External FS via EXP2 option for Helix LT/Floor

[artuur]

Hello,

 

I wonder if would it be possible to add the same option, as the one available in HX Stomp (picture from manual below) to 'bigger' units like LT or Floor? Is it the hardware limitation, that makes it (at least for now) impossible to use EXP2 port in those devices or it could possibly be added by firmware upgrade? I think it may be useful for some users, and definitely for me since I am using looper a lot and therefore I have already expected some issues with stock footswitches... Nothing that couldn't be solved by simple cleaning but still serious enough to be dangerous during live performance... I am just curious if it is even possible on current units.

 

[datacommando]

On 11/27/2023 at 12:18 PM, artuur said:

Hello,

 

I wonder if would it be possible to add the same option, as the one available in HX Stomp (picture from manual below) to 'bigger' units like LT or Floor? Is it the hardware limitation, that makes it (at least for now) impossible to use EXP2 port in those devices or it could possibly be added by firmware upgrade? I think it may be useful for some users, and definitely for me since I am using looper a lot and therefore I have already expected some issues with stock footswitches... Nothing that couldn't be solved by simple cleaning but still serious enough to be dangerous during live performance... I am just curious if it is even possible on current units.

 

Hi,

 

AFAIK, this is a hardware issue, the HX Stomp only has 3 onboard switches and the option to add another external pair -these are then assigned via the Global settings to FS4 & FS5. The larger Helix models already have lots of foot switches available and there is no facility to add FS13 & FS14 within the Globals.

 

As you specifically mentioned that this could be beneficial to you when using the Looper, your Helix has a couple of options already available that you could consider, and I would think that both are equally viable options.
 

First:- simply add a dedicated external looper designed for performance. I have various ones that have lots more loop time and tricks than the onboard one. For example - loading backing tracks, drum tacks, timed fade outs, dual loop channels etc.

 

Secondly, and possibly more versatile, is a MIDI Control device. There are several different models available and those from Morningstar seem particularly popular among HX users.

 

https://www.morningstar.io/mc6-mkii

The loopers in HX family products have the facility to be controlled via external MIDI - see the Owner’s Manual for each unit.

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

 

[codamedia]

The best you can do is hardwire an external footswitch with a 10k resistor. It then works like an expression pedal... off = heel down, on = toe down. 

 

This opens up several possibilities in the helix as it can be assigned to control multiple effect parameters and effect auto on/off states.