Snapshot switching creating thumping noise

[Williamlavon]

Hello fellow Line 6 users. I've been using the Helix for a number of years but just started using Snapshots. When I switch from one Snapshot to another with guitar strings ringing there is a loud audible "thump" or "click" that happens between some patches. Another detail I'm using the Snapshot to switch the Variax from one instrument to another at the same time. Any ideas how what I can do about this? Thanks

[DunedinDragon]

Technically that noise isn't happening between "patches", it's happening because of changes in the patch when engaging the snapshot.  In other words some change you're making to one of the blocks in your preset is significant enough to create the sound when it changes.  It could be the variax change or any other element since the preset remains live while the changes get made.  But without knowing more about the changes it's hard to guess what it might me.  Often it can be something that creates a big difference in the output volume or gain in my experience.

[gbr13697]

There are a few amp models that are more susceptible to this, particularly the Vox Ac30 types. It isn't noticeable with most of the other types.

[Williamlavon]

 

 

[theElevators]

You are not alone.  Not sure what exactly you have, but the first thing is to try to rearrange the blocks in a different order, if applicable.

 

There are clicks/pops/thumps when things turn on/off between snapshots.  For example, engaging a volume pedal that cuts the volume before a distortion is one of those things that creates a noise.  Or Turning off the distortion/amp.  In general, when there is a big difference in gain between the 2 snapshots is when you hear annoying noises.

 

I get even more horrible noises if I change the impedance in 2 identical presets and switch between them.  I found that out when experimenting with the impedance, and quickly settled on "auto" on all my presets to avoid this really loud "boing!". 

 

 

 

The only thing you can do to help with the popping noise is to build presets differently.  For example, do not have 2 amps that get toggled on/off (one for clean, one for dirty).  Instead use the A/B loop with both amps turned on.  Same exact result, but no pop.

 

There are some cases where the only thing I can do to fight the noise is to momentarily stop playing right before switching.  To help have a smoother transition without audio interruptions, I use a delay spillover trick. 

 

This trick is to have a delay that is turned on but mixed at 0% in one snapshot, then in another snapshot, have it bypassed, with delay mixed at 30% for example.  If you have trails enabled, then you have a smooth transition when you switch between these 2 snapshots.  When you switch between snapshots, you hear the very ending of the phrase repeated.  You don't need to mix it out completely in the first snapshot, you can have it at a sensible level, all we are trying to achieve is this "connection" between the 2 snapshots when you stop playing momentarily.

 

 

 

Another trick is to use reverb similarly.  Yet another variation to this method is to set the delay tempo slower in the 2nd snapshot, so you have a more exaggerated spillover that happens when you switch snapshots.

 

All of these delay/reverb methods need to be fine-tuned while playing regarding the tempo and the delay/reverb mix.  Depending on the song, I adjust mix/feedback/tempo and A/B the sounds until I'm happy with results. 

 

I like this trick a lot!  It creates this polished studio-quality sound that very few guitarists use live.  If you go in stereo, then even better -- stereo ping-pong can really dress up your sound. 

 

 

[brue58ski]

Not sure if this was mentioned but you could make a copy of the preset and start deleting/turning off/adding, turning on again, effects/amps to see which one is causing the issue as you change snapshots. Hope this helps.