®

3.0 OWNER’S MANUAL

90-20-0358 - F (For use with Helix Firmware 3.00) © 2021 Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Contents
Welcome to Helix 4 The Blocks 24 Controller Assign 53
What’s In the Box? 4 Input24 Quick Controller Assign 53
Common Terminology 4 Output25 Manual Controller Assign 54
HX Edit Application 5 L6 LINK - Powercab Plus and DT 25/50 Amp Options25 Clearing a Block’s Controller Assignment(s) 55
Updating Helix Firmware 5 Effects27 Clearing All Controller Assignments 55
Marketplace6 Amp+Cab33 Customizing a Controller Footswitch Label 55
Top Panel 7 Amp35
Command Center 56
Back Panel 9 Preamp35
Home Screen 10 Cab35 Assigning a Command 56
Copying and Pasting a Command 60
Quick Start 11 Impulse Response (IR) 37
Copying and Pasting All Commands 60
Send/Return38
Setting Proper Output Levels 11 Looper39 Clearing a Command 60
Selecting Presets and Setlists 12 Split41 Clearing All Commands 60
Preset Footswitch Mode 12 Merge41 Customizing a Command Footswitch Label & Color 60
Stomp Footswitch Mode 13 Block Level Indicators and Meters 42 Global EQ 61
Snapshot Footswitch Mode 13
Pedal Edit Mode 14 Tuner44 Resetting Global EQ 61
Selecting Blocks/Adjusting Parameters 14 Tuner Settings 44 Global Settings 62
Bypassing a Block 15
Snapshots45 Resetting All Global Settings 62
Choosing a Block’s Model 15
Using Snapshots 46 Global Settings > Ins/Outs 63
Choosing an Input 16
Copying/Pasting a Snapshot 46 Global Settings > Preferences 64
Choosing an Output 16
Swapping Snapshots 47 Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo 65
Moving Blocks 16
Customizing a Snapshot Footswitch Name and Color47 Global Settings > Footswitches 66
Copying and Pasting a Block 17
Saving Snapshots 48 Global Settings > EXP Pedals 66
Clearing a Block 17
Determining Snapshot Edit Behavior 48 Global Settings > Displays 67
Clearing All Blocks 17
Adding a Block to Favorites 17 Arranging Preset, Snapshot, and Stomp Switches 48 USB Audio 68
Saving a Model’s User Default Settings 18 Bypass Assign 50 Hardware Monitoring vs. DAW Software Monitoring 69
Saving/Naming a Preset 18 DI Recording and Re-amplification 69
Quick Bypass Assign 50
Creating/Restoring Full Device Backups 18 ASIO Driver Settings (Windows) 71
Manual Bypass Assign 50
Serial vs. Parallel Routing 19 Core Audio Driver Settings (macOS) 71
Customizing a Footswitch Label 52
Removing Parallel Path B 19
Moving Split & Merge Blocks for Parallel Routings20
Swapping Footswitches 52 MIDI72
True Preset Spillover 21 MIDI Bank/Program Changes 72
Dynamic DSP 22 MIDI Clock Send and Receive 72
Block Order and Stereo Imaging 23 MIDI CC 72
What is Variax? 23
 Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity
47 CFR § 2.1077 Compliance Information

Unique Identifier: Line 6® Helix®

Responsible Party - U.S. Contact Information:

Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc.
26580 Agoura Road
Calabasas, CA 91302-1921
(818) 575-3600
https://line6.com/

FCC Compliance Statement:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

© 2021 Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

Line 6, the Line 6 logo, Helix, HX Stomp, HX Effects, HX Stomp, L6 LINK, DT25, DT50, M13, M9, M5, DL4, DM4, MM4, FM4, POD, POD Farm, Powercab, Variax, Ampeg, SVT, and Portaflex
are trademarks or registered trademarks of Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other jurisdictions. James Tyler is a registered trademark of James Tyler, used under license.
Shuriken is a trademark or registered trademark of Shuriken Guitars Pty Ltd. in the U.S. and/or other jurisdictions and is used under license. Apple, Mac, macOS, iPad, iPhone, Logic,
GarageBand, and iTunes are trademarks of Apple, Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and
regulatory standards. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. YouTube is a trademark of Google, Inc. Cubase and VST
are registered trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. Pro Tools is a registered trademark of Avid Technology, Inc. YouTube is a trademark of Google, Inc.
The Model and Serial numbers can be found on the product label. Please record these numbers below and retain this document for your records.

Model Number: ________________________________

Serial Number: ________________________________

Welcome to Helix
Preset A preset is your tone. It consists of all blocks on the Home screen,
footswitch assignments, controller assignments, and Command Center
messages.
Setlist A setlist is a collection of presets. Helix has eight setlists containing
128 presets each.
Thank you for purchasing Helix , one of the most powerful and flexible audio proces-
®

sors ever created. We hope it helps drive your search for tonal bliss and spawns years Model Each processing block can accommodate one model (or in some cases,
of creativity, both on stage and in the studio. two models). Helix includes over 80 guitar and bass amps, over 40 cabs,
and over 220 effects models.
What Have I Gotten Myself Into? Controller Controllers are used to adjust various parameters in real-time. For example,
the expression pedal can be used to control wah, or the tone knob on a
Although Helix may appear complicated at first glance, it’s designed in such a way that Variax guitar can be used to control amp gain and reverb depth.
once you learn a few basic concepts and shortcuts, you’ll be able to construct both simple
and complex tones at nearly the speed of thought, with very little menu diving required. Send/ Sends and Returns are used to connect additional equipment to Helix for
effects loops or processing multiple instruments simultaneously. Helix
Although you’re likely anxious to rip open the plastic and plug in, wait! At the very least, Return has four mono sends and returns, but adjacent pairs can be selected
check out the Helix Cheat Sheet that came in the box, and keep it handy. Then read the
for stereo operation.
"Quick Start" chapter of this manual and we’ll have you up and shredding in no time.
IR IRs (Impulse Responses) are mathematical functions representing the
TIP: Be sure also to visit line6.com/videos, where we’re always adding new video tutorials sonic measurements of audio systems (for Helix, speaker cabinet and
covering the latest Line 6 gear! microphone combinations). Helix can store up to 128 custom or third-
party IRs at a time. See "Impulse Response (IR)"

What’s In the Box?

Variax® Variax isn’t just a great guitar; it also contains special electronics that
recreate the sound of other specific guitars and instruments, and allow
for instant retuning of each string. Helix and Variax communicate with
• Line 6® Helix® one another in unique and powerful ways. See "What is Variax?"
• Helix Cheat Sheet (read that one first!) L6 LINK™ L6 LINK provides easy, single-cable, digital audio connectivity and remote
• AC power cable control ability between Helix and Line 6 Powercab® active guitar speaker
• USB cable systems and DT-Series amplifiers. See "L6 LINK - Powercab Plus and DT
25/50 Amp Options"
• Hex wrench for adjusting the resistance expression pedal’s resistance
FRFR FRFR (Full Range, Flat Response) speakers have the ability to amplify
• Warranty card a modeler without adversely affecting its tone, ensuring great detail, a
wide sweet spot, predictability, and consistency from studio to stage.

Common Terminology You could almost think of FRFR monitors as very loud, gig-ready studio
monitors.
While reading this manual, you may encounter several unfamiliar terms. It’s important DAW DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) refers to any computer (or mobile device)
to know what they mean. Don’t worry—there’s no math. used for audio recording. The components of a DAW include an audio
interface, audio recording software (such as Cubase®, Logic, Garage-
Home The Home screen is your primary workspace for creating and editing band, Pro Tools®, etc.), and monitoring system (amplifier & speakers
tones. If you ever get lost, press to return to the Home screen. or headphones). Helix functions as a high-performance USB 2.0 audio
interface with all major DAW software - See "USB Audio"
Block Blocks are objects that represent various elements of a preset, such as
amps, cabs, effects, splits, loopers, inputs, outputs, and impulse responses.

Path A path represents the signal flow of your tone. Helix has two separate
paths, 1 and 2, each with its own input(s) and output(s). Paths can be
serial (single) or parallel (dual). Path 1 can be routed into path 2 for
more sophisticated tones.

4
Why Does Helix Sound [insert descriptor here]? Updating Helix Firmware
Like most guitarists, you’re probably used to the sound and feel of real tube amps. So If your Helix device is still running a previous firmware version, it is highly recommended
are we. Musicians instinctually understand that a roaring 4x12 cab pointing at the back to update to the latest available version, which can be accomplished easily using the
of their knees sounds and feels totally different from a pair of plastic PA speakers (or Line 6 HX Edit application.
even high-quality studio monitors) pointing at their face. Yet some may blame their
multieffects box for this disparity. Like any other device without built-in speakers, Helix IMPORTANT! All presets saved and exported from earlier, Helix 2.xx firmware versions
is completely at the mercy of what you plug it into. Your playback system has a massive are fully compatible with firmware version 3.0. Please note, however, that presets saved
impact on the sound and feel of your tone, and if Helix appears to sound thin, tubby, and exported using Helix with firmware 3.0 will not be compatible with earlier firmware
boxy, harsh, dull, or some other less-than-ideal adjective, the first thing to scrutinize versions. We highly recommend using HX Edit to back up your custom presets before
updating to Helix firmware 3.0.
is your playback system.
There’s also nothing wrong with bypassing the Helix cab or IR blocks and running it into First, install the latest HX Edit software version on your Mac or PC (available at line6.
a flat power amp and real wooden cab; digital magic will never convince anyone their com/software), connect Helix to your computer’s USB port, and HX Edit will check online
6" computer speakers are a wall o’ stacks. Your tone is only as good as the weakest and let you know if a newer firmware version is available. If so, HX Edit will then walk
link in your chain, and understand that given identical playback systems, Helix amp you through performing a full device backup and firmware update, all within minutes.
modeling is designed to be virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. Please see the HX Edit Pilot’s Guide for full details.

Factory Presets
HX Edit Application Helix includes hundreds of factory presets to get you started, and we often tweak,
replace, or otherwise update them with most firmware updates.
Be sure to grab the free HX Edit application for Mac and PC—available for
download at line6.com/software. IMPORTANT! Because we never want to overwrite your own custom presets, firmware
updates never automatically make new factory presets visible; you need to load them
HX Edit is a full-featured editor and preset & IR librarian, and allows you to manually. Restoring factory setlists and presets will completely overwrite your own, so make
easily create & restore full Helix device backups, and update your device to the latest sure they’re backed up first, using the backup function in HX Edit, as in the following steps.
firmware (also see the next section). You can connect more than one Helix and/or HX
device, and HX Edit will display an individual application window for each. Restoring Factory Presets
The following steps will overwrite and replace all presets within all your device’s setlists
Preset Sharing with Helix/HX Devices & Helix Native with those included in the installed firmware version.

Plugin 1. Open HX Edit, and from the File menu, select “Create Backup” and
All Helix and HX hardware and software live within the same ecosystem. Using multiple follow the prompts to backup all your device’s current presets and
windows within HX Edit and/or multiple instances of the Helix Native plugin, both blocks settings.
and entire presets can be freely dragged and dropped or copied and pasted between
units, with some restrictions. Please see the HX Edit and Helix Native Pilot’s Guides 2. Turn off Helix. While holding footswitches 7 and 8 (the left two
for specifics on preset compatibility. footswitches on the bottom row), turn it back on.
3. Wait for “Will restore...” to appear and let go.
4. Optionally, if you have setlists that include custom presets you wish
to restore, use the Restore From Backup feature within HX Edit to
selectively restore the desired setlists (see the HX Edit Pilot’s Guide).

5
Marketplace
Be sure to visit the Line 6 Marketplace online shop, where you’ll find 3rd-party add-
on assets that further enhance the functionality of Helix family devices and the Helix
Native plugin! As of this writing, 3rd-party presets and IRs are available—check back
often on Marketplace for product news and announcements.

You can access Marketplace directly using the free HX Edit app, where you sign in
to your Line 6 online account, then choose to Get More Presets or Get More IRs from
the HX Edit menu. Once you’ve purchased premium Marketplace assets, they can be
downloaded immediately, directly into your HX Edit Presets and/or IR Library, and ready
to use on Helix. Please see the latest HX Edit Pilot’s Guide for details.

TIP: Registered owners of Line 6 Helix family devices are entitled to a generous discount
toward the purchase of the Helix Native plugin! Note that all your Helix presets and IRs can
be loaded directly into Helix Native—and vice-versa—making your stage and studio tasks
easier than ever. Please visit the Line 6 Online Shop.

6
Top Panel

3 4 16B Dream Rig Duet 8 9

EXP 1 EXP 2
1
SAVE BYPASS ACTION VOLUME PHONES

PRESET
14
2 1 7 12 13
Delay Harmony Delay
1/8 [37%] D Minor 40% 0.0dB
B
PAGE PAGE

5 6
Time Feedback Key Scale Mix Level

10
11
BANK Scream 808 Mystery Filter Ubiquitous Vibe Harmony Delay MODE
HOLD TO EDIT

14 16

15
BANK 16A
None More Black
16B
Dream Rig Duet
16C
Jimi, Not Jimmy
16D
DAW Remote TAP
HOLD FOR TUNER

14

15

7
1. Main Display This large color LCD is your window into the power of Helix. 12. VOLUME Turn this knob to control the Helix device’s main output volume.

2. PRESET Turn this knob to select a preset. Press the knob to open the Setlist 13. PHONES Turn this knob to control volume from the PHONES output.
menu—see "Selecting Presets and Setlists"
14. Scribble Strips The thirteen Helix LCD scribble strips tell each footswitch’s
3. SAVE Press this button to rename and save changes to a preset. current assignment, so there are never any surprises during a show. If a particular
footswitch has more than one block or item assigned, the scribble strip may read
4. Press this button to dive a bit deeper into Helix, and you’ll find Command Center,
“MULTIPLE (X),” where X is the number of assignments. You can custom label scribble
Global EQ, Global Settings, and other menus.
strips—see "Customizing a Footswitch Label"
5. If you ever get lost, press this button to return to the main Home screen.
15. Footswitches The capacitive, touch-sensitive footswitches have colored LED
6. Press this button once, or multiple times, to quickly jump to the tonestack rings that tell you the assigned block or item’s current state. While in Stomp footswitch
parameters (Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, etc.) of any Amp+Cab, Amp, and Preamp models mode, touch (but don’t press) a footswitch to quickly select the assigned block or
in the current preset. item. Touch the switch repeatedly to cycle through multiple assigned items—see
"Stomp Footswitch Mode"
7. Joystick Move the joystick to navigate the main display. On the Home screen,
move the joystick to select a block. Press ACTION and move the joystick to move SHORTCUT: While in Stomp footswitch mode, touch (but don’t press) a footswitch for
two seconds to assign that switch to the selected block.
the selected block. Turn the joystick to change the selected block’s model. Press the
joystick to open the model list. Press and turn the joystick to quickly scroll across
the signal flow. Yeah, the joystick does a lot. SHORTCUT: While in Stomp footswitch mode, touch and hold (but don’t press) two
switches to swap all assignments between them (including any custom scribble strip
8. BYPASS Press this button to turn the selected block on and off. names or LED colors).

SHORTCUT: Press and hold BYPASS to turn Global EQ on (the icon appears in
SHORTCUT: Touch (but don’t press) TAP to display the tempo panel briefly. This lets
the upper right corner of the LCD) and off.
you quickly fine-tune the current tempo without navigating to the Global Settings >
MIDI/Tempo menu.
9. ACTION Press this button to open the action panel for the selected block or screen.
From the Home screen, the action panel lets you move, copy, paste, and clear blocks, NOTE: Touch-to-select can optionally be turned off, and other footswitch settings
as well as add any changes you’ve made to a block as a Favorite or save current customized—see "Global Settings > Footswitches"
settings as the model’s default. Other screens may have unique action panels; for
example, the Global Settings action panel lets you reset all global settings at once. 16. Expression Pedal Move the expression pedal to control volume, wah, or a
combination of amp and/or effects parameters. Activate the hidden toe switch to
10. <PAGE/PAGE> If the selected block or item has more than one page of param- toggle between EXP 1 and EXP 2. (The scribble strip above tells you which one is
eters, press < PAGE or PAGE > to view more parameters—see "Selecting Blocks/ active.) If an external pedal is connected to the rear panel EXP 2 jack, the built-in
Adjusting Parameters" on page 14. pedal becomes EXP 1 only—see "Controller Assign"
11. Knobs 1-6 Turn one of the six knobs below the main display to adjust the param- NOTE: Adding a Wah, Pitch Wham, or Poly Wham block automatically assigns its
eter’s value above; press the knob to reset the parameter’s value. If a rectangular Position parameter to be controlled by EXP 1. Adding a Volume Pedal or Pan block
button appears above a knob, press the knob to engage its function. automatically assigns its Position to be controlled by EXP 2.

SHORTCUT: For most time-based parameters such as delay time or modulation speed,
press the knob to toggle between setting the value in ms or Hz and note divisions
(1/4-note, dotted 1/8-note, etc.).

SHORTCUT: Controllers can be assigned to most parameters. Press and hold a param-
eter’s knob to quickly jump to the "Controller Assign" page for that parameter.

8
Back Panel

EXP2
EXT
AMP
GUITAR IN AUX IN MIC IN SENDS / RETURNS XLR OUT 1/4” OUT PHONES VARIAX MIDI DIGITAL USB POWER
-1- -3- LEFT/MONO AES/EBU
S/PDIF L6 LINK OUT
PUSH LEFT/MONO RIGHT PUSH
IN OUT/THRU IN
EXP3 CV GND
-2- -4- LIFT RIGHT
OUT

SEND RETURN SEND RETURN

17. EXP 2 and 3 Two additional expression pedals can be connected to Helix and 27. PHONES Out (12Ω) Connect stereo headphones here; turn the top panel PHONES
assigned to adjust a wide variety of parameters—see "Controller Assign" knob to adjust the volume.

18. EXT AMP 1/2 Connect to your traditional guitar amp to switch its channels or NOTE: Helix provides plenty of gain for high impedance headphones. With lower imped-
ance headphones, you may notice a bit of distortion if the PHONES knob is turned all
turn its reverb on and off. Use a TRS cable for dual operation (1=tip, 2=ring). the way up. This is normal.
19. CV/Expression Out Connect to the expression pedal input on stompboxes or
28. VARIAX Input This input provides power, digital audio, effects control, and instant
CV (Control Voltage) input on vintage pedals or synths.
recall between Helix and a Line 6 Variax guitar—see "What is Variax?"
20. GUITAR IN Connect your primary guitar or bass guitar here. This jack provides
29. MIDI IN, OUT/THRU Connect Helix to your MIDI gear for sending and receiving
impedance selection and a switchable pad.
program changes, continuous controllers, and other MIDI messages.
21. AUX IN (10kΩ) Connect a secondary, active-pickup equipped guitar or bass here. 30. S/PDIF IN/OUT Digitally connect Helix to your studio equipment via S/PDIF
22. MIC IN Plug your microphone in here for processing your vocals or recording (75-ohm RCA) cables.
to your computer via USB. This XLR jack provides 48V phantom power for studio NOTE: S/PDIF and AES/EBU cannot be active at the same time—see "Global Settings
condenser mics and a variable low cut filter. > Ins/Outs"

23. SENDS/RETURNS 1-4 These 1/4" ins and outs can be used as FX loops for
31. AES/EBU, L6 LINK L6 LINK provides easy digital audio and remote control
inserting external stompboxes into your tone or as additional inputs and outputs for
connectivity between Helix and Line 6 Powercab Plus active guitar speaker systems
connecting keyboards, drum machines, mixers, and other gear. See "Send/Return"
and DT-Series amplifiers. Alternatively, connect Helix to your studio equipment via
24. Ground Lift Switch If you are experiencing hums and buzzes, press this button an AES/EBU (110Ω XLR) cable—see "L6 LINK - Powercab Plus and DT 25/50 Amp
in to eliminate ground loops between your equipment. Options"

25. XLR OUT Use balanced XLR cables to connect to your studio gear, or the house 32. USB Helix also functions as a high quality, multi-in/out, 24-bit/96kHz audio inter-
mixer, PA, or FRFR speaker(s) when playing live. When using a mono playback system, face for Mac and Windows® computers, with DI, Re-amping, and MIDI functionality
connect only the LEFT/MONO XLR jack. built right in. Helix can also record to an iPad or iPhone mobile device (with optional
IMPORTANT! Never connect the Helix device’s XLR outputs to a device whose XLR Apple Camera Connection Kit). Use of a USB 2.0 (or higher) port is required—Do not
inputs have 48V phantom power enabled! use an external USB hub—see "USB Audio"

26. 1/4" OUT Use unbalanced 1/4" TS cables to connect to your guitar amp, FRFR 33. AC In Connect Helix to a grounded AC power outlet.
speaker(s), studio monitors, or other playback system. When using a single amp or 34. POWER Switch It’s alive!
speaker, connect only the LEFT/MONO 1/4" jack.

9
Home Screen
90% of your daily tone building is accomplished from the Home screen.
Press at any time to return to the main Home screen.
Select an input block Input blocks turn green Use the joystick or Split block (only “E” appears if Merge block Press BYPASS to Hold BYPASS to
and turn the joystick to when a signal is present touch a switch top visible when the preset has (only visible turn block on and turn Global EQ
set the input source. and bright red if the to select a block selected); move been edited when selected); off (bypassed on and off; Icon
Each path can have one input clips. (outlined in white) down to create move down to blocks appear appears when
or two input blocks... a duplicate input create a dupli- dim) Global EQ is on
block cate output block
Press PRESET and then
Turn PRESET to
select a preset 16B Dream Rig Duet 1
turn Knob 5 (Select
Snapshot) to choose
one of eight snapshots

A Select an output block and

turn the joystick to route the
PATH 1 signal to back panel jacks,
Path 2, or your computer via
Each of the two signal B USB. Each path can have
one or two output blocks...
paths can be either parallel
(A and B) or serial (A only) Output blocks turn green
when a signal is present and
bright red if the output clips.
PATH 2 A

Press <PAGE / PAGE> to

view more parameters
Turn the joystick to select
a model; press the joystick
Delay Harmony Delay for the selected block.
This scroll bar indicates
to open the model list. 1/8 [37%] D Minor 40% 0.0dB which page of parameters
indicates a stereo model is displayed­—this block
has three more pages of
Time Feedback Key Scale Mix Level parameters

Press knob to toggle Value appears white and Turn knobs 1-6 to adjust parameters Press knob to return
between note value in brackets if a controller for the selected block Levels to unity (0.0dB)
and ms (or Hz) or snapshot is assigned and Pans to center
to it

10
Quick Start
5. Press Knob 6 (Global Settings).
The Global Settings screen appears:

Global Settings Firmware Version 3.00.0

Setting Proper Output Levels Ins/Outs Preferences MIDI/Tempo

1. Make sure the VOLUME and PHONES knobs are turned down. Footswitches EXP Pedals Displays
PHONES

Ins/Outs
Off Off 0dB Off Multi 0.0dB
Guitar In Mic In Mic In Mic In USB In 1/2 USB In 1/2
Pad 48V Phantom Gain Low Cut Destination Trim

2. Connect a guitar to the Helix GUITAR IN jack. 6. If necessary, move the joystick to select the Ins/Outs submenu.
7. Press PAGE > to select page 2.
8. Using Knobs 1 and 2 under the display, set levels according to the
table below:
Output Are you connecting to...? Then do this:
Guitar pedal or the front of a guitar Set 1/4" Outputs to
amp “Instrument”
1/4"
Powered speakers with unbalanced
Set 1/4" Outputs to “Line”
inputs or digital recorder
3. Connect the Helix outputs to your playback system.
Mic inputs on mixer or standalone mic
Set XLR Outputs to “Mic”
preamps
XLR
PA/FRFR speakers or studio monitors
Set XLR Outputs to “Line”
with balanced inputs

9. Slowly turn up the VOLUME knob.

OR If you’re listening on headphones, slowly turn up the PHONES knob.
PHONES

The Helix device’s 1/4" and XLR output levels must be set to match your playback
system. If you’re only using headphones, for now, skip to step 9.

4. Press to open the Menu.

11
Selecting Presets and Setlists 3. Press to return to the Home screen.
You should see something like this:
1. Turn PRESET to select presets within the current setlist.
01A Quick Start 1
Helix stores eight setlists, each containing 32 banks of four presets (A, B, C, and D).
As we promised, no math—that’s a grand total of 1,024 preset locations. If that’s
not enough, your cover band should be asking for more money.

TIP: Use the free Line 6 HX Edit software to create, backup, and restore a virtually
endless library of presets and setlists stored on your computer.
Remember to try the latest factory and artist-created presets included with the latest
Helix firmware—see page 5.
Amp+Cab US Deluxe Nrm
Press PRESET to open the Setlist menu: 5.9 5.1 7.0 4.4 6.9 6.0

Drive Bass Mid Treble Presence Ch Vol

1 FACTORY 1 01A US Double Norm
2 FACTORY 2 01B Essex A30

Preset Footswitch Mode

3 USER 1 01C Brit Plext Brt
4 USER 2 01D Cali Rectifire
5 USER 3 02A Grammatico Brt
6 USER 4 02B Essex A15 Preset mode is used to navigate presets in the current setlist.
7 USER 5 02C Brit 2204
8 TEMPLATES 02D German Ubersonic 1. If not already there, press FS6 (MODE) to select Preset mode.
1 FACTORY 1 16B Bottle Message The middle eight switches display two banks of presets, and the active preset
CC32: 000 SNAPSHOT 1 appears with a red LED ring and white scribble strip:
Rename PC: 005 Reorder Rename Select Rename
Setlist CC69: 000 Preset Preset Snapshot Snapshot
BANK 02A
Powercore
02B
HechoDeEstrellas
02C
Starsburn
02D
The Bishop Game MODE
HOLD TO EDIT

Navigating the Setlist menu is straightforward:

Turn the joystick (or move it up and down) to select items in a list.
From the Setlist column, press the joystick (or move it right) to load its first preset.
BANK 01A
None More Black
01B
Dream Rig+Vocals
01C
Jimi, Not Jimmy
01D
DAW Remote TAP
HOLD FOR TUNER

From the Preset column, move the joystick left to go back to the Setlist column.
Turn Knob 3 (Reorder Preset) to move the selected preset up and down the list.

2. Use the joystick to select Setlist 8 TEMPLATES > Preset 01A Quick 2. Press BANK or BANK to choose the desired banks.
Start.
3. The banks’ presets flash, indicating they’re ready to load.
TIP: The dark text above Knob 2 displays the required MIDI messages for recalling the
selected setlist, preset, and snapshot from external MIDI devices or software. In the 4. Press one of the eight preset switches to load the preset.
illustration above, the FACTORY 1 setlist is recalled with a CC32 message of 000, the
02B Essex A15 preset is recalled with a PC (program change) message of 005, and
SNAPSHOT 1 is recalled with a CC69 message of 000. NOTE: Footswitch behavior can be customized. See "Global Settings > Footswitches"

12
Stomp Footswitch Mode Snapshot Footswitch Mode
While in Stomp mode, each of the middle eight footswitches (or left 10 switches if Similar to the snapshots feature in some high-end digital mixers, each of the Helix
Global Settings > Footswitches > Stomp Mode Switches is set to “10 Switches”) can device’s eight snapshots stores and recalls the state of certain elements in the current
do a number of things: preset, including:
• Toggle one or more blocks on and off • Block Bypass—The bypass (on/off) state of all processing blocks (except
• Toggle between two values of one or more parameters Looper), independent of any footswitch assignments. See "Using Snapshots"
• Generate a MIDI, External Amp control, CV/Expression, or QWERTY Hotkey • Parameter Control—The values of any parameters assigned to controllers (up
message to 64 per preset). See "Using Snapshots"
• All of the above, even simultaneously • Command Center—The values of any instant MIDI CC, Bank/Prog, MMC, CV Out,
HX Preset, HX Snapshot, and HX Looper commands, plus the state (dim or lit)
of any CC Toggle, CV Toggle, and Ext Amp messages. See "Command Center"
If not already there, press FS6 (MODE) to select Stomp mode. • Tempo—The current system tempo, if "Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo" > Tempo
The middle eight footswitches display blocks’ model names, parameter names, Com- Select is set to “Per Snapshot.” (By default, it’s set to “Per Preset”)
mand Center messages, and/or customized labels:
1. Press BANK and BANK simultaneously to enter Snapshot mode.
BANK Minotaur Mystery Filter Ubiquitous Vibe Harmony Delay MODE
HOLD TO EDIT
The middle eight switches flash, indicating a snapshot is ready to be selected.

BANK 5 SNAPSHOT 5 6 SNAPSHOT 6 7 SNAPSHOT 7 8 SNAPSHOT 8 CANCEL

BANK Teemah! Octo MULTIPLE (3) 6 Switch Looper TAP

HOLD FOR TUNER

BANK 1 SNAPSHOT 1 2 SNAPSHOT 2 3 SNAPSHOT 3 4 SNAPSHOT 4 TAP

HOLD FOR TUNER

NOTE: If a switch is assigned to multiple blocks or items, its scribble strip reads “MULTIPLE
(X),” where X is the number of assignments, and stepping on the switch turns them all on
and off. If some blocks are on and some are bypassed, stepping on the switch toggles each
block’s bypass state. 2. Press one of the eight snapshot switches to select it.
NOTE: Snapshots are powerful enough to warrant their own chapter. See "Snapshots" for
NOTE: While in Stomp mode, stepping on BANK or BANK temporarily enters Preset more information.
mode. Once you’ve selected a preset, Helix returns to Stomp mode.

NOTE: If you don’t want Snapshot footswitches to disappear after selecting one, set "Global
Settings > Footswitches" > Knob 4 (Snapshot Mode Switches) to “Manual Return.” In this
case, Helix stays in Snapshot footswitch mode until you press FS6 (CANCEL).

13
Pedal Edit Mode 4. Use the expression pedal to adjust the parameter.
For fine adjustment, press FS10 (VALUE–) and FS11 (VALUE+). Hold FS10 (VALUE–)
Most blocks’ settings can be edited without taking your hands off the guitar, including or FS11 (VALUE +) for faster adjustments.
Amp, Effect, Cab, IR, Split, Mixer, Input, and Output Block parameters—even Variax String
Level, Powercab Plus, and DT25/DT50 remote parameters! If you hate having to reach To select a different block, press FS7 (BACK).
down and twist knobs, Pedal Edit mode will be your new best friend. Although Pedal
Edit is not intended to replace proper controller assignment, in a pinch, it can also be 5. When finished, press FS12 (EXIT).
used to tweak one parameter at a time during a performance. If you want to save any changes made to the preset, hold FS12 (EXIT) for two
seconds.
1. Hold FS6 (MODE) for two seconds.

Selecting Blocks/Adjusting Parameters

The preset’s processing blocks appear on the footswitches, flashing:

Volume Pedal Mystery Filter WhoWatt 100 A/B 1x12 US Deluxe MORE... Blocks are objects that represent various elements of a preset, such as amps, cabs,
effects, splits, loopers, and even inputs and outputs.

1. From Stomp footswitch mode, briefly touch (but don’t press) the
Minotaur Ubiquitous Vibe Octoverb FX Loop 1/2 Adriatic Delay EXIT footswitch assigned to the desired block.
HOLD TO SAVE+EXIT

The selected block appears with a white box on both the main LCD and the scribble
strip:

If the preset has more than ten processing blocks, you may not see the block you Harmony Delay
want. Press FS6 (MORE...) one or more times until you do.

NOTE: Selecting a block in Pedal Edit mode has no correlation to any footswitch If multiple blocks are assigned to a footswitch, its scribble strip reads “MULTIPLE
assignment it may have. (X).” Touch the top of the switch repeatedly until the desired block is selected.

NOTE: Repeatedly touching a “MULTIPLE (X)” switch may jump to completely different
2. Press the footswitch displaying the block you want to edit. screens, depending on its assignments. For example, if a switch is assigned to an effect
The block’s first page of parameters appears at FS1—FS6. block, an effect parameter, and a Command Center MIDI message, repeated touches
will cycle through all three items on the Home, Controller Assign, and Command Center
500 ms 50% 20 Hz 84% 0° 25%
screens, respectively. Basically, anything on the switch is only a touch away.
Time Feedback Mod Speed Mod Depth Mod Phase Mix

Alternatively, move the joystick to select a block.

SHORTCUT: Press to quickly select the Amp+Cab, Amp, or Preamp block and its
tonestack parameters (Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, etc.) appear. If a preset has more than
BACK PAGE PAGE VALUE– VALUE+ EXIT
HOLD TO SAVE+EXIT one of these blocks, press repeatedly to cycle through all tonestacks.
Optionally, press the joystick knob while turning to change its behavior to quickly select
blocks (rather than select a block’s model)—also see "Global Settings > Preferences"

If the block has more than one page of parameters, press FS8 (<PAGE) or FS9
(PAGE>) until you find the parameter.

3. Press the footswitch displaying the parameter you want to adjust.

Press and hold a Time or Speed switch to toggle between setting the value in ms
or Hz and note divisions (1/4-note, dotted 1/8-note, etc.).

14
2. Turn Knobs 1-6 below the screen. 1. Press the joystick to open the model list:
Some blocks have more than one page of parameters, in which case a horizontal
None Mono Ducked Delay
scrollbar appears above the parameters. For example, the red scrollbar above the
Favorites Stereo Reverse Delay
Amp+Cab block’s parameter inspector (shown below) indicates that additional
Distortion Vintage Digital
pages of parameters are available:
Dynamics Vintage Swell
EQ Pitch Echo
Modulation Transistor Tape
Amp+Cab US Deluxe Nrm
Delay Cosmos Echo
5.0 5.1 5.0 4.4 2.0 8.0
Reverb Harmony Delay
Drive Bass Mid Treble Presence Ch Vol
Delay Harmony Delay
1/8 37% A Minor 50% 0.0dB

3. Press <PAGE/PAGE> to access more parameters (if available). Time Feedback Key Scale Mix Level

Most model categories include subcategories. For example, effects generally have
Bypassing a Block Mono, Stereo, and Legacy subcategories. Amp+Cab and Amp models have Guitar
and Bass subcategories. Cab models have Single and Dual subcategories.
If a footswitch is assigned to the block, press the switch. Turn the joystick (or move it up and down) to select items in a list.
Alternatively, select the block and press BYPASS to toggle the block on Press the joystick (or move it right) to view a category or subcategory’s contents.
and off.
Move the joystick left to go back one column.
Bypassed blocks appear semi-transparent and, if assigned to a footswitch, its LED ring
dims and scribble strip label grays out: IMPORTANT! If you encounter items in the list that are grayed out or unavailable, this
means the current path (1 or 2) cannot accommodate that category, subcategory,
or model. See "Dynamic DSP"
Harmony Delay NOTE: The first category in the list, Favorites, is initially empty, awaiting you to add amp,
cab, and/or effects models, including your own custom settings and assignments—see
NOTE: The switch’s LED ring and scribble strip label reflect the color and bypass state of "Adding a Block to Favorites" on page 17.
its most recently selected block or item, even if other blocks assigned to the same switch
are enabled.
2. Using the joystick, select the desired category, subcategory, and
model.
MULTIPLE (3)
NOTE: Amp+Cab and Cab > Dual blocks are special in that they represent two models
within a single block. To change the amp model in an Amp+Cab block, press <PAGE
until the amp icon is white and turn the joystick. To change the cab model, press PAGE>
until the cab icon is white and turn the joystick.
Choosing a Block’s Model
To change an existing block’s model, select the block and turn the
To change the first cab model in a Cab > Dual block, press <PAGE until the left cab icon
joystick. is white and turn the joystick. To change the second cab model, press PAGE> until the
right cab icon is white and turn the joystick.
To create a new block, select an empty location and turn the joystick.
Selecting models within the same category can be very quick. However, as Helix has
hundreds of items to choose from, using this method to, say, change a mono distortion
block (beginning of the list) into a stereo FX Loop block (end of the list) is very slow.
Instead, you should open the model list:

15
3. To close the model list, select an item in the far right column and Select Path 1’s output block and turn the joystick to select Path 2A.
press the joystick again (or press ).

SHORTCUT: It is also possible to quickly access model subcategories without ever

having to open the model list...
From the Home screen with the desired block location selected, hold
< PAGE and press PAGE > to jump to the next subcategory. Path 2’s Input block displays an arrow, indicating it is being fed by Path 1.
Hold PAGE > and press < PAGE to jump to the previous subcategory, then turn the
joystick to select models within that subcategory.

Choosing an Input
Move the joystick left to select an Input block and turn the joystick. To If Path 2 has two input blocks, you may select either Path 2A or 2B; or split your signal
view a list of available inputs, press the joystick. further to both 2A and 2B. See "2 into 1" for an example.
Normally you should select “Multi,” which includes three simultaneous inputs: Guitar, NOTE: Output blocks display signal present (green) and clipping (red) indication, as well as
Aux, and Variax. output metering (see "Block Level Indicators and Meters".

Moving Blocks
SHORTCUT: From any Input block, joystick left to jump to the Output block. From any Output
block, joystick right to jump to the Input block. We call this the “Pac Man Shortcut.” 1. Select any block (other than Input or Output) and press ACTION.
The block appears “picked up,” and the action panel appears. The inspector’s icon
shows you the directions in which the block can be moved.
NOTE: Input blocks display signal present (green) and clipping (red) indication, as well as
input metering (see "Block Level Indicators and Meters".
Use joystick to move block; move down to create Path B
On
Copy Paste Clear Clear All Snapshot Add to

Choosing an Output
Block Block Block Blocks Bypass Favorites...

2. Move the joystick left or right to move the block.

Move the joystick right to select an Output block and turn the joystick.
To view a list of available outputs, press the joystick. Moving the joystick down moves the block to a new parallel B path. See "Serial vs.
Parallel Routing" for details.
Normally you should select “Multi,” which includes four simultaneous pairs of outputs:
1/4", XLR, Digital, and USB 1/2. NOTE: A block on Path 1 cannot be moved to Path 2 (and vice versa). You can, however,
copy and paste a block from one path to the other. See the next section. All output
blocks display Knob 1 (Pan) and Knob 2 (Level), as well as output meters (see "Block
Level Indicators and Meters".

3. Press ACTION again (or ) to close the action panel.

If Path 1 doesn’t have enough block locations or DSP to accommodate your tone, it
can be routed to Path 2:

16
Copying and Pasting a Block 3. Press Knob 6 (OK).

Blocks from one path can be copied and then pasted into the same path, the other path,
or a path in an entirely different preset. Adding a Block to Favorites
1. Select the block you wish to copy and press ACTION. Once you’ve dialed in an amp or effects block exactly the way you like it, you can save its
settings as a “Favorite” so the block can be added very quickly to other tones, complete
2. Press Knob 1 (Copy Block). with your stored parameter settings, bypass state, and existing bypass assignment
(excluding any existing controller or snapshot assignments)*.
3. Select the location you wish to paste the block—even in a different Favorites appear in the model menu’s “Favorites” category and can be renamed, reor-
preset—and press ACTION. dered, and cleared. You can add up to 128 favorites.
4. Press Knob 2 (Paste Block). *NOTE: If you don’t want a favorite to be recalled with its bypass assignment, add the block
to favorites before creating a custom bypass assignment.
NOTE: Inputs, Outputs, Splits, Merges, and Loopers can also be copied and pasted.
However, if you, for example, try pasting the Looper into the Split block’s location, Knob INPUT, Output, Split, or Merge Mixer block types cannot be added as favorites.
2 (Paste Block) will be grayed out. Furthermore, if the destination path’s DSP cannot
accommodate the copied block, the header will briefly read “Cannot Paste—Path 1 [or 1. Choose one of your preferred amps or effects and tweak it exactly
2] DSP full!” See "Dynamic DSP" how you like it, with or without a bypass assignment.
Cannot Paste—Path 1 DSP Full! 2. Press ACTION and then press Knob 6 (Add to Favorites). The
On
Copy Paste Clear Clear All Snapshot Add to Favorites list appears.
Block Block Block Blocks Bypass Favorites...
None Talent Boost
Favorites Sustain4Eva

Clearing a Block
Distortion Squish Comp
Dynamics Detox EQ
EQ Golden Echoes
1. Select the block you wish to clear and press ACTION. Modulation Pitch Slap
Delay Big Room
2. Press Knob 3 (Clear Block). Reverb

Select existing favorite to replace or add new favorite...

Clearing All Blocks Cancel

Replace
Favorite
Add New
Favorite

Clearing all blocks removes all processing blocks (including the Looper) and resets both
Path 1 and 2 to serial. It does not affect Path 1A or Path 2A Input and Output blocks, 3. To replace an existing favorite, select the favorite you want to replace
nor does it affect the "Command Center" and press Knob 5 (Replace Favorite).*
1. Press ACTION. To add a new favorite, select the location where you want to add it
and press Knob 6 (Add New Favorite).
2. Press Knob 4 (Clear All Blocks). Once added, the model and its stored settings appear within the Inspector, now
The following dialog appears: with the Favorites icon at its left, replacing its previous Category icon.

Clear all blocks? Amp+Cab Revv Gen Purple

6.4 3.4 5.0 4.4 6.4 8.0
Cancel OK Drive Bass Mid Treble Presence Ch Vol

17
4. OPTIONAL: While the Favorites list is open, press ACTION.
• To reorder the selected favorite up or down the list, turn Reorder Favorite
Saving/Naming a Preset
• To rename the selected favorite, press Rename Favorite 1. Press SAVE to open the Save Preset screen:
• To clear the selected favorite, press Clear Favorite Save Preset
• To clear all favorites, press Clear All Favorites. A dialog appears. Press OK to J
confirm. K
To put your favorites to use... Within any preset, select an empty block and turn the L
joystick. All your perfectly-tweaked favorite amps and effects appear as your first M ‘ L a d y N e c k b e a r d
options, without having to open the model list at all! N
O
*NOTE: If you replace and overwrite an existing favorite that is already in use within your P
presets, the presets remain unchanged.
Replace 1 FACTORY 1 > 26A M’Lady Neckbeard
However, if you want to “update” any preset to use the newly-edited favorite, select the existing 1 26A
favorite block with the preset, turn the joystick knob one click away and then back to effectively
Cancel Delete Insert Setlist Destination Save
“reload” the updated favorite.

TIP: Using the HX Edit app, you can export your favorites to your computer as .fav files, allowing Move the joystick left or right to move the cursor.
you to build a virtually limitless collection that can be imported back into your device’s Favorites Turn the joystick (or move it up/down) to change the selected character.
library at any time—as well as shared between devices, or with other Helix/HX device and Helix
Native owners! HX Edit also offers several features for easily managing your Favorites library. Press Knob 2 (Delete) to delete the selected character and shift all following
characters to the left.
Press Knob 3 (Insert) to insert a space and shift all following characters to the
Saving a Model’s User Default Settings right.

If you find yourself constantly re-tweaking your commonly-used models the same way, you SHORTCUT: Press the joystick to cycle through A, a, 0, and [SPACE].
can save a model’s settings as its new defaults (excluding Input, Output, Split, or Merge
Mixer blocks’ settings) so the model shows up that way every time.
2. Turn Knob 4 (Setlist) and Knob 5 (Destination) to choose the Setlist
1. Choose any model and tweak it exactly how you like it. and Preset location you wish to overwrite.
Configure any of its parameters and bypass state. (Existing MIDI, bypass, snapshot, Any of Helix’s 1,024 presets can be overwritten.
and controller assignments are not saved with the User Model Defaults.)
3. Press SAVE again or Knob 6 (Save).
2. Press ACTION, press PAGE and then Knob 2 (User Default).
All your current parameter settings are now saved as the default for all future uses
of the model. (Existing presets that include the model are not affected.) Creating/Restoring Full Device Backups
NOTE: To return a model to factory defaults, press ACTION, press PAGE , and then Creating full backups of your Helix device’s presets, IRs, favorites, custom model defaults,
press Knob 1 (Factory Default). No current presets’ model settings are changed—you’ll and global settings is highly recommended to make sure your precious custom tones
see the factory defaults restored the next time you insert the model. and configurations are never lost! Fortunately, the free Line 6 HX Edit app makes it easy
to create full backups and restore them anytime (available from line6.com/software).
Please refer to the HX Edit Pilot’s Guide for steps on how to use its built-in Backup &
Restore features.

18
Serial vs. Parallel Routing ...or maybe a single Amp block splitting into two separate Cab blocks...

For many guitar tones, a serial (one stereo path) signal flow is more than adequate.
For example, our 8 TEMPLATES > 01A Quick Start preset has a volume pedal, wah
pedal, Amp+Cab, reverb, and looper, but there’s still room for distortion, modulation,
and delay blocks:

...or two separate Amp and two separate Cab blocks...

For more sophisticated tones, a parallel (two stereo paths) signal flow can be created.
This lets one split the signal into two stereo paths, process them separately, and mix
the two paths back together.

1. Select the Amp+Cab block and press ACTION to pick it up.

2. Move the joystick down.
The Amp+Cab block is moved to a newly created parallel path B (lower). ...or two separate Amp blocks merging into a Cab > Dual block.

In the illustration above:

Remember, this is only half of your tone. You still have Paths 2A and 2B to play with!
Our guitar signal goes into the Volume and Wah blocks.
The signal is split to path 1A (upper) and path 1B (lower).
Stereo path 1A (upper) is sent to the Reverb and Looper blocks and Stereo path
Removing Parallel Path B
1B (lower) is sent to the Amp+Cab block. To remove path B, simply clear any blocks on path B (lower) or move
Stereo paths 1A and 1B are merged together after the Looper block and sent to them all back up to path A (upper).
the Multi Output.

3. Press ACTION again to drop the Amp+Cab block.

This preset probably doesn’t sound ideal. A more appropriate tone may have paths 1A
and 1B each with an Amp+Cab block, only to merge again before the Reverb...

19
Moving Split & Merge Blocks for More 1 into 2
Parallel Routings Move the Merge block down to path B.
The Merge block shifts right, and a duplicate Output block is created:
1. Use the joystick to select the point where paths A and B split or
merge.
"Split" and "Merge" blocks only appear when selected but can be adjusted and
moved like any other processing block.

In this example, the Input block is split to paths A and B, each with its own Output block.
Path A could be routed to the 1/4" outputs, while path B could be routed to the XLRs.

2. Press ACTION to pick up the Split or Merge block for moving. True Parallel
Choose one of the following parallel routing options: Move both the Split and the Merge blocks down to path B.
Duplicate Input and Output blocks are created:
2 into 1
Move the Split block down to path B.
The Split block shifts left, and a duplicate Input block is created:

A guitar and vocal could be processed independently in this routing, each with its
own input, stereo path, processing blocks, and outputs. Alternatively, two different
This new Input block can be assigned to a completely different input. This routing band members could be processed independently.
can be used for mixing a guitar and vocal or the models and magnetic pickups in a
connected Variax guitar, each with their own processing blocks.

20
Super Serial True Preset Spillover
A serial path has eight processing block locations. If that’s not enough, you can use In powerful multieffects processors like Helix, switching to a different preset requires
parallel path B to create one big “super serial” path. unloading DSP blocks for the current preset and then loading DSP blocks for the new
one, resulting in a small audible gap. If you’re willing to sacrifice one of Helix’s two DSPs,
1. Move the Merge block down to path 1B. you can achieve true preset spillover, complete with delay and reverb trails.
A duplicate Output block is created. IMPORTANT! Unfortunately, Looper recording or playback will not currently spill over from
one preset to another.
2. Move the Split block all the way to the right, past the last process-
ing block on path 1A. 1. From the Home screen hold ACTION and press HOME.
3. Select the Output block on path 1A and turn Knob 2 (Level) all Or, set Preset Spillover to “On” within "Global Settings > Preferences"
the way down. A dialog appears:
That way, you’re only hearing Output 1B.
Remove Path 2 to enable preset spillover?

Cancel OK

2. Press Knob 6 (OK)

3. Press HOME.
In the illustration above, our signal is processed by the eight blocks on path 1A and Path 2 has disappeared—what was previously “Path 1” of your current preset is
processed further by the three blocks on path 1B. now vertically centered on the Home screen.
Of course, if this still isn’t enough, you could always duplicate the above signal flow 07A Happy Trails 1
with path 2 and then route path 1B’s output block to path 2A for one gigantic serial
tone with up to 32 block locations (DSP permitting - See "Dynamic DSP"):

Amp+Cab US Deluxe Nrm

5.0 5.1 5.0 4.4 2.0 8.0

Drive Bass Mid Treble Presence Ch Vol

4. To return to normal operation with two paths, first save your current
preset if you wish to retain your Path 1 changes, then hold ACTION
and press HOME.
Or, set Preset Spillover to “Off” within "Global Settings > Preferences"
A dialog appears:

The preset must be reloaded. All unsaved changes will be lost!

Cancel OK

21
5. Press Knob 6 (OK). That said, there are some rules governing the number of certain types of blocks you
can add to a preset:
Your device is returned to normal, two-path operation.
Amp+Cab, Amp, or Preamp blocks Any combination, up to four (two per path)
Tips for Using Preset Spillover Cab blocks (includes Amp+Cab Up to four (two per path; Cab > Dual blocks are
blocks) considered two)
When Preset Spillover mode is active, you can still import and load any saved Helix
preset. However, only the preset’s Path 1 blocks, settings, and routing are loaded. Any Impulse Response blocks Up to four 1024-point IRs (two per path) or two
existing Path 2 blocks, along with their settings and assignments, remain saved within 2048-point IRs (one per path)
the preset and are restored when you turn Preset Spillover Off. To follow are several tips Polyphonic (“Poly”) effects blocks One per path. These effects include the Poly
and behaviors you’ll want to be aware of when Preset Spillover is active: Sustain (Delay), Poly Detune (Modulation), and
Poly Pitch, Wham, Capo and 12 String (Pitch/
• With Spillover On, Path 2 is hidden, and no audio is routed to it. Therefore, you’ll Synth).
want to ensure your presets’ Path 1A and/or Path 1B Output blocks are not set
to Path 2, or no signal will be heard. Looper block One
• Some block types are limited to being used once per preset. This means that
you’ll want to avoid loading presets that already include these block types on To see which models can be added to the current path, press the joystick
Path 2 when you plan to turn Spillover On. These items include: to open the Model List.
• One Looper block max. can be added per preset. Grayed out items cannot be accommodated and are skipped over - See "Selecting
• One instance of each of the Returns 1~4 can be added per preset, whether Blocks/Adjusting Parameters":
used within a mono or stereo Return block, FX Loop block, or within Input or
Output blocks—also see "Send/Return" on page 38. None Mono Pebble Phaser
• One digital type Input block (S/PDIF) max. can be added per preset—also see Favorites Stereo Ubiquitous Vibe
"Input" on page 24. Distortion Deluxe Phaser
Dynamics Gray Flanger
• Any combination of up to 64 total controller assignments can be created
within a preset, therefore, it’s unlikely you’ll run out. If you want to max out EQ Harmonic Flanger
your controller assignments, best to eliminate them from path 2 blocks. Modulation Courtesan Flange
Delay Dynamix Flanger
• For preset changes—if preset A is still spilling over into preset B, switching to
Reverb Chorus
preset C will abruptly cut off preset A. That is, you’ll only ever hear two presets
(DSPs) at the same time. Modulation Chorus
2.5 2.0 5.0 Triangle 5.0 50%
• When a Delay block is set with Tempo Sync “On” (i.e., its Time parameter is set
to note divisions), the trails will attempt to sync to the new preset’s BPM on Speed Depth Predelay WavShape Tone Mix
preset change. To keep delay trails’ tempo consistent, avoid using Tempo sync
for Delays, or set your "Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo" - Tempo Select to Global.
• Note that whether Spillover is On or Off, you can also store and recall multiple
Tips to Optimize DSP
blocks’ on/off states and parameter settings within your current preset with • Each of Helix’s two primary paths utilizes its own DSP. If all of your blocks are
seamless switching using Snapshots! See "Snapshots" on page 45. on paths 1A and 1B, you’re only using half its horsepower! If you plan on creat-
ing tones with two or more amps and more than a handful of effects, expect
to use both paths 1 and 2
Dynamic DSP • Some block types use much more DSP than others, such as Amps, IRs, Reverbs,
and Poly effects models. EQ, Dynamics, Volume/Pan, and Send/Return blocks
Like nearly all modern audio processors, the Helix engine is based on DSP (Digital Signal use relatively little
Processing). Some models require many times more DSP horsepower than others, so it
makes logical sense that fewer of those models could exist in a tone. To work around • Some models may use more DSP than others in the same category. This is
this, some processors restrict you to one amp, one reverb, one delay, etc. With Helix, especially true with amp models
we feel it’s important to let you keep adding whatever you want to your tone, even if • Instead of a parallel path with two Amp+Cab blocks or two separate Amps and
you may eventually run out of DSP. Cabs, try adding a single Amp block followed by one Cab > Dual block (mixing
two different Cabs can provide some substantial variations)

22
 • The stereo version of an effects block will use approximately twice as much • Power the Variax modeling engine via a VDI (CAT-5 or Ethercon) cable, eliminat-
DSP as a mono version of the same block. Likewise, the dual version of a cab ing the need for the Variax guitar’s removable battery
block will use roughly twice as much DSP as the single version
• Some model categories have “Simple” blocks, which utilize less DSP than others
• Instead of toggling between two of the same amp or effects blocks (with dif-
ferent settings), use controllers or snapshots to instantly adjust parameters
within a single block

Block Order and Stereo Imaging

Most of the Helix effects models have both mono and stereo versions. A stereo block
displays after its model name in the inspector. The stereo imaging—or how wide
your tone appears with stereo speakers or headphones—is highly dependent on the
type of blocks you add, and in what order.
Keep the following things in mind when building tones: Variax Workbench HD Application Support
• All Amp+Cab, Amp, Preamp, and Poly effects blocks are mono, so any stereo Helix can also be used as the USB interface for the Line 6 Workbench HD edi-
signal sent into these will be collapsed to mono. As such, it’s a good idea to tor/librarian software (v2.13, or later). Workbench HD is a free application for
add only mono blocks before amps and preamps Mac and PC, available from line6.com/software. To use your James Tyler®,
Shuriken™, or Standard Variax Standard with Workbench HD, you’ll need to configure
• Adding a mono effects block will collapse any preceding stereo blocks on the the following:
same path to mono
• If you’re only ever connecting Helix to the front of a single guitar amp or PA/ • Go to Helix "Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo" and set MIDI over USB to “On”
FRFR speaker, there may be no need to use stereo models at all (except, of • If using Workbench HD on Windows, you must install the Helix USB driver (v1.85
course, for models that are only offered as stereo!) or later)—available from line6.com/software
• Legacy effects models vary in behavior: • It is recommended to update your Variax to the latest Variax HD firmware
• Legacy Distortion, Dynamics & Pitch/Synth effects are mono
IMPORTANT! Variax Workbench HD uses MIDI channel 16. When connecting to Work-
• Legacy Modulation & Delay effects vary in that some are mono, some stereo, bench HD via Helix’s USB port, do not assign Helix or any of Helix’s Command Center
and some mono-in/stereo-out, where adjusting the effect’s Mix parameter messages to MIDI channel 16 or Omni (which includes channel 16).
can narrow the stereo image that is fed into them
• Legacy Filter and Reverb effects are stereo

What is Variax?
Line 6 Variax guitars feature special electronics that model the sound of other specific
guitars and instruments, as well as allow for instant retuning of each string. Helix and
Variax work together in powerful and flexible ways. You can:
• Store Variax model, tuning, and/or volume and tone knob positions with a Helix
preset or snapshot and recall them instantly
• Toggle between two Variax models and/or tunings via footswitch or MIDI CC
• Turn the Variax volume and/or tone knobs to control one or more Helix amp and
effects parameters remotely. You could almost think of them as EXP 4 and EXP 5
• Split Variax modeled and magnetic signals, process them separately through
independent signal paths, and either mix them together or route them to dif-
ferent Helix outputs

23
The Blocks
All input blocks include a dedicated noise gate and gain reduction meter (see page
42). Threshold and Decay parameters are grayed out unless the Input Gate param-
eter is turned on:
-90 -75 -60 -45 -30 -15 0
Input Multi (Guitar, Aux, Variax)
Off –48.0dB 500 ms Auto

Input Input Gate Threshold Decay Guitar In-Z

Each preset can have up to four Input blocks (one or two per path). Input > Multi and Input > Guitar blocks have an additional Guitar In-Z parameter. Helix
has an impedance circuit on its Guitar Input that affects tone and feel by loading your
guitar’s pickups as they would by an effect pedal or amplifier. A lower value will typi-
cally result in some high frequency attenuation, lower gain, and an overall “softer” feel.
A higher value provides full frequency response, higher gain, and an overall “tighter”
feel. The “Auto” option allows the impedance to reflect the impedance of the first block
None Disables (mutes) the input block. Only available on Path 2. on Path 1A—also see the Auto Impedance option in "Global Settings > Preferences"
on page 64
Multi Guitar, Aux, and Variax inputs are all active simultaneously.
Normally, it is best to choose Multi. Multi and Variax input blocks have additional pages for Variax parameters:
Guitar Guitar in only.
Aux Aux in only. (10kΩ input for an active-pickup equipped guitar or
James Tyler Variax, Shuriken Variax, or Variax Standard
bass.) NOTE: All Input block - Variax parameters on pages 2 through 4 change functionality between
Variax With a James Tyler (JTV), Shuriken Variax, or Standard Variax Per Preset vs. Global following how you set the Variax Settings parameter (Knob 1 on page 2).
guitar, the “Variax” Input source receives the Model or Magnetic
signal, depending on the guitar’s Model switch setting. Page Knob Parameter Description
Variax Magnetics Receives only the Variax magnetic pickup signal.
Determines whether all Variax settings (pages 2~4)
1 Variax Settings
Mic Mic in only. are applied per preset or globally.

Return 1, 2, 3, 4, Returns 1, 2, 3, and 4 can act as additional mono input blocks. Selects the Variax model and pickup position set-
2 Variax Model ting. When set to “Don’t Force,” Helix respects the
1/2, 3/4 Returns 1/2 and 3/4 can act as additional stereo input blocks for
processing keyboards, drum machines, or even other modelers. Variax current setting.
If a Return or FX Loop processing block exists in the preset, the Remotely sets the Variax volume knob setting.
Variax Volume
utilized Return input will be non-selectable. See "Send/Return" 3 When set to “Don’t Force,” Helix respects the cur-
Knob
S/PDIF S/PDIF digital in only. If a Variax input (or Multi input, which rent Variax volume knob position.
includes Variax) exists on another Input block within the preset, Remotely sets the Variax tone knob setting. When
2 Variax Tone
S/PDIF in will be non-selectable. 4 set to “Don’t Force,” Helix respects the current
Knob
USB 3/4, 5/6, USB inputs 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 can all be used for processing Variax tone knob position.
7/8 tracks from your Mac or Windows DAW software. See "USB When set to “Unlocked,” the Variax tone knob, vol-
Audio" ume knob, and toggle switch remain active. When
Variax Lock
5 locked, the Variax knobs and/or switches no longer
Helix also receives input from USB 1/2, but it’s dedicated to Control control the local guitar functions. Turning the Variax
monitoring audio from your computer (or iPad or iPhone mobile model knob resets all to “Unlocked.”
device) and bypasses all processing blocks. As such, it’s not
available as an input block source. When set to “Don’t Force,” Helix respects the Variax
6 Variax Tuning guitar’s current tuning. When set to “Custom,” Helix
engages any custom tuning on page 3.
TIP: Input blocks include a built-in signal present/clip indicator—see page 42.

24
Page Knob Parameter Description USB 1/2, USB 1/2, 3/4, and 5/6 can act as additional output blocks for routing
USB 3/4, paths to your computer, or iPad, or iPhone mobile devices (with optional
1 Variax String 6
USB 5/6 Apple Camera Connection Kit).
2 Variax String 5 Choose the number of half-steps, positive or nega- USB 7 and 8 are dedicated for re-amping, and are not available as output
3 Variax String 4 tive, for which you want to raise or lower the pitch block destinations. See "USB Audio" for details.
3 of the selected string. The note labels displayed
4 Variax String 3 assume the guitar is tuned to standard pitch (E, A, D, All output blocks display Knob 1 (Pan) and Knob 2 (Level), as well as output meters
5 Variax String 2 G, B, E), with the A using a 440 Hz reference pitch. (see "Block Level Indicators and Meters" on page 42):
6 Variax String 1
Output Multi (1/4”, XLR, Digital, USB 1/2)
Center 0.0dB

Page Knob Parameter Description Pan Level

1 String Level 6
SHORTCUT: Press Knob 1 (Pan) to return Pan to center. Press Knob 2 (Level) to return
2 String Level 5 Level to unity (0.0dB).
3 String Level 4 Attenuate the volume levels individually per string, if
4 TIP: Use Knob 2 (Level) to set the path’s overall level, which is important to ensure all of
4 String Level 3 desired.
your presets maintain a consistent volume throughout your set.
5 String Level 2
6 String Level 1
L6 LINK - Powercab Plus and DT 25/50 Amp
Output Options
Each preset can have up to four Output blocks (one or two per path). Alternatively, the digital XLR connector can be used for L6 LINK output to the L6 LINK
input of up to two Line 6 Powercab Plus active guitar speaker systems or DT 25/50
amplifiers, with one or more of these receiving devices connected in series (use of a
110Ω XLR cable is recommended for all L6 LINK connections). When more than one
Powercab Plus or DT 25/50 units are connected via L6 LINK, your stereo Helix signal
is intelligently split, with the left channel going to the first unit and the right channel to
the second. If you have one Powercab or DT connected, the Helix output is collapsed to
Multi 1/4", XLR, Digital, and USB 1/2 outputs are all active simultaneously. mono and fed to the single unit. L6 LINK also sends remote control messages, providing
Normally, it is best to choose Multi. customizable control over your connected devices right from Helix—globally or per preset!
Path 2A, 2B, These outputs only appear for Path 1 output blocks and route Path 1 The Output block - Powercab and DT 25/50 settings are available on pages 2~5 for
or 2A+B into Path 2. any Multi or Digital output block type, allowing you to customize the desired options
1/4" 1/4" outs only. for your respective device(s) from Helix. (Please also refer to your Powercab Plus and
DT 25/50 Pilot’s Guides.)
XLR XLR outs only.
Send 1/2, Send 1/2 and 3/4 can act as additional output blocks. NOTE: Powercab Plus and DT 25/50 firmware v2.00 or later is required for L6 LINK functionality.
Send 3/4
Digital Choose the Digital Output type (S/PDIF or AES/EBU), Digital Output
S/PDIF, Level, and the desired Sample Rate in the "Global Settings > Ins/Outs".
AES/EBU, The Global Ins/Outs settings are not necessary for L6 LINK—also see
L6 LINK "L6 LINK - Powercab Plus and DT 25/50 Amp Options" on page 25.

25
Output Block - Powercab Settings Output Block - DT25/50 Settings
Output Block - Powercab Plus Remote Settings Output Block - DT25/50 Remote Settings
Page Knob Parameter Description Page Knob Parameter Description
Determines the behavior for all page 2~3 settings sent Determines the behavior for all page 4~5 settings
to your connected Powercab Plus unit(s): sent to your connected DT 25/50 unit(s):
Off - No Powercab Remote settings are sent. Off - No DT Remote settings are sent.
Powercab Preset - All Powercab Remote settings are stored with DT 25/50 Preset - All DT Remote settings are stored with the
1 1
Remote the current preset and sent upon load of the preset. Remote current preset and sent upon load of the preset.
Global - All Powercab Remote settings are sent, with Global - All DT Remote settings are sent, with all
all settings remaining the same, regardless of the settings remaining the same regardless of the cur-
current Helix preset. rent Helix preset.
Determines the Powercab mode: Flat, Speaker, or Determines which DT you want to control: DT 1, DT
2 Powercab Mode User IR. (Note that some page 2~3 Powercab set- 2 DT Select 2, or both simultaneously (1+2 Link). (Note that page
tings will change reflecting the Mode selected here.) 4 4~5 DT settings reflect the option selected here.
Flat When in Flat Mode, determines its speaker Voicing When set to A (Helix), the DT unit(s) switch to Chan. A
3
Voicing type: FRFR, LF Flat, or LF Raw. and its preamp bypassed, allowing your Helix signal to
2 3 DT Channel
Determines which Powercab unit(s) you want to con- be utilized. When set to B (DT Pre), the DT switches to
trol: Powercab 1, Powercab 2, or both simultaneously Chan. B, and its internal preamp is activated.
(1+2 Link). Normally, you should leave this set to 1+2 4 DT Topology Determines the negative feedback loop Topology: I~IV.
Link, which edits both Powercabs simultaneously, to
Speaker maintain phase coherence. Note that with Powercab DT Determines the tube Power Amp mode: Class A or
4 5
Select 212 Plus, Powercab 1 targets the left speaker in each Power Amp Class AB.
(or both) amp(s), and Powercab 2 targets the right DT Determines the configuration of the DT power tubes:
speaker in each (or both) amp(s). 6
Tube Config Triode or Pentode.
You’ll see the following Powercab page 2~3 settings
Determines the On/Off state of the DT amp’s on-
reflect the option selected here. 1 DT Reverb
board Reverb.
Speaker When in Speaker Mode, determines the Powercab
5 DT Determines the wet/dry Mix of the Reverb effect:
Type speaker model. 2
Rev Mix 0~100%.
Speaker When in Speaker Mode, determines the Powercab
6 DT (DT50 only) Determines the On/Off state of the DT
DI mic mic model used on Powercab’s XLR output(s).
5 3 amp’s 12AX7 Boost. Available when the DT50 Low
When in Speaker Mode, determines the Powercab 12AX7 Boost
Speaker Volume Mode is Off.
1 mic distance, used on Powercab’s XLR output(s): DT
Mic Dist (DT50 only) Determines the DT feedback capacitor
1.0~12.0 inches,. 4
Feedback Cap type: X (Tight) or Y (Smooth).
Speaker When in User IR Mode, determines the Powercab
2 DT (DT50 only) Determines the level of the DT phase
User IR User IR used: index 0~127. 5
B+ Voltage inverter B+ Voltage: Low or High.
Speaker When in Speaker or User IR Mode, configures the
3
Low Cut Low Cut EQ applied, Off or 20Hz~500Hz.
3
Speaker When in Speaker or User IR Mode, configures the Hi
4
Hi Cut Cut EQ applied: 500Hz~20kHz or Off.
Speaker When in Speaker or User IR Mode, configures the
5
Level volume trim applied: -60dB~+6dB.
When in Speaker or User IR Mode, choose the LED
Speaker
6 ring color on any connected Powercab(s): Auto,
Color color choice, or Off.

26
 TIPS: Just like with any amp, cab, or effect parameter, Powercab, and DT remote
parameters can be quickly assigned to footswitches or snapshots.
Effects
When using the L6 LINK Out, often, the Helix Preamp models are a better choice Many Helix effects blocks are offered in mono or stereo versions. Stereo effects display
than Amp or Amp+Cab models, allowing you to adjust the power amp and speaker after the model name. Also, Helix includes selected effects from the classic Line 6
cab options offered by the Powercab or DT units to taste. DL4™, DM4™, MM4™, and FM4™ stompboxes, as well as M13®, M9®, and M5® proces-
Powercab Plus users can also utilize the IR and Reverb options available on the sors; these appear in the Legacy subcategory (also see "Block Order and Stereo Imag-
Powercab, thereby alleviating the need to add IR or Reverb blocks within their ing" on page 23).
Helix presets.
It is possible to use Helix to control several parameters remotely on your DT-
Series amp (channel select, power amp topology, reverb, etc.) via MIDI. Connect
a 5-pin MIDI cable from Helix’s MIDI Out to the DT amp’s MIDI In and use the
Helix "Command Center" to configure the desired MIDI commands for any preset.
Select an effects block and turn the joystick to change its model, or
press the joystick knob to enter the Model menu.
Start by loading the TEMPLATES > DT25-DT50 Remote preset since it has several
handy DT commands already mapped to Helix switches for you. You can custom- TIP: The Favorites category that appears at the start of the Model menu is initially empty,
ize this template and create your own sets of controls to add to your presets. awaiting you to add your preferred models to it—see page 17.
See the DT MIDI Implementation Guide for a complete list of MIDI commands.
Distortion Models
Model Subcategories Based On*
Kinky Boost Mono, Stereo Xotic® EP Booster
Deranged Master Mono, Stereo Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster
Minotaur Mono, Stereo Klon® Centaur
Teemah! Mono, Stereo Paul Cochrane Timmy® Overdrive
Heir Apparent Mono, Stereo Analogman Prince of Tone
Tone Sovereign Mono, Stereo Analogman King of Tone
Alpaca Rogue Mono, Stereo Way Huge® Red Llama (modded)
Compulsive Drive Mono, Stereo Fulltone® OCD
Dhyana Drive Mono, Stereo Hermida Zendrive
Horizon Drive Mono, Stereo Horizon Precision Drive
Valve Driver Mono, Stereo Chandler Tube Driver
Top Secret OD Mono, Stereo DOD® OD-250
Scream 808 Mono, Stereo Ibanez® TS808 Tube Screamer®
Hedgehog D9 Mono, Stereo MAXON® SD9 Sonic Distortion
Stupor OD Mono, Stereo BOSS® SD-1 Overdrive
Deez One Vintage Mono, Stereo BOSS DS-1 Distortion (Made-in-Japan)
Deez One Mod Mono, Stereo BOSS DS-1 Distortion (Keeley modded)
Vermin Dist Mono, Stereo Pro Co RAT

* See "U.S. Registered Trademarks" on page 43. 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.

27
 Distortion Models Distortion Models
Model Subcategories Based On* Model Subcategories Based On*
KWB Mono, Stereo Benadrian Kowloon Walled Bunny Distortion Jet Fuzz Legacy Roland® Jet Phaser
Legendary Drive Mono, Stereo Carvin® VLD1 Legacy Drive (hi gain channel) L6 Drive Legacy Colorsound Overdriver (modded)
Swedish Chainsaw Mono, Stereo BOSS HM-2 Heavy Metal Distortion (MIJ) L6 Distortion Legacy Line 6 Original
Arbitrator Fuzz Mono, Stereo Arbiter® Fuzz Face® Sub Oct Fuzz Legacy PAiA Roctave Divider
Pocket Fuzz Mono, Stereo Jordan Boss Tone Fuzz Octave Fuzz Legacy Tycobrahe Octavia
Bighorn Fuzz Mono, Stereo ‘73 Electro-Harmonix Ram’s Head Big Muff Pi
®

Triangle Fuzz Mono, Stereo Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi Dynamics Models

Ballistic Fuzz Mono, Stereo Euthymia ICBM Fuzz Model Subcategories Based On*
Industrial Fuzz Mono, Stereo Z.Vex Fuzz Factory Deluxe Comp Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original
Tycoctavia Fuzz Mono, Stereo Tycobrahe Octavia
® Red Squeeze Mono, Stereo MXR® Dyna Comp
Wringer Fuzz Mono, Stereo Garbage’s modded BOSS FZ-2 Kinky Comp Mono, Stereo Xotic SP Compressor
Thrifter Fuzz Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Rochester Comp Mono, Stereo Ashly® CLX-52 (in conjunction w/ B. Sheehan)
Xenomorph Fuzz Mono, Stereo Subdecay Harmonic Antagonizer LA Studio Comp Mono, Stereo Teletronix® LA-2A®
Megaphone Mono, Stereo Megaphone 3-Band Comp Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original
Bitcrusher Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Noise Gate Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original
Ampeg Scrambler Mono, Stereo Ampeg® Scrambler Bass Overdrive Hard Gate Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original
ZeroAmp Bass DI Mono, Stereo Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V1
® Horizon Gate Mono, Stereo Horizon Precision Drive - Gate Circuit
Obsidian 7000 Mono, Stereo Darkglass Electronics Microtubes B7K Ultra
® ® Autoswell Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original
Clawthorn Drive Mono, Stereo Wounded Paw Battering Ram Tube Comp Legacy Teletronix LA-2A
Tube Drive Legacy Chandler Tube Driver Red Comp Legacy MXR Dyna Comp
Screamer Legacy Ibanez Tube Screamer Blue Comp Legacy BOSS CS-1
Overdrive Legacy DOD Overdrive/Preamp 250 Blue Comp Treb Legacy BOSS CS-1 (Treble switch on)
Classic Dist Legacy ProCo RAT Vetta Comp Legacy Line 6 Original
Heavy Dist Legacy BOSS Metal Zone Vetta Juice Legacy Line 6 Original
Colordrive Legacy Colorsound Overdriver
® Boost Comp Legacy MXR Micro Amp
Buzz Saw Legacy Maestro Fuzz Tone
®
TIP: Dynamics - Compressor and Gate models display a handy gain reduction meter—see
Facial Fuzz Legacy Arbiter Fuzz Face page 42.
Jumbo Fuzz Legacy Vox® Tone Bender
Fuzz Pi Legacy Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi

* See "U.S. Registered Trademarks" on page 43. 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.

28
 EQ Models Modulation Models
Model Subcategories Based On* Model Subcategories Based On*
Simple EQ Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original 122 Rotary Stereo Leslie® 122
Low and High Cut Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original 145 Rotary Stereo Leslie 145
Low/High Shelf Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Double Take Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original
Parametric Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original
Poly Detune † Mono Line 6 Original
Tilt Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original
AM Ring Mod Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original
10 Band Graphic Mono, Stereo MXR 10-Band Graphic EQ
Pitch Ring Mod Stereo Line 6 Original
Cali Q Graphic Mono, Stereo MESA/Boogie® Mark IV Graphic EQ
Acoustic Sim Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Pattern Tremolo Legacy Line 6 Original
Panner Legacy Line 6 Original
Modulation Models Bias Tremolo Legacy 1960 Vox AC-15 Tremolo
Model Subcategories Based On* Opto Tremolo Legacy 1964 Fender Deluxe Reverb®
Optical Trem Mono, Stereo Fender® optical tremolo circuit Script Phase Legacy MXR Phase 90 (script logo version)
60s Bias Trem Mono, Stereo Vox AC-15 Tremolo Panned Phaser Legacy Ibanez Flying Pan
Tremolo/Autopan Mono, Stereo BOSS PN-2 Barberpole Legacy Line 6 Original
Harmonic Tremolo Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Dual Phaser Legacy Mu-Tron® Bi-Phase
Bleat Chop Trem Mono, Stereo Lightfoot Labs Goatkeeper U-Vibe Legacy Shin-ei Uni-Vibe
Script Mod Phase Mono, Stereo MXR Phase 90 Phaser Legacy MXR Phase 90
Pebble Phaser Mono, Stereo Electro-Harmonix Small Stone Pitch Vibrato Legacy BOSS VB-2
Ubiquitous Vibe Mono, Stereo Shin-ei Uni-Vibe ® Dimension Legacy Roland Dimension D
Deluxe Phaser Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Analog Chorus Legacy BOSS CE-1
Gray Flanger Mono, Stereo MXR 117 Flanger Tri Chorus Legacy Dytronics Tri-Stereo Chorus
Harmonic Flanger Mono, Stereo A/DA Flanger Analog Flanger Legacy MXR Flanger
Courtesan Flange Mono, Stereo Electro-Harmonix Deluxe EM Jet Flanger Legacy A/DA Flanger
Dynamix Flanger Mono, Stereo MicMix DynaFLanger AC Flanger Legacy MXR Flanger
Chorus Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original 80A Flanger Legacy A/DA Flanger
70s Chorus Mono, Stereo BOSS CE-1 Frequency Shift Legacy Line 6 Original
PlastiChorus Mono, Stereo Modded Arion SCH-Z chorus Ring Modulator Legacy Line 6 Original
Trinity Chorus Stereo Dytronics Tri-Stereo Chorus
® Rotary Drum Legacy Fender Vibratone
Bubble Vibrato Mono, Stereo BOSS VB-2 Vibrato Rotary Drum/Horn Legacy Leslie 145
Vibe Rotary Stereo Fender Vibratone

* See "U.S. Registered Trademarks" on page 43. 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.
†
The Poly Detune model utilizes polyphonic pitch shifting and, therefore, is extremely DSP-intensive—possibly utilizing up to half of all DSP available for Path 1 or Path 2!

29
 Delay Models Delay Models
Model Subcategories Based On* Model Subcategories Based On*
Simple Delay Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Tape Echo Legacy Maestro Echoplex EP-3
Mod/Chorus Echo Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Sweep Echo Legacy Line 6 Original
Dual Delay Stereo Line 6 Original Echo Platter Legacy Binson® EchoRec®
Multitap 4 Stereo Line 6 Original Analog Echo Legacy BOSS DM-2
Multitap 6 Stereo Line 6 Original Analog w/Mod Legacy Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man
Ping Pong Stereo Line 6 Original Auto-Volume Echo Legacy Line 6 Original
Sweep Echo Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Multi-Head Legacy Roland RE-101 Space Echo
Ducked Delay Mono, Stereo TC Electronic 2290
®

Reverse Delay Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Reverb Models

Vintage Digital Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Model Subcategory Based On*
Vintage Swell Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Glitz Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original
Pitch Echo Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Ganymede Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original
Transistor Tape Mono, Stereo Maestro Echoplex EP-3® Searchlights Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original
Cosmos Echo Mono, Stereo Roland RE-201 Space Echo ® Plateaux Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original
Harmony Delay Stereo Line 6 Original Double Tank Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original
Bucket Brigade Mono, Stereo BOSS DM-2 Plate Legacy Line 6 Original
Adriatic Delay Mono, Stereo BOSS DM-2 w/ Adrian Mod Room Legacy Line 6 Original
Adriatic Swell Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Chamber Legacy Line 6 Original
Elephant Man Mono, Stereo Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man Hall Legacy Line 6 Original
Multi Pass Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Echo Legacy Line 6 Original
Poly Sustain †
Mono Line 6 Original Tile Legacy Line 6 Original
Glitch Delay Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Cave Legacy Line 6 Original
Ping Pong Legacy Line 6 Original Ducking Legacy Line 6 Original
Dynamic Legacy TC Electronic 2290 Octo Legacy Line 6 Original
Stereo Legacy Line 6 Original ‘63 Spring Legacy Line 6 Original
Digital Legacy Line 6 Original Spring Legacy Line 6 Original
Dig w/Mod Legacy Line 6 Original Particle Verb Legacy Line 6 Original
Reverse Legacy Line 6 Original
Lo Res Legacy Line 6 Original
Tube Echo Legacy Maestro Echoplex EP-1
* See "U.S. Registered Trademarks" on page 43. 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.
†
The Poly Sustain model utilizes polyphonic pitch shifting and, therefore, is extremely DSP-intensive—possibly utilizing up to half of all DSP available for Path 1 or Path 2!

30
 Pitch/Synth Models Filter Models
Model Subcategories Based On* Model Subcategories Based On*
Pitch Wham Mono, Stereo Digitech Whammy ®
Voice Box Legacy Line 6 Original
Twin Harmony Mono, Stereo Eventide H3000
®
V Tron Legacy Musitronics Mu-Tron III
Simple Pitch Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Q Filter Legacy Line 6 Original
Dual Pitch Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Seeker Legacy Z Vex Seek Wah
3 OSC Synth Stereo Line 6 Original Obi Wah Legacy Oberheim® voltage-controlled S&H filter
Poly Pitch † Mono Line 6 Original Tron Up Legacy Musitronics Mu-Tron III (up position)
Poly Wham †
Mono Line 6 Original Tron Down Legacy Musitronics Mu-Tron III (down position)
Poly Capo † Mono Line 6 Original Throbber Legacy Electrix® Filter Factory
12 String †
Mono Line 6 Original Slow Filter Legacy Line 6 Original
3 Note Generator ‡
Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Spin Cycle Legacy Craig Anderton’s Wah/Anti-Wah
4 OSC Generator ‡
Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Comet Trails Legacy Line 6 Original
Bass Octaver Legacy EBS® OctaBass
Smart Harmony Legacy Eventide H3000 Wah Models
Octi Synth Legacy Line 6 Original Model Subcategories Based On*
Synth O Matic Legacy Line 6 Original UK Wah 846 Mono, Stereo Vox V846
Attack Synth Legacy Korg® X911 Guitar Synth Teardrop 310 Mono, Stereo Dunlop® Cry Baby® Fasel model 310
Synth String Legacy Roland GR700 Guitar Synth Fassel Mono, Stereo Dunlop Cry Baby Super
Growler Legacy Line 6 Original Weeper Mono, Stereo Arbiter Cry Baby
Chrome Mono, Stereo Vox V847
Filter Models Chrome Custom Mono, Stereo Modded Vox V847
Model Subcategories Based On* Throaty Mono, Stereo RMC® Real McCoy 1
Mutant Filter Mono, Stereo Musitronics® Mu-Tron III Vetta Wah Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original
Mystery Filter Mono, Stereo Korg A3 Colorful Mono, Stereo Colorsound Wah-fuzz
Autofilter Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Conductor Mono, Stereo Maestro Boomerang
Asheville Pattrn Mono, Stereo Moog Moogerfooger MF-105M MuRF Filter
® ®

* See "U.S. Registered Trademarks" on page 43. 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.
†
These indicated Pitch/Synth models utilize polyphonic pitch shifting and, therefore, are extremely DSP-intensive. Each one might take up half of all DSP available for Path 1 or Path 2!
‡
The 3 Note Generator and 4 OSC Generator models make sound without any instrument connected, therefore, their blocks are turned off by default. Be sure to first set your Helix volume to low, and press
BYPASS to turn them on.

31
 Parameter Description
Volume/Pan Models On stereo delays, the Scale offers control over the left & right channel
Model Subcategories Based On* repeats proportionately. The left channel repeats following the Time
Volume Pedal Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original value, and the right channel repeats at a time that is the percentage of
Scale
the left time. For example, if a delay’s Time is set for 1 second and the
Gain Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Scale set to 75%, the left channel will repeat at 1 second and the right at
750 milliseconds (ms).
Pan Stereo Line 6 Original
Spread differs slightly among stereo delay effects. For most delays, it
Stereo Width Stereo Line 6 Original adjusts how widely the repeats bounce left and right. For example, with
Stereo Imager Stereo Line 6 Original the Ping Pong Delay, 0 is in the middle (mono), and 10 is full left to right
panning for the repeats.
Spread
Parameter Description For modulated stereo delays, Spread affects the LFOs’ (low frequency
oscillators) stereo modulation behavior. At 0, the LFOs are in sync. At
Drive Adjusts the amount of overdrive, distortion, or fuzz. 10, the two LFOs are 180 degrees out of sync, so that when one side is
modulating up, the other side is modulating down.
Bass Adjusts the bass level.
Some mod and delay pedals’ internal signal paths exhibit a bit of grit,
Mid Adjusts the midrange level. especially when placed after a high-gain amp block. Negative values
Headroom
Treble Adjusts the treble level. increase the perceived amount of grit; positive values clean things up a
bit. At 0dB, the model behaves like the original pedal.
Adjusts the speed of the effect, with higher settings providing faster
rates. Press the knob to toggle between Hz and note values. Choosing Low Cut Filters a portion of the block’s bass and/or treble frequencies, which
a Hz value provides a specific modulation speed in cycles per second; High Cut can help remove rumble and/or high-end harshness.
Speed choosing a note value provides a time based on the current tempo.
Not all Speed parameters can be synced to note values, as they may Blends the effected “wet” signal vs. the “dry” signal passed through the
be non-linear and highly interactive. (Note that stepping on TAP once block. When set to 0%, the path bypasses the effect completely. When
resets any LFO-based effects, such as tremolos and rotary speakers.) Mix
set to 100%, the entire path is fed through the effect, and no dry thru
Adjusts the rate of the effect, with higher settings providing faster rates. signal is heard.
Press the knob to toggle between numeric and note values. Not all Rate Adjusts the overall output level of the effects block. Be careful not to
Rate parameters can be synced to note values, as they may be non-linear boost this parameter too high on multiple blocks, as digital clipping
and highly interactive. (Note that stepping on TAP once resets any LFO- could occur (also see "Block Level Indicators and Meters"). You should
based effects, such as tremolos and rotary speakers.) Level
typically leave this at 0.0dB for most blocks. Where the original pedal’s
Adjusts the delay/repeat time, with higher settings providing longer level or volume knob behavior doesn’t really apply to dB values, 0.0-10
delays. Press the knob to toggle between ms and note values. Choosing may be used.
a ms value provides a specific time in milliseconds; choosing a Note Trails Off: Any delay repeats or reverb decays are instantly muted when
Time
Division value provides a time based on the current tempo. With a the block is bypassed. Trails On: Any delay repeats or reverb decays
note division value, this parameter’s value is retained when changing Trails
continue to decay naturally when the block is bypassed, or a different
models. snapshot is selected.
Adjusts the intensity of the modulation. Higher settings result in more
Depth
extreme pitch bending, wobble, or throb, depending on the effect.
Adjusts the amount of delayed signal fed back into the effect. Higher
Feedback
settings can provide more dramatic textures.
Decay Sets the length of time the reverb effect sustains.
Predelay Determines the time before the reverb effect is heard.

* See "U.S. Registered Trademarks" on page 43. 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.

32
Amp+Cab Amp Models
Amp+Cab blocks are convenient in that when you select an Amp model, its matching Model Subcategory Based On*
Cab model is automatically loaded.
Grammatico Jump Guitar Grammatico LaGrange (jumped channels)
US Small Tweed Guitar Fender Champ®
US Princess Guitar Fender Princeton Reverb®
US Deluxe Nrm Guitar Fender Deluxe Reverb (normal channel)
To change the amp model in an Amp+Cab block, press <PAGE until the
US Deluxe Vib Guitar Fender Deluxe Reverb (vibrato channel)
amp icon is white and turn the joystick. To change the cab model, press
PAGE> until the cab icon is white and turn the joystick. US Double Nrm Guitar Fender Twin Reverb® (normal channel)
US Double Vib Guitar Fender Twin Reverb (vibrato channel)
Mail Order Twin Guitar Silvertone® 1484
Divided Duo Guitar ÷13 JRT 9/15
The first page of Amp+Cab parameters is called the tonestack, and represents the knobs
you would see on the real amp’s panel: Interstate Zed Guitar Dr Z® Route 66
Derailed Ingrid Guitar Trainwreck® Circuits Express
Amp+Cab Stone Age 185
3.4 2.5 5.0 3.4 2.5 10
Jazz Rivet 120 Guitar Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
Drive Bass Mid Treble Presence Ch Vol Essex A15 Guitar Vox AC-15
Essex A30 Guitar Vox AC-30 with top boost
SHORTCUT: Press to quickly select the Amp+Cab, Amp, or Preamp block and access its A30 Fawn Nrm Guitar Vox AC-30 Fawn (normal channel)
tonestack parameters (Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, etc.). If a preset has more than one of these
blocks, press repeatedly to cycle through all tonestacks. A30 Fawn Brt Guitar Vox AC-30 Fawn (bright channel)
Matchstick Ch1 Guitar Matchless® DC30 (channel 1)
Amp Models Matchstick Ch2 Guitar Matchless DC30 (channel 2)
Model Subcategory Based On* Matchstick Jump Guitar Matchless DC30 (jumped)
WhoWatt 100 Guitar Hiwatt DR-103 Brill
® Mandarin 80 Guitar Orange® OR80
Soup Pro Guitar Supro® S6616 Brit J45 Nrm Guitar Marshall® JTM-45 (normal channel)
Stone Age 185 Guitar Gibson® EH-185 Brit J45 Brt Guitar Marshall JTM-45 (bright channel)
Voltage Queen Guitar Victoria Vintage Queen Brit Trem Nrm Guitar Marshall JTM-50 (normal channel)
Tweed Blues Nrm Guitar Fender Bassman (normal channel)
® Brit Trem Brt Guitar Marshall JTM-50 (bright channel)
Tweed Blues Brt Guitar Fender Bassman (bright channel) Brit Trem Jump Guitar Marshall JTM-50 (jumped)
Fullerton Nrm Guitar Fender 5C3 Tweed Deluxe (normal channel) Brit Plexi Nrm Guitar Marshall Super Lead 100 (normal channel)
Fullerton Brt Guitar Fender 5C3 Tweed Deluxe (bright channel) Brit Plexi Brt Guitar Marshall Super Lead 100 (bright channel)
Fullerton Jump Guitar Fender 5C3 Tweed Deluxe (jumped channels) Brit Plexi Jump Guitar Marshall Super Lead 100 (jumped)
Grammatico Nrm Guitar Grammatico LaGrange (normal channel) Brit P75 Nrm Guitar Park® 75 (normal channel)
Grammatico Brt Guitar Grammatico LaGrange (bright channel) Brit P75 Brt Guitar Park 75 (bright channel)

* See "U.S. Registered Trademarks" on page 43. 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.

33
 Amp Models Amp Models
Model Subcategory Based On* Model Subcategory Based On*
Brit 2204 Guitar Marshall JCM-800 Ampeg B-15NF Bass Ampeg B-15NF Portaflex®
Placater Clean Guitar Friedman BE-100 (clean channel) Ampeg SVT Nrm Bass Ampeg SVT® (normal channel)
Placater Dirty Guitar Friedman BE-100 (BE/HBE channel) Ampeg SVT Brt Bass Ampeg SVT (bright channel)
Cartographer Guitar Ben Adrian Cartographer Ampeg SVT-4 PRO Bass Ampeg SVT--4 PRO
German Mahadeva Guitar Bogner Shiva
®
Woody Blue Bass Acoustic® 360
German Ubersonic Guitar Bogner Überschall® Agua 51 Bass Aguilar® DB51
Cali Texas Ch1 Guitar MESA/Boogie Lone Star (clean channel) Cali Bass Bass MESA/Boogie M9 Carbine
Cali Texas Ch2 Guitar MESA/Boogie Lone Star (drive channel) Cali 400 Ch1 Bass MESA/Boogie Bass 400+ (channel 1)
Cali IV Rhythm 1 Guitar MESA/Boogie Mark IV (channel I) Cali 400 Ch2 Bass MESA/Boogie Bass 400+ (channel 2)
Cali IV Rhythm 2 Guitar MESA/Boogie Mark IV (channel II) G Cougar 800 Bass Gallien-Krueger® GK 800RB
Cali IV Lead Guitar MESA/Boogie Mark IV (lead channel) Del Sol 300 Bass Sunn® Coliseum 300
Cali Rectifire Guitar MESA/Boogie Dual Rectifier® Busy One Ch1 Bass Pearce BC-1 preamp (channel 1)
Archetype Clean Guitar Paul Reed Smith® Archon® (clean channel) Busy One Ch2 Bass Pearce BC-1 preamp (channel 2)
Archetype Lead Guitar Paul Reed Smith Archon (lead channel) Busy One Jump Bass Pearce BC-1 preamp (jumped)
ANGL Meteor Guitar ENGL Fireball 100
® Studio Tube Pre Preamp > Mic Requisite Y7 mic preamp
Solo Lead Clean Guitar Soldano SLO-100 (clean channel) Tonestack and deeper amp parameters found on subsequent pages may differ depend-
ing on the amp model selected.
Solo Lead Crunch Guitar Soldano SLO-100 (crunch channel)
Solo Lead OD Guitar Soldano SLO-100 (overdrive channel)
PV Panama Guitar Peavey® 5150®
Revv Gen Purple Guitar Revv® Generator 120 (purple/gain ch. 3)
Revv Gen Red Guitar Revv Generator 120 (red/high gain ch. 4)
Das Benzin Mega Guitar Diezel VH4 (mega chanel)
Das Benzin Lead Guitar Diezel VH4 (lead chanel)
Line 6 Elektrik Guitar Line 6 Original
Line 6 Doom Guitar Line 6 Original
Line 6 Epic Guitar Line 6 Original
Line 6 2204 Mod Guitar Line 6 Original
Line 6 Fatality Guitar Line 6 Original
Line 6 Litigator Guitar Line 6 Original
Line 6 Badonk Guitar Line 6 Original

* See "U.S. Registered Trademarks" on page 43. 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.

34
Common Amp Settings Cab
Parameter Description There are two subcategories of Cab blocks—Single and Dual. Not surprisingly, dual
Adjusts the amount of power amp distortion. This parameter is highly Cabs take twice as much DSP as single Cabs.
Master interactive with all other power amp parameters—the lower the Master
is set, the less effect the other controls will have.
Lower Sag values offer “tighter” responsiveness for metal and djent
Sag playing; higher values provide more touch dynamics & sustain for blues
and classic rock riffs. To change the first cab model in a Cab > Dual block, press <PAGE until
Hum Controls how much heater hum and AC ripple interacts with your tone. the left cab icon is white and turn the joystick. To change the second
Ripple At higher settings, things get freaky. cab, press PAGE> until the right cab icon is white and turn the joystick.
Changes the Bias of the power tubes. Lower values achieve a “colder”
Bias
Class AB biasing. At maximum, the amp is operating in Class A.
Determines how the power amp tubes’ voicing reacts when pushed
Bias X hard. Set low for a tighter feel. Set high for more tube compression. This
parameter is highly reactive with the Drive and Master settings. Cab Models
Model Subcategories Based On*

Amp Soup Pro Ellipse

1x8 Small Tweed
Single, Dual
Single, Dual
1 x 6x9" Supro S6616
1x8" Fender Champ
Amp blocks are identical to Amp+Cab blocks, except they contain no matched cab model.
1x10 US Princess Single, Dual 1x10” Fender Princeton Reverb
1x12 Field Coil Single, Dual 1x12" Gibson EH185
1x12 Fullerton Single, Dual 1x12" Fender 5C3 Tweed Deluxe

Preamp 1x12 Grammatico

1x12 US Deluxe
Single, Dual
Single, Dual
1x12" Grammatico LaGrange
1x12" Fender Deluxe Oxford
We’ve also included a complete set of Preamp versions of each Amp model, which 1x12 US Princess Single, Dual 1x12" Fender Princeton Reverb
provide the tone of just the preamp stage of the amp—recommended when feeding
Helix into an external amplifier (either via 1/4" to your traditional amp or via L6 LINK to 1x12 Celest 12H Single, Dual 1x12" ÷13 JRT 9/15 G12 H30
a Line 6 Powercab Plus, DT25, or DT50). 1x12 Blue Bell Single, Dual 1x12" Vox AC-15 Blue
1x12 Lead 80 Single, Dual 1x12" Bogner Shiva CL80
1x12 Cali IV Single, Dual 1x12" MESA/Boogie Mk IV
Preamp blocks require less DSP than a full Amp block. 1x12 Cali Ext Single, Dual 1x12" MESA/Boogie EVM12L
2x12 Double C12N Single, Dual 2x12" Fender Twin C12N
2x12 Mail C12Q Single, Dual 2x12" Silvertone 1484
2x12 Interstate Single, Dual 2x12" Dr Z Z Best V30
2x12 Jazz Rivet Single, Dual 2x12" Roland JC-120
2x12 Silver Bell Single, Dual 2x12" Vox AC-30TB Silver
2x12 Blue Bell Single, Dual 2x12" Vox AC-30 Fawn Blue

* See "U.S. Registered Trademarks" on page 43. 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.

35
 Cab Models Mic Models
Model Subcategories Based On* Model Based On*
2x12 Match H30 Single, Dual 1x12" Matchless DC-30 G12H30 57 Dynamic Shure® SM57
2x12 Match G25 Single, Dual 1x12" Matchless DC-30 Greenback 25 409 Dynamic Sennheiser® MD 409
4x10 Tweed P10R Single, Dual 4x10" Fender Bassman P10R 421 Dynamic Sennheiser MD 421-U
4x12 WhoWatt 100 Single, Dual 4x12" Hiwatt AP Fane® 30 Dynamic Heil Sound® PR 30
4x12 Mandarin EM Single, Dual 4x12" Orange Eminence ®
20 Dynamic Electro-Voice® RE20
4x12 Greenback25 Single, Dual 4x12" Marshall Basketweave G12 M25 121 Ribbon Royer® R-121
4x12 Greenback20 Single, Dual 4x12" Marshall Basketweave G12 M20 160 Ribbon Beyerdynamic® M 160
4x12 Blackback30 Single, Dual 4x12" Park 75 G12 H30 4038 Ribbon Coles 4038
4x12 1960 T75 Single, Dual 4x12" Marshall 1960 AT75 414 Cond AKG® C414 TLII
4x12 Uber V30 Single, Dual 4x12" Bogner Uberkab V30 84 Cond Neumann® KM84
4x12 Uber T75 Single, Dual 4x12" Bogner Uberkab T75 67 Cond Neumann U67
4x12 Cali V30 Single, Dual 4x12" MESA/Boogie 4FB V30 87 Cond Neumann U87
4x12 XXL V30 Single, Dual 4x12" ENGL XXL V30 47 Cond Neumann U47
4x12 SoloLead EM Single, Dual 4x12" Soldano 112 Dynamic AKG D112
1x12 Del Sol Single, Dual 1x12" Sunn Coliseum 12 Dynamic AKG D12
1x15 Ampeg B-15 Single, Dual 1x15" Ampeg B-15 7 Dynamic Shure SM7
1x18 Del Sol Single, Dual 1x18" Sunn Coliseum
1x18 Woody Blue Single, Dual 1x18" Acoustic 360 Cab Settings
2x15 Brute Single, Dual 2x15" MESA/Boogie 2x15 EV Parameter Description
4x10 Ampeg HLF Single, Dual 4x10" Ampeg SVT 410HLF Mic Selects one of the 16 available mic models.

6x10 Cali Power Single, Dual 6x10" MESA/Boogie Power House Sets the distance (1 inch to 12 inches) between the mic and the speaker
Distance
grille.
8x10 Ampeg SVT E Single, Dual 8x10" Ampeg SVT
Low Cut Filters a portion of the cab’s bass and/or treble frequencies, which can
High Cut help remove rumble and/or high-end harshness.
Sets the amount of “early reflections.” Higher values add more reflective
EarlyReflc
room sound to your Amp tone.
Level Adjusts the overall output level of the Cab.

* See "U.S. Registered Trademarks" on page 43. 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.

36
Impulse Response (IR) Loading an IR in an IR Block
Impulse Responses are mathematical functions representing the sonic measurements Once you’ve imported IR files into Helix (see the previous section), you can then put
of specific audio systems (for Helix, speaker cabinet, and microphone combinations). them to use by adding one or more IR blocks into your tone. It is recommended to use
Helix can load and store up to 128 custom or third-party IRs at a time. an Amp block preceding an IR block (rather than an Amp+Cab type block).

1. Move the joystick knob to select an empty block location just to the
right of your Amp block on the signal path.
TIP: You can get a free pack of IRs right now, available at line6.com/allure, or 2. Push the joystick knob and turn it to select the Impulse Response
check out the ever-growing number of custom Helix presets and IR bundles on category.
Line 6 Marketplace.
3. Push the joystick knob to select Mono, and push again to select
IR Formats 1024-sample IR.
For all Helix family devices, as well as Helix Native plugin, the following IR file types NOTE: You may optionally choose the higher fidelity 2048-sample IR (there is a max.
are supported. limit of one 2048-sample IR block per Path, or two 1024-sample IR blocks per path).

• Helix Impulse Response (.hir) - This is the proprietary Line 6 IR file format. All
IRs purchased through the Line 6 Marketplace are of this file type—see "Mar-
4. Turn Knob 1 (IR Select) to choose the IR index (1~128) to utilize the
ketplace" on page 6. preferred IR file within your IR library.
• WAV (.wav) - Most IR producers and vendwors typically offer IRs in the .wav Use Knobs 2~5 to fine tune the IR settings to taste—see below.
format. It is possible to import a mono or stereo .wav file IR, regardless of its
bit depth, length, or sample rate frequency. Upon import, IR .wav files are auto- TIP: Optionally, you can create a Snapshot assignment (see "Using Snapshots" on page
matically converted to a 48kHz sample rate, 32-bit, mono, and 2,048 sample 46) on the IR Select parameter, which then allows you to change between different
IRs within the block per snapshot!
length for Helix. You can use the HX Edit app’s Preferences to set the preferred
behavior for importing Stereo WAV IRs (import the left or right channel data of
the file, or a mix of both). Impulse Response Settings
Loading IRs into Helix Knob Parameter Description
Selects one of the 128 available IR locations. If a location con-
Loading Impulse Response files into Helix requires connecting to the HX Edit applica- 1 IR Select tains an IR, the inspector header displays its name; otherwise, it
tion in your Mac or Windows computer. The HX Edit application is available as a free reads “<EMPTY>.”
download from line6.com/software.
2 Low Cut Filters a portion of the IR’s bass and/or treble frequencies, which
1. Connect Helix to your computer via USB and open the HX Edit 3 High Cut can help remove rumble and/or high-end harshness.
application. Blends the IR signal with the dry signal passed through the IR
block. When set to 0%, the path bypasses the IR completely.
2. Click the IRs tab. 4 Mix
When set to 100%, the entire path is fed through the IR, and no
dry signal is heard.
5 Level Adjusts the overall output level of the IR block.

3. Drag one or more IR files from the desktop or any Finder window
directly into the HX Edit application’s Impulses list (or use the HX
Edit IR - Import command).
The HX Edit app updates the Helix hardware’s IR list automatically. Helix can load
and store up to 128 IRs at a time.

37
IR File Reference Return Settings
Once an IR block is configured to utilize an IR index slot that includes an imported IR Knob Parameter Description
(.wav or .hir) file, and the preset then saved, the preset creates a “reference signature” to
the imported IR from its file name. Likewise, if you save your IR block as a Favorite (see 1 Return Adjusts the level received at the Return jack.
"Adding a Block to Favorites" on page 17) or set the IR block’s current settings as the Blends the Return signal vs. the dry signal passed through the
User Model Defaults (see "Saving a Model’s User Default Settings" on page 18), the Return block. When set to 0%, the path bypasses the Return
2 Mix
IR bock also creates a reference to the specific IR file within your IR library. Therefore, completely. When set to 100%, the entire signal is fed from the
if you re-order IRs within the IR library list, your preset (or IR Favorite or User Model Return, and no dry thru signal is heard.
Default block) will still intelligently reference the originally associated IR file, even if it
now resides in a different IR Library index location. This also makes it easy to share
your presets with friends since they can then insert the same IR file in any slot within
FX Loop Settings
their Helix IR library, and the preset will find it. Please also refer to the HX Edit Pilot’s Knob Parameter Description
Guide for additional info regarding the use of IRs.
1 Send Adjusts the level sent to your external device.

Send/Return
2 Return Adjusts the level received at the Return jack.
Blends the FX loop signal vs. the dry signal passed through the
Each of the Helix four sends and returns can be used independently or used together FX Loop block. When set to 0%, the path bypasses the FX loop
completely. When set to 100%, the entire path is fed through the
as an FX loop.
3 Mix FX loop, and no dry thru signal is heard. (This means that if you
don’t currently have your external gear connected to the Send
& Return jacks, you won’t hear any output signal unless you
bypass the FX Loop block!)
FX loops let you dynamically insert your favorite external stompboxes (or rack effects) Trails Off: An external stompbox would be instantly muted when
into any location in your tone. the FX Loop block is bypassed. Trails On: An external delay or
4 Trails
reverb stompbox would continue to decay naturally when the FX
NOTE: Each send and return pair can be set for Instrument (for inserting stompboxes) or Loop block is bypassed, or a different snapshot is selected.
Line-level operation—see "Global Settings > Ins/Outs". Send/Return blocks also offer clip
indicators for level management—see "Block Level Indicators and Meters" on page 42.

NOTE: Each return can be used only once in a preset. For example, if you add a Return 1
block (or assign one of the input blocks to Return 1), Return 1/2, FX Loop 1, and FX Loop
1/2 items will all appear grayed out in the model list, as they also utilize Return 1.

Send Settings
Knob Parameter Description
1 Send Adjusts the level sent to your external devices.
Adjusts the level of the signal passed through the Send block,
2 Dry Thru independent of the Knob 1 (Send) level. Normally, this should be
set to 0.0dB.

38
Looper Using the 6 Switch Looper
Helix offers three different Looper types: the 1 Switch, 6 Switch, and Shuffling Looper. Once assigned, pressing the Stomp mode footswitch for a 6 Switch Looper activates its
Many factory presets already include a Looper block, which is already assigned to a Looper Footswitch mode, where all its functions are conveniently laid out and labeled
Stomp mode footswitch. A Looper block can exist anywhere on either Path 1 or Path on the Helix footswitches.
2—one Looper block per preset maximum.
1. Add a 6 Switch Looper block to your preset and assign it to a foot-
switch in Stomp mode.
See "Quick Bypass Assign" on page 50.

2. From Stomp mode, press the “6 Switch Looper” footswitch.

Looper Models (Mono & Stereo) Looper mode appears:
Max. Loop Length
Model Based On* BANK ONCE EXIT
Half Speed Full Speed LOOPER

6 Switch Looper (Mono) Line 6 Original 120 seconds 60 seconds

1 Switch Looper (Mono) Line 6 Original 120 seconds 60 seconds
Shuffling Looper (Mono) Line 6 Original n/a 60 seconds BANK 1/2 FULL REV FWD TAP
SPEED HOLD FOR TUNER

6 Switch Looper (Stereo) Line 6 Original 60 seconds 30 seconds

1 Switch Looper (Stereo) Line 6 Original 60 seconds 30 seconds
Shuffling Looper (Stereo) Line 6 Original n/a 30 seconds

IMPORTANT! You may change presets while looping, but loop playback will Switch Description
stop unless the preset you select includes the same type of looper block Step on to start recording a loop. Step on to end the loop and
(same 6 Switch, 1 Switch, or Shuffle looper type, and same mono or stereo type).
immediately start playback. Step on to overdub additional parts. Step
TIP: The Command Center - HX Looper options allow you to customize your Stomp Mode
on again to stop playback.
footswitches further to easily trigger multiple looper functions for the 6 Switch or 1 Switch
If you make a mistake on your last overdub, step on UNDO to erase it.
Loopers—see "Command Center" on page 56.
The 6 Switch or 1 Switch Loopers can also be controlled via external MIDI—see "MIDI" on Step on to play the recorded loop once through.
page 72.
Recording at full speed and then switching to 1/2 speed will also drop the
Looper Settings (6 Switch & 1 Switch Looper) loop down one octave. Recording at 1/2 speed will double your looping
memory, and switching to full speed will cause the loop to play at double
Knob Parameter Description speed (up an octave).
Adjusts looper playback level. You may find it useful to turn this Step on REV/FWD to hear your loop backward.
1 Playback
down a bit so your live guitar can be slightly louder.
Relatively sets the level of your loop while overdubbing. For NOTE: If you press while loop playback is stopped, this will always record a new loop, and
example, if your Overdub Level is set to 90%, each time your any previous recording will be discarded.
2 Overdub
loop repeats, its volume will be reduced by 10%, sounding qui-
While in Looper mode, stepping on BANK or BANK temporarily enters Preset mode.
eter and quieter with each overdub pass. Once you’ve selected a preset, Helix returns to Looper mode.
3 Low Cut Filters a portion of the loop’s bass and/or treble frequencies,
4 High Cut which can improve the mix with your live guitar. 3. To return to the previous mode, press FS6 (EXIT).

39
 The LED lights red, indicating the loop is recording.
Using the 1 Switch Looper
As its name implies, all functions for the 1 Switch Looper are available from its assigned 4. When done recording your loop, press the switch.
Stomp mode footswitch, described as follows. The LED lights green, and the sliced loop sequence immediately plays.

1. Add a 1 Switch Looper block to your preset and assign it to a foot- 5. During playback, adjust the following knobs (or assign them to
switch in Stomp mode. controllers, like expression pedals):
See "Quick Bypass Assign" on page 50. • Slices—Determines the number of slices your loop will be chopped into
• SeqLength—Determines the number of steps in the sequence before it loops
2. Press the 1 Switch Looper switch.
• Shuffle—Determines the likelihood of slices shuffling/reordering
The LED lights red, indicating the loop is recording.
• Octaves—Determines the likelihood of slices playing back an octave higher
3. Press the 1 Switch Looper switch again. or lower
The LED lights green, indicating the loop is playing back. • Reverse—Determines the likelihood of slices playing backward
• Repeat—Determines the likelihood of slices repeating
4. Press the 1 Switch Looper switch again. • Smoothing—Higher values apply smoothing between slices and can give a
The LED lights amber, indicating the loop is in overdub mode. Subsequent presses synth-pad type quality. Lower values maintain transients. Or set it just high
of the switch toggle between play and overdub mode. enough to avoid pops and clicks
• Seq Drift—Determines the likelihood of a slice changing after it has played
5. While the Looper is in play or overdub mode, press and hold the
• Playback—Sets the playback level of the loop sequence
switch for 1 second.
• Low Cut and High Cut—Adjust these to filter some of the bass or treble frequen-
The most recent recording is undone. Holding the switch again will redo the cies of the loop playback
recording.
TIP: To only use pitch and reverse effects on your loop, turn Shuffle down to
6. Quickly double-press the 1 Switch Looper switch. 0% and set the Slices and SeqLength to the same value.
Playback/recording stops, and the LED lights white, indicating a loop is in memory.
6. Want to change it up? While the loop is playing, press the switch to
7. While Looper playback/recording is stopped, press and hold the
randomize its slice sequence.
switch for 1 second.
The most recent recording is deleted, and the LED lights dim white. 7. Quickly double-press the Looper switch.
Playback/recording stops, and the LED lights white, indicating a loop is in memory.
Using the Shuffling Looper Press again to restart.
Part looper, part sampler, part performance instrument­—the Shuffling Looper chops
up your recorded loop, randomizes the slices, and gives you control over reordering,
8. While the loop is playing or stopped, press and hold the switch.
octave shifting, reversing, repeating, and more. The recording is deleted, and the LED lights dim white.

1. Add a Shuffling Looper block to your preset and assign it to a foot-

switch in Stomp mode.
See "Quick Bypass Assign" on page 50.

2. Turn Knob 1 (Slices) to set the number of slices your loop will be
chopped into.
3. Press the switch to begin recording.

40
Split Split > Dynamic Settings
A Split block appears any time a parallel path is created, but is visible only when selected. Knob Parameter Description
Any signal below the Threshold volume level is routed to Path
1 Threshold
A; any signal above the Threshold is routed to Path B.
Determines how fast the signal is routed to Path B once reach-
2 Attack
ing the Threshold.
Helix has four different types of Split blocks: Y, A/B, Crossover, and Dynamic. Determines how fast the signal returns to Path A once falling
3 Decay
below the Threshold.
Y By default, the signal is fed to Paths A (upper) and B (lower) evenly. The When on, reverses the path assignments (any signal above
individual Balance (pan) options offer control of the stereo balance sent 4 Reverse the Threshold value is sent to Path B, any signal below the
to each path. Threshold value is sent to Path A).
A/B The signal can be sent in different amounts to Paths A (upper) and B
(lower). NOTE: Much like any Effects type block, a Split block can be bypassed, as well as have a
Crossover Treble frequencies are sent to Path A (upper) and bass frequencies are bypass assignment created for it. When bypassed, regardless of the Split type in use, the
block sends both left and right signals to both paths equally.
sent to Path B (lower).
Dynamic Similar to a crossover, except the audio content exceeding the audio
Threshold is sent to Path A, and the content below the audio Threshold is
sent to Path B. Merge
A Merge > Mixer block appears any time a parallel path is created, but is visible only
Split > Y Settings when selected:
Knob Parameter Description
Adjusts the stereo balance (pan) of the signal that is sent to
1 Balance A
Path A (upper).
Adjusts the stereo balance (pan) of the signal that is sent to
2 Balance B
Path B (lower).
Knob Parameter Description

Split > A/B Settings 1 A Level Adjusts the output level of Path A (upper).
2 A Pan Adjusts the left/right stereo balance of Path A.
Knob Parameter Description
3 B Level Adjusts the output level of Path B (lower).
Determines the amount of the signal sent to Path A vs. Path B.
1 Route To 4 B Pan Adjusts the left/right stereo balance of Path B.
Press the knob to set to Even Split.
Inverts the polarity of Path B. Typically, this should be set to
5 B Polarity
Split > Crossover Settings “Normal.”
6 Level Adjusts the overall output level of the Merge block.
Knob Parameter Description
Any signal above this frequency is sent to Path A (upper); any
1 Frequency
signal below this frequency is sent to Path B (lower).
When on, reverses the path assignments (any signal above the
2 Reverse crossover frequency is sent to Path B, any signal below the
crossover frequency is sent to Path A).

41
Block Level Indicators and Meters Gain Reduction Meters
Helix includes real-time level indicators and metering for specific block types, which For all Dynamics - Compressor and Input block - Gate type blocks - A meter measures
are very handy for visually checking and optimizing the gain staging throughout your the dB amount of gain reduction being applied by the effect, providing a helpful indicator
tone’s signal flow. for adjusting your compression and gate parameters. A single gain reduction meter is
displayed for mono and stereo Dynamics models, and a triple meter is displayed for
Signal Present and Clip Indicators the 3-Band Comp model (one for each frequency band).

For path Input and Output blocks - These blocks are displayed with a green fill to indicate -42 -35 -28 -21 -14 -7 0

a signal is present, and a red fill if the input is too hot. If clipping is indicated, reduce Dynamics Red Squeeze
the signal level before and/or at the red indicated Input/Output block. 5.0 100% +5.0dB

31B Level Best 1

Sensitivity Mix Level

-90 -75 -60 -45 -30 -15 0

Input Multi (Guitar, Aux, Variax)
Off –48.0dB 500 ms Auto

Input Gate Threshold Decay Guitar In-Z

Signal Present Signal Clipping

For Send/Return - Send, Return, and FX Loop blocks - Whenever the signal level at any
of these block types is too hot, a red fill color is displayed as a clip indicator. If clipping
is indicated, you should reduce the signal level preceding and/or at the red indicated
Send/Return block.

Level Meters
For Output, Send, or FX Loop type blocks - When one of these block types is selected
within the Signal Flow, you’ll see its meter appear within the lower Inspector portion
of the Helix Home screen. The meter measures output level and is displayed green
for normal signal levels. Whenever the signal is too hot, the meter is displayed red to
alert you of clipping. A single meter bar is displayed for mono blocks, and a dual bar
for stereo blocks.

Output Multi (1/4”, XLR, Digital, USB 1/2)

Center 0.0dB

Pan Level

Output Multi (1/4”, XLR, Digital, USB 1/2)

Center 0.0dB

Pan Level

42
U.S. Registered Trademarks
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 trade-
marks appear solely to identify products whose tones and sounds were studied by Line 6 during sound model development.

5150 is a registered trademark of ELVH Inc. Klon is a registered trademark of Klon, LLC.
Acoustic is a registered trademark of GTRC Services, Inc. Korg is a registered trademark of Korg, Inc.
Aguilar is a registered trademark David Boonshoft. Leslie is a registered trademark of Suzuki Musical Instrument Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
AKG and Digitech Whammy are registered trademarks of Harman International Industries, Inc. Marshall is a registered trademark of Marshall Amplification Plc.
Arbiter is a registered trademark of Sound City Amplification LLC. Matchless is a registered trademark of Matchless, LLC.
Ashly is a registered trademark of Ashly Audio, Inc. MAXON is a registered trademark of Nisshin Onpa Co., Ltd.
Binson, Dytronics, LA-2A and Teletronix are registered trademarks of Universal Audio, Inc. Mesa/Boogie, Lone Star, and Rectifier are registered trademarks of Mesa/Boogie, Ltd.
Beyerdynamic is a registered trademark of Beyer Dynamic GmbH & Co. KG. Moog and Moogerfooger are registered trademarks of Moog Music, Inc.
Bogner and Überschall are registered trademarks of Bogner Amplification. Musitronics is a registered trademark of Mark S. Simonsen.
BOSS, SPace Echo, and Roland are registered trademarks of Roland Corporation U.S. Mu-Tron is a registered trademark of Henry Zajac.
Carvin is a registered trademark of Carvin Corp. Neumann is a registered trademark of Georg Neumann GmbH.
Colorsound is a registered trademark of Sola Sound Limited Corporation, UK. Orange is a registered trademark of Orange Brand Services Limited.
Cry Baby, Dunlop, Echoplex, Fuzz Face, MXR and Uni-Vibe are registered trademarks of Park is a registered trademark of AMP RX LLC.
Dunlop Manufacturing, Inc. Paul Reed Smith and Archon are registered trademarks of Paul Reed Smith Guitars, LP.
Darkglass and Microtubes are registered trademarks of Darkglass Electronics, TMI Douglas Peavey is a registered trademark of Peavey Electronics Corporation.
Castro.
Revv is a registered trademark of Revv Amplification Inc.
DOD is a registered trademark of DOD Electronics Corporation.
RMC is a registered trademark of Richard McClish.
Dr. Z is a registered trademark of Dr. Z Amps, Inc.
Royer is a registered trademark of Bulldog Audio, Inc. DBA Rover Labs.
EBS is a registered trademark according of EBS Holding.
Sennheiser is a registered trademark of Sennheiser Electronic GmbH & Co. KG.
EchoRec is a registered trademark of Burkett, Mary A.
Shure is a registered trademark of Shure Inc.
Electrix is a trademark or registered trademark of IVL Technologies, Ltd. in the U.S. and/
or other jurisdictions. Silvertone is a registered trademark of Samick Music Corporation.
Electro-Harmonix is a registered trademark of New Sensor Corp. Supro is a registered trademark of DAG Audio Group LLC.
Electro-Voice is a registered trademark of Bosch Security Systems, Inc. TC Electronic is a registered trademark of MUSIC Group IP Ltd.
Eminence is a registered trademark of Eminence Speaker, LLC. Tech21 is a registered trademark of Tech21 Licensing Ltd.
Engl is a registered trademark of Beate Ausflug and Edmund Engl. Timmy is a registered trademark of Paul Cochrane AKA PAULCAUDIO.
Eventide is a registered trademark of Eventide Inc. Trainwreck is a registered trademark of of Scott Alan Fischer and Mona Fischer.
Fane is a trademark of Fane International Ltd. Tube Screamer is a registered trademark of Hoshino Gakki Co. Ltd.
Fender, Twin Reverb, Bassman, Champ, Deluxe Reverb, Princeton Reverb, and Sunn are Tycobrahe is a registered trademark of Kurt Stier.
registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments Corp. Vox is a registered trademark of Vox R&D Limited.
Fulltone is a registered trademark of Fulltone Musical Products, Inc. Way Huge is a registered trademark of Saucy Inc.
Gallien-Krueger is a registered trademark of Gallien Technology, Inc. Xotic is a registered trademark of Prosound Communications, Inc.
Gibson and Maestro are registered trademarks of Gibson Guitar Corp.
Heil Sound is a registered trademark of Heil Sound Ltd.
Hiwatt is a registered trademark of 9574565 Canada Inc.
Ibanez is a registered trademark of Hoshino, Inc.

43
Tuner
2. Pluck an individual string on your guitar.
When a box left of the center is lit red or yellow, your string is flat. When a box right
of center is lit red or yellow, your string is sharp. When one of the center boxes on
the lower row is lit green, the top row of smaller bars can be used for more preci-
sion. When both arrows are illuminated, your string is perfectly in tune.
Helix offers three Tuner types, Fine (shown below), Coarse, and Strobe, selectable from
Knob 4 of the Tuner Settings—see the following table. 3. To exit the Tuner, step on any footswitch.
All tuner settings are global.
1. Hold the TAP footswitch until the Tuner screen appears:

B
TIP: If you have a favorite pedal or rack tuner and wish to use it instead of Helix’s tuner,
connect Send 1, 2, 3, or 4 to your tuner’s input and turn Knob 2 (Tuner Out) to select
that Send. This way, every time you hold the TAP footswitch, Helix will automatically
route the signal to your favorite tuner.

Tuner
Multi Multi 440 Hz Fine Off

Input Output Reference Type Offsets

Tuner Settings
Page Knob Parameter Description

1 Tuner In Determines which input the tuner will listen to. Normally, it’s best to choose “Multi,” which listens to the Guitar, Aux, and Variax inputs simultaneously.

Determines the active output while the Tuner screen is active. If you prefer to hear nothing while tuning, choose “Mute.” Normally, it’s best to choose
2 Tuner Out
“Multi,” which routes the input to 1/4", XLR, Digital, and USB 1/2.
1
3 Reference If you’d like to tune to a reference other than standard 440 Hz, select from 425 to 455 Hz.
Choose between three Tuner types: Fine (color-changing, needle tuner with fine-tuning bar, the default), Coarse (color-changing needle tuner with no
4 Type
fine-tuning bar), or Strobe. The Tuner accurately tunes notes down to 21.83 Hz (low F) for 5-string basses.
6 Offsets Enables the Tuner offsets displayed on Page 2.
1 String 6 Offset
2 String 5 Offset
3 String 4 Offset Some guitarists feel that tuning certain strings slightly sharp or flat in relation to concert tuning can improve intonation. String offsets calibrate the
2 tuner so that these slightly out-of-tune pitches appear as in tune. String 6 is low E, and String 1 is high E. Tuning offsets won’t be applied unless Knob
4 String 3 Offset 6 (Offsets) on Page 1 is turned on.
5 String 2 Offset
6 String 1 Offset

44
Snapshots
Each of the eight snapshots in Helix stores and recalls the state of certain elements in
the current preset, including:
• Block Bypass—The bypass (on/off) state of all processing blocks (except
Looper), independent of any footswitch bypass assignments.
A camera icon appears in the upper right corner of the screen. Its number indicates NOTE: The bypass state of blocks is automatically stored and recalled per snapshot.
the current snapshot. Optionally, you can exclude a block’s bypass state from being affected by snapshots—
see "Snapshot Block Bypass On/Off" below.
Parameter Control—The values of any parameters assigned to controllers (up
1 •
to 64 per preset).
• Command Center—The values of any instant MIDI CC, Bank/Prog, MMC, CV Out,
Qwerty Hotkey, and HX Looper messages, plus the state (dim or lit) of any CC
Toggle, CV Toggle, and Ext Amp messages. See "Command Center"
• Tempo—The current system tempo, if "Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo" > Tempo
What are Snapshots? Select is set to “Per Snapshot.” (By default, it’s set to “Per Preset”)

Snapshots are presets within a preset. Depending on how you set them up, snapshots can act as eight variations of the same
Imagine you have eight pet octopuses, all slithering around your amp and pedalboard. tone, eight drastically different tones, or any combination thereof—all within the same
Instead of tap-dancing on your pedals (and accidentally stepping on a tentacle), you preset. A single preset’s snapshots may accommodate all the various tones required
shout, “Okay, gang—here’s the verse... now!” and your octopuses switch some pedals for a song in many cases.
on, switch other pedals off, and tweak all your amps and pedals’ knobs to make the best
IMPORTANT! Snapshots make it easy for multiple blocks assigned to the same footswitch
possible settings for your song’s verse, all seamlessly with spillover delay and reverb
to end up in unexpected states. For example, if FS2 toggles between Delay (ON) and Reverb
trails. Then you shout, “Ready for the chorus... now!” and your octopuses instantly (OFF) blocks and a snapshot turns the Reverb on, FS2 will suddenly turn both blocks on
tweak everything for your song’s chorus. That’s the power of snapshots. and off together.

Snapshot Block Bypass On/Off

There may be situations where you don’t want 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 block at any time without worrying whether a particular
snapshot might turn it on or off.

1. Within the Home screen, select a processing block within the signal
flow and press ACTION.
2. Turn Knob 5 (Snapshot Bypass) to set the behavior for the block.
Use joystick to move block; move down to create Path B
On
Copy Paste Clear Clear All Snapshot Add to
Block Block Block Blocks Bypass Favorites...

The only thing your octopuses/snapshots can’t do is rearrange your pedalboard or By default, all blocks are set to “On” to automatically control their bypass states
swap out an effect or amp for a different one (unless both effect blocks exist in the via snapshots. Change to “Off” to disable snapshot control of the selected block’s
same preset). bypass state.
Each preset can have up to 64 parameters assigned to Snapshots; hence, eight octopuses
with eight tentacles each. The octopuses can remember eight separate groups of on/
off statuses and setting tweaks per preset; that is, Helix has eight snapshots per preset.

45
Using Snapshots NOTE: You can also manually assign the Snapshots controller. From the "Controller
Assign" page, select the desired block and parameter and turn Knob 2 (Controller) to
select “Snapshot.”
1. Press BANK and BANK simultaneously to enter Snapshot
footswitch mode. NOTE: Each preset can have up to 64 controller assignments, including parameters
controlled by Snapshots. If you attempt to add a 65th, “Too many controller assign-
The middle eight switches flash, indicating a snapshot is ready to be selected. The ments!” appears in the header:
current snapshot’s footswitch lights red, and its camera lens appears inverted.
Too many controller assignments!
[1/8] [37%] [D] [Minor] [40%] 0.0 dB
BANK 5 SNAPSHOT 5 6 SNAPSHOT 6 7 SNAPSHOT 7 8 SNAPSHOT 8 CANCEL
Time Feedback Key Scale Mix Level

In this case, you must clear some controllers to free up assignments. See "Clearing a
Block’s Controller Assignment(s)" or "Clearing All Controller Assignments"

BANK 1 SNAPSHOT 1 2 SNAPSHOT 2 3 SNAPSHOT 3 4 SNAPSHOT 4 TAP

HOLD FOR TUNER
4. Switch back to the snapshot you started with.
Helix instantly and seamlessly returns to its previous state.
NOTE: If you’ve changed "Global Settings > Preferences" > Snapshot Edits to “Discard,”
2. Press one of the eight snapshot switches to select a different you must save the preset before selecting a different snapshot; otherwise, any edits
will be discarded!
snapshot.

Copying/Pasting a Snapshot
NOTE: If you don’t want Snapshot footswitches to disappear after selecting one, set
"Global Settings > Footswitches" > Knob 4 (Snapshot Mode Switches) to “Manual Return.”
In this case, Helix stays in Snapshot footswitch mode until you press FS6 (CANCEL).
Instead of creating a new snapshot from scratch, you may want to copy an existing one
Alternatively, press the PRESETS knob and turn Knob 5 (Select Snapshot). to another snapshot location and tweak just a few things. There are two ways to do this:
NOTE: If you select a snapshot that hasn’t yet been altered, it appears the same as
the snapshot you came from. As soon as you edit a new snapshot (say, by enabling Quick Copy/Paste Snapshot from Footswitches
or bypassing an amp or effect block), the snapshot becomes “active” and remembers
any changes. 1. Press BANK and BANK simultaneously to enter Snapshot
footswitch mode.
3. Adjust the preset by doing one or more of the following:
• Turn several blocks on or off by pressing stomp mode footswitches and/or 2. While touch-holding the footswitch for the snapshot you want to
the BYPASS button copy, briefly touch and release the footswitch for the snapshot you
• Push-turn a few knobs to assign their parameters to the Snapshots controller. want to overwrite.
The parameter’s values appear white and in brackets to indicate it is assigned. A dialog panel appears:

[50%] Copy Snapshot 4 to Snapshot 5?

Feedback Cancel OK

• On the Command Center page, adjust the Instant messages’ values or press 3. Press Knob 6 (OK).
a footswitch assigned to CC Toggle, CV Toggle, Ext Amp, Qwerty Hotkey, or HX
Looper. These Command Center-assigned messages are sent when recalling NOTE: The “touch” behavior for footswitches can be disabled using the Stomp Select
a snapshot—also see "Command Center" option in "Global Settings > Footswitches"
SHORTCUT: Hold ACTION and press a parameter knob to quickly remove any controller
assignment (including the Snapshots controller). The value appears in color, indicating
no controller is assigned to it.

46
Copying/Pasting a Snapshot from the Front Panel Customizing a Snapshot Footswitch Name
1. Press PRESETS to open the Setlist menu and turn Knob 5 (Select and Color
Snapshot) to select the snapshot you want to copy.
Instead of having to remember the difference between “SNAPSHOT 1” and “SNAPSHOT
2. Press ACTION and then Knob 1 (Copy Snapshot). 2,” it’s helpful to rename your snapshots something descriptive, such as “VERSE,” “BIG
SOLO,” or “D. IGLOO.” It can also be helpful to customize the footswitch LED colors.
Helix returns to the Setlist menu.
1. Press PRESETS to open the Setlist menu.
3. Turn Knob 5 (Select Snapshot) to choose the snapshot you want
to overwrite. 2. Press Knob 6 (Rename Snapshot).
The Rename Snapshot screen appears:
4. Press ACTION and then Knob 2 (Paste Snapshot).
Rename Snapshot
A dialog panel appears: P
Q
Copy Snapshot 4 to Snapshot 5? R
SNA P SHO T 1
Cancel OK T
U
V
5. Press Knob 6 (OK).
Auto Color

Swapping Snapshots
Cancel Delete Insert Remove Switch LED Save

Move the joystick left or right to move the cursor. Snapshot names are limited to
1. Touch (but don’t press) the two snapshot switches you want to swap 10 characters.
until the following dialog appears: Turn the joystick (or move it up/down) to change the selected character.
Press Knob 2 (Delete) to delete the selected character and shift all following
Swap Snapshots 1 and 5?
characters to the left.
Cancel OK Press Knob 3 (Insert) to insert a space and shift all following characters to the
right.

2. Press Knob 6 (OK). SHORTCUT: Press the joystick to cycle through A, a, 0, and [SPACE].

Press Knob 4 (Remove) to remove the custom name. Remove is grayed out until
a custom name is applied.

3. To optionally change a footswitch’s LED color, turn Knob 5 (Switch

LED) to select the desired color. The default “Auto Color” setting
is red.

Auto Color

Cancel Delete Insert Remove Switch LED Save

4. Press Knob 6 (Save).

Snapshot names and LED colors are only retained if you save the preset.

47
Saving Snapshots The camera icon on the home screen shows you the Snapshot Edits setting at a glance—
When set to “Recall,” the camera is gray; when set to “Discard,” the camera is red.
Press SAVE twice to save the preset.
Saving a preset stores all of its 8 snapshots automatically. 1 1
NOTE: Selecting a preset recalls the Snapshot that was active when the preset was saved.

SHORTCUT: At any time, hold BYPASS and press SAVE to toggle this setting.

Determining Snapshot Edit Behavior Snapshot Reselect

Say you’re on Snapshot 2 (VERSE), and you change a few things—switch a delay block This additional "Global Settings > Preferences" > Snapshot Reselect parameter adds even
on, switch a mod block off, tweak an Amp’s Gain parameter from your Variax Tone more flexibility to the Snapshot footswitches. For example, say you’re playing along on
knob, etc. If you switch to Snapshot 4 (CHORUS) and then back to Snapshot 2 for the Snapshot 2 (VERSE), then you press the Snapshot 4 (CHORUS) to load it. What should
second verse, should Helix recall those changes or return Snapshot 2 to its state when happen if you press the Snapshot 4 footswitch again? With Snapshot Reselect set to
the preset was last saved? There’s no right answer, and Helix lets you choose. the default “Reload,” Snapshot 4 is simply reloaded again. But when set to “Toggle,”
it will now load the previously loaded snapshot (Snapshot 2, in this example)—and
1. Press and then Knob 6 (Global Settings). successive presses of the Snapshot 4 footswitch then continues to toggle between
Snapshot 2 and Snapshot 4.
2. Move the joystick to select the Preferences submenu.
Global Settings
Arranging Preset, Snapshot, and Stomp
Firmware Version 3.00.0

Ins/Outs Preferences MIDI/Tempo

Switches
1. Press and then Knob 6 (Global Settings).
Footswitches EXP Pedals Displays
2. Move the joystick to select the Footswitches submenu.
Preferences
Recall
Global Settings Firmware Version 3.00.0
Authentic 01A-32D Reload Model Off
Snapshot Tap Tempo Preset Snapshot Joystick Preset
Edits Pitch Numbering Reselect Encoder Spillover

Ins/Outs Preferences MIDI/Tempo

3. Turn Knob 1 (Snapshot Edits) to set snapshot edit behavior:

• Recall—Any snapshot edits are recalled when jumping from snapshot to snap- Footswitches EXP Pedals Displays
shot and appear as you last left them (the default)
• Discard—Any snapshot edits are discarded when jumping from snapshot to Footswitches
snapshot and appear as the preset was last saved. If you want to save changes Touch 8 Presets 8 Switches Auto Return Banks Off
made to a snapshot while Snapshot Edits is set to “Discard,” press SAVE twice Stomp Select Preset Mode Stomp Mode Snapshot Mode Up/Down Swap
Switches Switches Switches Switches Up/Down
before selecting another snapshot

48
3. Turn Knob 2 (Preset Mode Switches) to customize the middle eight
switches: Tips for Creative Snapshot Use
• The obvious use case for snapshots is designating them to specific sections
• 8 Presets—Two banks of presets (the default)
of your song. For example, Snapshot 1 would be the Intro, Snapshot 2 would
• Preset/Stomp—One bank of presets on the top row, switches from stomp mode be Verse 1, Snapshot 3 might be the Chorus, and so on
on the bottom row
• Turn any Delay, Reverb, and/or FX Loops blocks’ Trails parameter to “On” for
• Stomp/Preset—Switches from stomp mode on the top row, one bank of presets seamless spillover between snapshots
on the bottom row
• “SNAPSHOT (X)” on the scribble strip isn’t very descriptive. Don’t forget to name
• Preset/Snap—One bank of presets on the top row, Snapshots 1-4 on the bot- your snapshots—See "Customizing a Snapshot Footswitch Name and Color"
tom row
• Worried that further tweaking might make your tone worse, not better? Snapshots
• Snap/Preset—Snapshots 1-4 on the top row, one bank of presets on the bot- are a great way to compare minor changes between tones without having to
tom row take your hands off the guitar.
• Snap/Stomp—Snapshots 1-4 on the top row, switches from stomp mode on • Want to switch channels on your external amp but don’t want to waste a stomp
the bottom row (see image below) footswitch on it? Command Center MIDI, CV, and Ext Amp Instant messages
are automatically transmitted when a Snapshot is recalled.
SNAPSHOT 1 SNAPSHOT 1 2 SNAPSHOT 2 3 SNAPSHOT 3 4 SNAPSHOT 4 CANCEL
• Set different keys in Harmony Delay blocks or intervals in Pitch blocks per
snapshot
• Set different Variax models (or tuning!) per snapshot
• Having difficulty maintaining consistent volume throughout a song? Set the
SNAPSHOT Teemah! Dual Pitch Tremolo/Autopan Start Reaper TAP
HOLD FOR TUNER
Output block’s Level parameter per snapshot
• In a preset that includes a Looper block, open Command Center, and configure
an Instant command with the HX Looper - Play message assigned for Snap-
shot 7 and with the HX Looper - Stop message assigned for Snapshot 8. Now
• Stomp/Snap—Switches from stomp mode on the top row, Snapshots 1-4 on record a loop, and you can toggle between Snapshot 7 and 8 to play and stop
the bottom row your loop (along with any other actions you might additionally set to happen
• 8 Snapshots—Snapshots 1-8 on these two snapshots)

4. Turn Knob 5 (Up/Down Switches) to customize FS1 and FS7 on

the far left.
Select Banks (Bank Queue), Presets, or Snapshots (see image above).

SHORTCUT: At any time, press and hold both FS1 and FS7 to cycle through BANK
/ , PRESET / , and SNAPSHOT / .

5. Turn Knob 6 (Swap Up/Down) to On to invert the FS1 and FS7

behaviors.
When set to On, FS7 selects the next snapshot (up), and FS1 the previous snap-
shot (down).

SHORTCUT: Touch (don’t press) hold both FS1 and FS7 for two seconds to swap their
/ behaviors.

49
Bypass Assign Manual Bypass Assign
A Stomp mode footswitch is the most obvious method for turning blocks on and off,
But Helix can also engage or bypass a block automatically when moving an expression
pedal or the Volume or Tone knob on a Variax guitar. For example, moving EXP 1 forward
past the heel down position can enable a Wah or Poly Wham block, and returning EXP
Quick Bypass Assign 1 to the heel position will bypass it again.

1. Press to open the Menu.

1. From the Home screen, use the joystick to select the block you wish
to assign to a footswitch. 2. Press Knob 1 (Bypass Assign).
Input, Output, and Merge blocks cannot be assigned to footswitches. Any Split The Bypass Assign screen looks very similar to the Home screen:
block type can be assigned to a footswitch; when bypassed, the signal is split and
routed equally to both Path A (upper) and Path B (lower). Bypass Assign 1

2. Step on FS6 (MODE) to select Stomp mode (if not already there).
3. Touch and hold (but don’t press) the desired footswitch until the
following dialog appears:
Assign footswitch to bypass selected block?
Merge Latching Delay Harmony Delay
Cancel Assign Type Customize OK None Off

Switch MIDI In Learn

If you want to replace any other blocks that may already be assigned to the foot-
switch, turn Knob 3 (Assign) to “Replace.” Otherwise, leave it set to “Merge,” which
allows for multiple blocks to be assigned to the same switch.
3. Move the joystick to select the block you want to bypass.
Input, Output, and Merge blocks cannot be bypassed or bypass assigned. Any
If you want to change the way the switch behaves, turn Knob 4 (Type) to “Momentary” Processing or Split block type can be bypassed or bypass assigned; when a Split
or “Latching.” block is bypassed, the signal is split and routed equally to both Path A (upper)
and Path B (lower).
Momentary The block is bypassed (or enabled, if already bypassed) for as long
as you hold the switch. 4. Turn Knob 1 (Switch) to select the desired footswitch, expression
Latching The block is bypassed (or enabled, if already bypassed) every time pedal, or Variax knob. (Optionally, you can also use Knob 4 to control
you press the switch. This is the default. the block’s bypass via MIDI—see step 5.)
4. Press Knob 6 (OK). None Removes the bypass assignment.
NOTE: This “touch” behavior for footswitches can be disabled using the Stomp Select option Footswitch Stepping on the Stomp mode footswitch turns the block on and off.
in "Global Settings > Footswitches" 2~11 Selecting Footswitch 2-5 or 8-11 displays Knob 2 (Type). Turn knob
2 to select “Momentary” or “Latching.” When set to Momentary, the
block is bypassed (or enabled, if already bypassed) for as long as
you hold the switch. When set to Latching, the block is bypassed
(or enabled, if already bypassed) every time you press the switch.
NOTE: Footswitch type (momentary or latching) is determined per
footswitch, not per assignment.

50
 EXP Toe You can also choose to assign a block’s bypass to the onboard
pedal’s Toe Switch; however, its behavior is always “Latching.”
Clearing Bypass Assignment(s)
NOTE: Adding a Volume Pedal, Pan, Wah, Pitch Wham, or Poly Wham While in the Bypass Assign screen, press ACTION and then press Knob 1 to clear the
block automatically assigns it to “EXP Toe.” currently selected block’s assignment(s). Or, press Knob 2 to clear all the assignments
from all blocks within the preset.
EXP Pedal 1, Moving the expression pedal automatically enables (or bypasses)
2, or 3 the block. Delay Harmony Delay
Selecting EXP Pedal 1, 2, or 3 displays Knob 2 (Position) and Knob 3
Clear Clear All
(Wait). Position determines the point within the expression pedal’s Assignment Assignments
travel where the block is enabled or bypassed. 0% is heel down; 99%
is toe down. Wait determines how long Helix waits before bypassing
the block; for example, you wouldn’t want the wah to turn off every
time you touched the heel down position in your big funk wah solo.
Variax Vol, Moving the Variax Volume or Tone knob automatically enables (or
Variax Tone bypasses) the block.
Selecting Variax Vol or Variax Tone displays Knob 2 (Position) and
Knob 3 (Wait). Position determines where in the knob’s travel the
block is enabled or bypassed. 0% is all the way down (counterclock-
wise), 99% is all the way up (clockwise). Wait determines how long
Helix waits before bypassing the block.

NOTE: Footswitch 1 and 7 can be assigned at any time, but they only appear if the Stomp
Mode Switches option is set to “10 switches” (see "Global Settings > Footswitches").
Otherwise, FS1 and FS7 appear as BANK and BANK .

NOTE: Each footswitch can have up to 8 assignments. If you attempt to add a ninth, a
warning appears in the header:

Can’t assign any more blocks to this footswitch!

FS2 Latching Off

Switch Type MIDI In Customize Learn

TIP: To reverse bypass behavior, press BYPASS. In such a case, the block will be
bypassed when moving the expression pedal or Variax knob past the Position loca-
tion. Since multiple blocks can be assigned to an expression pedal, moving the pedal
can turn some blocks on and others off at different positions in the pedal’s travel.

5. If desired, turn Knob 4 (MIDI In) to assign an incoming MIDI CC

message to turn the block on and off.
Incoming CC values 0-63 turn the block off; values 64-127 turn the block on. Note
that some MIDI CCs are reserved for global functions and cannot be selected—see
"MIDI" on page 72.

SHORTCUT: Alternatively, press Knob 6 (Learn) and then send Helix a MIDI CC message.
The incoming message is automatically selected. See "Controller Assign" for more info.

51
Customizing a Footswitch Label Swapping Footswitches
1. From the Bypass Assign screen, use the joystick to select a block If you want to change the location of Stomp mode footswitches (especially those with
multiple items assigned or custom labels and LED ring colors), instead of manually
whose bypass is assigned to a footswitch and press Knob 5 reassigning everything, you can quickly swap all assignments between two footswitches.
(Customize).
The Customize screen appears: 1. Touch (but don’t press) any two Stomp mode footswitches until the
following dialog appears:
Customize
16B Dream Rig+Vocals
K Swap all assignments between footswitches 2 and 8?
L
M Cancel OK
T o g g l e D e l a y / V e r b
O 2. Press Knob 6 (OK).
P
Q NOTE: This “touch” behavior for footswitches can be disabled using the Stomp Select option
in "Global Settings > Footswitches"
Auto Color

Cancel Delete Insert Remove Switch LED Save Tips for Creative Bypass Assignment
• If you assign a footswitch to more than one block or other item, “MULTIPLE
Move the joystick left or right to move the cursor.
(X)” isn’t very descriptive. Don’t forget to custom label it - See "Customizing
Turn the joystick (or move it up/down) to change the selected character. a Footswitch Label"
Press Knob 2 (Delete) to delete the selected character and shift all following • If you find yourself constantly toggling one switch off and another on, assign
characters to the left. both blocks to the same footswitch, and while one is selected, press BYPASS.
Now pressing the footswitch will toggle one off and the other on simultaneously.
Press Knob 3 (Insert) to insert a space and shift all following characters to the
A footswitch can have up to simultaneous eight blocks assigned.
right.
• Assign a Wah block to be engaged only when moving an expression pedal past
SHORTCUT: Press the joystick to cycle through A, a, 0, and [SPACE].
1%. Set the Wait time long enough so that natural foot movements don’t turn
the wah off every time you reach the heel-down position.
Press Knob 4 (Remove) to remove the custom label, after which the footswitch • Different blocks can be enabled or bypassed at different locations of an expres-
label displays its normal assignment. Remove is grayed out until a custom name sion pedal or Variax knob’s travel. Experiment with turning on multiple overdrive
is applied. blocks—one at Position 5%, another at Position 30%, another at Position 70%,
and so on.
2. To customize the footswitch’s LED color, turn Knob 5 (Switch LED) • When using a footswitch to toggle between two Amp or Amp+Cab blocks, the
to select the desired color (or turn it off). amp models may sound notably different from one another (just like real amps!).
Normally, you should leave this set to “Auto Color. Use an EQ block to make one Amp block sound a bit closer to the other Amp
block and assign its bypass to the same footswitch.
3. Press Knob 6 (OK). • Assign a delay block with very high feedback to be turned on only when reach-
ing the toe position of an expression pedal (or fully clockwise Variax knob).
SHORTCUT: Once an item has been assigned to a footswitch, touch and hold (but
don’t press) the footswitch, and a duplicate Customize button appears above Knob 5.
Squeals galore.

NOTE: Footswitches can also be customized from the "Command Center" screen (or
HX Edit application!).

52
Controller Assign Quick Controller Assign
1. From the Home screen, press and hold the knob for the parameter
you wish to control.
Helix provides a wide variety of tools for controlling your tone during a performance. The Helix jumps to the Controller Assign page and displays your parameter above
most obvious one is the built-in expression pedal (often assigned to wah or volume). But Knob 1 (Parameter).
you may also assign footswitches to toggle between two values of a given parameter or
parameters, control a parameter from an external MIDI device, or the volume and tone 2. Press Knob 6 (Learn Controller).
knobs on a James Tyler Variax, Shuriken Variax, or Variax Standard guitar. You can even
have parameters instantly change when selecting different snapshots within a preset. The button’s brain icon glows blue, and the header reads, “Engage switch, pedal,
Variax knob, or MIDI CC to learn...”:
If a controller has been assigned to a parameter, the value appears white and in brackets.
White dots appear on the slider to indicate the controller’s Minimum and Maximum Engage switch, pedal, Variax knob, or MIDI CC to learn...
range values (see next section for details). Feedback None
Learn
L
Parameter Controller
[37%] Controller

Feedback 3. Move the expression pedal, turn the Volume or Tone knob on a con-
nected Variax, step on a Stomp mode footswitch, send a MIDI CC
NOTE: Adding a Wah, Pitch Wham, or Poly Wham block automatically assigns its Position message from your MIDI device, etc.
parameter to be controlled by EXP 1. Adding a Volume Pedal or Pan block automatically
assigns its Position to be controlled by EXP 2. The controller name appears above Knob 2 (Controller).

NOTE: Helix has reserved specific MIDI CC messages for global functions; these CCs
NOTE: Each preset can have up to 64 controller assignments. If you attempt to add a 65th,
cannot be used as controllers. If you attempt to learn a CC message reserved for global
“Too many controller assignments!” appears in the header:
functions, the following dialog appears:
Too many controller assignments!
This MIDI CC# is reserved for global functions!
Feedback None
Feedback None
Learn
Parameter Controller Controller Learn
L
Parameter Controller Controller
In this case, you must clear some controllers to free up assignments. See "Clearing a Block’s See "MIDI" for more information.
Controller Assignment(s)" or "Clearing All Controller Assignments"

4. Press to return to the Home screen.

SHORTCUT: To assign a parameter to the Snapshots controller, it’s even easier—push
and turn the parameter’s knob. The value appears white and in brackets, indicating
it’s now assigned to a controller.

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.

53
Manual Controller Assign Variax Vol, If you have a James Tyler Variax or Variax Standard guitar, its vol-
Variax Tone ume and tone knobs can be used to adjust a wide variety of Helix
The Controller Assign screen is where you manually assign parameters to be adjusted parameters.
in real-time by controllers. Footswitch Stepping on a Stomp mode footswitch can toggle between a param-
1-5, 7-11 eter’s min and max values.
1. Press to open the Menu.
If a footswitch is assigned to one parameter only (no blocks, Com-
2. Press Knob 2 (Controller Assign). mand Center messages, or other parameters), the parameter name
appears in the scribble strip:
The Controller Assign screen looks very similar to the Home screen:

Controller Assign 1
Feedback

Selecting Footswitch 1-5 or 7-11 will display Knob 3 (Type). Turn

knob 3 to select “Momentary” or “Latching.” Momentary means
the value will change for as long as you hold the switch. Latching
toggles between Min and Max values every time you press the
Delay Harmony Delay
switch. Footswitch type (momentary or latching) is determined per
Time None 0.0 dB
Learn
footswitch, not per assignment.
Parameter Controller Level
Controller
You can customize footswitches using the "Command Center"
screen.
3. Move the joystick to select the block containing the parameter to MIDI CC Selecting “MIDI CC” will display Knob 3 (MIDI CC#). Turn Knob 3 to
which you want to assign a controller. select the desired MIDI CC number.
The most recently accessed parameter appears above Knob 1 (Parameter). Snapshots Although all controller-assigned parameters are updated per snap-
shot, an additional “Snapshots” controller is available when other
NOTE: Amp+Cab and Cab > Dual blocks are special in that they represent two models controllers are already used.
within a single block. To assign controllers to the amp parameters in an Amp+Cab block,
press <PAGE until the amp icon is white. To assign controllers to the cab parameters, NOTE: Footswitch 1 and 7 can be assigned at any time, but they only appear if the Stomp
press PAGE> until the cab icon is white. Mode Switches option is set to “10 switches” (see "Global Settings > Footswitches").
Otherwise, FS1 and FS7 appear as BANK and BANK .

NOTE: Some CC#s cannot be selected, as they are reserved for the Helix global func-
To assign controllers to the first cab’s parameters in a Cab > Dual block, press <PAGE tions. See "MIDI" for more information.
until the left cab icon is white. To assign controllers to the second cab’s parameters,
press PAGE> until the right cab icon is white.

4. Turn Knob 1 (Parameter) to select the parameter you wish to control.

5. Turn Knob 2 (Controller) to select the desired controller.
None Removes the controller assignment.
Exp Pedal 1, The most common type of controller. Used to control Volume, Wah,
2, or 3 Pitch Wham, etc.

54
6. If desired, turn Knob 4 (Min Value) and Knob 5 (Max Value) to set • Assign the tone knob on your JTV Variax or Variax Standard guitar to a Pitch
the range you wish to control. Wham block’s Position parameter. Watch guitarists in the audience try to figure
out how a knob on your guitar generates huge dive-bomb effects.
TIP: To reverse controller behavior, swap the min and max values. • Assign multiple Amp+Cab parameters to a single switch. With enough assign-
ments, you could almost treat the switch as an A/B amp channel switcher.
When you return to the Home screen, you’ll see the assigned parameter appears with • Assign Mic or IR Select to a footswitch. Set the two mic models or IRs as min
its value in brackets and in white text to indicate it includes a controller assignment. and max values. Now you can instantly toggle between two mics or two IRs.
For any footswitch, pedal, or Variax knob type controller assignment, you’ll also
see the Min and Max values indicated with white dots.
You’ll see the white indicators above and below the slider’s value for a snapshot
Clearing a Block’s Controller Assignment(s)
assignment, as shown below. 1. From the Controller Assign screen, select the block whose controller
Max indicator assignments you want to clear and press ACTION.
[37%] [50%] 2. Press Knob 1 (Clear Controllers).

Feedback
Min indicator
Feedback
Snapshot indicator
Clearing All Controller Assignments
1. From the Controller Assign screen, press ACTION.
Tips for Creative Controller Assignment 2. Press Knob 2 (Clear All Controllers).
• If you assign a footswitch to more than one controller or another item, “MUL- The following dialog appears:
TIPLE (X)” on the scribble strip isn’t very descriptive. Don’t forget to custom
label it—See the following sections. Clear all controllers?
• By default, a parameter’s Min and Max values will be pretty extreme. It pays to
play pretty conservatively here, as subtle parameter adjustments go a long way. Cancel OK
• To smoothly blend between the tone on parallel paths A and B, select a Split
> A/B block and assign the Route To parameter to an expression pedal. By
default, a heel-down position means the signal passes fully through Path A.
3. Press Knob 6 (OK).
Moving the pedal toward the toe-down position will gradually crossfade into
Path B. Alternatively, assign a footswitch to control the Route To parameter, IMPORTANT! Clearing All Controller Assignments also removes the Wah and Volume
for instantly switching back and forth. assignments from EXP 1 and EXP 2. Use this function with caution!

• If you’re looking for a gritty boost for a solo, instead of adding a Distortion
block, try assigning a footswitch to increase both the Mid and Channel Volume
parameters of an Amp+Cab, Amp, or Preamp block. Customizing a Controller Footswitch Label
• If you’re looking for an ultra-clean boost, instead of adding a Volume/Pan > As there’s no room for a dedicated Customize button on the Controller Assign page,
Gain block, try assigning a footswitch to increase the Level parameter of a customizing scribble strips for footswitches only assigned to one or more controllers
Merge > Mixer or Output block. must be done from the "Command Center" page.
• If you have a favorite delay or reverb pedal, use an FX Loop block to insert it
into your tone. Assign EXP 1, 2, or 3 to control the block’s Mix parameter, which SHORTCUT: Once an item has been assigned to a footswitch, touch and hold the footswitch
will smoothly blend the pedal into your tone. (but don’t press), and a Customize button appears above Knob 5.
• For extreme psychedelic dub delay squeals, assigning a footswitch to both
increases a Delay’s feedback and decrease its time.
• Assign a footswitch to toggle between two Delay > Time parameter values,
such as 1/4 and 1/8 dotted.

55
Command Center
3. Move the joystick to select the footswitch, pedal, Variax knob, or
instant location you wish to use to send the command.
4. Turn Knob 1 (Command) to select the type of command you wish
to transmit.
Helix also just so happens to be a world-class master remote control for your entire
Not all command sources can send the same types of commands.
touring or studio rig. Each of its Stomp mode footswitches and expression pedals can
be used to send a variety of messages: Select “None” to remove any command assignment.
• Transmit MIDI, CV/expression, or External Amp commands to your guitar amps, 5. Turn Knobs 2-5 to adjust the command’s settings, which are deter-
vintage pedals, synths, or even other modelers.
mined by the type of command:
• Send QWERTY Hotkey messages, emulating a computer keyboard, to practically
any software to control it from your device.
MIDI CC (Continuous Controller)
• Configure footswitches to expand your device’s Stomp mode with additional control
functions (see "HX Preset, Snapshot, and Looper Commands" on page 58). Knob Parameter Description

• Up to six “Instant” commands can be transmitted automatically when a Helix Sets the CC message’s MIDI channel (1-16). When set to
preset is recalled, for starting your DAW, triggering a MIDI-controlled lighting 2 MIDI Ch “Base,” Helix follows the Global MIDI channel, which is set
system, or switching presets on external gear. from the "Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo" page.
All Command Center assignments are stored per preset, but they can be copied and 3 CC # Sets the CC number (0-127).
pasted to other presets. See "Copying and Pasting a Command" Sets the CC number’s value (0-127). For EXP 1-3 and Variax
Value
4 Volume/Tone Knob, sets the minimum CC value controlled
NOTE: The Value parameters of any instant MIDI CC, Bank/Prog, MMC, CV Out, and HX Looper [Min Value]
by the pedal or knob.
messages, plus the state (dim or lit) of any CC Toggle, CV Toggle, and Ext Amp messages,
are automatically recalled when selecting a snapshot. For EXP 1-3 and Variax Volume/Tone Knob, sets the maximum
5 [Max Value]
CC value controlled by the pedal or knob.
NOTE: By default, all MIDI-based Command Center messages are transmitted via MIDI and
USB simultaneously. You can customize MIDI behaviors using the "Global Settings > MIDI/
Tempo" options. CC Toggle
Page Knob Parameter Description

Assigning a Command 2 MIDI Ch

Sets the CC messages’ MIDI channel (1-16). When set
to “Base”, Helix follows the Global MIDI channel, which
is set from the "Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo" page.
1. Press to open the Menu.
3 CC # Sets the CC number (0-127).
2. Press Knob 3 (Command Center). 1 Sets the CC number’s value (0-127) when the foot-
Any switches, pedals, or instant locations with commands assigned appear with 4 Dim Value switch ring is dim. For Footswitches 7 (MODE) and 12
turquoise triangles above them: (TAP), it appears as “Initial Val.”
Sets the CC number’s value (0-127) when the foot-
Command Center 1
5 Lit Value switch ring is lit. For Footswitches 7 (MODE) and 12
(TAP), it appears as “Toggle Val.”
Sets the footswitch’s behavior to either “Latching”
2 1 Type
(the default) or “Momentary.”

NOTE: For CC Toggle commands, one of two values is automatically transmitted upon
preset recall, determined by the footswitch’s state (dim or lit) when the preset was saved.
Subsequent presses of the footswitch toggle between the two states’ CC values—Knob
Instant 2
4 (Dim Value) and Knob 5 (Lit Value).
MIDI CC Base 7 72

Command MIDI Ch CC # Value

56
 Bank/Prog IMPORTANT! Connect EXT AMP 1/2 only to amplifiers that utilize “short-to-sleeve”
footswitch inputs. Connecting to any other sort of input could cause permanent dam-
Knob Parameter Description age to both your amp and Helix! If you’re not sure if your amp has short-to-sleeve
Sets the Bank/Program message’s MIDI channel (1-16). inputs, contact the manufacturer.
2 MIDI Ch When set to “Base,” Helix follows the Global MIDI channel,
which is set from the "Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo" page. IMPORTANT! The Helix device’s ability to control external amp channel and/or reverb
Sets the CC#00 (Bank MSB) value. Select “Off” if the receiving switching has been tested with many popular amps and heads. Unfortunately, this
3 Bank CC00 does not guarantee compatibility with all products. Note that, depending on the
device shouldn’t respond to Bank MSB.
channel switching jack’s circuitry in the guitar amp used, the EXT Amp function may
Sets the CC#32 (Bank LSB) value. Select “Off” if the receiving not operate as expected.
4 Bank CC32
device shouldn’t respond to Bank LSB.
Sets the Program Change (PC) value. Select “Off” if you only NOTE: When an Ext Amp command is assigned to Instant 1-6, the connection deter-
5 Program mined by Knob 2 (Select) is made when the preset is loaded. When an Ext Amp com-
want to send a Bank MSB and/or Bank LSB message.
mand is assigned to a footswitch, the footswitch’s current state (dim or lit) determines
whether or not the External Amp connection is made when the preset is loaded; when
Note On dim, no connection is made; when lit, the connection determined by Knob 2 (Select)
is made. Subsequent presses of the footswitch toggle the connection on (LED lit) and
Knob Parameter Description off (LED dark).
Sets the note’s MIDI channel (1-16). When set to “Base,”
2 MIDI Ch Helix follows the Global MIDI channel, which is set from the
"Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo" page. CV (Control Voltage) Out
3 Note Sets the MIDI note value (C-1 ~ G9). Middle C is C3. Knob Parameter Description
CV Value Sets the CV value (1-100) appearing at the Helix device’s CV/
4 Velocity Sets the MIDI note’s velocity (0-127). 2 [CV Min Expression jack. For EXP 1-3 and Variax Volume/Tone Knob,
Val] sets the minimum CV value controlled by the pedal or knob.
Determines whether the MIDI note sustains until pressing the
5 Note Off switch again (Latching) or sustains only while the switch is [CV Max For EXP 1-3 and Variax Volume/Tone Knob, sets the maximum
3
held (Momentary). Val] CV value controlled by the pedal or knob.

CV (Control Voltage) Toggle

MMC (MIDI Machine Control)
Knob Parameter Description
Knob Parameter Description
Sets the CV value (0-100) when the footswitch ring is dim.
2 Message Determines the message type. 2 Dim Value For Footswitches 7 (MODE) and 12 (TAP), it appears as “Ini-
tial Val.”
Sets the CV value (0-100) when the footswitch ring is lit. For
Ext Amp 3 Lit Value Footswitches 7 (MODE) and 12 (TAP), it appears as “Toggle
Val.”
Knob Parameter Description
When assigned to a footswitch, determines whether the
Determines the Ext Amp connection [1 (Tip-to-sleeve), 2 4 Type
footswitch behavior is Latching (default) or Momentary.
(Ring-to-sleeve), or both] for switching an external amp’s
channel, reverb, or other functions. When assigned to an
2 Select
Instant command, there is also the option to choose “None,” NOTE: For CV Toggle commands, one of two CV values appears at the CV/
thereby allowing you to send a different (or None) message Expression output, automatically transmitted upon preset recall, determined
per snapshot. by the footswitch’s state (dim or lit) when the preset was saved. Subsequent
When assigned to a footswitch, determines whether the presses of the footswitch toggle between the two states’ CV values—Knob 2
3 Type (Dim Value) and Knob 3 (Lit Value).
footswitch behavior is Latching (default) or Momentary.

57
QWERTY Hotkey Commands HX Preset
QWERTY hotkeys (computer keyboard shortcuts with or without modifiers, such as Shift, The HX Preset command allows you to configure a Stomp mode footswitch to imme-
Control, Option/Alt, and Command) can also be sent to your Mac, PC, or iOS device via diately “jump to” any other preset within the current setlist.
USB, allowing you to control virtually any DAWs, YouTube, Spotify, looping software,
DJ software, lighting software, and more! 1. From the Command Center page, select a footswitch and turn Knob
1 (Command) to “HX Preset.”
QWERTY command assignments can be made to any footswitch or any Instant
command, allowing them to be sent automatically from any preset or snapshot recall. 2. Turn Knob 2 (Preset) to “Next,” “Previous,” or choose a specific
To follow are steps to configure on Helix (but you’ll likely find it faster and easier to preset number (01A~32D).
configure Hotkey assignments using the HX Edit app).
HX Preset
1. From the Command Center page, select a footswitch or Instant
Knob Parameter Description
command and turn Knob 1 (Command) to select “Hotkey.”
Sets the preset to be selected by the command: Next, Previ-
2. Turn Knobs 2~5 to select the desired key combination. If the key- 2 Preset ous, or a preset’s number (01A~32D), which resides within
stroke doesn’t have modifiers, leave Knobs 2, 3, and 4 set to “None.” the current setlist.
Like a standard computer keyboard, hotkeys won’t work unless the software or
app you want to control is in focus. HX Snapshot
The HX Snapshot command allows you to configure a Stomp mode footswitch to
QWERTY Hotkeys
immediately recall any snapshot within the current preset.
Page Knob Parameter Description
1. From the Command Center page, select a footswitch and turn Knob
2 Modifier 1 Set up to three key modifier(s) to be sent with the key- 1 (Command) to “HX Snapshot.”
stroke: Choose Shift, Alt, Ctrl, or Mac/PC (corresponds
3 Modifier 2 to the “Windows” key on Windows OS systems, and the 2. Turn Knob 2 (Behavior) to either “Press/Release” or “Press/Hold.”
1 “Command” key on macOS systems.
4 Modifier 3 Choose None for knob 2~4 for no added modifier. 3. Turn Knobs 3 and 4 to configure which snapshots are recalled per
the “Press” and the “Release” (or “Hold”) of the footswitch.
Sets the alpha, numeric, or other computer keyboard
5 Keystroke HX Snapshot
key value to be sent.
Sets the footswitch type as either Momentary or Latch- Knob Parameter Description
2 1 Type
ing. Sets the behavior for the footswitch. This allows you to recall
the desired snapshot index number, or Next or Previous snap-
TIP: To get you started, we’ve provided several "Factory Presets" within the Templates shot, independently per each Press and Release, or each
2 Behavior
setlist pre-configured with hotkey commands to remotely control numerous popular Press and Hold of the footswitch. (Note that the assigned,
DAW, multimedia, and productivity computer apps! Stomp mode footswitch’s label and LED will only indicate the
command assigned to the Press function.)

HX Preset, Snapshot, and Looper Commands 3 Press

Sets the snapshot to be recalled on the Press action of the
footswitch.
These “HX” commands allow you to configure Stomp mode switches for even greater Release/ Sets the snapshot to be recalled on the Release (or Hold,
control of your device’s internal functions. These commands are saved per preset. 4
Hold depending on your Knob 2 selection) of the footswitch.
NOTE: Although Stomp mode switches can be assigned to multiple functions, to avoid
unintended behavior, we strongly recommend the HX Preset, HX Snapshot, and HX Looper
commands are assigned only to empty footswitches.

58
HX Looper HX Looper - Footswitch
For a preset that includes a Looper block, this command allows you to configure an Knob Parameter Description
Instant or Stomp mode footswitch to trigger Looper functions (Play, Stop, Record, etc.). Sets the Looper command to be sent on the Press action of
3 Press
NOTE: A 6 Switch or 1 Switch Looper block must be present in your preset for HX Looper the footswitch.
commands to function. Release/ Sets the Looper command to be sent on the Release (or
4
Hold Hold, depending on your Knob 2 selection) of the footswitch.
HX Looper - Instant Command Assignment:
Note that the assigned, Stomp mode footswitch’s label and LED will only indicate
1. In the Command Center window, select an Instant command the command assigned to the Press function.
controller and turn knob 1 (Command) to “HX Looper.”
2. Turn knob 2 (Function) to choose the specific Looper function you
wish to trigger.
The selected Function action is automatically stored and recalled per snapshot.
This allows you to record a loop and, for example, configure an Instant command
to automatically “Play” the Loop when loading one Snapshot and “Stop” when
loading a different Snapshot (also see "Using Snapshots").
HX Looper - Instant Command
Knob Parameter Description
Sets the Looper action to be triggered: Play, Stop, Play/Stop,
Rec, Overdub, Record/Overdub, Play Once, Reverse, Forward,
2 Function
Reverse/Forward, Half Speed, Full Speed, Toggle Speed, or
Undo.

HX Looper - Footswitch Assignment:

1. In the Command Center window, select a footswitch and turn Knob
1 (Command) to “HX Looper.”
2. Turn Knob 2 (Behavior) to either “Press/Release” or “Press/Hold.”
3. Turn Knobs 3 and 4 to configure which Looper commands are sent
per the “Press” and the “Release” (or “Hold)” of the footswitch.
The selected Behavior, Press, and Release/Hold actions are automatically stored
and recalled per snapshot.
HX Looper - Footswitch
Knob Parameter Description
Sets the behavior for the footswitch. This allows you to send
up to two different Looper commands, independently per each
Press and Release or each Press and Hold of the footswitch.
2 Behavior
(Note that the assigned, Stomp mode footswitch’s label and
LED will only indicate the command assigned to the Press
function.)

59
Copying and Pasting a Command Customizing a Command Footswitch Label &
1. Select the location containing the command you wish to copy and Color
press ACTION.
1. From the Command Center screen, select Footswitch 1-5, 7-11, or EXP
2. Press Knob 1 (Copy Command). Toe with a command assigned and press Knob 6 (Customize).
3. Select the location to which you want to paste the command—even The Customize screen appears:
in a different preset—and press ACTION. Customize
16B Dream Rig+Vocals
K
4. Press Knob 3 (Paste Command). L
M

Copying and Pasting All Commands T o g g l e D e l a y / V e r b

O
P
Setting up the same or similar set of commands across multiple presets can quickly Q
become tiresome. Fortunately, Helix lets you quickly copy and paste all commands to
another preset. Auto Color

Cancel Delete Insert Remove Switch LED Save

1. From the Command Center page, press ACTION.
2. Press Knob 2 (Copy All Commands). Move the joystick left or right to move the cursor.
Turn the joystick (or move it up/down) to change the selected character.
3. Select the preset to which you want to paste the commands and
Press Knob 2 (Delete) to delete the selected character and shift all following
press ACTION. characters to the left.
4. Press Knob 3 (Paste All Commands). Press Knob 3 (Insert) to insert a space and shift all following characters to the
right.
Clearing a Command SHORTCUT: Press the joystick to cycle through A, a, 0, and [SPACE].

1. Select the location containing the command you want to clear and Press Knob 4 (Remove) to remove the custom label, after which the footswitch
press ACTION. displays its normal assignment. The Remove option is grayed-out until a custom
name is applied.
2. Press Knob 4 (Clear Command).
2. To customize the footswitch’s LED color, turn Knob 5 (Switch LED)
Clearing All Commands to select the desired color (or turn it off).
Normally, you should leave this set to “Auto Color.

1. From the Command Center page, press ACTION. 3. Press Knob 6 (Save).
NOTE: You can also customize footswitches from the "Bypass Assign" screen (or HX
2. Press Knob 5 (Clear All Commands). Edit editor application!)
The following dialog appears: The Command Center - Customize footswitch label option is not available if you have
selected an HX Preset, HX Snapshot, or HX Looper type command.
Clear all Command Center assignments?

Cancel OK

3. Press Knob 6 (OK).

60
Global EQ Resetting Global EQ
Resetting the Global EQ returns its settings to factory default (flat).

1. From the Global EQ screen, press ACTION.

The Helix device’s Global EQ has three fully parametric bands plus variable low and high 2. Press Knob 1 (Reset Global EQ).
cut filters and is used for compensating for the wide disparity in acoustic environments
on tour or when traveling from studio to studio. Global EQ is applied to all setlists and The following dialog appears:
presets and can be heard from the 1/4" outputs, XLR outputs, or both.
Reset Global EQ?
NOTE: Global EQ is never heard from Send, Digital, or USB outputs.
Cancel OK

When Global EQ is active, the Home screen shows the Global EQ icon to the left of the
snapshots icon: 3. Press Knob 6 (OK).

1. Press to open the Menu.

2. Press Knob 5 (Global EQ).
The Global EQ screen appears:

Global EQ

Press BYPASS to turn Global EQ on/off

110 Hz 0.7 0.0 dB 2.0 kHz 0.7 0.0 dB

Low Freq Low Q Low Gain Mid Freq Mid Q Mid Gain

3. Press BYPASS to turn Global EQ on and off.

SHORTCUT: From the Home screen, press and hold BYPASS to turn Global EQ on and off
without navigating to the Global EQ page.

TIP: Press PAGE> to view page 3 of parameters and turn Knob 1 (Apply EQ) to apply the
Global EQ to only the 1/4" outputs, only the XLR outputs, or both.

61
Global Settings Resetting All Global Settings
Resetting the Helix Global Settings returns them to factory default. Performing this
reset does not affect any presets you may have created.

1. From any Global Settings submenu, press ACTION.

The Global Settings menu contains additional parameters that apply to all setlists and
presets, such as input and output levels, custom footswitch mode settings, etc. The 2. Press Knob 1 (Factory Settings).
upper right corner displays the Helix device’s current firmware version. Visit line6.com/
support for information on the latest Helix firmware updates. The following dialog appears:

1. Press to open the Menu. Restore Global Settings to factory defaults?

2. Press Knob 6 (Global Settings). Cancel OK

The Global Settings screen appears:

Global Settings Firmware Version 3.00.0

3. Press Knob 6 (OK).

TIP: Using the HX Edit app’s Create & Restore Backup features, you can choose to include
your device’s global settings, along with Setlists, IRs, Favorites, and User Model Defaults!
Ins/Outs Preferences MIDI/Tempo

Footswitches EXP Pedals Displays

Ins/Outs
Off Off 0dB Off Multi 0.0dB
Guitar In Mic In Mic In Mic In USB In 1/2 USB In 1/2
Pad 48V Phantom Gain Low Cut Destination Trim

3. Move the joystick to select one of the six submenus.

If necessary, press <PAGE/PAGE> to view more parameters.

62
Global Settings > Ins/Outs
Page Knob Parameter Description

1 Guitar In Pad If your guitar or bass has active or high-output pickups, you may want to turn this on. There’s really no rule; use what sounds best.

When on, Helix provides 48V from the XLR Mic In jack to power studio condenser microphones.
2 Mic In 48V Phantom
IMPORTANT! Never connect the Helix device’s XLR outputs to a device whose XLR inputs have 48V phantom power enabled!
3 Mic In Gain Sets the analog gain for the XLR Mic In jack.
1 4 Mic In Low Cut Sets the frequency of the Mic In’s dedicated, variable low-cut filter. Turn fully counterclockwise (or push) to disable.
If you like to jam along with iTunes, YouTube™, or your DAW, this setting determines from which of the Helix outputs your computer or iPad
or iPhone mobile device’s primary stereo audio stream will be heard. USB In 1/2 bypasses all Helix processing; USB 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 can
5 USB In 1/2 Destination
be selected as input blocks for processing DAW tracks or re-amping. Normally, you should choose “Multi,” which sends USB In 1/2 directly
to the 1/4", XLR, and Digital outputs. See "USB Audio".
6 USB In 1/2 Trim Sets the level of incoming audio from USB 1/2, which bypasses all Helix processing. Normally, this should be left at 0.0dB.
Choose “Instrument” when connecting the Helix 1/4" outputs to stompboxes or the front of guitar amps; choose “Line” when connecting to
1 1/4" Outputs
mixers, studio monitors, or standalone recorders. When using a single amp or speaker, connect only the LEFT/MONO 1/4" jack.
Choose “Mic” when connecting the Helix XLR outputs to standalone mic preamps or the XLR mic inputs on mixers; choose “Line” when
2 XLR Outputs
connecting to studio monitors or the line inputs on mixers. When using a mono playback system, connect only the LEFT/MONO XLR jack.
2 3 Send/Return 1
4 Send/Return 2 Choose “Instrument” when using a Send/Return pair as an FX loop for stompboxes; choose “Line” when using a Send/Return pair as an FX
5 Send/Return 3 loop for line-level rack processors or as additional inputs and outputs for connecting keyboards, drum machines, mixers, and other gear.
6 Send/Return 4
1 Re-amp Src (USB 7) USB out 7 and 8 are dedicated to recording a DI signal which can be used for re-amping; choose which two inputs will be sent dry (unpro-
2 Re-amp Src (USB 8) cessed) to your DAW. See "USB Audio".
Determines which output(s) are affected when turning the top panel VOLUME knob. For example, you may want to control the level sent
3 Volume Knob Controls from the 1/4" outputs to your stage monitor without affecting the XLR level sent to the front-of-house mixer. Or you may want to disable
the VOLUME knob altogether; in this case, set it to “Digital,” at which point Helix’s 1/4" and XLR outs will be at unity level.
3 Determines which signal(s) are heard from the PHONES output. Normally you would set this to Multi (1/4"+XLR+Digital+USB 1/2), but
4 Headphones Monitor there may be a situation where you only want to hear what’s sent from the 1/4" or XLR outs, particularly if they are fed different signals (or
band members!)
One digital output can be active at a time; choose S/PDIF or AES/EBU. Connecting an L6 LINK device to Helix automatically disables
5 Digital Output
S/PDIF out. USB audio is not affected by this setting. See "Output".
6 Digital Out Level Sets the S/PDIF and AES/EBU output levels. For most cases, you can leave this set to 0.0dB.
Determines the sample rate of the Helix S/PDIF and AES/EBU outputs; choose 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz (the default), 88.2 kHz, or 96 kHz. When
4 1 Sample Rate connecting to another device’s S/PDIF or AES/EBU input, make sure you set both units to the same sample rate. Note that this setting
does not affect Helix USB audio sample rate operation.

63
Global Settings > Preferences
Page Knob Parameter Description
Determines whether or not any edits made to a snapshot (block on/off, parameter control, Command Center, tempo) are remembered when returning
to that snapshot. When set to “Recall,” any snapshot edits are recalled when jumping from snapshot to snapshot, and appear as you last left them.
When set to “Discard,” any snapshot edits are discarded when jumping from snapshot to snapshot, and appear as the preset was last saved. If you
1 Snapshot Edits
want to save changes made to a snapshot while Snapshot Edits is set to “Discard,” press SAVE twice before selecting another. The camera icon on the
home screen shows you the Snapshot Edits setting at a glance—When set to “Recall,” the camera is gray; when set to “Discard,” the camera is red. At
any time, hold BYPASS and press SAVE to toggle this setting. See "Determining Snapshot Edit Behavior"
Tap Tempo Determines how delay repeats behave when repeatedly pressing TAP. “Accurate” respects the natural pitch fluctuations inherent when changing a real
2
Pitch delay pedal’s time knob; “Transparent” minimizes these artifacts.
Preset Num- Determines whether each setlist’s presets appear as 32 banks of four (A B C D) or are numbered 000-127 (convenient when recalling presets via MIDI
1 3
bering program change messages).
Determines the behavior when pressing a Snapshot mode footswitch again after loading its assigned snapshot. “Reload” (the default) simply reloads
Snapshot
4 the stored state of the footswitch’s assigned snapshot again. “Toggle Previous” toggles between loading the previously selected snapshot and the
Reselect footswitch’s assigned snapshot.
Determines the joystick behavior when a block is selected within the Home screen - signal flow. For “Model” (the default), turning the joystick knob
Joystick
5 scrolls through available models for the selected block. For “Selection,” turning the joystick knob quickly navigates selecting blocks across the signal
Encoder flow. SHORTCUT: Pressing while turning the joystick reverses the current joystick behavior.
Preset Please see "True Preset Spillover" on page 21. Determines whether Helix runs only Path 1 blocks with seamless delay and reverb spillover and mini-
6
Spillover mal gap when switching presets (Spillover On) or runs both Path 1 and Path 2 blocks (Spillover Off, the default).
Determines how the Guitar In’s impedance circuit behaves when the Input block > Guitar In-Z is set to “Auto.” When set to “First Block” (the default),
Auto
2 1 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,”
Impedance the impedance circuit reflects the impedance of the first enabled block on Path 1A.

64
Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo
Page Knob Parameter Description
MIDI Base Sets the system base MIDI channel that Helix uses to receive and send MIDI communication via MIDI and USB. Note that MIDI messages assigned
1
Channel from the Command Center page can be set to any MIDI channel.
2 MIDI Thru When on, MIDI OUT also acts as a MIDI THRU; that is, it passes through any MIDI messages received at the MIDI IN jack.
Determines whether Helix responds to the incoming MIDI clock received at its MIDI IN port, via USB, or whichever it senses first (“Auto”). If you don’t
Receive MIDI
3 want Helix to respond to MIDI clock at all, set this to “Off.” The Helix TAP footswitch LED flashes blue to tempo when synchronized to incoming MIDI
Clock clock.
Send MIDI Determines whether Helix transmits MIDI clock from its MIDI OUT port, via USB, or both. If you don’t want Helix to transmit MIDI clock at all, set this
4
1 Clock to “Off.”
The “Speed” or “Time” parameters of all tempo-based FX can be set to a note value that follows Tap Tempo or the tempo set with Knob 6 (Snapshot
BPM/Preset BPM/Global BPM). Choose whether the Helix tempo is stored and recalled with each snapshot, recalled with each preset, or is applied
5 Tempo Select
globally across all presets and snapshots. NOTE: Helix does not respond to pressing TAP at tempi lower than 40.0 BPM to ensure that multiple fast tap
entries are recognized properly. You may still manually select a tempo as low as 20.0 BPM using this Tempo Select setting.
Snapshot
This is an alternative way to set the Helix tempo, instead of repeatedly stepping on the TAP footswitch. Depending on the Knob 5 (Tempo Select) set-
BPM/Preset
6 ting, this value is saved per snapshot, per preset, or globally. The Helix device’s tempo has a resolution of 0.1 BPM (beats per minute). You can also
BPM/Global quickly access this parameter at any time by briefly touching the TAP footswitch.
BPM
MIDI Over When on, Helix receives and transmits MIDI data via USB in the same capacity as its MIDI jacks. (USB MIDI can be used with any computer to send
1
USB and receive MIDI between Helix and DAW and MIDI software applications.)
MIDI PC
2 Determines whether or not Helix receives and responds to MIDI program change (PC) messages for recalling Helix presets.
Receive
2
Determines if Helix sends MIDI program change messages and to which MIDI outputs. Set to MIDI to send via MIDI 5-pin out only, USB to send via
3 MIDI PC Send
USB only, or MIDI+USB to send out both. If you don’t want Helix to transmit MIDI PC messages at all, set to “Off.”
Duplicate PC Determines whether Helix automatically sends matching MIDI program change (PC) messages when selecting presets. (Configure Knob 3, MIDI PC
4
Send Send to determine which MIDI Outs the MIDI PC messages are transmitted.) A PC message is sent immediately when a preset is selected on Helix.

65
Global Settings > Footswitches
Knob Parameter Description
By default, this option is set to “Touch,” which enables the footswitches’ capacitive touch features: While in Stomp FS mode, lightly touching a footswitch
selects its assigned block for editing and offers a Quick Bypass Assign when touching and holding for two seconds, or offers a swap of assignments when
1 Stomp Select touching and holding two assigned footswitches simultaneously for two seconds. If you don’t want this “touch” behavior (such as if you play barefoot!), set
this to “Off.” Choosing “Press” changes the Stomp FS mode behavior so that when an assigned footswitch is pressed, it also selects the assigned block (in
addition to toggling the block’s bypass). If you want all these behaviors enabled, select “Touch+Press.”
By default, Preset footswitch mode displays eight presets (four on each row). Choose from “8 Presets,” “Preset/Stomp” (one bank of presets on the top
row, switches from stomp mode on the bottom row), “Stomp/Preset” (switches from stomp mode on the top row, one bank of presets on the bottom row),
Preset Mode
2 “Preset/Snap” (one bank of presets on the top row, Snapshots 1-4 on the bottom row), “Snap/Preset” (Snapshots 1-4 on the top row, one bank of presets on
Switches the bottom row), “Snap/Stomp” (Snapshots 1-4 on the top row, switches from stomp mode on the bottom row), “Stomp/Snap” (switches from stomp mode
on the top row, Snapshots 1-4 on the bottom row), and “8 Snapshots” (Snapshots 1-8).
Stomp Mode When set to “10 switches,” FS1 (BANK ) and FS7 (BANK ) are re-purposed as additional Stomp switches. This “10 switches” option only affects the
3
Switches Stomp footswitch mode—when you have the device in Preset, Snapshot, or Looper footswitch modes, BANK and BANK are retained.
Snapshot Mode When set to “Auto Return,” Helix returns to the previous footswitch mode after selecting a snapshot. When set to “Manual Return,” Helix stays in Snapshot
4
Switches footswitch mode until you press FS6 (CANCEL).
When set to “Presets” or “Snapshots,” FS1 (BANK ) and FS7 (BANK ) change to PRESET / or SNAPSHOT / , where pressing either switch
Up/Down instantly selects the next/previous preset or snapshot, without a bank queue. This is useful if you’ve programmed a fixed set list for your show and just want
5
Switches to increment through all your presets or snapshots. You can also cycle through all three switch types by pressing and holding both the and switches
for two seconds. At any time, press and hold both FS1 and FS7 to cycle through BANK / , PRESET / , and SNAPSHOT / .
When Stomp Mode Switches (see Knob 3 item above) is set to “8 Switches,” use the “On” setting here to reverse the direction of the FS1 and FS7 BANK,
6 Swap Up/Down PRESET, or SNAPSHOT up/down actions. SHORTCUT: Touch (but don’t press) the Up and Down Stomp Mode FS1 and FS7 switches together for one second,
and then press Knob 6.

Global Settings > EXP Pedals

Knob Parameter Description
1 EXP 1 Polarity
If your external expression pedal appears to work backward—for example, a Volume pedal block is loudest with the heel all the way down—set this to
2 EXP 2 Polarity
“Inverted.”
3 EXP 3 Polarity
EXP 1 Pedal
4
Position
EXP 2 Pedal Determines whether the Helix expression pedal positions are recalled per snapshot, per preset, or applied globally. If you want a Volume Pedal or Wah to
5
Position maintain its position when switching presets, set this to “Global.”
EXP 3 Pedal
6
Position

66
Global Settings > Displays
Knob Parameter Description
LED Ring Bright- Determines whether the Stomp mode footswitches’ colored LED rings appear dim when bypassed or off when bypassed. When playing in bright sunlight,
1
ness you may want to set this to “Off/Bright” to increase contrast.
Tap Tempo
2 If you’d prefer not to see the FS12 (TAP) red LED constantly flashing, you can turn it off.
LED
Pedal Position Determines whether the scribble strip above the onboard expression pedal temporarily shows the expression pedal’s position (“Temporary”) or remains vis-
3
Display ible (“Persistent”). When moving the pedal, the scribble strip shows a position indicator (0 ~ 100%).
Determines whether the scribble strip above the TAP Tempo footswitch temporarily displays the current tempo BPM value when tapped two or more times
Tempo BPM (“Temporary”), or the tempo BPM always remains displayed on this scribble strip, replacing the TAP label (“Persistent”).
4
Display SHORTCUT: To fine-tune the tempo, briefly touch the TAP/TUNER switch to temporarily display the Tempo edit options on the main screen, then turn Knob
6 (BPM) to set the tempo value manually.

67
USB Audio
Helix functions as a USB 2.0, multiple-input/output, 24-bit, 96kHz, low-latency audio
interface for Windows and Mac computers, as well as for iPad or iPhone mobile devices
(with optional Apple Camera Connection Kit adapter), and is compatible with all major USB OUTPUTS USB INPUTS
DAW software. 1/2 3/4 5/6 7/8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

NOTE: For USB audio operation:

For Windows computers, it is necessary to download and install the Line 6 Helix ASIO driver
(see page 71).
For Mac computers, it is only necessary to download and install the Line 6 Mac Core Audio
driver if you desire audio sample rate operation at rates other than 48kHz (see page 71).
16B Dream Rig+Vocals

Out 1/2 3/4 5/6

1

In 3/4 5/6 7/8

For iPad or iPhone mobile devices, there is no driver installation necessary.
All drivers are available from line6.com/software. Please refer to Helix firmware Release

ROUTING

ROUTING
OUTPUT
INPUT
Notes for driver support specific to the latest Windows and Mac operating systems.

With the Helix default “Multi” Input and Output block settings in use, you’ll automati-

Jamming with You-

Tube, iTunes, etc.
cally hear audio software playback on USB 1/2 routed directly to the Helix XLR, 1/4"
and Phones outputs. This lets you jam along with YouTube, iTunes, or your DAW tracks Amp+Cab Stone Age 185
without hearing them through a bunch of amps and effects. 3.4 2.5 5.0 3.4 2.5 10.0

DI (dry) signal for

Drive Bass Mid Treble Presence Ch Vol
If you set your DAW software track to record from Helix USB 1/2, you’ll capture your

Re-amping
Helix-processed input signal in the DAW track—with zero-latency monitoring, since you HELIX OUTPUTS HELIX INPUTS

In 1/2
hear your input from the Helix hardware outputs before it is routed through your software.
DIGITAL
AES/EBU
S/PDIF L6 LINK OUT PUSH PUSH

The additional Helix USB Inputs and Outputs are available within the Helix Input and
Output blocks, and within your DAW software track menus. You can utilize these USB
ins and outs for numerous routing configurations, all without patching extra cables—see Out 7 Out 8
the following examples.

68
Hardware Monitoring vs. DAW Software Helix offers two special DI outputs, USB Outs 7 and 8, which appear as available options
within your DAW software track input menus. These two dedicated USB Outs are tapped

Monitoring directly from the Helix input sources of your choice. To configure the Helix input source
for each, go to Global Settings > Ins/Outs > Re-amp Src (USB 7) and Re-amp Src (USB
8), where you can select Guitar, Aux, Variax, Variax Mags, or Mic:
Use of the Helix default “Multi” settings for both the Input and Output blocks provides
hardware monitoring, which allows you to hear your live input signal at all times, Global Settings
16B Dream Rig Duet 1
Firmware Version 3.00.0
independent of your DAW software’s monitor settings. Hardware monitoring can be
desirable since it allows you to hear your live guitar or mic input with Helix processing
added and essentially “latency-free,” since the monitor signal is not routed through Ins/Outs Preferences MIDI/Tempo
your DAW software.
In some DAW recording scenarios, it may be preferable to utilize your recording appli-
cation’s “input monitoring” or “software monitoring” feature. This routes your live Footswitches EXP Pedals Displays

input signal through the armed recording track, thus allowing you to monitor the input
effected by any plugins you may have inserted on the track. However, the one downside Ins/Outs
Guitar Mic Multi Multi S/PDIF 0.0 dB
of DAW software monitoring is that your live input signal will be delayed slightly due to Re-amp Src Re-amp Src Volume Knob Headphones Digital Digital Out
being routed through the software and back to the Helix outputs, which is referred to (USB 7) (USB 8) Controls Monitor Output Level

as “latency.” Helix is designed to provide very low latency operation—see "ASIO Driver
Settings (Windows)" for info and settings.
Recording a Dry DI Track
When a DAW track’s software monitoring is active, you’ll likely not want to hear the
Helix hardware monitoring signal simultaneously. To achieve this, you can set the Helix For this example, we’ll record guitar into two DAW tracks simultaneously, with one
Output block to USB Out 3/4 or 5/6. These Output block options will route your Helix- capturing the Helix-processed tone and the other the unprocessed DI guitar.
processed, stereo signal out to your DAW software without also providing the Helix
hardware monitoring to USB 1/2. You’ll then need to set your DAW track to receive from 1. In the Helix Global Settings>Ins/Outs>Page 3 screen, set Re-amp
the same selected Helix USB Out to record the Helix-processed signal into the track. Src (USB 7) to “Guitar” (as shown above).
Or, you can optionally set the DAW track input to Helix USB 7 or USB 8 to record a dry
DI signal—see the next section. 2. Dial in your desired Helix tone, while keeping the Helix Input and
Output blocks both set to the default “Multi” setting.
NOTE: Keep the Helix Input block set to “Multi” and your DAW software’s main, Master output
to Helix USB 1/2 to also hear playback of your full DAW mix. 3. Create two new audio tracks in your DAW software project:
Create one mono track to record the dry DI guitar, and set the track’s input to
Helix USB 7.
DI Recording and Re-amplification Create one stereo track to record your full, stereo Helix-processed tone and set
A common DAW recording technique is to record a dry DI (Direct Input) signal, such the track’s input to Helix USB 1/2.
as the unprocessed signal from your guitar, Variax, or mic, along with your mic’ed or GUITAR IN USB
processed tone. This allows you to process the DI track later with plugins (such as the
DRY DI GUITAR
Line 6 Helix Native plugin) and/or “re-amplify” the DI track through an amp or other Track 1 (Dry DI Guitar)
outboard gear. Helix has handy options built right in for recording DI tracks, as well as Track 2 (Processed Guitar)
for easy re-amplification of DI tracks back through your own Helix tones, all without

PROCESSED GUITAR
16B Dream Rig Duet 1
extra hardware or cabling!

Delay Harmony Delay

1/8 37% D Minor 40% 0.0 dB

Time Feedback Key Scale Mix Level

69
4. Set both tracks’ outputs, as well as the DAW Master output, to Helix 3. On Helix, select the Input block and set it to receive from the same
USB 1/2 to allow all tracks to play back through Helix. USB stereo pair (USB In 3/4) and keep the Output block set to “Multi.”
Load your choice of amps and effects on the current Helix preset.
NOTE: Setting the stereo track’s output to Helix USB 1/2 allows you to hear your Helix-
processed tone via the Helix hardware monitoring while recording. For this configuration, USB
disable software monitoring on all DAW tracks. DRY DI GUITAR
Track 1 (Dry DI Guitar)
5. Arm both these DAW audio tracks, hit the Record button and start Track 2 (Processed Guitar)
Track 3 (Re-amped Guitar)
laying down your guitar performance!
16B Dream Rig Duet

RE-AMPED GUITAR
1

Now you have your Helix-processed track to hear with the project and a separate DI
track with which you can further experiment at any time with DAW plugins and/or re-
amping (see the next section).

Re-amping Through Helix

Delay Harmony Delay
1/8 37% D Minor 40% 0.0 dB

Time Feedback Key Scale Mix Level

If your DAW software provides options for routing individual audio tracks to outputs
other than just the main Helix USB Out 1/2, then you can use these steps for re-amping
a dry recorded DI track back through Helix.

1. In your DAW software, set the DI track’s Output setting to a Helix

stereo USB Out other than USB Out 1/2. For this example we’ll use
Helix USB Out 3/4. 4. Now play your DAW project and you’ll hear the DI track “re-amped”
through your Helix! Adjust the DI track’s volume slider to make
2. Create a new stereo track in your DAW project and set this track’s sure the signal feeding into Helix is not too hot. Tweak your Helix
Input and Output both to USB 1/2 - Let’s name this track “Re-amped.” amp & effects as desired while listening with the playback of your
Arm the track for recording. project mix.
NOTE: In some DAW software, it may be necessary to also activate the software moni- 5. Once you have your re-amplified guitar tone they way you like it,
toring feature on this “re-amped” track to monitor the Helix-processed signal when solo both the DI and re-amped tracks, rewind to the start of the
playing back your project. See your software’s documentation.
project and hit the DAW Record button, allowing it to capture the
signal into the new re-amped track in real-time.
Allow the DI track to play to the end, stop recording, and you’ve created your new re-
amped guitar track!

TIP: Note that you still have your original Guitar DI recording, and you can repeat this process
to create additional re-amped tracks with different Helix settings, add plugins, blend with
your original guitar track, and more.

70
ASIO Driver Settings (Windows) ASIO Buf- Your goal is to achieve the lowest latency possible in your DAW
fer Size software, but with glitch-free audio performance. Smaller buffer size
When using Helix as an audio interface for Windows DAW applications, it is highly rec- results in lower latency, however, also increases the demands on
ommended to configure the software to utilize the “ASIO” Helix driver. The Line 6 ASIO your computer, which can result in clicks, pops, or other audio arti-
driver offers the superior, low-latency audio performance required for DAW recording. facts. Start with a lower slider setting here. If you encounter audio
performance issues, return to this panel and move this slider to the
This driver selection is typically found in your DAW software’s Preferences or Options
right incrementally to remedy the problem.
dialog - see your software’s documentation.
Click the Apply and OK buttons when your Helix Control Panel settings are complete to
return to your DAW software. Please also refer to your DAW software’s documentation
NOTE: Download and install the latest Line 6 Helix ASIO driver from line6.com/software.
for more about its own specific audio device, buffer, and project settings.

Once you’ve selected the ASIO Helix driver within your DAW software, you’ll also see a
button in the same dialog for “ASIO Settings” (or with a similar title). Press this button
to launch the Helix Control Panel, where you make the following Helix driver settings.
Core Audio Driver Settings (macOS)
To use Helix as an audio interface for Mac applications, it is unnecessary to install any
additional driver. Helix will automatically utilize the Mac computer’s “Class Compliant”
USB driver when you connect to your USB port. Helix will then appear as a selectable
Core Audio device within the Mac Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup panel and/or directly within
your audio and multimedia applications. However, note that this Apple Class Compliant
driver offers strictly 48kHz native sample rate operation. If you prefer to use a different
native sample rate (or if your particular DAW application requires it), you can optionally
download and install the Line 6 Mac Core Audio driver from line6.com/software. This
Line 6 driver offers 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88kHz, or 96kHz sample rate operation.

Sound This button launches the Windows Sound Control Panel, which is
Control where you can optionally configure Helix to be the audio playback
Panel device for multimedia applications (such as Windows Media Player,
iTunes, etc.) These settings are not relevant for your DAW software
since these applications utilize the standard Windows driver.
Default Bit Select the Bit Depth at which Helix will operate for recording and
Depth playback with your DAW software. 24 bit or 32 bit are recommended
for quality audio production.

71
MIDI MIDI Clock Send and Receive
Helix can send and receive MIDI clock via its MIDI 5-pin in/out, as well as via USB.
MIDI Clock options can be enabled and configured within the "Global Settings > MIDI/
Tempo" options.
NOTE: Helix transmits and responds to MIDI messages over USB in the same manner as
MIDI Clock Send: Transmit MIDI clock to synchronize the tempo of external pedals,
via its MIDI connectors. For USB MIDI operation on Windows computers, it is necessary to
download and install the Line 6 Helix ASIO driver, available from line6.com/software. There is rack gear, and software to the current Helix TAP Tempo rate.
no driver installation necessary for an Apple Mac computer or iPad or iPhone mobile devices. MIDI Clock Receive: Synchronize the Helix time-based effects (such as delay and
modulation) to incoming MIDI clock from external DAW software, drum machines,
keyboard workstations, or other modelers. Note that the Helix TAP footswitch will
MIDI Bank/Program Changes flash blue (instead of the default red) to indicate the incoming tempo rate when
receiving MIDI clock.
Helix responds to traditional MIDI CC and Program change messages from an external
MIDI device (or from MIDI software via USB) and will recall setlists, presets, and/or
snapshots accordingly. MIDI CC
Remotely Selecting a Setlist, Preset, and/or Snapshot Helix has reserved specific MIDI CC messages for global functions; these CCs cannot
be used as controllers. If you attempt to learn a CC message reserved for global func-
Press PRESETS to open the Setlist menu: tions (see "Controller Assign"), the following dialog appears:

This MIDI CC# is reserved for global functions!

1 FACTORY 1 01A US Double Norm
Feedback None
2 FACTORY 2 01B Essex A30 Learn
L
3 USER 1 01C Brit Plext Brt Parameter Controller Controller

4 USER 2 01D Cali Rectifire

5 USER 3 02A Grammatico Brt MIDI CC# Value Function
6 USER 4 02B Essex A15
Pedal and Footswitch Assignments
7 USER 5 02C Brit 2204
8 TEMPLATES 02D German Ubersonic 1 0-127 Emulates EXP 1 Pedal
1 FACTORY 1 16B Bottle Message 2 0-127 Emulates EXP 2 Pedal
CC32: 000 SNAPSHOT 1
Rename PC: 005 Reorder Rename Select Rename 3 0-127 Emulates EXP 3 Pedal
Setlist CC69: 000 Preset Preset Snapshot Snapshot
49 0-127 Emulates Stomp footswitch mode’s FS1
The dark text above Knob 2 displays the required MIDI messages for recalling the
Helix device’s setlists, presets, and/or snapshots from external MIDI devices or 50 0-127 Emulates Stomp footswitch mode’s FS2
software. In the illustration above, the FACTORY 1 setlist is recalled with a CC32 51 0-127 Emulates Stomp footswitch mode’s FS3
message of 000, the 02B Essex A15 preset is recalled with a PC (program change)
message of 005, and SNAPSHOT 1 is recalled with a CC69 message of 000. 52 0-127 Emulates Stomp footswitch mode’s FS4
53 0-127 Emulates Stomp footswitch mode’s FS5
NOTE: When navigating Presets from the Helix hardware (PRESETS encoder, preset foot-
switches, PRESET / PRESET , etc.), Helix automatically transmits a MIDI Program 54 0-127 Emulates Stomp footswitch mode’s FS7
Change message corresponding to the selected preset. If you’d prefer Helix not automati-
cally transmit or receive PC messages, turn "Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo" > Knob 4 (MIDI 55 0-127 Emulates Stomp footswitch mode’s FS8
PC Send/Receive) off.
56 0-127 Emulates Stomp footswitch mode’s FS9
57 0-127 Emulates Stomp footswitch mode’s FS10
58 0-127 Emulates Stomp footswitch mode’s FS11
59 0-127 Emulates EXP Toe switch

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MIDI CC# Value Function
Looper Controls
0-63: Overdub;
60 Looper Record/Overdub switch (FS8)
64-127: Record
0-63: Stop;
61 Looper Play/Stop switch (FS9)
64-127: Play
62 64-127 Looper Play Once switch (FS3)
63 64-127 Looper Undo/Redo switch (FS2)
0-63: Forward;
65 Looper Forward/Reverse switch (FS11)
64-127: Reverse
0-63: Full;
66 Looper Full/Half Speed switch (FS10)
64-127: Half
0-63: Off; Looper block on/off; also enters/exits Looper foot-
67
64-127: On switch mode
Additional Controls
0 0-7 Bank MSB
32 0-7 Bank LSB—Setlist select
64 64-127 Tap Tempo
68 0-127 Tuner screen on/off
0-7 Snapshot 1-8 select
69 8 Next snapshot select
9 Previous snapshot select
70 0-127
71 0-127
72 0-127
Additional global MIDI commands (reserved for future
73 0-127
use)
74 0-127
75 0-127
76 0-127
0-63: Oh; Helix achieves self-awareness and starts poking fun at
128
64-127: Nooo that face you make during the solo

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