silverhead

I suggest that you avoid using IRs until you have thoroughly explored the Helix features and capabilities, especially the cab and mic models. IRs can be a great tone shaping tool for some but the sheer volume of possibilities is a learning curve in itself and, imho, better left until later.

I trust this resolves your previously mentioned ennui? (Great word, btw... :lol: ;) )

I found the v2.30 update instructions that refer to firmware v2.12.2. Follow the instructions in Blue text. You only need to perform one update, not two. http://line6.com/support/topic/18284-latest-helix-firmware-230%E2%80%94nov-21-2017/ However I think you still won't be able to create a backup of existing presets because I expect you will be unable to find the Helix editor v2.12 that is referenced in Step 2 of the instructions. I can't find it in the Downloads area. This also renders Steps 6 and 7 irrelevant.

The first public release of Helix LT firmware was v2.20 according to the Downloads page. @UgoPellegrino - It seems your LT with v2.12.2 was delivered to you with a beta the first post-beta production version of the firmware installed. I don't know what the compatible version of the Helix editor is; it too was likely a beta release that you will not be able to access. As saks suggests since your LT is brand new (at least to you) you probably don't need to back anything up before updating to v2.30 following the posted directions. If you really do want to save some custom presets before updating I would open a support ticket and work directly with Line 6 tech support. EDIT: Correction re: version of installed firmware. Also, the compatible version of the Helix editor program was v2.11 as indicated by Hilpatajutaa below.

I didn't see anyone say it would be a no-brainer......

Can't answer the why question. But I think it is highly unlikely that there will be a new driver that removes the latency issue. However, the M20d remains a great mixer. If you need a mixer that can also operate as an audio interface for general multi-track recording purposes, then yes you need to find another mixer/interface. My only suggestion would be: don't sell it until you find the replacement, and then carefully compare what you're giving up by selling it. Remember that the M20d is designed for live performances, not studio recording. If your main use is studio recording then the M20d is not the device for you.

In the early generations of Variax guitars (pre-JTV) the alternate tunings are embedded in the model and created using Workbench. Beginning with the JTV alternate tunings are implemented as a global feature and are not embedded in the model. This means that alternate tuning in pre-JTV guitars can only be controlled by selecting the model that contains the alternate tuning. The alternate tuning feature available in an HD500 preset cannot be applied in pe-JTV guitars. But you can use the HD500 preset to store and recall the Variax 500 model that contains the alternate tuning.

The Pod X3 series had a great feature that I have missed ever since. It's called Lock Tone 2. It behaved sorta like the 'copy path' proposed here except you didn't have to actually copy/paste anything. It simply retained the current Tone 2 while you switched to other presets. So you could have a vocal setting in Tone 2 that was retained while you change your guitar settings using Tone 1 at any time by switching presets. It was great for a guitar/vocal performer. In Helix it would be called a Lock Path B setting. It would be up to the user to configure complementary presets using Path A for different guitar processing. The advantage is that there would be no copy/paste operation between presets to maintain the same vocal tone, hence no need to update many presets when you want to tweak you vocal tone. Just tweak your one vocal tone and keep the device Locked to that tone in Path B. Of course, at any time you could Unlock Path B and switch to non-complementary presets that use a full dual-path configuration for guitar processing. For instance, for solo acoustic guitar singing and playing you could have a separate setlist with complemetary Path A acoustic/electric presets + one Path B vocal preset. Then when playing electric guitar with your band you would use different setlists.

No you do not have to through the updates sequentially; installing v2.30 should give you everything. Just to be sure .... you are talking about the models themselves being missing, not just any custom setlists or presets that you may have overwritten by resetting the device after the update?

It would be cool if Line 6 would develop a Workbench Native plug-in, with an associated ability for the Variax guitar to send a raw piezo signal. Imagine recording the dry raw piezo signal and then having the full processing power of both Workbench (including all Variax factory models) and Helix in your DAW.

Here's a preset designed for that. http://line6.com/customtone/tone/215659/

The age of the strings is important too. Just like any guitar, old strings affect the tonality of the sound and are also more difficult to keep in tune. Change the Variax strings just like you would with any other guitar.

Not sure what you mean by "get the Variax into Helix Native". Helix Native does not support or control a Variax like your HD500 does. Helix Native operates on an incoming signal, whether realtime or pre-recorded. If that signal is a Variax model passing through your Apollo or HD500 audio interface into your DAW then you are already 'getting the Variax into Helix Native'. But you can't change the incoming/recorded signal to, for instance, a different Variax model from within Helix Native.

Make sure you use a true VDI cable (with the protective housing on both ends). Don't use a regular unprotected RJ-45 cable. Check the cable socket on both the HD500 and the Variax. If there are any bent pins/wires use a J-hook (fashion one from a twist-tie wire) and gently straighten the pins. If that doesn't work I suggest you open a support ticket.

Can you be more specific? Describe the cable you are using. Can you hear the Variax over the cable?

Yeah - I find the looper is great for practicing and tone building but not really practical for live play. Too much tap dancing and no permanent storage.

1) No. All loops are temporary and disappear when the device is powered off or when a new loop is recorded. 2) No. The Looper footswitch functions are not assignable. They are only available in Looper mode.

Yes the Pod HD500X does support the Variax 500 in terms of storing Variax models in HD500X presets. However, it does not support Variax Workbench in terms of being a USB hardware interface. The HD500X supports Workbench HD and Variax guitars beginning with the JTV models. Workbench HD does not support the older Variax models. If you want to use Variax Workbench with the Variax 500 you will need to use the Variax Workbench interface hardware.

Contact Line 6. Use the Contact Us link at the bottom of this page. Not sure exactly what you mean by the 'receive'. If you mean the receipt that's only an issue if you need a warranty service. You can still register your device and obtain normal service without the receipt.

Possible but not advisable. Using both the device and the Edit program for simultaneous editing is exactly what causes the sync issues.

Is your computer configured to use Helix as its sound card?

Yes. In my experience both amp and guitar modeling can highlight the nasty artifacts of fret buzz. It's even more pronounced in Variax guitars. A proper setup is important.

You will probably have to update the firmware. Instructions are here: http://line6.com/support/topic/30507-for-those-of-you-who-might-need-a-little-help-with-the-230-update/ I suggest you do this before building any custom presets. That way you can ignore anything in the tutorial that talks about backups.

Helix does not officially support pre-JTV Variax models. Never has although some functionality was present in prevous firmware. Not aware that this has changed but if so it is what it is. Make sure your Variax control is set to Per Preset not Global.

Welcome! You will love it but you will also have questions. Don't hesitate to ask them here.