Trying to set Expression Pedal minimums

[toddbadolato54]

Hey everybody! This is my first time using this forum. I recently got the Helix and I use it primarily for live performance, utilizing it for both guitar and vocals. On my vocals, I set Expression Pedal 2 to a pitch bend, so I can employ a deeper voice effect when needed (and the way I perform I need the expression pedal to set the range.) I was able to set everything up fairly well, but I noticed something (I'm guessing others may have this problem too.) I noticed that the expression pedal has an extreme angle at 0%, so when I'm standing up it is very difficult to keep my foot comfortably on it (which is crucial since this is where it has to be for my normal voice.) I have songs where I go back and forth utilizing this pedal multiple times in the songs. I have thought of three possible solutions to this problem:
1. Add larger rubber feet to the bottom of the console so the angle of the pedal is easier on my ankles. If this is the best solution, I'd love any advice what rubber feet you'd suggest (I wouldn't want to modify the pedal and potentially damage it.)
2. Set the parameters on the pedal so the effect doesn't start working until around 50% (this would likely be the best solution, but I haven't been able to figure out how to do it. If anyone can help with this I'd love some guidance!)
3. Reverse the settings so 100% is my normal voice and as I move the expression pedal downwards the voice deepens. (I have concerns about this option, as I risk pushing the pedal toe button to activate Expression Pedal 1's settings accidentally, but if that's the only way I'd love guidance how to do it.)

Thank you for your help!

[theElevators]

31 minutes ago, toddbadolato54 said:

Hey everybody! This is my first time using this forum. I recently got the Helix and I use it primarily for live performance, utilizing it for both guitar and vocals. On my vocals, I set Expression Pedal 2 to a pitch bend, so I can employ a deeper voice effect when needed (and the way I perform I need the expression pedal to set the range.) I was able to set everything up fairly well, but I noticed something (I'm guessing others may have this problem too.) I noticed that the expression pedal has an extreme angle at 0%, so when I'm standing up it is very difficult to keep my foot comfortably on it (which is crucial since this is where it has to be for my normal voice.) I have songs where I go back and forth utilizing this pedal multiple times in the songs. I have thought of three possible solutions to this problem:
1. Add larger rubber feet to the bottom of the console so the angle of the pedal is easier on my ankles. If this is the best solution, I'd love any advice what rubber feet you'd suggest (I wouldn't want to modify the pedal and potentially damage it.)
2. Set the parameters on the pedal so the effect doesn't start working until around 50% (this would likely be the best solution, but I haven't been able to figure out how to do it. If anyone can help with this I'd love some guidance!)
3. Reverse the settings so 100% is my normal voice and as I move the expression pedal downwards the voice deepens. (I have concerns about this option, as I risk pushing the pedal toe button to activate Expression Pedal 1's settings accidentally, but if that's the only way I'd love guidance how to do it.)

Thank you for your help!

You can also buy an external expression pedal that you can angle however you want.  Lots of inexpensive options, like this one: https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-EX-P-Expression-Pedal/dp/B000NLRWEI

[datacommando]

1 hour ago, toddbadolato54 said:

2. Set the parameters on the pedal so the effect doesn't start working until around 50% (this would likely be the best solution, but I haven't been able to figure out how to do it. If anyone can help with this I'd love some guidance!)

 

Hi.

 

You can set the parameters for the pitch shift assigned to EXP 2 simple by highlighting the block, then hit the "Menu" button (3 horizontal lines) at the side go the "SAVE" button. Then press down the second knob from the left below the screen named "Controller Assign". On the next page where it says "Parameter", use the scroll knob to select "Position", then above "Controller" Scroll that too read "EXP Pedal 2". Next from "Min Value" scroll that to 50% and leave the "Max Value" at 100%. That should do it.

 

Also, check the Helix 3.0 Owner's Manual - Rev F - English > Page 53 > Controller Assign.

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

Edited February 2, 2022 by datacommando

[toddbadolato54]

Thank you datacommando! I'm at work now so I'll have to try this later, but hopefully this will do the trick! 

[toddbadolato54]

I just tried your instructions, but there was no "Position" option. There was only "Interval", "Cents", "Delay", "Shift Level", "Mix", and "Level". I figured out how to reverse the interval so the pitch goes up as the percentage increases (which could work, I'll just have to train myself to reverse what I have been doing previously with my old pedal.) But is there possibly another route to find the "Position" option?

[datacommando]

24 minutes ago, toddbadolato54 said:

But is there possibly another route to find the "Position" option?

Uh?

 

Right next to where the “Position” option is, you should see “Controller” which you should ensure reads "EXP Pedal 2". If it doesn’t’ have the expression pedal selected, simply click on the knob below it and rotate until "EXP Pedal 2" is selected. Now you should be able to select “Position” on the “Parameter” option.

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

[toddbadolato54]

Thank you again, I'll try it again once I get some time today. 

[datacommando]

2 hours ago, toddbadolato54 said:

Thank you again, I'll try it again once I get some time today. 

Hi,

 

If you still encounter issues with this, then upload the preset here and I will check it out to see f I can remedy the situation.

 

EDIT:

I just re-read your post which states, "There was only "Interval", "Cents", "Delay", "Shift Level", "Mix", and "Level"".

Mmm... that would be because you have the "Simple Pitch" block selected, whereas what you originally described was "pitch bend", and that is achieved with the"Pitch Wham", or "Poly Wham" block. Set the "Heel Shift" to zero and the "Toe Shift" to -12, then you can use the directions I gave you previously to set the EXP pedal to sweep from 50% to 100%. Then when you move from the heel position to the toe you will have an octave drop.

 

Have you considered that you could use a "Simple Pitch" block on a F/S set for an octave down vocal effect? That way there is no issue with the EXP pedal, stomp on the foot switch and it turns on, hit it again and it's off. You could do a similar thing with a "Dual Pitch" block using two intervals to thicken up the vocal, plus you would avoid any weird sweep effects artefacts in the vocal as you will have when sweeping through the range with a pedal.

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

Edited February 3, 2022 by datacommando
Added info.