datacommando

Hi Old-Rocker, There are no stupid questions - and enough with the “old”! I’m a grey beard, but refuse to acknowledge the fact that I ever passed 21 (3 times over and more!). O.K. your Presonus interface has both 44.1 and 48kHz sample rates available in the box and as 44.1kHz is twice Compact Disc quality, no problem. Simply grab the free demo version of Helix Native and give it a whirl. Nothing to lose, everything to gain. I would hazard a guess that you will be using Studio One as your DAW as it used to be bundled with the AudioBox. Anyhow, whatever you use, simply install the Helix Native plug-in software and it should be available to use from within your DAW. One thing to watch out for is “gain staging”, you may need to back off the input/output volume in Native to keep things clean. See comments from forum user “soundog” here: Remember, once you start using Native, the demo time period starts to run down and you will be surprised how fast the time goes by. Have fun!

Hi talonmm, Here ya go - the whole classic albums worth from Scott Minchk ( The Helix Channel) https://www.scottminchk.com/store/item_view.php?id=1000232&item=classic-albums-(hysteria) Most of Scott's presets use 3rd party UR's from 3 Sigma and need to be purchased from them. Anyhow, I bought this pack (among others) and they are excellent, plus Scott has a video showing how he puts them together. Check 'em out!

Hi, Please check that you really are using the latest version of HX Edit. The reason I mention that is because you are using a Mac, it could be an old “alias” of HX Edit is accidentally loading and screwing up the connection. Quite a few other users have been caught out with this previously and it’s really annoying when you don’t realise what has happened. Other than that - don’t use a hub for the USB connection, in fact it maybe better if Helix is the only thing on the USB until you establish a link with HX Edit. Once you know it works, then you can hook up your other stuff. Hope this helps/makes sense.

Hi gopjoj, One thing I noted is that you said - “Installed update, Boot up Helix”? Your LT should have re-booted automatically after the update, so maybe something got screwed up. It’s probably something that can be fixed by doing a factory reset - FS 6&12 then re-install the Firmware 2.7.1.0 Here is a full list of options which can usually blow the bugs out - try the three resets listed if you need to. There is thread on this forum specifically aimed at issues when updating your firmware - check it out! https://line6.com/support/topic/34393-helixhx-effects-firmware-update-instructions-please-read-before-posting-a-new-thread/ 2 LED light Fun 3 & 4 Test Mode 5 & 6 Global reset 7 & 8 Reset setlists to factory, Keep IRs 8 & 9 Reset setlists to factory, Clear IRs 9 & 10 Reset setlists to factory, Global reset, Clear IRs 10 & 11 Upgrades existing presets to latest format 11 & 12 Clear current preset 5 & 12 Clear setlists, clear IRs, Return system settings to default 6 & 12 Safe boot mode

Hi again, Sorry for the delay, but was in the studio and disconnected from the internet for a while. O.K. You have managed to fix the initial problems and back up your custom presets, now you just need to do the update, which you can download as one complete package. Back on the download page select HX Edit from the "All Software" menu then Windows 10 from the "All OS" tab, then press "GO". Now you only need to download the first item "HX Edit 2.71" When it unpacks it will install the required drivers for your PC, a copy of HX Edit and the Line 6 Updater app. If you are happy that you have saved all the patches from your old set up, simply make sure that no other programs are running (especially any audio), hook up to your Helix to the PC on a good USB connection launch the Updater app and it should detect the Helix and then you can install the latest update over the internet connection. Away ya go - enjoy you new toy!

Hi Ritchie, Normally I would tell anyone updating their firmware to just update to the latest version, as there shouldn’t be any issues. In your case, it appears that you have downloaded the new HX Edit software and you are unable to make a back up of your presets from your Helix which is still on v 1.06. This might be due to the fact that the editing software that was used with early firmware was the original Helix application. Don’t panic, because all the previous versions of the firmware are still available from Line 6 Free Software Download page. The procedure for downloading the early (2016) firmware was slightly different to the “all in one” package available now. In order to get the stuff you need for your PC, from the download page you have to first select “Helix” from the “All Hardware” dropdown menu, then select “Flash Memory” from the “All Software” menu, then from under “All OS” you should select “Windows 10”. This will take you to the relevant page where you need to scroll right to the bottom to find your v.1.06.5 installer. According to the release notes you will need to use the Helix application v1.04 in order to backup your presets - you need to return to the “All Software” tab to select “HX Edit”, then repeat the “Widows 10” selection and Go will take you to the download section and you can find Helix Application 1.04 almost at the end of the page. You should then have what you had on your PC prior to reinstalling Windows 10 and theoretically you should be able to communicate with your Helix and make a backup of your patches. If this works correctly you will be able to proceed to update to the latest and greatest version of the firmware (well until 2.80 drops). You also mentioned that you may be suffering from a “flakey” USB cable. This and using a hub are the most common reason for problems with updating the hardware. Simple solution - if you don’t trust the cable, replace it. Pop out to PC World or even Tesco and get a couple of new ones that you then know are O.K. Hope this helps/makes sense.

Hi, Yes, I’m fully aware of what that combination of switches achieve and yes, I have tried it on many occasions, but thanks for the tip! The reason I mentioned 6 & 12, was because I was re-stating something that has previously been known to work. I actually refer people to the full list of reset options available quite frequently on these threads - as they do come up a lot. For your entertainment here is the list of button presses and what they do - enjoy! 2 LED light Fun 3 & 4 Test Mode 5 & 6 Global reset 7 & 8 Reset setlists to factory, Keep IRs 8 & 9 Reset setlists to factory, Clear IRs 9 & 10 Reset setlists to factory, Global reset, Clear IRs 10 & 11 Upgrades existing presets to latest format 11 & 12 Clear current preset 5 & 12 Clear setlists, clear IRs, Return system settings to default 6 & 12 Safe boot mode

Hi, Just go straight to v2.71, there is no need to do an incremental update. There wasn't much to the 2.71 update, so a lot of users never bothered - everyone is waiting for firmware 2.80 to drop. Hope this helps.

Hi, Jon, Firstly, I have to say that your attitude comes across as rather odd, judging from the comment that you make. - “could trawl through the posts” etc. Well, it was you who came here seeking assistance and yet it seems that any possible solutions are being, not only overlooked, but ignored because you feel it’s all TLDR. I guess that you didn’t bother to read the last post I had made prior to yours. In that post I stated that many people have issues with updating the firmware and this thread contains lots of step by step instructions on how to approach fixing the problem. Sadly, it seems you cannot be bothered to research any further. I can appreciate the fact that you are unhappy that your unit no longer functions as it should, but very rarely will it be FUBAR - more likely screwed up by user error. For anyone to be able to assist you with this it would be good if you took the time to help us, help you! We know you have a non functioning Helix, although you fail to say which particular model. Then it is really useful to know a few more things such as what version of the firmware you are moving from and up to, along with what computer and operating system you are using to do the update. O.K. You have asked for any tips. As it is a bank holiday, I would suggest that you take the time to “trawl through the posts” and see what you come up with. Oh, yeah, because it’s bank holiday Monday - I don’t intend to type out a step by step guide once more. Seek and ye shall find. Hope this helps/makes sense. Good luck doing the gig with your Boss!

See comments below. Hi, As I understand it, the feedback from people who raised a support ticket regarding this issue, is - you should restart your Helix LT while holding down footswitches 6 & 12. This puts the unit into “Safe Boot” or “Update” mode and from there you should be able to re-install the latest firmware. The thing is, I get the distinct impression that most of the people on here are asking for a fix out of pure desperation after having tried all the usual reset routines. Let us hope that anyone suffering this fault contacts Line 6 customer support and make them aware that this is an ongoing issue.

Here ya go! You should be able to get something out of this quick and dirty patch. You mentioned Bass - so I have included the basic "Tuck n' Go" (change to whatever suits) in the first slot followed by an Harmonic Flanger at 40% mix, then a Dual Pitch for a slight chorus and finally a legacy Dimension with SW4 on and about 25% mix. Seems like a lot of bother for what the SPX does in one preset. Anyhow kick it around – you may find something in there. Oh, yeah – Zakk Wylde used the SPX90 for those Symphonic tones on No Rest For The Wicked and No More Tears. I read the Yamaha SPX90 Manual, and on Page 13 it states that, "The programmable parameters for this preset are identical to those for the Stereo Flange preset, omitting the F.B. Gain and MOD DELAY TIME". Note: Stereo Flange specs a MOD FREQ Range 0.1 ~ 20.0Hz and a MOD DEPTH of 0 ~100%

Hi shawnt113, I have an early Yamaha SPX90 in a rack, gathering dust in the corner of my studio! I would probably have to give “it the kiss of life” and spark the thing up to check the settings, and no guarantee of figuring it out, but it maybe worth finding out! IIRC, it was like some sort of multi voice chorus effect. A big fave of Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois back in the 80s along with that AMS shimmer and Eventide H3000. To get that ensemble sound you could try using a big 70s chorus and the legacy “dimension” to get you in the ball park. I may investigate further.

Hi, Well, I would go with “base”. Under the thread named “ Helix Native FAQ” there is this section: System Requirements Q: What are the supported Mac/PC System and Hardware Requirements and which Digital Audio Workstations are Helix Native be compatible with? Mac Computers: · Mac OS X 10.10 and 10.11 & macOS 10.12 · 64-bit AAX Native, Audio Units (AU), VST3 host DAW software · Supported Sample Rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz Minimum Hardware Requirements · Dual-Core 2.0GHz processor or faster · 4GB of RAM · 100MB of free disk space · Internet connection required for license authorization (and for trial version) Windows Computers: · Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, & Windows 10 (64-bit only) · 64-bit AAX Native, VST3 or VST2 host DAW software · Supported Sample Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz Minimum Hardware Requirements · Dual-Core 2.0GHz processor or faster · 4GB of RAM · 100MB of free disk space · Internet connection required for license authorization (and for trial version) Everybody loves a hot rodder wanting to try something new, but deviate from the published requirements and you’re on your own. There are no guarantees! A few weeks back there was a guy on here with a similar idea of using a mini pc and HX Native instead of using a branded laptop. I guess some people think it’s possible to create a very cheap version of a full blown Helix by sticking the Line 6 software brain into a small transportable PC. I don’t think so. Have a trawl through the posts on here for the one with the guy wanting to put Native on a Stick or a NUC.

Hi, Not sure that is the way it works, but what I do know is the “Kinky Boost” in Helix is based on the Xotic EP Boost, which in turn is supposed to be a recreation of the original EP-3 Echo Machine pre-amp. It is built into the Helix under distortion section, so there must have been a reason to include it as a separate effect.

Hi Matt, Sorry to hear that HXN has gone flakey on you. Line 6 aren’t doing a great job of inspiring customers with this sort of thing. There are many others on this forum with very similar complaints and should have been dealt with - fast! The post from “soundog” above seems to address most of the things that I would have to say about this other than, the delay in getting this resolved is more than likely due to the fact that the Core routines of the operating system, across all the range of Helix products, are being brought into line. This should mean that the totally bug free updated version of Native will, hopefully, be released with the next firmware which has been promised by “late spring”. I imagine that will be before the end of June 2019. I realise this does not particularly help with your situation, especially when there are so many HX Native users who have no issues. When it does work you have a full Helix brain without the hardware and it is impressive. It’s such a shame that Line 6 have not been able to put a little time aside to squash this bug, which seems to be a glitch in the “phone home” system.

^^^^^THIS^^^^^ If only some one would - yep! surenuff - easy enough to answer if you have a HX Stomp, but as I noted previously, the trouble is a lot of the presets change with every revision of the Firmware - maybe not many Stomp owner’s either know or care what is in slot 16A. I still think it is down to Line 6 staff having one of their little jokes. For anyone unfamiliar with some of the zany humour available, just read the final bullet points in the “Known Issues” section at the end of the release notes for v2.70 regarding registered users who did complain about the tuner. That’s just one instance - there is a stack of it out there. They’re having a laugh!

Hi Oskar58, I think you may be worrying about nothing and simply getting side tracked by a prank played by the Line 6 programmers. If you had a Helix Floor model you would find a lot of very oddly named presets that produce some decidedly odd sounds. It is hard to keep track of the weird patch names because with every Firmware revision some get dropped a new ones are added. Mostly it a bit of fun for the folks putting together the Factory lists. Some users have tried to figure out what each patch name refers to - not that simple, although some easy examples are "Untitled Streets", Bottle Message", Whole Lotta" and "Sweet Home" which are fairly obvious references. Some are totally bizarre - "X Ray" and "Dr. Strange" which are sonic novelties that show what can be done using this platform - not very musical, but if you're a sound designer and need a Sci-Fi effect! (stolen from "silverhead" above). My suggestion to you is, if you don't like the Preset 16A !!!INITIATE!!!, simply overwrite the slot with something you do like - maybe something of your own. Should you ever decide that you wanted to use !!!INITIATE!!! in future - then a Factory reset will bring it back. Just back up everything and fill your HXFX with glorious new stuff! I mentioned the Helix has some strangely named presets. My favourite is in the "TEMPLATES" section of the Helix - right at the very end, in slot 32D is "Snapshot 2: No!" where the Expression Pedal is infested by the "DEMON SQUIRRELS"! Don't worry - they are not real! Enjoy

Hi, I can understand your concern about updating your Helix, but there is a whole thread on this forum dedicated to working through the issues that you have mentioned. As you haven’t said that you had checked any of the suggestions/solutions from those posts, I will point you to them. Work your way through all the posts and try all the various things that seem to have fixed things for other users. You will see from the amount of comments that you are not alone, but most of these problems are misunderstanding how to install or “operator error”. These situations are usually not fatal and can be resolved with a little patience. Please read through this and see if it helps. Good luck.

Well, that was an easy one! If only they were all that simple to solve.

Hi, I don't know if you will find this any easier to use and or understand, but it's free for both Windows and Mac. Just have to register with a name and email address - not a problem. https://lancasteraudio.com/pulse/ Hope this helps.

Hi Cleyber, l think you have misunderstood what happens. When you select the Helix as the input/output device for your Mac, all the audio is from the Mac bypasses the internal speaker system and is re- routed and sent to the Helix, the sound is then heard from whatever speaker system is connected to the Helix. You can also listen to what is output from the Mac by using your headphone connected to the Helix phones socket. The internal Mac audio routing is defeated so if you play a song in your iTunes playlist the sound is sent to the Helix instead of the iMac built in speakers.

^^^^^THIS^^^^^ As “codamedia” has mentioned, connect your Helix to your Mac via the USB and it appears in your sound control panel as another input/output device. When selected all your iTunes, YouTube, GarageBand, or whatever else, audio will be routed through the Helix and to the speakers or headphones connected to it, bypassing the Mac’s internal speakers. Hope this makes sense.

jester700 posted this link in his comment earlier in this discussion. It’s a freebie! https://github.com/ValdemarOrn/IRWorkshop This is what he said about it. EDIT: This is for Windows only!

I have to agree with “soundog” that we need another Cubase user to be able to check this anomaly of the trimmed reverb. As you have already stated that the reverb tails are fine when using Cantabile, if that is correct, I would have to conclude that the issue lies somewhere within the settings in Cubase. I can’t say that I have ever encountered a situation where reverb cuts off before the fade ends naturally, other than when bouncing or rendering an audio file and forgetting to turn on the option to extend the reverb beyond the end of the track. Doh!

Hi, You obviously have checked the Helix Native Pilot’s Guide information on page 16, but “Using the Preset File Menu” on page 22 explains further the options of “Save to Disk” or “Save to Library”. In the pinned grey panel “Note”, it also specifically mentions that certain DAW’s may have their own method of handling presets for plugins, where they are redirected to a different area of the hard disk. I’m just guessing, but maybe this is what is happening to your presets. You didn’t mention what DAW or computer platform you are using - that may shed some light on the situation. This is also discussed in an older thread which may or may not help with your “frustration”. See the comment from “silverhead”. Hope this helps/makes sense