Variax custom patches in Helix

[aed1421]

I’m trying to set up a few custom guitar models that I can just hit a stop box button (preset or snapshot) on the Helix and it will change the Variax.  In a live, dark setting I don’t have time to search for the model using the model selector.   I have Helix Edit and HD Workbench.  I need a Banjo, Sitar, and some alternate tunings with Lester and T-bone.  I can set each one of these up but I can’t save it for immediate recall.

[codamedia]

This is certainly possible... I do it with my 1st Gen Variax (a Variax 300) while the 2nd Gen Variax Guitars (JTV, Standard, Shuriken) have even more capabilities. 

 

First step... You must connect the Variax to the Helix using a VDI Cable. It will not work with a simple 1/4" guitar cable. 

 

PROGRAMMING THROUGH HX EDIT

1. Open your preset
2. Go to the INPUT section of the preset... make sure it is set to Multi OR Variax (Variax = the VDI connection)
3. Click on the VARIAX Tab (middle of page,  right side)
   • Set the Settings to "Per Preset"  (this loads a new model each time the preset is clicked)
   • Choose the model you want... and save the setting. 
   • Now each time you choose that preset, the model will load on the guitar
     NOTE: If you would like the ability to change models on each snapshot, that is also easy.
     • Right click on the "model" and choose "Snapshots"
     • Choose the model.... save the snapshot
     • Change the snapshot... choose the model... save the snapshot
     • repeat.... 

 

PROGRAMMING ON THE HELIX

1. Open your preset
2. Go to the INPUT section of the preset... make sure it is set to Multi OR Variax (Variax = the VDI connection)
3. Click the "Page >" button to show the Variax Page
   • Variax Settings should be set to "Per Preset"  (this loads a new model each time the preset is clicked)
   • Choose the model you want... and save the setting. 
   • Now each time you choose that preset, the model will load on the guitar
     NOTE: If you would like the ability to change models on each snapshot, that is also easy.
     • PRESS and TURN the "Preset Variax Model". This puts it in Snapshot mode. 
     • Choose the model.... save the snapshot
     • Change the snapshot... choose the model... save the snapshot
     • repeat.... 

 

NOTE (warning): The first bullet of step 3 says "Variax Settings should be set to "Per Preset"". This control is actually a GLOBAL setting on the Helix and once it is changed on one preset, ALL presets will follow the rule. This ONE setting is Saved and Restored as part of Global Settings when a backup is done.

The rest of the variax settings (models, tone, etc...) are actual preset settings.  

 

1st Gen Variax Warnings (these only apply to the older Variax models such as the 500, 300, 600, 700)

1. Alternate tuning controls on the Helix will not do anything on these models. Don't bother trying :) 
2. You must set the MODEL choice on the Helix. If you change it on the guitar then save on the Helix... the wrong model will be saved! You can always change the models on the guitar during use... just don't press SAVE on the helix after doing so. 
3. Do yourself a favor and set your "Snapshots Edits" to "Discard" in the Global Settings. If you don't.... bullet #2 is going to bite you hard at some point. 

 

[aed1421]

That works.  Thank you.

Now I have another issue.  I have an acoustic patch that is down a half step and worrks on Acoustic 5 (toggle up) Acoustic 3 (middle toggle) and on Acoustic1 (toggle down) when I am in 12 string mode (blue light).  Acoustic 5 and 3 are down a half when I go to regular 6 string but Acoustic 1 goes back to standard no matter how many times I try to save it.  Each string is set a half step down on the patch and when I toggle to acoustic 1 it shows they are all down a half step but it plays in standard (even checking the tuner it says it is in standard).  I need all of them a half step down.  I have restarted all devices and that does not help.

[codamedia]

11 minutes ago, aed1421 said:

That works.  Thank you.

Now I have another issue.  I have an acoustic patch that is down a half step and worrks on Acoustic 5 (toggle up) Acoustic 3 (middle toggle) and on Acoustic1 (toggle down) when I am in 12 string mode (blue light).  Acoustic 5 and 3 are down a half when I go to regular 6 string but Acoustic 1 goes back to standard no matter how many times I try to save it.  Each string is set a half step down on the patch and when I toggle to acoustic 1 it shows they are all down a half step but it plays in standard (even checking the tuner it says it is in standard).  I need all of them a half step down.  I have restarted all devices and that does not help.

 

First.... can I assume you are on an modern (2nd gen) Variax... and that you are using the Helix to manipulate the tuning? If so, I don't use a 2nd Gen Variax so I'm not going to be able to give you a definitive answer. Hopefully someone else can jump in. 

 

Are you just toggling the guitar for these sounds, or are you recalling them via snapshots? My outline was how to change guitar models via preset/snapshots.... not toggling on the guitar if that is what you are doing. I'd suggest taking the time to find out all the idiosyncrasies of the two approaches.... they may step on each other in ways you won't expect. 

[aed1421]

First.... can I assume you are on an modern (2nd gen) Variax  YES.  Bought it a few months ago.

and that you are using the Helix to manipulate the tuning?  YES,  trying to.

Are you just toggling the guitar for these sounds  YES, or are you recalling them via snapshots? Right now I am not using the Snapshot feature just the pre-set.    I can live with the toggle up issue to stay in E-flat but just wondering why I can change and save the Acoustic 1 to E-flat when I am not in 12 string mode.  

[codamedia]

Thanks for the notes...

 

I know the features of the 2nd Gen Variax guitars, but I don't have any experience with them. Hopefully someone with experience can jump in and help out. 

 

There is one thing that concerns me.... 

 

28 minutes ago, aed1421 said:

You are using the Helix to manipulate the tuning?  YES,  trying to.

Are you just toggling the guitar for these sounds  YES,
Right now I am not using the Snapshot feature just the pre-set

 

That suggests you are burning the candle from both ends.... 

• How do you have the tuning control set on the guitar? Is it set to a half step down, or standard? 
• What model is the Helix loading when you go to the preset? And what tuning is the HELIX telling the guitar to load?  

 

 

[aed1421]

• How do you have the tuning control set on the guitar? Is it set to a half step down, or standard?  Standard
• What model is the Helix loading when you go to the preset? Acoustic 5 (toggle up and in E flat),  Acoustic 3 (toggle middled and in E flat), Acoustic 1 (toggle down and in Standard).  All on the same preset And what tuning is the HELIX telling the guitar to load?  All toggle postions state -1 (Eb, Ab etc...).  I can switch the Prest Variax Model to Acoutic 3 or 5 and it goes to Eflat but I cannot save it.   Once I toggle to middle or up and back to down it goes right back to standard.  It just won't save.   

 

[aed1421]

I think I might have figured it out.  Magnetic Blend was up 35% on Acoustic 1 (and not on the others) in Workbench even though my input was only on Variax (I'm using VDI connection only and both paths were Variax only).   I can say Workbench and Edit are not very stable and not very reactive.   I am constantly unplugging and re-plugging and restarting to get them to function.  They are also all the latest versions. 

[codamedia]

3 hours ago, aed1421 said:

 I can say Workbench and Edit are not very stable and not very reactive. 

 

Try different USB ports, and/or different cables.

This is not normal or we would all have the problem. 

 

Thanks for the update you provided.... glad it sorted out. 

[waymda]

Sounds like you've sorted this out. As a long time variax and Helix user I will confirm you can do almost anything you could think of using patches and snapshots. Rather than saving tunings in the Variax save them in the Helix and let the Variax just manage the bassline sounds - it helps your workflows be easier.

 

I have patches that swap between accoustic, and 3 different electrics and tunings for each to do rythym, lead, slide parts.

 

As you've found, making sure there's not mag 'leakage' unless you want it.

 

The other tip is make evey patch force tuning. Although the release notes etc say otherwise the Helix/Variax combo does not return to the previous tuning when you change patches - you must force or you retain the previous tuning. Make a Template with the globals and basic setting you want - it will make a huge difference (eg each string's tuning managed by snaps in a template will save you six right clicks when you want to enable it - not much but a bit meh).

 

Without knowing your OS I will say I have found Edit and Workbench very stable, but they have been unstable with some USB ports and some cables. I have one brand new cable that refused to connect. I use win 10.

[codamedia]

42 minutes ago, waymda said:

As a long time variax and Helix user I will confirm you can do almost anything you could think of using patches and snapshots.

 

I agree with this statement 100%. All changes are dictated by the Helix. 

I never touch my Variax other than the volume/tone controls.

 

Thanks for jumping in to help out. I was feeling a little out of place as a 1st Gen Variax user. The "force tuning" tip is something I will make note of in case I get the chance to upgrade to a newer Variax.  

 

[aed1421]

"The other tip is make evey patch force tuning" 

 

Is this--Input Variax> Custom> Preset Variax Tuning?.  I only have Custom and Don't Force.  

[HonestOpinion]

On 1/22/2022 at 5:23 PM, aed1421 said:

"The other tip is make evey patch force tuning" 

 

Is this--Input Variax> Custom> Preset Variax Tuning?.  I only have Custom and Don't Force.  

 

Yes, use the Custom selection for every preset/snapshot, even if it is a Standard tuning. This is what @waymda was recommending and it is the most reliable and best strategy for using a Variax with the Helix. Also, and it seems like you already have this set properly, the 'Variax Settings' parameter should be set to "Per Preset".

[waymda]

On 1/23/2022 at 9:23 AM, aed1421 said:

"The other tip is make evey patch force tuning" 

 

Is this--Input Variax> Custom> Preset Variax Tuning?.  I only have Custom and Don't Force.  

 

Sorry only just saw this reply - yes use "Custom' on every patch to force to the tuning you want - even if its standard tuning.