stevekc

The common volume pot (Its a ganged internal pot ) on all Tyler Variax's controls Volume level for both the passive Mag PUs and the DSP Modeling Sound.

 

 

there a way to have the vdi and mags split ( 1/4 out vdi out) thanks

not that I'm aware of  -  besides this would reveal phase distortion ( due to the slight latency from the A/D>DSP>D/A signal path) and major cacophony if DSP Alt tuning and mag PU signals were both engaged at same time   

 

 

I've used the Helix. Not a line6 employee... not a marketing... anything...

Yet Still no official answer to this basic question: 

 

 

How was the latency between switching patches?

+1

Or use this one 

http://www.amazon.com/Mogami-Digital-Audio-Neutrik-Connectors/dp/B00X72C2X6/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1442246699&sr=1-3&keywords=AES%2FEBU+Digital+Audio+Cable

 

 the Hosa EBU-010 AES/EBU

Digital Audio Cable will do.

 

Both hold to the 110-Ohm, AES/EBU Standard for that kind of cable.

L6 EX-1 Does seem to use just a 1/4"TS Connection

I've always just used the Roland EV-5 with TRS connection,

So it appears a 10k linear Pot with Wiper feeding the Tip of a TS plug will work all Line 6 Gear.

Between the HD500x vs GT-100(with Rev 2 firmware ) I prefer the GT-100 , because I can easily make changes to my FX settings mid song at the gig

Without a Laptop

And for Alt Rock or Blues the GT-100 ( 2.0 firmware or newer) does the smooth soft distortion that cleans up when you roll your guitar down, and you can still use third part stomp boxes in front of the GT-100 Guitar Input without everything sounding like a chocking spyder 15 watt practice amp as the HD500x does

I've lived through this before . It's the typical Line-6 owner experience for any new product they release

Around 18 months after purchase, Some Line-6 products finally get the firmware update that allows the actual product to deliver promised features, it's a gamble , let's face it - swatting bugs in the new Helix will always command the full attention of the Line 6 engineering crew, while Firehawk is IMHO merely a tarted up Amplifi FX100.
If I knew Variax Workbench Hd and Monkey were not compatible with Firehawk , I never would have purchased.

I would sell mine on EBay , but there are already a few used Firehawks already there and by the time I pay sellers feed ,and take a bath , I might as well keep the Firehawk as a doorstop to remind me not to buy a Helix
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=%22Line+6+Firehawk+FX%22&_sop=15


the usual suspects in Line-6 Marketing will never tell you about lurking problems with Fitehawk FX - never revealing the minefield of problems that exist for serious live use at gigs

Why provide Patch select switches if these always deliver a loud chirp if you actually use them mid song.




My Vetta combo + FBV as a stereo amp and MIDI Controller for my Kemper is looking more attractive

The second link you listed above is the only reference I've ever seen unofficially indicating that Helix's expression pedal outputs are TS.

I suspect the outputs are only TS is because that's what's on the HD.

I own XT-Live, HD500 and HD500X , FBV Shortboard MKII and Firehawk FX - all use Boss EV-5 expression pedal with a TRS connection -same as the short throw Mission Engineering EP1-L6 expression pedal ( which is popular with folks who seek "form over function" and want the look of an old vox wah pedal

But what do i know? ( I assumed the Helix VDI port would work with Workbench HD - but thats not happening until future firmware)

L6 EX-1 Does seem to use just a 1/4"TS Connection

I've always just used the Roland EV-5 with TRS connection,

So it appears a 10k linear Pot with Wiper feeding the Tip of a TS plug will work all Line 6 Gear.

Maybe Digital Igloo can provide more details on Helix Expression Pedal Options

where is the specification of the EXP jacks for HELIX defined?

http://line6.com/support/topic/14264-helix-faq/?do=findComment&comment=102831

http://line6.com/support/topic/14523-footswitch-modes-configuration/?hl=ev-5&do=findComment&comment=106969

http://missionengineering.com/?product=ep-1

will the Mission Engineer pedals for L6 work with it? Or will it use new ones?

 

Yes, Mission's Line 6 pedals will work.

http://missionengineering.com/?product=ep-1

Exp output : 1/4″, 10K Linear, TRS tip to wiper

 

Or is it in the manual we haven't seen yet.

Stand in line with the rest of us - I expect a 1st read of Helix Manual while passing out Trick or treats.

I was under the impression that the expression pedal inputs on Helix are TS? But a TRS cable would work, just that the ring part isn't physically used?

This is what the external Expression Pedal TRS Jack expects with Roland/ Boss / Peavey gear:

L6 EX-1 Does seem to use just a 1/4"TS Connection

I've always just used the Roland EV-5 with TRS connection,

So it appears a 10k linear Pot with Wiper feeding the Tip of a TS plug will work all Line 6 Gear.

Routing can be handled by a few gurus  - but its the required wood routing for locating the Sustainiaic Driver board that presents the biggest hurdle  

https://web.archive.org/web/20070221000644/http://www.exit45.com/VaxV

Yes, these have a Dedicated Expression Control jack with EV-5 compatible 10K linear pot -use a TRS Stereo cable to Helix Expression Pedal Input

http://www.bossus.com/products/fv-500h_500l/

 

 

Both FV-500L / FV-500H models also provide an Expression output for use with expression-compatible amps, effects, and even synthesizers.

http://cdn.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/FV-500H_OM.pdf

My same response to this same question is here

http://line6.com/support/topic/15553-pod-hd500-compared-to-firehawk-fx-hd-amp-models-help/?do=findComment&comment=113869

I prefer the sound and  "feel" of the Firehawk FX - it responds better to my Alt Rock style. If I played Metal I might have a different opinion
To be honest I've ordered a Peavey Vypyr Pro 100 / Sanpera Pro and looking forward to using it with my custom Antares ATG guitar

http://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=13562.0

 - My  Firehawk FX ownership experience has been a bit horrid - I need tools not toys, I'm "twice shy" for any future Line-6 purchase.

Read all my posts here:

http://line6.com/support/index.php?app=core&module=search&do=user_activity&mid=82812

I own both HD500X and Firehawk FX

There are arguments to own  both 

But its clear the Firehawk FX is just an AMPLIFI FX100 with a bit more switches and Variax VDI input, and frankly seems rushed out the door  - too many "gotcha's" for pro use at live gigs.  

At this hour the Firehawk FX  has a few crippling "features" 

* VDI connection to Tyler Variax - but No compatibility with Variax Workbench HD - not even being planned 
 
* No MIDI control over USB -  - not even being planned 
 
* No PC /Mac Editor - not even being planned 
 
* Broken USB Audio ASIO Driver that is really a joke. you are stuck with 24 bit at 48kHz - no option to change this 
 
* Massive "Chirp" noise anomalies during most patch changes while playing guitar 
 
* No compatibility with Line-6 Monkey - Not even being planned 

Which is a bummer, because in general I prefer the sound of the Firehawk FX over the HD500X - and this is after I updated my HD500X with this year's FW 2.6 and added the  three Model Pack upgrades. 

http://store.line6.com/hd-fully-loaded-bundle.html

Why did I buy the Firehawk FX?

* On a brightly lit stage, I cant read the HD500X's poor contrast LCD - (zero improvement over the HD500) 

* I detest the HD500X's arcane LCD Edit  / tweaking patches mid song at the gig - I need to adjust my reverb depth , or Tremolo speed / Depth  mid song and  Without a laptop running HD Edit  - its a sluggish and blind task.   

 
* because i did not know the Helix would be arriving so soon 

No

and . . .

No

 

 

Deal breaker for me. Well, that plus the patch change latency that they still haven't seemed to fix. OK, Line 6. You lost me on this one! No sale!!!

Wise money!

https://youtu.be/pRHgE2Yi3To

 

 

ALL my spank settings sound like lollipop. 

Many alternate ones that have been tweaked in Workbench HD can be downloaded here

http://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?board=138.0

 

 

Quick update, I fitted a set of Tronical tuners to one of my 69ers.   I think those things are freaking amazing.   Crap loads faster than retuning by hand, and accuracy is at least as good.  I will definitely get another set for my other 69 model, because they make live performance stage tuning so much easier, no loss of crowd interaction, since all you do is hit the button and strum a couple of times.

And they are on sale for a limited time 

http://store.tronical-components.com/

A: it Will void the Line-6 Warranty

B: If you have $$$ anything is possible

http://www.sustainiac.com/install.htm

C: the similar Fernandes Sustainer has a similar installation experience. (lots of routing and sawdust and huge risk of damaging your guitar ) 

https://youtu.be/9rxLktV8x-M

Most gear I own the MIDI CC# control convention is data 0-63 = Off, data 64-127 = On 

( The VALUE <= 63 for OFF and >=64 for ON.)

Thats how Roland VG-99,Boss GT-100, Vox Tonelab SE,  Fender Mustang Floor operate.  

If you want momentary foot swtich for Vibrato on/ off, the MIDI controller must support transmitting a separate MIDI command upon switch release 

Re Loud Chirp during patch to patch changes - We all suffer this  -

If you disable the Delay FX and palm mute all strings just prior to the instant you change Firehawk FX  patches - it minimizes the loud chirp burst that can occur at each patch change.

read more details here:

http://line6.com/support/topic/13511-time-between-preset-swtiching-unbearable/

Helix will be available End of Summer"

Perhaps they mean "Indian Summer'

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_summer

If you disable the Delay FX and palm mute all strings just prior to the instant you change Firehawk FX  patches - it minimizes the loud chirp burst that can occur at each patch change.

FWIW - many Audio  / MIDI apps from several vendors stopped working with the very latest OSX 10.10.5 "El Capitan" (Roland / Boss Tone Studio stopped working too)  

You might be stuck for a while if you remain on OSX 10.10.5 , until Line-6 updates the software to be compatible. 

It remains to be seen what the Helix Patch to Patch switching time will be with the shipping firmware -no confirmation yet what that will be