Control Helix Native with MIDI via Blue Cat Audio Remote Control

[soundog]

NOTE: If you want to control Helix Native using external MIDI controllers in real-time, and if your DAW supports controller assignments, you can usually simply assign controls to plug-in parameters. Logic Pro X, and Reaper, for example, can do this via a "Learn" function. But, if you haven't found a solution, the following may be helpful...

 

 

There is no direct control of HN via MIDI (yet), but you can control HN via DAW automation. As a temporary workaround, I was wondering if there was some sort of DAW plug-in that would allow users to map a MIDI controller to automation control, and I found one that works great: Blue Cat Audio's Remote Control.

 

The path is basically MIDI CC --> Blue Cat plugin in audio track (before Helix Native) --> Helix automation control

 

I tested this with Logic Pro X 10.4 and it worked to control Helix Native (real-time via a controller. Its a bit confusing to set up initially, but once you do (read the manual and watch the video) it just works. Blue Cat Audio has a free demo available online, so you can try it out with your setup before you buy ($49). And, as mentioned, there is no need for this workaround if your DAW directly supports controller assignments, which many do.

[rsvette12]

Thank you much :) hoped I can figure it out - does it work for wah and pitch shifter ? if this works your a life saver :) 

[rsvette12]

There is another thing called Blue Cat patchwork not sure if thats a better way of doing it

[soundog]

Patchwork should also work (a great Swiss-army knife plug-in, btw). Remote Control and Patchwork can be a head scratcher unless you dig into the manual a bit, or get on the Blue Cat forums.

 

A much simpler method to control Helix Native (and no other plug-ins required) if your DAW supports controller assignments, is to simply assign controls to plug-in parameters. Logic Pro X supports this, for example; here's how:

1. Set up your channel strip with Helix Native as a plug in.
2. Set up your Helix control assignments (e.g., Knob 1 for Wah position), then return to Helix Edit mode to show the parameter controls.
3. Go into Logic’s Controller Assignments, Easy Mode (under Logic Pro X pull down menu).
4. Select Learn mode, move your HN Wah Position slider (Logic will learn and show “Parameter: Helix Native Knob 1â€
5. Move your expression (“wahâ€) pedal. (Logic will learn the MIDI channel and CC for that pedal. Use Expert view to edit min/max, etc).

Your expression pedal will now control the Helix Native wah pedal in real-time. Follow the same process for any other assigned HN switches (to toggle on/off effects), knobs (to control parameter values), snapshots, etc.

[rsvette12]

Patchwork should also work (a great Swiss-army knife plug-in, btw). Remote Control and Patchwork can be a head scratcher unless you dig into the manual a bit, or get on the Blue Cat forums.

 

A much simpler method to control Helix Native (and no other plug-ins required) if your DAW supports controller assignments, is to simply assign controls to plug-in parameters. Logic Pro X supports this, for example; here's how:

1. Set up your channel strip with Helix Native as a plug in.
2. Set up your Helix control assignments (e.g., Knob 1 for Wah position), then return to Helix Edit mode to show the parameter controls.
3. Go into Logic’s Controller Assignments, Easy Mode (under Logic Pro X pull down menu).
4. Select Learn mode, move your HN Wah Position slider (Logic will learn and show “Parameter: Helix Native Knob 1â€
5. Move your expression (“wahâ€) pedal. (Logic will learn the MIDI channel and CC for that pedal. Use Expert view to edit min/max, etc).

Your expression pedal will now control the Helix Native wah pedal in real-time. Follow the same process for any other assigned HN switches (to toggle on/off effects), knobs (to control parameter values), snapshots, etc.

 

 

Thanks for help - maybe we can sort this out - but a bit confused as I am running Mixcraft 8 - if you could if not no biggie - can you post screenshots of your list above in your software for the stages you mention - maybe I can cross reference back to Mixcraft  

 

Whats confusing me really is not the daw side of things its the Helix settings for midi in the Helix menu (the list of 16 knobs - 16 switches) not sure how to tie that area to the daw

 

So the Blue Cat is not an easier way to do it ?

[rsvette12]

Logic pro is a mac software - thats not happening here :)

[soundog]

Mac or PC doesn't matter, what matters is what your DAW supports. I just did a quick look at Mixcraft docs and I think it should allow a straightforward setup. Watch this tutorial on how to set up your controller to control virtual instruments and VST plug-in such as Helix Native:

 

https://www.acoustica.com/mixcraft/v7/help/mixcraft-using-midi-controller-with-virtual-instruments.html

 

You should be good to go....

[rsvette12]

Mac or PC doesn't matter, what matters is what your DAW supports. I just did a quick look at Mixcraft docs and I think it should do allow a straightforward setup. Watch this tutorial on how to set up your controller to control virtual instruments and VST plug-in such as Helix Native:

 

https://www.acoustica.com/mixcraft/v7/help/mixcraft-using-midi-controller-with-virtual-instruments.html

 

You should be good to go....

 

Checking it out now my friend - thanks 

[rsvette12]

Ah I all ready checked out that video that wont work its a plugin in mixcraft - so it talks to daw - helix has no way to talk to daw as far as I can tell :( 

[soundog]

yeah its a mixcraft plugin being demo'ed the video, but try using the same principal with the Helix Native plug-in instead. Assign your MIDI expression pedal to a Helix Native knob (setup to control your wah position). I'd try it here, but there is no Mixcraft demo for Mac. I still think it should work (though admittedly I'm an optimist).

[rsvette12]

yeah its a mixcraft plugin being demo'ed the video, but try using the same principal with the Helix Native plug-in instead. Assign your MIDI expression pedal to a Helix Native knob (setup to control your wah position). I'd try it here, but there is no Mixcraft demo for Mac. I still think it should work (though admittedly I'm an optimist).

 

Ok no luck I get it to move but only 28% and its acting like a volume instead of intended wah or pitch shift - Acoustica forums asked me to bug Line6 - its on there end - well see - noticed also when I try to give guitar track a midi control for volume its also only going to 28% - a coincidence doubt it - will post there as to why its not going to 100% it should in DAW and has nothing to do with Helix

 

Report back asap again appreciate your help - didnt try that plug-in yet either want to figure out why basic midi volume on guitar track is not working on another pedal I can get master to work at 100% must be a simple answer :) 

[soundog]

you also could check some sort of midi monitor software (on mac its Midi Monitor) to make sure your pedal is sending from 0—127 values for the MIDI CC.