MusicLaw

From what saw at NAMM of Helix Native's new UI (to be shared by the new version of Helix Editor) the more inclined I am to let a top tier Windows 10 device handle all the touchscreen tasks on a generously sized laptop/tablet or desktop display. HELIX hardware can provide its dedicated and optimized appliance like functionality while the new software (running on an easily expandable platform) can handle all the rest without taxing the Helix's DSP and CPU clock cycles. It will be fascinating to see how this rolls out and discover what combined capabilities we will be able to enjoy when both HELIX hardware and the new HELIX Native software are running together.

<Snip>That makes me wonder that if you took the housing off the base, if you could loosen the circuit board mounting screws and scoot the board back a little so that the USB receptacle does not stick out too far. I have never taken the base apart though.

Only when Line 6 were to decline repairing the jack at no charge (even if after the Warranty) would I fuss with opening the unit. I do have the technical skills to do so and make the repair or modification, but I have far too many other things drawing my attention than fussing with such a modification. I hope I don't have to deal with it. If it fails again (already happened on 2 units), it will go back to Line 6.

 

I've never had a micro usb jack fail on any other device!

I'm optimistic and confident that these sort of Helix connected to computer interruption issues will be a thing of the past once the new Helix Native and Helix Editor programs arrive this April.

 

Although Line 6 may be aware of these issues, their progammers are likely focusing on the new software. Absent a widespread mission critical issue presenting in the existing Helix Editor and occurring on a massive user base scale, it is more likely the existing Helix Editor may never get sufficent corrective patching. Rather, it will be replaced by the new Helix Editor and Helix Native. I know this doesn't make existing users suffering through these interim problems any happier.

Many of today's PA Monitors and Studio Monitors are designed with internal Amps and DSP to provide improved and consistent performance and flexible multi-channel capabilities. Even so, there are excellent non-powered monitors and separate amps that can deliver fantastic results. Go with what suits your ears, logistics, and budget.

Every one of the numerous G10 Receiver Base Charger units I have seen, used or held in my hand have the same issue with the USB jack mounted in the base receiver housing. None of these were sufficiently recessed to allow the shoulder of the micro USB cord's plug to rest flush against the housing of the base receiver. When he cord was inserted as far as it could go, at least a millimeter or two of the silver micro usb plug remained visible outside of the jack. The first two units I received also suffered from the USB jack flexing vertically internally. These quickly failed, as did most of the others of friends, etc. The jacks of the replacement units I received are more secured regarding the flexing, yet still are not sufficiently recessed to allow the plug to be inserted fully flush against the housing!

 

Compared to the majority of other micro USB devices (smartphones, tablets, rechargeable battery packs, lights, etc.) this is an immediately noticable difference. Almost all of these other devices allow the cord to insert flush to the casing, which also reduces the opportunity for vertical flexing.

 

At NAMM, I saw many more G10 units and they still had the same issue.

 

Also at NAMM, I closely examined several of the Xvive wireless transmitter and receiver units. Every one of those units also shared the identical non-flush insertion problem. The principal difference, however, it that the Xvive units only need their micro USB jacks connected during charging. During use, both the Transmitter and Receiver units are battery powered.

If you would find a Blend Route To parameter for the Dual Cab Block useful, vote this up: http://line6.ideascale.com/a/dtd/A-Route-To-Blend-Parameter-in-a-Dual-Cab-Block/865971-23508?submitted=1

If you would find a Blend Route To parameter for the Dual Cab Block useful, vote this up: http://line6.ideascale.com/a/dtd/A-Route-To-Blend-Parameter-in-a-Dual-Cab-Block/865971-23508?submitted=1

Midi Sync -- plus a whole lot more -- is coming in firmware 2.20! It was Preview announced today at NAMM. See: http://line6.com/support/topic/25218-preview—helix-fw-220-the-get-low-update/

One less cord to be in the way. Two less, when I power the Receiver base using a USB battery pack!

Check these out!! Just in time for NAMM!!

Free Download and Coupon Offer

https://www.celestionplus.com

Fortunately, no Helix lock ups nor freezing encountered here yet.

 

It seems that the majority of posted reports here and generally on the various Internet Forums of the Helix locking up or freezing (other than when updating the firmware or reinstalling Presets), are when a computer and/or Variax are being used with it.

 

I specifically bought the Helix to be used without a computer, and I have not yet considered a Variax.

 

Sure do hope any instability issues are resolved soon, and do not begin occurring with my unit.

While exploring the sounds, feel, response, and characteristics from the various Models of Amps, PreAmps, Cabs, Amp+Cabs, (and Blends of multiple cabs and amps subject to Dynamic DSP limits), I define them individually. This allows for easier isolating or Bypass of any combination of Blocks while demoing.

 

Using Discrete Blocks also allows for other Blocks to be used in between, if desired.

 

Once you dial in your preferred sound, you may find using the Amp+Cab Block simplifies matters, regardless if you use Dual Cabs in the cab portion of the the Amp+Cab block. However, this precludes splitting the path for insertion of different Delays, Verbs or other IR or FX for each cab, and precludes more flexible Blending of the cabs in split paths.

 

Either way, Helix is always flexible, and you can always move things around and change from one method to the otehr as you needs change or creative ideas flourish.

If you use the G10's XLR Out to the XLR Mic Input of the Helix or an XLR Input on a Console or Mixer, you MUST must be certain that any Phantom Power is OFF for that Strip or Channel Input!!

 

The Line 6 G10 FAQ states that both of the G10's outputs (1/4" and XLR) may be used simultaneously.

 

If you are encountering any noise or hum while using the G10's XLR something with the devices or cabling is faulty! As mentioned above, confirm that there is no Phantom Power feeding back into the XLR jack.

As you're encountering the same problem with each amp when audio connected separately, that would tend to eliminate any internal gound issue in either amp. The odds of each amp being miswired would be very unlikely.

 

If a new a cable does not resolve the problem, focus would shift to a faulty G10 Receiver base. In that case, Open a Support Ticket with Line 6 to have them replace the unit under warranty.

 

Post back your findings once you have a new cable, and about how the situation evolves....

Line 6 will certainly replace the defective unit under the original 1 year warranty! Moreover, as you originally purchased from Sweetwater, you're covered for 2 years with Sweetwater! I'd imagine Line 6 would welcome getting back the defective unit to examine it for quality control issues.

 

As you mentioned you're now using the Ample Sounds' Guitar App and "hardly ever use it" (referring to the G10) the turn around time may not be much of a burden. Get back in touch with Line 6 and they'll take care of it!

See:

 

http://dshowmusic.com/line-6-helix-effect-models/ and the other Helix related segments of the site. Each section does contain current content, notwithstanding their original post dates (at the top right of each section) not having been updated.

 

Also see: http://helixhelp.com/pmwiki.php

^^^^^^^

I like this!!

It should work just fine.

My first thoughts are you may a Ground Loop and/or a bad XLR 1/4" TS cable.

Have you ruled out a Ground Loop between the amps? Connect both your amps (and G10 Receiver unless you're using a USB Battery pack) to the same power strip. If still no good, try another XLR adapter cable.

Are you getting any hum when you use the 1/4" out from the G10 receiver base with one amp at a time?

Are you getting the hum when you use only the XLR out > 1/4 TS cable with one amp at a time?

Also make sure the Transmitter is fully seated into the base unit!

^^^^^^^^^

Absolutley! And, for Guitars, Bass, anything you wish to route through the Helix!

Helix's 4 FX Loops really come in handy, aside from the Main 1/4" and XLR Outs (and the USB or SPDIF, and Stereo Headphone out)!

Even if it is available for full hands on use at NAMM next week, the HeadRush could wind up being more of a HeadScratcher. A flattering clone attempt to grab attention from what Line 6 pioneered with the Helix's form factor. Even back in August 2016, Helix had passed 10,000 units sold, (according to what Line 6 mentioned at their Open House.) That figure most certainly has grown substantially in the past 4 1/2 months. And, presuming Line 6's 2017 Helix enhancements and upgrades are loaded with substantial features and improvements, the other guys may be playing catch up for a long time.

If the August '16 class was recorded (audio or video), making that available for playback/viewing (to Helix owners and others interested) would be another great learning resource and likely increase attendance at the next one(s).

Have you confirmed they are both paired to the same channel with the receiver base?

 

One at a time depress each transmitter's microswitch at the base of the 1/4" shaft. When you depress the switch the base's halo light should change from pulsing to solid. If this occurs with each transmitter, they are on the same channel. If not, the Transmitter and base are not on the same channel.

 

Reinsert fully the Transmitter to the Base, wait 5 seconds and remove. Repeat, if necessary, with the other transmitter until both transmitters are on the same channel (confirmed by pressing the microswitch as described earlier).

 

Also confirm that the firmware installed is 1.04.

Just noticed that the Line 6 Litigator Amp is missing from Line 6's PDF linked from the animated encircled "56 Amps" graphic on Line 6's Helix webpage in the Produt Features section!?

 

The PDF lists Line 6 Fatality twice. This is almost certainly a typo. Nevertheless, Line 6's latest Litigator Amp deserves some love!

 

Tony or DI, perhaps this can be corrected before NAMM?