Helix Floor - Change Inputs with snapshots

[John1912]

Hi all,

 

I have a Helix floor - is it possible to assign different inputs to each snapshot? I have effects blocks in path A (side-chained/split) which is used with multiple instruments. The output differs between instrument - PA direct/Cab. I want to achieve the following:

 

1. When I switch instrument, I want to change the input to make the new instrument live and kill the input of the other one.
2. I want to use the same effects for both instruments but with different inputs and outputs.
3. I thought that snapshots might achieve this ( I use this mode a lot) but it doesn't appear able to assign different inputs to each snapshot (seems ludicrous to me but hey, it is what it is!)

 

Is this possible and is there a better way to manage/achieve this?

 

Thanks and appreciated,

John

[rd2rk]

Plug your second instrument into an unused RETURN. Place its Block wherever you want the second instrument to enter the signal chain.

Set the Level to +6db (or whatever works) and the MIX to 100%. To use the first instrument, SAVE the Snapshot with the RETURN Block BYPASSED/OFF.

To use the second instrument, save that Snapshot with the RETURN Block ACTIVE/ON.

Assuming that you're routing PATH 1 into PATH 2 and the SPLIT on Path 2 is already in use, place the SEND of the RETURN you used with DRY THRU set to -120db (OFF) wherever you want the second instrument to EXIT the signal chain and do the same thing with the BYPASS Snapshot assignment (BYPASSED/OFF for instrument 1 and ACTIVE/ON for instrument 2) to route the signal to the alternate output destination.

 

The second instrument level might not quite match the level of the first, but you can assign to Snapshots either the Channel level on the amp or (I would use) the Output level to compensate.

 

NOTE - if you're ONLY using 1/4" or XLR in MONO you can save a Block by foregoing the SEND and assigning the Output PAN parameter to the appropriate snapshots.

 

Note that you lose the Auto Impedance function on the second instrument, but that only matters if you MUST use FX with <1M inputs. The RETURN is 1M, so it will load the pickups accordingly.

 

Attached example preset demonstrates the technique. I created this on my HXS but it'll work the same on Helix, just use the appropriate SEND/RETURN.

John1912.hlx

[PaulTBaker]

This is more of a question than disputing your answer rd2rk.  Using the snapshot would work great, however depending on how you have things setup, your other blocks may be affected by the change in the snapshot.  You could instead assign a footswitch to the block and have it bypass one or the other based on if its on or off.  This way would definitely not change the other blocks (unless you want it to).

 

Just another option I believe.

[rd2rk]

On 10/1/2024 at 10:43 AM, PaulTBaker said:

This is more of a question than disputing your answer rd2rk.  Using the snapshot would work great, however depending on how you have things setup, your other blocks may be affected by the change in the snapshot.  You could instead assign a footswitch to the block and have it bypass one or the other based on if its on or off.  This way would definitely not change the other blocks (unless you want it to).

 

Just another option I believe.

 

OP was asking about using Snapshots, so that's what I focused on.

Whenever using Snapshots, attention must be paid to everything in the Snapshot.

There's lots of ways to do most everything in Helix. That can be a blessing or a curse.

[John1912]

On 9/30/2024 at 2:53 AM, rd2rk said:

Plug your second instrument into an unused RETURN. Place its Block wherever you want the second instrument to enter the signal chain.

Set the Level to +6db (or whatever works) and the MIX to 100%. To use the first instrument, SAVE the Snapshot with the RETURN Block BYPASSED/OFF.

To use the second instrument, save that Snapshot with the RETURN Block ACTIVE/ON.

Assuming that you're routing PATH 1 into PATH 2 and the SPLIT on Path 2 is already in use, place the SEND of the RETURN you used with DRY THRU set to -120db (OFF) wherever you want the second instrument to EXIT the signal chain and do the same thing with the BYPASS Snapshot assignment (BYPASSED/OFF for instrument 1 and ACTIVE/ON for instrument 2) to route the signal to the alternate output destination.

 

The second instrument level might not quite match the level of the first, but you can assign to Snapshots either the Channel level on the amp or (I would use) the Output level to compensate.

 

NOTE - if you're ONLY using 1/4" or XLR in MONO you can save a Block by foregoing the SEND and assigning the Output PAN parameter to the appropriate snapshots.

 

Note that you lose the Auto Impedance function on the second instrument, but that only matters if you MUST use FX with <1M inputs. The RETURN is 1M, so it will load the pickups accordingly.

 

Attached example preset demonstrates the technique. I created this on my HXS but it'll work the same on Helix, just use the appropriate SEND/RETURN.

John1912.hlx 4.83 kB · 3 downloads

You Sir,/Madam. are a wonderful human. Thank you very much indeed. A perfect and genius solution to a problem that should not exist. This is great and just what I needed - previously I was using the HX stomp with a separate input switch A/B/Y pedal (silly), so this is fantastic. Thanks for your input also PaulTBaker. Definitely learning that the Helix is a double-edged sword.

 

Cheers,

J