Line 6 HX Effects

[fivestringgecko]

Actually - that makes a lot of sense. Having 9 in a chain and 6 switchable is pretty much what my individual pedal-board was - I used a Zoom MS-60b with my HPF/Comp/Gate always on, with switchable boost, then had dirts, filter & phaser separate.

Same here. That's how I have my main HX patch set up for when I use it as a standalone board. Deluxe comp and Obsidian in the chain as always on, so not assigned to pedals. It actually leaves me with two open slots, one of which I've been using as an FX loop to test out stuff in the loop.

When I build the HX into a board, it'll be a different signal chain entirely though... Just need to figure out some sizing, so I can pull the trigger on the right size board! ha ha

I’ve seen that, I do not know what the issue could be mine is dead quiet. I should say mine is dead quiet unless I have a distortion or drive on then it’s exactly like a high gain pedal noise wise.

Again, same here. Unless I've got an effect on that's supposed to make noise (like a high gain dirt), my HX has proven to be super quiet. It's actually just a shade quieter than my real board. ha ha! (and that board is no slouch... I'm anal about noise in my chain!)

Just modeled a bassmaster. It’s so cool!

Gregmon shared his patch with me and daaaaamnnnnn... that B:ASSMASTER model will rip your face off! ha ha

I've been taking a slightly different approach however. Instead of modeling specific pedals, I've been focusing on dialing up sounds for songs. So far I've got Paul Turner's live down envelope sound for Love With A Little L, pretty much spot on nailed Don't Stop Til You Get Enough (Michael Jackson), a passable Ain't Nobody from Chaka Khan (could probably use just a little tweaking yet), and just tonight started dialing in Jamiroquai's Something About You synth tone on the choruses. That one is proving a little tougher though... still needs a little work, but it's getting late.

Synths
I've tried a few times now, but have come to the conclusion that I just don't like the synths in the HX. Probably because I've been spoiled with my Future Impact, which KILLS. A couple of the synths in the HX are fun for a novelty, but they just don't compare. (Spoiler: the FI will be one of the pedals on my HX board build.

5sg.

 

[gregmon79]

Same here. That's how I have my main HX patch set up for when I use it as a standalone board. Deluxe comp and Obsidian in the chain as always on, so not assigned to pedals. It actually leaves me with two open slots, one of which I've been using as an FX loop to test out stuff in the loop.

When I build the HX into a board, it'll be a different signal chain entirely though... Just need to figure out some sizing, so I can pull the trigger on the right size board! ha ha



Again, same here. Unless I've got an effect on that's supposed to make noise (like a high gain dirt), my HX has proven to be super quiet. It's actually just a shade quieter than my real board. ha ha! (and that board is no slouch... I'm anal about noise in my chain!)



Gregmon shared his patch with me and daaaaamnnnnn... that B:ASSMASTER model will rip your face off! ha ha

I've been taking a slightly different approach however. Instead of modeling specific pedals, I've been focusing on dialing up sounds for songs. So far I've got Paul Turner's live down envelope sound for Love With A Little L, pretty much spot on nailed Don't Stop Til You Get Enough (Michael Jackson), a passable Ain't Nobody from Chaka Khan (could probably use just a little tweaking yet), and just tonight started dialing in Jamiroquai's Something About You synth tone on the choruses. That one is proving a little tougher though... still needs a little work, but it's getting late.

Synths
I've tried a few times now, but have come to the conclusion that I just don't like the synths in the HX. Probably because I've been spoiled with my Future Impact, which KILLS. A couple of the synths in the HX are fun for a novelty, but they just don't compare. (Spoiler: the FI will be one of the pedals on my HX board build.

5sg.

I felt the same way about the synths when I first got the HX. I'd have to say though, as far as traditional bass synths go, they are still a little wonky. With that said, I've learned how to dial in a couple of them, the Synth-O-Matic specifically, and get some really cool and usable sounds. It's all about where you set the pitch for me. Hell, we started writing a new song from a synth the first night I brought it to practice. So that says something to me.

I do wish they put an EHX micro synth in the HX though. Like a straight, more traditional, bass synth. That would be SO COOL!!

 

[Seanbassplayer]

Same here. That's how I have my main HX patch set up for when I use it as a standalone board. Deluxe comp and Obsidian in the chain as always on, so not assigned to pedals. It actually leaves me with two open slots, one of which I've been using as an FX loop to test out stuff in the loop.

When I build the HX into a board, it'll be a different signal chain entirely though... Just need to figure out some sizing, so I can pull the trigger on the right size board! ha ha



Again, same here. Unless I've got an effect on that's supposed to make noise (like a high gain dirt), my HX has proven to be super quiet. It's actually just a shade quieter than my real board. ha ha! (and that board is no slouch... I'm anal about noise in my chain!)



Gregmon shared his patch with me and daaaaamnnnnn... that B:ASSMASTER model will rip your face off! ha ha

I've been taking a slightly different approach however. Instead of modeling specific pedals, I've been focusing on dialing up sounds for songs. So far I've got Paul Turner's live down envelope sound for Love With A Little L, pretty much spot on nailed Don't Stop Til You Get Enough (Michael Jackson), a passable Ain't Nobody from Chaka Khan (could probably use just a little tweaking yet), and just tonight started dialing in Jamiroquai's Something About You synth tone on the choruses. That one is proving a little tougher though... still needs a little work, but it's getting late.

Synths
I've tried a few times now, but have come to the conclusion that I just don't like the synths in the HX. Probably because I've been spoiled with my Future Impact, which KILLS. A couple of the synths in the HX are fun for a novelty, but they just don't compare. (Spoiler: the FI will be one of the pedals on my HX board build.

5sg.

Yeah I tried yesterday without much luck to get a usable synth tone but think it’s cause I don’t know what I’m doing trying to dial it in. I did mess around with the bass octaver with dimension chorus to try get an oc-2 sound and was quite amazed how the chorus really mad a difference over stock bass octaver. I’ve never owned an oc-2 so take that with a grain of salt but have heard lots of demos and can see maybe with some eq tweaking could get you closer. Dialed in @gregmon79 bassmaster fuzz and must say it’s pretty knarly!! Non HX related I messed around more with the bass amps available on the LT and really liking the woody amp combined with 8x10 and 1x18 cabinets. Also I’m really digging the Obsidian and thought I’d miss my original B7k and I don’t and it really does cop it very well and really liking Teemah feeding into it for more grunt and grind!!

 

[Seanbassplayer]

I felt the same way about the synths when I first got the HX. I'd have to say though, as far as traditional bass synths go, they are still a little wonky. With that said, I've learned how to dial in a couple of them, the Synth-O-Matic specifically, and get some really cool and usable sounds. It's all about where you set the pitch for me. Hell, we started writing a new song from a synth the first night I brought it to practice. So that says something to me.

I do wish they put an EHX micro synth in the HX though. Like a straight, more traditional, bass synth. That would be SO COOL!!

Yeah EHX Micro Synth would be an awesome addition for sure!! I wonder when new effects may be added and what they may be?

 

[TheLowDown33]

I agree wrt the synths. I've put an envelope filter in the loop as well as an Octamizer to cover synth duties, but use the HX dirt, chorus, etc. The patches come out pretty well crafted, I must say.

 

[fivestringgecko]

Needed a brain break, so I made a little desktop background(s).

5sg.

 

[been_effected]

Needed a brain break, so I made a little desktop background(s).

5sg.

View attachment 2958126

View attachment 2958127

Saved - these are excellent!

 

[fivestringgecko]

Thanks! I'm thinking there may be more in the future as I keep developing new patches on my HX.

ross.

 

[been_effected]

Also, random off topic question - in the bass synth world, what do people think about the EHX Bass Microsynth?

I know there's love for the Future Impact, I'm just not that keen on it (sorry)

Is there anything else that cops the analog synth vibe well?

 

[fivestringgecko]

Also, random off topic question - in the bass synth world, what do people think about the EHX Bass Microsynth?

I know there's love for the Future Impact, I'm just not that keen on it (sorry)

Is there anything else that cops the analog synth vibe well?

I've never used the BMS personally, but at this point, I'd love to see a model of that in the Helix family... From what I've seen of the BMS in videos, it seems like it would be much more usable personally than the current synth offerings in the HX. No offense to the fine folks at Line 6 of course, the current models just aren't my jam or usable in my current gigs. I feel like a couple would be pretty decent if there were just more controls available to really dig in and tweak tones... you know, like the Bass Micro Synth has.

Out of simple curiosity, how come the Impact doesn't vibe with you?

5sg.

 

[76jazzbass]

Same here. That's how I have my main HX patch set up for when I use it as a standalone board. Deluxe comp and Obsidian in the chain as always on, so not assigned to pedals. It actually leaves me with two open slots, one of which I've been using as an FX loop to test out stuff in the loop.

When I build the HX into a board, it'll be a different signal chain entirely though... Just need to figure out some sizing, so I can pull the trigger on the right size board! ha ha



Again, same here. Unless I've got an effect on that's supposed to make noise (like a high gain dirt), my HX has proven to be super quiet. It's actually just a shade quieter than my real board. ha ha! (and that board is no slouch... I'm anal about noise in my chain!)



Gregmon shared his patch with me and daaaaamnnnnn... that B:ASSMASTER model will rip your face off! ha ha

I've been taking a slightly different approach however. Instead of modeling specific pedals, I've been focusing on dialing up sounds for songs. So far I've got Paul Turner's live down envelope sound for Love With A Little L, pretty much spot on nailed Don't Stop Til You Get Enough (Michael Jackson), a passable Ain't Nobody from Chaka Khan (could probably use just a little tweaking yet), and just tonight started dialing in Jamiroquai's Something About You synth tone on the choruses. That one is proving a little tougher though... still needs a little work, but it's getting late.

Synths
I've tried a few times now, but have come to the conclusion that I just don't like the synths in the HX. Probably because I've been spoiled with my Future Impact, which KILLS. A couple of the synths in the HX are fun for a novelty, but they just don't compare. (Spoiler: the FI will be one of the pedals on my HX board build.

5sg.

The FI is a great addition to the HX. Here is my setup that I lve gigged with for last couple weekends. The one expression pedal is connected to the HX and the other to the Wonderlove. The bare metal pedal is my rehoused FI. There are a ton of tonal possibilities and I'm really enjoying it. You have to try it. I am still working out some presets and getting levels set but I'm pretty with this configuration. I need to spend some time getting the HX to control the FI.

 

[gregmon79]

Also, random off topic question - in the bass synth world, what do people think about the EHX Bass Microsynth?

I know there's love for the Future Impact, I'm just not that keen on it (sorry)

Is there anything else that cops the analog synth vibe well?

The micro synth is a great bass synth. I always hear the older vintage ones are the ones that sound the best because of the filter in it. But then I hear the XO (I think that’s the series type) is pretty good too.

It’s not easy finding a really good synth in a pedal. Not to say there aren’t good ones out there. But to pull off good synth stuff it’s best to get an actual synth imo. I’ve tried a small handful so I’m no expert. But of all the ones I’ve tried i couldn’t find one that I liked a lot. The zoom ms60b was the one I actually liked the most. But then I’ve jever tried a future impact or the original one. I hear those are pretty damn good. But then I hear the banana effects one is awesome too. Never tried that one either though. So synths are tough. They are for me anyway. I’m enjoying the synth-o-matic atm though

 

[gregmon79]

Man, I gotta say guys, I really love running some fuzzes in path B with the A/B split. It’s so cool how it blends them. You can hear your string attack in the fuzz still but it’s blended so well and has this big, solid, punchy bottom end. Such a great feature.

 

[Seanbassplayer]

The FI is a great addition to the HX. Here is my setup that I lve gigged with for last couple weekends. The one expression pedal is connected to the HX and the other to the Wonderlove. The bare metal pedal is my rehoused FI. There are a ton of tonal possibilities and I'm really enjoying it. You have to try it. I am still working out some presets and getting levels set but I'm pretty with this configuration. I need to spend some time getting the HX to control the FI.

I don't think your pic uploaded? That FI pedal sounds so good and love the sounds that come outta that thing, apparently tracking is phenomenal and would love to try it one day. Not to mention the sharing of patches available I think it'd worth every penny. What would be super amazing is if those type algorithms were available for the Helix holy smokie!! Maybe rabbitt... just maybe Line 6 do have these polyphinic experts so you never know...

 

[Seanbassplayer]

The micro synth is a great bass synth. I always hear the older vintage ones are the ones that sound the best because of the filter in it. But then I hear the XO (I think that’s the series type) is pretty good too.

It’s not easy finding a really good synth in a pedal. Not to say there aren’t good ones out there. But to pull off good synth stuff it’s best to get an actual synth imo. I’ve tried a small handful so I’m no expert. But of all the ones I’ve tried i couldn’t find one that I liked a lot. The zoom ms60b was the one I actually liked the most. But then I’ve jever tried a future impact or the original one. I hear those are pretty damn good. But then I hear the banana effects one is awesome too. Never tried that one either though. So synths are tough. They are for me anyway. I’m enjoying the synth-o-matic atm though

Yeah that bannana one sounds great too but man it's small eh! Not that size matters lol or does it haha

 

[76jazzbass]

I have an old big box BMS and also an XO version. Love them both. There isn't a huge difference but the older one sounds better. Doubt anyone would notice in a live situation. There are great pedals and their biggest drawback is not having presets but it's easy to quickly make changes.
Here is my XO etched by @JonnyAngle and modded by @Azure Skies for stop frequency mod and top jacks.

 

[Seanbassplayer]

Man, I gotta say guys, I really love running some fuzzes in path B with the A/B split. It’s so cool how it blends them. You can hear your string attack in the fuzz still but it’s blended so well and has this big, solid, punchy bottom end. Such a great feature.

Totally man there's a preset in the LT called Parralle Fuzz and same principal and like you said it blends it sooo well. I saved it to a personal preset I like it that much.

 

[JonnyAngle]

I have an old big box BMS and also an XO version. Love them both. There isn't a huge difference but the older one sounds better. Doubt anyone would notice in a live situation. There are great pedals and their biggest drawback is not having presets but it's easy to quickly make changes.
Here is my XO etched by @JonnyAngle and modded by @Azure Skies for stop frequency mod and top jacks.

View attachment 2958447

A classic! I’ve never played the big box ones but with those power requirements?????

 

[gregmon79]

Yeah that bannana one sounds great too but man it's small eh! Not that size matters lol or does it haha

I’m amazed at how much they fit in that little thing. But it sure sounds really good to me. So I don’t believe size matters at all in this case.

 

[76jazzbass]

I don't think your pic uploaded? That FI pedal sounds so good and love the sounds that come outta that thing, apparently tracking is phenomenal and would love to try it one day. Not to mention the sharing of patches available I think it'd worth every penny. What would be super amazing is if those type algorithms were available for the Helix holy smokie!! Maybe rabbitt... just maybe Line 6 do have these polyphinic experts so you never know...

Oops...

A classic! I’ve never played the big box ones but with those power requirements?????

Yeah, it's huge and the power is a pita but such a fun pedal.