How to keep Variax model from being changed with Helix preset?

[gtrman100]

When I tweak a Helix preset, it automatically loads the current Variax model when I save the preset. This did not happen with the HD500. The Variax model is not saved with the Helix preset

Am I doing something wrong, or can this not be changed? When I want to use several different variax guitar models with a Helix amp model, I don't want the Helix to save the currently loaded one.

[thestratmanblues]

You need to go the the Input block, Page 2, and press the 2nd knob under 'Preset Variax Model' to reselect  "Don't force" before saving the preset.
 

Of course while being in the preset, anytime you will rotate the Model knob on your Variax will set the above parameter to the selected Varaix model, not a big deal if you don't save the preset, it will remains to "Don't force".

[gtrman100]

Thanks, I figured that out. The problem is, if you tweak the reverb on the helix, and you're in a different Variax guitar model, then both get saved. That's not the way the HD 500 worked. The guitar model wasn't saved with the processor preset.

[thestratmanblues]

That's true. 

Someone has already suggest to change that here: http://line6.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Option-to-not-change-Variax-Input-settings-from-the-guitar/789277-23508

Meanwhile, you can set the 'Variax settings' to Global, that way none of the Variax params will be saved with each preset.

 

[gtrman100]

Thanks for the info

[gtrman100]

I tried setting the Variax input setting to "Global". No dice- it still follows the model selector on the Variax. Bummer. I hope they implement full Variax functionality soon.

[thestratmanblues]

While in 'Global' any change you've made (Variax wize) will not be save into the preset.

 

If you open a preset file, there is a section Global for each preset where Variax settings are stored:
 

    '@variax_customtuning': True,
    '@variax_lockctrls': 0,
    '@variax_magmode': True,
    '@variax_model': 0,
    '@variax_str1tuning': 0,
    '@variax_str2tuning': 0,
    '@variax_str3tuning': 0,
    '@variax_str4tuning': 0,
    '@variax_str5tuning': 0,
    '@variax_str6tuning': 0,
    '@variax_toneknob': -0.10000000000000001,
    '@variax_volumeknob': -0.10000000000000001}}},

For instance, while in 'Per preset' mode, select Lester on your Variax, save the preset you're in.
Now switch to 'Global' mode, select any other model other than Lester, save your preset again. 
Switch to 'Per preset' once more, the Lester model will still be there again.

 

'Global' just means than anything you do with Variax settings won't be saved within the preset, in fact

it will be saved somewhere in the Helix, but will never be saved in any presets/setlist/bundle.  Being

in this mode, only, override anything specified in the Vaxiax settings for each preset.  So if you select

Semi, it will stay on Semi model for the entire 1024 presets available.

[gtrman100]

While in 'Global' any change you've made (Variax wize) will not be save into the preset.

 

If you open a preset file, there is a section Global for each preset where Variax settings are stored:

 

    '@variax_customtuning': True,
    '@variax_lockctrls': 0,
    '@variax_magmode': True,
    '@variax_model': 0,
    '@variax_str1tuning': 0,
    '@variax_str2tuning': 0,
    '@variax_str3tuning': 0,
    '@variax_str4tuning': 0,
    '@variax_str5tuning': 0,
    '@variax_str6tuning': 0,
    '@variax_toneknob': -0.10000000000000001,
    '@variax_volumeknob': -0.10000000000000001}}},

For instance, while in 'Per preset' mode, select Lester on your Variax, save the preset you're in.

Now switch to 'Global' mode, select any other model other than Lester, save your preset again. 

Switch to 'Per preset' once more, the Lester model will still be there again.

 

'Global' just means than anything you do with Variax settings won't be saved within the preset, in fact

it will be saved somewhere in the Helix, but will never be saved in any presets/setlist/bundle.  Being

in this mode, only, override anything specified in the Vaxiax settings for each preset.  So if you select

Semi, it will stay on Semi model for the entire 1024 presets available.

 

Thanks for the in depth analysis. This is a poor implementation of Variax control. The HD500 had it right: the current Variax model ON THE GUITAR did not change unless the selector switch is moved, or forced by the HD500 preset if you choose to. So if you have a series of HD presets, say Deluxe Reverb, and you want to use a Strat for some songs and Les Paul for others, you just select the guitar model and change HD presets. AND, if you change any of the HD effects, the Variax guitar model isn't stored on the HD.

 

With the Helix,

- in Variax Preset mode if you change any of the effects, it automatically stores the Variax model when the HD preset is saved. That's really a pain, because you have to navigate to he input block of the Helix and de-select the stored Variax model every time!

- In Variax Global mode what ever Variax model is stored at the time Global mode is entered, that Variax model is now the default for all 1028 presets! Ouch!

 

I hope they rectify this soon, it makes using the Variax with the Helix very difficult. Combine that with the lack of DT amp control (not Topology, Class, or Tri/Pentode functions without midi commands, and the "Dream Rig" concept just isn't there for the Helix.