MusicLaw

Install the 2.91 firmware update!

@RobyRocks Thanks for your exceptionally useful PDF compilation of the various model selections. I did find the "Based On" images a helpful glimpse reminder. Keep up the outstanding work!

The new Split Dynamics feature of firmware 2.90 brings lots of flexibility to have your signal automatically branch to a set of Blocks as your signal's level increases. So, you can set up your Amp and FX Blocks such that when you play below the Threshold setting the signal follows one path, and when you dig in harder or increase your guitar's volume pot the Split Dynamics feature will re-route the signal to the Spilt Path for any Amp, or FX blocks you opt to use on such alternate path. This is just one method to explore for what you are seeking to achieve with the tone variations you want.

I concur that if the Update Process, as of version 2.90 Helix Firmware and 2.90 HX Edit is now going to be handled by HX Edit, then HX Edit should provide a method to use a locally present version of the flash file (as an alternative to requiring Internet connectivity). This would provide a method for users preferring to use a locally present version of the flash file for their helix hardware, such if they suffer from less than ideal Internet connectivity, or for installation while traveling when Internet connectivity may be intermittent or unavailable. Of course, this presumes the relevant Flash File(s) for the hardware devices had already been obtained via Internet download, or from a thumb drive. My impression is that Line 6 Updater 1.90 was updated by Helix Edit 2.90's installation, making it available for Line 6's products other than the Helix and HX products.

HX Edit 2.90 Update installed rapidly! HX Edit 2.90 updated HX Stomp from 2.81 to 2.91, in < 5 minutes w/o pblm! Next, the Helix Floor.... [Addendum: Helix Floor updated from 2.81 to 2.91 w/o pblms. Preset Rebuild took longer than update installation. Startup now is much faster!]

For several years, I have really enjoyed using my THR10C with my Helix Floor (and more recently with an HX Stomp) either device fed to the THR10C's AuxIn. For range of comparison, aside from the THR10C I have a variety of other amps, near field studio monitors, main monitors, home theatre systems, and FRFR PA Monitors. For near field use (at arms length or a slight bit farther) the THR10C does an outstanding job. I have done careful A/B comparisons with it vs. a pair of JBL LSR305 Studio Monitor, both at the same positions and distance relative to listening position (i.e near field arms length or a slight but farther). At low to moderate SPLs both are very comparable. The JBL LSR305s can get much louder and provide a more robust bottom end. However, at low to moderate SPLs the JBL's additional capabilities are not particularly emphasized. At double or triple the distance (i.e about 10') the JBL provide a broader, wider and more dimensional sound field, and also have the ability to provide higher SPLs with more bottom end, than the THR10C. If your usage of the THR10X facilitates keeping it at near field, there is not much to gain from a 5" set of Studio Monitors -- at the same distance. However, if you prefer to have your speakers farther and wider then certainly consider a set of Studio Monitors. Most home stereo systems (reciever and speakers) have very different frequency emphasis curves than quality Studio Monitors. So, yes there will be a distinct difference, and the placement of the speakers also will affect the sound based on acoustic coupling to the nearby walls and floors. All in all, your preferences will determine which way to opt to go. Rest assured that your THR10X is giving you a very good listening experience, so long as you do not attempt to overdrive it to excessive SPLs or position it too far from your listening position. Also, the THR10 series has the ability to be powered on batteries, which I find to be wonderfully convenient, as it allows me to reposition it as I wish in the house, office, outdoors, couchside, etc. Hope this helps. YMMV.

That's what I did too!! So, I'll have it if I might ever need it...

Frank Ritchotte of Line 6 posted these Official Steps to TGP regarding Safe Booting, if needed: Helix SafeBoot Steps: https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?posts/30401537/

I have had good results using repeater USB cables for runs in excess of 25' between my Fender Mustang Amp's USB jack and my Android device's micro USB via USB OTG feed cable when using Remuda Software (Android). Also have used the repeater USB cable on a longer run of about 40' from the Fender Mustang Amp to a desktop PC in another room running Fender FUSE Software. In both instances, a standard (non repeater) usb cable was unable to effectively pass the digital data without errors. The repeater usb cable I got was not expensive. As I recollect it was probably about $25. YMMV.

So long as excessive condensation is controlled. Try to avoid abruptly transitioning the Helix from a cold outdoor environment into a warm and humid indoor environment -- or vice versa -- without protecting the Helix from condensation. If you have a Helix in the Helix Backpack acclimated to indoor temps and humidity, leave the unit in the backpack for about 10 minutes after heading into the cold before removing the Helix. When heading inside seal the Helix in the Helix Backpack before heading inside and leave the backpack closed for at least 10 mins once indoors. If you don't have the Helix Backpack, a simple plastic trash bag will suffice with the above procedures. These are long proven successful measures for cameras and lenses.

The HX Stomp and HX Effects User Manuals were published long after the existing Helix Floor User Manual dating back to Summer 2016 at the time firmware 2.1 was released. Notwithstanding the reduced feature sets of the HX Stomp and HX Effects, compared to the Helix Floor, there are useful bits of information to be found in these more recent User Manuals. As has already been posted, until Helix firmware version 3.0 arrives with a fully updated User Manual, the current task involves a compilation of information from existing product documentation plus the various interim firmware Release Notes along with a variety of informative posts from Line 6 developers. HelixHelp.com is very useful.

I began using my Helix Floor with my Fender Mustang IV v.2 Amp as a powered cab via the Mustang's L&R Return Line Ins or via my Fender Mustang III v2's Line In. When I added a Yamaha THR10C it too worked wonderfully via it's Stereo Aux In as a near field lower SPL powered cab and it is battery powered! Subsequently I got sets of JBL LSR305s and JBL308s Studio Monitors with JBL310sub, and a pair of Yamaha DXR10s. These, plus an assortment of headphones, and another acoustic guitar amp provides a wide range of choices for use with my Helix Floor, and HX Stomp.

Yup! Glad you're up and running.

Should your mic require 48v Phantom Power, you will need to turn that on in Helix Global Settings.

Here are a few ideas that have worked for me. Last Spring and the year before, Costco sold a a High Sierra brand 30" flat drop bottom wheeled duffel with extendable handle for about $40. Similar bags are sold by Amazon, ebags, Home Depot (see: https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?posts/26957344/) and a host of other vendors at varying prices. The ones I got from Costco work great! I have used them for point to point transport, and for storage of my Helix in the Backpack as well as my Yamaha DXR10 FRFR PA speakers. It perfectly accommodate the Helix Backpack and plenty more gear. For the Yamaha DXR10 FRFR PA Speakers, I use several sections cut from a roll of anti-fatigue floor mat foam cushioning to sufficiently nestle the Speaker on all sides or a packing blanket. See: https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?posts/25216425/ Those large interlocking floor cushion foam sections also work well. Either are available from Harbor Freight, Home Depot, etc. for a few dollars. Here's one I just found on ebags and they have a 20% Off "SPRING" discount code offer as well: 36" Drop Btm Wheeled Duffle Hope this gives you some ideas.

The On-Stage MIX400 Mixer Stand is what I went with and it is exceptional! As @BLS_Okie posted: "... it fits the Helix Floor PERFECTLY!" The adjustable height and tilt allow me to set it so the unit is just right and the stand remains rock stable. The caster wheel lock is also really handy. Every once in a long while, it has gone on sale at well below $100. If you can find one when it's marked down, grab it!

Did not have a chance to get to hunting it down this weekend. Hopefully, I can get to looking for it in a week or two....

Time permitting I'll try and take a look this weekend. Otherwise, it may be a couple of weeks. Please get back in touch with me If you haven't heard from me by the end of the month. BTW, where are you located?

Not as you probably intend, but in a very limited way, yes, the Looper Block's memory could be used to hold a limited amount of material downloaded into the unit. However, as the material is not saved when the unit is powered down, the Looper would serve as a limited and short duration method.

On the Helix Floor, the AUX In is unbalanced. I do not know if this differs on the Helix Rack. As for the Studio Tube Mic Pre Amp Block's Gain Parameter, I do not recollect how much of a dB increase it provides, other than I do seem to recollect it provides quite a lot. There is also a Global Settings Mic Input Gain adjustment. Hope this helps somewhat until someone with the unit at their fingertips can provide more precise info.

Additionally, the HX Stomp can be used as your Audio Interface between your Guitar and your computer. The free Helix Edit software can control run and control the HX Stomp. And, should you feel you wish to use a DAW or VST Host, your purchase of HX Stomp entitles you to buy Helix Native for as little as $69 USD when it's on 30% Off Sale. So, you could use your Guitar -> HX Stomp -> Headphones. Either with or without Helix Edit on your computer. Helix Native would be for tracking, reamping, exploring Amps. Cabs, and FX on pre-recorded tracks, etc. beyond the capabilities of the HX Stomps on board Looper. Hope this gives you more insights....

Line 6 has posted several times that they will revise the Helix User Manual with each main firmware update. Thus, the next main update will be 3.0. In the interim, the best users can do is extract the information from the various firmware version Release Notes, and from the user manuals for the more recent products such as HX Stomp, HX Effects, Helix LT, and Helix Native. This involves a bit of work, but it is the best set or resources until Line 6 delivers version 3.0 firmware. The reasons Line 6 state are the resources required to publish the revised User Manual in the numerous language versions required by their International Territory distribution obligations. One suggestion, is to use a PDF editor to revise and annotate your personal copy of the existing Helix 2.0 User Guide Rev D, with any additional notations you see fit. Granted, another task intensive process. It will accomplish all your notations in one grand PDF.

If you are transporting your backpack, the loops can serve to affix cables, mic and speaker stands, Nalgene style water bottles (via the loops for their caps), other small gear pouches, and a variety of other items, like key rings, etc. Use carabiners or the provided velcro straps. Let your creativity and necessity inspire you.

Unfortunately, it may be a trial and error process to find a workable combination of voltage converter and rechargeable power bank. If the voltage converter is capable of providing higher amperage that would be what you would want to find. Also, as the current draw of the Stomp may vary depending on the DSP processing of the Signal Chain Block configuration selected, such a variable power draw of the HX Stomp may be misread by the power bank. I have not measured the HX Stomp's power draw. I do recollect reading that it draws more during startup and self diagnostics. My guess is that during quiescent use, the amperage draw is substantially less. FWIW, I have a variety of USB devices which draw light power loads when being recharged. I have found that most of my power banks prematurely shut off the power charging of these devices, as there's little load on those light current draw devices. Whereas, when actually powering higher load devices those same power banks do fine. BTW, all the power banks I'm referring to are rechargeable lithium battery packs.

Simply. You need more. Amperage specifically. Many of the power bank brands have regulating circuitry to power down their power ports or auto sense the draw of the connected device. Many times I have found several of the power bank type models I have, to be far less than intelligently designed power source side electronics. Often they will prematurely shut down where a solid amperage output USB power brick will do the job no problem.