Expression pedal for Helix

[Soultrainer]

I have been looking this as an expression pedal for my Helix:

 

https://www.thomann.de/gb/mission_engineering_sp25l_pro_aero_gc.htm

 

I guess it uses 25k potentiometer. Is it ok for Helix and works well?

 

I would use it as an expression pedal and volume pedal.

[MonkeyXT]

It's a TRS arrangement; Line 6 uses a TS arrangement (which would mean modifying the pedal).

Also, the switch in that pedal is a latching one; Helix requires a momentary switch (normally-open I believe, but I'd have to check that).

 

I have been hoping they would do a directly compatible Aero expression pedal; the regular ones are excellent, but weigh a LOT, and they have a relatively short sweep length.

I use two of the non-Aero ones - both the L6 regular and the L6-Helix toe-switch versions... they're quite excellent, rather pricey, and VERY heavy in the carry bag...

I've actually considered plugging in one of my good old plastic L6 EXP1 pedals in place of the non-toe-switch Mission one, just to lighten the load.

... but the Mission just feels so much more rugged...

[jbuhajla]

 

I've actually considered plugging in one of my good old plastic L6 EXP1 pedals in place of the non-toe-switch Mission one, just to lighten the load.

... but the Mission just feels so much more rugged...

I use only the old plastic L6 EXP1 pedals since I already had them from using with the M13. I've had them for a while and transport them weekly for use. They work great and are very rugged considering the plastic construction. Unless you jump up and stomp on it with full body weight, they are very rugged. Had zero issues with them for the years of ownership. I don't see the point in buying the ~$200 external expression, unless you are throwing them across the room and need a tank. 

[Soultrainer]

It's a TRS arrangement; Line 6 uses a TS arrangement (which would mean modifying the pedal).

Also, the switch in that pedal is a latching one; Helix requires a momentary switch (normally-open I believe, but I'd have to check that).

 

I have been hoping they would do a directly compatible Aero expression pedal; the regular ones are excellent, but weigh a LOT, and they have a relatively short sweep length.

I use two of the non-Aero ones - both the L6 regular and the L6-Helix toe-switch versions... they're quite excellent, rather pricey, and VERY heavy in the carry bag...

I've actually considered plugging in one of my good old plastic L6 EXP1 pedals in place of the non-toe-switch Mission one, just to lighten the load.

... but the Mission just feels so much more rugged...

 

 

Uhh, I almost ordered one because at the shop they said that it is suitable for Line 6 Helix. 

 

What means latching and momentary switch?

 

So are they actually two reasons why it doesnt fit to Helix?

 

Are those modifications easily done (for me who dont understand them but with the help of information in internet?

[MonkeyXT]

It won't work directly with Helix without modifying the pedal - there are instructions around on the web on what to do and how to go about it.

 

But that toe switch on that pedal is latching - which means, it mechanically 'clicks' and alternates between leaving the contacts closed/connected, and then open/disconnected.

I'm quite sure they offer a version with the different momentary switch types... or somehow accommodate these variables.

 

 

Helix requires a momentary switch.

Momentary only changes states for as long as the switch is being pressed;

Normally Open (N/O, NO) - the switch's contacts are open/disconnected until pressed, temporarily connecting/closing the terminals of the switch.

Normally Closed (N/C, NC) - the switch's contacts are closed/connected until pressed, temporarily disconnecting/opening the terminals of the switch.

I'm pretty sure I remember correctly, that Helix works with a N/O (normally open) toe switch.

Of course this is only relevant if you're using Helix Rack, and thereby planning to make use of the toe-switch function.

[vmoncebaiz]

Just another (possibly money-saving) thought for Helix rack owners.  The Auto-Engage feature in Helix basically removes the need for an external expression pedal with a toe switch.  

 

I have the Mission SP1-L6H, but now I never use the toe switch.  That should open up quite a few more exp pedal options for people who'd rather pick based on weight, color, range of motion, or ruggedness instead of simply needing a toe switch.  The switch can be cool if you prefer that, or want to use it to turn other blocks on/off along with the wah.

 

I assume the OP is a Helix Rack user, as I don't see what an expression pedal with a toe-switch would do for the Floor unit.

[MonkeyXT]

I've just been waiting for the EXP1 position jumping issue to be sorted out, and once that happens, then auto-engage will become standard issue in my patches =]

[Soultrainer]

MonkeyXT:

 

i didnt understand most of your reply. Well, if you say it wont work with Helix I believe in you.

 

 

I already ordered Dunlop Cry Baby 95Q, I hope that works with Helix?

 

I dont understand why they say in Thomann (big music gear company in German) that Mission Engineering SP25L would work with Helix. Do they lack of information or are they just trying to sell me stuff that is unsuitable.

[Soultrainer]

Just another (possibly money-saving) thought for Helix rack owners.  The Auto-Engage feature in Helix basically removes the need for an external expression pedal with a toe switch.  

 

I have the Mission SP1-L6H, but now I never use the toe switch.  That should open up quite a few more exp pedal options for people who'd rather pick based on weight, color, range of motion, or ruggedness instead of simply needing a toe switch.  The switch can be cool if you prefer that, or want to use it to turn other blocks on/off along with the wah.

 

I assume the OP is a Helix Rack user, as I don't see what an expression pedal with a toe-switch would do for the Floor unit.

Yes I have Helix Rack. I already ordered Cry baby 95 which I guess is auto-engage model meaning that as soon you put some pressure to the pedal it engages it.

 

Helix Rack has one toe switch port but Mission Engineering Aero is not going to work with Helix, right?

[MonkeyXT]

The Crybaby is its own thing, so you shouldn't have any issues there. It's just patched into your signal path wherever you choose, and away you go. I just looked it up too; yes, it's got an auto-engage function - very nice.

 

The Mission Engineering Aero that you linked won't work as is, though, correct.

It's a latching switch (I believe they have a momentary version of that, which means the switch part would work - the SP25M has a momentary switch; I just looked that up).

It would need a re-wire 'fix' to make it compatible with Line 6 gear like Helix. The 25k aspect of the potentiometer value(s) would work fine.

 

I'm not sure why Thomann believes it to be directly workable; it's not.

It could be made to work; however, it's an expensive pedal, and the modification would certainly void any warranty.

 

I'd suggest sticking with the SP1-L6H Helix-specific version, if you're going to stick with the Mission pedals.

That, or take your chances with the warranty for the Aero Momentary version I mentioned above, as well as finding someone who can do the wiring modification.

[vmoncebaiz]

That Dunlop 95 Q wah is actually an awesome sounding wah pedal, and the auto engage feature on a cry baby is cool.  I was saying that you can set up the Helix's auto engage with its own wah pedal blocks to do the same thing as far as turning them on/off with any expression pedal.  Now with a dedicated wah pedal, you have another exp pedal free to control whatever else you want.

[Soultrainer]

That Dunlop 95 Q wah is actually an awesome sounding wah pedal, and the auto engage feature on a cry baby is cool.  I was saying that you can set up the Helix's auto engage with its own wah pedal blocks to do the same thing as far as turning them on/off with any expression pedal.  Now with a dedicated wah pedal, you have another exp pedal free to control whatever else you want.

 

Yep, I wanted a wah pedal with a returning spring and auto-engage and the other thing was that I need at least one expression pedal and if that goes to volume I would need another expression pedal for effects but lets see how I manage with this two pedals. Also I wanted a wah pedal that is dedicated to do that one thing and is always there when you need it. 

[MonkeyXT]

You do understand that the Dunlop wah has to be patched into your signal path, NOT into an expression pedal jack, right?

You'll have to either put it into a loop, or run from your guitar to the wah, then into Helix... but it's not an expression controller.

[Soultrainer]

You do understand that the Dunlop wah has to be patched into your signal path, NOT into an expression pedal jack, right?

You'll have to either put it into a loop, or run from your guitar to the wah, then into Helix... but it's not an expression controller.

 

Yes I am planning to go like this Guitar -> Cry Baby -> Helix. Is it ok and works fine?

 

So MonkeyXT, are you saying that these two pedals dont fit with Helix since they also have TRS:

 

https://missionengineering.com/shop-2/products/expression/multi-use-exp/ep-1/?v=f0aa03aaca95

 

https://missionengineering.com/shop-2/products/expression/multi-use-exp/sp-1/?v=f0aa03aaca95

 

Sp1 it doesnt say it has TRS but I know it has.

 

So the only suitable Mission Engineering expression pedal for Helix would be this:

 

https://reverb.com/item/1947059-mission-engineering-line-6-helix-expression-pedal-sp1-l6h

 

And its black so I am going to check other brands.

[lungho]

Yes I am planning to go like this Guitar -> Cry Baby -> Helix. Is it ok and works fine?

 

Yes, your Cry Baby will work fine like this.

[MonkeyXT]

Absolutely - into Crybaby, then Helix; good signal flow.

 

And also correct; those two 'general purpose' Mission expression pedals you linked won't work as they are with Helix.

 

The two models which work with Helix are:

EP1-L6  -  should work any place that Line 6's own EX1 expression pedal works

SP1-L6H  -  same as above, PLUS this model includes the toe switch for use with Helix Rack. This is the one you included above as a Reverb link.

[PiFromBRC]

I have two ME EP1-L6's. I use them for anything a dedicated EP can be used for and they're great. Give them a call as they typically build them the day they're ordered. I have a red one and a greenish one.

[PMJNugent]

You can use the Roland FV-500H or L pedal

 

Other posts say you can't use the FV-500L/H pedals but they're wrong and this is such a great pedal. The only problem is that you have to change one of the jacks from mono to stereo as shown below.

 

I used a standard mono (TS to TS) lead but on the expression pedal end I replaced the mono plug for a stereo (TRS) one.  The critical thing to remember is to ensure the RING connection is not connected to anything.  

 

Helix EXP o/p                                               FV-500L or H  Expression Pedal 

mono (TS) jack                                             stereo (TRS) jack

 

TIP <-----------------------------------------------------> TIP

                                                                            RING (not connected)

SLEEVE <----------------------------------------------> SLEEVE