V2.50 installation procedure

[silverhead]

I have seen a couple of posts and some early confusion......seems the formal installation instructions may not be readily visible during the process.

 

1) Backup existing presets and setlists as desired using HX Edit v2.30, then close the HX Edit program.

NOTE: Use the full system backup feature if you wish but see below for impacts during the restoratoin procedures.

2) Download HX Edit v2.51. Install all components, particularly the new Line 6 Updater program. Optionally use HX Edit v2.51 to make another set of backup files.**

If you have Helix Rack/Control turn off the Control unit now.

3) Connect Helix via USB and run the new Updater program. The process will not overwrite any existing presets/setlists (not even factory stuff) so the automatic post-installation restart and Rubuilding Presets phase may be longer than before.

If you have Helix Rack/Control turn on the Control unit now. Confirm the Controller update process.

4) If you want the new factory presets* you need to perform the startup sequence to restore stock presets and setlists. See:

http://line6.com/support/page/kb/_/effects-controllers/helix/helixltfx-reset-procedures-and-troubleshootin-r768

 

5) Restore user setlists from you backup. Use the v2.51 backup files; if you have issues try the 2.30 backup files.

NOTE: If you used the full backup feature, and decided to do the startup sequence that restores the factory presets and setlists to get any new factory presets, make sure to uncheck the factory setlists when you restore from your backup. Otherwise, you'll overwrite the new factory setlists with the old ones from your backup.

 

 

*e.g. Factory1 32A Space Case showcasing a couple of the new reverbs. I don't know whether this is the only new preset.

** Early on there was some confusion (see later posts in this thread) about whether the v2.30 or v2.51 backup files should be used. Turns out you can use either. Two sets of backups is an extra precaution. HX Edit v2.51 is backwards compatible with Helix firmwar v 3.0.

[InRepair123]

I assume it's maybe due to server overload but when I open the Line 6 updater there is no device I can select to update? My Helix is plugged in via USB and I've just successfully backed it up to HX Edit. Both the updater and HX Edit have been updated. 

[silverhead]

I expect there's a huge demand on the Line 6 server(s) right now. Try again later.

 

(.. although detection of the Helix device should probably not require their server. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the USB.....)

[CraigGT]

I assume it's maybe due to server overload but when I open the Line 6 updater there is no device I can select to update? My Helix is plugged in via USB and I've just successfully backed it up to HX Edit. Both the updater and HX Edit have been updated. 

 

Have you quit HX Edit? only one can connect at a time.

 

Craig

[VirtualGuitars]

I expect there's a huge demand on the Line 6 server(s) right now. Try again later.

 

(.. although detection of the Helix device should probably not require their server. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the USB.....)

 

It's failing before his device connects because it's trying to login to the Line 6 update portal.  I had the same trouble, but eventually got in.  If you download the flash file first, then you can do a local update.

[VirtualGuitars]

I have seen a couple of posts and some early confusion......seems the formal installation instructions may not be published (yet?).

 

1) backup existing presets and setlists as desired using HX Edit v2.30. Use the full system backup feature if you wish but when you restore it you will overwrite new v2.50 factory presets.

 

2) Download HX Edit v2.51. Install all components, particularly the new Line 6 Updater program.

 

3) Connect Helix via USB and run the new Updater program. This will not overwrite existing presets/setlists so the automatic post-installation restart and Rubuilding Presets phase may be longer than previously.

 

4) Restore as desired.

 

Luckily I didn't have to restore anything after the update (same after version 2.30), but it's always a good idea to backup the entire device and each setlist, IRs, etc. individually, like silverhead said.  Then you're always covered.

[willjrock]

 

Seems like most will want to restore from a back-up.  Whats the best way of keeping the new presets? Probably exporting them just before backing up? If so, do you have any idea as to which numbers the new presets are, for simplicity sake?   As well as the ones reaching back to 2.30  if you are interested in the "extra effort award" :) I didnt get those ones and i dont often use presets so im not sure id know which they are, but theyre nice to have.

[VirtualGuitars]

Seems like most will want to restore from a back-up.  Whats the best way of keeping the new presets? Probably exporting them just before backing up? If so, do you have any idea as to which numbers the new presets are, for simplicity sake?   As well as the ones reaching back to 2.30  if you are interested in the "extra effort award" :) I didnt get those ones and i dont often use presets so im not sure id know which they are, but theyre nice to have.

 

 

In addition to performing a complete backup (just in case, etc.), I just run an individual backup of each of my User Setlists one by one and let the update do it's thing.  All of the factory presets will be updated and then you'll have a backup copy of all of your presets just in case they get removed from the Helix.  Luckily all of mine are still intact and I can see all of the new effects.  I had the same experience upgrading to version 2.30.

[silverhead]

In addition to performing a complete backup (just in case, etc.), I just backup all of my User Setlists one by on and let the update do it's thing.  All of the factory presets will be updated and then you'll have a backup copy of all of your presets just in case they get removed from the Helix.  Luckily all of mine are still intact and I can see all of the new effects.  I had the same experience upgrading to version 2.30.

Yes - I recommend backing up and restoring setlists.

[silverhead]

... If so, do you have any idea as to which numbers the new presets are, for simplicity sake?   As well as the ones reaching back to 2.30  if you are interested in the "extra effort award" :) I didnt get those ones and i dont often use presets so im not sure id know which they are, but theyre nice to have.

 

Sorry - I don't know the full story re: new/changed presets, neither for v2.3 nor v2.5. As for the extra effort award....no time. I'm busy washing my hair tonight..... :P

[VirtualGuitars]

Sorry - I don't know the full story re: new/changed presets, neither for v2.3 nor v2.5. As for the extra effort award....no time. I'm busy washing my hair tonight..... :P

 

Congratulations on your 16,000th post!  Now that is something.

[pilottes]

It wants to download .dmg file? Idon't recall that type of files

[willjrock]

Sorry - I don't know the full story re: new/changed presets, neither for v2.3 nor v2.5. As for the extra effort award....no time. I'm busy washing my hair tonight..... :P

LMFAO...Well loosen the bobby pins on your curlers for a minute kid.  i DID get the update installed, but i never had the chance to "restore". I think i forgot about holding the footswitches step of the procedure......which is clearly your fault :) because im unable to think for myself and am only programmed to do as instructed...but anyway everything seems pretty normal. The only reason i mention it is because of the instructions in the last few updates, and failure to follow the instructions will cause 6 more weeks of winter or a nuclear holocaust or some $hit.

[willjrock]

It wants to download .dmg file? Idon't recall that type of files

you probably selected the MAC option brother

[pilottes]

Silly me!

[HonestOpinion]

I have seen a couple of posts and some early confusion......seems the formal installation instructions may not be published (yet?).

 

1) backup existing presets and setlists as desired using HX Edit v2.30. Use the full system backup feature if you wish but when you restore it you will overwrite new v2.50 factory presets*.

 

2) Download HX Edit v2.51. Install all components, particularly the new Line 6 Updater program.

 

3) Connect Helix via USB and run the new Updater program. This will not overwrite existing presets/setlists so the automatic post-installation restart and Rubuilding Presets phase may be longer than before.

 

4) Restore as desired.

 

*e.g. Factory1 32A Space Case showcasing a couple of the new reverbs.

 

I think this may be the wrong sequence Silverhead, at least according to the release instruction showing in the Line6 Updater when you go to install the 2.50 firmware. Before you execute your step #3 you need to use the HX Edit 2.51 editor to create a backup. Then you can proceed to the firmware update. It is the backup from HX Edit 2.51 made prior to the firmware update to 2.50 that you will be using to do the restore. At least according to the 2.50 firmware notes.

 

IMPORTANT: Don't update your firmware to 2.50 until you have used the HX Edit 2.51 editor to make a backup. After you have backed up your Helix in for example HX Edit 2.3, and then downloaded and unpacked the new HX Edit 2.51, you will notice that when you start the Line6 Updater to upgrade your firmware to 2.50 that the instructions will tell you to first do a backup using your new HX Edit 2.51 editor before you update your firmware to 2.50 and use that to do your restore after upgrading your firmware to 2.50. Don't use the backup you made in HX Edit 2.3 and don't upgrade your firmware until you get an HX Edit 2.51 backup. Don't know if this is critical but I try to follow Liine6's upgrade instructions to the letter. I could see folks speeding by these instructions and using their HX Edit 2.3 backup to restore in error or upgrading the firmware before they get a backup from the HX Edit 2.51 editor.

 

DI, Phil_m, Silverhead if you are out there, is this correct, does the sequence matter as indicated in the firmware release notes?

 

Should we be using an HX Edit 2.51 backup rather than an HX Edit 2.3 backup, taken before upgrading to the 2.50 firmware, to restore after the update to the 2.50 firmware (per the release notes in the 2.50 firmware)?

[VirtualGuitars]

It wants to download .dmg file? Idon't recall that type of files

 

That's the macOS version.  Keep scrolling...

[Andy1175]

Clear as mud, as always. 

 

-

[willjrock]

In addition to performing a complete backup (just in case, etc.), I just run an individual backup of each of my User Setlists one by one and let the update do it's thing.  All of the factory presets will be updated and then you'll have a backup copy of all of your presets just in case they get removed from the Helix.  Luckily all of mine are still intact and I can see all of the new effects.  I had the same experience upgrading to version 2.30.

Hey just a heads up but im guessing you may have missed the "reset option" just like myself, because we should have had to restore from back-up to replace all of our presets. Im not sure how important this is, but its been a part of every update in the past. Just want to make sure we avoid any possible headaches down the road.

[HonestOpinion]

Hey just a heads up but im guessing you may have missed the "reset option" just like myself, because we should have had to restore from back-up to replace all of our presets. Im not sure how important this is, but its been a part of every update in the past. Just want to make sure we avoid any possible headaches down the road.

 

I don't think a manual global reset footswitch procedure is part of the upgrade process any more. I think that is now taken care of by the Updater. Did you see something in this version of HX Edit or the firmware's release notes?

[HonestOpinion]

I think this may be the wrong sequence Silverhead, at least according to the release instruction showing in the Line6 Updater when you go to install the 2.50 firmware. Before you execute your step #3 you need to use the HX Edit 2.51 editor to create a backup. Then you can proceed to the firmware update. It is the backup from HX Edit 2.51 made prior to the firmware update to 2.50 that you will be using to do the restore. At least according to the 2.50 firmware notes.

 

IMPORTANT: Don't update your firmware to 2.50 until you have used the HX Edit 2.51 editor to make a backup. After you have backed up your Helix in for example HX Edit 2.3, and then downloaded and unpacked the new HX Edit 2.51, you will notice that when you start the Line6 Updater to upgrade your firmware to 2.50 that the instructions will tell you to first do a backup using your new HX Edit 2.51 editor before you update your firmware to 2.50 and use that to do your restore after upgrading your firmware to 2.50. Don't use the backup you made in HX Edit 2.3 and don't upgrade your firmware until you get an HX Edit 2.51 backup. Don't know if this is critical but I try to follow Liine6's upgrade instructions to the letter. I could see folks speeding by these instructions and using their HX Edit 2.3 backup to restore in error or upgrading the firmware before they get a backup from the HX Edit 2.51 editor.

 

DI, Phil_m, Silverhead if you are out there, is this correct, does the sequence matter as indicated in the firmware release notes?

 

Should we be using an HX Edit 2.51 backup rather than an HX Edit 2.3 backup, taken before upgrading to the 2.50 firmware, to restore after the update to the 2.50 firmware (per the release notes in the 2.50 firmware)?

 

It might behoove one of the powers that be to post back about this sooner rather than later. There are instructions floating around from trusted forum sources that conflict with the release notes from Line6 as to the proper procedure for doing this upgrade. Seems like it would be better to answer this one soon, before a significant number of users do the backup/restore improperly.  Unless of course it makes no difference in which case please indicate that. Just trying to clarify Line6's own release notes. Hard to believe there is no one watching the forum this soon after an update. Are you all out at a bar together celebrating?  :D

 

One more time:

Does it matter whether the restore is done from a 2.30 backup or a 2.51 backup. Should we be using an HX Edit 2.51 backup rather than an HX Edit 2.3 backup, taken before upgrading to the 2.50 firmware, to restore after the update to the 2.50 firmware (per the release notes in the 2.50 firmware)?

[silverhead]

I think this may be the wrong sequence Silverhead, at least according to the release instruction showing in the Line6 Updater when you go to install the 2.50 firmware. Before you execute your step #3 you need to use the HX Edit 2.51 editor to create a backup. Then you can proceed to the firmware update. It is the backup from HX Edit 2.51 made prior to the firmware update to 2.50 that you will be using to do the restore. At least according to the 2.50 firmware notes.

 

IMPORTANT: Don't update your firmware to 2.50 until you have used the HX Edit 2.51 editor to make a backup. After you have backed up your Helix in for example HX Edit 2.3, and then downloaded and unpacked the new HX Edit 2.51, you will notice that when you start the Line6 Updater to upgrade your firmware to 2.50 that the instructions will tell you to first do a backup using your new HX Edit 2.51 editor before you update your firmware to 2.50 and use that to do your restore after upgrading your firmware to 2.50. Don't use the backup you made in HX Edit 2.3 and don't upgrade your firmware until you get an HX Edit 2.51 backup. Don't know if this is critical but I try to follow Liine6's upgrade instructions to the letter. I could see folks speeding by these instructions and using their HX Edit 2.3 backup to restore in error or upgrading the firmware before they get a backup from the HX Edit 2.51 editor.

 

DI, Phil_m, Silverhead if you are out there, is this correct, does the sequence matter as indicated in the firmware release notes?

 

Should we be using an HX Edit 2.51 backup rather than an HX Edit 2.3 backup, taken before upgrading to the 2.50 firmware, to restore after the update to the 2.50 firmware (per the release notes in the 2.50 firmware)?

 

I am having trouble finding the installation/backup notes that you are quoting from. Where exactly do you see these? I didn't notice them in the Line 6 Updater program v1.12 the first time I installed v2.50, and I have just repeated the installation in an effort to find them. I still did not see them. I don't recall hearing anything about that during beta testing.

[HonestOpinion]

I am having trouble finding the installation/backup notes that you are quoting from. Where exactly do you see these? I didn't notice them in the Line 6 Updater program v1.12 the first time I installed v2.50, and I have just repeated the installation in an effort to find them. I still did not see them. I don't recall hearing anything about that during beta testing.

 

The notes I posted come up when you run the Line6 Updater, there are a few screens to click through, then you click the "Accept" button for the firmware's licensing agreement. I think it is the next to last click in the Updater right before the firmware upgrade starts. After you click the "Accept" button on the licensing screen the release notes for the new firmware pop up. That is what I am referring to that is at odds with your recommended procedure and probably not the procedure many here have followed for the upgrade because it is easy to breeze through without understanding the implication.

 

In essence the Linet Updater's firmware installation instructions are implying that you use an HX Edit 2.51 backup(NOT 2.30) to restore and that you should make sure you get it before you do the firmware upgrade without ever clearly specifying these facts or providing sufficient detail. Here is the text cut and paste directly from the Line6 Updater. It would probably make the instructions clearer if they specifically indicated which editor version's backup should be restored and whether it needs to be taken before or after the firmware upgrade. When you take the instructions literally they imply what I indicated above(restore a 2.51 editor backup taken before you do the 2.50 firmware update and after you have installed HX Edit 2.51, do NOT restore a 2.30 backup). It may not matter if you install the 2.30 backup but the instructions could be clearer and that is not what they indicate.

 

Btw, you can look at these release notes without having to run through another firmware update. Just run the normal firmware process in the Updater but don't click the final prompt to start the update.

 

Line6 Updater Installation instructions for the 2.50 firmware.

Updating Your Helix

 

1. Download and install the latest version of HX Edit.

 

2. Open HX Edit and from the File pull-down menu, select “Create Backup...“ Follow the prompts to create a full-state backup of your Helix (setlists, presets, IRs and Global Settings).

 

3. Using Line 6 Updater, update your Helix's firmware.

[VirtualGuitars]

Hey just a heads up but im guessing you may have missed the "reset option" just like myself, because we should have had to restore from back-up to replace all of our presets. Im not sure how important this is, but its been a part of every update in the past. Just want to make sure we avoid any possible headaches down the road.

 

I usually do a full reset anyway and restore my user setlists and minor settings.

[silverhead]

 

The notes I posted come up when you run the Line6 Updater, there are a few screens to click through, then you click the "Accept" button for the firmware's licensing agreement. I think it is the next to last click in the Updater right before the firmware upgrade starts. After you click the "Accept" button on the licensing screen the release notes for the new firmware pop up. That is what I am referring to that is at odds with your recommended procedure and probably not the procedure many here have followed for the upgrade because it is easy to breeze through without understanding the implication. In essence it is implying that you use an HX Edit 2.51 backup(NOT 2.30) to restore and that you should make sure you get it before you do the firmware upgrade without ever clearly specifying these facts or providing sufficient detail. Here is the text cut and paste directly from the Line6 Updater.

 

Fimware 2.50 Release Notes:

Updating Your Helix

 

1. Download and install the latest version of HX Edit.

 

2. Open HX Edit and from the File pull-down menu, select “Create Backup...“ Follow the prompts to create a full-state backup of your Helix (setlists, presets, IRs and Global Settings).

 

3. Using Line 6 Updater, update your Helix's firmware.

 

That's curious. I don't see those instructions after hitting the Accept button. I see what looks like the Line 6 Home page - which I thought was strange and perhaps indicates some glitch on my end.

 

Just to be 100% certain ... can other readers here please confirm whether or not they saw the installation notes the Honest Opinion sees when running Line 6 Updater? The reason I made this post in the first place was that I couldn't find any installation notes at any point in the process.

 

From a logistics perspective I think that Line 6 should have provided this HX Edit v2.51 backup requirement information before users have already begun the firmware installation using Line 6 Updater. That's why I am confused about this.

 

Anyway, thanks for the alert. Assuming we get confirmation I will change my original post.

[willjrock]

I don't think a manual global reset footswitch procedure is part of the upgrade process any more. I think that is now taken care of by the Updater. Did you see something in this version of HX Edit or the firmware's release notes?

I never found anything official. Wish i could be more help

[HonestOpinion]

That's curious. I don't see those instructions after hitting the Accept button. I see what looks like the Line 6 Home page - which I thought was strange and perhaps indicates some glitch on my end.

 

Just to be 100% certain ... can other readers here please confirm whether or not they saw the installation notes the Honest Opinion sees when running Line 6 Updater? The reason I made this post in the first place was that I couldn't find any installation notes at any point in the process.

 

From a logistics perspective I think that Line 6 should have provided this HX Edit v2.51 backup requirement information before users have already begun the firmware installation using Line 6 Updater. That's why I am confused about this.

 

Anyway, thanks for the alert. Assuming we get confirmation I will change my original post.

 

Thanks Silverhead, your help is always appreciated. Btw, I edited my post several above to add some more detail so you may want to take another look when you get a chance if you haven't already. People around here are so on the ball if it takes me more than three seconds to do an edit they have already responded. Too fast for my slow brain.  :P

[brue58ski]

Are there any new factory presets if I reset the Helix after upgrading?

[HonestOpinion]

That's curious. I don't see those instructions after hitting the Accept button. I see what looks like the Line 6 Home page - which I thought was strange and perhaps indicates some glitch on my end.

 

....

 

Btw, I should specify that I am on Windows, don't know if the Mac version of the Updater makes any difference in what messages you see in your Updater during the firmware update.

[silverhead]

Yes trhere are new factory presets. Don't know how many but at least Factory 1 32 A Space case.

[silverhead]

Btw, I should specify that I am on Windows, don't know if the Mac version of the Updater makes any difference in what messages you see in your Updater during the firmware update.

I'm on Windows 10 running Firefox.

[HonestOpinion]

Are there any new factory presets if I reset the Helix after upgrading?

 

Just wanted to remind folks that if you uncheck the "Factory" boxes when you do your restore you should see the latest presets from the 2.51 firmware. At least if it is still working like HX Edit 2.3. Otherwise you are going to see the Factory presets the version of the firmware you are restoring from.

[HonestOpinion]

I'm on Windows 10 running Firefox.

 

Running Win 10 and Chrome here.

[cruisinon2]

If it makes you guys feel any better, I downloaded the new editor first, but then flew right past doing a fresh update with it because I wasn't paying enough attention...fortunately, it didn't seem to make any difference. All the new stuff is here, and all of my patches are still intact, there was no need to restore anything from my last 2.3 backup. Helix is chugging along as expected. If it eats itself, I'll spread the word... but everything seems fine to me.

[silverhead]

Thanks Silverhead, your help is always appreciated. Btw, I edited my post several above to add some more detail so you may want to take another look when you get a chance if you haven't already. People around here are so on the ball if it takes me more than three seconds to do an edit they have already responded. Too fast for my slow brain.  :P

 

I have updated the initial post. Thanks.

[HonestOpinion]

I have updated the initial post. Thanks.

 

Cheers, still not sure I have it right. Won't know until someone like you gets the direct skinny from Line6 or someone at Line6 posts directly to address the confusion. Like I said in my earlier posts it may not even make a difference which backup version you restore (HX Edit 2.30, HX Edit 2.51 pre 2.50 firmware update, or HX Edit 2.51 post 2.50 firmware update). If it does matter getting it right definitely might help head off weird issues with presets down the line. In the meantime I intend to follow the installation instructions in the Line6 Updater to the letter although I am going to hold off just a wee bit longer in hopes of getting a more concrete resolution from Line6. I'm usually on the bleeding edge but hoping to get an answer on this first.  Stop taunting me with your tales of unicorns, Leprechauns, new effects, and presets ye early adopters.  :D

[silverhead]

I'm not sure it matter either. But in case it does I'm suggesting folks go with the 2.50 release notes that you have seen and use HX Edit 2.51backups.

[specracer986]

My update was painless. I didn't have to do a restore. All of my presets, IR's and settings are fine. I don't see any new presets that use the new amps. Are there any new presets?

[cruisinon2]

My update was painless. I didn't have to do a restore. All of my presets, IR's and settings are fine. I don't see any new presets that use the new amps. Are there any new presets?

I don't get it either...if everything is still intact, what's there to restore?

[VirtualGuitars]

Are there any new factory presets if I reset the Helix after upgrading?

 

From silverhead:

 

"Factory1 32A Space Case showcasing a couple of the new reverbs."