MusicLaw

File a Support Ticket with Line 6! The will get you squared away. If this is a recurring issue with the Unit they will want to know about it! Line 6's Customer Support is World Class!

Current Helix firmware (version 2.71) delivers Line 6's aggregation of improvements to default Amp model parameter configurations (and FX). As a result, the same Helix unit sounds better today than it did running firmware two years ago. Moreover, it is not unrealistic to anticipate things will continue to improve....

When I last searched through IdeaScale's HX Stomp Block related posts, there were several posts asking for more. So as many as you can find, feel free to vote them up! As Line 6 reviews all of the IdeaScale posts and votes, it is very likely they see the aggregate momentum that HX Stomp users want more HX Stomp Blocks. Let's hope that future firmware releases expand the number of Blocks. Moreover, as HX Stomp has 1 DSP (i.e One Half of what the full Helix units have) it would seem that HX Stomp should be able to easily provide more than a mere 6 blocks. In fact, the full Helix units have up to four signal paths with up to 8 blocks on each path for a total of 32 blocks (subject to DSP availability). The gap between the HX Stomp's 6 Blocks and the full units' 16 Blocks per DSP Chip looms as a wide gap between the units when it comes to DSP allocation. Recently, DI posted a reply to a Helix user's Looper time constraint post. He replied that Line 6 had reserved some RAM in the Helix units and now that they have a better idea of how Helix Core is coming along, they may be able to expand the Looper recording length. Perhaps Helix Core's optimizations forthcoming to the entire Helix line, will yield additional improvements to existing features, such as the Blocks in HX Stomp.

Here's and IdeaScale post from last month suggesting there be 12 Blocks. Consider voting it up if you are inclined. https://line6.ideascale.com/a/dtd/HX-Stomp-Allow-12-effects-blocks/944839-23508#idea-tab-details

Awesome suggestion to route just the wet feed to the AuxIn! Will give that a try.

You may use the THR10 either way! As a Powered Stereo Speaker patch the HX Stomp into the THR10 via the AuxIn. The THR10 would need a 1/8" Stereo TRS cable. The HX Stomp would need a 1/4" Stereo TRS plug if you're going to use the Headphone Out. (My HX Stomp has yet to ship, so I'll defer to those that already have one). Connected this way, all of the THR's Amp selections, Tone Stac, and FX are bypassed and thus have no affect on what is fed to the THR10 via the AuxIn jack. If used as an Amp, the THR10 series offers Amp selections and a Flat Selection on the Amp selection knob. You would connect to the THR10 via the Guitar In and the HX Stomp would be used for it's FX. I would probably feed the THR10 from the HX Stomp's Main L/Mono Out via 1/4" TS cable Guitar Cable. I probably would not use the HX Stomp's FX Send as this would consume one of the HX Stomp's Six (6) Blocks for the FX Send (unless the Output Block can be reassigned as is the case with the Helix Floor). Again, my HX Stomp is not yet shipped, so all I can go by is what I know from my Helix Floor. Existing HX Stomp owners, please jump in....

Does the 2.71 firmware released for the multiple Helix Line products include the 2.71 Hot-fix released for the HX Stomp? Or, must HX Stomp be updated independently with the 2.71 Hot-fix release?

You've also got the options of considering a Helix LT vs. Helix Floor or the Helix Rack and Controller. Some subtle UI and IO differences. Sonically they are all identical. As is the ultra compact tiny footprint Helix Stomp. HX Stomp has only 1 DSP so there are fewer signal chain options and a maximum of 6 Blocks (excluding the Input and Output blocks). External Expression Pedals and additional external foot switches for HX Stomp would be user furnished. Moreover, what you choose to use to listen to your Helix is paramount! Some prefer FRFR monitors, others, powered cabs for an amp in the room experience. Some use both or hybrid variations of each 4CM, dual Amps, etc. Just do not overlook what you'll use to listen to the Helix.

Thanks for the updates. Keep chipping away at it. When I have used the THR10C with the Helix Floor, it's been analog connected and near-field. I set the THR10C Amp selection knob to Flat with Helix connected to the THR10C's Guitar In. My preference, however, is to connect the Helix's L&R outs (Headphone, Mains, or FX Sends) to the Yamaha's AuxIn. Sounds absolutely phenomenal in stereo! If the Holiday's aren't too insanely crazy I may try connecting it via USB to see how things fly.

Glad I came across this thread. I have a Yamaha THR10C that I've never USB connected to my Dell XPS15 Laptop while using my Helix Floor. When my HX Stomp finally ships (may be a few more weeks) I will try it with the Laptop and probably on occasion the Yamaha THR10C (as the Yamaha is so compact and sounds great near-field). In the meantime, post your updates.

Thanks for posting! As a 2 year Helix Floor owner, I am enjoying reading your experiences as I await my HX Stomp. Keep the positive posts coming!

@ScoroThis is an outstanding reference! Thanks for your efforts creating and updating, and sharing for all to use! [Addendum: I posted on TGP about your excellent effort creating and sharing the PDF, and this thread. The TGP Post URL is: https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?posts/27675820/]

What version firmware is your HX Stomp running?

On the Helix Floor (not sure about the HX Stomp) you may assign multiple parameters (for one or multiple blocks) to the expression pedal. You may also assign some as an ascending value and others as a descending value, such that as, for example, as the Amp's gain or drive increases, the enabled FX's distortion, drive, or level, simultaneously decreases. This applies for any of the other expression pedal assigned controller block parameters. Moreover, you may also define the min and max values of each such parameter regardless of which direction you wish to express the changes.

Great Idea! My HX Stomp is on order. I intend to use it a good bit of the time with IEMs or Headphones and as a USB Interface to my Dell XPS 15 running Helix Native. Yet to determine how it may also serve well as a DSP extender with my Helix Floor.

Recheck all your settings and verify all your cables are good. Then, re-create the Preset from scratch using an Empty Preset. I have seen infrequent reports of problems with some imported Presets or those converted from prior fw versions. Otherwise, submit a Support Ticket to Line 6 so the team can get a look at your scenario. Do post back your finding, regardless, if the problem persists, or you resolve it, so all may share in the learning.

Reconfigure Path 2A's Input Block to be one of the FX Returns. Set the Global I/O for that FX Return to Instrument Level. Another alternative would be to use a wireless Guitar Interface like Line 6's G10 to connect the guitar to the Helix's Aux In jack. The G10's 1/4" output is Line Level. This method does not require use of the FX Return.

HX Stomp is a compelling way to go as it includes a great USB interface, and all the Helix Amps, Cabs, and FX. Otherwise, Helix Native would be great. Unfortunately, the Line 6 30% software discount promotion ended last night. There's no knowing when they will again put it on sale, but it is very likely they will again in time.

And, of course, the HX Stomp works wonderfully fed into a powered FRFR Monitor, powered Studio Monitors, or Line 6 PowerCab/PowerCab+.

I've been using the Hosa since Nov 2016 w/o any problems whatsoever.

As I recollect, Line 6's Eric Klein aka Digital Igloo posted recently that the HX Stomp's headphone subsystem does not have the full power of the Helix units. I have a pair of open back Sennheiser HD650 (since this summer) and enjoy using them. I have found them quite comfortable to wear for long sessions. I also have several closed back units from Sony (MDR-V6) and BeyerDynamic (DT770 250Ω) and enjoy them as well. Each of the above works well with my Helix Floor. I have a HX Stomp on order and can report back once it arrives.

As for playing along with audio from your mobile device (smartphone, tablet, etc.), you will not notice any latency in a bluetooth audio connection. In this scenario, it doesn't matter whether it were 5, 50, or 200 milliseconds of delay. Your perceived real time begins from the moment your speakers in your playback sound system emit the sound --- not when your smartphone initiates the bluetooth transmission of the signal. Any delay in the reception of the bluetooth signal by whatever bluetooth receiver you might choose (to use to connect to the Helix's FX Return 1/2 or FX Return 3/4) will be irrelevant. The most commonly suggested method to connect a smartphone to the Helix is via the Helix's USB connection. This conveys Stereo digital audio to Helix via USB Channel 1&2. This method requires the Apple camera kit, which I understand is essentially a USB on the go adapter for Apple gear. If you wish to use an Analog stereo headphone 1/8" jack as found on most all devices -- apple's latest excepted -- simply get a stereo 1/8" TRS to Dual 1/4" L & R TS cable. These are very inexpensive and work wonderfully with the Helix. Also convenient is that via this method you can adjust the playback feed audio on your smartphone. My understanding is that with the apple camera kit method you cannot adjust the audio feed level on the apple iphone. Rather you have to do so on the Helix via the Global I/O for USB channels 1&2. The 1/8" analog stereo method is how I connect my Android or apple iPods to the Helix for playback and this method works great. The headphone jack method also works great to connect your laptop, tablet, computer, CD player, or stereo system all of which have a headphone jack. The USB method works great with a Laptop or Desktop, as well as if you get a stand along audio interface. Hope this helps.

The Amp&Cab Block renders any Stereo FX before it as Mono. So, why use the Stereo Obsidian 7000? Note: I'm not at my Helix at the moment to check if a Mono version of the Obsidian 7000 is offered. If a Mono version Obsidian 7000 is available, it would free up about 1/2 the DSP allocated to the Stereo version.

Gorgeous! Exquisite! It reminds me of my custom built commemorative.

My latest go to phones have become the open back Sennheiser HD650 300 Ohm. They are exceedingly comfortable for extended periods. The sound source is ideally positioned in their natural and most comfortable fit position. They sound excellent. Regardless if I force them to fit higher or lower or further forward or back, the sound does not change. I find very minimal ear fatigue with the HD650. I have found that the Beyerdynamic DT770 250 Ohm are far more sensitive to having them positioned just right. A bit higher or lower or forward or rear changes the high end significantly. They are very clear and bright, but do lead to a bit more ear fatigue in a long session than the Sennheiser, and they have slightly less bottom end than the Sennheiser. The Sony MDR-V6 have been my go to standard for decades. I have several pairs and they cannot be beat for convenience, price, and a smooth sound. They are the only pair of these three that are able to be folded, so they are the most compact. I know them so well, that I can use them for nearly anything with very good results. YMMV.