Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Jump to content

Helix system usability improvements


ricksteruk
 Share

Recommended Posts

Hi all,

 

So having got v2.30 running smoothly after all the waiting, what things do we need addressing that would improve Helix.

 

I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT MORE AMP MODELS OR MORE EFFECTS!

(please do not suggest those here - of course they are important!)

 

What I mean is parts of the Helix system setup that could be improved:

 

For example: One thing about 2.30 that is brilliant is the new backup.  Thanks DI and the team so much for that  :D

 

SO OVER TO YOU FOLKS..  

Ideas? Share them here so we can talk about them and up vote them on ideascale 

 

EDIT:  HERE ARE THE IDEAS SO FAR.... (I've tried to choose the idea scale with the most votes where there are duplicate ideas)

Send / Return blocks routed to more places - https://line6.ideasc.../idea-v2/818624

Visualisation of EQ for Para EQ block (on HXedit?) - 

Add Cab block mic positions - https://line6.ideasc.../idea-v2/817573

Dedicated Global EQ for Headphone out - 

USB 3/4 5/6 7/8 Destination Global setting (no paths needed) - https://line6.ideasc.../idea-v2/902015

Peak / Level / Signal meters - https://line6.ideasc.../idea-v2/741210

Allow Snaps to be assigned to switches in Stomp mode - https://line6.ideasc.../idea-v2/862882

improved Block images - to help visually identify between same block type.. e.g..  Vermin, teemah look the same - 

add a corresponding 1, 2, 3, 4 to the send/return block icons

Separated Power amps - https://line6.ideasc.../idea-v2/748793

Global amp combo/preamp quick swap for all presets - https://line6.ideasc.../idea-v2/916915

Multiple instances of parallel paths - https://line6.ideasc.../idea-v2/916915

Option to Keep Amp/FX/Cab Settings Constant When Scrolling Through Models - https://line6.ideasc.../idea-v2/786323

"Press Joystick to select.. not auto select as you scroll lists" https://line6.ideasc.../idea-v2/823557

User Presets for blocks - https://line6.ideasc.../idea-v2/908276

selectable ability to access EXP3 when no external expression is connected - 

selectable ability to disable toe-switch on built in EXP - 

ability to assign a "parameter reset" to a momentary stomp while parameter is already controlled by something else - 

a marker on all parameters to show the value saved in the preset/snapshot while editing - 

ability to disable joystick scroll functionality in path view (to prevent changing block by accident while navigating paths)  -

MIDI "loopback" (for applications that currently call for hooking a MIDI cable between Helix' MIDI out and in - https://line6.ideasc.../idea-v2/903037

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll start:   I would love to see is the Send Return blocks being able to SEND to more places and RETURN from more places.

 
 
 
.....
 
Allow the SEND and RETURN blocks to connect to more of the Helix inputs and outputs. 

SEND should also go to 1/4in, XLR, USB, Digital.

RETURN should also return from AUXin, Variax, Digital, USB

 

This would make Helix's routing even more powerful.

 

Scenario 1:

A simple way to set up 1/4 in jacks to amp on stage and XLRs with Cab/IR to FOH. You could leave the Helix path output set to "XLR" and then just add a send block before your IR or Cab block that was set to send to 1/4in jack outputs. Simples!

 

One reason for doing this is that you don't have to use a whole Path line just simply to do Scenario1. Meaning the other Paths can be used for parallel fx routing or maybe processing a mic as well.

 

Of course to save a path you could connect your amp via a Send socket that you can already select with a Send block - but then you lose the ability to control the stage amp level with the Helix volume knob. 

 

Scenario2:

Set up a USB device in a Send / Return loop easily. Think of the possibilities....... using it to send / return from Ableton Live, or an iOS synth app

Tags
 
[ Edit tags ]
Link to comment
Share on other sites

my priority wishes:

 

- visualisation of the EQs like for the global EQ - or just adding the global EQ type to the EQ selection

- adding 2 positions to the cab/mic settings: Edge and half way edge-center

- a dedicated global EQ for the headphone out

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah I am with you on those Michael.

 

A global EQ for the Headphone out would be great for those late night practice and tweaking sessions...

...but I guess you want it so that you can use it on stage so that the current Global EQ goes to a floor wedge / PA and the headphones would feed IEMs?

 

 

EDIT:

 

Cabs:

 

Helix: Please add "Microfone angle" to cab parameters - https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/817573

Cab Block Improvements (Dual Mics, Positions, Presets, Blending) - https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/911948

Variable Mic Axis and Position options - https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/872296

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just saw this and it would be useful for many people - https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/902015

 

A way to route other USB inputs (3/4, 5/6 and 7/8) to Helix outputs directly without using Paths.

 

Exactly like the "USB In1/2 Destination" in Global settings, - we just need 3 more settings for USB3/4, 5/6 and 7/8.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A peakmeter for every block in the chain.

 

 

 

Yes please! that would be awesome - is there an idea scale for that?  I'll do a search later if no-one else know - I gotta go get ready for a gig now.

 

EDIT:

I just found this one... It has like 1200 votes already..  surely its time for this to be added DI ;)

https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/741210

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Multiple instances of parallel paths

Mixing snaps and stomps (or even presets) within the same Mode page (like if you only really needed two snapshots in a specific preset and wanted to fill the rest with snaps)

I think you mean, “fill the rest with stomps†but yes, this would be a great addition! Have you put it in Ideascale?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Separate power amps for the seperate preamps.

Level meter on all blocks and at output stage...

Mic placement movement for the cabs.

Better reverbs.

 

 

Hardware...

Foot control with two built in pedals, those pedals with on off switches, for use with the rack

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This on ideascale

https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/916915

....

"Global amp combo/preamp quick swap for all presets.

When you are running Helix through a real amp it's advisable to use the preamp version of the amp that is saved in the preset. Currently you have to go to the preset and select preamp but then you are taken to the top of the list. I know it is minor, but it would be much faster to swap between FRFR and real amp applications (depending on the gig) if when you selected preamp/amp+cab and it defaulted to whichever amp you were already on instead of having to find it in the list.

 

BETTER YET, IT WOULD BE A GREAT GLOBAL SETTING TO CHANGE ALL OF THE AMP COMBOS TO PREAMPS AND VICE VERSA FOR THIS APPLICATION"

....

 

 

I would also add that the settings for the preamp should match the settings for the preamp part of the original amp in the patch, rather than when you move from an amp to a preamp version of that same amp the settings for that preamp are defaulted rather than mirroring the original settings for that amps preamp in that patch.

There is a lot of room for improvements to help people using the sending of helix preamps into real poweramps

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Highlight and toggled between Default value, saved value, and the new value dialled in to allow instant comparing on the fly...

 

Someway of showing when you have reached either the default setting value for a parameter or the previous saved setting value for that patch.

E.g.. for example let's say your adjusting the bass setting in an amp.

The default for the bass is 5.3, but the last used/saved value is 3.2.... would be good if when you got to 3.2 and 5.3 the display let you know you had reached the default or the last saved used value.

Also at the moment you can move straight to default value by pressing the dial... May be two quick presses would take you to the value you last used.

And how about toggling between values toggled back and forth so you could compare between the new valued dialled in, the previous saved value and the default value.

 

Struggling to best convey this as unwell in this moment...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would like to be able to save the parameters of any FX, amps, cabs etc so that every time I call them up, the default settings are mine. It would save me some time.

Yes that's where i was going... been very unwell... i couldn't get to the point on this one... save your settings to default or have a way of toggling between saved value, value just dialled in and the default...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes that's where i was going... been very unwell... i couldn't get to the point on this one... save your settings to default or have a way of toggling between saved value, value just dialled in and the default...

 

 

brue58ski, on 25 Nov 2017 - 11:17 AM, said:snapback.png

I would like to be able to save the parameters of any FX, amps, cabs etc so that every time I call them up, the default settings are mine. It would save me some time.

 

 Indeed!  Having the mics, their placement, Low and High cuts changing is to me, the most infuriating part about tweaking the Helix!!! I really hate this characteristic of it. It's like having someone dictate to you how you should set your parameters.  As if they know better than you about what you want! 

UGH!  Phooey!  :angry:

 

You know, now that you mention it, this is probably THE main reason why I'm hesitant to update to 2.30. 

If I update, I'll want to experiment but having to constantly reset everything just to change out a cab takes all the fun out of it.

It really does.  I was almost going to bite the bullet and do the update as some of you made some convincing arguments to do so but this... ugh...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Indeed! Having the mics, their placement, Low and High cuts changing is to me, the most infuriating part about tweaking the Helix!!! I really hate this characteristic of it. It's like having someone dictate to you how you should set your parameters. As if they know better than you about what you want!

UGH! Phooey! :angry:

 

Totally agree. There are a few things i wished helix had like a level meter but it doesn't irk me too much as they just pure not included, whereas the values defaulting every time pisses me off... exactly because it has been dictated that's how it works and always i think why am I stuck with someone elses idea of what the values should toggle to or reset to everytime. In this area of design It's like a pre 2000 modeller in that it can't move between default, last saved and just dialled in values... its 2017 ... here's hoping for 2018... sorry line 6 your work is great but this area is a wind up...

This needs serious thinking about the redesigning in how it works as the helix is great in so many ways but I agree this is the one area where 100 plus times a day I go oll for f**k sake just return to my values not the default values or give me the ability to toggle between default, saved and current values... surely helix has enough memory to do this...

Would save me a lot of swearing everyday...

Maybe line 6 already onto this as it must irk a lot of people at line 6 too as it's just plainly not intuitive to a users immediate needs on the fly whilst tweaking patches and when creating patches from fresh.... and the whole transitioning settings from amp module to preamp module is a nightmare again makes me feel like I'm back in the 90's....

Sorry to grumble at you helix you are great but you will get greater I'm sure 😀

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just to say. I really like the default values as a starting value to compare against.

I'm not saying be rid of defaults.. i appreciate the work and thought that went into providing a default setting to start from as I'm guessing who ever thought of the defaults had good reasons for those defaults... but that's what it should be just a default to start from and compare against.

And then allow you to add your own personal global default values too... there you have 2 default values saved to toggle between and then compare the currently dialled in value against helix default and personal default..

But then again how does it work.

1. Helix default

2. Personal global default value

3. Last saved value for the patch you working on

4. Current value dialled in you wanting to make comparisons against

 

So it gets a bit complex.. 4 values potentially needed... 4 presses of the dial... is that too many? For what it would offer i would be happy.

Maybe in main menu you could choose ways the default, personal global, last saved value and current values works and which value types to include... e.g. some people may just want their last saved value and current value to toggle, etc etc

Also you would want the ability to toggle these values to be extended to the footwsitches as well as the dials... so you can hear the changes whilst playing...

ahhh that would be so goooooodd.......

 

Just to let line 6 know your efforts on the defaults are very appreciated it's just we are tied to them that causes expletives...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Totally agree. There are a few things i wished helix had like a level meter but it doesn't irk me too much as they just pure not included, whereas the values defaulting every time pisses me off... exactly because it has been dictated that's how it works and always i think why am I stuck with someone elses idea of what the values should toggle to or reset to everytime. In this area of design It's like a pre 2000 modeller in that it can't move between default, last saved and just dialled in values... its 2017 ... here's hoping for 2018... sorry line 6 your work is great but this area is a wind up...

This needs serious thinking about the redesigning in how it works as the helix is great in so many ways but I agree this is the one area where 100 plus times a day I go oll for f**k sake just return to my values not the default values or give me the ability to toggle between default, saved and current values... surely helix has enough memory to do this...

Would save me a lot of swearing everyday...

Maybe line 6 already onto this as it must irk a lot of people at line 6 too as it's just plainly not intuitive to a users immediate needs on the fly whilst tweaking patches and when creating patches from fresh.... and the whole transitioning settings from amp module to preamp module is a nightmare again makes me feel like I'm back in the 90's....

Sorry to grumble at you helix you are great but you will get greater I'm sure 😀

Thank you for articulating this point in a much better manner than I did.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'd like to see the Snap/Stomp options being made per preset.

 

Craig

 

 

Yeah I see that might be useful - but perhaps AlexKenivel's idea on the post below yours would be even better?

 

Being able to freely mix snaps and stomps on any preset.  https://line6.ideasc.../idea-v2/862882

Or this - being able to add Snaps to Stomp Mode : https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/833058

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Multiple instances of parallel paths

 

 

Yeah I'd wondered if this was possible - sometimes I might want to do a parallel delay / reverb which would need two paths - but then also want to send that to two places - like USB 3/4 and XLR - also needing two paths.   Annoying because the screen has space of courses.. lol.  graphically it would just need a split block to the lower path before the path outputs.  Obviously it's the internal path DSP routing that would require work.

 

Is there an idea scale for this @AlexKenivel

 

EDIT:  Found these:

Multiple splitting options for Path A and B - https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/833936

Multiple Parallel Paths - https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/860595

Multiple splits per path - https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/860596

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Option to view block images instead of block type images in order to make the signal path clearer.

 

 

You mean a different image for each block?  So you could tell a Teemah from a Vermin?

 

I can see where you're coming from on that but man - that would be a lot of extra images to remember..  I might end up being more confused in the end!  Perhaps if they were colour coded so all the drives were orange, delays green, chorus blue etc that might help.

 

Is there an ideascale for that?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I really do hope it’s possible for us to get independent preamps and power amps.

Or at least a way to design our own amps and to have a virtual loop between the pre and power amp.

 

Yeah that would be useful for a lot of people I am sure.

 

I found this idea for that - it has 396 votes so far:

https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/748793

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would like to be able to save the parameters of any FX, amps, cabs etc so that every time I call them up, the default settings are mine. It would save me some time.

 

 

This on ideascale

https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/916915

....

"Global amp combo/preamp quick swap for all presets.

When you are running Helix through a real amp it's advisable to use the preamp version of the amp that is saved in the preset. Currently you have to go to the preset and select preamp but then you are taken to the top of the list. I know it is minor, but it would be much faster to swap between FRFR and real amp applications (depending on the gig) if when you selected preamp/amp+cab and it defaulted to whichever amp you were already on instead of having to find it in the list.

 

BETTER YET, IT WOULD BE A GREAT GLOBAL SETTING TO CHANGE ALL OF THE AMP COMBOS TO PREAMPS AND VICE VERSA FOR THIS APPLICATION"

....

 

 

I would also add that the settings for the preamp should match the settings for the preamp part of the original amp in the patch, rather than when you move from an amp to a preamp version of that same amp the settings for that preamp are defaulted rather than mirroring the original settings for that amps preamp in that patch.

There is a lot of room for improvements to help people using the sending of helix preamps into real poweramps

 

Yes it's most annoying when the settings you had get lost whilst in the middle of tweaking..   Should the current setting be retained when you switch to another block of the same type (if possible) - should there be some user saveable presets or defaults as well as the standard defaults?

 

Here's some ideascales along these lines:

Option to Keep Settings Constant When Scrolling Through Models - https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/786323

Persistent mic selection and settings while selecting cabinets - https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/816082

Maintain effect settings when changing effect - https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/811942

Save the personal settings of the effects pedals and amps and Ca - https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/908276

Keep settings when changing amp block types (preamp/amp/amp+cab) - https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/793915

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here's one of mine from May 2016 that I still would like to see happen.

 

"Press Joytisck to select.. not auto select as you scroll lists" https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/823557

 

Here is the idea...

"the joystick should allow you to scroll a list to find the thing you want and then you should have to press the joystick to activate that one."

 

The thing that irks me is that when you are scrolling through lists of things (presets, effects, settings) it automatically activates each one as you scroll through the list.. as far as I know there is no way to get to the one you want at the bottom of the list without going through the others activating each one as you go.

 

If I am trying to select Send or Return block 4 for example I have to scroll past Send/Return number 1 that is already active with my H&K amp - and it often causes ear splitting feedback for half a second as I scroll past. That can't be good for the circuits and it's certainly not good for my ears.

 

I know someone else has mentioned this on the Helix forums about the Setlists - and it is annoying enough there - but this tops that!.. the joystick should allow you to scroll to the one you want and then you should have to press the joystick to activate that one.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here's one of mine from May 2016 that I still would like to see happen.

 

"Press Joytisck to select.. not auto select as you scroll lists" https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/823557

 

Here is the idea...

"the joystick should allow you to scroll a list to find the thing you want and then you should have to press the joystick to activate that one."

The thing that irks me is that when you are scrolling through lists of things (presets, effects, settings) it automatically activates each one as you scroll through the list.. as far as I know there is no way to get to the one you want at the bottom of the list without going through the others activating each one as you go.

If I am trying to select Send or Return block 4 for example I have to scroll past Send/Return number 1 that is already active with my H&K amp - and it often causes ear splitting feedback for half a second as I scroll past. That can't be good for the circuits and it's certainly not good for my ears.

I know someone else has mentioned this on the Helix forums about the Setlists - and it is annoying enough there - but this tops that!.. the joystick should allow you to scroll to the one you want and then you should have to press the joystick to activate that one.

Yes to this... have same problem with send returns triggered when scrolling...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes it's most annoying when the settings you had get lost whilst in the middle of tweaking.. Should the current setting be retained when you switch to another block of the same type (if possible) - should there be some user saveable presets or defaults as well as the standard defaults?

 

Here's some ideascales along these lines:

Option to Keep Settings Constant When Scrolling Through Models - https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/786323

Persistent mic selection and settings while selecting cabinets - https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/816082

Maintain effect settings when changing effect - https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/811942

Save the personal settings of the effects pedals and amps and Ca - https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/908276

Keep settings when changing amp block types (preamp/amp/amp+cab) - https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/793915

 

Great thanks for all of that

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah I'd wondered if this was possible - sometimes I might want to do a parallel delay / reverb which would need two paths - but then also want to send that to two places - like USB 3/4 and XLR - also needing two paths. Annoying because the screen has space of courses.. lol. graphically it would just need a split block to the lower path before the path outputs. Obviously it's the internal path DSP routing that would require work.

 

Is there an idea scale for this @AlexKenivel

Have come across many situations where this would be good...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah I see that might be useful - but perhaps AlexKenivel's idea on the post below yours would be even better?

 

Being able to freely mix snaps and stomps on any preset.  https://line6.ideasc.../idea-v2/862882

Or this - being able to add Snaps to Stomp Mode : https://line6.ideascale.com/a/idea-v2/833058

 

Yes I'd agree, we could call it IIAASIAS mode (If It Ain't A Snap It's A Stomp)   :-)

 

Craig 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

- global input and output level metering (how the hell can a device of this level of performance and price not have such a basic thing???)
- per block input and output level metering (may not be possible because of processing limitations but would be nice)
- snap/stomp button config per preset
- screen knobs assignable to parameters in an as yet non-existent "no block selected" mode
- selectable ability to access EXP3 when no external expression is connected
- selectable ability to disable toe-switch on built in EXP.
- ability to assign a "parameter reset" to a momentary stomp switch while that parameter is already controlled by something else (for example - to reset a parameter that is controlled by EXP to it's preset level without reloading the preset, or to set the parameter to some user specified level regardless of it's current level)
- a marker on all parameters to show the value saved in the preset/snapshot while editing

- the ability to disable the joystick scroll functionality in the path view (to prevent annoyingly changing a block by accident while navigating the paths)


i'm sure i can come up with more but those are all good ones i'd like to see.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'd love to see;

- multiple parallel paths

- user presets for blocks

- separate modeled power amps

- add a corresponding 1, 2, 3, 4 to the send/return block icons

 

 

Yes the 1, 2, 3, 4 to the Send/Return Blocks is a really neat idea to make it much more obvious which is being used in your signal flow.

 

Kind of like a version of amsdenj's idea above about making the icons more individual and identifiable.              #12            

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for all the ideas :) Some of them (like peak / levels meters) are similar to ones listed already so I'll add your voice to those above :)   I'll try and find idea scales for your other ideas too and add them to the master list in the First Post.

 

- screen knobs assignable to parameters in an as yet non-existent "no block selected" mode

 

 

Can you explain what you mean?  What parameters would we be choosing from?  Have you got an idea scale for this?

 

Cheers,

Rick

Link to comment
Share on other sites

- a marker on all parameters to show the value saved in the preset/snapshot while editing

- the ability to disable the joystick scroll functionality in the path view (to prevent annoyingly changing a block by accident while navigating the paths)

 

 

i'm sure i can come up with more but those are all good ones i'd like to see.

 

 

I really like these two!  It's very annoying when you accidentally change blocks when trying to move them around with the joystick.   I have to say I am starting to enjoy using the HXEdit on my mac more nowadays.  Perhaps this is why ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I really like this one:

 

MIDI "loopback" for those applications that currently call for hooking a MIDI cable between Helix' MIDI out and in.

https://line6.ideasc.../idea-v2/903037

At the moment you can use STOMPS to call SCENES if you set the scene up to respond to a MIDI PC and then set the stomp to send the right MIDI PC.  But it requires putting a MIDI cable between Helix's MIDI IN and OUT, which is no good if you are trying to use external gear via MIDI and you're already using the MIDI OUT.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...