mark_gamache

Yes, it's a pain, but you can turn any EQ into an impulse response and use the IR block to load it.

Does it crash just when it should display the following dialog (but doesn't)?

I am working in Gig Performer 3.7 (the latest) on Windows 10 (1909 fully updated). Saving presets to the Library Native causes Helix Native and the Host to crash. This is true for both the VST and VST3. thanks for any help -mark

Okay now it's failing again... Restart doesn't help this time. I notice that when I select a snapshot, it doesn't stick in the GUI. Let's say I select snapshot 3, it reads snapshot 3 for a few milliseconds then flips back to Snapshot 1. Very frustrating. I've restored to factory settings and still no luck. UPDATE: The VST(2) plugin works. The VST3 is buggy at least on my system.

It's working now after a full system reboot. It might be due to not rebooting after upgrading to 1.91, sorry for the false alarm. I tried different VST hosts, but it was the restart that fixed it. Thanks for the help.

I am new to Helix Native, but I've used HX Edit plenty in the past. I can't get snapshots to do anything. I make changes in each snapshot and... nothing. No block bypass or parameter change. I've read the pilots guide and it sounds like it should just work. Am I doing something wrong, or what? Helix Native 1.91 on Windows X64 using multiple VST hosts. thanks for any help, mark

Okay, lots of good feedback about this topic. @gunpointmetal Yes, sometimes we can be too focused on technical stuff when the performance is the main objective. I think the reverbs are not something that jumps out for a live audience after 3 beers. In fact, I am getting ready to start rehearsing for some gigs and might just take the Helix with zero outboard gear as my complete solution. However, I find playing through some of the higher end reverb / delay plugins gratifying. When you start using plugins the water gets deep quickly and this can work against you with too many options, but I like pushing the capabilities of what stuff can do. Also, Line 6 markets the Helix as an interface, they need to make it work as well as an entry-level interface or explain why it doesn't or can't work. @SaschaFranck The 100% wet option is a fallback position for me. It does limit you to only using effects like reverb and delay. It's better then nothing. I use BlueCat Audio Patchwork: https://www.bluecataudio.com/Products/Product_PatchWork/ as a VST host (it's really efficient and is Midi programmable). Also I use a Surface 6 Here's a video on optimizing that device (because you brought up MS Surface). @phil_m Yes my latency calculation was for digital pedals that don't have a direct through (for example my H9 or Source Audio distortion). The latency was not the main point. To me, it's silly to have multiple DSP boxes all doing A-D conversion to talk between them over 1950's phone plugs. I know it's what most players do today. Line 6 markets the Helix as mostly an all-in-one solution. And I think it's great, I want to use it as a platform to build on. I want to use the loops to bring in analog devices and USB to add plugins that being new functionality to the Helix. Also, the Neural DSP hardware might just be the same as a Helix in terms of being a walled garden (closed platform) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Closed_platform, but I'll withhold judgement until it's in the wild. Here's something that is interesting (also expensive): https://en.antelopeaudio.com/products/zen-tour-synergy-core/ (Zen Tour Core) 2ms latency upto 32 channels of audio. Has builtin DSP/FPGA for near zero a lot of effects.

Exactly, try some reverbs like this one: http://www.zynaptiq.com/adaptiverb/ or even the old SoundToys EchoBoy https://www.soundtoys.com/product/echoboy/ and let me know if you think the Helix is on par. It's not. <rant> It's a fantastic unit, but it's a walled garden of sorts. Sure you can buy pedals and run them in loops, but if the external pedals are digital that's ridiculous. In that case, you are running software on a DSP with it's own power / switches patch cables and AD conversion (also adding at least 3.5 ms of latency each loop). The progress and innovation of guitar pedals has been amazing, but it's not keeping pace with audio plugins (again see the zynaptiq stuff and what that can do). Keep the plug-in modal in mind as you wait patiently for Line-6 to release a new version to see if your favorite device is included. I want to run the Neural DSP stuff alongside Helix now. I want an EMT plate reverb or and echo from a Struder A800 or a Dimension D Stereo Chorus. If I have to lug a laptop along with the helix no problem, that's easy. As it stands, I pay a heavy latency penalty for trying this. In fact, it's less latency to get a fast interface and run it via the Helix loop (taking the extra AD hit). </rant>

It looks like there already is one... https://line6.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Low-Latency-driver-for-Windows/945091-23508

FWIW I think the guy is correct on his reporting of his RTL results. Given how that utility probably works, it might be possible to get a result that is that low if the driver provides extremely low buffer options. We've all had results that are technically possible, but not usable in practice. That (like other interfaces) probably isn't usable until it is set to 32 or 64 samples. Not sure this advances the understanding of the Helix latency. Like others, I want a Line 6 engineer to say it has high latency due to reason X. It might be technical or business related. Maybe it's something that could be fixed, maybe not.

Thanks for tracking this down. We def should seek a definitive answer as this will continue to come up.

This has been discussed on other threads, but I would like to start one dedicated to the topic of using the Helix as a low latency interface. I've not been able get < 10ms latency running any sample and/or buffer settings. This has been supported by others reporting similar results. To get close you have to run 96K/64 samples. Running 96K/64 results in ~10.6ms of latency, but because you have to run 96K/64 samples it puts pressure on the computer I/O and creates buffer under-runs (the random noise you hear if the buffer is not filled). At a more reasonable setting of 48K/64 samples the latency is 13.2ms (all measured by the RTL utility). Note: my cheap Presonus USB interface is less than half that latency at the same settings. Question #1: Is this due to the latency compensation built-in for each external loop (to account for the analog-to-digital latency on each loop)? Question #2: Are there any tricks or settings we can use to reduce the latency I know I can monitor in near real-time via the helix, that's not what I am looking for here. thanks for any insight people might have, mark (note: I am using a Windows 10 laptop with an i7 processor and 32Gigs Ram)

I suspect it might be due to the latency compensation Helix uses for it's loops. Because Helix has to sync external loops (that each have a A/D latency) it delays the whole signal equal to the max delay 4 loops). Let's say this is ~1.8 ms per loop the total would be at least ~8-9ms added to the latency. I don't know the exact amount. Now that I am thinking, it's testable by routing through each loop and seeing if the latency is higher. Just a thought...

FYI, the Helix / HX Stomp cannot get below 10ms on any setting regardless of computer. I own both and have measured with RTL. It *should* be lower based on the buffer size, but it's ~2x latency of my other audio device at the same sample rate/buffer (Presonus 22VSL). Yes, I am running the latest firmware.

Right, I see that @ADBrown is a Line6 employee and knows way more than I do of course. It feels like the LA Studio comp is faster than the LA-2A emulations that I've used (Waves + Black Rooster). I like the LA Studio sound and use it in a final block to glue my sound together (ala Jason Sadites). But, I want to put the HX Stomp in the middle of my chain and use another pedal for compression (TC HyperGravity). Just wanted to dial in the HyperGravity to get close to the LA Studio Comp. Is there a good way to measure a compressor's effect (Like using Adobe Audition with generated wave forms)?

One more thing. Because of the faster attack times the LA-3A is preferred vs LA-2A for fast transient sources (Drums and Guitars) according to these links: https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/universal-audio-la-2a-versus-la-3a/ https://www.uaudio.com/blog/la-2a-vs-la-3a-explained/

I am not an expert on vintage compressors, but.... The LA-2A's Gain and Gain reduction are 0-100. The LA-3A measures gain and peak reduction using a 0-10 scale. Also the LA-3A does have emphasis control (it's on the back see this article and screen shot of HF Contour) https://tapeop.com/reviews/gear/49/la-3a-audio-leveler-reissue/

I've always thought the LA Studio Compressor was based on an LA-2A, but really the parameters match an LA-3A and not an LA-2A. Is the LA-2A really the model, or is it the LA-3A which might be better for guitar? Anyone else notice this? thanks, mark

Cantabile 3.0. Not a ton of experience, but it seems pretty complete

So, I am thinking about creating a midi controller/control to accompany the HX Stomp. Sort of like the Morningstar, but more custom for the HX stomp. Help would be appreciated. I am wondering what features you would like? Some ideas to get started: Dedicated Buttons to activate presets (or assignable to specific effects) Assign Program and CC changes on preset change (like the Helix control center) to control other devices Tempo Display in BPM Tap Tempo output to other pedals (taps for you into non-midi peals) Stereo > Left/Right breakout so you can route the HX' effect loop to two mono effects. Exp Pedal input to route to Exp 1/2 (so you can use the expression and foot switch) Exp Pedal to Exp 1/2 conversion so any can be used with HX Stomp Two or three loop switcher to integrate other pedals Bluetooth (BLE) Midi? Other ideas? I would like to keep the footprint as small as possible.

Actually, I own Helix, HX Stomp and Native. I was thinking about adding a few PC based affects (like waves plugins) to augment my sound, but still use the dedicated hardware for the core sounds. This would not make me dependent on a PC in case of failure. You are arguing for a full PC setup which could work. I just get a little concerned with latency and reliability live. Do you use PC effects live? If yes, what host? thanks, mark

Is it possible to use the USB in/out with the effects loop in a stomp? You can do this with a Helix, but I don't know if it's possible with a stomp. Gutar > HX Stomp 1/4'' > HX USB out > Computer > HX USB In > HX Out 1/4'' Basically this is inserting a computer into the signal path of the HX Stomp. Any ideas? (I know I could add an external audio device and use the regular 1/4'' loop, but I don't want the extra A/D conversion, added latency and I have other analog pedals that I might want for the loop)

how about LiveProfessor http://audiostrom.com/ ? there's also AU Lab (requires free Apple Dev account) try Googling "Audio Plugin Host OSX"

I like midi just fine, just hate the din cables. with USB cables the plug is so much smaller and you have limitless options. You can also get a cheap hub as a distribution box vs a midi repeater/hub. Disaster Area makes great products, I am not sure there's any room for a competitor unless I can think of something that is really niche with the Line 6 stuff (but it's not like the HX Stomp is under the radar).

I see the DMC.micro (thanks for the link) that's pretty close to what I was thinking. If I could only figure out the libusb Helix format I could create a true companion. Is there any documentation of the Helix USB control?