How to use Ext Amp

[grinn78]

Hello,

 

I receive my Helix HX yesterday and I can't figure out how to use the Ext Amp function.

What I want to do is to trigger the amp channel when selecting a preset.

 

I read all the documentation about v 2.50 (even though i am on the latest 2.82, but the documentation available is not the documentation of the latest version).

What I tried is to :

- create a new effect by clicking on an empty preset, and then the edit button.

- go to the command center

- Select the EXP pedal 1

- Press "Save"

 

Before doing that I changed the EXP 1 and EXP 2 to EXT AMP in the Global Settinds -> Preferences.

 

This did not work at all, and I feel that I can not save my command center setting to my effect.

I was using a Harley Benton FXL8 Pro to switch my Amp channel until now and it worked fine.

 

I use a Mesa Boogie dual Rectifier.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

PS : I tried with the software HX Edit and I couldnt find how to assign an amp switch to an Preset as well.

 

Antoine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[rd2rk]

To send a command at preset select, use an "Instant Command" (the lightning bolt).

 

From the Mesa manual:

"....the switching is accomplished by
connecting ( 'shorting' ) the jack's 'Tip' to its 'Ring' (or ground.)"

 

From the HX Manual:

"Determines the Ext Amp connection [1 (Tip-to-sleeve), 2 (Ring-to-sleeve), or both] for switching an external amp's channel, reverb, or other functions. Only works when "Global Settings > Preferences" > EXP 2/EXT AMP is set to "EXT AMP."*
*IMPORTANT! Connect EXT AMP 1/2 only to amplifiers that utilize "short-to-sleeve" footswitch inputs. Connecting to any other sort of input could cause permanent damage to both your amp and the HX Effects device! If you're not sure if your amp has short-to-sleeve inputs, contact the manufacturer"

 

Be Careful!

 

[grinn78]

Thank you for your reply!
I actually still can't make it work.

When sending a 'Tip' signal from EXP1 to the external switch 1 of my Mesa, both light from default channel (2) and channel 1 turn on, and it is not how it should be. (Light from channel 1 should replace the light from channel 2...)

 

Do you have an idea of what could cause this issue ?

 

 

[rd2rk]

Are you using a TRS or TS cable? The HX FX manual specifies TRS, and the Mesa Manual states that switching is done by shorting Tip to Ring.

Also, it looks like the Channel Select Switch on the Mesa should be set to ORANGE.

[grinn78]

I am currently using standard Jack cable (TPI). It was switching my amp channel fine on my previous hardware.
I will get a TRS cable and try again.

"Mesa Manual states that switching is done by shorting Tip to Ring" : Does this mean that I should send a T + R signal from my HX Ext Amp?

My Mesa by default is on ORANGE channel, which is channel 2 for me.

 

Thank you for your help rd2rk,  I hope it will end up working, otherwise I would have to get another multi effect pedal :(

[rd2rk]

6 hours ago, grinn78 said:

"Mesa Manual states that switching is done by shorting Tip to Ring" : Does this mean that I should send a T + R signal from my HX Ext Amp?

My Mesa by default is on ORANGE channel, which is channel 2 for me.

 

That would be my guess. Since you're currently shorting Tip to Sleeve and it's not working......

[HonestOpinion]

On 11/14/2019 at 8:03 AM, grinn78 said:

Hello,

 

I receive my Helix HX yesterday and I can't figure out how to use the Ext Amp function.

What I want to do is to trigger the amp channel when selecting a preset.

 

I read all the documentation about v 2.50 (even though i am on the latest 2.82, but the documentation available is not the documentation of the latest version).

What I tried is to :

- create a new effect by clicking on an empty preset, and then the edit button.

- go to the command center

- Select the EXP pedal 1

- Press "Save"

 

Before doing that I changed the EXP 1 and EXP 2 to EXT AMP in the Global Settinds -> Preferences.

 

This did not work at all, and I feel that I can not save my command center setting to my effect.

I was using a Harley Benton FXL8 Pro to switch my Amp channel until now and it worked fine.

 

I use a Mesa Boogie dual Rectifier.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

PS : I tried with the software HX Edit and I couldnt find how to assign an amp switch to an Preset as well.

 

Antoine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haven't watched 'em myself but here are a couple of Youtube videos on channel switching a Boogie from the Helix. There are several other Youtube videos for Boogies that may be helpful as well.