I miss the mix knob in the OD, distortions and fuzzes, so you can use the paralel path for doing other things like to effect a guitar simultaneously
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Line 6 HX Effects
- Thread starter ChubbyJerk
- Start date
I also have some scribble strip covers and colored rings for the outputs on the back coming. Should be here next week. I’ll post some picks post bling
What did you get and where did you order from?
Here ya go
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I just realized this is just for skins. But this guys sells screen protectors and colored rings for the jacks too. I’ll get another link up here in a sec.
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The more I think about it, the more I want something like an HX-DI even more than an HX-LT. Similar setup and function to something like a GK Plex, EHX Battalion, etc.
Pipe dream mode on.
1) Amp and cab sims only for models. Maybe EQ and/or Dynamics (compression) models as well (both the Plex and Battalion have compression). Gotta be careful about cannibalization of the rest of the line, but I don't think adding compression is too much. Utility models only.
2) 1 line input, 1 output, DI/XLR out
3) USB audio interface - as the de facto last in line of your chain, I think this makes sense
4) Tuner, obviously
5) You probably need 4 switches. In patch selection mode, 2 for up/down, 2 for patch selection. In play mode, 1 for Tuner, 1 for Mode, 1 to bypass the amp modeling. Maybe the 4th is for cab bypass, or compression if available.
6) So at most 3 models running at one time: amp, cab, and compression. Or 2: amp/cab combo and compression. Or 2 with just an amp and cab as separate blocks. Or 1 with just an amp/cab combo.
7) Not sure about the screens. Probably no scribble strip, just one small screen for menu navigation and patch selection.
Even if you take the HX and add an HX-DI, you're still leaving out a bunch of stuff from the LT and Helix (expression pedal, some screens, a bunch of I/O), so I think you can make a case for it not being too much of the main Helix's functionality at too low of a cost, but...dunno.
(Cough... @Digital Igloo ...cough)
Pipe dream mode on.
1) Amp and cab sims only for models. Maybe EQ and/or Dynamics (compression) models as well (both the Plex and Battalion have compression). Gotta be careful about cannibalization of the rest of the line, but I don't think adding compression is too much. Utility models only.
2) 1 line input, 1 output, DI/XLR out
3) USB audio interface - as the de facto last in line of your chain, I think this makes sense
4) Tuner, obviously
5) You probably need 4 switches. In patch selection mode, 2 for up/down, 2 for patch selection. In play mode, 1 for Tuner, 1 for Mode, 1 to bypass the amp modeling. Maybe the 4th is for cab bypass, or compression if available.
6) So at most 3 models running at one time: amp, cab, and compression. Or 2: amp/cab combo and compression. Or 2 with just an amp and cab as separate blocks. Or 1 with just an amp/cab combo.
7) Not sure about the screens. Probably no scribble strip, just one small screen for menu navigation and patch selection.
Even if you take the HX and add an HX-DI, you're still leaving out a bunch of stuff from the LT and Helix (expression pedal, some screens, a bunch of I/O), so I think you can make a case for it not being too much of the main Helix's functionality at too low of a cost, but...dunno.
(Cough... @Digital Igloo ...cough)
Oops forgot that the Helix HX doesn't have compressor, I guess then I'll replace the Tech21 with the PLEX.
That should solve point 1-2-3
There are compressors. Don't let my talk about my made-up HX-DI pipe dream fake never gonna happen pedal confuse you.
Sorry.
yeah, my mistake.
LOL, yeah. You tend to do so lately!!
anyway, this is exactly how I want my board. No amps or cabs models, just the Tech 21VT BDI and the effects. That's it.
as for the tuner, I might add the mini TC electronic that's in my drawer.
This is really all you need. My board should drastically change after this weekend.
It's been caught already, but yeah, the HX has comps. And they are pretty darn good too.
I'm now really looking forward to the Line 6 HX mini (MS-60B size) and the Line 6 HXn due (with DI and headphone out and aux in plus additional cab sims) both "due out" early to mid 20XX...
I will be very tempted to get both
I will be very tempted to get both
I'm now really looking forward to the Line 6 HX mini (MS-60B size) and the Line 6 HXn due (with DI and headphone out and aux in plus additional cab sims) both "due out" early to mid 20XX...
I will be very tempted to get both
There you go!
I'm now really looking forward to the Line 6 HX mini (MS-60B size) and the Line 6 HXn due (with DI and headphone out and aux in plus additional cab sims) both "due out" early to mid 20XX...
I will be very tempted to get both
Don't forget wireless/BT support!!
Welp, I just picked up an HX myself. I'm excited to put through the paces, and likely a gig this weekend if I can get it together by then.
If you’re somewhat familiar with digital interfaces I bet you could be ready to gig it this weekend. Not sure about snapshot setups and so forth, but I know you’re pretty knowledgeable with effects so you very well could be using it this weekend at a gig.
Hey come on back and give us your initial impressions if you get the chance! I’m looking forward to hearing what you think of it.
HX Report from the Field (a.k.a. Another 5sg. brain dump continued from here. Part I here. 
)
Well, unlike @gregmon79, I just jumped in feet first
... and brought it to rehearsal with my 14-piece funk/rock cover band last night. I was itching to get it into a live mix, and was quite impressed with how the HX handled itself. Like, it seems to rival the real pedalboard I've spent a ton of money and time putting together. Dare I say it... the HX may be getting closer to possibly replacing my full pedalboard, 
and I've only had it for a week. It's definitely changed my thinking on my new board build.
The feature you didn't know you want until you try it live.
Editing by foot. Seriously, totally caught off guard by how @#$%&! cool this feature is. I read about it in the manual and thought to myself: "Why the h3ll would they add that?" But it's actually REALLY handy. You can edit your patches (all parameters) on the fly, by foot, while you're still playing with the band. Let that sink in for a minute, because for me it was an "I won't be able to go back to normal effects" moment. I was comparing a couple envelope filters during a couple songs, and I was able to make adjustments without stopping, making adjustments by hand, and trying to catch back up with the band. Playing live, and need to make a quick adjustment? You can do that now.
Yes, more thoughts on Filters
lol
I'm a self admitted filter junkie... I've owned or tried 36 different envelope filters and my trusty Proton V2 is what I always come back to. On the HX, I started with the Mutant Filter (filter #37? lol) and was reasonably happy with it, but was thinking that the Proton would be something I'd have to keep on board. The big thing for me with Filters is Decay time, and the Mutant wasn't closing fast enough for my taste. So just for kicks, I started exploring, and happened to compare the Mutant with the Auto Filter (#38! ha ha) last night. The Auto Filter easily rivals the 3Leaf. The Key: Auto Filter has programmable attack and decay speeds (how fast the filter opens and closes) so I can get a nice quick decay on notes. I don't think I'll get rid of the Proton completely because it's been king of the hill for so long, but it's yet another pedal that the HX can handily replace.
We don't need no stinking preamps
I set up my current main patch to mimic my main board, which has a Vintage Ultra at the end of the chain as a preamp. So in the HX, I added a hidden Obsidian at the end of the signal flow with the dirt turned off and it killed. Would the amp/cab models from the Helix be nice to have? Sure. But between a model like the Obsidian and IRs, I don't think I'll feel deprived in the slightest.
iPads and ForScore and Light control. Oh my!
The keyboard player for my band is a gear nut as well, so in conversation with him and the guitarist (who has a Helix Floor), we figured out that we could actually send MIDI controls from our iPads to our HX/Helix. We all use ForScore for charts, and our keys player has figured out that he can assign a MIDI send to a specific chart in ForScore, which then changes his keyboard patches for him. So in theory, we could do the same with the HX... pull up a chart in ForScore and it automatically sends patch change info to the HX.
One step further: get this... referring back to our discussion on controlling lights with the HX, we came to the consensus that by programming MIDI sends into HX presets, the HX could probably in turn send MIDI signals to control light changes.... all just by changing charts in ForScore. Still just currently a theory of course, because we haven't been able to try any of it to confirm.
You don't need scuba gear for menu diving
The HX definitely takes some programming and dialing, but I don't really view it any differently than a board full of single effects. Even with individual pedals, one can really spend time dialing and tweaking to get everything working together the way they want. Doing it in a virtual space on the HX isn't difficult, because it's organized so well. Even in the middle of a hectic rehearsal getting ready for a pair of higher profile gigs, I was able to swap models in and out to try, make adjustments by hand (or foot! ha!), and generally zip around the menu system with ease.
But... it's not boutique!!!
Talkbass can sometimes be a fickle bunch of cork sniffers when it comes to "OMG I gotta have the boutique!" mentality (which I do admit to having been part of on occasion), but anyone overlooking the HX (or Helix family) simply because it says Line 6 on it is seriously missing out. I originally bought the HX as something I could put on my board to cover the effects I hardly ever use, the one-offs that I don't want to justify pedalboard space for. But the HX keeps continuing to impress me with what it can do and how it sounds, proving that I definitely underestimated this burly little box.
I do already find myself wishing it had an XLR though.
More thoughts/updates as I continue to spend time with this surprising little box that caught me off guard.
5sg.
)Well, unlike @gregmon79, I just jumped in feet first
... and brought it to rehearsal with my 14-piece funk/rock cover band last night. I was itching to get it into a live mix, and was quite impressed with how the HX handled itself. Like, it seems to rival the real pedalboard I've spent a ton of money and time putting together. Dare I say it... the HX may be getting closer to possibly replacing my full pedalboard, and I've only had it for a week. It's definitely changed my thinking on my new board build.The feature you didn't know you want until you try it live.
Editing by foot. Seriously, totally caught off guard by how @#$%&! cool this feature is. I read about it in the manual and thought to myself: "Why the h3ll would they add that?" But it's actually REALLY handy. You can edit your patches (all parameters) on the fly, by foot, while you're still playing with the band. Let that sink in for a minute, because for me it was an "I won't be able to go back to normal effects" moment. I was comparing a couple envelope filters during a couple songs, and I was able to make adjustments without stopping, making adjustments by hand, and trying to catch back up with the band. Playing live, and need to make a quick adjustment? You can do that now.
Yes, more thoughts on Filters
lolI'm a self admitted filter junkie... I've owned or tried 36 different envelope filters and my trusty Proton V2 is what I always come back to. On the HX, I started with the Mutant Filter (filter #37? lol) and was reasonably happy with it, but was thinking that the Proton would be something I'd have to keep on board. The big thing for me with Filters is Decay time, and the Mutant wasn't closing fast enough for my taste. So just for kicks, I started exploring, and happened to compare the Mutant with the Auto Filter (#38! ha ha) last night. The Auto Filter easily rivals the 3Leaf. The Key: Auto Filter has programmable attack and decay speeds (how fast the filter opens and closes) so I can get a nice quick decay on notes. I don't think I'll get rid of the Proton completely because it's been king of the hill for so long, but it's yet another pedal that the HX can handily replace.
We don't need no stinking preamps
I set up my current main patch to mimic my main board, which has a Vintage Ultra at the end of the chain as a preamp. So in the HX, I added a hidden Obsidian at the end of the signal flow with the dirt turned off and it killed. Would the amp/cab models from the Helix be nice to have? Sure. But between a model like the Obsidian and IRs, I don't think I'll feel deprived in the slightest.
iPads and ForScore and Light control. Oh my!
The keyboard player for my band is a gear nut as well, so in conversation with him and the guitarist (who has a Helix Floor), we figured out that we could actually send MIDI controls from our iPads to our HX/Helix. We all use ForScore for charts, and our keys player has figured out that he can assign a MIDI send to a specific chart in ForScore, which then changes his keyboard patches for him. So in theory, we could do the same with the HX... pull up a chart in ForScore and it automatically sends patch change info to the HX.
One step further: get this... referring back to our discussion on controlling lights with the HX, we came to the consensus that by programming MIDI sends into HX presets, the HX could probably in turn send MIDI signals to control light changes.... all just by changing charts in ForScore. Still just currently a theory of course, because we haven't been able to try any of it to confirm.
You don't need scuba gear for menu diving
The HX definitely takes some programming and dialing, but I don't really view it any differently than a board full of single effects. Even with individual pedals, one can really spend time dialing and tweaking to get everything working together the way they want. Doing it in a virtual space on the HX isn't difficult, because it's organized so well. Even in the middle of a hectic rehearsal getting ready for a pair of higher profile gigs, I was able to swap models in and out to try, make adjustments by hand (or foot! ha!), and generally zip around the menu system with ease.
But... it's not boutique!!!
Talkbass can sometimes be a fickle bunch of cork sniffers when it comes to "OMG I gotta have the boutique!" mentality (which I do admit to having been part of on occasion), but anyone overlooking the HX (or Helix family) simply because it says Line 6 on it is seriously missing out. I originally bought the HX as something I could put on my board to cover the effects I hardly ever use, the one-offs that I don't want to justify pedalboard space for. But the HX keeps continuing to impress me with what it can do and how it sounds, proving that I definitely underestimated this burly little box.
I do already find myself wishing it had an XLR though.
More thoughts/updates as I continue to spend time with this surprising little box that caught me off guard.
5sg.
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Anyone considering this ou the full Helix, don't forget you can install a 15 day trial version of Helix Native on Mac/PC. I've been giving it a go myself and find the following so far:
Overdrives: The legacy ones are mostly lacklustre but the Teemah (Timmy), Compulsive Drive (OCD), and Obsidian (B7K) from the Helix set are all outstanding on bass. Definitely the best digital drive sounds I've heard, I would be happy using these for sure.
Octaver: No classic bass octave down in the standard range but the legacy Bass Octaver is excellent. Doesn't sound anything like an OC-2 but it's fat, sounds great blended with the dry signal, and tracks well with low latency. The simple/dual pitch from the Helix effects offer a decent POG-like effect.
Filters: The Tron Up / Tron Down from the legacy range are pretty good and walk all over the filters from the new FX selection. Still prefer my Fwonkbeta and Discombobulator though!
Phasers: There is a Script Phase 90 on offer, but unfortunately not my two favourites the Block Phase 90 and Small Stone.
Overall, not quite enough there to make me ditch my pedal board just yet!
Overdrives: The legacy ones are mostly lacklustre but the Teemah (Timmy), Compulsive Drive (OCD), and Obsidian (B7K) from the Helix set are all outstanding on bass. Definitely the best digital drive sounds I've heard, I would be happy using these for sure.
Octaver: No classic bass octave down in the standard range but the legacy Bass Octaver is excellent. Doesn't sound anything like an OC-2 but it's fat, sounds great blended with the dry signal, and tracks well with low latency. The simple/dual pitch from the Helix effects offer a decent POG-like effect.
Filters: The Tron Up / Tron Down from the legacy range are pretty good and walk all over the filters from the new FX selection. Still prefer my Fwonkbeta and Discombobulator though!
Phasers: There is a Script Phase 90 on offer, but unfortunately not my two favourites the Block Phase 90 and Small Stone.
Overall, not quite enough there to make me ditch my pedal board just yet!
