tckeiter

I'll do that. Thanks.

My update process was not so smooth... So I have been using the Helix floor for over a year now without issues until last night! I updated to 2.20 following all instructions just like all the other firmware updates. No issues through the update process, completed global reset procedure, restored all presets then went into Global menu to turn phantom power back on for my condenser mic (Rode NT1A) and then something very unexpected happened... Right after switching 48V power on the Helix flickered multiple times and then rebooted. Helix starting booting up again and then SMOKE started to escape from the backside of the unit along with the distinct burnt electronics smell (a lot of smoke!) My JTV69 was also connected at the time using the Variax port. I quickly pulled power from the Helix along with Variax cable (Most of the smoke was escaping from the Variax port.) Note: I am using a good mic cable and the condenser mic was plugged in just like it has been connected for months. There was no hot swapping of the mic, only thing that changed was the firmware update. I have been using this exact mic setup for many months now without issue. I waited for the smoke to clear and reluctantly tried booting the Helix up again this time without any mic connected. It booted normally. I want back to globals and phantom power was turned off. I tried a dynamic mic at this point to see if the mic pre was totally fried. It amazingly works but have not tried to turn phantom power back on again for obvious reasons. All Helix functionality is normal at this point including the Variax connection but I'm guessing that the 48V power output is toast. Unfortunately, I'm past the 1 year warranty mark by 2 months. I feel fortunate that the Helix still functions (mostly) but also know that this was not user error. It is either coincidence that the 48V PCB fried right after the firmware update or the firmware update somehow caused the issue. I have read of other Helix mic pre problems before where the mic input ceases to work but haven't seen anyone report smoke billowing out the back of the unit. Has anyone heard of another unit doing this?

I was told by my Sweetwater rep today that the shipment that was supposed to arrive today was delayed due to weather. He expects them in the next day or two but I have heard that 3 or 4 times in the last month. Keep seeing them go in and out of stock on Guitar Center. I'm thinking Sweetwater doesn't want people to jump ship so they just keep stringing us along.