What is your favorite external Exp pedal for Wah control using Helix Floor?

[SakoHelix]

The Helix Floor Volume patch control going to MAX every time I want to switch to Wah is not useful for me so I am looking for an external pedal to do control Wah.  I've heard Mission makes one but clarity on a model # will help. Since I'm starting a thread, any other external expression pedals users prefer are also welcome to reply.  Thanks!

[theElevators]

https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-EX-P-Expression-Pedal/dp/B000NLRWEI/r

 

M-Audio EX-P | Universal Expression Pedal for Keyboards, MIDI Keyboards/Controllers and Supported Guitar Effects Pedals

 

Cheap, light, durable, for around 30 USD. 

[datacommando]

1 hour ago, jsakoian said:

I've heard Mission makes one but clarity on a model # will help. Since I'm starting a thread, any other external expression pedals users prefer are also welcome to reply.

Here ya go.

 

Money no object

 

https://missionengineering.com/shop-2/products/expression/specific-use-exp/ep1-l6-line-6/

 

Cheap and cheerful (I use these)

 

https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-EX-P-Expression-Pedal/dp/B000NLRWEI
 

Both do the exact same job - sweep a variable resistor (potentiometer - rheostat) with a treadle.

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

[SakoHelix]

datacommando,

Thanks for your response.  I am looking at both options now. 

 

Brings up another question that will help me decide if I should purchase the switchable L6: if using the Mission L6 (w/ switch) for wah, can Helix be programmed to still respond the L6 when wah is switched OFF.  Essentially the L6 toggling between patches like the onboard footswitches. For example, when wah is turned off can the L6 then control other parameters, gain level, delay level, etc...

 

Thanks all!

[datacommando]

2 hours ago, jsakoian said:

if using the Mission L6 (w/ switch) for wah, can Helix be programmed to still respond the L6 when wah is switched OFF. 

 

That particular switched model of Mission Pedal is designed to work specifically with the Helix Rack, Rack Controller board and HX Stomp. Info in link below.

 

https://missionengineering.com/shop-2/products/expression/specific-use-exp/sp1-l6h/

 

The Rack has the facility of a Toe Switch socket on the rear panel and the HX Stomp has a single jack socket (EXP1/2) and the Mission Pedal does the physical switching through TRS cable. The HX Stomp ca use 2 EXP pedal provided they are wired to TIP (EXP1) and RING (EXP2)

 

A single (or even 2) external EXP pedal can be used with the Helix floor, but the thing to remember is that when us add a Wah, Pitch Whammy, or Poly Wham block to the signal chain it is automatically  assigned to be controlled by EXP1. Likewise, adding a Volume or Pan block will be assigned to be controlled by EXP2. Therefore your built in EXP will function as the Wah control and via the Controller Assign menu you can assign the external pedal as EXP 2. You could rearrange things a little so that you select your Wah block with the joystick. Press menu button (next to SAVE button). Press controller assign. Select Learn Controller. Move your Eternal EXP pedal back and forth. Your expression pedal is now your Wah and your built in pedal should handle Volume.

 

Here's an example of how to Auto Engage a Wah Block using an external EXP pedal - no switches.

 

 

 

 

You also mention using the built in pedal to control other parameters. This is perfectly normal with both he built in and external pedals, essentially you can assign anything to anything. Example changing feedback and delay times in a Delay block or the rate and mix on a Flanger. You really need to look into using Snapshots, which are a big helps with this sort of thing.

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.