSP.

But tell me, doesn't the R7 sound a bit different given a different gain structure?

Wouldn't you want different versions of the patches you want to use it on?  Isn't it's tonal balance different too?  Just imagining it should be.

In which case you can try to set the you input to AUX on just those patches set up for the R7.  I have not any ability to try this, but the manual says use AUX for active pickups.  So that should work (with or without a gain stage first in line to tweak you level).

Then you aren't trying to adjust a global setting in mid gig! (which I assume is the point we are solving?)

Assume one of the above will get you by.

It can run on 100-240v self sensing - you you can take it anywhere.

Thanks for those thoughts.

I have not tried the mic so it's good to have a new idea to play with!

There is a ground lift on the Helix - look at the line outs - you will see a small push button.

This has always worked for me with no DI.

Next time try it before resorting to a DI.  But ground loops are common - not much you can do about it - the fact the DI had a ground lift should not make any difference to doing it on the Helix - the technician just didn't know the Helix had its own.

You should try to duplicate this and test DI verses Helix - should get the same result.