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Line 6 HX Effects

I've found a trick to get a better octave up sound: filtering the input with a HPF at 500hz. It get out the bounce of the attack of your bass, just keeping the harmonics. The sound is pretty like a 8 string bass.
You can also do it with the crossover split
 
@fivestringgecko And what about expression pedal filtering? I wish I could get a moog/mutron style filter, but without envelope.

I haven't had a chance to hook up an expression pedal yet, but there's a model called Q Filter in there that seems like it might be what you're looking for...? (If you're talking about what I'm thinking you mean in my head. lol) From the little bit I messed around with it last night, it seems like a model that lets you basically program a "stopped" wah pedal, without the need of an expression pedal. Like if you were to stop a wah pedal in mid sweep somewhere, but you can really dig in and have control of where that stop point is. At least that's what it seems like anyway. I'll get back in and check that effect specifically the next time I get a minute to sit down with the HX... probably tomorrow evening.

5sg.
 
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Overall
The HX seems like a keeper in my book. It's a great overall package that I'm definitely going to hang onto and see where I can go with it. The models are quite good, you can get quite in-depth with programming options, and it all seems quite well thought out. A couple minor quibbles, but none are deal breakers, if you know what you're getting into. I'm really happy with it so far, and am looking into digging into it further. As with any piece of gear, how well it works out in a mix (live or studio) is what counts, so I'm definitely looking forward to putting it through it's paces.View attachment 2918792
Awesome review, lots of great info. Seems they also missed the boat by not offering a USB port for direct computer recording and powering the G10 wireless. Still, your post gives me hope that the HX could do what I'd want it to...
 
One cool thing I've found when using the b7k model for an EQ is to keep the distortion switch on, but set the drive to zero. This lets you use the grunt/attack switches for low/high end boosts or cuts. I'm like 80% sure you can't use those switches if the distortion switch is set to off.

I'd have to go back and double check for sure, but I *seem* to remember that they both still made a difference with the distortion off. (but it was getting quite late by that point... ;) ) When I left the distortion on, I still noticed just a hint of dirt coming through and my goal was to have it as a totally clean preamp.

5sg.


Most presets I’ve made so far have had the obsidion last as a clean pre haha I’ve always run my B7KU clean with the both channels engaged. That way I get the full abilities of the pedal sans the drive. And I’m still quite impressed with how well they modeled the B7KU. It’s damn close. It allows me to really tone sculpt anything on the HX I throw into it. Just like my real board. I probably won’t do it that way if the HX is even integrated into my board. It’d be too much. But for a stand-alone unit, this is a key feature for someone like me.
 
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Oh and yes, @fivestringgecko, I wish they could’ve used the screens they did on the helix as the main navigation screen for all the scribble strips. But then I realize that’s probably asking a lot. Still would’ve been nice if they didn’t look so dated. Doesn’t effect anything but looks. But it still would’ve been sweet. I’m def gettin those covers eventually.
 
Awesome review, lots of great info. Seems they also missed the boat by not offering a USB port for direct computer recording and powering the G10 wireless. Still, your post gives me hope that the HX could do what I'd want it to...

Thanks man, glad my brain dump could help. It was really just thoughts off the top of my head. There is definitely a USB port, that's how you connect it to your computer to use the HX Edit software (currently just a preset curation tool, but full preset editing is planned for Spring).

I thought I read somewhere that the Helix family does allow for direct recording to a computer though... Can anyone confirm or correct that? I guess I'll find out for sure, since I'm going to try and find some time this coming week to do some sound clips for various patches and models.

Most presets I’ve made so far have had the obsidion last as a clean pre haha I’ve always run my B7KU clean with the both channels engaged. That way I get the full abilities of the pedal sans the drive. And I’m still quite impressed with how well they modeled the B7KU. It’s damn close. It allows me to really tone sculpt anything on the HX I throw into it. Just like my real board. I probably won’t do it that way if the HX is even integrated into my board. It’d be too much. But for a stand-alone unit, this is a key feature for someone like me.

For sure, right? That's how I run my Vintage Ultra on my real board as well, so it just made sense to program an Obsidian at the end. Like yourself, my patches will be different when the HX is integrated in my real board, but as a standalone, it seems to work awesome.

Anyone worried about not having the amp models of the big Helix shouldn't worry... Between something like the Obsidian at the end and the ability to load IRs, I don't think the lack of those preamps will be a problem. Currently there are only a couple bass amp models in the Helix Floor anyway.

5sg.
 
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Thanks man, glad my brain dump could help. It was really just thoughts off the top of my head. There is definitely a USB port, that's how you connect it to your computer to use the HX Edit software (currently just a preset curation tool, but full preset editing is planned for Spring).

I forgot there was a software editor, so it makes sense that it does actualy have USB. Derp. Well, it could be an all-in-one solution if it can actually power the G10, too!

I thought I read somewhere that the Helix family does allow for direct recording to a computer though... Can anyone confirm or correct that? I guess I'll find out for sure, since I'm going to try and find some time this coming week to do some sound clips for various patches and models.

I read the manual and saw nothing about USB recording capability. It would need additional AD/DA convertors for that.
 
It already has the required AD/DA converters, but as far as I know the USB soundcard feature has been left out in this model. All other Helix units have the soundcard capability build in, but I guess Line 6 looks at the HX as the "budget" version.
 
@TheEmptyCell Does anyone even make a cable that goes from USB type B to micro USB? I'd have to look. If I can find one, I'll give it a try!

That's a drag to hear about the USB recording functionality being intentionally left out. Even my Zoom B3 does that. I've edited my review to reflect that!

5sg.
 
@gregmon79 @ChubbyJerk could you tell me what the volume blocks do when creating a patch? Like does it control the volume of that path via external volume pedal or is it a volume/gain boost? I guess I’m trying to figure out how to run path A and B at the same time or switch it out for just A or just B the most convenient way. Whether it be making patches to make it footswitchable or connect a volume pedal and use it to just cut the signal as I’m doing now which is spectracomp-ehx switchblade to split signal-path A into UD Drive-B7k- Mooer mini volume used strictly on off and into bass amp. Path B into sub n up-pitchfork-ge7-Mooer mini volume(on/off) zoom ms50g into guitar tube amp. So my dilemma is should I split signal before hx and run the 2 Mooer mini pedals in line to both inputs on hx and create the 2 paths within amd send both outputs to each amp or would there be a way to eliminate that go just bass into hx and do everything else within the hx unit? This way I could build a smaller bass board only and possibly sell some others I’ve used to achieve this faux guitar effect. Thanks and Cheers!
 
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@gregmon79 @ChubbyJerk could you tell me what the volume blocks do when creating a patch? Like does it control the volume of that path via external volume pedal or is it a volume/gain boost? I guess I’m trying to figure out how to run path A and B at the same time or switch it out for just A or just B the most convenient way. Whether it be making patches to make it footswitchable or connect a volume pedal and use it to just cut the signal as I’m doing now which is spectracomp-ehx switchblade to split signal-path A into UD Drive-B7k- Mooer mini volume used strictly on off and into bass amp. Path B into sub n up-pitchfork-ge7-Mooer mini volume(on/off) zoom ms50g into guitar tube amp. So my dilemma is should I split signal before hx and run the 2 Mooer mini pedals in line to both inputs on hx and create the 2 paths within amd send both outputs to each amp or would there be a way to eliminate that go just bass into hx and do everything else within the hx unit? This way I could build a smaller bass board only and possibly sell some others I’ve used to achieve this faux guitar effect. Thanks and Cheers!
You can use a volume block with an expression pedal and put that on one specific path. Or you can set up a block like an EQ with volume set to 0...then you can shut off that path by engaging the block. Or you can set up a snapshot with the volume turned down. Several options.
 
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You can use a volume block with an expression pedal and put that on one specific path. Or you can set up a block like an EQ with volume set to 0...then you can shut off that path by engaging the block. Or you can set up a snapshot with the volume turned down. Several options.
Awesome thanks man, glad it can been done no problem and would just need to program to suite personal layout I suppose. I’m sold though no doubt but I’m leaving on vacation next week but think it’s safe to say I’m going to snap on one when I get back that’s for sure..
 
@gregmon79 @ChubbyJerk could you tell me what the volume blocks do when creating a patch? Like does it control the volume of that path via external volume pedal or is it a volume/gain boost? I guess I’m trying to figure out how to run path A and B at the same time or switch it out for just A or just B the most convenient way. Whether it be making patches to make it footswitchable or connect a volume pedal and use it to just cut the signal as I’m doing now which is spectracomp-ehx switchblade to split signal-path A into UD Drive-B7k- Mooer mini volume used strictly on off and into bass amp. Path B into sub n up-pitchfork-ge7-Mooer mini volume(on/off) zoom ms50g into guitar tube amp. So my dilemma is should I split signal before hx and run the 2 Mooer mini pedals in line to both inputs on hx and create the 2 paths within amd send both outputs to each amp or would there be a way to eliminate that go just bass into hx and do everything else within the hx unit? This way I could build a smaller bass board only and possibly sell some others I’ve used to achieve this faux guitar effect. Thanks and Cheers!

Yeah the way I’m using it atm is I put one at the very end of a patch and keep the volume to a lower level, like for when I’m playing in the house and I don’t want to have everything rippin and blowing windows out, and since I don’t have an exp hooked to it normally it just stays at the lower level at all times. It’s like keeping Ana stationary volume at the end of your chain where when It’s on it cuts your overall volume by half or whatever and when it’s off your full volume like it’s not even there. It’s a nice feature to have for sure. But I just use it as a pedal atm. But I could just plug an exp in too use it as a volume pedal then too.
 
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Aww that's a cool way to do it. Goes to show ya the flexability this thing has.I'm starting to figure out how the platform works now. Pretty stoked to try one when I get back from Vegas. My local music store has a good return policy if for some reason its not what what I was wanting but don't think that'll happen. Then I'll unload a few pedals in the classified. Maybe Vegas will be generous to me who knows lol
 
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Loving this thing and learning new stuff everyday. One thing I haven’t figured out and it may be unchangeable or expression pedal dependent. The sweep on the wah seems to happen really early near the heel position and the top half of travel is wasted movement. I’m using the Moog expression pedal. It works great on volume and decent on pitch shift, it won’t quite heel down all the way and throws off the tuning. I may upgrade to the mission for pitch and wah soon and leave the moog for volume.
 

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