HX Effects Stereo Inputs

[quigster]

I recently bought a new

Line 6 HX Effects unit. Been having trouble with the stereo inputs. Have read articles here and tried other things as well but the truth still remains that there is something wrong with the stereo inputs on my brand new Line 6 HX Effects unit.  My recent observation is that on my HX Effects unit the LEFT input is in permanent, chronic MONO mode regardless of weather or not anything is plugged into the RIGHT channel input or not. Not so the other way around. When something is plugged into the RIGHT input only then the only output you here is from the right input.

Is there a way to get the LEFT channel input to not always be stuck in MONO mode? I just bought the unit brand new the other day. Is there a fix for this issue? Thanks guys!

[rd2rk]

I'm not sure I get what you're saying, but here goes:

 

I don't have the HXFX, but AFAIK the HXFX and HXS have identical L/R Input implementations.

You'll need 2 instruments for this, one plugged LEFT and the other RIGHT.

 

Attached is a demo preset created on my HXS. There're no amps, so it should work fine on your HXFX.

I've placed a DISTORTION Block on Path A (LEFT) and a MODULATION Block on Path B (RIGHT) so that the paths are clearly defined.

The paths are split A/B. The paths in both BOTH the SPLIT Block and the MIX Block are panned HARD (100%) L/R, thus completely separating the LEFT and RIGHT Inputs to the LEFT and RIGHT Outputs respectively.

By default the Output Block PAN is set to CENTER.

 

With BOTH instruments connected you'll hear both instruments on both Outputs.

If you drag the Output PAN full left you'll only hear the LEFT instrument.

Dragged full RIGHT you'll only hear the RIGHT Instrument.

 

With only the RIGHT connected you'll only hear the RIGHT Instrument (PATH B).

 

With only the LEFT connected you'll hear the LEFT instrument on both sides, but if you drag the PAN full LEFT you'll only hear PATH A.

Dragged full RIGHT you'll only hear PATH B.

 

This shows that when ONLY the LEFT Input is in use the signal goes to BOTH paths. That's what LEFT/MONO means.

But when only the RIGHT Input is in use, only the RIGHT Input/path is active.

When BOTH inputs are in use, the LEFT/MONO input ONLY goes LEFT, and vice versa.

 

Hope this clarifies the way that the inputs work and answers your question.

 

EDIT: to use ONLY the LEFT/MONO input and switch from Path A to Path B, change the SPLIT Block to A/B and assign a FS to the ROUTE TO parameter.

 

 

 

quigster.hlx

[datacommando]

On 10/4/2024 at 10:22 PM, quigster said:

Is there a way to get the LEFT channel input to not always be stuck in MONO mode?

Hi,

 

Much like @rd2rk in the post above, I’m not sure that I understand, or possibly, you don’t understand the functions of the HX Effects box. 
 

It was designed as a guitar multi-fx processor, and as such, and because the majority of guitars are MONO, then the Left Input is and will remain MONO, or chronic MONO as you call it. 
 

Suffice to say, the second input (Right) enables the use of external stereo devices such as stereo pedals, drum machines, synths, etc. All internal signal paths are stereo, even those A/B split paths, and should emerge from the other end in glorious stereo. UNLESS YOU PLACE A MONO EFFECT BLOCK IN THE PATH! If that is the case you will find that everything following that block will be collapsed to “chronic MONO”.

 

If that is not what is happening, and “the truth still remains that there is something wrong with the stereo inputs on my brand new Line 6 HX Effects unit“,  then simply contact Customer Support and you will be refunded, or have a brand new replacement unit supplied - these are standard consumer rights.

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

Oh, you might want to read this.

https://line6.com/data/6/0a00050e070d666767d27e720/application/pdf/HX Effects 3.0 Owner's Manual - English .pdf

also available in French, German and Japanese.

[quigster]

Thanks for the input guys! Clarification of what I originally said will help. 

When I plug a sound source into my HX Effects unit the signal coming into the LEFT input is present in both LEFT and RIGHT outputs, to be expected. Mono.

My issue is that when I then plug a sound source into the RIGHT input of the HX Effects I can hear the RIGHT input coming out of the RIGHT output (to be expected) but while all this is happening I am continueing to hear the LEFT input coming out of the RIGHT output combined with the RIGHT input. In otherwords, I understand that when there is LEFT input only both LEFT and RIGHT outputs have the same, exact signal (mono). But I think it is a realistic expectation to expect the left signal to no longer be present in the RIGHT output when plugging in a RIGHT sound source. Has anyone else had this experience? At the same time I will review what has already been posted and see if trying that might help.

[silverhead]

On 10/5/2024 at 1:04 PM, quigster said:

…. But I think it is a realistic expectation to expect the left signal to no longer be present in the RIGHT output when plugging in a RIGHT sound source….

No, not realistic It depends on the type of FX blocks being used. A mono FX block will defeat the stereo inputs and output a blended mono signal, where you will hear what you describe: both left and right input signals coming out of both outputs.

[quigster]

So I just aquired this the other day and am learning a lot of new, cool things. Presently, I am not even using ANY effects. My only focus presently is just on the HX's input features. Thanks

 

[datacommando]

On 10/5/2024 at 6:04 PM, quigster said:

When I plug a sound source into my HX Effects unit the signal coming into the LEFT input is present in both LEFT and RIGHT outputs, to be expected. Mono.

Hi, again.
 

No, right from the start you are misunderstanding the working of the device!

 

You plug in a guitar into the Left Input which is designated “Mono”. Fine but, after that everything that happens to the signal path is theoretically stereo. Therefore, your “Mono” input appears at both left and right outputs as “Mono”. Ok, so far?
 

Now, you add a second input on the right - O.K.  That now becomes part of that original stereo path. The two input signals can be directed to either left or right output. You need to point them to where they need to be in the stereo image. This is called panning. Or even easier, stick a Ping Pong delay onto the original Left (mono) input path and listen to it bounce around the outputs.  Learn how to use the equipment you have!

 

On 10/5/2024 at 6:04 PM, quigster said:

Has anyone else had this experience?

Hmm … Apparently not! This seems to be unique to someone who hasn’t grasped the basics of signal flow. 
 

Please - RTFM!

I know this is not going to help, but I really don’t care any more, this far down the line.
 

Kinell - It’s Saturday night and I am now going away to get very drunk and howl at the moon!

[rd2rk]

@quigster- please don't take our frustration personally.

After Snapshots, the intricacies of the stereo signal flow are the most difficult thing about Helix to grasp or explain, and those of us who are regulars here sometimes get a little crazy trying to explain it. The preset I sent took me most of an hour to put together because I had to relearn how to do it, and I've had my HXS since its release and use it every day! Play around with my preset, study the panning techniques that I used, and it will eventually click for you!

 

@datacommandohave a beer on me! If I still drank I'd be having TWO! ;-)

[datacommando]

I couldn’t find a video that covers all the ins and outs of the HXFX, but this is a good one showing some fun stuff with the HX Stomp, using both Mono and Stereo hook ups.

 

I don’t have a Stomp, or HXFX, mine is the Helix floor, but I guess the techniques are very similar throughout the range of HX devices. I know it is on mine. Check the Owner’s Manual for your unit for precise clarification of the signal path options:- Page 36 - Parallel Path Routing.

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

 

Oooh! Here’s a link to a bunch of getting started with your HXFX videos.

 

 

 

 

Edited October 6, 2024 by datacommando
Added link

[quigster]

Thats the ticket datacommando!!!

That video (your Oct 6 post w/video) explaines what I am trying to accomplish PERFECTLY!!

F***!
Grateful, finally getting it.

My application is that I am using an acoustic guitar configured with the ability to run mono out OR stereo out meaning that the bass strings of the guitar are coming out the left channel and the treble strings are coming out the right channel thereby having the ability to produce a stereo image of my instrument. This video shows how to successfully do that IF I am using the stereo out feature of my acoustic guitar. 

Wow, I've been banging my head against the wall here for the last 10 days since the HX was delivered to my house. Have also been driving the support staff at Line 6 crazy as well so now I will be touching base with them letting them know that I got the answer I was looking for!

Line 6 ROCKS!

[datacommando]

On 10/12/2024 at 1:17 PM, quigster said:

Wow, I've been banging my head against the wall here for the last 10 days since the HX was delivered to my house.

Hi,

 

Good to know that have finally been able to achieve your desired result - yay!

 

Have fun using the HX Effects in full stereo!