Feature Request: MIDI + Blocks

[ltwhite]

Hello there,

Since you guys over at Line 6 being awesome and continuing to support this great product; what do you guys think about maybe adding some extra "footswitch" controls to the Line 6 via MIDI? Currently, unless I am misunderstanding, a footswitch on the Helix can be assigned to send a MIDI signal in the Command Center; but an individual effect block that is not already assigned to a Footswitch, cannot be controlled otherwise.

 

the TL;DR is I was hoping there might be a way you all could implement MIDI messages as an assignable option as a "Footswitch" assignable per block. E.g., if I already have all 10 FS in use and I don't want to combo any up; instead of assigning the block to FS 1-10 and combining effects on one switch, we would be able to assign an open MIDI CC# that's not already being used by the Helix as a remote footswitch control.

Currently, at least myself, you can set the unit up for 10 stomps + the 2 banks; and then through snapshots + the toeswitch on Exp 1/2, you can also activate several more individual pedals on and off, if one chooses to do so. For instance I used to have a Snapshot setup with the Leslie 145 effect, but then realized since I assigned the Leslie speed control on Exp 2; the Helix is so awesome that just switching the Expression pedal from 1 to 2 with the toe switch engages the Leslie effect on and off as well; so now that on/off lives there instead of one of my snapshots.

I run my first 4 snapshots as a Mesa/Marshall amp channel switcher with my overdrives (Clean > Less > More > Both); and then I use a couple of the snapshots to turn on my "extra" pedals. But, if any of you also use this method you'll know, the only way to turn those "extra" pedals off that are assigned to snapshots, is to switch to a different snapshot(s) that has those extra effects off by default.

This thing is incredibly powerful, would just be awesome to unlock it's potential even more through adding some extra MIDI footswitches IMO. I realize this would not be for probably 95% of Helix users though. But maybe if it was an option more people would dive into MIDI! Probably not lol. But you guys at Line 6 would be really cool if you did :D Even if it's only 2, 3 or 6, however many extra effects we could control individually would be awesome and would just make the Helix even more powerful.

 

*Edit* just incase this actually catches anyone's eyes; it would also be awesome to be able to have an option of 10 Snapshots with the Preset/Stomp and Tap/Tuner instead of only the Snap/Preset Up/Down + 8 Snaps + Preset/Stomp & Tap/Tuner. I'm sure that's been mentioned by users before though.

Edited March 25 by ltwhite
clarification + Snapshot idea

[enjalt]

Hi

 

I might misunderstand but what you're asking for is actually possible.

 

You can set up your Helix in stomp mode, assign some snapshot (with command center) for some switches and use the others as you like, send Midi CC/ activate some blocs or parameters etc...

 

 

[Schmalle]

It's already possible via Bypass Assign and/or Controller Assign.

[rd2rk]

Attached example preset:

 

Bypass:

Distortion = CC#4

Delay = CC#5

Reverb = CC#6

 

Delay Time = CC#7 toggles 200ms/600ms, but could just as easily be an expression pedal.

ltwhite.hlx

[ltwhite]

On 3/25/2025 at 12:23 PM, rd2rk said:

Attached example preset:

 

Bypass:

Distortion = CC#4

Delay = CC#5

Reverb = CC#6

 

Delay Time = CC#7 toggles 200ms/600ms, but could just as easily be an expression pedal.

ltwhite.hlx 5.13 kB · 0 downloads

 

Looks like it already is possible! Thank you, rd2rk! I'll get my Helix loaded up with my PC and check this out!