DOndek

HI @rd2rk I hear ya, but in my experience, I've bought MANY iOs related cables in my life; some Apple, some knock off, some other name brands, etc., and to be honest, I have rarely noticed a difference with regards to better compatibility / performance and certainly not longevity with Apple cables as they break / die just as fast as no-name brands (only a much higher price tag). It's unfortunate that this stuff just can't "just work" and be more consistent in 2025. Just my $.02 And thx again for your responses and help!

Thanks for the replies. Update: I bought a USB female to USB C adapter and a USB B to Lightning cable on Amazon (not Apple cables, but ones that had better reviews than others). They both worked for the MIDI functions from the iPad Air 2 to the Helix via Setlist Maker, however, the adapter was somewhat inconsistent as it would not work, but then if you plugged it back in (or flipped it around), it would work. The fit of the lightning cable end on that adapter was not very snug in the iPad so perhaps that was part of the inconsistency? So the good news is it works with both of those options, what I can't figure out is why the USB B to USB C adapter didn't work (as the same adapter worked with the iPad Pro)? Not the biggest deal as this is by back up iPad, but I still want/need it to work consistently. Thx.

Hi again @RD2RK , Correct on getting it working on my iPad Pro and you were incredibly helpful figuring that out, so thanks again! I hear ya, as I can't think of any other reason it could be. That said, the USB B to USB C (female) adapter I have works with a USB C to USB C cable on the Pro so it would be weird if it didn't work for a USB C to Lightning cable but IDK. I looked for a USB B to Lightning cable on Amazon last night and literally every cable had an Amazon warning re: frequent returns due to compatibility and/or durability. But I may buy one just to test it out (this is for my back up iPad after all). @datacommando thx as well for your reply. I have a similar cable for HDMI connection, but I'll have a look into that type if the above doesn't solution the problem.

Hi all, I was recently able to set up my Helix to be controlled via my iPad Pro (SetlistMaker app) to change programs, enter into Stomp mode, and change come footswitches). It's an awesome feature for gigs when I have multiple guitars! I have an older iPad Air 2 that I use as a back up for my charts and was trying to set it up to do the same. Every setting in the 2 iPads for the app is the same, but MIDI isn't working and the app is not recognizing the Helix in the MIDI log. The app developer is wondering if it's a compatibility issue with the iPad or the hardward connectivity. The iPad Pro connects via USB B from the Helix to USB C on the iPad, whereas the iPad Air 2 connects via USB B to USB C adapter (which I've tested the adapter with the iPad Pro and it's fine) and then a USB C to Lightning cable to the iPad Air 2 (all of these cables and connections are supposedly compatible with the SetlistMaker app. Does anyone have a set up or have had an experience like this? Thx!

OK, first of all, THANK YOU for all the help and the time you've taken on this. WE (YOU) GOT IT! Your last explanation and the sample preset you sent really helped clarify this for me and I was able to understand it better and make the necessary adjustments on my Helix as well as in SLM. A couple points to note (and for anyone else in the future who may read this): You are correct with regards to the dual use of the Block (ON when switching presets manually via FS, OFF when switching presets via SLM MIDI). No snapshots (for now), that's 2.0 for me on this journey. Yes, I do want the Command Change (71 0) for Stomp Mode. The purpose of this is for performance, so for example, if I'm at a gig in my full band and I have a 6 string acoustic, a 12 string acoustic, and an electric (which actually has 2 outputs; magnetics and a piezo, more on that later) and I'm switching songs AND switching guitars, the idea is to tap the right song title in SLM and have it call up the corresponding Helix Preset for that guitar > change into Stomp Mode > and unmute the Send/Return FX Loop block that I have linked for an external tuner (all my Helix presets are set with that block engaged so that the Preset for that guitar isn't 'on' while I'm plugging in/out, etc. 1 of my guitars is a PRS Hollowbody II Piezo, so it has 2 outputs, one for the magnetic electric pickups and one for the piezo 'acoustic' output, each with it's own input into the Helix but they have independent signal paths in the Helix Preset. One output functions like the other Presets for the external tuner/mute block but it caused me to need to create an additional mute 'switch' via a Volume block on that Preset (requiring me to engage 2 FS to unmute the guitar). In this case, I created the same CC (4 0) for the S/R FX Block and then an additional CC (5 0) for the Volume block to unmute both inputs from that guitar. I did have to make a MIDI timing adjustment in SLM for a delay of .1 seconds (Settings > Audio & MIDI > MIDI Options > MIDI Preset Order > ...with Delay Between = 0.1 sec) in order to get the CC 4 0 to work correctly. Fortunately, this only creates a slight delay when switching instruments (it does not create a delay if I switch songs in SLM and the primary MIDI preset in both songs is for the same guitar, which is great for continuity while performing live) but the slight delay when switching instruments won't be an issue. I just tested it between songs, guitars, etc. and it's fantastic! SLM is changing the presets, going into stomp mode, and un-muting the S/R FX Loop block(s)! THANK YOU AGAIN!

Adding to my last reply. I shared your last comments with the SLM app developer and he replied with: "Reason being that when I do this in Reaper, 127 always TOGGLES, 0 does not. I want to see if it's the same in SLM" Set List Maker doesn't do that. You can set the CC value to 0, 127 or any number in between and it will always send the number you entered. You can see that from the output from your MIDI log that I added to this ticket on March 20. "That neither allows you to specify the ON/OFF Values..." Set List Maker does allow you to specify the CC value. CC messages have two fields, Controller and Value.

OK, I think I follow. I've changed both BYPASS ASSIGN and MIDI BYPASS in HX Edit on the FX block to None. I'm still unclear on what I'm sending from SLM in this test. Since we no longer have FX Loop tied to a FS, sending CC 50 with a value of either 0 or 127 would seem irrelevant to me now, so I'm unclear on what command in SLM to send to bypass the block? Thanks.

Hi, sorry for the delay, the site would not allow me to reply for a few days (??). Thanks for the reply. I hope I'm following what you're proposing, but I may be a little confused as it's still not working (I tried values of 0 and 127 for the CC). But, when you say "BYPASS on that Block should ONLY be MIDI BYPASS" and "eliminating the FS BYPASS setting" , I assume you mean when I go into Helix Edit, have the MIDI IN turned to CC4 on the BYPASS/CONTROLLER ASSING screen ? And then in SLM, I'm confused too, as it sounds as though you're saying to remove the CC#50 message, but don't CC's need the 2 codes (the CC and the Value)? Thx!

Hi. Circling back on this. So, if I understand your 2nd to last reply, I updated FS2 on the Helix under Bypass/Controller Assign > MIDI In > CC4, and then in SetList Maker I put the Control Change as 50 and 4. If that's correct, the behavior remained the same: every other time I call that MIDI preset it turns FS2 on the first time, then off the next time, then on the next time, etc. Below are the last several commands from the MIDI log, which is essentially calling the same MIDI preset multiple times. Also, I am aware that SLM has been replaced by the developer with BandHelper, but he actively supports SLM (he's just not making updates going forward) and I have an open ticket with him on this topic. 13:28:14.783 - sending data [BF, 47, 00, BF, 32, 04] to all ports (48) 13:28:14.784 - sending data [BF, 00, 00, BF, 20, 05, CF, 02] to all ports 13:28:27.474 - sending data [BF, 47, 00, BF, 32, 04] to all ports 13:28:27.474 - sending data [BF, 00, 00, BF, 20, 05, CF, 02] to all ports 13:28:28.415 - sending data [BF, 47, 00, BF, 32, 04] to all ports 13:28:28.415 - sending data [BF, 00, 00, BF, 20, 05, CF, 02] to all ports 13:28:29.867 - sending data [BF, 47, 00, BF, 32, 04] to all ports 13:28:30.466 - sending data [BF, 00, 00, BF, 20, 05, CF, 02] to all ports (2) 13:28:30.467 - sending data [BF, 47, 00, BF, 32, 04] to all ports Thanks!

Hi. Thanks for the reply. As I'm fairly new to the world of MIDI, there are some things in your reply that I don't quite understand, but will keep trying to make heads or tails of it. That said, as I am able to have MIDI change the Helix Preset, go to Stomp Mode, and (at least every other message) disengage a footswitch, I thought I had the general gist of MIDI. As you say, it may be a bug in one of the devices. Line6 finally sent a reply to my inquiry telling me to look at the Helix manual (really?) which I did, but they did not address my specific issue. I am also having a back and forth on an open ticket with the SetlistMaker app developer, but he is unfamiliar with the Helix and how it functions. His app does have a MIDI Status Log and I can see when a message was sent, but as a MIDI newbie, I don't fully understand how to read it as the values in the log don't look like the MSB, LSB, PC numbers in my MIDI presets.

Hi all, I'm trying to get the SetlistMaker app to communicate with my Helix floor via MIDI (USB). I've been able to get the app to send the correct MSB, LSB, PC codes to change Helix presets when I switch songs. Additionally, I've added Control Changes to have the Helix switch into Stomp Mode, but the final piece is to turn a block (attached to a footswitch) on the Helix preset once in stomp mode. The reason for this is because each Helix preset I use live has a Send/Return (FX Loop 4) block connected to an external tuner, which of course mutes the preset, but when switching songs (and therefore presets) in a gig setting, I want the patches to be 'live'. All of my Helix Presets have a block like this and they are defaulted to have the block 'on' so that when I plug in / switch to a particular patch, it's muted for tuning and to avoid any unwanted hum (ie an acoustic guitar) if I'm not actively playing when switching. I've entered Control Change 71 Value 0 to get the Helix Preset into Stomp Mode and then Control Change 50 Value 127 to get FS2 to turn that footswitch (and the associated Send/Return block) off. Here is the PROBLEM: What is essentially happening is that regardless of the song and it's associated MIDI preset, the behavior of that switch is defaulting on/off every other time a Helix patch is selected. For example, when I select song 1, it turns that switch off (desired result), but when I switch songs (whether the next song has a different MIDI preset or the same MIDI preset as the previous song), it turns the switch on. It alternates consistently from song to song or preset to preset. I basically need the Helix to turn that block/footswitch to 'off' whenever it receives a MIDI command. Thanks for the help!

Hi all. I recently purchased a PRS Hollowbody II Piezo SE and am trying to work on the signal path for the piezo (this will be separate and distinct from the mag pup signal, not blended). For years, I've had a Warmoth that has a Fishman PowerBridge and Power Chip installed for the piezo signal and it's worked great with the patch I built, but the Baggs piezo in the HBII is a very different animal in sound, output levels, etc. Any suggestions or help is greatly appreciated! Thx.

Also, how do I submit via Ideascale, I don't see a link on the Support page.

Thx for the reply, that's what I figured. Unfortunate, as it seems like that would be something that a lot of people could use.

Hi all, Does anyone know if there is a way to do the below with either the 1 or 6 switch looper on the Helix floor? What I'd like to do is tap on the record button once while playing (ie an intro chord progression), then tap the record button again at the end of the passage. This is how I'm doing it on the 6 switch looper currently, however, the loop immediately starts and I have to very quickly hit another switch in order to stop the playback. I just want the playback stored so that I can use it later in the song (ie for a guitar solo). It's a tap dance to get the newly recorded loop to stop playback immediately (often when I need to start singing). I haven't used the 1 button looper in awhile, but it sounds as though it's even more tap dancing (ie quickly double tapping the button). It seems to me that immediate playback start vs. store the loop for triggering later would simply be a setting on the record start/stop switch. Is this possible? Thanks!

OK, so I'll need to do Send & Return for the tuner, and then when I engage the tuner, it will mute the output? If so, I have a problem with Sends/Returns as I'd be using Ret 1 (piezo), Ret 2 (acoustic 6), Return 3 (acoustic 12) and Return 4 is already reserved for an FX loop on the magnetic/piezo patch.

Hi all, thanks for the replies. @codamedia, I don't think I missed the point, but was just saying that if I have to run an external tuner, then I need external boxes, so using my small A/B switch box isn't a huge deal, but I would prefer not to have any external boxes. But I get the point, see below re: using Returns for the 2 acoustics instead of the A/B box. @theElevators, I used to run wireless years ago and the systems have improved and become smaller, but I don't think I'll go that route again (and no, I don't need to run around the stage, at least not anymore, LOL!). I could potentially ditch the A/B box for the 2 acoustic guitar which share a patch currently, and create a patch for each guitar and use Return 2 (for 6 stg acoustic) and Return 3 (for 12 stg acoustic). Then I could potentially use a Send block at the end of each of those patches to go to an external tuner (still not thrilled about an external tuner box when there is a tuner on the Helix!). It won't solve the tuner problem for the hybrid electric as the magnetics (Guitar In) and Piezo (Return 1) run through one patch as I need to send both signals at the same time, however, I could just tune with the magnetics via the Multi option on the tuner, so that's workable. Question on the Send block to external tuner: how do I mute the signal when tuning then (as I don't want my signal output to the PA when tuning)?

Appreciate the replies. In our band, we often transition from one song to the next, and I move from 6 string acoustic to 12 string acoustic to electric throughout the gig, so I don't have time to bend down and make setting adjustments or unplug guitars. I have a hard time believing that I'm in the minority of guitarists who use more than one guitar at a gig and/or who wouldn't like to have the option not to have to switch cables, etc., but that's just my opinion. Bottom line is, those workarounds won't work for me. For how flexible the Helix is, it just doesn't seem like being able to change the tuner settings at the preset level would be rocket science for the designers. I appreciate the Send concept and I do have a Send I could use, but if I have to run an external tuner, then I may as well run in line after my switch box, which it also appears I will need to employ my larger Analog Man custom switch box from years ago in order to handle the routing pre-Helix due to the input limitations. Frustrating and rather surprising this isn't an option of the tuner inputs. Thanks for the replies, all.

Ha I have heard the expression, but how many guitar players play only one guitar? IMO, it's a no brainer that multiple guitar inputs would be available. And I've been able to work around that with Returns, but apparently with some pretty important limitations (like being able to tune!). Unfortunate.

Thx for the reply. I'm not sure what 4cm is, but I think I get what you're saying. It's unfortunate if there isn't a way to make these changes for the tuner input at the patch level, which leads to an even more unfortunate situation where I would need to run an external tuner, as I had to do at my gig yesterday when I discovered the problem, but had hoped that was just a workaround. It seems to me that if there isn't a way to do that, then there is a very big limitation with the Helix for players who use more than one instrument at a gig, as it would require either external tuners or more complex external switchboxes. (sigh)

HI all. I use a variety of inputs for guitars at gigs and am trying to figure out how to assign the tuner as it seems like it's a global setting. I have an electric with magnetics and a piezo bridge that run a TRS from the guitar to 2 1/4" outputs (mag & piezo), the magnetic goes to Guitar In, the piezo goes to Return 1 for input on my patch (both magnetic and piezo are in the same patch). I also run 2 acoustic guitars, which run to an A/B box and then into Return 2 on another patch (that both acoustics share the same patch). The problem is that if I use the Multi input option for the tuner, then the acoustic patch and the piezo don't get picked up by the tuner as Returns are apparently not in the Multi list of inputs. When I assign the tuner to Return 2 on the acoustic patch, then the tuner for the magnetics doesn't work as it appears Tuner input is a global setting that cuts across all patches. I would assume the tuner input setting could be set at the patch level, but that does not seem to be the case, or at least I don't know how to change that. Please help!

@datacommando I just put the patch through it's paces, and it does everything I was looking for! I never answered your question about the Send/Return block; it's for a TC Helicon BodyRez pedal which I feel adds some life to the piezo acoustic sound, so I added that back in at the front of the piezo path. I made a couple small adjustments; I moved my wah pedal to the end of the path (post merge) that way I can use it on the piezo signal as well as the electric signal. Thanks to you both for your help, and especially to @datacommando as you nailed it on what I was looking for! THANK YOU!

@theElevators thanks for sending that video, appreciate you taking the time. I understand how to move blocks, it's more about the separate and merged paths I need. Not sure what I'm doing wrong, but I tried to do what you suggested, and when I change the output of each path to 2A, it ends up sending my piezo path through my amp&cab block, which I definitely don't want. I then tried to free up space on the first path (since I still can't get it to extend or create a parallel path by dragging an existing block down ??) . @datacommando thank you as well for your reply and the edited patch, I will check that out shortly. Based on the description you sent, this is exactly what I'm looking for with the looper and volume pedal in the end of the 2 paths after the merge. I had the piezo input set as Return1 as Line 6 Support told me to use that vs. Aux In due to the volume pad built into the Aux In jack. Will let you know once I upload it and give it a test, thanks!

Hi. Thx for the reply! Glad to hear you think these issues can be resolved. I hear you on looking at it like a wiring diagram, and that's how I think of it, which is why it's confusing to me when Line 6 Support says the looper can't be shared across the 2 signal paths and why I can't figure out how to route it (admittedly, it could very well be user error / lack of understanding). That makes sense about the 2 volume pedal blocks, and I can move my current volume pedal block to the end of the electric chain, but I can't add another block to my piezo path (per #2 in my post). I can't figure out how to make that path chain longer to add more blocks? Were you able to take a look at the patch I attached? The reason I ask is because I believe I do have a 2A, and the Multi is just to route the output for both so that they are summed and can be sent as one signal via XLR (preferred) or 1/4" or whatever, but with one cable to the mixer. Apologies if I'm misunderstanding, but that's how I thought I had it set up. ?