HD500x with Helix

[th365thli]

Apologies if this has been asked already I only did a google search.

 

Thinking about upgrading to the Helix, but it would be a shame to let my HD500x go to waste. Can I use the HD500x as a foot controller with the Helix if I bought the rack version? 

[spikey]

Im not sure if the controllers (pedals) on the HD500x "transmit" midi or CC data out of the midi out port. If they do then I suspect its possible. Might hook up a software program like midi Ox or some such and see...

[duncann]

You can certainly set the footswitches, looper switch, tap switch, exp toe, and expression controllers on the HD to send various midi data:

Midi channel, cc toggle, cc, program change, bank change, and note on for everything except the expression controllers.

For the expression controllers it's midi channel, cc, and min and max values.

 

So I guess the answer would be yes, you could use the HD for controlling Helix Rack. But if you decide to do it this way, you're going to be missing out on a lot of cool usability features that makes Helix unique. Mostly the scribble strips, which once used, will make you wonder why this wasn't done for mass consumption ages ago. And there's really no going back once you do use them. Then again, you might have zero need, ever, for this sort of thing.

 

Another thing to consider is that the HD as a midi controller might be buggy. If it is, it will very likely never be fixed.

[th365thli]

You can certainly set the footswitches, looper switch, tap switch, exp toe, and expression controllers on the HD to send various midi data:

Midi channel, cc toggle, cc, program change, bank change, and note on for everything except the expression controllers.

For the expression controllers it's midi channel, cc, and min and max values.

 

So I guess the answer would be yes, you could use the HD for controlling Helix Rack. But if you decide to do it this way, you're going to be missing out on a lot of cool usability features that makes Helix unique. Mostly the scribble strips, which once used, will make you wonder why this wasn't done for mass consumption ages ago. And there's really no going back once you do use them. Then again, you might have zero need, ever, for this sort of thing.

 

Another thing to consider is that the HD as a midi controller might be buggy. If it is, it will very likely never be fixed.

 

I would mainly use it for home recording and playing. If I'm ever dying for the scribble strips I guess I would just get the foot controller? From my research there are no significant differences between the rack and pedalboard versions.

[duncann]

I would mainly use it for home recording and playing. If I'm ever dying for the scribble strips I guess I would just get the foot controller? From my research there are no significant differences between the rack and pedalboard versions.

 

The only differences would be the obvious separation of devices and Helix Rack/Control would cost around 300 more.

 

If you're going to use it for just recording and playing, you could also use your DAW, Reaper works well. The downside of that, for unplanned sessions, would be a clumsy-at-best on-demand control. For more preemptive control it works great.

[PeterHamm]

...Can I use the HD500x as a foot controller with the Helix if I bought the rack version? 

 

 

Even if you can, the level of difficulty and frustration involved would be unnecessary. Don't.

 

The seamless way Control and Rack work together... you really should get Control if you are going to want to control the Rack. You really and truly should.

[jbuhajla]

You also miss out on capacitive touch switches. I find them invaluable. Setting up stomp control is just a quick 2 second process with the Helix control. You will be missing out on functionality that makes work flow SO efficient. 

[cruisinon2]

I keep trying to get Microsoft Word to communicate with my old typewriter...never seems to work. ;)

[th365thli]

I'm a bit late but thanks for all the helpful responses. I decided to go with a rack unit since I'm a bedroom studio warrior =D. But if I ever do need footswitch capability I can get the foot controller later. Yes it will be more expensive overall but it's ideal in my mind.

 

I know it's a bit silly to admit, but one of of the reasons I chose the Helix (besides the capabilities, ease of use, sound, price blah blah) was you guys in this forum seem a lot nicer than those people in the Fractal forums. If I'm gonna go deep in this I rather be with people I enjoy rather than gear snob know-it-all lollipops.

[FlyingsCool]

We need a lollipop emoticon here.... #justsayin

 

;)

 

Glad to have you aboard :)