APSRN

My statement quoted above was accurate. I've been building and programming computers on and off (manually entering code on old Radio Shack Tandy units, and later tinkering with Linux and the various distros) for almost 46 years. I also admitted my weakness, that I am new to the digital recording world. The process should not have been too complicated, but in my case it was. Which is why I reached out to this forum. In fairness, I think anyone new to the digital recording world would look at the excellent instructions provided above and conclude that the process wasn't exactly intuitive, and required learning even more lingo than I had come across in my research. The issues I encountered clearly have nothing to do with my technical capability. There's obviously some some persistent hardware or software issue, despite closely following very detailed instructions. Even the gurus on this forum are surprised at the difficulty I have encountered. By the way, I did do fair amount of homework before I even tried using the software/hardware. When I encountered issues, I tried to figure things out on my own by searching online watching videos, reading as much literature as I could find. But nothing helped. I didn't just throw this stuff together with zero baseline knowledge and then come running to this forum complaining about my challenges. You seem borderline offended that I am persistent in my troubleshooting endeavor. It has definitely been a uniquely frustrating experience. And you initially provided assistance. Thank you. But, at some point you apparently found my posts bothersome. Rather than assuming I'm running into an undiagnosed tech issue, you assumed I'm inept. Instead of ignoring me, you chose to write a post dripping with sarcasm, intended to demean my technical ability. Doesn't bother me at all, I'm too old to be bothered by online posturing. There is always someone toxic like you on these forums just itching to display their superiority. Aren't these forums intended to provide support for users and potential users of the product? Instead of being an ambassador, you helped turn me away from Helix and Line 6 in general. I know that I can't come here for help with Line 6 products. Nice work. I wonder if the folks at Line 6 are ok with forum members driving away customers? Advice to just go check out a unit is legitimate. But don't I have to utilize the software on my computer to realize the full potential? Why would I go through the trouble of purchasing the Stomps when I can't use the line six software on my computers? Regarding the term "hype." To be clear, I never said that the Helix system was hype. I merely stated that I wanted to assure for myself that it was not just hype. And of course, make sure that I like the workflow, and that the software will work with my computers. Funny that you mentioned my 15-year-old. I re-mounted a fresh image and told him to take a crack at it. Almost 2.5 hours later he came downstairs in a state of frustration stating he couldn't get it to work. He even tried with our laptop. He asked if he could try installing Neural DSP, I said go for it. About 15 minutes later he excitedly called me upstairs because he was jamming with some nice tones. On the same computer. With the same "cheapie" hardware. With demo version software. With the same cables. Through the same USB port. I asked my son what he had done to get the Neural DSP software running. He said he didn't do anything special at all. He installed the software, and It. Just. Worked. :) Thank God that this technically challenged guy has a genius son! Bob

I was able to get tones today with the updated drivers via Cantabile (might work with Cakewalk, but haven't tried)! But...there is a nasty, loud, continuous hiss that I need to track down. Also, I think I'm hearing a dry/wet mix instead of full wet because the tones aren't nearly as saturated (don't sound good at all) as expected. Not sure where to find the settings for dry/wet mix. The input ports are stereo into helix, stereo out to main speakers, so maybe that setting is diluting the mix... More homework... Edited to add: super glitchy. Suddenly had no sound at all via headphones, but a dry signal was hitting the computer speakers. But there was a wet/dry mix knob. How convenient! I was provided a knob without sound. Closed and restarted, sound was back, mix knob gone. It is possessed! Anyone have a gallon of holy water? Bob

Thanks folks, I'll give it a try later today, hopefully. I have tried with the direct monitor button on the front engaged and off. Engaged, I hear the guitar. Off, I hear nothing. Hmm. I noticed that the metronome sounds (originating from the programs) come from the computer speakers, but the guitar sounds are through the headphones connected to the AI. rd2rk made the point that I was able to record (though I'm not interested in recording...I now can't can't record, for some reason). I should reset Cakewalk and go through the settings again per the above instruction. My computer isn't a gaming computer but the specs are decent (don't recall specifics, but only 2 years old, Core i5 at decent speed, SSD, absolutely minimal apps/processes-I like a lean computer). The speakers are on, of course, and volume way up. What a weird issue. The driver thing is super odd. I know Behringer is a budget name, but recommending inferior drivers is nuts. I'll tear everything out and start over. Ok...I was pondering the issue, and recall having some hardware in the past that did not get along with USB 3.0, which my AI is connected to. Sure enough, I've found many posts where the Behringer didn't work through USB 3.0, requiring the use of a 2.0 port. I'll start over and try a 2.0 port, but may no be able to get to it today. Again, many thanks for the help. Take care everyone, Bob

It does appear that most people love the Helix series. According to many, the tones are impressive, and it isn't considered difficult to use. Unfortunately I can't confirm this because I cannot get a wet signal to my headphones or speakers. I know the quality of the devices can make a huge difference. I'm prepared to drop up to $3000 on 2 helix stomp xl's and FrFr speakers, but I can't even tinker with the functionality. Rather than spending hours tying to get digital modeling in Place, I can grab a used DSL40 for under $1000 and instantly get some great tones, just not at low volumes (attenuator helps, but squashes some of the tone, IMHO). If I can't get the Helix Native wet signal to work, how can I be sure that I can use presets or IRs with the Helix hardware units? That is where I am. Despite following several very well-written directions, I can't test the tones or functionality. Sure looks like fun! Oh, I tried Cantabile, and have the same issue. The signal meters show no activity, so I assume the signal is not getting to the DAW. Bob

Oh crap! How the heck did I get wonky drivers? Was about to give up, but my son is a very cool kid (taekwondo black belt, in the sheriff's explorers, and a pretty good guitarist) and wants a Helix of some sort for his 15th birthday. Before dropping the cash, I want to assure that it lives up the the hype. I shall trash the bad drivers and install the proper ones. Edit: I did get the driver's from Behringer, and they are ASIO4ALL. Oh well. Bob

Thanks for the follow up. Yes, I have selected the record on and input echo buttons. I also used the larger record button at the top. The .php file is weird. I took a quick pic of the screen with my phone, so it is a .jpg...it apparently was converted to a different format when uploaded to this site. Not sure if it will make any difference, but I'll try again. Hmmm...I couldn't insert an image via URL. The site wouldn't allow it. Cute. I pasted links manually. Unless you can think of some other issue, I think I'm at a dead end. I did notice Thanks for the help. https://photos.app.goo.gl/e571svsKyDraQ8897 https://photos.app.goo.gl/UgDLuRuQuvx9Bgfk9 Bob

Ok, the control bar view was already active. I just recorded some strumming...not sure how to insert the plugin onto the track. The box appears to show the Helix is in the path and on. Edited to add that I was able to record and play back (the dry signal only), not I can't. Sigh.

Wow! I cannot thank you enough for such incredible detail! This is a whole new complex world. It was apparently designed for professionals, but it seems like there could be a simpler version for casual users; a simplified UI with an advanced “under the hood” option for pros. I now have dry guitar sound through the headphones, but Selecting (loading) presets make no difference in tone. It looks like the preset is in the signal path, but it apparently isn't. This was one area that I couldn't follow exactly: "7-Activate the TRACK RECORD button (won't record until you activate the TRANSPORT RECORD button at the top of the UI below the MENU BAR)." I didn't see a track record button, or a transport record button. I see record comping at the top, a record button in the box that shows the audio/ASIO, HELIX native, etc. Obviously, a setting is goofed, either in Helix, Cakewalk or even my AI. How do I access the Helix preset tones? Again, many thanks for being patient. Ironically I have to be very patient with my residents, so I know it isn't easy. Bob

Ok, I do have the VST plugin installed, as I see it in the "browser" window on the right side of the screen. I believe I had this before, so I was headed in the right direction. Next step? :) bob

I just installed Helix native free trial on my PC. I'm using a Behringer U-phoria UM2 interface. I have also downloaded cakewalk. I've messed around with it for nearly 2 hours and can't seem to figure out how to get any sound out of this thing. None of this is intuitive at all, which is frustrating because I'm actually pretty adept with technology... But this is totally new to me. It could be drivers, my setup the cycles of the moon... I thought it would be easy, just connect the interface, download a program and go. Not. I'm just want to try Helix before investing thousands of dollars in the floor units for myself and my son. I've looked online for step-by-step instructions, and they are full of technical jargon of which I'm unfamiliar, and not at all detailed. Would someone be willing to provide tedious step by step instruction on how to simply try Helix native? Many thanks Bob