Helix LT as a MIDI controller for Cubase 11

[simon8491]

Hey guys,
sorry if some similiar topic already exists, but after one week of searching the answer I'm sick and hopeless :D
I'm using my LT with my amp via 4 cable method and I'd like to add MIDI functionality of Helix to my gear. I'd like to have my Helix connected to laptop or cell phone with cubasis app and control some tracks (something like looper). Can somebody help me and give me an advice, how to adjust simple commands like start and stop track, please? I know about MIDI CC, how to adjust it in Hleix but I don't know make it work with cubase - how to set the start and stop command controlled by MIDI signal from Helix...

Thanks a lot for your thoughts.
Cheers

[rd2rk]

This was fun!

Although I have Cubase 12 AE, I hate it so I never use it except for helping others figure out MIDI, so I had to figure this out from scratch.

Here's the basics:

 

I did this in my office (the dining room) using my HXS.

As with most DAWs there's multiple ways to go about it. This is what I did.

 

On the Menu line select STUDIO

Select MIDI Remote Manager

Select ADD SURFACE

In the Vendor field click the drop-down arrow

Scroll down to and select +Add Vendor

Enter Line6

Model = Helix

Script Creator should automatically fill in your User Name

Input Port = Helix

Output Port = Helix

Click Create Controller Surface

In the next screen you'll create the actual buttons. I set up my HXS to send NOTEs. It's usually eaiest with DAWs.

In the Left Column select a controller type. Select BUTTON

Press your Helix footswitches consecutively to create the buttons on the grid

Select Go To Mapping Assistant

Select the first button

In the right hand column select the FUNCTION that you want the button to control

Click APPLY MAPPING

Repeat for all the buttons

Close the Mapping Assistant

DONE!

 

Hope I remembered all the steps!

 

 

[simon8491]

I'm really sorry, but I forgot to write that I'm using Cubase 11 elements... So following your steps has ended on step 2 - MIDI Remote Manager. Cannot find nothing like this in cubase 11 elements.

[rd2rk]

The devil is in the details.

 

Short of installing v11, which I'm certain that the greedy a-holes at Steinberg would want to charge me for even though I have v12 (did I mention that I hate Steinberg?), I have three suggestions if you MUST stick with Cubase:

 

1 - spend $50 for the upgrade to v12.

2 - DL the Remote Controller manual for v11 and try to figure it out yourself. Good luck - I looked at it.

3 - ask on the Stenberg Forums. Again, good luck!

 

OR

 

You could DL a copy of Reaper and discover what a full featured, affordable and easy to use DAW really is. FREE to use for as long as it takes (forever if you're cheap) to learn the new paradigm (power to control EVERYTHING without expensive upgrades every year), then $60 (last I looked) for a lifetime license.

 

Example of why I hate Steinberg/Cubase. After I got through researching your issue, since I had Elements open, I decided to set up the Audio Routing. PITA. To put the frosting on the cupcake, every time I hit the allowed # of Outputs for my version (not an issue in Reaper - limited only by your AI's capabilities) the program locked up, forcing a trip to Task Manager>End Task followed by a reboot. I never got to audio/MIDI Track Routing, but it did not look flexible at all. TOTALLY flexible and virtually unlimited in Reaper.

 

I'm not saying that the $50 upgrade fee wouldn't be worth it if the other suggestions above don't work, especially if you have a lot of time already invested in learning Cubase. Or if there's something you need to do that requires Cubase and can't be done in Reaper (doubtful). I'm just saying that you might want to at least TRY Reaper. Once you get past the initial learning curve you might will be pleasantly surprised!

 

DISCLAIMER: I HATE Steinberg!