soundog

In Logic Pro (my DAW), a user normally assigns a single "thing" (plug-in parameter, volume, pan, send, etc) to a single automation lane. It keeps things more predictable and manageable. I imagine its the same in Cubase, unless Cubase lets you create macros to group automations under a single control. Snapshots are really the best thing to use for what you want to do: if you add 1 or 2 more blocks later, edit your HXN snapshot accordingly, and you shouldn't have to change the Cubase snapshot automation. Another option to play with would be MIDI control — you might be able to assign a MIDI control to multiple "things" in Cubase, and use MIDI to control Helix (now that HXN supports MIDI control).

There are plenty of good powered full-range speakers out there these days, many intended for portable PAs. Shop based on the largest venue and number of people you will need to play for. If really large venues, make sure the speaker has a line out.

Glad you now have a guitar and not a brick. A tip if you ever want to use Workbench on your Mac ....., you can use High Sierra with the old Workbench (newer HD version doesn't work with the old Variax models such as the A700), but you have to perform some tricks. Here is a relevant thread: here is the most relevant part from that thread: "Download the "Variax Workbench 1.73" installer" ... v 1.75 reports being damaged. "when it says it needs a former version of Java down-grade to it" ... its not really a downgrade, as the OS just uses it when something asks for this version of Java. You will be directed to download it when you first try to run Variax Workbench. Just follow the trail, and then restart Workbench.

I played around with using various power supplies at one time (including DC) while trying to cut back on the number of wall warts in my live rig. The Variax 700 power supplies (A/B or Mini) were very picky, so I ended up going with the stock AC supply with lotsa ma's.

HXN never sounds muffled to me .... if anything I need to roll off the highs and lows. In a mix, guitar tracks usually need some EQ anyway. I get my Helix tracks sounding rich and full when soloed, then later EQ them as needed with a dedicated EQ plugin; after I've committed the "Helixed" guitar track(s). Sometimes I also keep the raw guitar track so I can tweak the Helix tone later if needed, but I usually try to avoid that so I don't get stuck in a tweaking-loop.

Facebook as a whole is compromised. Thanks for the file!

..... good point!

Using a trial on Helix Native is a brilliant way to try out the "hardware" (assuming you have a decent audio interface).

Its good you can try a unit out with your basses to see how you like the bass amp models. I personally think they come up a bit short (compared to guitar), although I don't perform with bass live. The effects and stomp boxes would serve you well for sure. But you should be able to see if a Helix will work, or if you prefer sticking to an amp and using a Helix FX for stompboxes. And .... if you're satisfied with the bass amp(s) in Helix through a full-range speaker, you will be able to achieve just about any routing you want, and can even have presets that switch between your basses, with different EQ, FX, etc for each. Amazing flexibility.

On many of the packs presets, you can modify the effects (including reverb) to get the exact sound you want. So its not such a big deal to change out the reverbs. I like that sort of flexibility, because the bulk of the tones are not dependent on effects to sound good; most of the great tones in the 2.5 collection come from the clever integration of amp settings and custom IRs. BTW, the new reverbs sound fantastic on the right material.....

...just to clarify on the Brainworx mixing console plugins, the channel variances are considered to be a valuable feature for this sort of modeling: on a real analog mixing console one specific channel might sound better for vocals, one might sound better for a snare drum, etc. Also for the software, after you get your mix channels set up how you like them, then you can lock them all down so they are always the same on a particular song or mix. The software gets rave reviews by users largely because of this variance feature.

A plugin company called Brainworx models in digital "variance" in their mixing console plug-ins. Since no two channels of a studio mixing console or the same because of analog component variations, the software designer modeled all of the differences to give you the channel-to-channel variations of real hardware. Not two channels are identical. To my ears, it sounds "richer" than when all the digital channels are identical. But a multi-channel mixing console is a different beast than a single guitar modeler. I agree with @cruiseon that I want my Helix presets to sound the same every time I fire them up.

....you say potatoes I say potatoes. I think we've answered the OP's question. Besides, he seems to have left the room! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I'd think here is a good place to sell it, reverb.com, maybe e-bay and craigslist. Just make sure you have the licensing stuff sorted out first so you can re-assure the buyer and avoid problems. Shipping will be cheap!

you betcha. With regards to the OP's original question, the main analog stuff that matters is the analog input connectors/circuitry, power supply, A/D circuitry, D/A circuitry, and analog output connectors/circuitry. But ...... the magic where the tone and effects are created is digital. Today's DSP circuitry is getting really good (fast, clean, high resolution) at modeling analog stuff (amps, stomp boxes, etc) — especially in the hands of good software engineers.

power supply stuff is

Look closer .... one is for PC, one is for Mac.

...complex question, especially if Native was a deal discounted with the hardware. You might need to get that answer directly from Line 6. Maybe start here:

...mine is a prototype that uses a ferret. I sort of wish I had the hamster model.

What kind of mic are you using? Can't imagine it has such low output, but maybe you need a small hardware mic preamp before the Helix (that would be only for an extremely low output mic). I agree with others, don't color or distort with a DSP amp .... if anything use a gain block.

...if you can't find anyone local and are up against a wall, I could loan you mine (just $ for round-trip postage from/to Portland, OR). I trust a fellow Variax Acoustic owner. I haven't weighed the dongle, but it might ship for First Class (relatively cheap). Otherwise it would need to go Priority Mail.

Health #1. All else follows.... Small focused packs are appreciated — I like your collections that are focused on great tone for original performance and studio work. Your creative use of special effects is icing on the cake.

After you set up a Smart Control for Helix Snapshots, Snapshot Index should be listed under Smart Controls in the automation drop down. At least it is here running Logic Pro 10.4.1.

It makes sense that @fremen can't go back and update everything when Line 6 makes minor updates. But in this case, I use LoneStar all the time in recordings now, but miss having a clean Snapshot, so really do wish he would add a preset for the clean channel. Or maybe even a quick note on method to copy his CH2 preset, switch CH2 and CH1 amps, use the same IR, and adjust parameters.

On Mac...after you get through the initial Helix Native license agreement screens, you'll get to the main Install screen. Select the Customize option on the bottom left, then check the plugin versions you want to install.