revans

Sorry for the late reply. When you are configuring the MIDI Baby 3 buttons to increment and decrement the PC number, you set the starting and ending numbers. If a button is incrementing the PC number and the current number is the ending number, pressing the button will loop back around to the starting number. If a button is decrementing the PC number and the current number is the starting number, pressing the button will loop back around to the ending number. My starting and ending PC numbers are 10 and 14. One of my buttons increments the numbers like this: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 10, 11, etc. Another one of my buttons decrements the numbers like this: 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 14, 13, etc.

Agreed! I use the HX Stomp's three buttons as FS1, FS2, and FS3 and I use one to switch between compressor and overdrive, one to toggle between input gain settings on the amp model, and one to toggle between two output levels as a boost. All the external switches are: - 1 switches for tap/tuner - 2 switches for preset up and down - 4 switches for effect bypass I can't use FS4 and FS5 because I am using the Mission Helix Expression Pedal plugged into in the EXP1/2 FS4/5 jack. I only use long-press on one external switch, the MIDI Baby 3 center switch, to toggle the tuner on and off, and it works fine.

The MIDI Baby 3 ON-OFF switches start in the OFF state. Pressing a switch changes its state from OFF to ON and then from ON to OFF. All of my presets start with effects (except compression) in the OFF state. Pressing a switch changes the switch from OFF to ON and sends a message to turn an effect ON. When using a switch to change presets, all the effects in the next preset will be off so the preset switch also sets all the ON-OFF switches to off, matching the new preset. At least that's what happens sometimes. I agree. I have found that the programming of the MIDI Baby 3 doesn't always have the intended results. The ON-OFF switches are not always reset to OFF by the commands executed by the preset change switches. I have tried many variations of the programming but have not been able to get a perfect result. I am hoping that a firmware update will fix the bugs. The Morningstar MC3 looks like a better product except for size. I like the lower height of the MIDI Baby 3.

With MIDI Baby 3, a footswitch can cycle through presets within a range of preset numbers. My footswitch cycles through presets from 11 to 15. If you only need to cycle through a small number of presets, you can do it with just one footswitch. When you are at the highest numbered preset, hitting the footswitch will cycle back to the lowest numbered preset. If you want to be able to cycle up and down through your presets, use one footswitch to select the next preset and another footswitch to select the previous preset.

@StormJH1, I now have two pairs of external footswitches connected to the MIDI Baby 3. The two external footswitches on the left count up and down across the PC numbers of the HX Stomp presets I use live and they reset the MIDI Baby 3 footswitches that turn effect blocks on and off. Two of the MIDI Baby 3 built-in footswitches and the two external footswitches on the right turn four HX Stomp effect blocks on and off using the "Block Bypass via MIDI" method from page 59 of the HX Stomp manual. The middle MIDI Baby 3 built-in footswitch is for tap-tempo/tuner. The three HX Stomp built-in footswitches are configured as FS1, FS2, and FS3. They switch between compressor and overdrive, change the amp model drive level from low to high, and change the output from low to high. The Mission Helix Expression Pedal is plugged into in the EXP 1/2 FS4/5 jack. It is normally a volume pedal for my keyboard. Its footswitch changes it into a wah for my guitar. Guitar and keyboard go through separate inputs and outputs of the HX Stomp. The HX Stomp MIDI output goes to my Powercab Plus to select a matching Powercab preset whenever the HX Stomp preset is changed. I've switched to the smaller Truetone 1SPOT power supply and I keep my Line 6 power supply in my spares bag.

Were you unable to download the file I posted here on October 17?

Attached is the sysex file from my MIDI Baby 3, firmware v7. midi-baby3.2020-10-17-182323.syx

Just recently, I ended up getting a MIDI Baby 3 from Disaster Area Designs with an external two-button footswitch. Since I have a Mission Helix Expression Pedal in the EXP 1/2 | FS4/5 jack, I can't use CC52 and CC53 which emulate FS4 and FS5, and set FS4 and FS5 to preset up and down. I have programmed the MIDI Baby 3's two external footswitches to count up and down across the PC numbers of the HX Stomp presets I use live. Two of the MIDI Baby 3 built-in footswitches are programmed to use CC104 and CC105 to turn on and off two HX Stomp effect blocks. The third (middle) MIDI Baby 3 built-in footswitch is programmed as a tap-tempo/tuner footswitch. Because each HS Stomp preset loads with the effects switched off, when the two external footswitches change the HX Stomp preset, they are also programmed to reset the two MIDI Baby 3 footswitches that turn on and off two HX Stomp effect blocks. The three HX Stomp built-in footswitches are configured as FS1, FS2, and FS3, and I use them to switch between compressor and overdrive, change the amp model drive level from low to high, and change the output from low to high. I run both a guitar and a keyboard into separate inputs and outputs of the HX Stomp, and I connect the HX Stomp MIDI output to my Powercab Plus MIDI input to select a matching Powercab preset whenever the HX Stomp preset is changed. I will probably add a second external two-button footswitch to the MIDI Baby 3 to turn on and off two more effects once HX Stomp firmware 3.0 adds more blocks. Or maybe I'll get a Morningstar MC6.

I do something similar with my Helix. I run isolated paths for my guitar and keyboard for live gigs. Running multiple paths alone does not put a significant load on DSP. It is only when you add effect and amp blocks that you start consuming bits of DSP. In my Helix presets, my guitar processing is configured with one amp block and around 10 effect blocks across three sub-path in series, although my only always-on effect is a compressor or an overdrive. I switch on the other effects as needed using the footswitches. Then my keyboard processing is configured with a volume pedal, a few effects, and sometimes an amp block across one sub-path, with the effect and amp blocks only enabled by footswitches. Both paths can be stereo, but my preference is to mix the final outputs down to mono. I have never run out of DSP. Helix (including LT) has three mono 1/4-inch analog inputs: guitar, return 1, and return 2 that you can use for your guitar, bass, and Moog. Each one can have an isolated processing path. Helix (including LT) has four analog outputs: left and right XLR and left and right 1/4-inch, each of which can be used by separate paths (or a mix of paths). For your configuration, you would probably use a pair of left/right outputs for your stereo guitar, and one left output for your mono bass and one right output for your mono Moog. My guitar and keyboard paths go to two separate XLR outputs for the PA. For my own on-stage monitoring, I mix them together when I bring a powered PA speaker, and I keep them separate when using a Powercab Plus (and use the digital output for my guitar path). There are a couple of things to note. Every one of your Helix presets needs to have multiple paths so that when you change presets all your sources have paths to the outputs. Once you get your first preset working the way you want, you can use it as a template and copy it as a starting point for new presets. When you select a preset, everything will change to the new preset. I keep the keyboard path in my presets almost identical, and only change the guitar effects and amp in each preset. In each of my presets, I use the exact same three footswitches for my three most commonly used functions: switching from compressor to overdrive, setting amp drive level low or high, and switching the guitar output from normal to high. All my other footswitches are used to turn effects on and off, which are different in each preset. The expression pedal is initially a volume pedal for my keyboard path, and pressing the toe switch enables the wah effect and changes the expression pedal into a wah pedal. You will enjoy having and almost endless selection of high-quality effect and amp models available for all your instruments while only having to use one multi-effect unit. The massive reduction in signal and power cables compared to a pedal board makes setup faster and the whole rig more reliable. Let us know how it works out for you.

In HX Stomp, I am using the footswitches in Stomp mode, FS3 as Stomp 3, and a Mission Helix Expression Pedal in the EXP 1/2 | FS4/5 jack. What are the MIDI CC messages for Previous Preset and Next Preset?

I use my JTV-69, Helix, and Powercab 112 Plus in a few classic rock cover bands. I love how I can use Helix snapshots to select Variax models and tunings. Variax custom settings are a great way to quickly select a model and a tuning at the same time. The VDI connection for powering the guitar and allowing Helix to select Variax models and tunings is the greatest feature for me. My ideas for the next-generation Variax are: - Keep the VDI connection for powering the guitar and allowing Helix to select Variax models and tuning - Better DSP, like Helix vs POD HD - More models to choose from with each firmware update - A nylon-string acoustic guitar model - An upward-facing OLED display for model and tuning names - Keep the rotary model knob and 5-position switch for picking models - I'd prefer the JTV-59 knob for tunings over the JTV-69 roller control - Keep the variety of physical bodies, necks, and bridges (I'd love a Variax RS820CR RevStar) - Keep the workbench for creating custom body and pickup combinations, and for installing new downloadable models - Magnetic pickups not required

HX Stomp would be a great way to get amp tone to send to a Powercab. If you add a MIDI cable from an HX Stomp to a Powercab Plus, changing presets on the HX Stomp will automatically change to matching preset on the Powercab Plus.

Can the HX Stomp have separate inputs and outputs for its two paths? I would like to use an HX Stomp as a backup for my Helix (as well as a bass rig). My current rig is working very well: - Variax (VDI to Helix VARIAX) - Keyboard (unbalanced to Helix RETURN 1) - Helix (L6LINK, XLR L/MONO, and MIDI to Powercab Plus; XLR RIGHT to PA) - Powercab Plus (OUTPUT to PA) I use two paths in the Helix for guitar and keyboard. The Powercab Plus uses Input 1 FRFR or speaker models for the guitar path and uses Input 2 monitor mode for the keyboard path. The PA gets the guitar signal from the Powercab Plus and the keyboard signal from the Helix. The Helix and Powercab Plus give me: - Separate inputs from guitar and keyboard - Separate paths for guitar and keyboard - Separate outputs to Powercab Plus for guitar and keyboard - Separate outputs to PA for guitar and keyboard - All mono As a backup for the Helix, will I be able to use the HX Stomp like this? - Variax (unbalanced to HX Stomp INPUT L/MONO, Path A) - Keyboard (unbalanced to HX Stomp RETURN/AUX IN L/MONO, Path B) - HX Stomp -- SEND LEFT (Path A) to Powercab Plus INPUT 1 (custom cable TRS to TS) -- OUTPUT L/MONO (Path B) to Powercab Plus INPUT 2 (TRS to XLR) -- OUTPUT RIGHT (Path B) to PA (TRS to XLR) -- MIDI to Powercab Plus - Powercab Plus (OUTPUT to PA) Is there another HX Stomp configuration that would give me this? - Separate inputs from guitar and keyboard - Separate paths for guitar and keyboard - Separate outputs to Powercab Plus for guitar and keyboard - Separate outputs to PA for guitar and keyboard - All mono Thanks!

You certainly could use Powercab with just pedals, meaning without a full-blown modeler, but you wan't something like a Tech 21 SansAmp or a Radial JDX Direct-Drive to get an amp tone in the signal chain. Powercab is essentially a combo amp, but it lacks the tone shaping of a traditional guitar amp head. It needs an amp modeler or an amp emulator to complete the picture.

With speaker models, the only gain stage after the input stage is the (master) volume stage. Once the input LED is flashing and the volume knob is all the way up, there's nothing more. L2t: 800 W, 128 dB Powercab 112 Plus: 250 W, 125 dB A 3 dB increase is equal to a doubling of power. The specs say that an L2t should be about twice as loud as a Powercab 112 Plus. You should try running the output of the Powercab into the PA mixer and adding a bit of volume in the mains or in your monitor, depending on where you want more volume. I have my Powercab facing me (tilted back and pointed at the side of my head) and facing away from the rest of the band and away from the audience. The PA monitors and mains give the rest of the band and the audience whatever volume they each need.

Check the power tubes. You might see one tube glowing excessively and getting way too hot. If this is the case, replace both power tubes and check the bias of the new tubes,

Controlling the Powercab only works over the MIDI cable. The L6 LINK carries left and right digital audio only. It is possible that future firmware updates might allow control over L6 LINK.

Over L6 LINK from Helix to Powercab: - route Helix Digital Left to Powercab Input 1 - route Helix Digital Right to Powercab Input 2 My own use for this is to run my guitar through Helix effects and amp modeling to Powercab speaker modeling while running my keyboard through Helix effects to Powercab Flat FRFR processing. Please vote this up on Ideascale! https://line6.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Powercab-L6-LINK-Right-to-Input-2/928794-23508

After connecting a MIDI cable from my Helix to my Powercab 112 Plus, I noticed that whenever I changed to a new preset on the Helix, the Powercab would change to its preset with the same number. Very cool! Turns out this is expected behavior according to the manuals, using MIDI Program Change messages. The Helix manual says: "When navigating Presets from the Helix hardware (PRESETS encoder, preset footswitches, PRESET ^ / PRESET down, etc.), Helix automatically transmits a MIDI Program Change message corresponding to the selected preset." The Powercab manual says: "The Powercab 112 Plus active guitar speaker system responds to traditional MIDI Program Change messages from an external MIDI device (or from MIDI software via USB) and will recall presets 000-127 accordingly." In my own Helix setlist, I have each preset displayed with a three-digit number (000-127) rather than numbers and letters (01A-32D). For each Helix preset with a modeled cab, I have set the same-numbered Powercab preset to Flat FRFR. For each Helix preset with an amp only and no cab, I have set the same-numbered Powercab preset to a speaker model that I like with that amp. In a very short time, I have set up several Helix and Powercab presets which automatically change together every time I select a new Helix preset. Super cool!

After setting up the instant MIDI CC command, just be sure to save your preset. There are several ways to select different Powercab speaker models within a single Helix patch: 1. Use a MIDI CC command assigned to a different footswitch for each speaker model. 2. Use a MIDI CC command assigned to an expression pedal (or Variax knob) that spans all six speaker model numbers. This might be good for experimentation, but probably not for live performance. 3. Use snapshots to select speaker models. The Value parameter of an instant MIDI CC command is automatically recalled when selecting a snapshot. Select Snapshot 1 and select the desired speaker model number as the Value in the instant MIDI CC command. Select Snapshot 2 and select another desired speaker model number as the Value in the same instant MIDI CC command used in Snapshot 1. Repeat for each additional snapshot and speaker model.

Helix Instant commands are transmitted automatically when a Helix preset is recalled. I don't have a Helix in front of me or a Powercab to test with, but it should work something like this. 1. At the Helix, press the Menu button, press the Command Center knob, and use the joystick to select an Instant location. 2. Turn the Command knob and select MIDI CC. 3. Turn the MIDI Ch knob and select Base (1). 4. Turn the CC# knob and select 22. (Selects a Line 6 speaker model.) 5. Turn the Value knob and select a number from 0 to 5. (0:Vintage, 1:Green, 2:Cream, 3:Jarvis, 4:Bayou, 5:Essex)

For now, the one benefit of using the L6 LINK cable is having a digital path from Helix to Powercab and avoiding the extra digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversions. There is no L6 LINK cable per se. Use an AES/EBU cable for L6 LINK. "Note: A standard XLR mic cable will work for this connection, but the use of an AES/EBU cable is recommended for best results, as this is a digital connection." http://l6c-acdn.line6.net/data/6/0a06434d41f050904bee355b1/application/pdf/L6 LINK Connectivity Guide for POD HD & DT Amplifiers v2.10 ( Rev A ).pdf

Haven't seen any instructions or video showing exactly how to configure the Helix to sync Helix presets with Powercab presets using either MIDI or L6 LINK. If you get it working, please share how you did it.

For now, until a new firmware release supports selecting Powercab presets over L6 LINK, you will need a MIDI cable from the Helix to the Powercab if you want Helix to select Powercab presets.

That's what I heard, too. I am hoping that the next Helix firmware release will include the ability to control Powercab over L6 LINK.