Full Volume at Helix Start

[jvancher]

Hi all,

 

Have a very concerning problem with my Helix that I have opened a support ticket on but was wondering if anyone else has experienced the same thing.

 

I had not powered on my Helix for a couple weeks. Powered it on a day or so ago and even though the volume control was turned completely down the unit was blasting at full volume through the XLR outs. The volume control had no affect on the unit output - it blasted full volume no matter how I turned the volume control. Fortunately I had the volume on my guitar turned down low and I saved my ears.

 

I powered it off and back on and it still exhibited the same issue. I left it turned on but the guitar volume off while I did some Google searches to see if anyone else had this issue. Several minutes later the Helix fixed itself and the volume went back to normal levels and the volume control began to work. I used it for an hour or so without issue and turned it off.

 

A couple hours later I powered it back on and this time it was even worse. Even with the guitar volume control and Helix volume control turned all the way down it blasted full volume thru my monitors again. I turned it off and left it off. Anyone else heard of this issue before? Firmware version is 2.10. Unit came with that version already installed.

 

I also tried a factory reset (buttons 9 and 10 held down on power up) but the problem continued after the reset.

[bsd512]

I know you did a global reset, but just to be sure, go into the global settings and make sure that the Volume knob preferences aren't set to something like "digital" in which case it would send full power out the 1/4".  It should be set to "multi" I think in order to control both the line 6 link volume as well as the 1/4 and xlr outputs.  When set to a specific output (digital, xlr, 1/4) the volumes on the others go to full.

[jvancher]

bsd512,

 

Thanks for the suggestion.  I took a look at the global settings and the Volume knob preference was set to "Multi". I tried setting it to XLR and a power off/on and the problem was still there.  Setting it back to Multi also made no difference.  Still max volume in both cases.

[PeterHamm]

Is this audio from your computer coming through Helix as if it's a sound card? If so, that MIGHT be normal behavior...?

[silverhead]

I agree with PeterHamm. The volume level of audio coming from your computer is controlled by your computer sound settings. I have had to lower my default computer sound volume significantly to jam along with backing tracks or to avoid having my ears blasted when Helix starts up.

[jvancher]

I have my Helix connected via XLR out directly to my Mackies.  I am not running the Helix thru my onboard computer sound system so the volume level has always been controlled by the control on the Helix itself.  I did not have this issue prior to this.

 

In any case Line 6 responded to my service ticket and will be issuing me an RMA as they have not seen this issue before.

 

Thanks for the suggestions though.

[jvancher]

Just to close the loop on this, Line 6 reported that my Helix had a bad DSP board and it has been replaced. Still waiting on the unit to arrive back at my place - hopefully within the next couple days.

[jbuhajla]

Thanks for the update. About 90% of the time someone posts an issue on the forums, but we never find out what their resolution was. 

[MusicLaw]

Appreciate the follow-up!

[MAN_from_IBM]

I too appreciate the follow-up so we can close the loop.

Is there a mechanism that someone believe they have discovered a defect

and instead of opening a support ticket, if indeed what was discovered was truly

defect / bug that a description of the defect and when and how it will be resolve

get posted in the community ?

 

This I believe would save Line6 and the community time dealing with defects reports that

havd already been addressed. Such as Line6 finding a discussion on a defect that

has a support ticket already opened.

 

FYI - HELIX IS A TOP OF THE CHAIN especially at the price point !!!!!!!

Relay G10 is also very product, and again, at its price point !!!!!!!

[jvancher]

Well, got my Helix back this morning and it almost looked like the loop would have to be opened up again.

 

Powered it up and noticed they had updated the firmware to 2.11 so I downloaded the 2.11 editor updater and ran it. Software and drivers installed fine.  Did the "hold down buttons 9/10 power cycle Helix" thing.  Bounced PC just to start fresh, Plugged Helix into USB port and powered it on and then the fun began.

 

Sometimes the Helix showed up in Playback/Record devices, sometimes not. Sometimes unplugging/replugging USB connection gets it to show up.  When it does show up 9 out of 10 times the Editor wouldn't see it. Tried USB 2 and 3 ports. Same issues.

 

After fiddling about for about 30 minutes I decided to try another USB cable and that seems to have resolved the problem  I guess my original USB cable magically went semi-toes up by just lying around idle for a few weeks.  Strange.

 

Well, fingers crossed that my Helix is now healthy.....