Very nice! Question though why did you change out the enclosure for th FI, if I was to guess i think I read somewhere it was plastic shell but I could be wrong.. I just revisited some FI videos and really gassin for one again. uh oh...
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Line 6 HX Effects
- Thread starter ChubbyJerk
- Start date
It's huge. Its just about twice the size of the rehouse and pretty ugly
I also like having the ability to move the footswitches around my board.
I'd be curious to see if that preset is on the HX, too. I should probably take a look at the factory patches in the HX... Have had mine over a month and still haven't even looked at the names for the Line 6 presets...
Ha ha5sg.
When doing this, how do you guys setup the merge block in order to keep the signal levels unity when you engage/disengage your parallel distortion blocks?
For example, if you take a drive block from path 1A and drag it down to path 1B, while having the merge block (all levels 0db and channels center balanced) placed before other blocks, you get a BOOSTED signal level. This is really evident when engaging/disengaging the distortion, especially when having the merge block in front of a input sensitive block, like an amp model (I run the Helix LT version). This makes it really difficullt to use the parallel splits like a "blender" pedal-loop where you can set the mix of the distortion loop, and engage/disangage those pedals, while keeping unity gain. I know this has something to do with how splitting and merging two mono or stereo signals will increase the signal level by X db (I think it´s around 3db for mono and 6db for stereo) and panning law, but I can´t really make it work within the Helix.
Anybody that also noticed this and know how to work around it?
What I ultimately would like to do is to have some fx blocks, then a parallel split with some dist/fuzz on path 1B, set the mix of those to my "clean" signal 1A, but then also being able to disengage my distortion while remaining unity so I don´t clip anything downstream (like an amp block or a comp). By unity I mean the signal level compared to not running parallel paths.
Looks like I'm not the only one who ran into this problem. Basically a Y split duplicates your signal and if you just bypass the effects on the parallel chain, the clean signal will still go through.When doing this, how do you guys setup the merge block in order to keep the signal levels unity when you engage/disengage your parallel distortion blocks?
For example, if you take a drive block from path 1A and drag it down to path 1B, while having the merge block (all levels 0db and channels center balanced) placed before other blocks, you get a BOOSTED signal level. This is really evident when engaging/disengaging the distortion, especially when having the merge block in front of a input sensitive block, like an amp model (I run the Helix LT version). This makes it really difficullt to use the parallel splits like a "blender" pedal-loop where you can set the mix of the distortion loop, and engage/disangage those pedals, while keeping unity gain. I know this has something to do with how splitting and merging two mono or stereo signals will increase the signal level by X db (I think it´s around 3db for mono and 6db for stereo) and panning law, but I can´t really make it work within the Helix.
Anybody that also noticed this and know how to work around it?
What I ultimately would like to do is to have some fx blocks, then a parallel split with some dist/fuzz on path 1B, set the mix of those to my "clean" signal 1A, but then also being able to disengage my distortion while remaining unity so I don´t clip anything downstream (like an amp block or a comp). By unity I mean the signal level compared to not running parallel paths.
What you need to do here is figure out how you want to mute the parallel path when you're not using anything on it.
If you need the Y split, you could control the level of the distortion to mute it, instead of bypassing it.
Another option would be to use an A/B split and play with the balance between the two paths.
Currently I'm using effects in the effect loops on the parallel path, so I just use separate send and return blocks instead of the one block fxloop and when I bypass the send block, it cuts the signal.
That actually makes perfect sense! So when using a Y split I could just put in a gain block that totaly cuts of the signal from path B when I disengage my drive block? Does it make any difference if the gain block is placed first or last in path B? hmm... Or maybe its just easier to connect the A/B split or the merge block level to the same foot switch as the drive block...
But doesn´t the signal also get boosted while having the distortion block on just by merging two signals? How do you deal with that?
Btw what do you find to be the easiest way to blend in drive signals? the A/B split or merge block? I honestly think that the A/B split just lets you change how much signal that feeds IN to each path and not controlling the mix of each path Output. The later would be far better and convenient for this application!
I don't have my HX with me now, but check the mixer point settings for each type of split, it has different settings in each mode. It should not matter where you cut the signal, unless you're running a noisy effect (some OD with high gain) where you only cut the input, as some noise might remain.
You're right about leaving path A on, I forgot that I set up an expression pedal control for the mix of path A.
The reason I cannot give specific instructions is that there are so many ways to achieve what you want. Since about every parameter can be assigned to controllers (either exp pedal or buttons), I would advise experimenting and seeing which method is most comfortable for you.
When doing this, how do you guys setup the merge block in order to keep the signal levels unity when you engage/disengage your parallel distortion blocks?
For example, if you take a drive block from path 1A and drag it down to path 1B, while having the merge block (all levels 0db and channels center balanced) placed before other blocks, you get a BOOSTED signal level. This is really evident when engaging/disengaging the distortion, especially when having the merge block in front of a input sensitive block, like an amp model (I run the Helix LT version). This makes it really difficullt to use the parallel splits like a "blender" pedal-loop where you can set the mix of the distortion loop, and engage/disangage those pedals, while keeping unity gain. I know this has something to do with how splitting and merging two mono or stereo signals will increase the signal level by X db (I think it´s around 3db for mono and 6db for stereo) and panning law, but I can´t really make it work within the Helix.
Anybody that also noticed this and know how to work around it?
What I ultimately would like to do is to have some fx blocks, then a parallel split with some dist/fuzz on path 1B, set the mix of those to my "clean" signal 1A, but then also being able to disengage my distortion while remaining unity so I don´t clip anything downstream (like an amp block or a comp). By unity I mean the signal level compared to not running parallel paths.
I just played with it till I got what I wanted
I just played with it till I got what I wanted
Yeah same here. That’s like the only thing that I havn’t figured out yet. My only complaints on the HELIX LT are that the distortions doesn’t have a ”mix” controll (like all the other fx) and that there’s no Sansamp RBI/Bddi models. Orherwise it’s really great. Hopefully we bass players get some more love in a future update!
I haven’t really gotten to any points where I was like, “man, this really stinks on bass”. I’ll admit, there are a couple fuzz models that are pretty thin. But then I can just run it parallel or add EQ. That’s worked well for me so far. I do agree with you though in that I wish there were a few more bass specific models. The BDDI as well as a few other very bass centric popular pedals would be awesome. And hopefully with future updates we’ll see some of that stuff.
This is one reason why I still have all my preamps and dirt pedals. But having said that now, I am using the HX mainly for delay, mod, synths and odds and ends like trem and ring mod. The other reason why I kept all my dirt onboard is because I realized it was a lot easier to build banks/patches if I left the dirt out. I was running out of room too fast. Because I would use the dirt in the HX. That’s how much I like it. It all depends on what people use it for. And I always remember the HX was built as a pedal board “supplement” to an existing setup. I never thought I would replace my entire board. Not to say this is what you’re saying you want. But I know it helps me when building patches and using the HX to remember this stuff. If I wanted more I’ll just get the Floor unit.
Just a head's up:
@Chace90 clued me in to a report of someone over at The Gearpage powering their HX with a Zuma R300.
Invalid Link Removed
5sg.
@Chace90 clued me in to a report of someone over at The Gearpage powering their HX with a Zuma R300.
Invalid Link Removed
5sg.
I'm really hoping new effects are gonna be added soon..not complaining at all, there's a poop tonne and haven't messed with every effect yet but I would really like to see polyphonic octave blocks and some better synth blocks. Say EHX Hog 2 and EHX Bass Micro Synth. Just those two and I'd be happier than a pig in poopie.
I hear ya brother. And I concur. The HX is still keeping me highly entertained and inspired. OTOH, I would really like to see some more of these types of things on it improved upon and or added. Especially a POG2 or the like. I had a POG2 on my board for years. I rarely ever used it. But I still miss it when it's gone simply because it can do some really cool stuff that you can't really find anywhere else. So if that was in the HX, my life would feel complete
add an EHX BMS, holy crap I've be overflowing with joy!!! haha
Haha ya man you know it!! Unfortunately as pointed out earlier in the thread, if it's true that Line 6 new polyphonic team is releasing to a new product before implementing into the Helix family. Hopefully sooner than later as Line 6 updates firmware bugs and fixes are released pretty quick.. I think it's been like 3 or 4 updates in the past few months so I think that's great they are on it to keep their products working good and keeping their customers happy.I hear ya brother. And I concur. The HX is still keeping me highly entertained and inspired. OTOH, I would really like to see some more of these types of things on it improved upon and or added. Especially a POG2 or the like. I had a POG2 on my board for years. I rarely ever used it. But I still miss it when it's gone simply because it can do some really cool stuff that you can't really find anywhere else. So if that was in the HX, my life would feel complete
Considering they just released 2.50 with all the legacy effects and a few other new additions in January, I wouldn't count on any other new effects coming too soon. I don't know what the major release cycle is (being new to the Line 6 Helix/HX stuff myself), so maybe someone else has some insight? How often do they actually add new effects?
I know support and product life are very import to Line 6 and thus far they've done an amazing job keeping the Helix relevant with updates and additions.
+1 for the polyphonic stuff, I see this as the only shortcoming in these products. EHX POG, in some form or another, has been out for several years (2005, says that article on Reverb). Line 6 is a bit behind the curve on that front. But hey, that's what the effects loops are for, right?
I know support and product life are very import to Line 6 and thus far they've done an amazing job keeping the Helix relevant with updates and additions.
+1 for the polyphonic stuff, I see this as the only shortcoming in these products. EHX POG, in some form or another, has been out for several years (2005, says that article on Reverb). Line 6 is a bit behind the curve on that front. But hey, that's what the effects loops are for, right?
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Also not fond of the power adapter. It's short, bulky, and awkward. @fivestringgecko and I have discussed this at some length. Considering trying the current doubler route on my Zuma. Even if they lowered the price of replacement adapters, I'd be happier on that front.
I am able to power my HX from my Truetone CS7 9v 500ma out with 2 of the plugs provided. The red and green one. Really made my day when I found that. And it worked.
