silverhead

An observation: both the Helix Control and the VDI port on the back of the Rack use the same type of connector, and the ports are adjacent. Are you sure you don’t have your Variax connected to the Helix Control port?

I assume you are using a Helix Rack without the Helix Control unit? I would make a backup using HX Edit and then perform a factory reset. On the Rack, press down parameter knobs 5+6 while powering up.

Are you sure your battery is fully charged?

You just need the FX Loop block in the preset for all external stomps. You don't need a block for the external expression pedal;' it just needs to be connected and defined in the POD's Global Settings.

It is useful for POD Go devices that have not yet had a manufacturing hardware fault fixed. Line 6 has a lifetime warranty for this issue so if you get it fixed (no cost to you) you will no longer need the buffer. Contact support to get it fixed.

OK, thanks for clarifying. The only other observation I can make about custom tuning is something that is quite common. Often the player hears a dissonant sound because the ear hears the actual physical vibration of the strings as well as the processed detuning. That’s not likely your situation since you said it only became apparent after a firmware update, but worth eliminating. You can rule it out by making a recording, using closed back earphones, or turning the processed volume up really loud. Hope you get it worked out.

Are you just exploring how others feel or do you want to request that Line 6 implement the changes? If the latter, visit Ideascale and either vote up the suggestion (it likely already exists) or create it.

The Pocket POD editor is called Vyzex. It is available in the Downloads area of this website.

It’s quite simple- the Variax 500 is not supported with Helix. If you are able to get the Variax to respond to model changes from a Helix footswitch that’s not expected, much less guaranteed; it’s a lucky holdover from earlier technology. Custom tuning in a Helix preset will certainly not work. That’s not a firmware issue. Interaction between the two devices is simply not supported. Variax firmware was never updated to be compatible with Helix, and Helix firmware was never designed to be backwards compatible with Variax guitars earlier than the JTV series. Don’t waste any time trying to figure it out, and don’t bother opening a support ticket. It’s not supposed to work. You need to control all aspects of the Variax 500 using the original Workbench program (not Workbench HD) and manually. Do not expect any sort of reliable or predictable control using Helix presets.

No you don’t. But if you are only using your physical amp as a cab/speaker you might want to investigate using studio speakers instead. This would allow you to use the full range of cab/IR options in the POD Go. Much more tonal variety. The tonal result would be similar to using headphones in the POD Go, which do require a cab or IR in the preset.

the 4CM requires you to have an FX Loop block in the POD Go preset. To bypass your physical amp's preamp section you bypass the FX Loop block in your POD Go preset. Then your signal path is: gtr -> Pod Go preset -> physical amp Return. Additional info re: POD Go preset in 4CM. Your preset should never include a cab block or IR because your physical amp is always providing that component.

Check out the 4 Cable Method (4CM) in the Hooking it All Up section of the manual.

Are you talking about a specific FX model or the synth FX in general? There is no individual FX model called ‘synth pad’. Most synth models have a Pitch parameter and some have one or more Key parameters. If the one you are looking at doesn’t have pitch/key control perhaps try another one?

I don’t know why the cuts would behave differently, depending on your IR. My first suggestion would be to try the same settings in the Cab block (vs. IR) and/or adding an additional EQ block and tell us what you think.

If it sounds terrible using headphones there may be a problem with it. If it’s brand new I would return it for replacement. If you bought it used, well….. I assume you have independently tested your guitar (especially neck pickup) and cable. Try some of the Factory presets in Setlist 1 and 2, using headphones. The tones should be clear if not to your preference. If not there may be a hardware issue. Open a support ticket.

How are you monitoring the sound? Headphones? Regular guitar amp? Studio monitors? PA speakers? If you are connecting to the guitar input of a regular guitar amp it will sound exactly as crappy as you describe. Try using headphones. Give us more info on your setup. Also let us know what, if any, experience you have with amp modellers.

Click on the Downloads link at the top of this page. In the Software field select HX Edit. Download it, run the installer and install all components. Then run the HX Edit program with your LT connected via USB. Follow the instructions.

Great! Not sure what went wrong the earlier times but if it ain’t broke….

Yes, the driver is part of the v2.0 POD Go Edit installation package. For completeness I would download and install the whole package again. You needn’t uninstall anything first. Make sure you download the Edit package, not the firmware. If you want just driver it is available separately in the Downloads section. Filter for the POD Go hardware, Driver software, and your OS.

Check the audio device settings in your DAW. You may have to specify that it use the POD Go, and you may need to confirm that you have installed the Line 6 ASIO driver for the POD Go.

I’m not aware of any that operates over USB as is typical for Line 6 device editors. However the manual describes how you can use MIDI to control parameters. Check that out if you want details.

If I understand correctly,… 1) Put your distortion and compressor between your guitar and the POD Go Input, and use FX Loop for your sitar and chorus; OR 2) Put your sitar and chorus between the POD GO Main Out and and the amp Return; OR 3) Do both of the above. The physical setup can be quite flexible. Experiment!

I suspect the issue may be at the Input, not Output. What type of mic are you using - dynamic or condenser? What type of cable/adapter are you using for it?

I leave the amp models as they were but I have converted my go-to presets to the new cab engine. When new amp models are released I try them out and if I like a particular one I will create a new go-to preset for it. Sometimes this will knock a previous go-to preset down to a lower spot in the pecking order.

Certainly it’s feasible. There is a wide variety of vocal processors available in different budget ranges from different manufacturers. If you haven’t already done some googling I would start there. Once you’ve narrowed things down we can help you make a final decision and advise you on how best to set it up and operate using Helix.