MusicLaw

Happy Thanksgiving, eve and a big Thanks to everyone at and involved with the Line 6 products!

 

I'm delighted to be part of the HELIX fun!

How about the "Mediator?"

This works too!

CS is in the process of collecting all the old presets and uploading them to CustomTone. There will probably be a knowledge base article with links.

This could be an outstandingly awesome resource tool! Particularly for those of us new to the HELIX world learning what the gear can do.

Don't the older Factory Preset need to be rebuilt in some way so they work properly with the latest firmware? Does HELIX Editor handle this is some way when the older version Presets are brought in? Is a footswitch power on procedure part of this?

Malhavok, Thanks for the confirmation. Cap reinstated to Variax jack.

Successfully updated HELIX to firmware 2.10!

 

Now the fun begins....

Thanks guys!

Through decades of technology business and legal affairs, audio engineering, and computer IT experience, I've grown accustomed to the plain reality that with every new iteration of a product firmware upgrade there are quite likely to be issues. It is always a best approach to get input from those whom have already plowed the road!

A new PC is in the works, for early 2017, if not sooner. Until then this HELIX will strictly be a stand alone device.

 

It is truly unfortunate that for these sorts of firmware update houskeeping chores, Line 6 has not yet provided Android support for the HELIX. The several Android Tablets I currently use are quite adept at USB OTG chores for a panoply of other devices.

I have a brand new HELIX with fw 1.06.05 that needs to be updated to 2.10.

 

Can this be safely accomplished by following steps 1 and 5 through 7 of the Line 6 Official firmware installation instructions? (See except below) In otherwords using Line 6 Updater without having to install HELIX editor or other USB Audio drivers?

 

I will be borrowing a PC solely for the firmware update. Thus, I presume, there is no need for Audio Interface USB drivers nor HELIX Editor stuff to be installed on the borrowed computer.

 

Are there any pitfalls that I should be aware of to streamline the process and avoid having the borrowed computer burdened with the installation of extraneous HELIX Editor or other software for USB Audio interface etc?

 

[EXCERPTED FROM LINE 6 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS]

1. Shut down <snip> any software that streams audio, including, but not limited to: iTunes, Spotify, DAWs, etc.

2. <Snip>

3. <Snip> download and install the NEW Helix editor application <snip>, available here: http://line6.com/software/ This also installs the newest version of Line 6 Updater <snip>.

4. <Snip>

5. Using the latest Line 6 Updater <snip>, update Helix/Helix Rack to the newest firmware <snip>. At the end of the update process, Helix/Helix Rack will reboot automatically and begin rebuilding presets. Wait for this process to complete.

6. <Snip>.

YOU MUST RESET GLOBALS AND RESTORE PRESETS, OTHERWISE HELIX <snip> WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. DO IT. DO IT NOW:

7. To reset globals and restore presets, turn off Helix/Helix Rack.

HELIX FLOOR ONLY: While holding footswitches 9 and 10 (middle two switches on the bottom row), turn on Helix. Wait for the message “Will reset Globals and restore stock Presets, Setlists and IRs…†to appear and let go.​

An additional concensus of replies over on TGP reiterate that the cap is for the Variax jack. I'll fish it out of the recessed treadle adjustment hole and cap the Variax jack.

That's the idea behind all Line 6 original amp models (like Fatality and Litigator). An idealized, optimized amp model not beholden to the quirks, inconsistencies, and inadequacies of the real thing.

Hallmarks of innovation and inspiration!

Thanks for keeping these available! Downloaded the zip files. Now just need to learn what to do with the Presets after extraction, and how they get rebuilt to work with the latest HELIX firmware.

As a brand new Helix owner, with a factory new Helix containing 1.06.5 firmware planning on installing 2.10 today or tomorrow, what is the procedure to install the two old deleted factory Preset groups after extracting (unzipping) the two downloaded zip file from your site?

AlexKneivel and Malhavok, did each of your Helix's arrive with that cap inserted in the Variax jack?

 

Oddly, a reply from Jim Roseberry on the TGP Forums, stated: "{t}hat rubber cap was originally over the XLR mic input."

 

Anyone from Line 6 have a definitive answer? Tony, Frank. Andrew, Ben, Eric?

I picked up a brand new HELIX today!

 

A small (approx. finger tip sized) black rubber cap was loose inside the HELIX's sealed plastic bag. The cap was hanging on the Variax port's release latch.

 

Is this cap for the Variax jack? Or, is it for the recessed Treadle's adjustment screw? It seems to be more suited for the latter, yet it does snugly fit the Variax jack.

You may have a faulty unit. Line 6 will take care of you! Open a Support Ticket if you have not done so already.

I too avoid FB! As much as possible. FB is way too reminiscent of the old AOL mentality of attempting to keep the mentality of the herd inside their own bubble. Moreover, FB's method exposes users to far too much collateral white noise distractions from FB's universe. The very fact FB requires a login to view is absurd.

 

These L6 Forums, L6's site knowledgebase resources, and the Threads on TGP and MLP are far more informative and well categorized. The best of the best can often be a well compiled and thriving Wiki-like site like the HelixHelp site or the Line6 Wikia site (if it were updated).

I like the name Line 6 chose for the Amp! ;)

If Line 6 does a Cleaner (yet sonically complex) amp version, they can name it the "Negotiator!"

Is there a new rev E version of the HELIX User Manual pdf? I found only 2.0's rev D on the HELIX Manuals dowload page. 

 

I'm picking up a brand new HELIX today, and would like to have the latest docs. I've already read the 2.10 stickys and the Release Notes.

Much Appreciated!!

I'm pretty sure it's tomorrow, in celebration of my birthday!!!!!  ;)

Happy Birthday!!!

Another intriguing HELIX feature is Foot Edit mode. It doesn't get much discussion. Nonetheless it does seem to offer terrific hands-free HELIX control and editing without a computer.

The recently introduced MIDX-20 device from PrimovaSound.com is a powered Dual USB MIDI Host. I have not used the unit, but it does seem interesting and capable.

 

 

 

There's a new minor HELIX firmware 2.10 expected any day.

 

There is no indication if the Updater, Editor, and Installer might also be revised/upgraded/enhanced in this forthcoming minor update. If you have the option of holding off a day (or several) you may want to consider waiting.

Don't waste your time, effort, and expense on soundproofing. Unless you spend a small fortune you won't effectively contain the SPL to your apartment. Simply turn the Gemini 2 -- way down.

Otherwise, use Headphones, IEMs, or much smaller powered monitors that will sound full at low volumes. Something like the JBL LSR305 or smaller computer style monitors.

I bought one for under $15. Works Great!

See: http://line6.com/support/topic/23417-brand-new-g10t-usb-charging-cable/