Helix case that allows closing while connected

[Eclipse612]

Hi all! 

 

I'm looking around for a case for my Helix, but it seems like my use case is different from most and I can't find exactly what I need. The case would actually not be needed so much for travelling (I mostly play at home), as for protecting the unit from a kid who likes to poke around. :-)

 

Given the main use case, I'd like the case to have an opening in the back, thus allowing me to keep everything connected while still closing the top lid and making the Helix footswitches and knobs inaccessible. Have you ever seen something like this? I am considering building one from wood pieces, but would gladly save myself the hassle if someone has already done it. 

 

Thanks in advance ! 

[SaschaFranck]

I would get a typical case with a little bit of extra space so you could fit one of these (or similar) in, takes minimal woodwork:
https://www.rockboard.de/en/all-in-one-patchbays

 

You'd still need to find a solution for the USB connector, but I once glued the female plug of a  USB extension into some case, using hot glue, which worked pretty well for years.

 

Fwiw, I would've done so already myself, but a) a really great case I had lying around doesn't offer enough space for the patch bay, b) I often use the looper.

[Rattlehed]

Quote

On 10/12/2021 at 8:20 AM, SaschaFranck said:

You'd still need to find a solution for the USB connector

 

USB Bulkhead Connector

[Eclipse612]

Thanks for the suggestions! 

 

I am not at all familiar with how normal pedalboard cases look like, what would the woodwork needed to fit these connectors look like? Can one carve their way through the back of the case? 

 

The other doubt I have is whether these products could replicate the flexibility of Helix's I/O panel. At the moment I would need power, guitar in, phones, two 1/4" outs, XLR out, XLR mic in and USB. Then I wonder if I change my setup, will I miss something. It would be cool to be able to directly expose the Helix back panel. 

 

Not ruling out this solution of course, just trying to assess if it's feasible and if it would help me. 

[Rattlehed]

On 10/12/2021 at 8:20 AM, SaschaFranck said:

I would get a typical case with a little bit of extra space so you could fit one of these (or similar) in, takes minimal woodwork:
https://www.rockboard.de/en/all-in-one-patchbays

 

You'd still need to find a solution for the USB connector, but I once glued the female plug of a  USB extension into some case, using hot glue, which worked pretty well for years.

 

Fwiw, I would've done so already myself, but a) a really great case I had lying around doesn't offer enough space for the patch bay, b) I often use the looper.

 

This one has USB pass through as well so you'd not need the USB bulkhead I posted, you just need the appropriate A-A USB Cable.

 As far as mounting it, just need to cut a hole the right size in a large enough case, a  jigsaw should do it

[SaschaFranck]

On 10/13/2021 at 6:41 PM, Rattlehed said:

USB Bulkhead Connector

 

Cool, thanks. They weren't available back when I was building that case. Gonna keep them in mind, will possibly build a new case one day.

20 minutes ago, Rattlehed said:

This one has USB pass through as well

 

Yeah, I've seen that one. But in fact, I don't need MIDI but I do want XLR.
I think I might as well build myself a sort of patchbay, featuring just the neccessary connections. I mean, there's passthrough connectors for 1/4 and XLR already (too bad they're rather huge, too, so they won't fit well into my current pedalboard, either). Anyway, as I don't ever close my case's lid others than for transportation, I'm just using female/female plugs (and keep a short USB cable connected). Doesn't look all too elegant but works pretty well - and that way I never ever need to plug anything into the Helix itself.

[Eclipse612]

Seems like someone has built exactly what I was after, maybe 100 or so times sturdier than I need it to be, but the idea is pretty much that: 

 

https://www.gearbyceba.com/line6-family-international/helix-sun-shield-splash-guards-int

 

Even though it was thought as a sun shield, it looks like it does what I am after too. The only thing is the price tag, if one includes shipping costs to Europe it is quite high. Not sure I want to invest that much...

[SaschaFranck]

Well, if all you need is somthing to cover the Helix, get a blanket, a towel or even something made of plastic that you just put over it.

[Eclipse612]

39 minutes ago, SaschaFranck said:

Well, if all you need is somthing to cover the Helix, get a blanket, a towel or even something made of plastic that you just put over it.

 

Yeah I used to use a blanket, but now the new use case is my son who wasn't there before :-)

So it would be nice to have something that is resistant to moderate hits and can't be removed so easily. 

[silverhead]

19 minutes ago, Eclipse612 said:

 

….

So it would be nice to have something that is resistant to moderate hits and can't be removed so easily. 

Hope you’re not talking about your son…… ;-)

[Eclipse612]

4 minutes ago, silverhead said:

Hope you’re not talking about your son…… ;-)

 

He's less than 2 years old so I haven't reached that boiling point yet, I guess...:-D

 

Jokes aside, I hope he'll be playing guitar with me sooner than later, but I'd like my equipment to survive in the meantime! He already likes to turn and pull the Helix knobs when he gets to it.