soundog
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Everything posted by soundog
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Andy --- don't know if this of any use to you with a Variax 300, but I am using the Helix successfully with my old Variax Acoustic 700. Here's the thread with info: http://line6.com/support/topic/19736-helix-control-of-variax-acoustic-700/
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I wonder about degradation when taking a signal through multiple A-to-D and D-to-A converters. In this case: Guitar (or vocal) --> Helix A/D --> Helix D/A --> XR18 A/D --> XR18 D/A --> PA powered speakers. Perhaps its not a concern. I found this article: http://ethanwiner.com/loop-back.htm
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Get back to work.
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sounds like yer choices for live looping are - use the looper in Helix with no Trio bass/drums, and practice starting and "closing" your loop right on the beat - create your loop in Helix, and have your Trio "listen" to what you looped and then play along - buy the Trio+ with looper built in so the drum/bass beats are always synced to the looper (and don't use Helix looper) - use a looper and other equipment (such as MIDI backing track device) that supports synching via MIDI clock (Boomerang III looper, for example) - form a group with a drummer that will follow your Helix loops without whining
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electricfactory -- ToneMatch is a little Bose mixer for their Bose speaker towers called the ToneMatch (technology they had built into their first edition speakers that has prebuilt EQs for specific instruments). Its analog in, digital out, and plugs straight into the speaker tower. You don't need it if you have a mixer with EQ. Or something like the Helix.
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I run my Helix into an L1: Helix XLR out (set for Line output level, using left mono) into balanced 1/4" on the L1. I don't use the ToneMatch mixer (it sounds too digital to me). The Helix --> L1 is a great combination.
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... just had to say that a new user wearing a coat and tie always brings some class to the forums.
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I've also had luck "amplifying" the Aux input by using the LA Studio preamp as an early Block. Its got several parameters that you can use to boost the gain. Or, you use an analog preamp to boost your signal before you plug in.
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Jeez. Can we all move on? Let's all go read a good book or something.
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I applaud Line 6 for their documentation strategy. And I find the current manual to exceptionally well-written and easy to navigate. In contrast, I recently purchased a digital mixer (an XR-18), which is similar in complexity to the Helix. It came (and still comes with) no manual (paper or PDF). The manufacturer has relied on a wiki for user info, but it is woefully lacking. Users have had to rely on a forum and youtube to ferret out information. I (and many others) spent many hours using trial and error to figure out functionality. I was able to use Helix quickly, thanks in part to the provided documentation. Smell the glove. :D
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AH! I get it, thank you. Yes, block bypass via CC "toggle" would be useful. I use external controls, buttons, and/or foot switches that can toggle CC data (e.g. 0/127) in concert with their associated LEDs. Currently I have to ensure the controller/LED is "in sync" with the associated Helix foot switch (emulation CC), before I change preset. Not a huge deal, but in the frenzy of live performance its just another thing to keep track of.
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The reason I suggested CC for toggle is that, in MIDI, PC messages only carry the program change number but not additional data, so can't carry any toggle "on or off" information. With a CC message, you can include variable data. So CC commands can be used for toggle (usually data values of 0-63 = off and 63-127 = on) if a MIDI device supports that feature.
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I dunno. Not as many MIDI controller support PC as do Note on/off and CCs. Why doesn't Line 6 just allow toggle via CC value 0 = off and CC value 127 = on? That way my external footswitch control with LEDs would always be lit properly when an FX block is toggled on.
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pilottes --- I just tested it with my Helix, and it powered up without problems. FYI, I've only run into one piece of equipment that wouldn't power it (can't remember what it was), but that is something to be wary of. If you have specific items you want to know about, the developer is very responsive to questions.
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Certainly if you could use more than one button you can do what you want. But if you must use only one, or do any sort of corner-case MIDI "if/then" stuff, you might want to check out a "MIDI Solutions Event Processor." Its a small programmable black box that will send specified MIDI based on received MIDI. It's spendy at $130, but I've had one in my MIDI toolbox for years and its come in handy for those odd "I wish I could do this" situations. The programming editor is available online so you could check it out without buying to make sure it would do what you want. (if you're handy and wise with idle time, you could build a raspberry pi or arduino circuit for much cheaper.)
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I've generated some interesting stuff similar to what you want to do using a Variax Standard, and running one input on the Helix for Variax Magnetics (pickup), one for Variax (modeled). You could use electric guitar along with modeled acoustic this way. And, then you can split either one of these into a parallel path and attempt to make it sound like an organ (possibly even a spleen or kidney). So, yes, I'm hopeful it will do what you want but I'd get one on loan to try, or spend some time in a music store .... just to make sure it'll do exactly as you command. FYI, I bought one for studio use, and now I find myself using for live performance, replacing my Behringer X18-based system.
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I hacked an Akai MidiMix board ($99) so it has 4 footswitches wired up to it. I can use those for Helix switches just like the ones on the pedal, along with the onboard faders, pots and buttons for Helix FX parameters (amp controls, mix levels, gain, reverb level, etc). And, when I switch patches I use the "Send All" button on the MidiMix to send all current controller positions. It works great.
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I run my Helix as a mixer for live performance, using 4 separate paths. 1) acoustic guitar or Variax 700 Acoustic (through Guitar or Variax input, depending on patch) 2) vocals (through XLR) 3) sax (through Aux input) 4) harp (through Return 3) I haven't run out of DSP, as I only use two amps at once (one for guitar, one for harp). You can go so far as to use Return 1, 2, 3, and 4 as line inputs in one (or more) path, and mix each of those. So .... lots of possibilities! Its very easy to use a small MIDI mixer to mix your instruments,. Of course, you could use foot pedals if you want, but I like having a mixer with faders. Very easy to set up with the Helix. So, sure you could do what you want. The limiting factor would be how many instruments you can play at the same time without laughing or falling over or running out of breath.
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I use an FX loop with an external looper (Boomerang III). As you know, accurate looping can have NO discernible latency. I have had no issues.
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If your amp accepts MIDI control data, the Helix can send whatever you want when you select presets. Piece of cake.
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Given the weight of the Helix and the physics of inertia, I'd be nervous about just using tape to hold down my Helix. Industrial strength velcro, perhaps. I used bungee cords like these (cut in half, with each half screwed down): http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/567489-progrip-stretch-lock-bungee-cord.html. There are all sorts of small bungees available, and if you use the ones with hooks you can mount screw-eyes in your board to fasten them to. Easy on, easy off. Leave the feet on for friction.
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NUMBERED PREFIX SCRIPT AND UTILITIES TO HELP WITH IR BACKUPS
soundog replied to HonestOpinion's topic in Helix
Mac users can use this essential utility ($20, but ya gotta have it ... it comes in handy for all sorts of stuff): http://www.publicspace.net/ABetterFinderRename/ -
The ultimate is to have a small mic-stand-mounted MIDI controller hooked up to your Helix so you can fine-tune EQ, amp settings, and your FX settings on-the-fly as you play. Every venue has a bit different acoustics, and sometimes you just gotta fine tune your sound. The Helix makes it achievable.
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No, I don't believe that its solved. I got the exact same answer back from Line 6 when I reported this bug, but had to reply that setting the gain to 0 dB doesn't solve anything. The gain setting (-18 db at default) adjusts the total gain for the mixed signal of dry + IR, and not just the IR. So, there is still no way to "balance" the dry signal and the IR signal so you can achieve a smooth mix at equal output levels. In this case, gain should allow the user to set the total gain of the 100% IR signal to match the level of 100% dry. Try it .... there is no way I've found that will work correctly/smoothly unless you use a separate path to blend. from the Helix manual: Mix "Blends the effected "wet" signal vs. the "dry" signal passed through the block. When set to 0%, the path bypasses the effect completely. When set to 100%, the entire path is fed through the effect, and no dry thru signal is heard.
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Submitting a bug on this....I'm recording MIDI and USB audio from the Helix on an iPad (Cubasis). After doing some testing with a Midi Monitor, I note (as datacommando has) that Helix receiving MIDI "note on/noteoff" data via DIN inputs only sends out "note on" (and not "note off") through the USB port or MIDI out port. I believe this is a different problem than the audio clocking problem on Macs, which is being addressed separately via a Line 6 Mac driver.
