davidb7170

I have both the 59 and the 69S, love them both, but they are different from each other in many ways. The neck on the 59 is a set neck versus the bolt-on's of the 69 & 89, so if you don't like it, you can't change it... I'm a big guy with big hands, so the neck being chunky or whatever doesn't bug me. The 59 neck has been described by others as like a 50's or C shaped Les Paul style neck. My only LP has a slim 60's neck, so I can't comment in a meaningful way on that. I do not believe the HB pups on the 59 are the same as the HB on the 69 HSS. I got my tobacco burst 59 first, and it's a beauty. I have not felt the need to change the pups, they sound very good to me, and I use the mags on the 69S and 59 probably 80 - 90% of the time. My 69S is SSS, and brought back the noise of the single coils, like my Strat - nature of the beast.... The pups sounded very good, but I changed those out to DiMarzio noiseless SC's, and they sound very good and more noiseless than my HB's in my other guitars. The scale length -- you can look that up here on the L6 website, but it's shorter than the strat-like scale of the 69, about the same as an LP. Again, was not much of an adjustment for me. I had my 59 first (2011), then in 2012, they came out with the SSS 69S, I bought the shoreline gold - beautiful. It was going the be the backup, but being a long time Strat guy, I find myself playing it more - just feels like home... I take both to gigs for string break contingencies. Do note, that the output level of the 59 is quite a bit higher than the 69 - well my only reference is the 69S, so not sure how hot the HSS 69 is, but I would think they'd tame the output of the 69 HB to somewhat be in the same ball park as the other 2 SC's on the 69. I use the Helix, and have 2 groups of identical presets in the same set list, one for the 69S and one for the 59. Identical, except I put a volume block at the beginning and cut about 8 dB of signal off the input stage of each preset for the 59, so they are at about the same level of drive to the input of the preset amps, and get me to roughly the same output level. I used Work Bench HD to level the models up with the mags on both guitars, so the levels of the models are also hotter on my 59 compared to my 69S. Hope this helps. Dave

Definitely can do it with snapshots. I have several that I use like this - change variax model and/or tuning. The switching really is seamless, works very well. Cruisinon2 is right, there are several threads on the Helix forum - check them out. Dave

You can do jtv fw updates with the 500 and 500X. I have both of them and have done it. The helix just recently got the ability to use HD WB, but as far as I know, cannot do jtv fw updates. Don't know why. Use line 6 monkey to do it. Dave

Just to be sure, I spent a couple of hours using HD WB and my jtv 69s on the helix with fw 2.21 to make sure something wasn't wrong with the software or hardware... All worked as it should. Dave

The HD WB was implemented in FW 2.20.00. The driver that makes it work without interfering with the Helix editor app was updated for FW 2.21.00. Take a look at the L6 download section for a timeline. Also make sure you have nothing using midi channel 16, as that is the communication path that the Variax/VDI/Helix/USB/computer/HD WB uses for 2 way communication, and how HD WB senses that the Variax is connected,.... Dave

The fact that your HD WB software ID's that you have a JTV-69 connected with the FW identified tells me the main board is probably not pooched. Alt tuning only works with the models, so yep, that won't work unless you have the models going. One of the most common afflictions reported by users who can't get to their models is the model knob won't depress far enough to engage the switch in/out of the models/mags.. The most common "solution" is to gently pull the model knob off and put some sort of spacer - most use a wadded up piece of paper in the knob to make it sit a little higher on the shaft, so it doesn't bottom out on the surface of the guitar. I've been lucky with my 2 JTV's - a 59 & a 69S and never had this issue, but it's been reported here on the forums a lot. Give that a try. If that doesn't do it, open a support ticket. Good luck, Dave

This driver enables the HD Work Bench to work with/through the Helix. They started with Driver 1.85, this is version 1.86, the description says clears up some conflict between HD WB and the Helix Editor. The general recommendation was to not use Helix Editor and HD WB at the same time. Appears this clears that up: BUG FIXES: - In rare cases, certain actions performed in Workbench HD can cause Helix Editor to disconnect from Helix device - FIXED - other bug fixes and optimizations Dave

Did the 2.21 FW update last night without a hitch. Ran through all my core presets, after reloading my set lists. All snaps worked as they did before. I have some where I change drive, tone, and ch volume from clean to OD per snap, and worked fine. Have some where I change from one JTV model to another with tuning changes and worked fine. OP said he reloaded his bundle, not the best way from what we've discussed on the forum and TGP. By set list has become SOP for most folks. The bundle wipes out any updates L6 may have made to the Factory 1 & 2, plus Template set lists... The IR's get wiped out in the reset, so you need to save prior to the update and then reload them just like your presets. The globals and such have to be re-entered when the reset is performed, including your preferences for preset/stomp/snapshot, line/mic levels on the outputs, yada yada yada. Sucks that those are not part of the backup data (yet - they've hinted...), but sucks to be a realist and deal with what is, but there it is. Dave

I agree, Phil is anything BUT a troll. Uncalled for. My experience with the tuner is fine by the way. My 69S is very stable. My 59 is pretty stable, but depends on how well I install my strings to keep them from slipping. The locking tuners on the 69S make it very consistent from one set change to another. I don't do anything special when tuning, usually on the bridge PU when I do it. I tune up before each set, does not pose a problem or take a long time. Had my Helix since October 2015, progressed through all the FW updates, on 2.20 now. Just another data point for the discussion. Have other "regular" guitars as well, but haven't gigged with them for years since I got my second JTV, and that was with the HD500, not Helix. Don't know if JTV going via the VDI would have a different experience than regular guitars using the Guitar Input. Haven't had issues with the regular guitars at home, but no real time pressure there, so not the same. Dave

Helix floor unit, no external pedals... I get what I need with the Helix alone, like a simple set up, tear down... Though went away from discreet pedals in the late 80's to MFX, so haven't had any killer single pedals for a long time.... Dave

I recently bought a new Line 6 VDI cable because the heat shrink on one end cracked and I was too lazy to buy a piece of heat shrink tubing to fix it. It was working fine. It was my second cable since getting my Variax 300 in 2005. Some time about 6 or 7 years ago I stepped on one end of my original VDI and the case end of the first one went out of round and wouldn't fit the jack... The second one was exactly like the one from 2005. Anyway, this latest new one does seem like a nicer version, more robust cable, no heat shrink over the end fittings. Neither of the first 2 failed... My bad for stepping on the first one... Dave

One thing to remember is that, while the VDI uses an Ethernet cable, it's not operating as a lan system using packet protocol. They used it for the 4 pairs of conductors. One pair for power, one pair for control (Variax to pod or helix and back to control the Variax), one pair for digitized mags, and one pair for digitized model/mags. The digital guitar signal is more akin to spdif streaming, not lan packet traffic. Numerous users have tried to use compute lan equipment and found it not to work, so WiFi is not going to work either, as all that is is an rf translation of the lan packet protocol... Power transmission is out with rf, the Variax battery would be needed to power the guitar end, so you'd still need 3 rf paths for bidirectional control and 2 paths for digitized audio streams, though they may be able to multiplex 2 into 1 transmission. This would be the way to get the same functionality of the VDI via a wireless system. Can it technically be done? Yep, but not cheaply. Not surprised at the $1k likely price range. Dave

Don't specifically recall if the 59 switch was redesigned. I had the initial issue with mine in 2011, they were delayed due to reports of issues, and they actually remedied whatever that initial issue was by grabbing the guitars not shipped out yet. But as with things done in a rush, had soldering issues -- I got my 59 in May 2011 (ordered in Oct 2010), and it showed up with "the switch problem", they paid for the return and remedy - corrective soldering, and it has been fine ever since - 6 years on.... I periodically scan Full Compass to see what they have for L6 parts - the only place besides L6 that I've found. They're located in Madison WS, not too far from me in Iowa.... Anyway, whenever I see a relatively inexpensive spare part for my JTV-59 or 69S, I pick it up. I bought one of those JTV-59 3-way switches just to have on hand. I also buy spare knobs, etc. It's handy for that. Bought a replacement pearloid faceplate for my 69S, fit perfectly and looks great.... Just recently started seeing spare knobs & such for my Helix as well (spare knobs), and picked those up, too... If they don't immediately have your item in stock, it can take a while for them to ship, but they do come through... Dave

Well, no.... If you turn the volume down to zero and leave the 1/4" plugged in, it goes into a low power mode - ok for a break, but over hours will drain down the battery, Think of it like a laptop computer, if you close the lid on it with the power on, it goes into a sleep mode - low power.... If you leave it like that, the battery will drain down. Laptop batteries are bigger - have more capacity, so will last longer, but they will drain down. best way to avoid that is to turn the laptop off. It's the same concept with the Variax JTV's or standard, the best practice would be to turn it off, by pulling out the 1/4" cable.... My 2 cents.... I also pretty exclusively use my Variax with the VDI - been doing that all along, but like others, I keep a charged battery in my guitar case. Since I started with my Variax 300 and the XTLive POD in 2005, then on to my 2 JTV's through the X3Live, HD500, HD500X, to my Helix, I've had to resort to the battery exactly 1 time, when I stepped on my VDI cable end and deformed it just a bit so it wouldn't go in the VDI jack. I pulled out my battery and used the 1/4" that gig.... Got a replacement VDI cable. that had to be at least 4 or 5 years ago.... Dave

Well, in my case, the Yorkville NX35 was the culprit, not the room -- good sounding speaker, but designed as a PA speaker - passive, to emphasize the vocal range that sits in the mids. With guitar amp models also being mid heavy, I found those frequencies doubled up in this speaker. With distortion, it could very harsh and unpleasing. Sounded NOTHING like all the wonderful demos on L6, the You Tube vids, or when I recorded via USB to my DAW. Had to take some of that away. If I adjusted my presets to sound good in my stage setup, the signal to the FOH sounded dead. I tried to make my stage speaker - the Yorkville and amp - have a Crown XLS1000 and Quilter Tone Block 200, so that the stage represented mostly the same. When I dialed my presets so my stage mix sounds good, it sounds like crap to the main FOH. Once I global EQ'ed my stage setup - specifically the speaker, the FOH guys love my UN-EQ'ed XLR FOH signal sent at mic level to their board. I am 6'6" so always put my stage guitar monitor on a pole pointed at me. I tried for years to have the monitor on the floor, but found most of the signal hits me around the waist, I kept creeping up my stage volume so I could hear myself over the drums, etc. Became a stage volume issue. Once I put it on the pole, I was able to control overall stage volume better. (Just wish I could put a volume control on the drummer, but different story...) As I mentioned in my last post, I did pick up a used Alto TS112A self powered speaker. I was surprised how good it sounded without global EQ. Really didn't need to do anything to the presets, and comparing the (sucky ;) ) factory presets to the demos I've heard of them. Tried the Alto at a gig on the floor - same problem for usual for me, was blasting and couldn't hear as well. The next gig I put it on the pole, but found an weakness of mids wasn't cutting through - not like how good it sounded at home (common problem when setting up sounds, I know). I had been adjusting & living with the Yorkville so long that had I come to get the sounds dialed in for it, so even with my global EQ adjustments it has more mids than the flatter Alto. I would need to bring up the mid ranges I had been cutting in amp models a touch in my presets. What I'd like to do is adjust the global EQ for the Yorkville flatten it better, so I could use either with no preset adjustments. Would like to get my hands on an RTA and reference mic for that, but $$$.... When it was on the floor, the Alto did get boomy from bass coupling just like any speaker, so I did use the global EQ to do a bass cut, and it was better. With it on the pole, did not have this issue, of course. Had I been thinking, I would have tried a global mid boost - would have had to try it on the fly for the night - had other things on my mind at that point, like playing songs & stuff. When I do close monitoring with my stage rig, I've found I rarely need to change global EQ for the room, I have, but it is pretty rare. The Alto self-powered is some heavier than the Yorkville that is a NEO 12" 2-way. I was very surprised it was not as flat as I had expected it to be.... It is rugged and when I have it dialed in, sounds good. I have listened to a mixer with my presets via headphones and it could use a touch more mids, so I may have some twiddling to do. The thing is, that each piece of the puzzle does have a real affect, so I have adapted my practice to my needs. The specific piece of equipment anybody has is not likely to be the same as everyone else has to work with. I've been chasing the issue pretty much since when I realized my Fender amp mic'ed up did not sound good out front when it sounded great on stage. the audience was NOT hearing what I was hearing.... I've tried numerous amp and speaker combinations since switching to modeling around 2005 with the XTLive, and made the progression through the POD's and Variaxes along the way. Dave

Not scientific at all... I listened with my Sennhiser (sp?) headphones, not top of the line, but they sound pretty good. Then found my passive Yorkville monitor sounded rather harsh by comparison. I put my headphones to monitor the XLR, and assigned the global eq only to the 1/4" outputs that I send to my Quilter Tone Block 200 amp,then the Yorkville. I could then compare the speaker with eq to the tone going to FOH via the XLR. I felt the harshness was in the mids, so set the Q of the global eq high and gain high to find the frequency where it sounded the worst. Then started cutting the gain of that frequency down. I ended up cutting the gain at about 2.6 kHz to -8 dB and varied the Q until it was more pleasing, ended up Q=1.7, I think. Also used -3dB and about Q=1.6 to take some boxiness out of the Vox models at 330 Hz... It will vary depending on your speaker. I wish I had an RTA, Real Time Analyzer to get it better, but don't. I did pick up an Alto T112, I think it is used, and found I didn't need to use the global eq with it, but when I used it live found my signal was washed out, need to boost the mids in my presets, but was probably over compensating for my Yorkville. Need to revisit that. Went back to the Yorkville until I can sort that out. Work in progress... Dave

One thing to try is to go to your Windows device manager and uninstall your usb devices, then have it search for devices, it'll reinstall the usb of your pc, clearing any logs that mark problems. I've done this to clear up issues before. Disconnect your usb to the Helix before doing. When you have the usb back, then reconnect the Helix, and it will reload the Helix usb driver. Just a thought.

I'd really like to see this, and have considered requesting it, just hadn't gotten around to it. It would be good to add it as an option "per preset" in the global for those who want it, like us. I have presets where I'd like all 8 as snapshots, some with 4 stomps & 4 snapshots, and some with all stomps. I have a few with some momentary stomps set up and have to change modes in the middle of the song. Not horrible, but would be more convenient if the preset would remember the mode. This is the first I've heard anyone else bring it up. Thanks! Dave

Just another data point... I have not had issues with my usb 3.0 on my home built Windows 8.1 desktop. I've found the 3.0 usb to be successfully backwards compatible with all of my earlier usb devices. I've had it on for hours with both the Helix editor and HD Workbench (finally) , just not both at once... Dave

The Helix editor version is located in the "about" pull down, should say 2.20.

Ahh, beat me to it...😎

Are you asking about presets or IR's? There are no stock IR's. There are stock presets, though. The stock presets will be replaced with new ones, so if you have some favorites in those, I'd say save them. I always save all set lists, including those. I also save my IR's just to keep them together with my existing set lists before updating.

Ahh... Fighting the urge to update NOW.... I have a self-imposed practice of not updating within a day or 2 of gigs, and I have 2 this weekend.... :( Oh well, going to have to wait until Sunday... Trying to stick to it....

Took the survey, didn't appear to be a phishing expedition.... Noticed it was 3rd party (contract) survey takers, though, so would explain the obvious "Line 5" miscue on the email... The year before the JTV's came out, I also got and responded to an L6 survey on the different models they were proposing. You could tell they were further along in the design. The recent Shurikan announced offering at least shows me they are not "over" the Variax as yet, though I know that one was a pet project of the Twelve Foot Ninja guy. The Standard was in my opinion an attempt at the market like me that bought the 300 in 2005... I now have the JTV-59 and 69S. I'd like to see them improve the model algo's on the JTV/Standard. Recently pulled out my old 300 and plugged it into my Helix VDI, and was shocked at some of the models, how good they still sound - some better than the HD JTV's. Quite a few are much better in the JTV's, but still... A side note, when I had my 300 hooked up via VDI to my Helix, I noticed the proper 300 models (minus the mags of course) were selected by my presets setup to choose the models of the JTV's, so the Helix does in fact control the 1st gen Variaxes, just displays wonky crap if you look at the Variax input parameters and mess with the model knob or selector switch. Obviously the alt tune parameter stuff also does not function on the old Variaxes, but in a pinch would work for most stuff. Kind of klunky, but works.... Just hope they get the Helix FW 2.20 out with Workbench HD, already..... Then they should either make the regular Workbench work for the 1st gen Variaxes, or make the HD WB usable with the 1st gen Variaxes -- even given the non HD models for the old ones versus the HD models on the JTV/Standards. They apparently do share the same control parameters for model switching. Dave

I have mine registered, but don't recall any email notifications on firmware updates... I keep an eye on this forum, TGP, and the software download area at Line 6...