New to Helix / Volume Block Question...

[PocketX]

Good afternoon everyone,

 

First off I would like to say, I have been a Line 6 user for about 6 years now.  About 2 weeks ago, I made the decision to grab the Helix.  I debated between the AX8 and the Helix for a bit, but ultimately chose the Helix for multiple reasons.  Let me state: for anyone in the market between the two - you can't go wrong with either.  If you can't get a tone you are pleased with, keep tweaking the patch because... you can.

 

Now on to my question.  Currently, I have a patch with a simple volume block at the start of the chain.  The volume block is assigned to use the built in exp pedal - no issue with functionality.  I would like to also have the ability to hit a footswitch and completely kill the volume.  It seems you can only have the volume block assigned to one switch at a time.  I know you can have a bypass and multiple parameters assigned to different footswitches with a single effects block.  Perhaps the volume block is not the solution and there is another way to achieve this.  I was thinking multiple volume blocks, but I don't know if that will cause a problem.

 

Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

[phil_m]

Well, you do this by setting a footswitch as a controller for the level parameter of the output block. Or you could actually use the volume block and have a snapshot set up where the volume parameter goes to zero upon a snapshot to change. In order for this to work, though, you'd have to have the EXP Pedal Position parameter in the Global Settings Menu set to "per snapshot".

[Thurston9]

So you want to control volume with the exp pedal, but then also have a switch to mute?  Is that right?  

[mkornell]

Three other ideas, depending on what (when) you are trying to mute:

 

1) If you want to kill the source volume, but still have delays, reverbs, etc trail off, then you can add a Gain block at the beginning of the chain. Set the Gain level to -120 dB, and assign the block to a footswitch as a bypass.

 

2) if you want to kill the output (i.e., no reverb or delay trails to continue), then do that at the end of your chain. Two options - a gain block as above, or on the output block, use a footswitch to control the output level parameter.

 

3) Most (all?) blocks have a Level parameter, and you can pick an appropriate point in your signal chain to have a footswitch drop a block's level to  -60 dB. You can instantly kill your signal at that point and let the effects after that point continue to trail.

[PocketX]

So you want to control volume with the exp pedal, but then also have a switch to mute?  Is that right?  

 

That's correct.

 

I want to have the control of the footswitch to adjust the volume at certain times, but I also need a "killswitch" where I can kill the entire chain's output.  From what I have seen, it seems you can only set one parameter to one one switch (be it the pedal or a footswitch).  When I am trying to configure the volume parameter to a footswitch, it removes the exp padel functionality.

[phil_m]

That's correct.

 

I want to have the control of the footswitch to adjust the volume at certain times, but I also need a "killswitch" where I can kill the entire chain's output.  From what I have seen, it seems you can only set one parameter to one one switch (be it the pedal or a footswitch).  When I am trying to configure the volume parameter to a footswitch, it removes the exp padel functionality.

 

With snapshots, you can essentially have multiple switches control multiple parameters (by changing snapshots)... There are really quite a few different ways to skin this particular cat.

 

One thing you can do without programming anything is simply go into the tuner. As long as you have it set to mute, that functionally acts as a kill switch. The only downside is that it's not instantaneous - you have to hold the tuner footswitch down for two seconds.

 

I guess I'm also wondering why simply putting the expression pedal in the heel down position wouldn't work for you - unless, I guess, you want the minimum pedal position to be something other than zero.

[MonkeyXT]

As above - as long as the momentary delay in engaging isn't an issue.

I guess that depends on what the OP is using this to accomplish - instant dead-stop, or like me; I use the tuner to mute so that I can flick off my wireless transmitter between sets without causing noise, plus using the tuner at the beginning of the next set is what I'd be doing regardless. Win-win.

[Thurston9]

That's correct.

 

I want to have the control of the footswitch to adjust the volume at certain times, but I also need a "killswitch" where I can kill the entire chain's output.  From what I have seen, it seems you can only set one parameter to one one switch (be it the pedal or a footswitch).  When I am trying to configure the volume parameter to a footswitch, it removes the exp padel functionality.

How about adding a Gain block either before or after your volume (pedal) block.  Set the level to zero and assign that block to a switch.  

 

Volume pedal block should stay on (no need to assign a switch to it, unless you want to).

 

New Gain block switch will act as your killswitch when it is engaged.

[HonestOpinion]

Three other ideas, depending on what (when) you are trying to mute:

 

1) If you want to kill the source volume, but still have delays, reverbs, etc trail off, then you can add a Gain block at the beginning of the chain. Set the Gain level to -120 dB, and assign the block to a footswitch as a bypass.

 

2) if you want to kill the output (i.e., no reverb or delay trails to continue), then do that at the end of your chain. Two options - a gain block as above, or on the output block, use a footswitch to control the output level parameter.

 

3) Most (all?) blocks have a Level parameter, and you can pick an appropriate point in your signal chain to have a footswitch drop a block's level to  -60 dB. You can instantly kill your signal at that point and let the effects after that point continue to trail.

 

Nice writeup, just wanted to add that method #2 gives you a very transparent boost as it is downstream of all blocks and therefor does not impact their processing the same way a volume boost for instance in front of an overdrive pedal or amp might increase the drive/grit as well as the volume. As you point out however if you turn it down completely you also cut off trails. One way to get around this and still have a relatively transparent volume boost is to put your volume block/boost right before the delays and reverbs towards the end of your signal chain.

[Thurston9]

Three other ideas, depending on what (when) you are trying to mute:

 

1) If you want to kill the source volume, but still have delays, reverbs, etc trail off, then you can add a Gain block at the beginning of the chain. Set the Gain level to -120 dB, and assign the block to a footswitch as a bypass.

 

2) if you want to kill the output (i.e., no reverb or delay trails to continue), then do that at the end of your chain. Two options - a gain block as above, or on the output block, use a footswitch to control the output level parameter.

 

3) Most (all?) blocks have a Level parameter, and you can pick an appropriate point in your signal chain to have a footswitch drop a block's level to  -60 dB. You can instantly kill your signal at that point and let the effects after that point continue to trail.

 

I missed this one, I like the 3rd option best since you don't have to add a block, but the other 2 options could be better depending on the desired result (as mentioned).

[PocketX]

Three other ideas, depending on what (when) you are trying to mute:

 

1) If you want to kill the source volume, but still have delays, reverbs, etc trail off, then you can add a Gain block at the beginning of the chain. Set the Gain level to -120 dB, and assign the block to a footswitch as a bypass.

 

2) if you want to kill the output (i.e., no reverb or delay trails to continue), then do that at the end of your chain. Two options - a gain block as above, or on the output block, use a footswitch to control the output level parameter.

 

3) Most (all?) blocks have a Level parameter, and you can pick an appropriate point in your signal chain to have a footswitch drop a block's level to  -60 dB. You can instantly kill your signal at that point and let the effects after that point continue to trail.

 

#2 and #3 sound like they may work well for me.  It's not actually using the volume block so that can remain on the exp pedal.  The output block idea sounds like it hits the nail on the head...

 

 

Nice writeup, just wanted to add that method #2 gives you a very transparent boost as it is downstream of all blocks and therefor does not impact their processing the same way a volume boost for instance in front of an overdrive pedal or amp might increase the drive/grit as well as the volume. As you point out however if you turn it down completely you also cut off trails. One way to get around this and still have a relatively transparent volume boost is to put your volume block/boost right before the delays and reverbs towards the end of your signal chain.

 

This is very interesting.  I always assumed the volume pedal block was for the sole purpose of controlling the "master" volume (not talking about the gain/pan blocks).  I have always seen the block at the start of the chain.

[HonestOpinion]

#2 and #3 sound like they may work well for me.  It's not actually using the volume block so that can remain on the exp pedal.  The output block idea sounds like it hits the nail on the head...

 

 

 

This is very interesting.  I always assumed the volume pedal block was for the sole purpose of controlling the "master" volume (not talking about the gain/pan blocks).  I have always seen the block at the start of the chain.

 

Just like an analog pedal board if you deliver a hotter input signal into a distortion block you tend to not only get more volume but more distortion. This was actually one of the aspects of a tube amp that Line6 was going for when they designed the Helix, that it responded like a real amp to volume changes. A volume pedal at the beginning of your signal chain is sort of the same concept as turning up the volume knob on your guitar, this not only changes the overall volume but can cause your amp to overdrive or your distortion pedal to deliver a grittier sound with more overdrive. Placement of the volume block can make a big difference as to how the blocks downstream from it react, even mod blocks and blocks other than amp and distortion can respond differently to higher input signals from upstream.

[PocketX]

Thanks guys for all the suggestions.

 

I was able to do exactly what I wanted with the chain I already have.  I am using a Hi/Low Cut EQ block and I just programmed a footswitch to -60dB.  Exp pedal still adjusts the volume and I have my "kill" switch.

 

This unit continues to impress me each time I sit down with it.