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Line 6 HX Effects
- Thread starter ChubbyJerk
- Start date
I just got the HX Effects. So far it’s pretty cool.
I’m still figuring out how to save pedalboard mode.
I only found 4 bass-specific effects:
I don’t see much else that is a traditional bass effect except Mutant Filter (Mutron) and Asheville Pattern (Moogerfooger).
Although I have no qualms with doing a Klon Centaur bass tone, I’m wondering if there are others I missed.
Besides that, what effects do you use on your Helix/HX module?
I’m still figuring out how to save pedalboard mode.
I only found 4 bass-specific effects:
- Obsidian 7000 (Darkglass B7K)
- Ampeg Scrambler (Ampeg Scrambler)
- Zeroamp Bass DI (SansAmp)
- Clawthorn (Wounded Paw Battering Ram)
I don’t see much else that is a traditional bass effect except Mutant Filter (Mutron) and Asheville Pattern (Moogerfooger).
Although I have no qualms with doing a Klon Centaur bass tone, I’m wondering if there are others I missed.
Besides that, what effects do you use on your Helix/HX module?
I'm certainly no expert with the HX Effects, but I think the compressors are all useful for bass. I've messed with the flangers and delays, which generally seem to work well with bass. Also if you split your signal, you can use pretty much anything on one path and have a "clean blend" using the other path.
Yep... definitely have been trying all compressors, flangers, phasers, etc.
Also have been splitting my signal, putting a high pass, pitch shift, EQ, distortion, and Noise gate on one.
Fun stuff
Just about any and all effects in the Helix line seem to me to be "full range" for the most part. Most respond good to great on bass. Not all but most. And the ones that don't just throw them into a parallel path and blend some clean in. No issues with low end loss on any of the Helix stuff I've had and use. The HXFX and the Stomp are the ones I've used.
@ZuluFunk
A good share of the bass specific models are amp/cab models, which the HXFX doesn't have. But like @gregmon79 said, almost all of the effects are totally usable on bass.
A couple of fav effects I use heavily in my main patch(es), none of which are "bass" effects: Auto Filter envelope filter, Dimension chorus, and Teemah overdrive. LOVE the Teemah. Based on the Paul Cochrane Timmy (a "guitar" overdrive
) and surprisingly versatile on bass. I've used it for everything from "mild tube warmth" to higher gain heavy duty crunch. It's even pretty convincing for the crunchy bass sound on Dance To The Music. Took me a while to really get used to how the bass/treble cut can be used to dial in a wide array of sounds, but now I want to check out that new MXR Timmy Mini.
The Auto Filter can be a bit of a beast to wrap your head around, but I'm a filter junkie and posted a starter guide here if you're interested.
A lot of the reverbs and delays are also extremely good. My Reverb Dreams patch below uses two reverbs, a delay, a chorus and the Teemah.
I'd suggest that the very best thing you could do is not let yourself get distracted with what effects are or aren't bass specific, and just have fun trying out every effect in there. Don't forget to check the effects in the Legacy sections either.
5sg.
A good share of the bass specific models are amp/cab models, which the HXFX doesn't have. But like @gregmon79 said, almost all of the effects are totally usable on bass.
A couple of fav effects I use heavily in my main patch(es), none of which are "bass" effects: Auto Filter envelope filter, Dimension chorus, and Teemah overdrive. LOVE the Teemah. Based on the Paul Cochrane Timmy (a "guitar" overdrive
) and surprisingly versatile on bass. I've used it for everything from "mild tube warmth" to higher gain heavy duty crunch. It's even pretty convincing for the crunchy bass sound on Dance To The Music. Took me a while to really get used to how the bass/treble cut can be used to dial in a wide array of sounds, but now I want to check out that new MXR Timmy Mini.The Auto Filter can be a bit of a beast to wrap your head around, but I'm a filter junkie and posted a starter guide here if you're interested.
A lot of the reverbs and delays are also extremely good. My Reverb Dreams patch below uses two reverbs, a delay, a chorus and the Teemah.
I'd suggest that the very best thing you could do is not let yourself get distracted with what effects are or aren't bass specific, and just have fun trying out every effect in there. Don't forget to check the effects in the Legacy sections either.
5sg.
@ZuluFunk
A good share of the bass specific models are amp/cab models, which the HXFX doesn't have. But like @gregmon79 said, almost all of the effects are totally usable on bass.
A couple of fav effects I use heavily in my main patch(es), none of which are "bass" effects: Auto Filter envelope filter, Dimension chorus, and Teemah overdrive. LOVE the Teemah. Based on the Paul Cochrane Timmy (a "guitar" overdrive
The Auto Filter can be a bit of a beast to wrap your head around, but I'm a filter junkie and posted a starter guide here if you're interested.
A lot of the reverbs and delays are also extremely good. My Reverb Dreams patch below uses two reverbs, a delay, a chorus and the Teemah.
I'd suggest that the very best thing you could do is not let yourself get distracted with what effects are or aren't bass specific, and just have fun trying out every effect in there. Don't forget to check the effects in the Legacy sections either.
5sg.
Awesome
I've been a big fan of the Line 6 Octaver, since the M series. You find that under the Legacy path in the Helix stuff.
I also love putting multiple models on one switch. My 80's studio chorus sound uses Dimension>Analog Chorus>Plate reverb, as one super thick, yummy, chorus sound. I also like to set up the Auto Filter as a static LPF. Big dubby action available there, if you are into that sort of thing.
Loving my hx so far.
Would you guys recommend having a dedicated compressor pedal or are the compressors on the hx effects good enough?
Currently using a mxr bass comp. Not super attached to it.
Would you guys recommend having a dedicated compressor pedal or are the compressors on the hx effects good enough?
Currently using a mxr bass comp. Not super attached to it.
I've had good luck with the Deluxe Comp when I'm using just my Stomp, but the 3-Band Comp and LA Studio Comp also get some love. Most recently, there was some discussion over in the Stomp forum about comps.
When I'm using my main HXFX board though, I have a Darkglass Symmetry at the front of my signal chain because I like it and I have the board space.
YMMV of course.
5sg.
Thanks!I've had good luck with the Deluxe Comp when I'm using just my Stomp, but the 3-Band Comp and LA Studio Comp also get some love. Most recently, there was some discussion over in the Stomp forum about comps.
When I'm using my main HXFX board though, I have a Darkglass Symmetry at the front of my signal chain because I like it and I have the board space.
YMMV of course.
5sg.
I started yesterday working my way through this whole thread...on page 50 atm
Any pedals you still hold onto when using the hxfx with your board?
Thanks!
I started yesterday working my way through this whole thread...on page 50 atm
Any pedals you still hold onto when using the hxfx with your board?
Enjoy the read! Lots of good info/discussion here.
As with most of us here on Talkbass, I've got some effects in a storage bin that I just can't bear to part with of course, but this is my main "it does everything and then some" HXFX board... call it "The Essentials," if you like.
- Source Audio C4 - The Helix is a little weak in the synth department and the C4 is an absolute beast of a synth pedal, kills in my cover bands.
- Octabvre - Spot on OC2 clone, and more. It does quite a bit more than just "OC2" and the sub only switch is a super handy trick
- Pigtronix Bass Envelope Phaser - I'm a total envelope filter junkie (owned or tried 41... so far), and this is still the king for me. There's something mind-warpingly magical about the phasey gooey envelopey goodness that no other filter has ever been able to match. Listen to Doug Johns' solo on Chew On A Dog, I bought the EP2 immediately. And then the Bass Envelope Phaser came along... that sound in a smaller package!
- Qstrip - Very nice EQ strip/DI. HXFX can handle the EQing part, but the Q adds a little warmth, has HPF/LPF options built in, and has the (essential) XLR out.
Honorable mention: The Source Audio Spectrum may eventually replace the Pigtronix, because I've been able to program a decent "it comes close" sound to the Pigtronix and a killer clone of my Russian Bassballs, among a ton of other envelope filter stuff it can do. The C4 can load Spectrum patches though, so I might just leave it as is. But it would sure be fun to have the Spectrum on there too.
The tube drive side of the Funk Face is really nice, but the C4/Spectrum can cover the rest of what it does, so I feel like something else needs to go in it's place that the rest of the board can't do. Probably the EHX Superego I bought myself for Christmas.
Now, that said, these are just personal preferences of course. The HXFX is more than capable in most departments, and I've often used just the Stomp at gigs/rehearsals where I don't need synth. The Bass Octaver is a pretty decent octaver that works great in a mix, the Auto Filter is a killer envelope filter model once you understand it, and there are plenty of EQing options. And I tell you what... I absolutely love the Teemah model. Good for everything from light old school warmth to almost fuzz crunch. Synth is the only weak point, IMO.
Bonus points: I know you just asked about effects, but I think the MIDI potential of the HXFX is what most people in this thread miss out on. I can control pretty much my entire board via my iPad.
5sg.
Enjoy the read! Lots of good info/discussion here.
As with most of us here on Talkbass, I've got some effects in a storage bin that I just can't bear to part with of course, but this is my main "it does everything and then some" HXFX board... call it "The Essentials," if you like.
- Source Audio C4 - The Helix is a little weak in the synth department and the C4 is an absolute beast of a synth pedal, kills in my cover bands.
- Octabvre - Spot on OC2 clone, and more. It does quite a bit more than just "OC2" and the sub only switch is a super handy trick
- Pigtronix Bass Envelope Phaser - I'm a total envelope filter junkie (owned or tried 41... so far), and this is still the king for me. There's something mind-warpingly magical about the phasey gooey envelopey goodness that no other filter has ever been able to match. Listen to Doug Johns' solo on Chew On A Dog, I bought the EP2 immediately. And then the Bass Envelope Phaser came along... that sound in a smaller package!
- Qstrip - Very nice EQ strip/DI. HXFX can handle the EQing part, but the Q adds a little warmth, has HPF/LPF options built in, and has the (essential) XLR out.
Honorable mention: The Source Audio Spectrum may eventually replace the Pigtronix, because I've been able to program a decent "it comes close" sound to the Pigtronix and a killer clone of my Russian Bassballs, among a ton of other envelope filter stuff it can do. The C4 can load Spectrum patches though, so I might just leave it as is. But it would sure be fun to have the Spectrum on there too.
The tube drive side of the Funk Face is really nice, but the C4/Spectrum can cover the rest of what it does, so I feel like something else needs to go in it's place that the rest of the board can't do. Probably the EHX Superego I bought myself for Christmas.
Now, that said, these are just personal preferences of course. The HXFX is more than capable in most departments, and I've often used just the Stomp at gigs/rehearsals where I don't need synth. The Bass Octaver is a pretty decent octaver that works great in a mix, the Auto Filter is a killer envelope filter model once you understand it, and there are plenty of EQing options. And I tell you what... I absolutely love the Teemah model. Good for everything from light old school warmth to almost fuzz crunch. Synth is the only weak point, IMO.
Bonus points: I know you just asked about effects, but I think the MIDI potential of the HXFX is what most people in this thread miss out on. I can control pretty much my entire board via my iPad.
5sg.
View attachment 3745438
Wisdom, knowledge, and then some!! Thanks!
That is a killer board. I've been eyeing the c4. Does seem like the synths leave much to be desired on the hxfx. How are the pad sounds on it?
I either remove my dedicated tuner or drop the compressor for the c4 if it does nice pads.
Enjoy the read! Lots of good info/discussion here.
As with most of us here on Talkbass, I've got some effects in a storage bin that I just can't bear to part with of course, but this is my main "it does everything and then some" HXFX board... call it "The Essentials," if you like.
- Source Audio C4 - The Helix is a little weak in the synth department and the C4 is an absolute beast of a synth pedal, kills in my cover bands.
- Octabvre - Spot on OC2 clone, and more. It does quite a bit more than just "OC2" and the sub only switch is a super handy trick
- Pigtronix Bass Envelope Phaser - I'm a total envelope filter junkie (owned or tried 41... so far), and this is still the king for me. There's something mind-warpingly magical about the phasey gooey envelopey goodness that no other filter has ever been able to match. Listen to Doug Johns' solo on Chew On A Dog, I bought the EP2 immediately. And then the Bass Envelope Phaser came along... that sound in a smaller package!
- Qstrip - Very nice EQ strip/DI. HXFX can handle the EQing part, but the Q adds a little warmth, has HPF/LPF options built in, and has the (essential) XLR out.
Honorable mention: The Source Audio Spectrum may eventually replace the Pigtronix, because I've been able to program a decent "it comes close" sound to the Pigtronix and a killer clone of my Russian Bassballs, among a ton of other envelope filter stuff it can do. The C4 can load Spectrum patches though, so I might just leave it as is. But it would sure be fun to have the Spectrum on there too.
The tube drive side of the Funk Face is really nice, but the C4/Spectrum can cover the rest of what it does, so I feel like something else needs to go in it's place that the rest of the board can't do. Probably the EHX Superego I bought myself for Christmas.
Now, that said, these are just personal preferences of course. The HXFX is more than capable in most departments, and I've often used just the Stomp at gigs/rehearsals where I don't need synth. The Bass Octaver is a pretty decent octaver that works great in a mix, the Auto Filter is a killer envelope filter model once you understand it, and there are plenty of EQing options. And I tell you what... I absolutely love the Teemah model. Good for everything from light old school warmth to almost fuzz crunch. Synth is the only weak point, IMO.
Bonus points: I know you just asked about effects, but I think the MIDI potential of the HXFX is what most people in this thread miss out on. I can control pretty much my entire board via my iPad.
5sg.
View attachment 3745438
I too have a C4 on my shopping list for the future. But it'll mean I'll have to set up a small outboard pedal to loop into the LT's effects loop. Still trying to avoid this if I can...
Thanks @joshmmorrison
I've primarily focused more on sounds for the cover bands I play with (one main and a couple sub spots), but I've been quite impressed with what I've tried for synth pads. Even just tinkering around, I can get some really nice swells going, and there are probably some presets in the Neuro community that you could use as a starting point. Add a reverb and/or delay after and there are some incredible soundscapes available. Since you have the HXFX, you could easily add all the reverb or delay (or other stuff) after the C4. I've found a lot of my C4 patches to pair excellently with the HX's Dimension chorus model.
There are some pretty good Youtube demos out there, but there's SO much that the C4 can do that even the longer demos really only just scratch the surface. I'd suggest starting with @Proton Lenny's demo first... Zach is a savant when it comes to effects, particularly synth stuff. Definitely check out the whole video, but his Blade Runner patch is a killer example of what the C4 can do for synth pads. (Zach Rizer Blade Runner synth pad)
I feel like the only way to really experience the C4 is to get your hands on one and see if it can do what you want it to do. I'd be surprised if it can't.
But that said, I've included an audio sample of a pad patch I put together with just my HXFX, and the Soundcloud page has a dropbox link for the patch if you want to check it out.
I totally get it. I sit in with an 80's band that uses the Future Impact, and I haven't built out a small board for that band yet (still need to pick up an MC6 for a Stomp > Impact board), so I have to have the Impact off to the side. Definitely a bit more hassle. The C4 would be worth it if you need some killer synth though.
5sg.
Thanks @joshmmorrison
I've primarily focused more on sounds for the cover bands I play with (one main and a couple sub spots), but I've been quite impressed with what I've tried for synth pads. Even just tinkering around, I can get some really nice swells going, and there are probably some presets in the Neuro community that you could use as a starting point. Add a reverb and/or delay after and there are some incredible soundscapes available. Since you have the HXFX, you could easily add all the reverb or delay (or other stuff) after the C4. I've found a lot of my C4 patches to pair excellently with the HX's Dimension chorus model.
There are some pretty good Youtube demos out there, but there's SO much that the C4 can do that even the longer demos really only just scratch the surface. I'd suggest starting with @Proton Lenny's demo first... Zach is a savant when it comes to effects, particularly synth stuff. Definitely check out the whole video, but his Blade Runner patch is a killer example of what the C4 can do for synth pads. (Zach Rizer Blade Runner synth pad)
I feel like the only way to really experience the C4 is to get your hands on one and see if it can do what you want it to do. I'd be surprised if it can't.
But that said, I've included an audio sample of a pad patch I put together with just my HXFX, and the Soundcloud page has a dropbox link for the patch if you want to check it out.
I totally get it. I sit in with an 80's band that uses the Future Impact, and I haven't built out a small board for that band yet (still need to pick up an MC6 for a Stomp > Impact board), so I have to have the Impact off to the side. Definitely a bit more hassle. The C4 would be worth it if you need some killer synth though.
5sg.
Appreciate you taking the time to spell that out and share the samples! Thank you!!!
No sweat, happy to help out. Welcome to the HX Effects, I'm sure you'll have fun!
5sg.
Thanks @joshmmorrison
I've primarily focused more on sounds for the cover bands I play with (one main and a couple sub spots), but I've been quite impressed with what I've tried for synth pads. Even just tinkering around, I can get some really nice swells going, and there are probably some presets in the Neuro community that you could use as a starting point. Add a reverb and/or delay after and there are some incredible soundscapes available. Since you have the HXFX, you could easily add all the reverb or delay (or other stuff) after the C4. I've found a lot of my C4 patches to pair excellently with the HX's Dimension chorus model.
There are some pretty good Youtube demos out there, but there's SO much that the C4 can do that even the longer demos really only just scratch the surface. I'd suggest starting with @Proton Lenny's demo first... Zach is a savant when it comes to effects, particularly synth stuff. Definitely check out the whole video, but his Blade Runner patch is a killer example of what the C4 can do for synth pads. (Zach Rizer Blade Runner synth pad)
I feel like the only way to really experience the C4 is to get your hands on one and see if it can do what you want it to do. I'd be surprised if it can't.
But that said, I've included an audio sample of a pad patch I put together with just my HXFX, and the Soundcloud page has a dropbox link for the patch if you want to check it out.
I totally get it. I sit in with an 80's band that uses the Future Impact, and I haven't built out a small board for that band yet (still need to pick up an MC6 for a Stomp > Impact board), so I have to have the Impact off to the side. Definitely a bit more hassle. The C4 would be worth it if you need some killer synth though.
5sg.
Love this response, as always 5sg, really helpful!
Time to tap into the minds of the HX Effects Geniuses again!
I got to the point of this thread that talk about the Crossovers in the signal split...MY WORD! GAME CHANGER.
When using the crossover to send to an overdrive in the second chain, what frequency do you use as the cutoff?
Additionally...is it possible to have the same block on two separate foot switches but under different settings? For example: My overdrive might be set to mild on one foot switch and then another footswitch ups the drive for that same one?
I got to the point of this thread that talk about the Crossovers in the signal split...MY WORD! GAME CHANGER.
When using the crossover to send to an overdrive in the second chain, what frequency do you use as the cutoff?
Additionally...is it possible to have the same block on two separate foot switches but under different settings? For example: My overdrive might be set to mild on one foot switch and then another footswitch ups the drive for that same one?
Last edited:
Hell yes!! Glad you found that out in here man. It is most def a, very simple and effective, game changer.
Honestly, I just run a crossover wherever it sounds good to my ear. Can’t help you there on a specific answer. But I can tell this, you can totally do what you’re describing in that second query. I think you can store up to 6 (I can’t remember atm!) to one switch. And you can use that one switch to cycle through all the effects you have on that switch and adjust settings where needed. It’s really easy, simple and quick when you learn the pedal. Which doesn’t take that long when you get one in front of you.
