datacommando

Hi, If you look at the illustration and info on page 8 of the HX Stomp Owner’s Manual, Hybrid Amp/Direct Setup. This seems to be what you require if you adjust the send block to suit. https://line6.com/data/6/0a020a4010c935bb66a4c0c44f/application/pdf/HX Stomp Manual - English .pdf Hope this helps/makes sense.

Hi Bill, I noticed this is the second post that you have made regarding the issue. As you said this is a brand new unit, I think your first recourse should be to contact the vendor “Sweetwater” and discuss the situation with them. You may be able to get the “faulty” unit replaced immediately. Failing that, you should raise a ticket with Line 6 support. Try Sweetwater first and see how it goes with them, although a “random shutdown” is going to be difficult to replicate, you should get a new unit - fit for purpose, etc. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Once more I have to agree with everything you say and those very thoughts had also crossed my mind. Why put the audio through iMac speakers? It’s beyond me. Although I can sort of comprehend the reason for not connecting the Stomp to the Lavry unit - it would add extra stages of AD/DA unnecessary conversion. I like your Coke in a wine glass observation, but I’m going to mix a bunch of metaphors and say that after looking through the wrong end of the telescope, we have now taken a sledgehammer to crack a nut! Yep, it’s Friday and I need a beer - enjoy your weekend.

Hi Kilrahi, You know, that was my initial thoughts exactly - why not just use the HX Stomp for this job? Simple enough! Then I saw the one thing that makes all this other stuff relevant. Lavry DAC – that's some serious and expensive piece of equipment. Have a look at some of the spec on this thing. http://www.lavryengineering.com/products/da11.html "rwhitney" doesn't say what relevance to the set up is, or why it's been used, but it must matter because as you say you can jam along to YouTube by plugging in a set of cans.

I really do despair! The main thing that contributors on this thread have told you is - get some decent monitors or FRFR speakers to use with your Helix otherwise it will sound like a sack of $hit. Big problem - you didn’t like any that you checked out! Did you listen to them - properly, or did you just not like the colour. One more time, get some monitors and no, PA speakers are not the same. Loud yes, but not the same! Furthermore, if you don’t intend to dispose of any of your current gear, even the unnecessary items - well, this band thing is gonna be a long time coming! A year? Yeah, right! Also, how come nobody else in this band is contributing to the equipment pool? That could speed things up a bit!

Well, yes, it always is disappointing when something doesn’t work exactly as you expected. Since my last post, I have realised that my Helix functions the same way (becomes the sound card) even though my previous “screen shots” would indicate otherwise. I will delete those images because they may lead to even more confusion. As previously mentioned my Helix is hooked up to my studio iMac and is in everyday use which leads to familiarity breeding contempt. Yes, I can use my iMac internal speakers with Helix connected via USB, but not powered up. Doh! There is also a general purpose MacBookPro around the place and when using that it is possible to switch between internal and external speakers, it will even use wireless to play through a couple of satellite set top boxes to the TV speakers, so I know that it’s possible to swap between speaker systems straight out of the Mac. We spend so much time using this technology that sometimes the edges become blurred. What I really should have pointed you towards was using the Aggregate Device” option on your Mac which allows the use of more than one device. Have a look at this video and see if it helps you to achieve what you need. EDIT: Lavry Engineering have a pdf about creating Aggregate devices for ProTools just the same: http://www.lavryengineering.com/pdfs/lavry-ad11-da11-protools.pdf

Oops! Sorry about that. Well, that’s something that I was unaware of until you just mentioned it in your last comment. Obviously all those things that I tried to explain came from my using the Helix Floor unit. Still, it all seems very strange to me because in the promo stuff that was posted on here in HX Stomp FAQ by Digital Igloo, he stated: ”It’s also a world-class portable guitar recording interface with digitally-controlled analog impedance circuits, zero-latency monitoring, multichannel re-amping, and headphone amp. (One might suggest it’s the perfect front end for the Helix Native plug-in.) HX Stomp is whatever you want it to be, wherever you want it to be.“ and ”USB—for recording to/jamming along with Macs, PCs, iPads, and iPhones. (iPads and iPhones require the Apple Camera Connection Kit.) HX Stomp can feed both stereo paths into your computer—along with dry versions for reamping—simultaneously“ I have to say that certainly confused me.

You are starting to come across as one of those people, you know the ones I mean - "all the gear and no idea". What "cruisinon2" stated is correct - you could simultaneously use both A and B signal paths in Helix and utilise the 8 USB channels to record into your DAW. The set up you are describing is complete chaos and impractical. Having multiple players without headphone and/or a proper monitor system is lunacy. You really haven't thought this through. You need to sit down a draw a diagram of all the equipment you want to use and figure out a flow chart for how it could all work. Initially when I read your first post, I actually though about creating a rough guide chart for you to use to include your drum machine and Emulator, but after seeing you responses to the comments here, I thought no! I don't particularly like to say this, best thing you could do is is go and RTFM. Oh, yeah! Helix into a 4 port USB hub! MEDIC!!!!!!!

A picture is worth a thousand words so here ya go. See if this helps. Using the Line 6 Driver shows Sample Rate Selection

Ahh, now things become a little clearer, or murkier. It seems that we have an additional item that previously wasn’t mentioned - Lavry DAC! As I have absolutely no idea how you are using the DAC, or how you have it connected, I will take it out of the equation for the moment. Without the DAC connected let’s just get the Stomp to behave as it should. Connect the HX Stomp to the iMac via USB - here we go! “Is there a way to hear the HX Stomp directly through my mac's speakers when connected via USB?” Well, as far as the HX Stomp is concerned regarding accessing sample rates and which driver does what, the situation is this. Using the “Class Compliant” Core Audio Driver in your Mac the HX Stomp will only operate at the native 48kHz sample rate. If you switch to the “Line 6 Helix” driver, this should allow you to operate at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88kHz or 96kHz sample rates. Using the Line 6 driver you can use the Audio/MIDI Setup to select your Helix device for audio in/out then change sample rates via the pop out menu for that device. With the Stomp configured like this you should now be able to jam along with your iTunes, YouTube etc., with the audio output through the iMac built in speakers. If that works then there is no problem with the Stomp and it’s doing what it is designed to do. With regard to your Lavry DAC, and how you connect that to the other stuff, that was not part of the original question so, hopefully you could let us know exactly how your audio equipment is rigged. The more info we have the more chance of a solution, if not it’s like being blindfolded in a darkened room and trying to find a black cat. Hope this helps/makes sense. :)

Hi, I’m not in the studio right now, but I think this should be easy enough. My Helix is permanently tethered to my studio Mac for recording and monitoring through my Tannoy Reveals, but I can still use the speakers in the iMac if I want. As you state you can see an audio input signal in the System Sound input settings (within the System Prefs panel) then your chosen input option must be already set to HX Stomp. To achieve what you’re after, select the Output tab at the top of the System Sound panel (within the System Prefs panel) and from that window chose “Internal Speakers - built in”. Audio from the Stomp should now be directed to the speakers onboard the iMac, unless I have misunderstood the question? Hope this helps/makes sense. EDIT ARRGGG! I have only now realised the what you have described is your iMac maybe stuck on "Digital Out" which usually results from having headphones connected. It's not uncommon for the tiny microswitch thing inside the headphone jack socket to get stuck. Sometimes connecting and disconnecting headphones will clear the stuck switch and then you should be able to select "built-in output" from the sound prefs. Failing that you can try this which should work: 1) Open iMac 2) Go to AUDIO MIDI Setup 3) At the very bottom left corner click the "+" sign. 4) from the popup menu select "create multi-output device" 5) In the settings for that device "tick" the box "built-in output" 6) Hold down the "option" key and click the speaker icon at the top right in the home menu bar of your computer and make sure to select "multi-output device". Now you should get sound back from your computer speakers, but you still might have the grey icon up top and not be able to control the volume. If that should that happen: 7) Hold down the "option" key and click the speaker icon at the top of your computer screen (on the home menu bar - top right) 8) select "internal speakers" Now every time you use headphones and then unplug them you will likely have to repeat #6-8. Hope this extra info helps/makes sense.

Hi invidiaboy, This “which third party expression pedal” thing comes up about every 10 minutes on here, on BookFace, TGP and almost everywhere on the big wide inter web. Rather than send you off down the rabbit hole looking for the answer, and specifically because you mentioned the Boss FV-500L which is easy enough to put into a search engine, a quick check on here brought up this thread for you to have a look at. It’s rather old, like me, but should answer your question. Hope this helps.

Hi Propower, This might put your mind to rest. A couple of years back, someone asked a similar question over on TGP, although it wasn’t such a marathon gig as yours. Anyhow, check the reply #10 from Digital Igloo, Line 6 product manger. https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/helix-at-outdoor-gigs-question.1833840/ Hope this helps.

I see what you mean, but that came about from his comments about lacking distortion as shown in the video example of the basic factory settings on several amps. When the OP supplied his own audio clips of the identical configurations, “dull and lifeless” seemed to be the general consensus of opinion from people who had listened to them. The OP has tried another Helix both with his own PRS and cables, also with a new Strat - same results. Other forum users have tried repeating the things shown in the original video and are able to replicate, or a least get very close to the video examples. I checked out the same settings and was happy enough with what I was hearing from a set of vintage single coils. Maybe not exactly the same, but, hey, close enough for rock ‘n’ roll. The guy knows that he can modify any of the tones using EQ, compression etc, and has been happy enough to do that for almost a year - he loves his Helix LT. This came about because of what should have been a straight out of can, basic amp set up, did not appear to give the same result. The one thing that I think could be a factor in this is, we are dealing with a YouTube video - so, it may well have been subjected to a little extra compression, post recording. That might give it that little bit more bite that makes the difference. I don’t know - I’m not a scientist, but I thought the idea of experiments was to combine the same ingredients and get the same result, time after time. There again, bakers don’t always get identical cakes from the same stuff.

DDDDDDDDDDDDD OOOOOOOOO HHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHH !!! D::::::::::::DDD OO:::::::::OO H:::::::H H:::::::H!!:!! D:::::::::::::::DD OO:::::::::::::OO H:::::::H H:::::::H!:::! DDD:::::DDDDD:::::D O:::::::OOO:::::::OHH::::::H H::::::HH!:::! D:::::D D:::::D O::::::O O::::::O H:::::H H:::::H !:::! D:::::D D:::::DO:::::O O:::::O H:::::H H:::::H !:::! D:::::D D:::::DO:::::O O:::::O H::::::HHHHH::::::H !:::! D:::::D D:::::DO:::::O O:::::O H:::::::::::::::::H !:::! D:::::D D:::::DO:::::O O:::::O H:::::::::::::::::H !:::! D:::::D D:::::DO:::::O O:::::O H::::::HHHHH::::::H !:::! D:::::D D:::::DO:::::O O:::::O H:::::H H:::::H !!:!! D:::::D D:::::D O::::::O O::::::O H:::::H H:::::H !!! I DDD:::::DDDDD:::::D O:::::::OOO:::::::OHH::::::H H::::::HH D:::::::::::::::DD OO:::::::::::::OO H:::::::H H:::::::H !!! D::::::::::::DDD OO:::::::::OO H:::::::H H:::::::H!!:!! DDDDDDDDDDDDD OOOOOOOOO HHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHH !!!  Mea culpa! I am not worthy! Although the comment doesn’t really address or answer the original poster’s question does it?

Well, yes that’s true with some of the models in the Helix, but I refer you back to the video in the first post. The original post contains examples of Helix factory basic setting for several amps with no modifications other than the addition of a high/low cut block and a room reverb after the amp, then later a Tube Screamer (on default setting) in front. The OP’s supplied clips on those exact settings are dull and lifeless and that is what the issue is - why the is there such a big difference? If you like, yes you can crank up the channel volume or turn up the the big volume knob on top of the Helix, but I don’t think that is the point here. You even quoted his comment - “Tried a replica of everything...” . He even went to a music store and tried his PRS Custom 24 and cable with a brand new Helix, same result, then he tried one of the stores brand new Strat models - similar results, even though single coil were used. File under weirdness, because if it wasn’t for his audio clips you could say it was his imagination (or ears), but it’s very odd.

Hi once again Steve, Now I have had a chance to fire up my Helix and check out the situation with Factory Preset 01A US Double Nrm. Just as we thought, it's an example of what happens when you run out of Digital Signal Processing power - certain blocks cannot be added because they require more DSP than is available. This particular preset, which is a simple serial chain comprising: Vol > Red Comp > Minotaur > Chorus > Amp/Cab >'63Spring > OpTrem > 6Sw Looper. It has all been built on the single top path of the Helix and as such is utilising all the power from one of the 2 DSP processors available. The way to get round this is mentioned by "rd2rk" in the comments above, simply move everything behind the amp/cab block down to the second path, effectively bringing into action the second DSP. Helix user and forum contributor Ben Vesco (Malhavok) has compiled a list of Helix DSP allocation for people to see what effects a guzzling the power. Find it here: http://benvesco.com/store/helix-dsp-allocations/ Oh!, Yeah. Always work on a copy.

Hi Steve, I have to concur with the information the other two posts above, greyed out item usually means you have run low on DSP power. I’m not in the studio right now, so I’m unable to call up the preset to check this out. The problem you describe reminded me of something that recently came up in another thread on here. I started to recreate a problematic patch, which contained two overdrive blocks, I added a Minotaur no problem, but when went to add a TS808 - no way, greyed out! Luckily a fellow contributor to the forum spotted my very basic error - I had placed a stereo version of the Minotaur drive model in the path. That was the reason that the Helix ran out of steam. Now, I have never felt the need for a stereo overdrive, and doubt that I ever will, but the option to add one is in there and can trip up the unwary (me). My advice is - always work on a copy and stick to mono models before the amp block and stereo for modulation, delay and reverb post cab/IR.

Well, I updated very soon after the release and (fingers crossed) not had any problems so far, although the version is listed in my Global Settings window as Firmware Version 2.71.0 -9d66a1f. Ferktifino what that stuff after the two dot, seven one, dot zero refers to, must mean something to the Line 6 Crew - stray bit of code?

Hi again, Lucas, I have only just realised that you state that your attempt to revert to v2.70 and factory settings have not worked. I have to ask if you tried all the various reset options to see if it clears the problem. There are several options, and so as not to have to type them all out here - here’s a link to use for reference: https://helixhelp.com/reset-options/ One of these button combinations might help blow the bugs out! Failing that you will probably need to raise a ticket with tech support or contact the Swedish Service Centre when they re-open.

Hi, It looks like “codamedia” just beat me to it with the suggestion to insert a send/return block before the output and connect your amp to the send. If that works then the problem is in the final output stage, we know that USB out is working fine.

Hi jschirino, I guess this is a brand new Helix, (not pre-owned), but you don’t say what version of the firmware does it have installed. The firmware version shows on the Helix screen when booting up. If it is less than version v2.70 or 2.71 you should download the latest update which contains the most up to date driver for your Windows 10 machine. You can find details of how to do this by scrolling through and finding instructions in the thread in the link shown below at the end of this post. Another thing to consider is, when your PC is hooked up to your Helix, it’s not unknown for the problem to be a bad connection over USB. There appears to be some sort of “voodoo” involved with “flakey” USB and the best thing to do is to try using different ports and/or cable, and in a worst case scenario even try a different computer. Hope this makes sense/helps

Hi, CrazyRedd, Simple answer - Yes! As noted by both “silverhead” and “rd2rk” - when the HX Stomp is connected via USB the Helix becomes your sound card, which means you can have a YouTube video running and you play along with it. If you have some backing tracks minus guitar on your PC, you can jam along with them. If you have a DAW on your computer, you can record and playback your guitar in that. Simple. The thing which appears to be confusing you is HX Edit. As the name implies, it’s simply an application with no audio processing capability, which allows you to remotely edit all the internal parameters of your hardware unit. This allows you to create, modify and store preset patches within the Stomp and the software can be used as a librarian for the presets. HX Edit doesn’t need to be open to use HX Stomp to play along with anything else. Hope this makes sense/helps. Edit: Set up is described/illustrated - Owner’s Manual - Pages 9 & 44 -USB Audio. Requires Line 6 ASIO Driver https://line6.com/data/6/0a020a4010c935bb66a4c0c44f/application/pdf/HX Stomp Manual - English .pdf

Hi, again, Maidlife, Thanks for uploading those clips - it’s a big help in understanding your issue. Having listened to the samples, I find that I have to agree with the others about the “dull and lifeless” description of the tones. They are certainly not what I would expect to hear from the bridge pup of a PRS Custom 24. I also think that the suggestion above, from “BrianPeter”, about checking the resistance of your guitar pickups is definitely worth checking out. From your previous post, I understand that you’re currently in Japan, and having access to electrical test gear may be an issue, so try using a new cable first. One thing about this that I really don’t understand? In your original post you mention that: “I’ve owned a helix LT for almost a year, the problem I have it since the first days, the presets pre installed sound nothing like in the videos on YouTube...so I gave up on using them, then noticed that when creating a patch, I had to add compressors or ODs before the amp to get a decent distortion... ” From this comment, I can’t figure out if your unit has always been “dull and lifeless” right from day one, or did that happen a short time later? It’s not the sort of situation that I would have tolerated for almost a year, I would have been chasing Line 6 for a replacement LT as soon as. I’m a little surprised it has taken you so long to seek advice on this - there are always helpful Helix folk here, day and night. Let’s hope it can be solved quickly.

Hi Lucas, As suggested by "cruisinon2", above, you will probably only need to set your output to Multi. Although you have also said that your preset output appears completely normal, I would suggest that you go to "Global Settings" > Ins/Outs. Then use the Page Button navigate to page 3 where you should set the output to "Multi" for both the "Volume Knob Control" and "Headphones Monitor" options. Hope this helps and good luck with the concert.