tjontheroad Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 Does Helix work as a MIDI USB computer interface? Obviously, it works as an audio USB computer interface. My question is, can it pass through MIDI data to/from the MIDI ports and the USB to control external MIDI devices via a computer? This is the only reference fro the manual page 43 MIDI Over USB; When on, Helix receives and transmits MIDI data via USB in the same capacity as its MIDI jacks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarrellM5 Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 I'm curious to learn more about the MIDI capabilities as well. I assume that it can pass MIDI data through just due to the fact that the MIDI ports are labeled IN and OUT/THRU. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncann Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 I use it in the simple way of toggling effects via Reaper, and it works fine for that. I haven't used this, but you could go the other way and send midi info to Reaper from Helix, to make interesting things happen in the DAW. I'm sure you can also control external midi devices with Helix. I've briefly tried this with my HD500X and it worked fine. This was directly connected via a midi cable and not over usb. While you can use the DAW to control Helix, I'm unsure if you could tell Helix via the DAW to send midi data over it's midi ports to control another device. Might be something interesting to look into. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjontheroad Posted November 13, 2015 Author Share Posted November 13, 2015 I'm curious to learn more about the MIDI capabilities as well. I assume that it can pass MIDI data through just due to the fact that the MIDI ports are labeled IN and OUT/THRU. You would assume, but this isn't always the case. I'm wondering if can control via a DAW sequencer an external MIDI keyboard, MIDI Lights, MIDI Toaster and Frig ;), whatever... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjontheroad Posted November 13, 2015 Author Share Posted November 13, 2015 I use it in the simple way of toggling effects via Reaper, and it works fine for that. I haven't used this, but you could go the other way and send midi info to Reaper from Helix, to make interesting things happen in the DAW. I'm sure you can also control external midi devices with Helix. I've briefly tried this with my HD500X and it worked fine. This was directly connected via a midi cable and not over usb. While you can use the DAW to control Helix, I'm unsure if you could tell Helix via the DAW to send midi data over it's midi ports to control another device. Might be something interesting to look into. I going to have to test this out. Right now, I run a mBox Pro as an audio and MIDI interface. This allows me to play softsynths via a keyboard into my DAW. This is in my studio iMac system. I'm looking to also do the same via Helix and a laptop PC setup for a live rig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amsdenj Posted November 13, 2015 Share Posted November 13, 2015 I'm using Helix as a USB Audio/MIDI interface into Apple MainStage and Logic Pro X. MainStage is used to get other amp model and effects, and a longer looper. I use S-Gear a log, although Helix sounds very good too. I have tried using Logic Pro X as a digital mixer for the whole band with my three instruments coming through Helix, the rest through a Persons 16.0.2. This is useful for getting multi-track live recordings. It works, but is a lot to deal with in a live situation with no additional support. Helix is a great audio/MIDI interface, and unlike the HD500X, does support USB MIDI, and has a lot more flexibility in mapping the footswitches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjontheroad Posted November 13, 2015 Author Share Posted November 13, 2015 I'm using Helix as a USB Audio/MIDI interface into Apple MainStage and Logic Pro X. MainStage is used to get other amp model and effects, and a longer looper. I use S-Gear a log, although Helix sounds very good too. I have tried using Logic Pro X as a digital mixer for the whole band with my three instruments coming through Helix, the rest through a Persons 16.0.2. This is useful for getting multi-track live recordings. It works, but is a lot to deal with in a live situation with no additional support. Helix is a great audio/MIDI interface, and unlike the HD500X, does support USB MIDI, and has a lot more flexibility in mapping the footswitches. I'm using Helix as a USB Audio/MIDI interface into Apple MainStage and Logic Pro X. MainStage is used to get other amp model and effects, and a longer looper. I use S-Gear a log, although Helix sounds very good too. I have tried using Logic Pro X as a digital mixer for the whole band with my three instruments coming through Helix, the rest through a Persons 16.0.2. This is useful for getting multi-track live recordings. It works, but is a lot to deal with in a live situation with no additional support. Helix is a great audio/MIDI interface, and unlike the HD500X, does support USB MIDI, and has a lot more flexibility in mapping the footswitches. Thanks for your reply, but this type of setup doesn't get fully what I'm after. This only requires USB ported MIDI. I'm looking to interface that and the 5 pin MIDI in / out-thru connections on the Helix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjontheroad Posted November 14, 2015 Author Share Posted November 14, 2015 Just tested it and the answer is no go :( A bit disappointing, but not entirely unexpected. I guess I'll have to buy one of these. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.