Hello newbie to Helix LT here

[mrmapatton]

Hello everyone. New to the forum as a just got a Helix LT for my practice room. I've been a Fractal guy since 2009, but a couple of the venues that I play at have house supplied Helix LTs available. (Whose not open to reducing load ins/outs?).

 

So I figured it would be good to join to learn from all of you as well as to share anything I come across. This coming weekend I will dive into the unit as I have no gigs scheduled.  I already have a few questions, but heh I am only 1/3 way through the manual.

 

 

[silverhead]

Welcome to the forum! Lots of knowledgeable people here willing to help you. Ask away!

[mrmapatton]

Is there an A/B/Y option (not sure how to reference it) for a block. So picture stomp mode and a single delay. Can I set it up so that is off, if I tap its on (say 1/8), if I tap and hold it becomes *1/8?  Something I use heavily in my Fractal.

 

[silverhead]

Explore the Snapshots section of the manual. This allows you to turn blocks on/off as well as assign different values to parameters (e.g. Delay Time) in different Snapshots within any preset. It doesn’t use Tap+Hold, just Tap any footswitch assigned to a Snapshots to recall all block states and parameter values for the given Snapshot.

[mrmapatton]

Thank you, kinda wanting to stay with stomp mode as I need a minimum of 5 item tempo unique patches per set. Snapshot only offers 4. I will play around with it this weekend.

 

[silverhead]

There are 8 snapshots, not 4, in a preset. Also in Stomp mode you can assign a footswitch to load a snapshot. As you say, playing around with the actual device will be good.I’m pretty sure you will find there’s enough flexibility to do what you want.

[mrmapatton]

I saw a video on using Command Center to set up a button in Stomp mode to change Snapshots. I only saw 4 snapshots available in the video.

Will look deeper.

[mrmapatton]

Next question.  Can you run 3 paths? I see 2 but unsure if 3.  I tend to split out my 2 delays into separate paths (each delay has its own unique path outside of the main path) and rejoin them after chorus and reverb. 

[mrmapatton]

I need 3 paths, 2 paths, 1 for each delay , and a 3rd path (main) that chorus and reverb exist in.  I do not use delays in series with chorus or verb. 

[mrmapatton]

Like this

[silverhead]

You can’t do 3 paths exactly as illustrated above. In Helix terminology the above diagram uses only one of the Helix LT’s two DSP chips, each of which supports a parallel path providing a total of 4 processing paths. Your diagram illustrates Helix LT Path 1A, a parallel 1B, and a non-existent 1C. But Helix LT has a 2nd DSP chip that provides Path 2A and a parallel 2B. You can route the Output of the Helix Path 1 to the Input of Helix Path 2, essentially moving the phantom path 1C into Helix Path 2. You’ll need to think a bit differently but by reorganizing your FX blocks and routing appropriately I expect you can achieve the same result.

[datacommando]

On 8/3/2023 at 9:38 PM, mrmapatton said:

I need 3 paths, 2 paths, 1 for each delay , and a 3rd path (main) that chorus and reverb exist in.  I do not use delays in series with chorus or verb. 

Hi,

 

You might find it useful to become familiar with how your new Helix LT handles the 4 stereo paths available in it.

 

Check out the Helix LT 3.0 Owner’s Manual - pages 20-22, which discusses the various options. With a little planning you should be able to figure out what you are wanting to achieve. 

 

https://line6.com/data/6/0a020a41edfe64823e79e9cdc/application/pdf/Helix LT 3.0 Owner's Manual - Rev E - English .pdf

 

Experiment, it’s quite simple.

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

[MGW-Alberta]

This might work but I'm not sure.

 

I have input on path 1 set to guitar and output set to 1/4".

Path 1 signal flow = input > compression > dist > dist > amp > cab > EQ > split > chorus > verb > 1/4"Out (left/mono)

Path 1B > Send 1

 

Insert patch cable from Send 1 jack to AUX in jack.  Dry signal now going to AUX in.

 

Path 2 input is set to AUX and output is set to Send 1/2 but I don't know if that will work, it might have to be changed to XLR.

I don't think it will let you use 1/4" out.  I think I tried doing that one time and the software let me do it but the sound didn't work.

I might be mistaken about the specifics of that though.  I do recall a couple of times where I tried to use the same output or send block on both paths and it made no sound even though I could place the blocks.

 

Anyway, either way, two delays on the dry signal, 1 each on paths 2A & 2B.

 

Send all 3 output signals to a small outboard device to sum them.

 

 

I have no idea if this will work.  I've never tried anything like it.

Hopefully it points you in the right direction to do some experimenting on your own.

 

 

 

[mrmapatton]

Thank you so much!

 

[MGW-Alberta]

So sorry.

My bad.

 

 

I didn't take into consideration you have Helix LT and not Helix Floor.

I have Floor and I sometimes forget there are more differences than just scribble strips and number of loops.

You don't have an AUX input.

 

 

I am now wondering if you could patch a cable from the send 1 jack to the return 2 jack and set the input on path 2 to return 2.

That will definitely mean changing path 2 output to XLR.

 

Hopefully you weren't planning on using your loops for anything else because they will now both be used,

[mrmapatton]

Honestly, that solution won’t work in my scenario.  While I just got a Helix LT myself, it’s the house rig at 3 of my venues.  I’ve gotten permission to create my own patches for them,  but I’m sure they would frown on any reconfiguration. 
 

im trying this to decrease load in/load out and not take my Fractal rig with me on those 3 gigs. 

[MGW-Alberta]

I don't think you will find another solution and still keep two dry delayed signals and a wet, un-delayed signal.  The "extra" gear you'd have to carry could be as simple as a 6" patch cable for the Helix loop patch, an A/B/Y box to sum your two signals, a short XLR to 1/4" adapter cable and a short 1/4" cable for use between Helix and the A/B/Y box.  That's all there would have to be over and above your other normally required gear.

 

So, two short cables, a 6" patch and an A/B/Y box ... you could probably carry that in your guitar case or even a jacket pocket.

[mrmapatton]

Sorry, I’m an not allowed to make physical configuration changes to house gear.  I can turn knobs, I can load my own patches, etc.  I can’t be plugging different stuff in.  
 

if I wanted to fight that battle, I’d just just simply keep loading in my Fractal rig.  That would be easier than buying more gear to get something to do what I can already do. 

[mrmapatton]

Keep in mind, the reason to get the Helix was:

1:simplify load in/load out as it’s house equip at 3 venues

 

anything that detracts from me simply going on stage, plugging into the house gear, playing the sets, walking off and cashing my check is a HUGE step in the wrong direction.  
Any step off that path and I should load in/out my Fractal gear I’ve been using for over a decade. Been able to create this patch for over a decade. 

[codamedia]

I know if I played a gig where the fractal was a house rig... I'd bring my Helix. Nothing against the Fractal, I just wouldn't bother attempting to turn the Fractal into a Helix. 

 

The Fractal does things the Helix can't do and vice versa... that's the beauty of purchase options. 

 

On 8/4/2023 at 8:16 PM, mrmapatton said:

Sorry, I’m an not allowed to make physical configuration changes to house gear.  

 

You can't plug an A/B/Y into the loops... but you are allowed to load your own presets?

IMO, take your Fractal! Those people are unreasonable. 

[codamedia]

On 8/3/2023 at 4:13 PM, mrmapatton said:

Like this

 

You can get close on a Helix LT.... but you won't be able to merge back to include the PITCH & FILTER at the end. In my example I move those after the amps, in a serial path. 

 

NOTE: The upper DSP is set with a serial path, the lower DSP is set to a parallel path. Depending on the block choices, you may push the upper DSP to it's limits and may need to make a sacrifice.  

 

 

KEY NOTES

• Insert SEND 1 just before the chorus and reverb
• Set Path B input to RETURN 1
• Insert a 4"-6" Pedal Patch Cable between SEND1/RETURN1 - If the venue lets you! 
• Set both outputs to the same location

 

[mrmapatton]

Thank you. 
and I apologize for my curt responses last evening.  Was not in a good mood and no one here served to be treated like that. 
 

The reason for no config changes is, 

1. I’d have to undo them. I only have about 60 seconds to get off stage. 
2. if I leave them, it may mess up other peoples patches. 
 

They have no problems with presets, I asked for 5.  I’ll bring them to them and they will load them. 
 

I’ve come up with a suitable solution in reviewing 1 of my previous Fractal patches where I only ran 2 lines instead of 3.  I’ll set that up today and try it. 
 

Thank you everyone for your help

[datacommando]

On 8/3/2023 at 10:13 PM, mrmapatton said:

Like this

 

Hi,

 

O.K., we don't have the facility to identically recreate you Fractal preset, but with a little playing around you may find an acceptable substitute method along the lines of this example (below).

 

Your original has 2 delay lines travelling on separate routes only to convene again after the reverb, where they seem to mix together before hitting the pitch block. In my screenshot you can see that I have the first delay running into the second, but I would imagine that with a little experimentation you could achieve a reasonable balance of the delays to approximate what you have in the Fractal patch. Obviously we have no idea as to what each of your Fractal effects blocks represent in terms of Comp, Drive, Amp, Cab etc., but you should be able to find some appropriate models within your Helix LT, and, of course, Snapshots can greatly extend your configuration options.

 

No Send/Return breakouts needed.

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

 

 

[mrmapatton]

Well in the patch each delay is independent, not stacked, and are X/Y ed.  in that I mean each has three modes, Off, time div 1, time div 2. 
one is set as 1/8 and *1/8. The other is *1/8 and 1/4.  
in that my possibilities are:

1/8

*1/8

1/4

1/8 and *1/8 (not stacked)

1/8 and 1/4 (not stacked)

*1/8 and 1/4 (not stacked)

 

I willing to lose the 1/4

The other older patch I found just had the *1/8 split out.  
it’s important that the delays aren’t stacked. 

[MGW-Alberta]

I have a question.

You're not allowed to change or add so much as a little 6" patch cable but you're allowed to load and install presets ... so how exactly do you do that?

[datacommando]

On 8/6/2023 at 3:47 AM, MGW-Alberta said:

I have a question.

You're not allowed to change or add so much as a little 6" patch cable but you're allowed to load and install presets ... so how exactly do you do that?

^^^This^^^

A very odd situation to be in, I think.

[mrmapatton]

Well again, as I have noted, these are house rigs.  I have a 60-120 sec video bumper to exit the stage.  If I can’t get it all off, then I need to wait an hour or so to do load out.  
 

if I forget to remove that patch cable. It may mess up the next players patches. So no configuration changes. 
 

picture it as this, you rent a car.  You. Can set the AC and radio to what ever you want.   You can’t repaint it or perform engine modifications   
 

this is not really odd in the world of using house gear.  Faced the same thing in the 80s with a house rig.  You can turn the dials anyway you want, but no, you cannot put KT88 tubes in the JTM45 that has 5581s in it now.  So I brought my own JTM45

 

 

[codamedia]

On 8/5/2023 at 7:26 AM, mrmapatton said:

The reason for no config changes is, 

1. I’d have to undo them. I only have about 60 seconds to get off stage. 
2. if I leave them, it may mess up other peoples patches. 

 

1: It takes seconds to insert/remove cables from a loop

2: If it messes with others patches, it's because they are using the loops. And if they are using the loops they are also inserting something into them. 

 

On 8/6/2023 at 6:56 AM, mrmapatton said:

You can turn the dials anyway you want, but no, you cannot put KT88 tubes in the JTM45 that has 5581s in it now.  

 

 

Sorry... that's just a silly comparison. There is a big difference between swapping tubes in an amp and inserting a single cable in an effect loop 

[MGW-Alberta]

So, in as little as 60 to 120 seconds you bring your laptop into the venue, connect the cable to Helix, open HX-Edit, wait for it to connect to Helix, find an open slot to upload your presets, upload and install them, disconnect it all and still have time to plug your guitar in, strap up, tune up, adjust your mic stand, put on a smile and play.

 

That's amazing.

[mrmapatton]

I’m sorry if I am being dense, but my patches will be preloaded.  
 

While I appreciate everyone’s help, this discussion may have ran its course.  I noted a few posts back I came up with a solution.  
 

It meets the parameters of the venue where I am paid. 

[mrmapatton]

On 8/6/2023 at 9:31 AM, MGW-Alberta said:

So, in as little as 60 to 120 seconds you bring your laptop into the venue, connect the cable to Helix, open HX-Edit, wait for it to connect to Helix, find an open slot to upload your presets, upload and install them, disconnect it all and still have time to plug your guitar in, strap up, tune up, adjust your mic stand, put on a smile and play.

 

That's amazing.

Uh.  We are talking load out, not load in.  See my previous post.