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Helix Floor Firmware

 Helix/HX 3.71: (released January 11, 2024) includes several bug fixes, and is strongly recommended for all users.

Please follow or copy and paste this link into a browser of your choice to view the full release notes.

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave, macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur, macOS Monterey, Windows 11, macOS Ventura, macOS Sonoma
( 41 MB )
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Firmware      

Helix Floor Firmware

 Helix/HX 3.70: The Original Amp Update (released November 16, 2023) includes 10 new amps, 9 new cabs, 5 new effects, new features, and bug fixes, and is strongly recommended for all users.

Please follow or copy and paste this link into a browser of your choice to view the full release notes.

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave, macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur, macOS Monterey, Windows 11, macOS Ventura, macOS Sonoma
( 41 MB )
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Firmware      

 

 Helix/HX 3.60: The Grammatico Update (released April 25, 2023) includes 3 new amps, 9 new cabs, 2 new effects, additional improvements, and bug fixes, and is strongly recommended for all users.

Please follow this link or click the link above to view the full release notes.

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave, macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur, macOS Monterey, Windows 11, macOS Ventura, macOS Sonoma
( 34 MB )
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Firmware      

 

Helix/HX 3.50 (released November 3, 2022) includes 24 new cabs running on an all new cab engine, 5 new amps, 7 new effects, new features, additional improvements, and bug fixes, and is strongly recommended for all users.

 

How do I update to 3.50?

IMPORTANT! The 3.50 update process may take 30 MINUTES OR MORE TO COMPLETE. This is totally normal, as it includes significant improvements to Helix Core and thousands of IR files.

 

Updating Helix/HX Hardware

  1. With Helix/HX connected to your computer, launch HX Edit (3.01 or higher), and make sure you're signed in. HX Edit knows when a new update is available and will walk you through the entire update procedure for both hardware and software, including backing up everything to your computer. IMPORTANT! If you're running HX Edit 3.00 or older, download HX Edit 3.50 and repeat step 1.
  2. Helix Floor/Rack/LT only: Halfway through the update to 3.50, Helix's LCD reads "Boot Failure. Entered Update Mode!" THIS IS NORMAL. Breathe deep, everything is fine. You're almost there.
    • MoveAlong.jpg.178f5fc3b9e6bdeec47d4a5935e47444.jpg
    • HX Edit will display a message indicating the device must be reset. Click resume and wait for the second part of the update to complete.
  3. Perform a factory reset. IMPORTANT! MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A BACKUP FIRST, AS A FACTORY RESET WILL ERASE ALL YOUR WORK!
    • Helix Floor/LT: While holding footswitches 9 & 10 (bottom row, 2 middle switches), turn on Helix Floor/LT
    • Helix Rack: While holding knobs 5 & 6 (2 furthest right knobs below the screen), turn on Helix Rack
    • HX Effects: While holding footswitches 6 & TAP (2 farthest right switches on the bottom row), turn on HX Effects
    • HX Stomp: While holding footswitches 2 & 3, turn on HX Stomp
    • HX Stomp XL: While holding footswitches C & D, turn on HX Stomp
  4. OPTIONAL: Performing a factory reset loads the new 3.50 Factory Presets, but restoring from your backup will overwrite these. Spend some time exploring these and export the factory presets you want to keep (or drag them to your desktop). If you have unused setlists in Helix Floor/Rack/LT, you can also export the entire FACTORY 1 bundle for loading into an unused setlist later.
  5. From the top File menu, select Restore From Backup... If you don't have any important presets in Setlist 1, click the disclosure triangle next to Presets and uncheck the first setlist's box; this will retain 3.50's FACTORY 1 setlist. Select the backup file created in Step 1 and click Restore Backup.

NOTE: Presets created in 3.50 are not compatible with earlier firmware versions.

 

I updated but why don't I see [Model X] in HX Edit?

HX Edit can't magically pull new model names and graphics from your Helix/HX hardware; you must update HX Edit as well (which you would've done had you followed "How do I update to 3.50?" above).

 

My Helix/HX is at version X.XX. Can I go straight to 3.50?

Yes, but note that if you're starting from 2.80 or lower, the update will appear to happen twice and will take notably longer than 30 minutes. This is normal.

 

 

All New Cab Engine/New Cabs in 3.50

Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL

 

image.png

 

Thousands of impulses were captured with Sound Design's all new IR capture system and consolidated into 20 guitar cabs and 4 bass cabs. As such, cab subcategories have been updated:

  • Single—One new cab
  • Dual—Two new cabs
  • Legacy Single—One older Hybrid cab
  • Legacy Dual—Two older Hybrid cabs

Amp+Cab subcategories have been updated as well:

  • Guitar—Guitar Amp+new cab
  • Bass—Bass Amp+new cab
  • Guitar+Legacy—Guitar Amp+older Hybrid cab
  • Bass+Legacy—Bass Amp+older Hybrid cab

 

With Cab > Dual blocks, you can now also choose whether changing the first cab automatically recalls a matching cab for the second.

  1. From the Global Settings menu, select the Preferences page.
  2. Press PAGE> until you see Link Dual Cabs. When set to "On" (default), changing the first cab automatically loads a matching cab for the second. Choose this option if you want to emulate the sound of two different mics (or two of the same mic with different angles or positions) on the same cab. When set to "Off," both cabs are completely independent of one another.
  3. Alternatively, in HX Edit (and Helix Native), click the Link Dual Cabs icon. Off (left) and On (right):

 

Cab_Link.jpg

 

New Guitar Cabs

Cabs_Gutiar.jpg

 

Cab > 1x10 US Princess (Single, Dual), captured from* the 1x10" Fender Princeton Eminence Copperhead

Cab > 1x12 Grammatico (Single, Dual), captured from* the 1x12" Grammatico LaGrange P12Q

Cab > 1x12 US Deluxe (Single, Dual), captured from* the 1×12″ Fender® Deluxe Oxford

Cab > 1x12 Cali EXT (Single, Dual), captured from* the 1x12" Mesa Boogie Extension Cab

Cab > 2x12 Blue Bell (Single, Dual), captured from* the 2×12″ Vox® AC-30 Fawn Blue

Cab > 2x12 Double C12N (Single, Dual), captured from* the 2×12″ Fender Twin C12N

Cab > 2x12 Jazz Rivet (Single, Dual), captured from* the 2×12″ Roland® JC-120

Cab > 2x12 Mail C12Q (Single, Dual), captured from* the 2×12″ Silvertone® 1484

Cab > 2x12 Mandarin 30 (Single, Dual), captured from* the 2x12" Orange PPC212 V30

Cab > 4x10 Tweed P10R (Single, Dual), captured from* the 4×10″ Fender Bassman® P10R

Cab > 4x12 Greenback25 (Single, Dual), captured from* the 4×12″ Marshall® Basketweave G12 M25

Cab > 4x12 1960A T75 (Single, Dual), captured from* the 4×12″ Marshall 1960A T75

Cab > 4x12 Blackback 30 (Single, Dual), captured from* the 4×12″ Park® 75 G12 H30

Cab > 4x12 Brit V30 (Single, Dual), captured from* the 4×12″ Marshall® 1960AV V30

Cab > 4x12 Cali V30 (Single, Dual), captured from* the 4×12″ MESA/Boogie® 4FB V30

Cab > 4x12 Mandarin EM (Single, Dual), captured from* the 4×12″ Orange Eminence

Cab > 4x12 MOO)))N T75 (Single, Dual), captured from* the 4x12" Sunn Cab w/G75T

Cab > 4x12 Uber T75 (Single, Dual), captured from* the 4×12″ Bogner® Uberkab T75

Cab > 4x12 Uber V30 (Single, Dual), captured from* the 4×12″ Bogner Uberkab V30

Cab > 4x12 XXL V30 (Single, Dual), captured from* the 4×12″ ENGL® XXL V30

  • Mic—Select from up to 12 mics:
    • 57 Dynamic—Shure® SM57
    • 421 Dynamic—Sennheiser® MD 421-U
    • 7 Dynamic—Shure SM7
    • 906 Dynamic—Sennheiser e906
    • 30 Dynamic—Heil Sound® PR 30
    • 121 Ribbon—Royer® R-121
    • 160 Ribbon—Beyerdynamic® M 160
    • 4038 Ribbon—Coles 4038
    • 84 Ribbon—AEA R84
    • 414 Cond—AKG® C414 XLS
    • 47 Cond FET—Neumann® U47 FET
    • 67 Cond—Neumann U67
  • Position—Sets the lateral location of the mic in relation to the speaker cone. Choose from Center ~ Cap Edge ~ Edge. Cap Edge may appear in a different location depending on the selected cab
  • Distance—Sets the distance of the mic from the speaker cone. Choose from 1.00" to 12.00" in 1/4" increments
  • Angle—Sets the angle of the mic. 0 degrees is pointing directly at the speaker, 45 degrees is pointing off-axis
  • Low CutApplies a low cut (high pass) filter, letting you remove all audio below a certain frequency. May be useful in removing undesirable low end rumble
  • High CutApplies a high cut (low pass) filter, letting you remove all audio above a certain frequency. May be useful in removing high end harshness
  • Level—Sets the overall level of the cab
  • Pan (Dual only)—Moves the signal left or right across the stereo sound field. For example, if you're running a stereo playback system with two or more speakers, panning the first cab to Left 100 and the second cab to Right 100 can make your tone sound notably wider. Press the knob to return to Center
  • Delay (Dual only)—Although the new cabs in 3.50 perfectly line up with one another, there may be situations where you want to delay one side very slightly, to perhaps impart a bit of phase incoherence or at higher values, to increase the apparent stereo spread. A little goes a long way here

New Bass Cabs

Cabs_Bass.jpg

 

Cab > 1x15 Ampeg B-15 (Single, Dual), captured from* the 1×15″ Ampeg® B-15

Cab > 2×15 Brute (Single, Dual), captured from* the 2×15″ MESA/Boogie® 2×15 EV

Cab > 4×10 Garden (Single, Dual), captured from* the 4x10" Eden D410XLT

Cab > 8x10 SVT AV (Single, Dual), captured from* the 8×10″ Ampeg® SVT® (SVT-810AV Heritage Edition)

  • Mic—Select from up to 12 mics:
    • 57 Dynamic—Shure SM57
    • 421 Dynamic—Sennheiser MD 421-U
    • 7 Dynamic—Shure SM7
    • 88 Dynamic—Beyerdynamic M88TG
    • 52 Dynamic—Shure Beta 52A
    • 112 Dynamic—AKG D112
    • D6 Dynamic—Audix D6
    • 40 Dynamic—Heil Sound PR 40
    • 4038 Ribbon—Coles 4038
    • 414 Cond—AKG C414 TLII
    • 47 Cond FET—Neumann U47 FET
    • 67 Cond—Neumann U67
  • All other parameters the same as for guitar cabs (see above)

 

 

New Amps in 3.50

Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL

 

Amp/Preamp > MOO)))N T Nrm, based on* the normal channel of the Sunn Model T.

"The Moon model is based on a 1974, silver knob Sunn Model T amplifier. This is the early version with the more traditional tone stack. Though it has been repaired over the years, the circuit has every component at stock value. This specific unit has been well used, well maintained, and regularly enveloped in fog.


"This amp circuit can best be described as a Fender Tweed Bassman/Marshall JTM45 preamp mated with a very high volume, very flat, ultralinear power amp that uses 6550 tubes. The result of this configuration is a tone with a raw growl that really has a strong punch to the gut. In addition, this configuration takes pedals very well; adding a distortion or booster can turn the amp into a high gain, doom machine."

 

—Ben Adrian, Sound Design Manager

 

Amp_HX_Gtr_Moon-nrm.jpg

 

Amp/Preamp > MOO)))N T Brt, based on* the bright channel of the Sunn Model T

 

Amp_HX_Gtr_Moon-brt.jpg

 

Amp/Preamp > MOO)))N T Jump, based on* the normal and bright channels jumped in the Sunn Model T

 

Amp_HX_Gtr_Moon-jmp.jpg

 

Amp/Preamp > PV VitriolCrunch, based on* the crunch channel of the Peavey Invective (Master boost off). Peavey designed this 6L6 tube-powered monster in collaboration with Misha Mansoor of Periphery, with the goal of offering no-compromise, high-gain performance and flexibility.

 

Amp_HX_Gtr_Vitriol_Crunch.jpg

 

Amp/Preamp > PV Vitriol Lead, based on* the lead channel of the Peavey Invective (Master boost off)

 

Amp_HX_Gtr_Vitriol_Lead.jpg

 

 

New Effects in 3.50

Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Effects, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL

 

Distortion > Pillars OD (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Earthquaker Devices Plumes distortion

 

HX_DIST_Pillars_OD.jpg

 

  • Gain—Sets the amount of distortion
  • Tone—Sets the overall tonal balance of the distortion
  • Level—Sets the overall level of the block
  • Mode—Chooses the type of clipping circuit—1 is LED, 2 is Clean Opamp, 3 is Asymmetrical

 

Distortion > Vital Dist (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Earthquaker Devices Life pedal (Amplitude side)

 

HX_DIST_Vital_Dist.jpg

 

  • Gain—Sets the amount of distortion
  • Filter—Applies a high cut (or low pass) filter to the signal, letting you remove treble frequencies. At 0.0, no filter is applied
  • Level—Sets the overall level of the block
  • Clipping—Chooses the type of clipping circuit—Opamp, Asymmetrical, or Symmetric[al]
  • Octave—Blends in a signal one octave up. At 0.0, no octave signal is heard. Works best when playing single notes

 

Distortion > Vital Boost (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Earthquaker Devices Life pedal (Magnitude side)

 

HX_DIST_Vital_Boost.jpg

 

  • Boost—Sets the output level of the boost circuit

 

Modulation > 4-Voice Chorus (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original

 

HX_MOD_4VoiceChorus.jpg

 

  • Rate—Adjusts the speed of the chorus’ low-frequency oscillator (LFO) from slow to fast
  • Depth—Adjusts the amplitude of the modulation, from mild to deep
  • Voices—Determines the number of voices in the chorus (2, 3, or 4)
  • Low CutApplies a low cut (high pass) filter to the chorus, letting you remove the effected signal below a certain frequency
  • HighShelfApplies a high cut (low pass) filter to the fills, letting you remove the effected signal above a certain frequency
  • MixControls the wet/dry mix of the chorus. When set to 0%, no chorus is heard; when set to 100%, no dry signal is heard
  • LevelControls the overall output level of the block

 

Modulation > FlexoVibe (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original

 

HX_MOD_Flexovibe.jpg

 

  • Rate—Adjusts the speed of the chorus’ low-frequency oscillator (LFO) from slow to fast
  • Intensity—Adjusts the amplitude of the modulation, from mild to deep
  • Warp—Controls the shape of the LFO. At 0.0, the LFO waveform is a triangle; at +1.0 and -1.0, the waveforms exhibit more chaos, or "warping"
  • Spread—Controls the phase offset between the two LFOs. At 0.0, no offset is heard; at 10.0, the two LFOs are separated by 180°. Generally sounds best somewhere in the middle
  • Mix—Controls the wet/dry mix of the FlexoVibe effect. When set to 0%, no effect is heard; when set to 100%, no dry signal is heard
  • LevelControls the overall output level of the block

 

Reverb > Dynamic Ambience (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original ambience reverb. At less extreme settings can be used to "open up" the sound of your amp without applying a notable reverb effect. Also utilizes less DSP than other Dynamic reverbs.

 

FX_HX_Reverb_DynamicAmbience.jpg

 

  • Room Size—Sets the size of the hall (8, 10, or 12 meters)
  • Predelay—Determines the amount of delay heard before the signal enters the hall. Can sometimes result in more definition between the dry and effected signals
  • Damping—Determines the frequency above which the reverb will be absorbed. For example, if your hall is full of people wearing fake ocelot jumpsuits, more high frequencies would be absorbed than if the room were empty
  • Diffusion—Sets the amount of smearing between discrete echoes, sometimes resulting in a softer effected signal
  • Shape—Controls the blend of the Early and Late reflections. Turning the knob clockwise adds more Late reflections; turning the knob counterclockwise adds more Early reflections. Press the knob to reset to "Even"
  • Mix—Controls the wet/dry mix of the reverb. When set to 0%, no reverb is heard; when set to 100%, no dry signal is heard
  • Low CutApplies a low cut (or high pass) filter to the reverb, letting you remove the effected signal below a certain frequency
  • High Cut—Applies a high cut (or low pass) filter to the reverb, letting you remove the effected signal above a certain frequency
  • LevelControls the overall output level of the block
  • Trails—When on, reverb decay continues to ring out after the block is bypassed

 

Pitch/Synth > Boctaver (Mono, Stereo), based on* the BOSS® OC-2 Octaver

 

HX_PITCHSYNTH_Boctaver.jpg

 

  • –1 Oct—Sets the level of the signal one octave down
  • –2 Oct—Sets the level of the signal two octaves down
  • Dry Level—Sets the level of the dry (unaffected) signal

 

*NOTE: All product names used in this document are trademarks of their respective owners and neither Yamaha Guitar Group nor Line 6 are associated or affiliated with them. These trademarks appear solely to identify products whose tones and sounds were studied by Line 6 during sound model development.

 

 

New Features in 3.50

IR > Dual Block

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, HX Effects, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL

 

DualIR.jpg

 

3.50 renames the Impulse Response > Mono subcategory as "Single" and adds a new subcategory: Dual. The IR > Dual block can accommodate two 1024-point IRs, you can pan them independently, flip the polarity of either one, and even slightly delay one vs. the other to account for any phase inconsistencies between IR developers.

  • [A] IR Select—Selects the IR file for the first (A) slot
  • [A] Low Cut—Applies a low cut (high pass) filter to the IR, letting you remove the signal below a certain frequency
  • [A] High Cut—Applies a high cut (low pass) filter to the decks, letting you remove the signal above a certain frequency
  • [A] Level—Sets the level of the first (A) IR
  • [A] Pan—Pans the IR left or right between stereo speakers. Press the knob to reset to Center
  • [A] Polarity—Flips the polarity of the IR's waveform. If your IR block suddenly makes everything sound thin, try setting this to "Inverted" to see if it helps
  • [B] IR Select—Selects the IR file for the first (A) slot
  • [B] Low Cut—Applies a low cut (high pass) filter to the IR, letting you remove the signal below a certain frequency
  • [B] High Cut—Applies a high cut (low pass) filter to the decks, letting you remove the signal above a certain frequency
  • [B] Level—Sets the level of the first (A) IR
  • [B] Pan—Pans the IR left or right between stereo speakers. Press the knob to reset to Center
  • [B] Polarity—Flips the polarity of the IR's waveform. If your IR block suddenly makes everything sound thin, try setting this to "Inverted" to see if it helps
  • [Both] Delay—Some IR files don't line up perfectly, especially when mixing and matching files from two different developers. This can result in phase incoherence or a thin, unfocused tone. Turning this knob clockwise delays the B side IR by a tiny bit; turning it counterclockwise delays the A side by a tiny bit. Press the knob to return Delay to "None"
  • [Both] Mix—Controls the wet/dry mix of the IR block. For Cab IRs, you should leave this set to 100%, but when utilizing body resonance IRs for acoustic guitars, you may want to find the right blend between the IR and dry signal

 

New Cabs and IRs now use 66-80% Less DSP

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Effects [IRs only], HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL

 

350_DSP.jpg

 

Due to further improvements to Helix Core, new Cabs and 1024-point IRs use roughly 66% less DSP as in 3.15 or earlier. Even the new IR > Dual block uses less DSP than a single IR block in 3.15. 2048-point IRs use roughly 80% less DSP, although they still use a lot of memory, so they're still limited to one instance per path. NOTE: Older Hybrid cabs use the same amount of DSP as in earlier firmware.

 

Disable Snapshot Control over Parameter Assignments

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, HX Effects, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL

Prior to 3.50, when assigning a parameter to a physical control (EXP 1, footswitch, etc.) or MIDI, Snapshots are also always assigned. In 3.50, they still are, but there's an additional "Snapshot Control" parameter on the Controller Assign page that lets you bypass this behavior.

  1. From the Controller Assign menu, select the desired parameter and turn Knob 2 (Controller) to select any value other than "None" or "Snapshots." A second page appears.
  2. Press PAGE> and turn Knob 1 (Snapshot Control) to "Off." It's set to "On" by default for all parameters.

 

320_DisableSnapshotControl.jpg

 

 

Other Changes and Improvements in 3.50

  • Encoder ballistics have been drastically improved. For example, tonestack values can go from 0.0 to 10.0 with one turn
  • Helix Floor/Rack/LT only—SHORTCUT: While the Model List is open, pressing [AMP] jumps to highlight the Amp category without having to scroll down to it
  • Helix Floor/Rack/LT only—The Impulse Response category's name has been shortened to "IR" (now matches that of HX Stomp/XL) to accommodate a wider subcategory column in the model list as well as accommodate longer IR names in the inspector header

 

 

Bug Fixes in 3.50

  • Reverb > Shimmer's Pitch parameter was inconsistent between hardware and HX Edit—FIXED
  • Reverb > Dynamic Room's Mot Rate value range was inconsistent between hardware and HX Edit—FIXED
  • Delay > Stereo > ADT's Mod Rate value range was inconsistent between hardware and HX Edit—FIXED
  • Delay > Tesselator and Ratchet's Operation is set to "Mute All," the signal would be muted even when bypassed—FIXED
  • When Global Settings > Preferences > Snapshot Edits is set to "Discard," holding FS12 (SAVE+EXIT) while in Pedal Edit mode did not always save edited parameters when controlled by snapshots—FIXED
  • After loading a preset containing a Command Center > Instant > Ext Amp command, EXP Pedal 1 could sometimes stop functioning properly—FIXED
  • When a snapshot is reloaded, a duplicate MIDI PC message was not sent—FIXED
  • When many Command Center commands are assigned, snapshot names could sometimes disappear—FIXED
  • While in tuner view, attempting to restore globals could sometimes cause Helix to crash—FIXED
  • When assigning block bypass to an expression pedal, Behavior > "Heel Down" or "Toe Down" could sometimes revert to "Toggle"—FIXED
  • HX Stomp/HX Stomp XL only—Upon receiving MIDI CC73, changing views was not functioning as expected—FIXED
  • HX Stomp/HX Stomp XL only—Overly long favorite names could result in graphical glitches—FIXED
  • HX Stomp XL only—After changing presets using footswitches, capacitive sensing could become disabled until pressing a stomp switch—FIXED
  • HX Stomp XL only—When a Command Center > Snapshot Up or Down command is assigned to Footswitch 7 or 8, an extra Snapshot Up/Down message could occur—FIXED
  • HX Edit only—Copying and pasting an IR with more than 31 characters in the name would truncate the IR's name—FIXED
  • HX Stomp w/ HX Edit only—After restoring from a 3.01 backup, if path B exists, blocks move 1 position to the right—FIXED
  • Many other minor fixes and improvements

 

 

Known Issues in 3.50

  • In some cases, the Input block's Variax Tone Knob setting is not recalled across preset changes
  • In some cases, sending MIDI CC49-59 (footswitch emulation control) to engage stomp switches assigned to snapshot commands can result in inconsistent behavior. Instead, send Helix CC69 messages (values 0-7) to recall snapshots
  • In rare cases, attempting to fill all 128 user IR locations can result in a "Failed to get impulse names" -8207 error and the device will appear to be frozen on "Transferring data." In the meantime, load 127 or fewer IRs at a time
  • If Global Settings > Footswitches > Stomp Select is set to "Press" or "Touch+Press," engaging multiple block bypasses assigned to the same switch (set to momentary) can sometimes appear to lag
  • In the Command Center, any MIDI notes assigned to a footswitch can sometimes unexpectedly trigger upon snapshot changes.

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave, macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur, macOS Monterey, Windows 11, macOS Ventura, macOS Sonoma
( 26 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

 

Helix/HX 3.15 (released February 8, 2022) includes a new Line 6 original amp, 10 new Helix effects, 18 additional Legacy effects, new features, additional improvements, and bug fixes, and is recommended for all users.

 

How do I update to 3.15?

If you're running HX Edit 3.01 or higher (released on Feb 2, 2021), just connect Helix/HX to your computer via USB and launch HX Edit. The software will walk you through the entire procedure, including backing everything up to your computer and updating both HX Edit and your Helix/HX firmware. If you're running an older version of HX Edit, you must update it before updating your Helix/HX hardware.

 

I updated but why don't I see [Model X]?

HX Edit can't magically see new models added to your Helix/HX hardware; you must update HX Edit as well (which you would've done had you followed "How do I update to 3.15?" above). Here's a link to HX Edit 3.15:

 

 

My Helix/HX is at version X.XX. Can I go straight to 3.15?

Yes, but note that if you're starting from 2.80 or lower, the update will appear to happen twice. This is normal.

 

Anything else I should know?

Yes. We STRONGLY recommend performing a factory reset AFTER UPDATING your Helix/HX firmware to 3.15 and THEN RESTORING YOUR BACKUP. (Backing up is part of the update process). Here's how to perform a factory reset. IMPORTANT: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A BACKUP FIRST, AS A FACTORY RESET WILL ERASE ALL YOUR WORK!

  • Helix Floor/LT: While holding footswitches 9 & 10 (bottom row, 2 middle switches), turn on Helix Floor/LT
  • Helix Rack: While holding knobs 5 & 6 (2 furthest right knobs below the screen), turn on Helix Rack
  • HX Effects: While holding footswitches 6 & TAP (2 farthest right switches on the bottom row), turn on HX Effects
  • HX Stomp: While holding footswitches 2 & 3, turn on HX Stomp
  • HX Stomp XL: While holding footswitches C & D, turn on HX Stomp

 

New Amp in 3.15

Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL

 

AMP_HX_GTR_Ventoux.jpg

Amp/Preamp > Line 6 Ventoux, Line 6 Original.

"The amp model name is Ventoux, which is a mountain in the south of France that is a legendary cycling climb. I did it in 2018 and it was awesome and very hard.

This model comes from a physical amp idea I had a while back. I was going to build it as a tube amp first. There are only so many hours in a day, though. The idea was to create a “coveted boutique amp” that had a different origin story. Most coveted boutique amps come from modified black panel Fenders or modified Marshall circuits. I wanted to do the same thing, but base it on the early 70s Orange circuits and the mid-wattage Fender Tweed circuits.

Ventoux has a unique topology. In an indirect way, every knob is kind of a gain/drive control. The tone controls adjust the character and/or amount of the overdrive in those frequencies. This might be seen as complicated by some, but I find it exciting and full of possibilities."

—Ben Adrian, Sound Design Manager

  • Drive—Controls the amount of amp drive
  • HP Filter—Higher values result in tighter distortions and thinner cleans; lower values result in looser distortions and warmer cleans
  • Mid—Allows for more character than most. At lower values it's like the scooped sounds of traditional 60s Fender amps; at higher values it's flatter, like the 50s tweed amps that have very little tone-shaping in the circuits. Plus, a full-up mid sound will get a nice crunch when Drive is up
  • Presence/Depth—You may have noticed this amp was lacking regular bass and treble controls. That is accounted for with Depth and Presence controls; bass and treble for the power amp. These actually occur in the circuit just before phase inverter, but they really need the whole power amp to function. They also affect the character of the power amp distortion
  • Ch Vol—Sets the overall level of the Amp block
  • Master—Ventoux's Master volume exists in an "impossible" place for a physical amp. Generally, you'll want to leave this at 10.0, like a vintage amp with no master volume. However, a variety of textures can be had by reducing the level

 

New Helix Effects in 3.15

Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Effects, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL

 

FX_HX_DYNAMICS_AmpegOptoComp.jpg

Dynamics > Ampeg Opto Comp (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Ampeg Opto Comp compressor pedal.

  • Compress—This is actually a ratio control, which controls the amount of compression. At 0.0, the ratio is 1:1; at 5.0, the ratio is at 3:1, and at 10.0, the ratio is at 10:1
  • Release—Controls how long it takes for the compressor to stop reducing gain. At 0.0, the release is 75 ms; at 10.0, the release is around 600 ms
  • MixControls the wet/dry mix of the compressor. When set to 0%, no compressed signal is heard; when set to 100%, no dry signal is heard
  • Level—Sets the overall level of the block

 

FX_HX_MOD_AmpegLiquifier.jpg

Modulation > Ampeg Liquifier (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Ampeg Liquifier chorus pedal.

  • Rate—Adjusts the speed of the chorus’ low-frequency oscillator (LFO) from slow to fast
  • Depth—Adjusts the amplitude of the modulation, from mild to deep
  • MixControls the wet/dry mix of the chorus. When set to 0%, no chorus is heard; when set to 100%, no dry signal is heard
  • Type—Liquifier is actually two choruses in one, hence the "Dual" default. If you'd prefer it to behave more like a traditional chorus pedal, choose "Single"
  • Headroom—Some mod pedals' internal signal paths exhibit a bit of grit, especially when placed after a high-gain amp block. Negative values increase the perceived amount of grit; positive values clean things up a bit. At 0dB, the model behaves like the original pedal
  • Level—Sets the overall level of the block

 

FX_HX_DELAY_Heliosphere.jpg

Delay > Heliosphere (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original delay with reverb injected into the feedback loop.

  • Time—Sets the delay time. Press the knob to toggle between ms/Sec and note values
  • FeedbackControls the overall number of repeats. To hear only one repeat, set to 0%
  • Rate—Controls the rate or speed of modulation
  • Depth—Controls the depth or amount of modulation
  • MixControls the wet/dry mix of the delay. When set to 0%, no delay is heard; when set to 100%, no dry signal is heard
  • Level—Sets the overall level of the block
  • Scale—For stereo delays, the Time parameter sets the left side. The right side's time is always some percentage of the left's time, and is determined by the Scale parameter. For example, if Time is set to 500ms, and Scale is set to 70%, the left delay is 500ms and the right delay is 350ms (or 70% of 500ms). When scale is set to 100%, left and right delays are the same
  • Rev MixControls the wet/dry mix of the reverb inside the delay's feedback loop. When set to 0%, no reverb is heard
  • Rev Decay—Sets the decay of the reverb
  • Headroom—Some delay pedals' internal signal paths exhibit a bit of grit, especially when placed after a high-gain amp block. Negative values increase the perceived amount of grit; positive values clean things up a bit. At 0dB, the model behaves like the original pedal
  • Trails—When set to "Off," delay repeats are instantly muted when the block is bypassed. When set to "On," delay repeats continue to decay naturally when the block is bypassed or a different snapshot is selected

 

FX_HX_DELAY_ADT.jpg

Delay > ADT (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original double-tracking tape emulation.

  • Delay 1, Delay 2—Sets the delay time for each deck. Delay 1 can go up to 20ms and Delay 2 can go up to 200ms
  • WowFlutr1, WowFlutr2Determines how much warbly tape sound is heard for each deck
  • Saturate1, Saturate2Adds analog tape saturation and at high enough settings, distortion. At lower settings, it's great for simply warming up a tone
  • Deck 1 Vol, Deck 2 Vol—Sets the level of each deck independently. Deck 2 is a bit lower than Deck 1 by default
  • Deck 2 Pol—Flips the polarity of deck 2
  • Mod Rate—Controls the rate or speed of modulation applied to Deck 2
  • Mod Depth—Controls the depth or amount of modulation applied to Deck 2
  • Level—Sets the overall level of the block
  • TapeSpeedChanges both the rate of the modulation applied by the WowFluttr control and the filtering response of the analog tape emulation
  • TextureAdjusts the amount of the NAB tape EQ in the simulated tape path. When Saturation is set to 0.0, the texture is invisible. When Saturation is turned up, the texture will affect the tightness (or looseness) of the distortion
  • Low CutApplies a low cut (high pass) filter to the decks, letting you remove the effected signal below a certain frequency
  • High CutApplies a high cut (low pass) filter to the decks, letting you remove the effected signal above a certain frequency
  • Deck 1 Pan, Deck 2 Pan—Pans each deck left and right
  • EnvThresh—Sets the level above which engages the envelope. When on, picking harder can impart very slight pitch fluctuations by tweaking Deck 2's delay. Subtle, but fun
  • Trails—When set to "Off," delay repeats are instantly muted when the block is bypassed. When set to "On," delay repeats continue to decay naturally when the block is bypassed or a different snapshot is selected

 

FX_HX_DELAY_Crisscross.jpg

Delay > Crisscross (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original dual delay with cross-feedback between the two delay lines.

  • Time A, Time B—Sets the delay time for each of the two delay lines. Press the knob to toggle between ms/Sec and note values
  • Feedbk A, Feedback BControls the number of repeats for each delay line. To hear only one repeat, set to 0%
  • Pan A, Pan B—To achieve the widest stereo field, set Pan A to L100 and Pan B to R100
  • MixControls the wet/dry mix of the delay. When set to 0%, no delay is heard; when set to 100%, no dry signal is heard
  • Level—Sets the overall level of the block
  • Crossfeed—Controls the amount of the A delay line fed back into the B delay line and vice versa
  • Headroom—Some delay pedals' internal signal paths exhibit a bit of grit, especially when placed after a high-gain amp block. Negative values increase the perceived amount of grit; positive values clean things up a bit. At 0dB, the model behaves like the original pedal
  • Mod Rate—Controls the rate or speed of modulation
  • Mod Depth—Controls the depth or amount of modulation
  • Shape—Sets the modulation's wave shape (Sine or Triangle)
  • Phase—Determines the modulation's phase relationship between the two delay lines. At 0°, the delay lines modulate together; at 180°, modulation is inverted from one another
  • Bit Depth—Lowers the bit depth of the delay repeats for a grungier sound. For more transparent results, set to "24 bits"
  • Sample Rate—Lowers the sample rate of the delay repeats for a grungier sound. For more transparent results, set to "48kHz"
  • Low CutApplies a low cut (high pass) filter to the repeats, letting you remove the effected signal below a certain frequency
  • High CutApplies a high cut (low pass) filter to the repeats, letting you remove the effected signal above a certain frequency
  • Trails—When set to "Off," delay repeats are instantly muted when the block is bypassed. When set to "On," delay repeats continue to decay naturally when the block is bypassed or a different snapshot is selected

 

FX_HX_DELAY_Tesselator.jpg

Delay > Tesselator (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original. Tesselator is part morphing delay, part loop sampler, part drone machine... it's stellar for creating rhythmic pads, textures, or pitch/filter ramp effects to play over and has been placed in the Delay category so you can run multiple instances at once. Once audio is captured and repeating, you can effectively transition/morph between two states—First and Last, each with its own time, speed/pitch, HP filter, and LP filter—by applying increasing amounts to each repeat until the target settings are reached.

  1. Assign Tesselator to a stomp footswitch. It's bypassed by default.
  2. Play a chord and while it's ringing, press the Tesselator switch. Audio captured BEFORE the switch press is repeated and manipulated by the following parameters:
  • First—Determines the length of the first step in the sequence, that is, the length of repeated audio when first engaged. Press the knob to toggle between ms and note values
  • Last—Determines the length of the last step in the sequence. If shorter than the First step's time, the sequence will get shorter; if longer than the First step's time, the sequence will get longer. If First and Last are the same time, the sequence length remains constant (Ex. 1 below). Press the knob to toggle between ms and note values
  • Steps—Determines how many steps there are in the sequence (1 ~ 50). For example, if your first step is 100ms and your last step is 500ms, each successive step in the sequence will lengthen from 100ms to 500ms. The more steps you have, the longer it takes to reach the last step and therefore, the longer it takes to alter the sequence's characteristics
  • Direction—Determines the direction of the steps:
    • Forward: Each step plays back normally (Ex. 2a below)
    • Reverse: Each step plays back in reverse (Ex. 2b below)
    • Fwd/Rev: Steps alternate between forward and reverse (Ex. 2c below)
  • Boomerang—When off, the last step in the sequence repeats indefinitely. When on, all steps play forward, then backward, then forward again, etc. (Ex. 3a below)
  • Operation—Determines what happens to your signal when Tesselator is turned on (remember, it's bypassed by default)
    • "Mute All"—When Tesselator is on, THE ENTIRE PATH IS MUTED
    • "Dry Kill"—When Tesselator is on, only the effected signal is heard. TIP: With Tesselator on a parallel path, assign a second stomp switch to toggle between Mute All and Dry Kill. This lets you leave the block enabled and bring the effected signal in and out by switching between the two values
    • "Normal" (default)—When Tesselator is on, both the dry and effected signals are heard
  • Ramp—Determines whether any speed/pitch changes across the sequence reference a static or semitone value
    • "Speed" (default)—Sets the target speed of the last step. Use the Speed parameter to set the specific value (0% ~ 200% speed)
    • "Pitch"—Sets the target pitch of the last step. Use the Pitch parameter to set the value (-12 ~ +12 semitones; see Ex. 3c below)
  • Speed—Sets the target speed for the last step. For example, if set to "200%," the last step's pitch will be twice as high as the first step and if set to "0%," the last step will appear to stop completely, almost like a glitchy tape stop effect. Disabled unless Ramp is set to "Speed"
  • Pitch—Sets the target pitch for the last step. For example, if set to "-12", the last step will be an octave lower than the first step. Disabled unless Ramp is set to "Pitch" (see Ex. 3c below)
  • HP Filter—Very different from Helix's traditional Low Cut and High Cut filters. Sets the high-pass (low cut) filter target for the last step. For example, if set to a higher value, each successive step will filter out more bass until the last step of the sequence
  • LP Filter—Very different from Helix's traditional Low Cut and High Cut filters. Sets the low-pass (high cut) filter target for the last step. For example, if set to a lower value, each successive step will filter out more treble until the last step of the sequence (Ex. 3b below)
  • FX Level—Controls the level of the effected signal
  • Level—Controls the overall output level of the block

Woohoo! More charts and diagrams!

Tesselator is capable of hundreds of unique sounds, and it's impossible to illustrate them all, but here are a few examples:

Example 1: If Knob 1 (First) and Knob 2 (Last) are set to the same value (say, 1/4 note), the same length of audio repeats until Tesselator is bypassed. In this case, it acts very much like Delay > Ratchet, except the audio is captured BEFORE the stomp press, not after.

Example 2: If Knob 2 (Last) is set to a shorter time than Knob 1 (First), steps in the sequence progressively get shorter (Ex. 2a). If Last is set to a longer time than First, steps in the sequence progressively get longer. The last step is repeated indefinitely until Tesselator is bypassed. Setting Direction to "Reverse" (Ex. 2b) reverses all steps; setting Direction to "Fwd/Rev" (Ex. 2c) alternates between forward and reversed steps.

Example 3: Turning Boomerang to "On" plays the entire step sequence forward, then backward, then forward again, etc. (Ex. 3a) Decreasing LP Filter to a lower value progressively darkens each step in the sequence (Ex. 3b). Increasing HP Filter to a higher value progressively thins out each step in the sequence. Setting Ramp to "Pitch" and Pitch to a value other than "0" will change the pitch of each step until it lands on the target pitch at the last step. For example, if Pitch is set to "+5" and you play an E note, the last note in the sequence will be an A, or 5 steps higher (Ex. 3c). If you want the last A note to repeat indefinitely instead of stepping back down to E, turn Boomerang back to "Off."

TIP: You can change all of these parameters while Tesselator is... tessellating, to create evolving, engaging soundscapes. Run it into Pitch > Dual Pitch and Reverb > Shimmer and prepare to waste hours in drone land.

 

FX_HX_DELAY_Ratchet.jpg

Delay > Ratchet (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original buffer sampler/delay. Used to capture and loop a short snippet of audio (whose length is determined by the Time parameter) while the block is enabled. Great for rhythmic stutter effects. You could almost consider Ratchet a simplified version of Tesselator, where the audio is captured AFTER the footswitch press, not before.

  1. Assign Ratchet to a stomp footswitch. It's bypassed by default.
  2. While playing, press the Ratchet switch. Audio captured AFTER the switch press is repeated for as long as the block is enabled. For this reason, it may be best to make the switch momentary, and only step on the Ratchet switch when you change chords, almost like a rhythmic sustain pedal.
  • FX Level—Controls the level of the looped audio
  • Level—Controls the overall output level of the block
  • Time—Predetermines the length of the audio to be recorded and looped. To loop an entire 4/4 bar, choose "1/1"; to stutter your playing, start with "1/16" or "1/32"
  • Operation—Determines what happens to your signal when Ratchet is turned on (remember, it's bypassed by default)
    • "Mute All"—When Ratchet is on, THE ENTIRE PATH IS MUTED
    • "Dry Kill"—When Ratchet is on, only the effected signal is heard. TIP: With Ratchet on a parallel path, assign a second stomp switch to toggle between Mute All and Dry Kill. This lets you leave the block enabled and bring the effected signal in and out by switching between the two values
    • "Normal" (default)—When Ratchet is on, both the dry and effected signals are heard

 

FX_HX_REVERB_DynamicPlate.jpg

Reverb > Dynamic Plate (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original plate reverb typically found in high-end studio rack reverbs.

  • Decay—Sets the decay of the reverb (0.1 sec ~ 45.0 sec, or Infinity)
  • Predelay—Determines the amount of delay heard before the signal enters the plate. Can sometimes result in more definition between the dry and effected signals
  • Damping—Determines the frequency above which the reverb will be absorbed. For example, if your hall is full of people wearing fake ocelot jumpsuits, more high frequencies would be absorbed than if the room were empty
  • Mot Rate—Motion Rate, or how fast the echoes' intensity changes, due to changes in plate tension or temperature
  • MotRange—Motion Range, or how much the internal delays change. Similar to the modulation control on older tank reverbs
  • MixControls the wet/dry mix of the reverb. When set to 0%, no reverb is heard; when set to 100%, no dry signal is heard
  • Low Freq—Sets the frequency below which the Low Gain parameter is applied
  • Low Gain—Sets the reverb time for frequencies below the Low Freq value. Values below 0.0dB mean the bass frequencies decay faster than the treble frequencies; values above 0.0dB mean the bass frequencies decay slower than the treble frequencies
  • Low CutApplies a low cut (or high pass) filter to the reverb, letting you remove the effected signal below a certain frequency
  • High CutApplies a high cut (or low pass) filter to the reverb, letting you remove the effected signal above a certain frequency
  • Level—Controls the overall output level of the block
  • Trails—When set to "Off," the reverb decay is instantly muted when the block is bypassed. When set to "On," the reverb continues to decay naturally when the block is bypassed or a different snapshot is selected

 

FX_HX_REVERB_DynamicRoom.jpg

Reverb > Dynamic Room (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original room reverb typically found in high-end studio rack reverbs.

  • Decay—Sets the decay of the reverb (0.1 sec ~ 3.0 sec)
  • Predelay—Determines the amount of delay heard before the signal enters the room. Can sometimes result in more definition between the dry and effected signals
  • Damping—Determines the frequency above which the reverb will be absorbed. For example, if your room is full of people wearing foam high school mascot costumes, more high frequencies would be absorbed than if the room were empty
  • Diffusion—Sets the amount of smearing between discrete echoes, sometimes resulting in a softer effected signal
  • Mot Rate—Motion Rate, or how quickly the room's shape may be changing, due to people moving, doors opening or closing, etc.
  • MixControls the wet/dry mix of the reverb. When set to 0%, no reverb is heard; when set to 100%, no dry signal is heard
  • Low Freq—Sets the frequency below which the Low Gain parameter is applied
  • Low Gain—Sets the reverb time for frequencies below the Low Freq value. Values below 0.0dB mean the bass frequencies decay faster than the treble frequencies; values above 0.0dB mean the bass frequencies decay slower than the treble frequencies
  • Low CutApplies a low cut (or high pass) filter to the reverb, letting you remove the effected signal below a certain frequency
  • High CutApplies a high cut (or low pass) filter to the reverb, letting you remove the effected signal above a certain frequency
  • EarlyReflc—Sets the amount of early reflective room sound
  • Level—Controls the overall output level of the block
  • Trails—When set to "Off," the reverb decay is instantly muted when the block is bypassed. When set to "On," the reverb continues to decay naturally when the block is bypassed or a different snapshot is selected

 

FX_HX_REVERB_Shimmer.jpg

Reverb > Shimmer (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original shimmer reverb. We originally planned to release Shimmer as two distinctly different reverbs—Luster and Sheen—but combining them into a single model and letting you seamlessly switch back and forth via a footswitch or snapshots seemed cooler.

  • Type—Determines the type of shimmer effect applied. TIP: Assign Type to a footswitch (or snapshots) to try both within the same preset
    • "Luster"—More of a traditional, reverb pedal-type shimmer effect with tighter definition in the lustery bits
    • "Sheen" (default)—More of a lush, studio plugin-type shimmer effect with a massive, sheeny bloom
  • Pitch 1—Sets the interval of the first pitchshifter. Set to "Oct Up" for more traditional shimmer sounds; set to "Oct Down" for something a bit creepier. Note that Pitch 1 and Pitch 2 have 0.1 semitone resolution between -1and +1
  • Pitch 2—Sets the interval of the second pitchshifter
  • Intensity—Controls the mix between the pitchshifted and non-pitchshifted reverb
  • Feedback—Controls the number of times the pitchshifting recirculates through the reverb
  • Pitch Blend—Controls how much of Pitch 1 is heard vs. Pitch 2 (set to "Even" by default)
  • MixControls the wet/dry mix of the reverb. When set to 0%, no reverb is heard; when set to 100%, no dry signal is heard
  • Decay—Sets the decay of the reverb (0.1 sec ~ 45.0 sec or Infinity)
  • Predelay—Determines the amount of delay heard before the signal enters the room. Can sometimes result in more definition between the dry and effected signals
  • Room SizeSets the size of the room (10, 20, or 30 meters)
  • Damping—Determines the frequency above which the reverb will be absorbed
  • Diffusion—Sets the amount of smearing between discrete echoes, sometimes resulting in a softer effected signal
  • Motion—Sets the amount of randomization, which can be helpful to minimize any metallic artifacts common in static reverbs. At higher values, can impart a bit of modulation to the effected signal
  • Low CutApplies a low cut (or high pass) filter to the reverb, letting you remove the effected signal below a certain frequency
  • High CutApplies a high cut (or low pass) filter to the reverb, letting you remove the effected signal above a certain frequency
  • Level—Controls the overall output level of the block
  • Trails—When set to "Off," the reverb decay is instantly muted when the block is bypassed. When set to "On," the reverb continues to decay naturally when the block is bypassed or a different snapshot is selected

*NOTE: All product names used in this document are trademarks of their respective owners and neither Yamaha Guitar Group nor Line 6 are associated or affiliated with them. These trademarks appear solely to identify products whose tones and sounds were studied by Line 6 during sound model development.

 

New Legacy Effects in 3.15

Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Effects, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL

18 additional effects—most from the FX Junkie model pack for POD Farm 2.5—have been added to the Legacy subcategory in their respective effects categories. Don't sleep on these!

 

Legacy_DIST.jpg

  • Distortion > Bronze Master (Legacy), based on* the Maestro® Bass Brassmaster. Originally designed for bass, but equally cool on guitar, the Maestro® Bass Brassmaster is considered by many to be the Holy Grail of bass distortion units, an ultra-rare bird designed in the early 70’s for Maestro® by synth genius Tom Oberheim. NOTE: The Blend parameter is not like overall distortion Mix; instead, it sets how much of the filtered signal passes through the clipping/octave circuitry
  • Distortion > Killer Z (Legacy), based on* the BOSS® Metal Zone MT-2. Equipped with a dual gain circuit, the MT-2 provides amazing sustain plus heavy mids and lows similar to a stack of overdriven amps. We’ve simplified the EQ controls a bit to make the Killer Z model, but you’ll still find the sought after flavor of the MT-2 style sound

 

Legacy_MOD.jpg

  • Modulation > Tape Eater (Legacy), Line 6 Original. If you’ve ever had a cassette player eat a tape before you’ll know what we’re talking about. Try this with a slow speed setting and a 100% wet mix
  • Modulation > Warble-Matic (Legacy), Line 6 Original. This effect is reminiscent of the Sweeper model, but when used subtly it can produce a nice mild phasey sound or with Depth maxed out you can simulate the sound of an alien spacecraft landing in one of those old 50’s sci-fi movies
  • Modulation > Random S&H (Legacy), Line 6 Original. This has a similar effect as the old Oberheim® Voltage Controlled Filter. It creates changes in tone by randomly emphasizing certain frequencies. Try pressing the Speed knob to lock it to tempo and playing single chords to that tempo
  • Modulation > Sweeper (Legacy), Line 6 Original. Imagine having 2 wah pedals on steroids separated in a stereo field that are pulsating in opposite positions and you’re close to what you’ll hear here. Use the Q and Freq parameters to set the character of the sweep and adjust Depth to go from subtle to full on freak out. Any resemblance to guitar tracks heard in a particular genre of B films is strictly coincidental

 

Legacy_DELAY.jpg

  • Delay > Phaze Eko (Legacy), Line 6 Original. Starting with the basic tone of our EP-1 tape delay emulation, they’ve added something very much like a Uni-Vibe to the delay repeats. The result is an echo unit that gives you unique new creative possibilities for adjusting the tone of your delays with a beautiful, burbling texture
  • Delay > Bubble Echo (Legacy), Line 6 Original. Bubble Echo has a sample-and-hold filter on the repeats. It takes a filter sweep (like the one on Sweep Echo), chops it up into little bits, and rearranges them semi-randomly, so that it sounds like sudden little bits of wah pedal randomly sprinkled about

 

Legacy_PITCHSYNTH.jpg

  • Pitch/Synth > Synth Lead (Legacy), Line 6 Original. These are styled after popular analog monophonic synth lead sounds from Moog, ARP and Sequential Circuits
  • Pitch/Synth > String Theory (Legacy), Line 6 Original. This emulates classic synth string sounds like those found in the ARP Solina String Ensemble and the Elka® Synthex. The harder you pick, the brighter the sound. We somehow had two separate effects called "Synth String"—one from POD Farm 2.5 and the other from FM4, which was already added to Helix/HX in 1.50. Renamed the POD Farm version "String Theory" to avoid confusion
  • Pitch/Synth > Synth FX (Legacy), Line 6 Original. These sounds aren’t really designed to be musical. These are more “special effects” sounds. You’ll hear a lot of these kinds of sounds in movie soundtracks
  • Pitch/Synth > Buzz Wave (Legacy), Line 6 Original. These are cool combinations of saw and square waves with fast vibrato. The 8 different Wave parameters offer different vibrato speeds and different pitches
  • Pitch/Synth > Rez Synth (Legacy), Line 6 Original. These are all sweeping low pass filter effects with the resonance set high. Resonance is a peak at the frequency of the low pass filter
  • Pitch/Synth > Saturn 5 Ring Mod (Legacy), Line 6 Original. Ring modulators take two signals (one supplied by your guitar, the other supplied by the effect) then adds and subtracts similar frequencies. Electro-Harmonix® makes a ring modulator pedal called the Frequency Analyzer that is a popular guitar effect. The only limiting factor is that the pitch of the signal provided by the effect is constant. Meaning you have to play only in the key of that pitch to be musical
  • Pitch/Synth > Double Bass (Legacy), Line 6 Original. This effect has two oscillators that track the pitch of your guitar—one square wave tuned one octave down, and one saw tooth wave two octaves down
  • Pitch/Synth > Seismik Synth (Legacy), Line 6 Original. This effect has an oscillator that tracks the pitch of your guitar. You can choose between 8 different wave shapes which give you different “flavors”—all of them one or two octaves down from the original pitch
  • Pitch/Synth > Analog Synth (Legacy), Line 6 Original. These are great for funky synth guitar (or bass) lines. These sounds were made popular by Moog and ARP
  • Pitch/Synth > Synth Harmony (Legacy), Line 6 Original. If you loved those big synth leads from 70’s era prog bands then you’ll love this effect. There are two synth waves at work here. Your first two parameters allow you to choose a pitch interval of your original note played. The Wave parameter works differently from what you’d expect with the other synth models; here it controls the gain of the saw wave, while the square wave gain remains constant

 

New Features in 3.15

Input Block > Per-Preset Guitar Pad

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL

The Input > Multi and Input > Guitar block now has an additional Guitar Pad parameter that lets you engage the analog guitar pad per preset ("Off" or "On). Or you could leave it set to "Global" and continue to turn the guitar pad on and off from the Global Settings menu. NOTE: For HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL, "Global" refers to the Global Settings > Ins/Outs > Input Level setting. When Pad is on, it's the same as if Input Level is set to "Line"; when off, it's the same as if Input Level is set to "Inst[rument]."

 

Global MIDI Control of Knobs 1-6, <PAGE/PAGE>, and Preset Save

Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, HX Effects, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL

Instead of manually having to assign parameters to incoming MIDI CC messages, Knobs 1-6 for any block on the Home screen (Knobs 1-3 on HX Effects, HX Stomp, or HX Stomp XL) respond to new global MIDI CCs. This turns any programmable MIDI keyboard or tabletop controller into a simple way to edit blocks without having to reach down (for those of you who can't be bothered to use Pedal Edit Mode). In addition, sending Helix/HX a CC74 message will save any changes to the preset. IMPORTANT! We ran out of reserved Global CCs and unfortunately had to steal five user-assignable CCs for this feature. Any parameters you've assigned to CC77-CC81 will have to be remapped. Sorry 'bout that.

Other Changes and Improvements in 3.15

  • HX Stomp XL only: Global Settings > Footswitches > Snapshot Mode adds a third value—Toggle, like the one in HX Effects and POD Go. This remembers whether Preset Mode is in Preset or Snapshot mode and allows for toggling between Stomp and Snapshot mode via the MODE switch
  • The max delay time for several Delay > Legacy models has been increased from 2 seconds to 2.5 seconds
  • Numerous additional minor improvements to Delay > Legacy models
  • Delay > Multitap 6 has been optimized to use less than half the DSP as in pre-3.15 builds
  • MIDI CC69 values are now transmitted upon snapshot change

  • Command Center > HX Snapshot commands are now affected themselves by snapshot changes. This means the same stomp switch could recall a different, specific snapshot (or next or previous snapshot) per snapshot

  • Command Center > HX Snapshot command parameters can now be controlled by Snapshots themselves. For example, imagine that you are on Snapshot 1 and create an HX Snapshot command on FS2. You set it so that pressing that switch recalls Snapshot 3. You then switch to Snapshot 3 and set the same switch to recall Snapshot 6. Recall Snapshot 6 and set the switch to recall Snapshot 2. Finally, you recall Snapshot 2 and set the switch to recall Snapshot 1. Now, you go back to Snapshot 1 and begin pressing the switch. Each successive press recalls the assigned Snapshot and you would cycle Snapshot  1 > 3 > 6 > 2 > 1 > 3 > 6 > 2 and so on for each switch press. NOTE: this assumes that the Snapshot Edits global is set to Recall. If it's set to Discard, you'd have to save the preset after each set in order for the changes to stick

  • Bypass Assign > EXP Pedal 1/2 now has a new Behavior parameter to control how bypassing is handled. The default value "Toggle" behaves as this feature always has - bringing the pedal past threshold will toggle the block's bypass state from what it is currently (i.e. enable if currently bypassed and vice versa). "Toe Down" and "Heel Down" always bypass the block at the designated position, regardless of the block's starting state. So with "Heel Down" selected, the block will always enable when you cross the Position threshold and bypass when you return below it

  • We ran out of reserved Global CCs and unfortunately had to steal five user-assignable CCs for MIDI control of Knobs 1-6 and <PAGE/PAGE>. Any parameters you've assigned to CC77-CC81 will have to be remapped

  • Encoder ballistics have been improved. For parameters with hundreds of values, you can now go from Min to Max in a couple of turns

Bug Fixes in 3.15

  • Amp/Preamp > Das Benzin Lead channel output was set to -36dB instead of -24dB—FIXED
  • Amp/Preamp > Voltage Queen's Master volume only affected one side of the push/pull power amp—FIXED
  • Distortion > Ampeg Scrambler's oversampling wasn't fully implemented—FIXED
  • IR names with more than 54 characters couldn't be copied or exported from HX Edit
  • HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL, HX Effects only: Pressing TAP to reset LFOs now properly works on switch press, not release—FIXED
  • HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL only: Some Preamp blocks would display an Amp block icon in the inspector header—FIXED
  • HX Stomp XL only: Command Center > HX Snapshot commands assigned to Hold would not function properly on FS1 and FS4—FIXED
  • HX Edit only: In rare cases, dragging in an IR from the list to the signal flow could sometimes create a None block instead of an Impulse Response block—FIXED
  • HX Edit only: While Spillover is active, dragging a block across path A/B could occasionally fail—FIXED
  • HX Edit only: After moving a block with Spillover active, changing a block from mono to stereo could occasionally fail—FIXED
  • HX Edit only: While Spillover is active, the bypass state appearance of blocks could occasionally not match that of the hardware—FIXED
  • HX Edit only: DSP allocation of poly pitch blocks could occasionally not match that of the hardware—FIXED
  • HX Edit only: IRs with names longer than 54 characters couldn't be copied or exported—FIXED
  • HX Edit only: When saving a favorite, the Enter key on extended QWERTY keypads was inoperable—FIXED
  • HX Edit only: Snapshot-controlled Command Center changes would sometimes not be maintained across copy/paste or preset export/import—FIXED

Known Issues in 3.15

  • Copy/pasted blocks retain their favorited status after overwriting an existing favorite
  • When a snapshot is reloaded, a duplicate PC message is not transmitted, regardless of the Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo > Duplicate PC Send setting
  • In some cases, the current Variax tone knob's position may not be recalled across preset changes
  • Delay > Ducked Delay's ducking is inactive is DynAttack is maxed out at 2.000s
  • When Global Settings > Preferences > Snapshot Edits is set to "Discard," holding FS12 to save changes in Pedal Edit mode does not save snapshot-controlled parameters
  • After changing a different delay's Time parameter from ms to note values, selecting Delay > Tesselator causes its Knob 1 parameter label changes from "First" to "Time 1"
  • Tesselator and Ratchet's Mute All function mutes the entire path whether the block is active or bypassed.

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave, macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur, macOS Monterey, Windows 11
( 5 MB )
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Firmware      

 

Bug Fixes in 3.11

  • HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL only—If a custom label is not assigned, tapping a stomp switch with multiple assignments would display "MULTIPLE [X]" instead of displaying its assignments—FIXED
  • Stomp mode footswitches would not follow the Global Settings > Displays > LED Ring Brightness value—FIXED
  • HX Stomp XL only—The colors for Distortion and Reverb boxes on Play view were reversed—FIXED
  • Receiving a MIDI CC67 could cause Helix LT to freeze—FIXED
  • In some cases, a MIDI snapshot (CC69) message could fail to be recognized if sent immediately after a PC message—FIXED

Please click here to see the release notes in their entirety.

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave, macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur
( 5 MB )
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Firmware      

 

 

Helix/HX 3.10 includes a new amp, new effects, new features, improvements, and bug fixes and is recommended for all users.

 

How do I update to 3.10?

Did you happen to update HX Edit to 3.01 (released on Feb 2, 2021)? If so, just connect Helix/HX to your computer via USB and launch HX Edit. The software will walk you through the entire procedure, including updating HX Edit 3.01 to 3.10, and backing everything up to your computer.

 

What if I didn't update HX Edit to 3.01? What if I don't remember? What's going on? Where am I?

That's fine, just make ABSOLUTELY SURE you install HX Edit 3.10 BEFORE you install 3.10 firmware and make ABSOLUTELY SURE you back everything up! Here's the link:

 

Anything else I should know?

Yes. If you run into any odd behavior, before running to the internet to complain, perform a factory reset and restore your backup. (Backing up is part of the update process). This should solve any issues. Here's how to perform a factory reset. IMPORTANT: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A BACKUP FIRST, AS THIS WILL ERASE ALL YOUR WORK!

  • Helix Floor/LT: While holding footswitches 9 & 10 (bottom row, 2 middle switches), turn on Helix Floor/LT
  • Helix Rack: While holding knobs 5 & 6 (2 furthest right knobs below the screen), turn on Helix Rack
  • HX Effects: While holding footswitches 6 & TAP (2 furthest right switches on the bottom row), turn on HX Effects
  • HX Stomp: While holding footswitches 2 & 3, turn on HX Stomp
  • HX Stomp XL: While holding footswitches C & D, turn on HX Stomp

 

New Amp in 3.10

Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL

 

310_AmpMandarin.jpg

  • Mandarin Rocker, based on* the Orange® Rockerverb 100 MKIII. NOTE: We decided to slightly alter the model so that at lower settings, the Drive knob's taper exhibits a smoother transition into distortion.

 

New Effects in 3.10

Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Effects, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL

 

310_FX.jpg

  • Distortion > Ratatouille Dist (Mono, Stereo), based on* the 1984 Pro Co RAT. Turns out our Vermin Dist model was broken. Sorry! We were going to replace it completely but a bunch of people had presets with the old version. On top of that, we found out our RAT's LM308 chip had crapped out since we modeled it last so we decided to get it into perfect working order and start from scratch
    • Gain—Sets the amount of distortion
    • Filter—Sets the amount of high cut (low pass) filter applied to the distortion; basically letting more treble through (lower values) or filtering it out (higher values)
    • Level—Sets the overall level of the block
  • Modulation > Retro Reel (Mono), Line 6 Original effect that simulates playing a signal back from an analog tape machine. This signal can be distorted, filtered to sound older or more lo-fi, and modulated with wow and flutter. TIP: Helix Native users should definitely try Retro Reel on all sorts of tracks—vocals, drums, keyboards, strings, busses, you name it.
    • Wow Fluttr—Determines how much warbly tape sound is heard
    • Saturation—Adds analog tape saturation and at high enough settings, distortion. At lower settings, it's great for simply warming up a tone
    • Low Cut—Determines the frequency of the Low Cut (High Pass) filter. At higher settings, can provide a lo-fi effect
    • High Cut—Determines the frequency of the High Cut (Low Pass) filter. At lower settings, can provide the natural high-end roll-off of old tape
    • Tape Speed—Changes both the rate of the modulation applied by the Wow Fluttr control and the filtering response of the analog tape  emulation
    • Level—Sets the overall level of the block
    • Texture—Adjusts the amount of the NAB tape EQ in the simulated tape path. When Saturation is set to 0.0, the texture is invisible. When Saturation is turned up, the texture will affect the tightness (or looseness) of the distortion
  • Delay > Euclidean Delay (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original delay based on Euclidean algorithms. Creates multitap patterns by setting the length of the pattern (Steps) and the number of taps (Fill) in the pattern. The Euclidean algorithm spaces taps as evenly as possible throughout the pattern, resulting in rhythms from traditional to highly complex. Settle in because this one'll require diagrams and charts and whatnot. TIP: Add two Euclidean Delays in parallel (with different settings) for interesting polyrhythm patterns. When using a stereo playback system, try panning Paths A and B in the Mixer to L100 and R100.
    • Step Time—Sets the time between steps. The total delay time is Time x Steps, so [Time: 1/16 x Steps: 8] is a 1/2-note. Press the knob to toggle between ms/sec and note values
    • FeedbackControls the overall number of repeats heard for the entire sequence. If you want to hear all fills in the sequence only once, set to 0%
    • Steps—Determines the number of steps in the sequence (1-16; see diagram below)
    • Fill—The number of active taps, whose spacing is set by Euclidean algorithms (1-16, see diagram below). If Fill is higher than Steps, the extra taps are ignored
    • Rotate—Rotates all fills forward by the same amount (0-15; see diagram below). Used If you like the sound of a repeat pattern but want the fills and gaps shifted forward
    • MixControls the wet/dry mix of the delay. When set to 0%, no delay is heard; when set to 100%, no dry signal is heard
    • Low CutApplies a low cut (high pass) filter to the fills, letting you remove the effected signal below a certain frequency
    • High CutApplies a high cut (low pass) filter to the fills, letting you remove the effected signal above a certain frequency
    • Level—Controls the overall output level of the block
    • TrailsWhen on, delay repeats continue to ring out after the block is bypassed

310_EuclideanCircles.jpg

I was told there'd be no math!

Sorry. If you'd like to read more about Euclidean rhythms, check this out: https://splice.com/blog/euclidean-rhythms/ Or if you'd like to know more about Euclidean math, see ya' in a semester or two! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euclidean_algorithm

  • Reverb > Dynamic Hall (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original hall reverb
    • Decay—Sets the decay of the reverb (0.1 sec ~ 45.0 sec, or Infinity)
    • Predelay—Determines the amount of delay heard before the signal enters the hall. Can sometimes result in more definition between the dry and effected signals
    • Room Size—Sets the size of the hall (10, 20, or 30 meters). NOTE: This parameter actually changes the algorithm so you'll hear a small bump when changing it. Therefore, we don't recommend assigning Room Size to snapshots or other controllers
    • Diffusion—Sets the amount of smearing between discrete echoes, sometimes resulting in a softer effected signal
    • Damping—Determines the frequency above which the reverb will be absorbed. For example, if your hall is full of people wearing fake ocelot jumpsuits, more high frequencies would be absorbed than if the room were empty
    • MixControls the wet/dry mix of the reverb. When set to 0%, no reverb is heard; when set to 100%, no dry signal is heard
    • Motion—Sets the amount of randomization, which can be helpful to minimize any metallic artifacts common in extremely static reverbs. At higher values, can impart a bit of modulation to the effected signal
    • Low Freq—Sets the frequency below which the Low Gain parameter is applied
    • Low Gain—Sets the reverb time for frequencies below the Low Freq value. Values below 0.0dB mean the bass frequencies decay faster than the treble frequencies; values above 0.0dB mean the bass frequencies decay slower than the treble frequencies
    • Low CutApplies a low cut (or high pass) filter to the reverb, letting you remove the effected signal below a certain frequency
    • High CutApplies a high cut (or low pass) filter to the reverb, letting you remove the effected signal above a certain frequency
    • Level—Controls the overall output level of the block
    • TrailsWhen on, reverb decay continues to ring out after the block is bypassed
  • Reverb > Hot Springs (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original spring reverb
    • Dwell—Adjusts the strength of the signal sent into the spring tank. Higher values result in a longer decay
    • Spring Count—Sets how many springs are in the tank (1, 2, or 3, and numerous values in between)
    • Drip—Adjusts the intensity of the spring reverb, or how much "ploink" you might hear
    • Low CutApplies a low cut (or high pass) filter to the reverb, letting you remove the effected signal below a certain frequency
    • High CutApplies a high cut (or low pass) filter to the reverb, letting you remove the effected signal above a certain frequency
    • MixControls the wet/dry mix of the reverb. When set to 0%, no reverb is heard; when set to 100%, no dry signal is heard
    • Level—Controls the overall output level of the block
    • TrailsWhen on, reverb decay continues to ring out after the block is bypassed

*NOTE: All product names used in this document are trademarks of their respective owners and neither Yamaha Guitar Group nor Line 6 are associated or affiliated with them. These trademarks appear solely to identify products whose tones and sounds were studied by Line 6 during sound model development.

 

New Features in 3.10

Increased Oversampling Throughout

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Effects, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL

Oversampling has been increased across the board, resulting in higher fidelity, fewer aliasing artifacts, and smoother decay trails, especially when running multiple distortion stages or with higher gain tones. Many people might not notice a difference, but those highly sensitive to aliasing will appreciate 3.0's smoother response. Amp and effects models have been optimized to accommodate these improvements without increasing DSP usage.

 

Customizable Stomp Switches

HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL [Feature already in Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, and HX Effects]

 

As long as something is assigned to a stomp switch (bypass one or more blocks, toggle parameter Min/Max, or Command Center command), switches in Stomp Footswitch Mode can now have custom labels and colors. This is especially helpful when multiple blocks, controls, or commands are assigned to the same switch; it doesn't have to read "MULTIPLE (X)" anymore.

  1. Touch a stomp mode footswitch to select it and from either the Bypass Assign or Command Center menu, press PAGE> and then Customize.
  2. Use the Upper Knob and Knob 2 (Character) to name the stomp.
  3. Press PAGE> and turn Knob 3 (Switch LED) to choose a custom color. When set to "Auto" (the default), the switch reflects its assignment (Delays are green, Filters are purple, Commands are white, etc.)
  4. When finished, press <PAGE and Knob 3 (OK).

 

Customizable Snapshot Switches

HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL [Feature already in Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, and HX Effects]

Switches in Snapshot Footswitch Mode can now have custom labels and colors.

  1. From Play View, press the Upper Knob to open the Preset List.
  2. Turn Knob 2 (Snapshot) to select the snapshot you want to rename and press ACTION.
  3. Press Rename Snapshot.
  4. Use the Upper Knob and Knob 2 (Character) to name the stomp.
  5. Press PAGE> and turn Knob 3 (Switch LED) to choose a custom color. When set to "Auto" (the default), the switch is white
  6. When finished, press <PAGE and Knob 3 (OK).

 

Tuner Trails

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, HX Effects, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL

The Tuner screen has a new "Trails" parameter. When set to "On," delay repeats and reverbs' decay continue to ring out and even the Looper keeps running when the tuner is engaged. No more awkward "everyone's staring at me because my B string went wonky."

 

Expanded 3.0 Models

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Effects, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL

3.0 added a boatload of new creative effects and after collecting feedback from users, we've added new parameters to some of them to help expand their flexibility and fun factor. IMPORTANT! These new parameters won't show up in your existing presets; they'll only appear if you remove the block (or change the model and reload it). Also, if you've saved any of the following models' defaults, they will need to be re-tweaked and saved again.

  • Delay > Poly Sustain
    • Auto EQ Determines how much compensation EQ is applied to the sustained signal. If the sustained signal sounds too harsh when pitched up (or dull when pitched down), adjust this setting to taste. The higher the value, the more EQ is applied at the shift end points; when set to 0.0, no compensation EQ is applied
    • Operation—Determines what happens to your signal when Poly Sustain is turned on (remember, it's bypassed by default)
      • "Mute All"—When Poly Sustain is on, THE ENTIRE PATH IS MUTED
      • "Dry Kill"—When Poly Sustain is on, only the sustained signal is heard. TIP: With Poly Sustain on a parallel path, assign a second stomp switch to toggle between Mute All and Dry Kill. This lets you leave the block enabled and bring the sustained signal in and out by switching between the two values
      • "Normal" (default)—When Poly Sustain is on, both the dry and sustained signals are heard. This is how Poly Sustain behaved in Firmware 3.0; that is, you're able to jam on top of the sustained drone
  • Delay > Glitch Delay
    • Pitch—Determines the likelihood of repeats changing pitch, based on the new Interval 1 and Interval 2 settings (In 3.0, the repeats were fixed to an octave below and above). Was called "Octaves" in 3.0
    • Interval 1—Sets the pitch of some repeats, the likelihood of which is determined by the Pitch parameter (from an octave down to an octave up)
    • Interval 2—Sets the pitch of other repeats, the likelihood of which is determined by the Pitch parameter (from an octave down to an octave up)
    • Low CutApplies a low cut (or high pass) filter to the slices, letting you remove the effected signal below a certain frequency
    • High CutApplies a high cut (or low pass) filter to the slices, letting you remove the effected signal above a certain frequency
    • Level—Controls the overall output level of the block
  • Looper > Shuffling Looper
    • Pitch—Determines the likelihood of your slices changing pitch, based on the new Interval 1 and Interval 2 settings (In 3.0, the repeats were fixed to an octave below and above). Was called "Octaves" in 3.0
    • Interval 1—Sets the pitch of some slices, the likelihood of which is determined by the Pitch parameter (from an octave down to an octave up)
    • Interval 2—Sets the pitch of other slices, the likelihood of which is determined by the Pitch parameter (from an octave down to an octave up)
  • Pitch/Synth > 12 String
    • PluckType—Optimizes the 12 String emulation for specific types of playing styles. We've also improved the onset detection and 12 String now uses less DSP

 

Instant Command Wait Time

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, HX Effects, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL

On the Command Center page, Instant commands (lightning bolt icon) have a new "Wait Time" parameter, letting you delay certain events by up to 1000ms. This is to help Helix/HX control older MIDI gear that may behave incorrectly when receiving multiple commands very close together. Unless you specifically need to delay a message, leave this set to "0 ms."

 

New and Improved MIDI Implementation

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, HX Effects, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL

Switches in Snapshot Footswitch Mode can now have custom labels and colors.

  • MIDI Snapshot changes on CC69 that are received during preset loads will now be buffered and executed once the preset load is finished. This means that you can send a MIDI Snapshot change immediately after a PC message to effectively load a preset with a different Snapshot than it was saved with.
  • Bank/Preset/Snapshot Up and Down messages how properly work via incoming FS1/FS7 emulation MIDI messages
  • FS1/2/3 emulation MIDI messages can now be momentary for HX Stomp (values 64-127=footswitch press; values 0-63=footswitch release)
  • Also, footswitch emulation MIDI messages now work while in preset or snapshot footswitch mode
  • New MIDI message (Helix Floor/Rack/LT/HX Stomp XL): CC71 engages the MODE switch
  • New MIDI message: CC 72, value 64-127 increments preset, value 0-63 decrements preset
  • New MIDI message (Helix LT, HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL): CC 73 toggles between Play and Edit views

 

Other Changes and Improvements in 3.10

  • HX Edit now adds support for macOS 11 Big Sur
  • Helix Floor and Rack/Control only: The scribble strip above FS6 (MODE) now displays which mode is currently active—Preset or Stomp. You can still hold FS6 to engage hands-free Pedal Edit mode
  • On the Controller Assign page, turning Knob 2 (Controller) no longer resets the Min Value and Max Value

 

Bug Fixes in 3.10

  • Pressing the Bank Down switch would skip banks in certain situations–FIXED
  • When Tuner View is active while Spillover is engaged, changing presets can sometimes cause audio output to stop—FIXED
  • The tuner screen and gain reduction meters could sometimes appear laggy—FIXED
  • Many other minor fixes and improvements

 

Known Issues in 3.10

  • Helix Native's performance can be laggy in new M1-based Apple computers
  • As Delay > Poly Sustain, Delay > Glitch Delay, Pitch/Synth > 12 String, and Looper > Shuffling Looper models have been updated, any existing user defaults for these models will need to be re-tweaked and saved again

  • Variax Model min and max sliders do not automatically update when a Variax is connected

  • After importing a .WAV file into the current 'Empty' slot of an Impulse Response block, all audio output can stop

  • Helix Floor/Rack/LT and HX Stomp only—Sending more than one MIDI program change messages one after another can sometimes cause HX Edit to lose connection

  • Helix Floor/Rack/LT only—Clearing a Split block on Path 2 does not automatically remove its bypass assignment

  • Helix LT only—FS1 and FS7 do not transmit Command Center messages

  • HX Stomp and XL only—Quickly scrolling across the signal flow view immediately after booting can sometimes cause HX Stomp/XL to freeze

  • HX Stomp and XL only—In rare cases, after restoring a 3.01 backup, parallel presets' blocks may be shifted one position to the right

  • Impulse responses with names consisting of more than 54 characters cannot be copied or exported

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave, macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur
( 5 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

 

The Helix 3.01 update addresses potential severely corrupted audio output. Due to this, we recommend updating your Helix family device as soon as possible. This issue may also be experienced on Helix Native, an update for Native will be available in the very near future.

New Amps

Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Stomp

  • US Princess, based on* the Fender® Princeton Reverb
  • Das Benzin Mega, based on* the Mega channel of the Diezel VH4
  • Das Benzin Lead, based on* the Lead channel of the Diezel VH4

New Cabs

Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Stomp

  • 1x10 US Princess, based on* the Fender® Princeton Reverb cab
  • 1x12 US Princess, based on* the Fender® Princeton Reverb with a 12" Alnico Blue driver

New Effects

Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Effects, HX Stomp

  • Distortion > Horizon Drive (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Horizon Devices Precision Drive. Includes an extra Gate Range parameter that, when set to "Extended," drops the gate's threshold down to -90dB
  • Distortion > Swedish Chainsaw (Mono, Stereo), based on* the BOSS® HM-2 Heavy Metal Distortion (Made in Japan black label)
  • Distortion > Pocket Fuzz (Mono, Stereo), inspired by* the Jordan Boss Tone fuzz
  • Distortion > Bighorn Fuzz (Mono, Stereo), based on* the 1973 Electro-Harmonix® Ram's Head Big Muff Pi
  • Distortion > Ballistic Fuzz (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Euthymia ICBM fuzz
  • Dynamics > Horizon Gate (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Horizon Devices Precision Drive's gate circuit. Includes an extra Gate Range parameter that, when set to "Extended," drops the gate's threshold down to -90dB. Works best before an amp
  • EQ > Acoustic Sim (Mono, Stereo), based on* the BOSS® AC-2 Acoustic Simulator. Can be used alone or in conjunction with an acoustic IR
  • Modulation > Poly Detune (Mono), Line 6 Original
  • Delay > Poly Sustain (Mono), Line 6 Original
    1. Assign Poly Sustain to a stomp footswitch. By default, Poly Sustain appears bypassed.
    2. First play the note or chord you wish to sustain, and then press the footswitch (on) to sustain it indefinitely. Keep playing while the note or chord loops. TIP: Some players may find it easier to change the footswitch mode to Momentary; that way, the note or chord sustains only while you hold the switch on, much like the sustain pedal on a piano.
    3. Press the switch again (off) and the sustained note or chord fades out.
    • Interval—Sets the pitch of the sustained note or chord. TIP: This parameter is especially cool for creating massive drones to play over
    • Attack—Sets the speed at which the sustained note or chord fades in
    • Decay—Sets the speed at which the sustained note or chord fades out after bypassing the effect
    • Mod Freq—Sets the speed of the built in modulation
    • Mod Depth—Sets the depth of the built in modulation
    • FX Level—Sets the level of the sustained signal
    • RandDpth—Higher values increase the randomization of the section of audio being sustained, resulting in a more natural, but less predictable drone
    • RandSpeed—Controls how fast the randomization wanders. Setting both RndDpth and RndSpd to high values will result in a glitch fest (not that there's anything wrong with that)
    • Level—Controls the overall output level of the block
  • Delay > Glitch Delay (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original performance delay that lets you freely manipulate the repeats' behavior in real time
    • Time—Sets the delay time; press the knob to toggle between ms/sec and note values
    • Delay Div—Divides the delay time into smaller increments
    • Mix—Controls the wet/dry mix of the delay. When set to 0%, no delay is heard; when set to 100%, no dry signal is heard
    • Feedback—Controls the overall number of repeats heard for the entire sequence
    • SliceFdbk—Controls the number of repeats heard for individual slices. At higher values, you could call this "Super Chaotic Feedback"
    • Shuffle—Determines the likelihood of repeats shuffling/reordering
    • Octaves—Determines the likelihood of repeats playing back an octave higher or lower
    • Reverse—Determines the likelihood of repeats playing backwards
    • Seq Drift—Determines the likelihood of the entire sequence changing every time it loops around. When set to 0%, the same sequence loops forever. TIP: Assign this parameter to a footswitch set to toggle between a higher number and 0%. If you hear a random sequence you want to maintain, press the switch to set Seq Drift to 0%, and it'll repeat that way indefinitely
    • Smoothing—Higher values apply smoothing between slices and can give a synth-pad type quality, lower values maintain transients. Or set it just high enough to avoid pops and clicks
    • Trails—When on, delay repeats continue to ring out after the block is bypassed
  • Pitch/Synth > Poly Pitch (Mono), Line 6 Original
    • NOTE: Polyphonic pitch engines are designed for shifting complex chords with minimal artifacts, at the expense of latency (and our algorithms have lower latency than leading standalone poly pitch pedals). If you're looking to pitch individual notes (such as in a solo), monophonic pitchshifting is often preferred. See the Tracking parameter below for more information
    • IMPORTANT! 3.0's new poly models are extremely DSP-intensive. Some effects can eat up roughly a quarter of all available DSP on a Helix Floor, Rack, or LT or half (!!!) of all available DSP on HX Stomp or HX Effects. You also can't run more than one on the same path/DSP. Don't say we didn't warn you...
    • Interval—Sets the pitch of the effect in semitones
    • Cents—Sets the pitch of the effect in cents
    • ShiftTime—Determines how long it takes for the signal to ramp up or down to the set pitch when the block is enabled. Press the knob to toggle between ms/Sec and note/beat values. TIP: Want to hit the switch and have Poly Pitch dive bomb and land on the selected interval exactly one bar later? Press the knob to select note values and set ShiftTime to "1/1"
    • ShiftCurve—Determines the trajectory curve of the pitch shift over time. StartSlow values are concave (slower changes to start, speeding up toward the end); StartFast values are convex (the opposite). The default is "Linear"
    • ReturnTime—Determines how long it takes for the signal to return to normal pitch when the block is bypassed. Press the knob to toggle between ms/Sec and note/beat values
    • ReturnCurv—Determines the trajectory curve when returning to the original pitch. StartSlow values are concave (slower changes to start, speeding up toward the end); StartFast values are convex (the opposite)
    • Tracking—Determines how the poly pitch engine behaves. "X Fast" results in lower latency, ideal for faster lead lines. "X Stable" (the default) results in fewer artifacts when pitch shifting complex, sustained chords. "Fast" and "Stable" are somewhere in between. TIP: If you find yourself changing playing styles—say from fast lead lines to clean, open chords—you can assign this parameter to a footswitch (or snapshots) to optimize the balance between transparency and low latency
    • Auto EQ—Determines how much compensation EQ is applied to the shifted signal. If the effected signal sounds too harsh when pitched up (or dull when pitched down), adjust this setting to taste. When set to 0.0, no compensation is applied
    • Mix—Controls the wet/dry mix of the pitchshift
    • Level—Controls the overall output level of the block
  • Pitch/Synth > Poly Wham (Mono), Line 6 Original. Works equally well on guitar and bass, although you might want to tweak the Auto EQ parameter for your particular instrument. See Poly Pitch notes above for additional information
  • Pitch/Synth > Poly Capo (Mono), Line 6 Original. Simpler version of Poly Pitch when you just want to change keys. Works equally well on guitar and bass, although you might want to tweak the Auto EQ parameter for your particular instrument. See Poly Pitch notes above for additional information
  • Pitch/Synth > 12 String (Mono), Line 6 Original 12-string guitar emulation
  • Volume/Pan > Stereo Imager (Stereo), Line 6 Original
  • Looper > Shuffling Looper (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original. Part looper, part sampler, part inspiration generator, part performance instrument, the Shuffling Looper intelligently chops up your playing and gives you realtime control over reordering, octave shifting, reversing, and repeating. It's all immense fun (even on vocals, drums, and percussion), but you'll want to familiarize yourself with its controls. IMPORTANT: The Shuffling Looper does not currently respond to Command Center > HX Commands or per-function MIDI commands
  1. Add Looper > Shuffling Looper to a preset and assign it to a footswitch.
  2. Turn Knob 1 (Slices) to set the number of slices your loop will be chopped into. 8 slices is the default.
  3. Press the switch to begin recording. The LED lights red, indicating the loop is recording.
  4. At the end of your loop, press the switch. The LED lights green and the sliced loop sequence immediately plays.
  5. During playback, adjust the following knobs (or assign them to controllers, like expression pedals or snapshots):
    • Slices—Changes the number of slices your loop will be chopped into
    • SeqLength—Determines the number of slices in the sequence. This can be changed even after recording a loop
    • Shuffle—Determines the likelihood of slices shuffling/reordering. At 0%, the slices never shuffle; at 100%, they're constantly reshuffling
    • Octave—Determines the likelihood of slices playing back an octave higher or lower
    • Reverse—Determines the likelihood of slices playing backwards
    • Repeat—Determines the likelihood of slices repeating
    • Smoothing—Higher values apply smoothing between slices and can give a synth-pad type quality, lower values maintain transients. Or set it just high enough to avoid pops and clicks
    • Seq Drift—Determines the likelihood of the entire slice sequence changing every time it loops around. When set to 0.0, the same sequence repeats forever; when set to 10.0, the sequence changes completely every time it loops TIP: Assign this parameter to a footswitch set to toggle between a higher number and 0%. If you hear a random sequence you want to maintain, press the switch to set Seq Drift to 0%, and it'll repeat that way indefinitely
    • Playback—Sets the looper's playback level
    • Low Cut—Applies a low cut (or high pass) filter to the loop, letting you remove looper signal below a certain frequency
    • High Cut—Applies a high cut (or low pass) filter to the loop, letting you remove looper signal above a certain frequency
  6. Want to change it up? While the loop is playing, press the switch to randomize its slice sequence.
  7. Quickly double-press the switch. Playback/recording stops and the LED lights white, indicating a loop is in memory. Press again to restart.
  8. While the loop is playing or stopped, press and hold the switch. The recording is deleted and the LED lights dim white.

*NOTE: All product names used in this document are trademarks of their respective owners and neither Yamaha Guitar Group nor Line 6 are associated or affiliated with them. These trademarks appear solely to identify products whose tones and sounds were studied by Line 6 during sound model development.

New Features

True Preset Spillover

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT

Despite what some might have you believe, the only digital multieffects units with true preset spillover were the DigiTech GSP1101, 2112, and 2120, and they accomplished this by dedicating one of their two DSPs to spillover and only spillover. (Basically, to hear two dynamically allocated presets with absolutely zero gap—not a global reverb smeared to cover the gap—you need enough DSP to run both of them simultaneously.) So... if you're willing to sacrifice half your DSP—that is, COMPLETELY DISABLE PATH 2—you too can have true preset spillover. IMPORTANT! Unfortunately, Looper recording or playback will not currently spill over from one preset to another. Also, note that there may be a slight hiccup when switching between two presets with different impedance values for the Guitar Input.

  1. In the Global Settings > Preferences menu, set Preset Spillover to "On." (SHORTCUT: Hold ACTION and press HOME.) A dialog appears, reading "Remove Path 2 to enable preset spillover?"
  2. Press Knob 6 (OK).
  3. Press HOME. Path 2 has disappeared! You may now switch presets to your heart's delight with true spillover but note that if Preset A is still spilling over into Preset B (say one of its delay blocks' feedback is making it self-oscillate), switching to Preset C will abruptly cut off Preset A.
  4. To return to normal operation with two paths, turn Preset Spillover back to "Off". (SHORTCUT: Hold ACTION and press HOME again.) A dialog appears, reading "The preset must be reloaded. All unsaved changes will be lost!" So if you've made changes to the preset, be sure to save it before turning Spillover off.
  5. Press Knob 6 (OK).

But but but... I don't wanna lose Path 2 just for spillover!

Then keep using snapshots.

Favorites

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Effects, HX Stomp

If you've dialed in an amp or effects block exactly the way you like it, you can now save its settings as a favorite so it can be added very quickly, complete with bypass state and footswitch assignment. Favorites appear in a new "Favorites" category and can be renamed, reordered, and cleared. TIP: If you don't want a favorite to be recalled with its footswitch assignment, add the block before you assign a switch.

  1. Choose one of your favorite amps or effects and tweak it exactly how you like it, with or without footswitch assignment.
  2. Press ACTION and then press Add to Favorites. The Favorites list appears.
  3. If you wish to replace an existing favorite (you get 128 total), select it and press Replace Favorite. If you wish to add a new favorite, select the location where you want to place it and press Add New Favorite.
  4. OPTIONAL: While the Favorites list is open, press ACTION.
    • To reorder the selected favorite up or down the list, turn Reorder Favorite (on HX Effects, press Reorder Up or Reorder Down)
    • To rename the selected favorite, press Rename Favorite
    • To clear the selected favorite, press Clear Favorite
    • To clear all favorites, press Clear All Favorites. A dialog appears. Press OK to confirm.

All right, so what?

Here's what:

  1. At any time, select an empty block and turn the joystick (Big Knob on HX Effects or Lower Knob on HX Stomp). All your perfectly-tweaked favorite amps and effects instantly appear, without having to open the model list at all. If you typically keep model categories on the same stomp footswitches, you could conceivably create a brand new preset with all of your favorite stuff—including all footswitch assignments—in less than 10 seconds. Creating tones has never been faster or easier. TIP: If you keep one or more external pedals connected to Helix's FX Loops, add the FX Loop blocks as favorites and then rename them after the real thing.

 

User Model Defaults

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Effects, HX Stomp

3.0 lets you save any amp, cab, or effect block's settings as default so every time you call that model up, it sounds exactly the way you want it. Or, if you want to revert it to factory default, you can do that too. NOTE: Unlike Favorites, user model defaults do not store any footswitch assignments.

  1. Choose any model and tweak it exactly how you like it.
  2. Press ACTION and then User Default. From Helix Native or HX Edit, right-click (Mac: control-click) the block icon and select "User Default"

Global Settings > Preferences > Auto Impedance

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, HX Stomp

A new Global Settings > Preference parameter determines how the Guitar In's impedance circuit behaves when Input > In-Z is set to "Auto." When set to "First Block" (the default), the impedance circuit reflects the impedance of the first block on Path 1A, regardless of whether it's enabled or bypassed. When set to "First Enabled", the impedance circuit reflects the impedance of the first enabled block on Path 1A. Called "Auto Impedance" because "Sorry-this-took-so-long-we-love-you-Tito83" wouldn't fit.

Min/Max Value Indicators

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, HX Stomp [Feature already in HX Effects]

Parameters assigned to controllers or snapshots now display small Min Value (below) and Max Value (above) indicators. You can now see the range of continuous controllers from the Home screen.

8 Blocks in HX Stomp

HX Stomp

HX Stomp's simultaneous block count has been increased from six to eight.

IMPORTANT! Although HX Stomp now has two additional block locations, this doesn't mean it magically has more DSP horsepower to accommodate those blocks. Don't be surprised if you're not able to fill all eight blocks with exactly what you want, especially considering the new polyphonic pitch models take up a lot more DSP. We've taken note of those who've bemoaned HX Stomp's 6 block limit, and if the same person now complains about running out of DSP with 8 blocks, we're sending hooligans to their home to administer an atomic wedgie.

NOTE: It shouldn't come as any surprise, but any presets you make in 3.0 will not be compatible with 2.92 or earlier firmware.

Command Center in HX Stomp

HX Stomp [Feature already in Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, and HX Effects]

Why would people expect a stompbox with only three footswitches to also act as a master MIDI controller? Yeah, we don't know either, but enough of you asked for it and it wasn't exceedingly difficult to add.

  1. Press together to open the Menu and then press Knob 3 (Command Center).
  2. Turn the Upper Knob to select the command source (Instant 1-6, Footswitch 1-5, or EXP 1-2).
  3. Turn Knob 1 (Command) to select the type of command you wish to transmit. For information on the types of commands HX Stomp transmits, see the HX Stomp 3.0 Owner's Manual.

Wait, does this mean I can use HX Stomp as both an audio interface AND a remote control for YouTube lesson videos by sending QWERTY hotkeys?

Yes.

Tuner in Helix Native

Helix Native [Feature already in Helix and HX hardware]

Helix Native now has the same needle and strobe tuner from Helix.

  1. Click the tuner icon.
  2. Choose the tuner type by selecting Coarse, Fine, or Strobe.

Gain Reduction Meters in Helix Native

Helix Native [Feature already in Helix hardware]

The following block types display a gain reduction meter in the inspector when selected:

  • Dynamics > Compressor
  • Dynamics > Gate

Artist Presets

IMPORTANT! Because we never want to overwrite your own presets, upgrading to 3.0 does NOT automatically make these presets visible; you will need to manually restore them. Restoring factory setlists and presets will completely overwrite your own, so make sure they're backed up first!

TIP: With Helix Floor/Rack/LT/Native, if you want to keep both your presets and the latest factory presets, back up your custom presets as setlists and after the procedure below, drag your setlists onto unused setlist locations.

  1. Make sure you've backed up your presets and turn off Helix/HX.
  2. Perform the following procedure:
    • Helix Floor/LT: While holding footswitches 7 and 8 (two leftmost switches on the bottom row), turn on Helix Floor/LT. Wait for "Will restore..." to appear and let go
    • Helix Rack/Control: While holding knobs 3 and 4 (two middle knobs below the screen), turn on Helix Rack. Wait for "Will restore..." to appear and let go
    • Helix Native: Click the gear icon in the lower left corner, click the Presets/IRs tab, and click "Restore Factory Setlists"

Helix 3.0 includes factory presets created by the following artists:

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, Helix Native [FACTORY 1 setlist]

  • 13B-14C—Fish (Christina Aguilera)
  • 14D—Jeff Waters (Annihilator)
  • 15A, 15B—Richie Castellano (Blue Öyster Cult)
  • 15C—Robbie Calvo
  • 15D—Ryan "Fluff" Bruce (Dragged Under)
  • 16A-16D—Felix Martin
  • 17A—Mario Quintaro (Spotlights)
  • 17B, 17C—Bumblefoot (Sons of Apollo)
  • 17D, 18A—Billy Sheehan (Sons of Apollo, Winery Dogs)
  • 18B—Andy Abad (Jennifer Lopez)
  • 18C-19B—Misha Mansoor (Periphery)
  • 19C—Duke Erikson (Garbage)
  • 19D—Steve Marker (Garbage)
  • 20A—Eric Avery (Garbage)
  • 20B—Bill Kelliher (Mastodon)
  • 20C—John Browne (Monuments)
  • 20D—Olly Steele (Monuments)
  • 21A—Jon Button (The Who)
  • 21B—Trev Lukather (Levara)
  • 21C—Steve Howe (Yes)
  • 21D—Dustin Kensrue (Thrice)
  • 22A—Pete Thorn
  • 22B—Rhett Shull
  • 22C—Jade Puget (A.F.I.)
  • 22D, 23A—Jeff Schroeder (The Smashing Pumpkins)
  • 23B—Graham Coxon (Blur)
  • 23C, 23D—Chris Buck
  • 24A—Lewis Allen (Sam Smith)
  • 24B-25A—Rabea Massaad
  • 25B—Soren Andersen
  • 25C—Devin Townsend
  • 25D—Nathan Navarro
  • Vernon Reid
  • 27B—Philip Bynoe
  • 27C, 27D—Markus Reuter

HX Effects

  • 12A-12D—Julien Baker
  • 13A—Sarah "Noveller" Lipstate
  • 13B, 13C—Steve Stevens

3.0 Owner's Manuals

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Effects, HX Stomp, HX Edit

As it's immensely expensive and complicated to translate Owner's Manuals into the many languages we're required by law to provide, Helix and HX Owner's Manuals have not been updated since 2.X. They've now been updated for 3.0:

  • Helix Floor: Link available soon—watch this space
  • Helix Rack/Control: Link available soon—watch this space
  • Helix LT: Link available soon—watch this space
  • Helix Native: Link available soon—watch this space
  • HX Effects: Link available soon—watch this space
  • HX Stomp: Link available soon—watch this space
  • HX Edit: Link available soon—watch this space

Other Changes and Improvements

  • On HX Stomp, Global Settings > Footswitches > Stomp Select now has an "Off" value. When set this way, neither touching nor pressing will change which block is in focus [value is already in Helix Floor, Rack, and LT]
  • Favorites can now be restored from a backup, independently of setlists, presets, IRs, and Global Settings
  • User Model Defaults can now be restored from a backup, independently of setlists, presets, IRs, and Global Settings
  • Gain reduction meters now also appear for the Input block's noise gate
  • Gain reduction meters and signal present indicators are now more responsive
  • Parameter knob ballistics have been improved
  • New splash screens for Helix Floor/Rack/LT and HX Stomp
  • Parameter slider handles are thinner to accommodate new min/max value indicators
  • Press-turning a knob to assign Snapshot control now requires a bit more turning to minimize accidental assignments
  • Pitch/Synth > 4 OSC Generator OscFreq parameters now display single Hz resolution between 100 and 1000 Hz

Bug Fixes in 3.01

  • In extremely rare cases with specific blocks in a specific order, audio could become severely corrupted–FIXED
  • In certain cases, the Delay > Glitch Delay can exhibit minor pops and clicks when placed on Path 2, regardless of where its Smoothing parameter is set (that is, not the good type of glitchiness)—FIXED
  • Many other minor fixes and improvements

Bug Fixes in 3.0

  • When synced to external MIDI clock or retriggering via TAP, certain models with tremolo circuits' LFO set to square wave would invert the waveform–FIXED
  • If Helix had been left powered on for 24 hours with the same preset active (What? Why?), its reverb blocks could become disabled until selecting another preset—FIXED
  • Many other minor fixes and improvements

Known Issues in 3.01

  • Distortion > Vermin Dist's resonant filter was mapped incorrectly, and is especially apparent at higher gain settings. This will be fixed in 3.10
  • In the Poly Pitch models, very fast playing may exhibit some minor onset smearing. Additional improvements to the poly pitch engine are forthcoming
  • The Shuffling Looper does not currently respond to Command Center > HX Commands or per-function MIDI commands
  • Variax Model min and max sliders do not automatically update when a Variax is connected
  • When Tuner View is active while Spillover is engaged, changing presets can sometimes cause audio output to stop
  • After importing a .WAV file into the current 'Empty' slot of an Impulse Response block, all audio output can stop
  • Clearing a Split block on Path 2 does not automatically remove its bypass assignment

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave, macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur
( 5 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

 

Helix/HX Firmware 2.92

Helix/HX 2.92 and Helix Native 1.92 include important bug fixes, and are strongly recommended for all Helix and HX owners. Doesn't matter what firmware your Helix/HX product is currently running; you can go straight to 2.92.

 

IMPORTANT! Carefully read and follow the update instructions below. If you don't—and then run to the forums asking why it's not working—the interwebs will make fun of you.

 

Updating Helix/HX Firmware to 2.92

Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, HX Effects, HX Stomp

STEP 1—Updating HX Edit to 2.92 (assuming you haven't done this already)

  1. Log onto line6.com, download, and install HX Edit 2.90:

 

STEP 2—Updating Helix/HX Firmware to 2.92

  1. If you have Helix Rack/Control, turn off Helix Control. Also, shut down all Line 6 software or any programs that use audio, like DAWs, iTunes, Spotify, video games, etc.
  2. Connect your Helix/HX device to a Mac or PC via USB (do not use any sort of USB hub, which may include the front USB ports on towers) and turn it on.
  3. Launch the new version of HX Edit 2.92 you installed in Step 1 above. If you're not signed in, click "Check for Updates" in the lower right corner and sign in. If you're already signed in, a dialog panel appears, indicating an update is available.
  4. Click "Update Now." A window appears, asking you to back up your Helix/HX hardware. Click OK, optionally rename the backup and/or choose a different destination folder, and then click "Create Backup." IMPORTANT! Note the location where you've saved the backup.
  5. Continue following the prompts. Once updated, the window reads "Update Complete" and your Helix/HX hardware begins rebuilding its presets; wait for this to complete and click "Back to HX Edit."
  6. From the File pull-down menu, click "Restore from backup..." A dialog appears. Click "Restore Backup" and then "Yes."
  7. Once the restore has finished, turn your Helix/HX product off and then on again.
  8. If you have Helix Control connected to Helix Rack, turn on Helix Control. Helix Rack reads "Helix Control must be updated to work properly." Press Knob 6 (OK).

  

Bug Fixes in 2.92

  • When Global Settings > Footswitches > Stomp Select is set to "Off" or "Press," touch-holding switches could still result in assignment and swap dialogs—FIXED
  • The TAP LED in Helix Floor, Rack/Control, and LT could flash slightly slower than the actual tempo—FIXED
  • In HX Effects' Command Center, Hotkey commands could display values for HX Preset commands—FIXED
  • In HX Effects' Command Center, assigning a hold-type HX command could sometimes not engage properly—FIXED
  • Engaging the MODE switch while Global Settings were visible could result in unexpected behavior—FIXED
  • Engaging the MODE switch after selecting a different model during a bank queue could result in unexpected behavior—FIXED
  • In rare cases, bypass and parameter changes made from Helix Floor, Rack, or LT may not be reflected in HX Edit—FIXED
  • On Helix Floor and Helix Control's 1 Switch Looper scribble strip, Undo or Redo text could appear—FIXED
  • In HX Effects' Command Center, adding an HX hold-type command could result in an inverted switch state—FIXED
  • In HX Effects' Command Center, adding an HX Snapshot command could result in the wrong LED color—FIXED
  • In HX Effects' Command Center, engaging a HX Looper > 1/2 Speed or Full speed command could sometimes cause a lockup—FIXED
  • In rare cases on Helix Floor, Rack, or LT, renaming a snapshot could result in a preset change—FIXED
  • The polarity of some amp models was reversed in 2.91—FIXED
  • Dynamics > Rochester Comp could exhibit audible phase cancellation when its Mix parameter is set to 100%—FIXED
  • Dynamics > Rochester Comp now behaves as expected when the Ratio is set lower than 3:1—FIXED
  • In rare cases, scrolling quickly through the model list in HX Edit could cause the hardware to stop responding—FIXED
  • The Looper > 1 Switch Looper LED states would not function properly when controlled via incoming MIDI CCs—FIXED

  

Known Issues in 2.92

  • A slight thump can be heard when loading a Distortion > Kinky Boost, Arbitrator Fuzz, or Tycoctavia Fuzz model
  • While backing up, the scribble strip on FS8 can sometimes flicker (Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control)
  • In very rare cases, leaving the unit on for many hours can sometimes cause reverb models to cease outputting audio
  • In a preset with two IRs blocks, moving one IR block to Path B can sometimes cause the other IR block to reset its Impulse Response to slot 1
  • In rare cases, after exporting and then importing presets using HX Edit, the Split block's bypass state can sometimes change (Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT)
  • When using Blue Cat Audio's PatchWork VST host software, resizing the Helix Native window may not scale smoothly (Helix Native)

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave, macOS Catalina
( 4 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

 

Helix/HX 2.91

Helix/HX 2.91 includes important bug fixes, and is strongly recommended for all Helix and HX owners.

IMPORTANT!

Carefully read and follow the update instructions below. If you don’t — and then run to the forums asking why it’s not working—the interwebs will make fun of you.

Updating to 2.91

Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, HX Effects, HX Stomp

STEP 1 — Updating HX Edit to 2.90 (assuming you haven’t done this already)

  1. Log onto line6.com , download, and install HX Edit 2.90:

STEP 2 — Updating Helix/HX Firmware to 2.91

  1. If you have Helix Rack/Control, turn off Helix Control. Also, shut down all Line 6 software or any programs that use audio, like DAWs, iTunes, Spotify, video games, etc.
  2. Connect your Helix/HX device to a Mac or PC via USB (do not use any sort of USB hub, which may include the front USB ports on towers) and turn it on.
  3. Launch the new version of HX Edit 2.90 you installed in Step 1 above. If you’re not signed in, click “Check for Updates” in the lower right corner and sign in. If you’re already signed in, a dialog panel appears, indicating an update is available.
  4. Click “Update Now.” A window appears, asking you to back up your Helix / HX hardware. Click OK, optionally rename the backup and / or choose a different destination folder, and then click “Create Backup.” IMPORTANT! Note the location where you’ve saved the backup.
  5. Continue following the prompts. Once updated, the window reads “Update Complete” and your Helix / HX hardware begins rebuilding its presets; wait for this to complete and click “Back to HX Edit.”
  6. From the File pull-down menu, click “Restore from backup…” A dialog appears. Click “Restore Backup” and then “Yes.”
  7. Turn your Helix / HX product off and then on again.
  8. If you have Helix Control connected to Helix Rack, turn on Helix Control. Helix Rack reads “Helix Control must be updated to work properly.” Press Knob 6 (OK).

Bug Fixes in 2.91

  • Resolves multiple unexpected behavior that can occur when adjusting the Volume knob, entering the Tuner, or other actions during the first 30 seconds after power up—FIXED
  • Engaging the Tap Tempo switch would calculate a different tempo than intended—FIXED
  • When routing Path 1 to Path 2, the Path 2A andor Path 2B input blocks could display clipping even when the signal was not—FIXED/
  • For presets with parallel paths, the Mixer > Merge block boosts signals by 3dB—FIXED

Known Issues in 2.91

  • A slight thump can be heard when loading a Distortion > Kinky Boost, Arbitrator Fuzz, or Tycoctavia Fuzz model
  • While backing up, the scribble strip on FS8 can sometimes flicker (Helix Floor, Helix RackControl)/
  • In very rare cases, leaving the unit on for many hours can sometimes cause reverb models to cease outputting audio
  • In a preset with two IRs blocks, moving one IR block to Path B can sometimes cause the other IR block to reset its Impulse Response to slot 1
  • In rare cases, after exporting and then importing presets using HX Edit, the Split block’s bypass state can sometimes change (Helix Floor, Helix RackControl, Helix LT)/
  • When using Blue Cat Audio’s PatchWork VST host software, resizing the Helix Native window may not scale smoothly (Helix Native)
  • The Looper block’s Overdub function does not currently respond to incoming MIDI (HX Stomp)
  • While connected to HX Edit, quickly changing models through the IR block can sometimes result in a unit freeze (HX Stomp)

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave, macOS Catalina
( 4 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

 

Helix/HX Firmware 2.82HX Edit 2.82, and Helix Native 1.82 contain numerous bug fixes and is strongly recommended for all Helix and HX users.

 

As 2.80 (released 18. July 2019) contained massive changes to the underlying Helix architecture, it required a fairly involved double-update procedure. Once your Helix/HX hardware has been updated to 2.80, however, it's much simpler to update to 2.82. Therefore, we've provided two distinct update procedures, depending on the current firmware of your Helix/HX hardware.

 

If you're not sure which firmware your Helix/HX hardware is running, just restart it and look at the display.

 

CLICK HERE for 2.82/1.82 release notes and update instructions.

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave, macOS Catalina
( 4 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

 

Helix/HX Firmware 2.81HX Edit 2.81, and Helix Native 1.81 contain numerous bug fixes and is strongly recommended for all Helix and HX users.

 

As 2.80 (released 18. July 2019) contained massive changes to the underlying Helix architecture, it required a fairly involved double-update procedure. Once your Helix/HX hardware has been updated to 2.80, however, it's much simpler to update to 2.81. Therefore, we've provided two distinct update procedures, depending on the current firmware of your Helix/HX hardware.

 

If you're not sure which firmware your Helix/HX hardware is running, just restart it and look at the display.

 

CLICK HERE if your Helix/HX hardware has already been updated to 2.80.0 firmware.

 

CLICK HERE if your Helix/HX hardware is running firmware 2.71.0 firmware or older.

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave, macOS Catalina
( 4 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

 

IMPORTANT! 2.80 is the first firmware to utilize the new Helix Core engine, which unifies all Helix and HX products into the same ecosystem. Because there are tons of changes under the hood, presets created in 2.80 will not be compatible with earlier firmware, which means if you want to return to 2.71 for whatever reason, and you didn’t back up before updating to 2.80, your presets will NO LONGER WORK. Therefore, we _STRONGLY RECOMMEND_ everyone back up everything BEFORE updating.

Transitioning to Helix Core also forces us to reset your Global Settings. No way around that. Just back everything up, okay? Instructions for backing up begin… now.

Updating to 2.80 (READ ME!)

1a. Backing Up Helix / HX Hardware

  1. Connect your Helix / HX processor to a Mac or PC via USB and turn it on. Do not use any sort of USB hub.
  2. Open YOUR CURRENT VERSION of HX Edit (NOT the new HX Edit 2.80).
  3. From the top File menu, select “Create Backup…”
  4. Click “Create Backup.”

TIP: If you want to load the 2.80 factory presets and hotkey templates, it’s better to manually back up individual setlists, so you can later import them into empty setlists. To do this, from the preset library along the left side, select the setlist you want to back up and click “Export.” Choose a destination folder and click “Save.” Repeat for any other setlists you want to back up.

1b. Backing Up Helix Native.

If you don’t own Helix Native, skip to step 2.

  1. Open any instance of YOUR CURRENT VERSION Helix Native (NOT the new Helix Native 1.80) within your DAW and click the gear icon in the lower left corner to open the Preferences window.
  2. From the Presets/IRs tab, click “Export Bundle.”
  3. Choose the destination folder and click “Save.”

TIP: If you want to load the 2.80 factory presets, it’s better to manually back up individual setlists, so you can later import them into empty setlists. To do this, from the preset library along the left side, select the setlist you want to back up and click the small yellow “Export.” Choose a destination folder and click “Save.” Repeat for any other setlists you want to back up.

2. Updating HX Edit to 2.80

YOU MUST DO THIS BEFORE UPDATING YOUR HELIX / HX FIRMWARE!

  1. Turn off or disconnect any connected Helix or HX hardware.
  2. Log onto line6.com and visit the downloads page.
  3. From the middle pull-down menu, select “HX Edit.” From the right pull-down menu, select your computer’s operating system.
  4. Click the Go button.
  5. Find HX Edit Version 2.80 and click “Get Download.”
  6. Read the Software License Agreement (hahaahaaa!) and click “Accept and Download.”
  7. Once the software has downloaded, double-click the installer and follow the prompts.

NOTE: Installing HX Edit 2.80 automatically installs the latest version of Line 6 Updater, which is required to update the firmware.

3a. Updating Helix Floor / Rack / LT to 2.80

If you have HX Effects or HX Stomp, skip to step 3b instead.

  1. If you have Helix Rack / Control, turn off Helix Control. Also, shut down all Line 6 software or any programs that use audio, like DAWs, iTunes, Spotify, video games, etc.
  2. Connect Helix to a Mac or PC via USB (do not use any sort of USB hub) and turn it on.
  3. Launch Line 6 Updater. The latest version was automatically installed when you installed HX Edit 2.80 in “STEP 2 Updating HX Edit to 2.80” above.
  4. Enter your Line 6 Username and Password and click “Sign In.” A big green box appears with a picture of your Helix product. Click the big green box and then click “Update” next to Version: 2.80.
  5. Carefully read the instructions (HEY! DID YOU BACK UP FIRST?), click “Continue,” and then “Accept.” A warning dialog appears, telling you that Helix will be reset twice.
  6. Think “Hmm, maybe I should’ve backed up first? Nah, I insist on subverting the dominant paradigm,” and click “OK.” Helix begins updating. As wholly expected, because we warned you… because you always read the instructions… halfway through the update process, Line 6 Updater displays a second dialog and Helix’s LCD reads “Boot Failure. Entered Update Mode!” THIS IS NORMAL. Breathe deep, everything is fine. You’re almost there.
  7. Click “OK” again. When finished, Helix restarts automatically and begins rebuilding your presets. Let it finish.
  8. If you have Helix Rack/Control, turn on Helix Control. Helix Rack reads “Helix Control must be updated to work

properly. Update now?” Press Knob 6 (OK) to update Helix Control.

NOTE: Updating the firmware does not automatically load any new presets. See step 4, “Loading the 2.80 Factory Presets / Templates” below.

3b. Updating HX Effects / HX Stomp to 2.80

If you have Helix Floor, Helix Rack / Control, or Helix LT, follow step 3a above instead.

  1. Shut down all Line 6 software or any programs that use audio, like DAWs, iTunes, Spotify, video games, etc.
  2. Connect your HX processor to a Mac or PC via USB (do not use any sort of USB hub) and turn it on.
  3. Launch Line 6 Updater. The latest version was automatically installed when you installed HX Edit 2.80 in “STEP 2 Updating HX Edit to 2.80” above.
  4. Enter your Line 6 Username and Password and click “Sign In.” A big green box appears with a picture of your HX product. Click the big green box and then click “Update” next to Version: 2.80.
  5. Carefully read the instructions (HEY! DID YOU BACK UP FIRST?), click “Continue,” and then “Accept.” When finished, your HX device restarts automatically.

NOTE: Updating the firmware does not automatically load any new presets. See step 4, “Loading the 2.80 Factory Presets / Templates” below.

4. Loading the 2.80 Factory Presets / Templates

IMPORTANT! The following procedure will COMPLETELY ERASE ALL OF YOUR CUSTOM PRESETS! If you want to keep them, make sure you back them up First! (See “STEP 1a :Backing Up Helix /HX Hardware” above.)

  1. Turn off your Helix / HX processor.
  2. Depending on your type of Helix / HX product, follow the procedure below:

Helix Floor / LT - While holding footswitches 7 and 8 (two left-most switches on the bottom row), turn on Helix / Helix LT. Wait for “Will restore stock Presets and Setlists…” and let go

Helix Rack / Control - While holding knobs 3 and 4 below the screen, turn on Helix Rack. Wait for “Will reset Presets…” and let go

HX Effects - While holding footswitches 5 and 6 (middle two switches on the bottom row), turn on HX Effects. Wait for “Will reset Presets…” and let go

HX Stomp - While holding footswitches 1 and 2, turn on HX Stomp. Wait for “Will reset Presets…” to appear on the screen and let go

Helix Native - Click the gear icon in the lower left corner to open the Preferences window. From the Presets/IRs tab, click “Restore Factory Setlists”

5a. Restoring Helix / HX Hardware from a Backup (Optional)

  1. Connect your Helix / HX processor to a Mac or PC via USB (do not use any sort of USB hub) and turn it on.
  2. Open the NEW VERSION OF HX Edit 2.80 you installed in step 2, “Updating HX Edit to 2.80” above.
  3. From the top File menu, select “Restore from Backup.”
  4. Browse to the backup file and click “Open.”

TIP: If you instead exported individual setlists and loaded the 2.80 factory presets / templates (and want to keep them), from the preset list along the left side, select an empty User setlist and then drag the saved setlist file (from the tip in STEP 1) into the preset list

IMPORTANT! You may notice that after restoring from a backup (or loading in previously stored setlists or individual presets) that preset switching times are slower than normal. Restart Helix / HX, and you’ll see the display read “Rebuilding preset [XXX]”. Wait for it to rebuild your presets, and they will load faster.

5b. Restoring Helix Native from a Backup

If you don’t own Helix Native, skip this step.

  1. Open any instance of Helix Native within your DAW and click the gear icon in the lower left corner to open the Preferences window.
  2. From the Presets/IRs tab, click “Import Bundle.”
  3. Browse to the location chosen in STEP 2 above and click “Open.”

Whew! That wasn’t too terrible, now was it? What’s that… it was? Sorry. Now that Helix Core is finished, hopefully future update procedures will be less… involved.

New Amp Models in 2.80

Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Stomp

  • Fullerton Nrm, based on* the classic 1958 Fender® 5C3 Tweed Deluxe (normal channel)
  • Fullerton Brt, based on* the classic 1958 Fender® 5C3 Tweed Deluxe (bright channel)
  • Fullerton Jump, based on* the classic 1958 Fender® 5C3 Tweed Deluxe (jumped channels)
  • Grammatico Nrm, based on* the modern 2016 Grammatico LaGrange (normal channel)
  • Grammatico Brt, based on* the modern 2016 Grammatico LaGrange (bright channel)
  • Grammatico Jump, based on* the modern 2016 Grammatico LaGrange (jumped channels)
  • Revv Gen Red, based on* the red (gain 2) channel of the Revv® Generator 120
  • Ampeg SVT-4 PRO, based on* the Ampeg® SVT-4 PRO

NOTE: All product names used in this document are trademarks of their respective owners and neither Yamaha Guitar Group nor Line 6 are associated or affiliated with them. These trademarks appear solely to identify products whose tones and sounds were studied by Line 6 during sound model development. That said, the teams at Revv and Grammatico are super cool (and patient!) and you should buy their awesome amps.

New Effects Models in 2.80

Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Effects, HX Stomp

  • Distortion > Dhyana Drive (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Hermida Zendrive
  • Distortion > Heir Apparent (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Analogman Prince of Tone (basically half a King of Tone)
  • Distortion > Tone Sovereign (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Analogman King of Tone V4 (basically two Prince of Tones in one)
  • Distortion > ZeroAmp Bass DI (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Tech 21® SansAmp Bass Driver DI V1
  • Distortion > Ampeg Scrambler (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Ampeg® Scrambler Bass Overdrive
  • Filter > Asheville Pattrn (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Moog® Moogerfooger® MF-105M MIDI MuRF Filter (with both MuRF and Bass MuRF voicings)
  • EQ > Low/High Shelf (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original
  • EQ > Tilt (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original. Tilt is a subtle 6dB EQ that boosts high frequencies while simultaneously attenuating low frequencies (or vice versa). Great for quickly making tones a bit brighter or darker. The Center Freq parameter sets the frequency around which the boost and cut pivot

NOTE: All product names used in this document are trademarks of their respective owners and neither Yamaha Guitar Group nor Line 6 are associated or affiliated with them. These trademarks appear solely to identify products whose tones and sounds were studied by Line 6 during sound model development.

New Features in 2.80

NOTE: For additional information on Helix Native 1.80 or HX Edit 2.80, check out the latest Helix Native and HX Edit Pilot’s Guides, which are automatically installed with the new 1.80 / 2.80 software.

Hotkeys

Helix Floor, Helix Rack / Control, Helix LT, HX Effects

IMPORTANT! The first time you update Helix/HX to 2.80, your Mac or PC may ask what kind of keyboard you have connected. Just ignore this and close the window.

The Command Center can now send QWERTY hotkeys (keyboard shortcuts with or without modifiers such as Shift, Control, Option/Alt, and Command) to your Mac, PC, or iOS device via USB. You can now control virtually any software ever made, including DAWs, looping software, DJ software, media players, lighting software, video software, browsers, or video games… with your feet… or when assigned to an Instant command, from any preset or snapshot recall.

  1. From the Command Center menu, select a footswitch or Instant command and turn Knob 1 (Command) to select Hotkey.
  2. Turn knobs 2-5 to select the desired keystroke. If the keystroke doesnt have modiFers, leave knobs 2, 3, and 4 set to None.”

TIP: It’s much faster and easier to program keystrokes from HX Edit 2.80. Open the Command Center window, select a footswitch or Instant command, and from the Command pull-down menu, select “Hotkey.” Click the small keypad icon and simply enter the keystroke from your computer keyboard. Don’t forget to customize the switch label!

NOTE: Just like a normal computer keyboard, hotkeys won’t work unless the software or app you want to control is in focus.

Hotkey Templates

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, HX Effects

To get you started with hotkeys, we’ve provided the following template presets in 2.80:

  • Cubase
  • Pro Tools (Mac)
  • Pro Tools (PC) Logic/GarageBand
  • Ableton Live (Mac)
  • Ableton Live (PC)
  • Reaper (Mac)
  • Reaper (PC)
  • StudioOne
  • Cakewalk
  • MainStage
  • QLab
  • YouTube
  • iTunes
  • Spotify (Mac)
  • Spotify (PC)
  • Apple Keynote
  • First-person shooter video games

Most software has dozens if not hundreds of available hotkeys; feel free to swap ours out with the ones you use the most. With clever choices and a bit of finesse, you may be able to run a recording session (or elaborate live show with lighting and video cues) without ever touching a mouse or keyboard.

Depending on your type of Helix/HX product, follow the procedure below:

Helix Floor / Rack / LT

Press the PRESET knob, move the joystick left to select the Setlist column, select 8 TEMPLATES, and press the joystick. Hotkey templates begin at 06A

HX Effects

Press MODE to to select Preset mode and turn the Big Knob. Hotkey templates begin at 16A

NOTE: Updating the firmware does not automatically load any new presets or the hotkey templates; you must manually load them. See step 5, “Loading the 2.80 Factory Presets Templates”/ above.

Variax String Level

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT

Helix can now remotely adjust the level of individual guitar strings on a connected Shuriken Variax, JTV, or Variax Standard.

TIP: Just like with any amp, cab, or effect parameter, Variax String Level can be quickly assigned to footswitches or Snapshots. “Wait. You mean I can turn off the top three strings for the verse (Snapshot 1) and bring them back in for the chorus (Snapshot 2)? And if the high E is too shrill I can back its volume down to 85%?” Yes. “That’s pretty nuts.” Yes it is.

  1. Select the Input > Multi or Input > Variax block and press PAGE > three times.
  2. Turn Knobs 1-6 to adjust each strings level.
  3. If you want to set a particular string’s level separately for each snapshot, press and turn the string’s knob. The

value will turn white and appear in brackets.

NOTE: Assigning a continuous controller (such as an expression pedal or slider on your MIDI controller) is not recommended, as it may result in minor pops and clicks; this is due to limitations in Variax DSP, not Helix.

Powercab Plus Remote

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT

IMPORTANT! You must also update Powercab Plus! It must be running firmware 2.0 or higher.

Helix can now remotely adjust parameters in one or two L6 LINK-connected Powercab Plus modeling speaker cabs. When one Powercab Plus is connected via L6 LINK (110-ohm AES/EBU cable), it receives a mono signal from Helix; when two Powercab Plus amps are daisy-chained via L6 LINK, the first cab in the chain receives the left signal and the second cab receives the right signal.

TIP: Just like with any amp, cab, or effect parameter, Powercab Plus parameters can be quickly assigned to footswitches or Snapshots.

  1. Select the Output > Multi or Output > Digital block and press PAGE > once.
  2. Turn Knob 1 (Powercab Remote) to select “Per Preset” or “Global.” If you don’t plan on changing Powercab parameters along with Helix presets, choose “Global.”
  3. Turn Knob 2 (Powercab Mode) to select the desired type of Powercab mode: Flat, Speaker, or IR. Note that certain parameters will gray out depending on the mode chosen.
  4. Turn Knob 4 (Speaker Select) to specify which Powercab you want to control Powercab 1, Powercab 2, or both Powercabs simultaneously (“1+2 Link”). Normally, you should leave this set to “1+2 Link,” which edits both Powercabs simultaneously, to maintain phase coherence.
  • Flat Voicing when Powercab Mode is set to “Flat,” determines the type of speaker voicing
  • Speaker Type when Powercab Mode is set to “Speaker,” determines the current speaker model
  • Speaker DI Mic when Powercab Mode is set to “Speaker,” determines the mic model used on Powercab’s XLR output(s)
  • Speaker Mic Dist when Powercab Mode is set to “Speaker,” determines the mic distance used on Powercab’s XLR output(s)
  • Speaker User IR when Powercab Mode is set to “User IR,” selects the impulse response used
  • Speaker Low Cut applies a Low Cut filter to Powercab Plus for minimizing low end rumble
  • Speaker Hi Cut applies a High Cut filter to Powercab Plus for minimizing high end harshness
  • Speaker Level applies a level trim
  • Speaker Color lets you choose the LED ring color on any connected Powercab(s)

NOTE: For more information on Powercab Plus, see the Powercab Plus Pilot’s Guide.

DT50/DT25 Remote

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, HX Edit

Helix can now remotely adjust the real tube topology settings and other parameters in one or two L6 LINK-connected DT25 or DT50 amplifiers. When one DT25 or DT50 is connected via L6 LINK (110-ohm AES/EBU cable), it receives a mono signal from Helix; when two DT250 or DT50 amplifiers are daisy-chained via L6 LINK, the first cab in the chain receives the left signal and the second cab receives the right signal.

TIP: Just like with any amp, cab, or effect parameter, DT parameters can be quickly assigned to footswitches or Snapshots.

  1. From the Output > Multi or Output > Digital block, press PAGE > three times.
  2. Turn Knob 1 (DT 25/50 Remote) to select “Per Preset” or “Global.” If you don’t plan on changing DT topology settings along with Helix presets, choose “Global.”
  3. Turn Knob 2 (DT Select) to specify which DT amp you want to controlDT 1, DT 2, or both DT amps

simultaneously (“1+2 Link”). Normally, you should leave this set to “1+2 Link,” which edits both DT amps simultaneously, to maintain phase coherence.

DT Channel

When set to Channel A, the DT switches to Channel A and its preamp is bypassed for when using a preamp model in Helix. When set to Channel B, the DT switches to Channel B and its preamp is activated

TIP: Assign a stomp footswitch (or snapshots) to simultaneously bypass a Helix preamp block AND switch a connected DT amp to Channel B. This gives you a wider variety of tones in the same preset, without the DSP overhead required to run two simultaneous Preamp blocks.

DT Topology

Changes the DT amp’s negative feedback loop topology. Choose “I (Tight)” for behavior reminiscent of the great American Blackface amps of the 60s, choose “II (Loose)” for dialing in echoes of classic British amps, choose “III (ZNF)” for a very open or dynamic feeling amp, or choose “IV (Resonant)” to add low frequency resonance that pairs well with high gain tones.

DT Power Amp

Sets the DT amp’s operating class, wattage, and bias type. Choose “Class A” for more dynamics with greater touch sensitivity; choose “Class AB” for greater headroom and power

DT Tube Config

Changes the configuration of the DT’s power tubes. Chose “Pentode” for clear and commanding tone; choose “Triode” for quieter and rounder sounds with a more vintage feel.

DT Reverb

Turns the DT amp’s built-in spring reverb on and off

DT Rev Mix

Determines the amount of built-in spring reverb

DT 12AX7 Boost (DT50 only)

When Low Volume Mode is off, applies a volume boost DT

Feedback Cap (DT50 only)

Sets the DT amp’s feedback capacitor type

DT B+ Voltage (DT50 only)

Sets the DT amp’s phase inverter B+ voltage

NOTE: For more information on DT amps, see the DT25 Pilot’s Guide or the DT50 Pilot’s Guide.

Snapshot Bypass

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Effects, HX Stomp, HX Edit

There may be situations where you don’t want Helix’s snapshots to control a particular block’s bypass state; that is, you’d prefer to turn it on and off manually. For example, you may want manual control of a boost pedal at any time without worrying whether a particular snapshot might turn it on or off.

Depending on your type of Helix/HX product, follow the procedure below:

Helix Floor / Rack / LT

Select a processing block, press ACTION, and set Knob 5 (Snapshot Bypass) to “Off” to disable snapshot control of that block’s bypass state

HX Effects

Select a processing block, press ACTION, and press the “Snapshot Bypass” switch to disable snapshot control of that block’s bypass state

HX Stomp

From Edit view, select a processing block, press ACTION, press PAGE >, and set Knob 3 (Snapshot Bypass) to “Off” to disable snapshot control of that block’s bypass state

Helix Native / HX Edit

Right-click (Mac: control-click) on a processing block and uncheck “Snapshot Bypass.” Alternatively, right-click (Mac: control-click) the Bypass button to uncheck “Snapshot Bypass.”

Hardware Compatibility Mode

Helix Native

Helix Native can now reflect the signal flow and model set of all Helix and HX hardware devices, so transferring presets to and from your DAW is even easier. In addition, Hardware Compatibility can be disabled entirely, so the simultaneous model count is now limited only by the speed of your computer.

  1. Open any instance of Helix Native within your DAW and click the gear icon in the lower left corner to open the Preferences window.
  2. Click the Hardware Compatibility tab.
  3. From the “Current Hardware Compatibility Mode” pull-down menu, select one of the following options:

Off

Disables Hardware Compatibility and lets you add as many blocks (of any type) as your computer’s horsepower will allow. Choose this setting if you don’t own any Helix or HX hardware

Helix Floor /LT / Rack (the default)

Configures Helix Native such that any presets made can be easily loaded into Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, or Helix LT

HX Effects

Configures Helix Native such that any presets made can be easily loaded into HX Effects. In this mode, no Amp or Cab models will be available

HX Stomp

Configures Helix Native such that any presets made can be easily loaded into HX Stomp

  1. Click OK. Depending on the current Hardware Compatibility Mode, Helix Native may repopulate the preset list to reflect that of the selected hardware. For example, if you choose “HX Stomp,” HX Stomp’s factory presets will appear and the signal flow will be limited to six blocks
  2. Click “Set as Default” to ensure any new instances of Helix Native open in the selected mode.

IMPORTANT! Each Hardware Compatibility Mode incorporates its own, independent preset library. Therefore, you will see the Helix Native preset library automatically repopulate to reflect that of the selected hardware.

Helix / HX Preset Sharing

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Effects, HX Stomp, HX Edit

All Helix and HX hardware and software now live within the same ecosystem. Using multiple windows within HX Edit and/or multiple instances of the Helix Native plug-in, both blocks and entire presets can be freely dragged and dropped or copied and pasted between units. Aside from the obvious caveats below, all Helix and HX products can now share the same content.

IMPORTANT! Due to the vast differences in how Helix/HX products manage controllers, snapshots, and Command Center messages, there is no guarantee that every single tiny detail of a preset will translate properly.

You can now drag / drop, copy / paste, or otherwise load:

HX Effects or HX Stomp presets into Helix Floor / Rack / LT and Helix Native. If an HX Effects preset has 9 blocks, the ninth block will be routed to Path 2

Helix Floor / Rack / LT, Helix Native, or HX Stomp presets into HX Effects. However, there are caveats.

To avoid an error message, the source preset must:

Contain 9 or fewer blocks

Not contain any Amp+Cab, Amp, Preamp, or Cab blocks

Contain no more than one Split and Merge block

Fit within one path worth of DSP processing

Helix Floor / Rack/LT, Helix Native, or HX Effects presets into HX Stomp. However, there are caveats. To avoid an error message, the source preset must:

Contain 6 or fewer blocks

Contain no more than one Split and Merge block Fit within one path worth of DSP processing

Helix Floor / Rack/LT, HX Effects, or HX Stomp presets into Helix Native

NOTE: A dialog box will appear if the source preset cannot be accommodated by the current Hardware Compatibility Mode (see above). At this point, you may choose to switch the current Hardware Compatibility Mode to that of the source preset, or attempt to translate the preset into the current Hardware Compatibility Mode, given the caveats above. See the Helix Native Pilot’s Guide for more information. Click the question mark icon in the lower left corner of the plug-in.

Undo/Redo

Helix Native, HX Edit

Both the Helix Native plug-in and HX Edit now support multiple levels of undo/redo.

  1. Click the Undo button to undo the most recent edit.
  2. Click the Redo button to redo the most recent undo.

MIDI Learn

Helix Native (Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, HX Effects, and HX Stomp already have this feature)

Helix Native can now learn an incoming MIDI CC message and automatically assign it to a parameter.

  1. Right-click on a parameter and select Controller > MIDI Learn. A small brain icon flashes. If you change your mind, click the icon to cancel.
  2. Send Helix Native a MIDI CC message. The parameter is automatically assigned to it.

TIP: In Helix Native, right-click (Mac: control-click) on a processing block to open a pull-down that lets you manually assign a MIDI CC to block bypass. Right-click (Mac: control-click) on a parameter slider to open a pull-down menu that lets you manually assign a MIDI CC to parameter control.

NOTE: Not all DAW software automatically routes incoming MIDI data through to any plug-in, especially those instantiated as an insert on an audio track. See your DAW’s documentation for more information. The new MIDI In indicator in the lower right corner flashes if Helix Native receives MIDI data.

Hands-free Pedal Edit for Input/Output Blocks

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT

In addition to Amp, Effect, Cab, IR, Split, and Mixer parameters, Input and Output Block parameters can also now be edited with your feet, including the new Variax String Level, Powercab Plus remote, and DT25/DT50 remote parameters.

  1. Press and hold MODE to enter Pedal Edit Mode. The switches flash.
  2. If necessary, press MORE one or more times to view additional blocks and press the Input 1A (or 1B, 2A, or 2B) or Output 1A (or 1B, 2A, or 2B) footswitch. If the block has more than one page of parameters, press FS8 (FS9 (PAGE>) until you find the parameter.
  3. Press the footswitch displaying the parameter you want to adjust and use an expression pedal to adjust the parameter. For fine adjustment, press FS10 (VALUE) and FS11 (VALUE+). Hold FS10 (VALUE) or FS11 (VALUE +) for faster adjustments.
  4. When finished, press FS12 (EXIT). If you want to save any changes made to the preset, hold FS12 (EXIT) for two seconds.

Snapshot Reselect

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, Helix Native, HX Effects, HX Stomp

Currently, pressing the currently active Snapshot switch will reload the stored state of that snapshot. With 2.80, you can now choose to instead toggle between it and the previously selected snapshot. For example, if you’re on Snapshot 2 and switch to Snapshot 8, pressing the Snapshot 8 footswitch will seamlessly toggle between Snapshot 8 and Snapshot 2.

From the Global Settings > Preferences menu, turn Snapshot Reselect to choose “Reload” or “Toggle Prev.” “Reload” remains the default.

Stomp Select

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT (parameter is already in HX Effects and HX Stomp)

Currently, briefly touching a stomp footswitch jumps to select its assigned items’ parameters; it’s a super fast and simple way to navigate your various amps and effects. For those neanderthals of you who play barefoot, you can disable this functionality from Global Settings > Footswitches > Touch Select. With 2.80, this parameter has now changed to Stomp Select, and lets you choose whether touching a switch, pressing a switch, or both instantly jumps to display the assigned items’ parameters.

Depending on your type of Helix/HX product, follow the procedure below:

Helix Floor / Rack / LT

From the Global Settings > Footswitches menu, turn Knob 1 (Stomp Select) to choose “None,” “Touch,” “Press,” or “Touch+Press.” “Touch” remains the default

HX Effects / HX Stomp

From the Global Settings > Footswitches menu, turn Knob 1 (Stomp Select) to choose “Touch,” “Press,” or “Both.” “Touch” remains the default

Swap Up/Down Switches

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT, HX Effects

Some users have requested the ability to press the DOWN switch to select the next bank, preset, or snapshot. With 2.80, Up and Down can be swapped:

From the Global Settings > Footswitches menu, turn [Swap Up/Down] to choose “Off” (normal) or “On” (reversed).

SHORTCUT: Touch (but don’t press) the Up and Down switches together for one second, and then press Knob 6 [FS6 on HX Effects] (OK). The up and down switches are now swapped.

Turn Joystick to Select Blocks

Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT

Currently, turning the joystick encoder scrolls through available models for the selected block. With 2.80, you can now choose to instead turn the joystick to quickly move across the signal flow.

From the Global Settings > Preferences menu, turn Knob 5 (Joystick Encoder) to choose “Model” or “Selection.”

“Model” remains the default.

SHORTCUT: Pressing and turning the joystick will provide the opposite setting; that is, when set to “Model”, press and turn the joystick to quickly move across the signal qow. When set to “Selection,” press and turn the joystick to scroll through available models for the selected block.

Tempo Indicator

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control

Press TAP / TUNER two or more times to enter a new tempo. The TAP/TUNER scribble strip briefly displays the

entered tempo.

SHORTCUT: To fine-tune the tempo, briefly touch the TAP/TUNER switch. The Tempo panel opens. Turn Knob 6 (BPM) to manually set the tempo.

Pedal Position Indicator

Helix Floor, Helix Rack/Control

A new Global Settings > Displays > Pedal Position Display parameter lets you determine whether the scribble strip above the expression pedal temporarily displays the expression pedal position (“Temporary”) or remains visible (“Persistent”).

Move the built-in expression pedal. The EXP scribble strip displays a position indicator (0 ~ 100%).

Helix Native Pricing

It’s not technically a feature, but Helix Native is now $99.99 US for all registered owners of Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, HX Effects, and HX Stomp ($300 off). Helix Native brings the amps, cabs, effects, and IR loading from Helix to your Mac or PC’s recording software without the need for time-consuming re-amping. Depending on your computer’s horsepower, you may be able to add an entire Helix’s worth of processing to multiple guitar, bass, synth, vocal, drum, bus, slide whistle, and nose flute tracks. Helix Native along with Helix hardware is also an immeasurably helpful tool when trying to rebuild studio tones for your tour, or tones built on the road for the next record. What used to take weeks (or hiring an expensive programmer) now takes seconds.

Other Changes and Improvements in 2.80

The Global Settings > Preferences > Tap Tempo Pitch (Authentic, Transparent) setting now also affects tempo changes taking place across snapshot changes, not just when pressing the TAP switch (Helix Floor Rack LT, Helix Native, HX Effects, HX Stomp)

On a Cab > Dual block, changing the first cab no longer changes the second cab (Helix Floor Rack LT, Helix Native, HX Edit [feature is already in HX Stomp])

Page indication has changed from small colored dots to the right of the inspector to a scrolling inspector header line (similar to the one in HX Stomp). This allows Impulse Response blocks to display longer IR names. Oh yeah speaking of which… (Helix Floor Rack LT)

Impulse Response blocks now display as many IR file name characters as will fit in the inspector header (Helix Floor Rack LT, Helix Native)

In previous versions, only the last value would be recalled via Snapshots (example: In Program messages, only the PC value could change). With 2.80, all values are recalled via Snapshots (example: In Hotkey messages, all modifiers and the keystroke can change, so each snapshot could have different sets of key commands). (Helix Floor Rack LT, HX Effects)

Additional values have been added to recall snapshots remotely via MIDI. CC69 Value 8 will select the next snapshot and Value 9 will select the previous snapshot (Helix Floor Rack LT, Helix Native, HX Effects [feature is already in HX Stomp])

Command Center > CC Toggle, CV Toggle (Helix Floor only), and Amp Control messages have an additional Type parameter that lets one determine whether the footswitch is latching or momentary. Previously, you would have to assign a processing block (set to momentary) to the same footswitch to make the Command Center message momentary (Helix Floor Rack LT, HX Effects)

An additional “None” value has been added to Command Center > Instant > Amp Control messages (Helix Floor Rack LT, HX Effects)

The “Pac Man” shortcut where moving the joystick right from the Output block jumps to the Input block (and vice versa) now also works when moving the joystick up and down (Helix Floor Rack LT)

On the Save Preset, Rename Preset, Rename Snapshot, Rename Setlist, and Customize screens, moving the joystick right from the last character jumps to the first (and vice versa) (Helix Floor Rack LT [feature is already in HX Stomp and HX Effects])

The boot screen now displays a red progress bar (Helix Floor Rack LT [feature is already in HX Stomp])

While in the Command Center menu, pressing SAVE twice to save a preset no longer exits you all the way to the Home screen (Helix Floor Rack LT, HX Effects)

Pressing Up and Down together from Snapshot mode now exits to the previous mode (same as pressing EXIT) (Helix Floor Rack LT, HX Effects)

Turning the PRESET knob past the last preset in each setlist now jumps back to the beginning of the setlist (and vice versa) (Helix Floor Rack LT [feature is already in HX Stomp and HX Effects])

A small indicator in the lower right corner of the plug-in window flashes whenever a MIDI message is received (Helix Native)

Automation and MIDI controller assignments can now be managed together from the Automation Controller Assign tab (Helix Native, HX Edit)

Blocks assigned to controllers or automation now display their category name in brackets. Parameters assigned to controllers or automation display a small icon to the left of their parameter sliders. In addition, pop-up menus now display controller or automation assignments, if any (Helix Native, HX Edit)

From the Controller Automation tab, right-click (Mac: control-click) an assignment to open a pull-down menu, letting you clear one or all assignments (Helix Native, HX Edit [feature is already in Helix Floor Rack/LT, HX Effects, and HX Stomp])

The Preferences menu in HX Edit now lets you set FS3, FS4, and FS5 functions (HX Edit [feature is already in HX Stomp])

A new “Restore Factory Settings” button has been added to the bottom of the Preferences window (Helix Native, HX

Edit [feature is already in Helix Floor Rack LT, HX Effects, and HX Stomp])

In HX Edit, snapshots can now be selected while the Command Center window is open

In HX Edit, the parameter tab will now be in sync with the Helix display for Amp+Cab and Cab > Dual blocks

When a Shuriken Variax is connected, HX Edit now displays its bank names properly

Wow, you’re still reading this? Congratulations; you’re way cooler and better looking than other Helix/HX owners. Celebrate your superiority with some delicious tacos.

As Ampeg is now Line 6’s sister company, all pre-2.80 Ampeg models have been renamed:

  • Amp > Bass > Tuck n’ Go is now called “ Ampeg B-15NF
  • Amp > Bass > SV Beast Nrm is now called “ Ampeg SVT Nrm
  • Amp > Bass > SV Beast Brt is now called “ Ampeg SVT Brt
  • Cab > 1x15 Tuck n’ Go is now called “ 1x15 Ampeg B-15
  • Cab > 4x10 Rhino is now called “ 4x10 Ampeg HLF
  • Cab > 8x10 SV Beast is now called “ 8x10 Ampeg SVT E

Numerous stability and performance improvements Lots of other little things

Bug Fixes in 2.80

  • On rare occasions, with dirty footswitches, a single press can generate two Command Center messages. We’ve added a small timeout to ensure this doesn’t happen, regardless of the condition of the footswitches.
  • Pressing the Cab > Mic parameter knob now returns the value to default.
  • While HX Edit is running, double-clicking a preset, setlist, or bundle file on the desktop or any finder window will load the file.
  • In HX Edit, background windows now properly reflect the connected state of the device.
  • In HX Edit, preset names are now preserved in setlist, bundle, or backup files if an empty preset was renamed.
  • Many other minor bug fixes.

Known Issues in 2.80

  • Global settings are reset after upgrade to 2.80. BACKUP FIRST!
  • Downgrading to 2.71 or older will erase ALL preset data.
  • The first time you update Helix/HX to 2.80, your Mac or PC may ask what kind of keyboard you have connected. This is due to the new Hotkey feature. Just ignore this and close the window.
  • Assigning a Command Center > Hotkey message to a footswitch that already has a block assigned to it (set to latching, which is the default) will cause the keystroke to be repeatedly sent to your Mac/PC. To avoid this behavior, either assign the Hotkey message to an empty footswitch or set the footswitch’s mode to Momentary.
  • The first preset of each setlist is loaded during a restore.
  • The Helix icon may appear during the update and it could stop spinning. This is fine, the update will continue.
  • DT must be on firmware version 2.00 for L6 Link control to function.
  • Powercab 112 Plus must be on firmware version 2.00 or higher for L6 Link control to function.
  • You cannot rename the 1 Switch Looper scribble strip on Rack or Floor.
  • A preset may load blank after dragging a looper block across a split, merge and another block two times. Simply load the preset again and it will load as expected.
  • A brief volume increase can occur at preset load from Powercab while loading presets with different Powercab modes on a Helix device.
  • Undo/Redo does not work when switching between time and note divisions.
  • In HX EDIT, Undo/Redo removes block assignments in certain cases such as moving between paths.
  • Save to Library lists presets in “01A-32D” setlist format regardless of preferences.

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave
( 4 MB )
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Firmware      

9d66a1f58

H E L I X Firmware 2.71

 

Bug Fixes

- On some occasions, multiple Delay block parameters would not be controlled properly when set to a footswitch - FIXED
- Other bug fixes and improvements

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave
( 4 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

35792afdf

2.70 "The Marketplace Update"

New Features (Firmware 2.70)

    • Marketplace support—Marketplace is a new online destination that lets users purchase presets and impulse responses created by select third-party content gurus. From the lower left-hand corner of HX Edit, click "My Account" and then choose "Get More Presets..." or "Get More IRs..."
    • Three New Tuner Types—From the Tuner page, turn the Type knob to choose between "Fine" (color-changing needle tuner with fine tuning bar), "Coarse" (color-changing needle tuner with no fine tuning bar), and "Strobe". SEE IMPORTANT KNOWN ISSUE BELOW*

New Features (Helix Native 1.70)

    • Marketplace support—Marketplace is a new online destination that lets users purchase presets and impulse responses created by select third-party content gurus. From the lower left-hand corner Helix Native, click "My Account" and then choose "Get More Presets..." or "Get More IRs..."

New Features (HX Edit 2.70)

    • Adds support for HX Stomp
    • Marketplace support—Marketplace is a new online destination that lets users purchase presets and impulse responses created by select third-party content gurus. From the lower left-hand corner of HX Edit, click "My Account" and then choose "Get More Presets..." or "Get More IRs..."
    • Multi-device support—HX Edit now opens a new window when multiple Helix or HX boxes are connected. For example, if you have Helix Floor and your bass player has HX Stomp, you can now connect both and quickly and easily copy and paste individual blocks back and forth. Windows can also be manually opened and closed from the Devices pull-down menu

Improvements

    • The tuner now accurately tunes notes down to 21.83 Hz (low F) for 5-string basses
    • HX Stomp only—Shortcut: If HX Stomp is in Preset or Snapshot mode, or FS3 in Stomp and Scroll mode has been assigned to something other than TAP/TUNER, you can now press ACTION and PAGE> together to open the Tuner screen
    • HX Stomp only—Shortcut: Press ACTION andPreferences > Snapshot Edits value

Bug Fixes

    • Helix Floor, Rack, LT only—A couple of amp models (including Cali Texas Ch 2) have their polarity reversed. When combined with another amp in parallel, this could cause phase cancellation. NOTE: This may affect the sound of some presets, especially if you swapped the polarity of Path B in the mixer block — FIXED
    • Helix Floor, Rack, LT only—Amp > Cali Texas Ch 1 could gradually decrease in level when Mid and/or Bass parameters are set to 0.0 — FIXED
    • Helix Floor, Rack, LT only—Delay models with two Time parameters could sometimes reset note divisions when changing snapshots — FIXED
    • HX Effects only—Clearing or cutting a block on Path B from HX Edit could sometimes HX Effects to freeze when in stomp footswitch mode — FIXED
    • HX Effects only—Switching from a preset with a Split > Crossover block to a preset with a Split > A/B block could sometimes cause HX Effects to freeze — FIXED
    • HX Effects only—When EXP Position is set to Global, the expression pedal's position could not be recalled immediately after switching presets, which could cause undesired signals to pass through — FIXED
    • HX Effects only—In rare cases, exiting the Tuner could sometimes slightly adjust signal level and tone — FIXED
    • HX Effects only—When connecting both left and right inputs, exiting the tuner could sometimes cause the right side of certain effects blocks to not be heard
    • HX Effects only—In very rare cases, engaging a certain combination of footswitches while connected to HX Edit and then power cycling HX Effects could clear certain blocks — FIXED
    • HX Effects only—From HX Edit, copying and pasting an Output block over itself could sometimes paste Mixer parameters — FIXED
    • HX Effects only—Switching Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo > Tempo Select values while transmitting MIDI clock could sometimes result in sending incorrect tempi — FIXED
    • HX Effects only—After resetting Global Settings, Tap Tempo could become unresponsive while receiving MIDI Clock — FIXED
    • HX Effects only—HX Edit would not reflect the Looper > 1 Switch Looper's bypass status — FIXED
    • HX Effects only—Mixer parameter values could inadvertently be copied into new empty presets — FIXED
    • HX Effects only—Quickly changing snapshots from HX Edit could sometimes cause hardware and software to disconnect — FIXED
    • Helix Native only—Control/Command-click on parameter slider would not always snap to the hardware's default value — FIXED
    • Many other minor bug fixes and improvements

Known Issues

  • *IMPORTANT: The three new tuner types only appear for those registered users who didn't complain incessantly about Helix's previous tuner on social media. For those who did complain (AND WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE), the new tuner will be unlocked once you perform ONE of the following:
  • Post a photo of yourself on the Helix Facebook Group with the "X" logo written on your forehead in black Sharpie (washable magic marker is acceptable). The admins have been given the authority to unlock units with flagged serial numbers; assuming business hours, please allow 1-2 hours for the new tuner page to be unlocked (NOTE: You may have to restart Helix/HX for the new tuner page to appear)
  • Post a meme of Arnold Schwarzenegger from Kindergarten Cop yelling "IT'S NOT A TUNAAHH!" on either the Line 6 Helix—or—The Gear Page > Digital and Modeling Gear forum. Be sure to use the proper Impact font. Memes will not be judged for their artistic merit, although the spelling must be correct. Again, admins have been given the authority to unlock units with flagged serial numbers
  • If you'd prefer to participate silently, you may instead manually rename 47 presets "Patience is Key" (NOTE: Will not work from HX Edit; nor can you just copy one "Patience is Key" preset into 46 additional locations. You must manually rename each one. Once all 47 presets have been named correctly, the inspector [or FS5 on HX Effects] will read "Tuners unlocked!")
  • HX Effects only—When Tuner Type is set to "Strobe" and your string is waaay out of tune, the graphic tuner nodes may appear a bit glitchy
  • HX Effects only—In rare cases, moving an Impulse Response block from Path A to Path B can cause a second IR block to reset its impulse selection
  • Importing bundles containing Marketplace assets can take notably longer
  • When manually engaging a rebuild presets command (holding FS1+2 or FS2+3), Helix can appear to freeze even though it doesn't. Wait 15-20 seconds for the rebuild to complete and all is well
  • Loading a Distortion > Kinky Boost block can sometimes result in an audible thump
  • HX Edit currently only supports one or two Helix or HX devices connected at the same time (true multi-device support is forthcoming)
  • Wait, are you serious about the sharpie forehead, Schwarzenegger meme, and renaming 47 presets thing? No. This is why you always read the entire release notes

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave
( 4 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

41ed83b

Helix/HX Firmware 2.60 “The Spring Cleaning Update”

 
New Amp Models (2—Helix, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT only)
  • Cali Texas Ch1, based on* the clean channel of the MESA/Boogie® Lonestar
  • Placater Clean, based on* the clean channel of the Friedman BE-100
 
New Effects Models (4)
  • Distortion > Deranged Master (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster—WARNING! Like the real thing, this model can take your head off! Works best before a distorted amp
  • Distortion > Deez One Vintage (Mono, Stereo), based on* the BOSS© DS-1 distortion pedal (classic Made-in-Japan version)
  • Distortion > Deez One Mod (Mono, Stereo), based on* the BOSS© DS-1 distortion pedal (Keeley mod version)
  • Looper > 1 Switch Looper (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 original (doesn't leave Stomp mode)
 
* All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6.
 
Using the 1 Switch Looper:
  1. Add a Looper > 1 Switch Looper block to your preset and assign it to a stomp footswitch. (Adding a 1 Switch Looper to HX Effects from Stomp view automatically assigns it to the selected footswitch.)
  2. Press the 1 Switch Looper switch. The LED lights red, indicating the loop is recording.
  3. Press the 1 Switch Looper switch again. The LED lights green, indicating the loop is playing back.
  4. Press the 1 Switch Looper switch again. The LED lights amber, indicating the loop is in overdub mode. Subsequent presses of the switch toggle between play and overdub mode.
  5. While the 1 Switch Looper is in play or overdub mode, press and hold the switch for 1 second. The most recent recording is undone. Holding the switch again will redo the recording. On Helix, Helix Rack/Control, and HX Effects, “UNDO” or “REDO” briefly appears on the scribble strip. On Helix LT, “UNDO” or “REDO” briefly appears in Performance view.
  6. Quickly double-press the 1 Switch Looper switch. Playback/recording stops and the LED lights white, indicating a loop is in memory.
  7. While Looper playback/recording is stopped, press and hold the switch. The recording is deleted and the LED lights dim white.
 
Improvements/Changes
  • The most recent new HX Reverb models have been tweaked to sound notably wetter (see Known Issues below)
  • When changing the Time parameter, Legacy delay models now exhibit a more organic behavior (more like DL4 and Echo Pro)
  • The Looper block is now called “6 Switch Looper” (see Known Issues below)
  • Synchronizing to incoming MIDI clock has been improved
  • The Mix parameter defaults of both mono and stereo HX Reverbs are now consistent
  • When loading a preset, its default MIDI program change message would be transmitted after the preset is loaded and any Instant commands were sent. This PC message is now sent immediately when the preset is selected
  • Helix, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT only: Shuriken Variax bank names now appear in the Input > Multi and Input > Variax block without requiring connection to Variax Workbench
  • HX Effects only: On the Signal Flow page, if the Split block is selected and bypassed, it now appears with a different icon than when it’s enabled
  • Many under-the-hood improvements
 
Bug Fixes
  • The Filter > Legacy > Obi Wah model is mono (should be stereo) — FIXED
  • Modulation > Legacy > Analog Chorus > Mode parameter was mislabeled “CH Vib” — FIXED
  • Pitch/Synth > Legacy > Smart Harmony > Key parameter was mislabeled “V1 Key” — FIXED
  • Helix, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT only: After selecting a different preset, the Tempo > Preset BPM value display would not be updated — FIXED
  • Helix, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT only: While the Looper (now 6 Switch Looper) is in playback mode, the LED on FS9 (Play/Stop) will go dim when exiting and then returning to Looper view — FIXED
  • Helix, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT only: When the Tuner > Output routing is set to USB 5/6, the audio can instead be routed to USB 3/4 — FIXED
  • Helix, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT only: If an Input block on Path 2A or 2B is set to “None,” its Input gate remains active if previously engaged — FIXED
  • Helix, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT only: If Global Settings > EXP Pedals > EXP 1 Polarity is set to “Inverted,” EXP 2 Polarity could be affected — FIXED
  • Helix, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT only: If a single Stomp mode footswitch is assigned to a block bypass and more than one parameter assignment, repeatedly touching the switch may not cycle through all assignments — FIXED
  • Helix, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT only: Saving a preset with a Command Center Note On command can reset the note value to C-1 when quickly changing snapshots — FIXED
  • Helix, Helix Rack/Control, Helix LT only: In some cases, Command Center CC Toggle messages are not sent when selecting snapshots — FIXED
  • Helix Rack/Control only: In rare cases, if the current preset in Helix Rack is particularly DSP-intensive and an expression pedal is connected to Helix Control, recalling a different preset or snapshot can cause Helix Control to freeze — FIXED 
  • Helix Rack/Control only: In rare cases, while quickly navigating presets, the preset name displayed on Helix Rack can sometimes not match that on Helix Control — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: The Delay > Stereo > Multi Pass block in some factory presets appeared only with the left channel active — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: Looper (now 6 Switch Looper) playback/recording can sometimes stop when changing presets, even if the target preset has the same type of looper (mono or stereo) — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: In some cases, the Looper (now 6 Switch Looper) can continue to play when selecting an empty preset with no Looper block — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: Selecting the Distortion > Thrifter Fuzz model can result in a brief thump accompanied by a high whine — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: If a controller is assigned to a Modulation > Pattern Trem block parameter and the min value is greater than the max value, moving the controller can cause HX Effects to freeze — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: Under rare, specific circumstances, parameters assigned to Note values could sometimes reset when recalling snapshots — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: Loading certain presets can cause some model blocks to appear as None blocks — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: Copying and pasting a block with many controller assignments can delete all controller assignments (and cause subsequent errors) after saving and then recalling the preset — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: When Global Settings > Switches >  Stomp mode is set to “4 Switches,” the Looper (now 6 Switch Looper) could sometimes fail to display Record and Undo switches — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: After a factory reset, recording a loop and then saving the preset could result in the loop being cleared — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: The Split block’s bypass state could sometimes not be recalled via snapshots — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: Receiving MIDI CC69 messages to recall snapshots can sometimes result in unpredictable block bypass states — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: Attempting to assign a block to a footswitch that already has eight assignments can result in clearing one or more original assignments — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: In rare cases, assigning the same EXP pedal to the same parameter twice in a row via Learn Controller can cause a scribble strip’s contents to disappear — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: Adjusting a parameter with an expression pedal while holding TAP/TUNER can result in the block’s parameters appearing in Tuner view — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: When receiving an MIDI CC52, CC53, or CC54 message, HX Effects does not respond as expected — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: When a Send 1/2 Output block is selected, parameters in the Controller Assign are incorrect — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: After assigning a controller to the Pitch/Synth > Simple Pitch > Interval parameter, it appears as “-2147483” in parameter spill view — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: Certain parameters with both positive and negative values can sometimes cause the Controller Assign menu’s Min Value and Max Value parameter sliders to not reflect the correct value — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: After assigning a footswitch to parameter control via Controller Assign’s FS3 (Learn), relearning a MIDI CC message results in HX Effects automatically applying CC4, regardless of the CC# received — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: Looper (now 6 Switch Looper) Undo function would not undo the most recent overdub — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: While performing a Factory Reset, turning knobs 1-3 could cause Global Settings to appear above Footswitch 2 — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: If a Wah block is changed to a Looper block, the Looper’s Playback parameter is automatically assigned to EXP 2 — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: After clearing three or more Command Center assignments, all saved Command Center snapshot data can be inadvertently cleared — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: In rare cases, duplicate Command Center Instant commands can be transmitted when selecting snapshots — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: When Global Settings > Pedals > EXP 1 Position or EXP 2 Position is set to “Global”, expression position may not always affect parameters globally — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: After saving a preset, HX Effects would sometimes not display the most recently accessed block on a footswitch assigned to multiple blocks — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: When the Tuner output is set to Send 1/2, signal flow audio sent to Send 1/2 can be muted — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: In rare, specific circumstances, Command Center MIDI Bank/Prog and CC values can be inadvertently altered when changing snapshots — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: Assigning 11 (!) parameters to a single controller, copying/pasting the block, and then moving the controller can cause HX Effects to freeze — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: If the Mixer block is moved to Path B, moving the block would cause its parameters above Footswitch 3 to disappear — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: While in the Save Preset menu, touching the TAP/TUNER switch to open the Tempo Panel will reset any recent custom name or save destination — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: In some cases, manually setting a Wah, Volume, or Pitch Wham’s switch assignment can result in odd parameter slider behavior — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: In the Command Center, any Bank/Prog message’s CC00, CC32, and Prog parameters could not contain have a value of 0 — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: If a block has a dual-state parameter assigned to a different footswitch, copying and pasting the block to another switch can fail to display white controller nodes and sometimes may freeze the UI — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: Receiving a MIDI CC68 message does not open and close the Tuner view — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: In some cases, Send 1/2 & Main L/R Pan and Level parameter settings are reflected across preset changes — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: Snapshot names can sometimes fail to appear on the scribble strips — FIXED
  • HX Effects only: EXP 1 and 2 would behave as if it was set to “Per Preset”, even when set to “Global” — FIXED
  • Many other minor bug fixes and optimizations
 
Known Issues
  • As the new HX Reverb models have been tweaked to sound notably “wetter”, any existing user presets that use these models will sound different. Although Helix and HX hardware has the ability to compensate for changes made to models when rebuilding presets (and one of our goals is to rarely if ever cause audible changes to existing user presets), the improvements made to the reverb blocks unfortunately cannot be compensated for
  • Existing user presets containing Helix’s classic Looper block will continue to read “Looper” instead of “6 Switch-Looper” until the model is changed and the preset is re-saved. This is normal and does not affect operation
  • In rare cases, pitch artifacts may be heard on selected delay blocks when the Time parameter is set to Note Sync values higher than 1/2 Triplet

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows 8, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave
( 4 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

9efa95c

H E L I X  2.54 Release Notes

 

Bug Fixes

- Pop noise can occur when exiting Tuner in four cable method setup with FX loop block engaged and audio playing upon entering and exiting Tuner -FIXED

- Once every 74 minutes or so, the AES/EBU or S/PDIF digital signal could drop out for several seconds -FIXED

- Other bug fixes and improvements

Known Issues

- No CC Toggle MIDI data is sent when changing between different Snapshots that feature CC Toggle command assignments in Lit state

- In rare cases, a crash can occur when creating an Input or Output in HX Edit (moving split/join to B path) while having a None block selected

- In rare cases, PC messages are sent after Instant Commands on preset load, resulting in perceived delayed response by the device receiving MIDI

- Shuriken Variax bank names will not appear in firmware until Helix is connected to a Mac/PC and Workbench HD is launched

- In rare cases, pitch artifacts may be heard on selected delay blocks when the Time parameter is set to Note Sync values higher than 1/2 Triplet

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Mac OS Jaguar, Mac OS Panther, Mac OS Leopard, Windows 7, Mac OS Snow Leopard, Mac OS Lion, Mac OS Mountain Lion, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave
( 4 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

fb468aa

HELIX 2.53 Release Notes


Bug Fixes

- In rare cases, updating from 2.21 firmware or older could result in unit freezing during UI MCU update - FIXED
- External Amp commands could not be transmitted when changing snapshots - FIXED
- In rare cases, Helix Rack could freeze when updating Helix Control - FIXED
- In some cases, an External Amp command (Tip only) could change the internal expression pedal from EXP 1 to EXP 2 (or vice versa) on Helix LT - FIXED
- In some cases, attempting to swap footswitch assignments when one switch was unassigned could cause Helix to freeze - FIXED
- Other bug fixes and optimizations

 

Known Issues

- In rare cases, a crash can occur when creating an Input or Output in HX Edit (moving split/join to B path) while having a None block selected
- In rare cases, PC messages are sent after Instant Commands on preset load, resulting in perceived delayed response by the device receiving MIDI
- Shuriken Variax bank names will not appear in firmware until Helix is connected to a Mac/PC and Workbench HD is launched
- In rare cases, pitch artifacts may be heard on selected delay blocks when the Time parameter is set to Note Sync values higher than 1/2 Triplet

 

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Mac OS Jaguar, Mac OS Panther, Mac OS Leopard, Windows 7, Mac OS Snow Leopard, Mac OS Lion, Mac OS Mountain Lion, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave
( 4 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

83f1d58

HELIX 2.50 Release Notes


New Amp Models (2)

  • Cali Texas Ch2, based on* the drive channel of the MESA/Boogie® Lonestar [Ch1 coming later this spring]
  • Placater Dirty, based on* the BE/HBE channel of the Friedman BE-100 [Clean channel coming later this spring] 

 

New HX Effects Models (6)

  • Delay > Multi Pass (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original bandpass-filtered multitap delay
  • Reverb > Glitz (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original
  • Reverb > Ganymede (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original
  • Reverb > Searchlights (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original
  • Reverb > Plateaux (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original
  • Reverb > Double Tank (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original

 

New Legacy Effects Models (77)

Helix Floor, Rack/Control, and LT now include a library of effects from M13, M9, M5, DL4, DM4, FM4, and MM4. These appear in a new "Legacy" subcategory in the model list.

  • Distortion > Tube Drive
  • Distortion > Screamer
  • Distortion > Overdrive
  • Distortion > Classic Dist
  • Distortion > Heavy Dist
  • Distortion > Colordrive
  • Distortion > Buzz Saw
  • Distortion > Facial Fuzz
  • Distortion > Jumbo Fuzz
  • Distortion > Fuzz Pi
  • Distortion > Jet Fuzz
  • Distortion > Line 6 Drive
  • Distortion > Line 6 Distortion
  • Distortion > Sub Oct Fuzz
  • Distortion > Octave Fuzz
  • Dynamics > Tube Comp
  • Dynamics > Red Comp
  • Dynamics > Blue Comp
  • Dynamics > Blue Comp Treb
  • Dynamics > Vetta Comp
  • Dynamics > Vetta Juice
  • Dynamics > Boost Comp
  • Modulation > Pattern Tremolo
  • Modulation > Panner
  • Modulation > Bias Tremolo
  • Modulation > Opto Tremolo
  • Modulation > Script Phase
  • Modulation > Panned Phaser
  • Modulation > Barberpole
  • Modulation > Dual Phaser
  • Modulation > U-Vibe
  • Modulation > Phaser
  • Modulation > Pitch Vibrato
  • Modulation > Dimension
  • Modulation > Analog Chorus
  • Modulation > Tri Chorus
  • Modulation > Analog Flanger
  • Modulation > Jet Flanger
  • Modulation > AC Flanger
  • Modulation > 80A Flanger
  • Modulation > Frequency Shift
  • Modulation > Ring Modulator
  • Modulation > Rotary Drum
  • Modulation > Rotary Drm/Horn
  • Delay > Ping Pong
  • Delay > Dynamic
  • Delay > Stereo
  • Delay > Digital
  • Delay > Dig w/ Mod
  • Delay > Reverse
  • Delay > Lo Res
  • Delay > Tube Echo
  • Delay > Tape Echo
  • Delay > Sweep Echo
  • Delay > Echo Platter
  • Delay > Analog Echo
  • Delay > Analog w/ Mod
  • Delay > Auto-Volume Echo
  • Delay > Multi-Head
  • Pitch/Synth > Bass Octaver
  • Pitch/Synth > Smart Harmony
  • Pitch/Synth > Octi Synth
  • Pitch/Synth > Synth O Matic
  • Pitch/Synth > Attack Synth
  • Pitch/Synth > Synth String
  • Pitch/Synth > Growler
  • Filter > Voice Box
  • Filter > V Tron
  • Filter > Q Filter
  • Filter > Seeker
  • Filter > Obi Wah
  • Filter > Tron Up
  • Filter > Tron Down
  • Filter > Throbber
  • Filter > Slow Filter
  • Filter > Spin Cycle
  • Filter > Comet Trails

 

Improvements/Changes

- 12 of Helix’s 17 reverbs originally appeared in M-Class processors and Verbzilla. As such, they’ve been moved into the new “Legacy” subcategory within the Reverb category
- Helix's tempo no longer responds to pressing TAP at tempi lower than 40.0 BPM (Beats Per Minute). This is to ensure that multiple fast tap entries are recognized properly, as previously, they could be seen as one really slow tap entry. You may still manually select a tempo all the way down to 20.0 BPM and your presets can still be saved with tempi down to 20.0 BPM—just touch TAP and turn Knob 6 (BPM)

Bug Fixes

- In some cases, when Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo > Duplicate PC Send was set to "Off," duplicate PC messages could still be sent—FIXED
- In rare cases, MIDI note commands set to momentary could switch to “latching”—FIXED
- If its Mid and Bass parameters are set to 0.0, the Cali IV Lead Amp/Amp+Cab model could sometimes exhibit a decrease in gain—FIXED
- If snapshot names have been cleared, preset names could sometimes appear blank when switching from Snapshot footswitch mode to Preset footswitch mode—FIXED
- Helix LT: After restoring Global Settings from HX Edit, the EXP 1/2 LEDs could become responsive—FIXED
- Quickly switching between snapshots could cause Command Center > CC Toggle messages to send incorrect MIDI CC data—FIXED
- Other bug fixes and optimizations


Known Issues

- Shuriken bank names only appear after connecting a Shuriken Variax guitar to Helix and opening Variax Workbench HD software
- When using two 1024 IR's in a preset, moving the upper IR block before or after a pre/post split block can change the sonic character of the IR block
- In rare cases, pitch artifacts may be heard on selected delay blocks when the Time parameter is set to Note Sync values higher than 1/2 Triplet
 

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Mac OS Jaguar, Mac OS Panther, Mac OS Leopard, Windows 7, Mac OS Snow Leopard, Mac OS Lion, Mac OS Mountain Lion, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave
( 4 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

6c64116

Helix Firmware 2.30 Release Notes
 
New Amps (7)
Voltage Queen, based on* the Victoria® Electro King
Derailed Ingrid, based on* the Trainwreck Circuits® Express
Brit Trem Nrm, based on* the normal channel of the Marshall® Plexi Tremolo 50
Brit Trem Brt, based on* the bright channel of the Marshall® Plexi Tremolo 50
Brit Trem Jump, based on* the normal and bright channel (jumped) of the Marshall® Plexi Tremolo 50
Cartographer, based on* the Ben Adrian Cartographer
Agua 51, based on* the Aguilar® DB751 bass amp

New Effects (7)
- Distortion > Kinky Boost (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Xotic® EP Booster
- Distortion > Thrifter Fuzz (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original
- Dynamics > Kinky Comp (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Xotic® SP Compressor
- Modulation > Bleat Chop Trem (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Lightfoot Labs© Goatkeeper
- Modulation > Double Take (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original doubler
- Delay > Cosmos Echo (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Roland® RE-201 Space Echo
- Volume/Pan > Stereo Width (Stereo), Line 6 Original utility to collapse stereo paths
* All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6.

New Features
Support for HX Edit—Helix, Helix Rack/Control, and Helix LT now work with the new HX Edit application (Mac/PC)
- Full State Backup and Restore—Helix supports the all-new HX Edit application’s ability to perform full-state backup and restore. IMPORTANT! You MUST be running Helix firmware 2.20 or higher to use full state backup and restore! In HX Edit, from the File pulldown menu, select “Create Backup…” Click [Create Backup] to confirm. To restore from a backup, from the File pulldown menu, select “Restore From Backup…” From the Backup File pulldown, select the desired backup and click [Restore Backup]. You may choose to restore any combination of 8 setlists, IRs (including the index order), and/or Global Settings.
Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo > Duplicate PC Send—Before 2.30, Helix would purposely omit MIDI PC messages with an identical value as the previous PC message. You may now choose to send duplicate PC messages
LFO reset—Stepping on TAP once now resets any LFO-based effects, such as tremolos and rotary speakers
Support for Variax Shuriken banks—When a Variax Shuriken is connected, Helix’s Input > Multi and Input > Variax blocks will reflect the proper factory bank names. These bank names are retained until a James Tyler Variax or Variax Standard is connected

Improvements/Changes
- The Distortion > Obsidian 7000 model has been tweaked to sound and feel even more like the original

Bug Fixes
- Turning the Cali IV Rhythm 1 model’s Master knob down can occasionally cause an increase in output volume -FIXED
- When UK 846 and Teardrop 310 wah models’ Level and Mix parameters are set to 0, ~3dB of gain can be added -FIXED
- Pitch blocks’ Interval parameters may not be properly restored after exporting and then importing a preset -FIXED
- MIDI clock could become unstable for a brief time after adjusting certain parameters on the Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo page - FIXED
- In the Command Center, if an Ext Amp message is assigned to a footswitch, Ext Amp messages assigned to Instant commands may not restore properly -FIXED
- General stability improvements
- Other minor bug fixes and optimizations

Known Issues
- In rare cases, MIDI note commands set to momentary can switch to “latching”
- If its Mid and Bass parameters are set to 0.0, the Cali IV Lead Amp/Amp+Cab model sometimes exhibits a decrease in gain
- If snapshot names have been cleared, preset names can sometimes appear blank when switching from Snapshot footswitch mode to Preset footswitch mode

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Mac OS Jaguar, Mac OS Panther, Mac OS Leopard, Windows 7, Mac OS Snow Leopard, Mac OS Lion, Mac OS Mountain Lion, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave
( 4 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

61d1df5

Helix Firmware 2.21 Release Notes

 
Helix v2.21.0 is a firmware update that includes new fixes, stability improvements, and optimizations. It is highly recommended that all Helix users perform this update!
 
IMPORTANT! YOU *MUST* FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO INSTALL 2.21!
 
1. Shut down all Line 6 software as well as any software that streams audio, including, but not limited to: iTunes, Spotify, DAWs, browsers, etc.
 
2. Use your CURRENT EXISTING Helix application to back up all of your presets and IRs (if you want to keep them). For example, if you’re running Helix FW 2.00, your current Helix application version should be 2.00.
 
3. Quit the CURRENT EXISTING Helix editor application and download and install the LATEST Helix editor application (2.21), available here: http://line6.com/software/ This also installs the newest version of Line 6 Updater (1.11).
 
4. If you’re using Helix Rack with Helix Control, turn off Helix Control.
 
5. Using the latest Line 6 Updater (1.11), update Helix/Helix Rack to the newest firmware (2.21). At the end of the update process, Helix/Helix Rack will reboot automatically and begin rebuilding presets. Wait for this process to complete.
 
6. If you’re using Helix Control with Helix Rack, connect and power on Helix Control. The inspector will ask if you want to update its firmware. Press Knob 6 (OK). Wait for the update to finish.
 
YOU MUST RESET GLOBALS AND RESTORE PRESETS, OTHERWISE HELIX 2.21 WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. DO IT. DO IT NOW:
 
7. To reset globals and restore presets, turn off Helix/Helix Rack.
 
HELIX FLOOR + LT ONLY: While holding footswitches 9 and 10 (middle two switches on the bottom row), turn on Helix. Wait for the message “Will reset Globals and restore stock Presets, Setlists and IRs…” to appear and let go.
 
HELIX RACK ONLY: While holding knobs 5 and 6 below the screen, turn on Helix Rack. Wait for the message “Will reset Globals and restore stock Presets, Setlists and IRs…” to appear and let go.
 
8. Using the NEW Helix editor application (2.21), restore the user presets you backed up in step 2.

 

Improvements/Changes

- Additional optimizations to the GUI engine

Bug Fixes

- Pitch/Synth > 3 Note Generator and 4 OSC Generator’s behind-the-scenes Trails parameter was disabled, making it appear as if the Decay parameter was broken - FIXED

- Distortion > Stereo > Clawthorn drive appeared slightly right of center - FIXED

- Engaging/bypassing a block from a Stomp switch was slower than normal - FIXED

- Turning the large Volume knob resulted in audible stepping while audio was active - FIXED

- In rare cases, changing cab mic models while Helix is synced to incoming MIDI clock could result in brief UI lockup - FIXED

- In rare cases, Helix could freeze when navigating the model list while receiving many tempo changes via MIDI clock - FIXED

- In rare cases, pressing a Stomp mode footswitch could transmit a single MIDI Clock pulse - FIXED

- In rare cases, Helix could freeze when accessing Global Settings while receiving MIDI Clock via USB - FIXED

- Helix Rack/Control only: If an expression pedal is connected to Helix Control with its position set to heel down, its Global Settings > Pedals > Polarity is set to “Inverted”, and its Global Settings > Pedal > Pedal Position is set to “Global”, an audible blip can occur on preset load - FIXED

In rare cases, multiple bypass assigned footswitches with custom names can have bypass states swapped upon preset import - FIXED

In rare cases, Helix can become unresponsive after copying specific block types onto another - FIXED

- Other bug fixes and optimizations

Known Issues

- If a Variax guitar is connected to Helix, MIDI channel 16 should never be used, as channel 16 is how Variax Workbench communicates with the guitar. This is by design. On a related note, Variax Workbench should never be used while MIDI tracks are armed or playing back in your DAW

- If Helix is set to a preset with a Pitch/Synth > Generator block on before beginning the firmware update process, a short burst of audio may be heard after presets are rebuilt
 
- If a user fails to read and follow the update instructions, Helix will add nine additional steps to the update process, one of which involves a shot of cheap mezcal

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Mac OS Jaguar, Mac OS Panther, Mac OS Leopard, Windows 7, Mac OS Snow Leopard, Mac OS Lion, Mac OS Mountain Lion, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave
( 3 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

07d9434

Helix Firmware 2.20 Release Notes

 
Helix v2.20.0 is a firmware update that includes new amps, cabs, effects, features, fixes, stability improvements, and optimizations. It is highly recommended that all Helix users perform this update!
 
 
1. Shut down all Line 6 software as well as any software that streams audio, including, but not limited to: iTunes, Spotify, DAWs, browsers, etc.
 
2. Use your CURRENT EXISTING Helix application to back up all of your presets and IRs (if you want to keep them). For example, if you’re running Helix FW 1.12, your current Helix application version should be 1.12.
 
NOTE: You may want to back up individual Setlists so you can restore them to empty setlists without affecting the new 2.20 factory presets.
 
3. Quit the CURRENT EXISTING Helix editor application and download and install the LATEST Helix editor application (2.20), available here: http://line6.com/software/ This also installs the newest version of Line 6 Updater (1.11).
 
4. If you’re using Helix Rack with Helix Control, turn off Helix Control.
 
5. Using the latest Line 6 Updater (1.11), update Helix/Helix Rack to the newest firmware (2.20). At the end of the update process, Helix/Helix Rack will reboot automatically and begin rebuilding presets. Wait for this process to complete.
 
6. If you’re using Helix Control with Helix Rack, connect and power on Helix Control. The inspector will ask if you want to update its firmware. Press Knob 6 (OK). Wait for the update to finish.
 
YOU MUST RESET GLOBALS AND RESTORE PRESETS, OTHERWISE HELIX 2.20 WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. DO IT. DO IT NOW:
 
7. To reset globals and restore presets, turn off Helix/Helix Rack.
 
HELIX FLOOR ONLY: While holding footswitches 9 and 10 (middle two switches on the bottom row), turn on Helix. Wait for the message “Will reset Globals and restore stock Presets, Setlists and IRs…” to appear and let go.
 
HELIX RACK ONLY: While holding knobs 5 and 6 below the screen, turn on Helix Rack. Wait for the message “Will reset Globals and restore stock Presets, Setlists and IRs…” to appear and let go.
 
8. Using the NEW Helix editor application (2.20), restore the user presets you backed up in step 2.
 

New Amps (6)

Line 6 Badonk, all new Line 6 original inspired by the original high gain Big Bottom model

Woody Blue, based on* the Acoustic® 360 bass amp

Del Sol 300, based on* the Sunn® Coliseum 300 bass amp

Busy One Ch1, based on* channel 1 of the Pearce BC-1 bass preamp

Busy One Ch2, based on* channel 2 of the Pearce BC-1 bass preamp

Busy One Jump, based on* channel 1 and 2 (jumped) of the Pearce BC-1 bass preamp


New Hybrid Cabs (7)

1x12 Cali IV, based on* the MESA/Boogie® Mk IV 12” cab

1x12 Cali EXT, based on* the MESA/Boogie® 12” extension cab (EVM12L speaker)

2x12 Match H30, based on* the Matchless® DC-30 cab (12” G12H30 speaker)

2x12 Match G25, based on* the Matchless® DC-30 cab (12” Greenback 25 speaker)

1x12 Del Sol, based on* the Sunn® Coliseum 300 bass cab (12” speaker)

1x18 Del Sol, based on* the Sunn® Coliseum 300 bass cab (18” speaker)

1x18 Woody Blue, based on* the Acoustic® 360 18” bass cab


New Effects (9)

- Distortion > Obsidian 7000 (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Darkglass Electronics® Microtubes B7K Ultra bass preamp/overdrive/EQ

- Distortion > Clawthorn Drive (Mono, Stereo), based on* the Wounded Paw Battering Ram bass overdrive

- Dynamics > 3-Band Comp (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original multiband compressor

- Dynamics > Autoswell (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original

- Modulation > PlastiChorus (Mono, Stereo), based on* the modded Arion SCH-Z chorus

- Delay > Vintage Swell (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original

- Delay > Adriatic Swell (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original

- Pitch/Synth > 3 Note Generator (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original

- Pitch/Synth > 4 OSC Generator (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original

NOTE: As 3 Note Generator and 4 OSC Generator make sound without any instrument connected, their blocks are turned off by default. Press BYPASS to turn them on.

* All product names are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6.


New Features

- Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo > Receive MIDI Clock—Helix can now synchronize its time-based effects (such as delay and modulation) to incoming MIDI clock from external DAW software, drum machines, keyboard workstations, or other modelers. Select “Off” (Helix ignores MIDI clock), “MIDI” (Helix responds to clock received at its MIDI IN jack), “USB” (Helix responds to clock received via USB), or “Auto” (Helix uses its internal tempo generator until receiving clock from either MIDI or USB)

- Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo > Send MIDI Clock—Helix can now transmit MIDI clock to synchronize the tempo of external pedals, rack gear, and software. Select “Off” (Helix does not transmit clock), “MIDI” (Helix transmits clock from only the MIDI OUT jack), “USB” (Helix transmits clock only via USB), or “MIDI+USB” (Helix transmits clock from both MIDI and USB)

Variax Workbench HD Support—Variax can now communicate directly with Variax Workbench HD software (Mac/PC) through Helix via USB. IMPORTANT! Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo > MIDI over USB must be set to “On.” In addition, you MUST update Variax Workbench HD to version 2.13, available here: [URL] Windows users must also download the Helix USB driver, version 1.85, available here: https://line6.com/software/readeula.html?rid=7381

IMPORTANT! Variax Workbench uses MIDI channel 16. When connecting to Variax Workbench via Helix’s USB port, do not assign Helix or any of Helix’s Command Center messages to MIDI channel 16 or Omni (which includes channel 16).

Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo > MIDI PC Send/Receive has been split into two separate parameters—MIDI PC Receive and MIDI PC Send—and moved to Page 2. In addition, you may choose whether Helix sends or receives MIDI PC (program change) messages to/from MIDI, USB, both, or neither

Clear Bypass Assignment—Individual blocks’ bypass assignments can now be cleared. From the Bypass Assign screen, select the block whose bypass assignment(s) you wish to clear. Press ACTION and then Knob 1 (Clear Assignments).

- Line 6 Allure Pack IRs—Line 6 has created a pack of five user impulse responses for use with Helix or any other modeler or software that supports them. Download the free Allure Pack here: www.line6.com/allure


Improvements/Changes

- Optimized GUI engine speeds up navigation and model selection

Receive MIDI Clock and Send MIDI Clock have also been added to the Tempo panel shortcut. At any time, touch TAP to open the Tempo panel.

When slaved to external MIDI clock, TAP’s scribble strip text grays out and its switch LED ring flashes blue

- Reverb > Plate, Room, Chamber, Hall, Echo, Tile, Cave, Ducking, and Octo have all been optimized to be less DSP-intensive

- Pitch > Pitch Wham, Twin Harmony, Simple Pitch, Dual Pitch, and 3 OSC Synth have all been optimized to be less DSP-intensive

- Non-selected Pedal Edit parameter switches now reflect dim block color

- Inactive Looper function switches now appear as dim white

- Additions to and improvements made to the existing factory preset bundle


Bug Fixes

- In very rare cases, corrupted presets containing a Volume/Pan > Volume Pedal block can cause volume to drop to 0% - FIXED

- Certain Roland keyboards constantly spit out active sensing MIDI messages (with no way to disable them), which could affect Helix’s MIDI transmission - FIXED

- The Channel Volume taper for the Archetype amp model was incorrect - FIXED

- Many other minor bug fixes and optimizations


Known Issues

- If a Variax guitar is connected to Helix, MIDI channel 16 should never be used, as channel 16 is how Variax Workbench communicates with the guitar. This is by design. On a related note, Variax Workbench should never be used while MIDI tracks are armed or playing back in your DAW

- In rare cases, Helix may freeze when very rapidly changing presets while receiving MIDI clock

- Helix’s blue TAP LED flashes but tempo is not actually synced unless an audio device is selected in Ableton Live

- Subtle stepping may be heard when adjusting the main VOLUME knob while audio is present

- If a user fails to read and follow the update instructions, Helix will engage Snapshot 2 in preset 8 Templates > 32D every day at 4:30 AM

 

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Mac OS Jaguar, Mac OS Panther, Mac OS Leopard, Windows 7, Mac OS Snow Leopard, Mac OS Lion, Mac OS Mountain Lion, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave
( 3 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

938685d

Helix Firmware 2.12 Release Notes

 

Helix v2.12.0 is a firmware update that includes fixes, stability improvements, and optimizations. It is highly recommended that all Helix users perform this update!

 

IMPORTANT! YOU *MUST* FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO INSTALL 2.12!

 
1. Shut down all Line 6 software as well as any software that streams audio, including, but not limited to: iTunes, Spotify, DAWs, browsers, etc.
 
2. Use your CURRENT EXISTING Helix application to back up all of your presets and IRs (if you want to keep them). For example, if you’re running Helix FW 2.01, your current Helix application version should be 2.01.
 
NOTE: You may want to back up individual Setlists so you can restore them to empty setlists without affecting the 2.12 factory presets.
 
3. Quit the CURRENT EXISTING Helix editor application and download and install the latest Helix editor application (2.11), available here: http://line6.com/software/ This also installs the newest version of Line 6 Updater (1.10).
 
4. If you’re using Helix Rack with Helix Control, turn off Helix Control.
 
5. Using the latest Line 6 Updater (1.10), update Helix/Helix Rack to the newest firmware (2.12). At the end of the update process, Helix/Helix Rack will reboot automatically and begin rebuilding presets. Wait for this process to complete.
 
6. If you’re using Helix Control with Helix Rack, connect and power on Helix Control. The inspector will ask if you want to update its firmware. Press Knob 6 (OK). Wait for the update to finish.
 

YOU MUST RESET GLOBALS AND RESTORE PRESETS, OTHERWISE HELIX 2.12 WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. DO IT. DO IT NOW:

 
7. To reset globals and restore presets, turn off Helix/Helix Rack.
 
HELIX FLOOR ONLY: While holding footswitches 9 and 10 (middle two switches on the bottom row), turn on Helix. Wait for the message “Will reset Globals and restore stock Presets, Setlists and IRs…” to appear and let go.
 
HELIX RACK ONLY: While holding knobs 5 and 6 below the screen, turn on Helix Rack. Wait for the message “Will reset Globals and restore stock Presets, Setlists and IRs…” to appear and let go.
 
8. Using the latest Helix editor application (2.11), restore the user presets you backed up in step 2.
 

Bug Fixes

- In rare cases, engaging one particular footswitch on one particular factory preset could result in full scale noise - FIXED

- In rare cases within certain presets, when Variax parameters are set per preset, the Variax Volume parameter could be inadvertently recalled at 0.0 - FIXED

- General stability improvements

- Other minor bug fixes and optimizations


Known Issues

- In very rare cases, corrupted presets containing a Volume/Pan > Volume Pedal block can cause volume to drop to 0%. In such cases, completely clear the Volume Pedal block and add again. If the same preset exhibits this behavior again, please contact Line 6 Customer Service and be ready to email us the raw preset so we can analyze it

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Mac OS Jaguar, Mac OS Panther, Mac OS Leopard, Windows 7, Mac OS Snow Leopard, Mac OS Lion, Mac OS Mountain Lion, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra
( 3 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

2569431

Helix Firmware 2.11 Release Notes

 

Helix v2.11.0 is a firmware update that includes fixes, stability improvements, and optimizations. It is highly recommended that all Helix users perform this update!

 

IMPORTANT! YOU *MUST* FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO INSTALL 2.11!

 

1. Shut down all Line 6 software as well as any software that streams audio, including, but not limited to: iTunes, Spotify, DAWs, browsers, etc.

 

2. Use your CURRENT EXISTING Helix application to back up all of your presets and IRs (if you want to keep them). For example, if you’re running Helix FW 1.12, your current Helix application version should be 1.12.

 

NOTE: You may want to back up individual Setlists so you can restore them to empty setlists without affecting the 2.11 factory presets.

 

3. Quit the CURRENT EXISTING Helix editor application and download and install the NEW Helix editor application (2.11), available here: http://line6.com/software/ This also installs the newest version of Line 6 Updater (1.10).

 

4. If you’re using Helix Rack with Helix Control, turn off Helix Control.

 

5. Using the latest Line 6 Updater (1.10), update Helix/Helix Rack to the newest firmware (2.11). At the end of the update process, Helix/Helix Rack will reboot automatically and begin rebuilding presets. Wait for this process to complete.

 

6. If you’re using Helix Control with Helix Rack, connect and power on Helix Control. The inspector will ask if you want to update its firmware. Press Knob 6 (OK). Wait for the update to finish.

 

YOU MUST RESET GLOBALS AND RESTORE PRESETS, OTHERWISE HELIX 2.11 WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. DO IT. DO IT NOW:

 

7. To reset globals and restore presets, turn off Helix/Helix Rack.

 

HELIX FLOOR ONLY: While holding footswitches 9 and 10 (middle two switches on the bottom row), turn on Helix. Wait for the message “Will reset Globals and

restore stock Presets, Setlists and IRs…” to appear and let go.

 

HELIX RACK ONLY: While holding knobs 5 and 6 below the screen, turn on Helix Rack. Wait for the message “Will reset Globals and restore stock Presets, Setlists and IRs…” to appear and let go.

 

8. Using the NEW Helix editor application (2.11), restore the user presets you backed up in step 2.

 

Bug Fixes

- After importing a pre-2.10 preset that contains snapshots, EXP 2 could disappear from the expression pedal’s scribble strip LCD - FIXED

- After importing a pre-2.10 preset with IR 127 or 128 loaded, corruption could occur - FIXED

- Bypass Assign > Wait defaults to 300ms from the hardware and 100ms when selected within the Helix edit application - FIXED

- General stability improvements

- Other minor bug fixes and optimizations

 

Known Issues

- In very rare cases, corrupted presets containing a Volume/Pan > Volume Pedal block can cause volume to drop to 0%. In such cases, completely clear the Volume Pedal block and add again. If the same preset exhibits this behavior again, please contact Line 6 Customer Service and be ready to email us the raw preset so we can analyze it

- Copying and pasting a block assigned to auto enable/bypass from the Helix editor may result in a “Cannot paste block” error message while the Helix hardware confirms the block was indeed pasted correctly. Workaround: Save the preset to re-sync the application.

- EXP TOE cannot be bypass assigned using the LEARN option in Bypass Assign menu

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Mac OS Jaguar, Mac OS Panther, Mac OS Leopard, Windows 7, Mac OS Snow Leopard, Mac OS Lion, Mac OS Mountain Lion, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave
( 3 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

e561954

Helix Firmware 2.10 Release Notes

 Helix v2.10.0 is a firmware update that includes new models, features, fixes, stability improvements, and optimizations. It is highly recommended that all Helix users perform this update!

 

IMPORTANT! YOU *MUST* FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO INSTALL 2.10!

 

1. Shut down all Line 6 software as well as any software that streams audio, including, but not limited to: iTunes, Spotify, DAWs, browsers, etc.

 

2. Use your CURRENT EXISTING Helix application to back up all of your presets and IRs (if you want to keep them). For example, if you’re running Helix FW 1.12, your current Helix application version should be 1.12.

 

NOTE: You may want to back up individual Setlists so you can restore them to empty setlists without affecting the new 2.10 factory presets.

 

3. Quit the CURRENT EXISTING Helix editor application and download and install the NEW Helix editor application (2.10), available here: http://line6.com/software/ This also installs the newest version of Line 6 Updater (1.10).

 

4. If you’re using Helix Rack with Helix Control, turn off Helix Control.

 

5. Using the latest Line 6 Updater (1.10), update Helix/Helix Rack to the newest firmware (2.10). At the end of the update process, Helix/Helix Rack will reboot automatically and begin rebuilding presets. Wait for this process to complete.

 

6. If you’re using Helix Control with Helix Rack, connect and power on Helix Control. The inspector will ask if you want to update its firmware. Press Knob 6 (OK). Wait for the update to finish.

 

YOU MUST RESET GLOBALS AND RESTORE PRESETS, OTHERWISE HELIX 2.10 WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY. DO IT. DO IT NOW:

 

7. To reset globals and restore presets, turn off Helix/Helix Rack.

 

HELIX FLOOR ONLY: While holding footswitches 9 and 10 (middle two switches on the bottom row), turn

on Helix. Wait for the message “Will reset Globals and restore stock Presets, Setlists and IRs…” to appear and let go.

 

HELIX RACK ONLY: While holding knobs 5 and 6 below the screen, turn on Helix Rack. Wait for the message “Will reset Globals and restore stock Presets, Setlists and IRs…” to appear and let go.

 

8. Using the NEW Helix editor application (2.10), restore the user presets you backed up in step 2.

 

New Amp Models

Archetype Clean, based on* the clean channel of the Paul Reed Smith® Archon®

Archetype Lead, based on* the lead channel of the Paul Reed Smith® Archon®

Line 6 Litigator, new Line 6 Original inspired by boutique mid-gain amps


New Effects Models

- Distortion > Stupor OD (Mono, Stereo), based on* the BOSS® SD-1 Overdrive

- Delay > Pitch Echo (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original

* Paul Reed Smith and Archon are registered trademarks of Paul Reed Smith Guitars, LP.

* BOSS is a registered trademark of Roland Corporation U.S.


New Features

Auto Enable/Bypass blocks from EXP 1/2/3 and Variax Volume/Tone Knobs—Processing blocks (such as Wah, Pitch Wham, etc.) can now be enabled/bypassed by simply moving EXP 1, EXP 2, EXP 3, or Variax’s Volume or Tone knob. Press MENU and then Knob 1 (Bypass Assign). Turn Knob 1 (Switch) to select the desired switch. When selecting a continuous controller as a switch, Knob 2 (Position) and Knob 3 (Wait) appear.

Bypass Assign > Position—Position determines the location in the Exp Pedal or Variax knob’s travel where the block is engaged. For example, if set to 1%, the block will turn off as soon as the pedal is moved to the heel position. If set to 99%, the block will only turn on when the pedal is moved to the toe position. To swap the on/off state regardless of position, press the BYPASS button.

Bypass Assign > Wait—Wait determines how long it takes after the Exp Pedal or

Variax Knob is moved below the Position location before the block turns off. For example, you may not want the Wah to turn off instantly every time you hit the heel position during your big funk solo. Also, does your song really need a big funk solo?

Block Bypass via MIDI—Individual processing blocks can now be enabled/bypassed via incoming MIDI CC messages. Press MENU and then Knob 1 (Bypass Assign). Turn Knob 4 (MIDI In) to choose the desired MIDI CC. Incoming CC values 0-63 will turn the block off; values 64-127 will turn the block on. Note that some MIDI CCs are reserved for global functions and cannot be selected.

Learn Bypass Assign—As with Controller Assign, you can also now quickly learn a source for bypassing the selected block instead of assigning it manually. On the Bypass Assign screen, press Knob 6 (Learn) and then engage the desired footswitch, expression pedal, Variax knob, or MIDI CC. Helix will show the switch above Knob 1 (Switch) or if it’s a MIDI CC message, above Knob 4 (MIDI In).

Clear All Bypass Assignments—You can now clear all bypass assignments at once. From the Bypass Assign screen, press ACTION and then Knob 1 (Clear All Assignments). Press Knob 6 (OK) to confirm.

Snapshot footswitch LED color—You can now choose a color for each snapshot footswitch. Press the PRESETS knob and then Knob 6 (Rename Snapshot). Turn knob 5 (LED Color) to select the desired color. “Auto Color” is the default red. NOTE: There is currently no way to set snapshot footswitch color from the Helix application.

Split > Y Balance parameters—The old Split > Y block sends both left and right signals to Paths A and B equally. 2.10 adds individual balance (pan) control of the signals sent to Path A and B. By default, they’re set to “Center”, which behaves exactly like the old Split > Y block.

Support for MIDIpants


Improvements/Changes

- Added a Headroom parameter to Delay > Vintage Digital

- Snapshots now recall the currently active expression controller (EXP 1 or EXP 2) for the built-in treadle

- Split > Y can now be bypassed; when bypassed, the block sends both left and right signals to both paths equally (like the old Split Y block)

- Looper Mode switch LEDs now display a dim/lit state to better reflect their current states

- Non-selected Pedal Edit Mode parameter switch LEDs now display a dim state

- Added forward slash [/] to list of characters for naming presets, setlists, snapshots, and Stomp mode custom labels

- Bypass Assign > Knob 1 (Footswitch) has been relabeled “Switch” to better reflect all values

- Tap Tempo no longer affects a preset’s dirty state (“E” icon)

- Minor updates to the Factory Preset bundle

- If a user fails to read and follow the update instructions, Helix will cause their car radio to only play polka death metal every Thursday from 1-3pm PST


Bug Fixes

- Errant graphics could appear when selecting an IR block from the Controller Assign page - FIXED

- When assigning a command to EXP 3 on the Command Center page, the turquoise indicator could occasional fail to appear - FIXED

- When sending/receiving Looper MIDI CC messages through external devices, MIDI feedback could occur - FIXED

- General stability improvements

- Other minor bug fixes and optimizations


Known Issues

- In very rare cases, corrupted presets containing a Volume/Pan > Volume Pedal block can cause volume to drop to 0%. In such cases, completely clear the Volume Pedal block and add again. If the same preset exhibits this behavior again, please contact Line 6 Customer Service and be ready to email us the raw preset so we can analyze it

- Bypass Assign > Wait defaults to 300ms from the hardware and 100ms when selected within the Helix edit application

- Copying and pasting a block assigned to auto enable/bypass from the Helix editor may result in a “Cannot paste block” error message while the Helix hardware confirms the block was indeed pasted correctly. Workaround: Save the preset to re-sync the application.

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Mac OS Jaguar, Mac OS Panther, Mac OS Leopard, Windows 7, Mac OS Snow Leopard, Mac OS Lion, Mac OS Mountain Lion, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave
( 3 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

b8e2346

Helix Firmware 2.0 Release Notes

 

Helix v2.00 is a firmware update that includes new models, features, fixes, stability improvements, and optimizations. It is highly recommended that all Helix users perform this update!

 

IMPORTANT! YOU *MUST* FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO INSTALL 2.0!

 

1. Shut down all Line 6 software as well as any software that streams audio, including, but not limited to: iTunes, Spotify, DAWs, etc.

 

2. Use your CURRENT EXISTING Helix application to back up all of your presets and IRs (if you want to keep them). If you’re running Helix FW 1.12, your current Helix application version should be 1.12.

 

NOTE: You may want to back up individual Setlists so you can restore them to empty setlists without affecting the new 2.0 factory presets.

 

3. Quit the CURRENT EXISTING Helix editor application and download and install the NEW Helix editor application (2.00), available here: http://line6.com/software/ This also installs the newest version of Line 6 Updater (1.09).

 

4. If you’re using Helix Rack with Helix Control, turn off Helix Control.

 

5. Using the latest Line 6 Updater (1.09), update Helix/Helix Rack to the newest firmware (2.00). At the end of the update process, Helix/Helix Rack will reboot automatically and begin rebuilding presets. Wait for this process to complete.

 

6. If you’re using Helix Control with Helix Rack, connect and power on Helix Control. The inspector will ask if you want to update its firmware. Press Knob 6 (OK). Wait for the update to finish.

 

7. Turn off Helix/Helix Rack.

HELIX FLOOR: While holding footswitches 9 and 10 (middle two switches on the bottom row), turn on Helix.

HELIX RACK: While holding knobs 5 and 6 below the screen, turn on Helix Rack. Wait for the message “Will reset Globals and restore stock Presets, Setlists and IRs…” to appear and let go. YOU MUST RESET GLOBALS AND RESTORE PRESETS, OTHERWISE HELIX 2.0 WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY.

 

8. Using the NEW Helix editor application (2.00), restore the user presets you backed up in step 2.

 

New Amp Models

Cali IV Rhythm 1, based on* the Rhythm I channel of the MESA/Boogie® Mk IV

Cali IV Rhythm 2, based on* the Rhythm II channel of the MESA/Boogie® Mk IV

Cali IV Lead, based on* the Lead channel of the MESA/Boogie® Mk IV

Line 6 2204 Mod, Line 6 Original based on* a hot-rodded Marshall® JCM 800

- Line 6 Fatality, Line 6 Original

 

New Effects Models

- Distortion > Wringer Fuzz (Mono, Stereo), based on* Garbage’s special BOSS® FZ-2

- EQ > Cali Q Graphic (Mono, Stereo), based on* the MESA/Boogie® Mk IV’s 5-band EQ

- Modulation > Harmonic Tremolo (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original

- Delay > Vintage Digital (Mono, Stereo), Line 6 Original

 

* All product names used herein are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Line 6.  These trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those manufacturers whose tones and sounds were studied during Line 6's sound model development. Mesa/Boogie is a registered trademark of Mesa/Boogie, Ltd. Marshall and JCM are registered trademarks of Marshall Amplification Plc. BOSS is a registered trademark of Roland Corporation.

 

New Features

Snapshots—Select one of eight snapshots to instantly recall all block on/off states, up to 64 parameter values, certain Command Center values, and tempo. Any Delay, Reverb, or FX Loop block with its Trails parameter turned on will spill across snapshots seamlessly. To select a snapshot, press BANK UP and BANK DOWN simultaneously and then one of the middle eight footswitches. For Helix Rack owners who haven’t yet snagged Helix Control (and you should), press PRESETS and turn Knob 5 (Select Snapshot). For more information, check out the new Helix 2.0 Owner’s Manual, available here: http://line6.com/support/manuals/#effects

Snapshot Parameter Assign—To adjust a parameter AND set it to automatically update per snapshot, press and turn the knob. To adjust a parameter WITHOUT it automatically updating per snapshot, just turn the knob like you normally would. If you accidentally press and turn and didn’t mean to, hold BYPASS and press the knob to instantly unassign snapshot control

Copy/Paste SnapshotsWhile touch-holding the footswitch for the snapshot you want to copy, briefly touch and release the footswitch for the snapshot you want to overwrite. For Helix Rack owners who haven’t yet snagged Helix Control (and again, you SHOULD), select the snapshot you want to copy, press PRESETS, and then ACTION. Press Knob 1 (Copy Snapshot). Select the snapshot you want to overwrite, press ACTION, and then Knob 2 (Paste Snapshot)

Swap Snapshots—Touch and hold two snapshot footswitches and a dialog appears, asking if you want to swap their location

Rename SnapshotsPress PRESETS and then Knob 6 (Rename Snapshot) to rename the snapshot to something meaningful, such as “VERSE 1”, “BIG SOLO” or “D. IGLOO.” Snapshot names are limited to 10 characters

Global Settings > Preferences > Snapshot Edits—Determines whether or not any edits made to a snapshot are remembered when returning to that snapshot. "Recall" automatically recalls any edits made to the snapshot; "Discard" forgets any edits made and returns the snapshot to its state when the preset was last saved. You must save the preset to store changes to snapshots regardless. The home screen’s camera icon turns red when set to “Discard.” Shortcut: Hold BYPASS and press SAVE to toggle this setting

- Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo > Tempo Select—In addition to Global and Per Preset (still the default), Helix’s tempo can now be set per snapshot. Shortcut: Touch TAP to briefly view and set this parameter

Global Settings > Footswitches > Preset Mode Switches—You can now determine whether each row in Preset footswitch mode (upper or lower) selects Presets, Snapshots, or Stomps. The default setting remains the same, but is now called “8 Presets”

Global Settings > Footswitches > Snapshot Mode Footswitches—A new Global Settings > Footswitches parameter lets you set Snapshot mode footswitches as Auto Return (automatically returns to Preset or Stomp footswitch mode after selection) or Manual Return (stays in Snapshot footswitch mode until you press FS6 [CANCEL])

Global Settings > Footswitches > Up/Down Switches—FS1 and FS7 now have three options: Bank Up/Down, Preset Up/Down, and Snapshot Up/Down, available from the Global Settings > Footswitches menu. Shortcut: Press and hold FS1 and FS7 for one second to cycle through Bank Up/Down, Preset Up/Down, and Snapshot Up/Down

Global Settings > Ins/Outs > USB In 1/2 Trim—Added the ability to attenuate the level of incoming USB 1/2 signals, so Mac/PC/iOS applications with no (or difficult-to-access) app-level volume control can be more easily blended with Helix’s processing

- Global Settings > Ins/Outs > Digital Out Level—Added the ability to adjust the digital (S/PDIF and AES/EBU) output level

- Global Settings > EXP Pedals > EXP 1/2/3 Polarity—Added the ability to individually switch the polarity of EXP 1, 2, and 3, providing support for a wider variety of third-party expression pedals

Global Settings > EXP Pedals > EXP 1/2/3 Pedal Position—Global Settings > Footswitches > EXP Pedal Position has been split into separate parameters for each expression pedal. For example, EXP 1’s wah position can be recalled per preset, EXP 2’s volume position can act globally, and EXP 3’s reverb depth control can be recalled per snapshot

- Controllers to Variax Parameters—Controllers (including Snapshots) can now control/recall Variax parameters, so you can do cool stuff like toggle between two guitar models with a footswitch, control Variax’s tone knob with an expression pedal, assign a momentary footswitch to drop D, recall completely different tunings with each snapshot, and more. There’s nothing special to do; just assign a controller to Variax parameters like you would any other parameter

 - Per Preset Guitar In Impedance—Global Settings > Ins/Outs > Guitar In Impedance has been moved to the Input > Multi and Input > Guitar In block and is now recalled per preset. It appears at Knob 4 as “Guitar In-Z.” Now that it’s on the Home page, you can assign a footswitch or snapshot to it and determine how your guitar’s pickups are loaded in real time. The default has been changed to “Auto.”

Enhanced Tuner Display—The tuner display now shows an additional –3-cent to +3-cent row of bars, providing more granularity when the note played is close to being in tune. Accuracy remains the same

MIDI Recall IndicatorPress PRESETS to open the Setlist menu. Dark text appears above Knob 2 and displays the necessary MIDI messages required to remotely recall the current setlist, preset, and snapshot so you don’t have to go digging through the manual

 

Other Improvements

- Shortcut: Hold BYPASS and press a parameter knob to quickly remove any controller assignment (including the Snapshots controller). The value appears without brackets, indicating no controller is assigned to it

- Shortcut: In Pedal Edit mode, press and hold FS10 (VALUE–) and FS11 (VALUE+) to quickly scroll through values. Now Helix Rack/Control users can quickly adjust parameters with their feet when no expression pedal is connected

- Shortcut: In Pedal Edit mode, press and hold a Time (or Speed) parameter switch to toggle between ms (or Hz) and note values, just like pressing the knob

- Helix’s pitch detect algorithms have been optimized and now track slightly faster

- Parameters in the Global Settings menu have been reorganized to better reflect their category. For example, Tap Tempo Pitch has been moved to a new Preferences submenu and the Info submenu has been removed, as the current FW version now appears at the top of the Global Settings screen

- On the Save, Name, and Customize screens, Knob 3 (Clear) has been replaced with Insert, which inserts a space and shifts all following characters to the right. You can still clear a character by pressing the joystick, which now cycles through A, a, 0, and [SPACE]

- The Footswitch Assign page has been renamed “Bypass Assign” to better describe current and potential future functionality

- Touch-hold any assigned stomp footswitch and the Customize button now also appears above Knob 5. The Customize button is grayed out if the footswitch has nothing yet assigned to it

- On the Customize screens, Knob 4 now always displays a Remove button, regardless of whether a custom label has been assigned (solid button) or not (grayed out button)

- When touching two stomp mode switches to swap their locations, the inspector text

now tells you which two footswitches will be swapped

- Recall snapshots remotely via an incoming MIDI CC message. A CC69 message with value 0 recalls Snapshot 1, value 1 recalls Snapshot 2, value 2 recalls Snapshot 3, and so forth

- Footswitches in Looper mode now transmit corresponding MIDI CCs

- Additions to and improvements made to the existing factory preset bundle

- Re-leveled presets

- The Helix Owner’s Manual has been updated to 2.0: http://line6.com/support/manuals/#effects

 

Bug Fixes

- Parameters could respond sluggishly when receiving lots of fast incoming MIDI CC data - FIXED

- Some MIDI keyboards (including those by Roland and M-Audio) send active sensing messages every 300ms, which could sometimes affect Helix’s MIDI input to the computer, causing intermittent dropouts - FIXED

- Certain cab model defaults with 121 Ribbon mic could display as 421 Dynamic - FIXED

- Rapidly moving EXP 1/2/3 while importing/exporting presets could result in data lockout - FIXED

- Command Center > Copy/Paste All Commands would not copy customized labels - FIXED

- Learn Controller would not work with FS1 or FS7 while in 10 Switches Stomp mode - FIXED

- Helix wouldn’t remember tuner output routing across power cycles - FIXED

- After a factory reset, Global Settings > Ins/Outs > XLR Out Level would be set to Mic level until toggled, regardless of its displayed value - FIXED

- Certain delay models’ Time parameter could only go down to 20ms, even if the display reflected a lower value - FIXED

- The TAP footswitch’s LED would reflect Global tempo instead of Per Preset tempo - FIXED

- General stability improvements

- Other minor bug fixes and optimizations

 

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Mac OS Jaguar, Mac OS Panther, Mac OS Leopard, Windows 7, Mac OS Snow Leopard, Mac OS Lion, Mac OS Mountain Lion, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra
( 3 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

0dab6d6

Helix Firmware v1.12.0 Release Notes

Helix 1.12.0 is a free update that includes new fixes, stability improvements, and optimizations.

 IMPORTANT! READ BEFORE INSTALLING ANY NEW SOFTWARE!

1. Shut down all Line 6 software as well as any software that streams audio, including, but not limited to: iTunes, Spotify, DAWs, etc.

 

2. Use your CURRENT EXISTING Helix application to back up all of your presets and IRs. If you’re running Helix FW 1.06 or 1.06.5, your current Helix application version should be 1.04. If you’re running Helix FW 1.10, your current Helix application version should be 1.11.

 

3. Quit the CURRENT EXISTING Helix application and download and install the NEW Helix editor (1.12.0), available here: http://line6.com/software/ This also installs the newest version of Line 6 Updater (1.09).

 

4. If you’re using Helix Rack with Helix Control, turn off Helix Control.

 

5. Using the new Line 6 Updater (1.09), update Helix (or Helix Rack) to the newest firmware (1.12.0). If you’re using Helix Rack with Helix Control, after Helix Rack has been updated, connect and power on Helix Control, and it will update automatically.

 

6. Using the latest Helix editor (1.12), restore all user presets and IRs.

 

New Features

- Compatibility with the full version of the Helix editor (1.12)

 

Bug Fixes

- A USB port driver issue within OS X El Capitan precluded certain computers (namely MacBook Pros and iMacs from mid-2012) from allowing communication between Helix and the Helix Editor. Note: You must update OS X to El Capitan 10.11.4 - FIXED

- Helix could not correctly respond to incoming MIDI CC #64 (Tap Tempo) - FIXED

- Helix could sometimes not correctly respond to incoming MIDI PC messages after exporting and then reimporting the same setlist - FIXED

- The Tuner screen’s Output parameter would not remember its value across power cycles - FIXED

- Changing Input or Output types from the Controller Assign screen could sometimes automatically engage the Learn Controller button - FIXED

- Input > Multi and Input > Variax Tone parameter could sometimes maintain its value across presets, even when set to ‘Per Preset’

- Helix Rack’s TAP/TUNER button was unresponsive while in Pedal Edit mode - FIXED

- Expression pedals with inverted polarity could cause Helix Rack to freeze when connected to Helix Control - FIXED

- If two footswitches’ assignments are quick-swapped while in the Controller Assign screen, the most recent assignment could be removed - FIXED

- The Looper block’s icon could incorrectly reflect its state after saving a preset - FIXED

- General stability improvements

- Many other minor bug fixes and optimizations

 

KNOWN ISSUES

- After a Factory Reset, Global Settings > Ins/Outs > XLR Outputs level appears as Line level but is actually Mic level until you move the knob to "Mic" and back to "Line"

- On rare occasions, if Helix is disconnected from the computer within 10 seconds of shutting down the Helix editor, MIDI transmission may become inactive. Always wait 10 seconds after quitting the Helix editor before disconnecting. If you forget, power cycling Helix solves the issue.

- If you send MIDI CC #59 to Helix, it toggles the control between your bypass-assigned blocks for this switch, but the EXP 1 - EXP 2 Toe Switch strip label does not change states as it does when toggled via the on-board pedal.

 

 

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Mac OS Jaguar, Mac OS Panther, Mac OS Leopard, Windows 7, Mac OS Snow Leopard, Mac OS Lion, Mac OS Mountain Lion, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra
( 3 MB )
Get Download

Firmware      

3ce8403

Helix Firmware v1.10.0 Release Notes
 
Helix v1.10.0 is a firmware update that includes support for the 1.10 Helix editor application, fixes, stability improvements, and optimizations.
 
IMPORTANT! READ BEFORE INSTALLING ANY NEW SOFTWARE!

1. Shut down all Line 6 software as well as any software that streams audio, including, but not limited to: iTunes, Spotify, DAWs, etc.

2. Use your CURRENT EXISTING Helix application to back up all of your presets and IRs. If you’re running Helix FW 1.06 or 1.06.5, your current Helix application version should be 1.04.

3. Quit the CURRENT EXISTING Helix application and download and install the NEW Helixapplication (1.10.0), available here: http://line6.com/software/ This also installs the newest version of Line 6 Updater (1.08).

4. Using the new Line 6 Updater (1.08), update Helix Rack to the newest firmware (1.10.0).

5. Reset Helix’s global settings by pressing and holding footswitches 5 and 6 (top row) while booting.

6. Using the new Helix application (1.10.0), restore all user presets and IRs.

New Features
- Compatibility with the new version of Helix editor application
 
 

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Mac OS Jaguar, Mac OS Panther, Mac OS Leopard, Windows 7, Mac OS Snow Leopard, Mac OS Lion, Mac OS Mountain Lion, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra
( 3 MB )
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Firmware      

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Helix Firmware v1.06.5 Release Notes

Helix v1.06.5 is a firmware update that includes new fixes and stability improvements, and optimizations. It is highly recommended that all Helix Rack users perform this update!


It is also recommended that you back up your current presets by using the Helix application to create a preset bundle, allowing you to install new presets as part of the update process.

The easiest way to perform the update process is by installing the latest version of Line 6 Updater. Once you've connected Helix to your computer via its USB port (hubs are not supported), Line 6 Updater will recognize the unit and take you through the update process. Both the Helix application and Line 6 Updater may be downloaded here: http://line6.com/software/

 

Bug Fixes

  • In extremely rare cases, Helix can hang after a factory update. 1.06.5 adds a “safe boot mode” to allow for a subsequent firmware update. To enter safe boot mode, press and hold footswitches 6 and 12 (far right switches on both rows) while turning on Helix
  • In some cases, changing a cab model within an Amp+Cab block after opening Pedal Edit mode may reset controller assignments — FIXED
  • Helix would not filter out MIDI program change messages with a channel different from its MIDI Base channel — FIXED
  • Headphone volume would be louder when Global Settings > Ins/Outs > Headphone monitor was set to “Multi” — FIXED
  • The Command Center > Action Panel’s “Copy All Commands” button would be grayed out unless a footswitch/instant command containing a message was first selected — FIXED
  • The US Double Nrm and US Double Vib model’s Sag parameter was biased too high — FIXED

 

Resetting Helix Globals / Loading the Newest Factory Presets

IMPORTANT! This procedure will completely overwrite all existing presets and setlists, as well as clear all user IRs and reset all global settings! Back up your presets and IRs before proceeding!
1. Turn off Helix.
2. While holding footswitches 9 and 10 (middle two switches on the bottom row), turn on Helix. 3. Wait for the message “Will reset Globals and restore stock Presets, Setlists and IRs…” to appear and let go.

 

Known Issues

  • Minor pops and clicks may be present when Helix is streaming audio from a Mac® running OS X 10.11 (El Capitan)
  • Minor pops and clicks may be present when Helix is streaming audio from an iOS® device running iOS 9.1 or 9.2 with Apple® Camera Kit
  • Importing a Helix bundle while streaming audio over USB may cause the Helix application to disconnect

Compatible OS: Mac OS X, Mac OS Jaguar, Mac OS Panther, Mac OS Leopard, Windows 7, Mac OS Snow Leopard, Mac OS Lion, Mac OS Mountain Lion, Windows 8, Mac OS Mavericks, Mac OS Yosemite, Windows 10, Mac OS El Capitan, macOS Sierra
( 3 MB )
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