MIDI
NOTE
Helix transmits and responds to MIDI messages over USB in the same manner as 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 no driver installation necessary for an Apple Mac computer, iPad or iPhone.
Helix, Rack, LT
MIDI Bank/Program Changes
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.
Remotely Selecting a Setlist, Preset, and/or Snapshot
Press PRESETS to open the Setlist menu:
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 software. In the illustration above, the FACTORY 1 setlist is recalled with a CC32 message of 007, the 16B Bottle Message preset is recalled with a PC (program change) message of 005, and SNAPSHOT 1 is recalled with a CC69 message of 000.
NOTE
When navigating Presets from the Helix hardware (PRESETS encoder, preset footswitches, PRESET / PRESET , etc.), Helix automatically transmits a MIDI Program Change message corresponding to the selected preset. If you'd prefer Helix to not automatically transmit or receive PC messages, turn "Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo" > Knob 4 (MIDI PC Send/Receive) off.
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.
MIDI Clock Send: Transmit MIDI clock to synchronize the tempo of external pedals, rack gear, and software to the current Helix TAP Tempo rate.
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 flash blue (instead of the default red) to indicate the incoming tempo rate when receiving MIDI clock.
MIDI CC
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 functions (see "Controller Assign"), the following dialog appears:
Pedal and Footswitch Assignments
MIDI CC# | Value | Function |
---|---|---|
1 | 0-127 | Emulates EXP 1 Pedal |
2 | 0-127 | Emulates EXP 2 Pedal |
3 | 0-127 | Emulates EXP 3 Pedal |
49 | 0-127 | Emulates Stomp footswitch mode's FS1 |
50 | 0-127 | Emulates Stomp footswitch mode's FS2 |
51 | 0-127 | Emulates Stomp footswitch mode's FS3 |
52 | 0-127 | Emulates Stomp footswitch mode's FS4 |
53 | 0-127 | Emulates Stomp footswitch mode's FS5 |
54 | 0-127 | Emulates Stomp footswitch mode's FS7 |
55 | 0-127 | Emulates Stomp footswitch mode's FS8 |
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 |
Looper Controls
MIDI CC# | Value | Function |
---|---|---|
60 | 0-63: Overdub; 64-127: Record | Looper Record/Overdub switch (FS8) |
61 | 0-63: Stop; 64-127: Play | Looper Play/Stop switch (FS9) |
62 | 64-127 | Looper Play Once switch (FS3) |
63 | 64-127 | Looper Undo switch (FS2) |
65 | 0-63: Forward; 64-127: Reverse | Looper Forward/Reverse switch (FS11) |
66 | 0-63: Full; 64-127: Half | Looper Full/Half Speed switch (FS10) |
67 | 0-63: Off; 64-127: On | Looper block on/off (if available); also enters/exits Looper footswitch mode |
Additional Controls
MIDI CC# | Value | Function |
---|---|---|
0 | 0-7 | Bank MSB |
32 | 0-7 | Bank LSB—Setlist select |
64 | 64-127 | Tap Tempo |
68 | 0-127 | Tuner screen on/off |
69 | 0-7 | Snapshot select |
72 | 0-63, 64-127 | Previous Preset, Next Preset |
70-71, 73-76 | 0-127 | Additional global MIDI commands (reserved for future use) |
128 | 0-63: Oh; 64-127: Nooo | Helix achieves self-awareness and starts poking fun of that face you make during the solo |
HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL
Preset and Snapshot Recall via MIDI
MIDI can be frustrating enough as it is without having to slog through a manual to figure out what messages your particular device needs to change presets. Conveniently enough, HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL have handy helper text to tell you exactly which MIDI messages will recall the current preset and snapshot.
- If not already there, press HOME VIEW to select Play view.
- Press the Upper Knob to open the Preset list:
The dark text above Knob 3 displays the required MIDI messages for recalling presets and/or snapshots from external MIDI devices or software. In the illustration above, the 16B Pastor of Muppets preset is recalled with a PC (program change) message of 061, and Snapshot 1 is recalled with a CC69 message of 000.
NOTE
HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL respond to MIDI channel 1 by default, but this can be changed from "Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo".
NOTE
When selecting different presets, HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL automatically transmit a MIDI Program Change message corresponding to the selected preset. If you'd prefer not to automatically transmit PC messages, set "Global Settings > MIDI/ Tempo" > MIDI PC Tx to "Off."
Block Bypass via MIDI
- Press < PAGE and PAGE > together to open the Menu.
- Press Knob 1 (Bypass Assign).
- Turn the Upper Knob to select the block whose bypass you want to assign to incoming MIDI.
- Press PAGE > and then Knob 3 (Learn). Send a MIDI CC message from your foot controller, keyboard, etc.
The CC number appears above Knob 1 (MIDI In).
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 CC").
NOTE
To manually select a MIDI CC, instead of step 4 above, press PAGE > and turn Knob 1 (MIDI In) to select the desired MIDI CC number.
Parameter Control via MIDI
- From Edit view, press and hold the knob for the parameter you wish to control.
HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL jump to the Controller Assign page and displays your parameter at Knob 1 (Parameter).
- Press PAGE > and then Knob 3 (Learn). Send a MIDI CC message from your foot controller, keyboard, etc.
The CC number appears above Knob 3 (CC#).
NOTE
To manually select a MIDI CC, turn Knob 2 (Controller) to select "MIDI CC" and Knob 3 to the desired MIDI CC number.
- If desired, press PAGE > and turn Knob 1 (Min Value) and Knob 2 (Max Value) to set the range you wish to control.
NOTE
To reverse controller behavior, swap the min and max values.
- Press HOME when finished. Remember to save your preset to retain all assignments!
Synchronizing Tempo via MIDI
Certain Delay and Modulation parameters such as Time and Speed can be represented with fixed numeric values (ms or Hz) or note values (1/4-note, dotted 1/8-note, etc.). When set to note values, the parameter will follow Tap Tempo or incoming MIDI clock. Press the parameter knob to toggle between ms (or Hz) and note values.
By default, HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL respond to MIDI clock received from external gear (or your DAW software via USB). HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL can also transmit MIDI clock to external gear or software (transmit is disabled by default). MIDI clock reception (Rx) and transmission (Tx) can be enabled or disabled from the "Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo" menu.
In addition, certain modulation effects have distinct rhythmic elements; for example, a tremolo set to a square wave (sometimes called a "slicer") not only has a tempo but a beat, where the upswing of the wave lands with relation to your song. That is, the effect may be in perfect tempo-sync with your song, but its "downbeat" may be shifted ahead or behind of your drummer's-or in the studio-your recorded song's downbeat.
Press TAP once on the downbeat of your song.
Any beat sync-based (sometimes called "LFO") effects reset from the beginning.
MIDI CC
HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL have 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 functions (see "Controller Assign"), the following dialog appears:
Pedal and Footswitch Assignments
MIDI CC# | Value | Function | Device |
---|---|---|---|
1 | 0-127 | Emulates EXP 1 Pedal | Both |
2 | 0-127 | Emulates EXP 2 Pedal | Both |
49 | 0-127 | Emulates FS1 | Both |
50 | 0-127 | Emulates FS2 | Both |
51 | 0-127 | Emulates FS3 | Both |
52 | 0-127 | Emulates FS4 | Both |
53 | 0-127 | Emulates FS5 | Both |
54 | 0-127 | Emulates FS6 | HX Stomp XL |
55 | 0-127 | Emulates FS7 | HX Stomp XL |
56 | 0-127 | Emulates FS8 | HX Stomp XL |
1 Switch Looper Controls
MIDI CC# | Value | Function |
---|---|---|
60 | 0-63: Overdub; 64-127: Record | 1 Switch Looper Record/Overdub |
61 | 0-63: Stop; 64-127: Play | 1 Switch Looper Play/Stop |
62 | 64-127 | 1 Switch Looper Play Once |
63 | 64-127 | 1 Switch Looper Undo/Redo |
65 | 0-63: Forward; 64-127: Reverse | 1 Switch Looper Forward/Reverse |
66 | 0-63: Full; 64-127: Half | Looper Full/Half Speed |
Additional Controls
MIDI CC# | Value | Function |
---|---|---|
0 | N/A | Bank MSB (unused but reserved) |
3 | 0-127 | Additional global MIDI commands (reserved for future use) |
32 | N/A | Bank LSB (unused but reserved) |
54-59 | 0-127 | Additional global MIDI commands (reserved for future use) |
64 | 64-127 | Tap Tempo |
67 | 0-127 | Additional global MIDI commands (reserved for future use) |
68 | 0-127 | Tuner screen on/off |
69 | 0-2, 8 and 9 | Snapshot select (0=Snapshot 1, 1=Snapshot 2, 2=Snapshot 3, 8=Next snapshot, 9=Previous snapshot) |
70 | 0-63: Bypass; 64-127: On | All Bypass |
71 | 0-5 | Footswitch Mode (0=Stomp, 1=Scroll, 2=Preset, 3=Snapshot, 4=Next footswitch mode, 5=Previous footswitch mode) |
72 | 0-63, 64-127 | Previous Preset, Next Preset |
73-76 | 0-127 | Additional global MIDI commands (reserved for future use) |
128 | 0-63: Jealous; 128 64-127: Codependent | HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL send late-night texts to all of your ex-significant others, professing your undying love to them and their cats |
HX Effects
The HX Effects device receives and transmits MIDI messages via its 5-pin MIDI In & Out connectors, as well as via USB, providing functionality with just about any MIDI hardware or software gear you may want to use with it. USB MIDI operation is functional with Mac & Windows computers, as well as with iPad or iPhone mobile devices.* Also see "Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo" for MIDI device options.
Preset Recall via MIDI
To recall a preset, send a program change (PC) message to your HX Effects device on MIDI channel 1, according to the table below.
Bank | Preset A | Preset B | Preset C | Preset D |
---|---|---|---|---|
01 | PC:000 | PC:001 | PC:002 | PC:003 |
02 | PC:004 | PC:005 | PC:006 | PC:007 |
03 | PC:008 | PC:009 | PC:010 | PC:011 |
04 | PC:012 | PC:013 | PC:014 | PC:015 |
05 | PC:016 | PC:017 | PC:018 | PC:019 |
06 | PC:020 | PC:021 | PC:022 | PC:023 |
07 | PC:024 | PC:025 | PC:026 | PC:027 |
08 | PC:028 | PC:029 | PC:030 | PC:031 |
09 | PC:032 | PC:033 | PC:034 | PC:035 |
10 | PC:036 | PC:037 | PC:038 | PC:039 |
11 | PC:040 | PC:041 | PC:042 | PC:043 |
12 | PC:044 | PC:045 | PC:046 | PC:047 |
13 | PC:048 | PC:049 | PC:050 | PC:051 |
14 | PC:052 | PC:053 | PC:054 | PC:055 |
15 | PC:056 | PC:057 | PC:058 | PC:059 |
16 | PC:060 | PC:061 | PC:062 | PC:063 |
17 | PC:064 | PC:065 | PC:066 | PC:067 |
18 | PC:068 | PC:069 | PC:070 | PC:071 |
19 | PC:072 | PC:073 | PC:074 | PC:075 |
20 | PC:0076 | PC:077 | PC:078 | PC:079 |
21 | PC:080 | PC:081 | PC:082 | PC:083 |
22 | PC:084 | PC:085 | PC:086 | PC:087 |
23 | PC:088 | PC:089 | PC:090 | PC:091 |
24 | PC:092 | PC:093 | PC:094 | PC:095 |
25 | PC:096 | PC:097 | PC:098 | PC:099 |
26 | PC:100 | PC:101 | PC:102 | PC:103 |
27 | PC:104 | PC:105 | PC:106 | PC:107 |
28 | PC:108 | PC:109 | PC:110 | PC:111 |
29 | PC:112 | PC:113 | PC:114 | PC:115 |
30 | PC:116 | PC:117 | PC:118 | PC:119 |
31 | PC:120 | PC:121 | PC:122 | PC:123 |
32 | PC:124 | PC:124 | PC:126 | PC:127 |
NOTE
When navigating Presets from the HX Effects hardware (PRESETS encoder, preset footswitches, PRESET UP / PRESET DOWN, etc.), the HX Effects device automatically transmits a MIDI Program Change message corresponding to the selected preset. If you’d prefer not to automatically transmit PC messages, set "Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo" > MIDI PC Tx to "Off."
Snapshot Recall via MIDI
To recall a snapshot, send the HX Effects hardware a CC69 message according to the table below.
Snapshot | MIDI CC# | Value |
---|---|---|
1 | 69 | 000 |
2 | 69 | 001 |
3 | 69 | 002 |
4 | 69 | 003 |
Next | 69 | 008 |
Previous | 69 | 009 |
Block Bypass via MIDI
- Press to open MENU.
- Press the SIGNAL FLOW switch.
- Turn the Big Knob to select the block for which its bypass you want to assign to incoming MIDI.
- Press > and turn Knob 3 (MIDI Bypass) 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.
Parameter Control via MIDI
- From Stomp mode, press and hold the knob 1~3 for the parameter you wish to control.
The HX Effects device jumps to the Controller Assign page and displays your parameter at Knob 1 (Parameter).
- Press the LEARN switch and then send a MIDI CC message from your foot controller, keyboard, etc.
The CC number appears above Knob 3 (CC#).
NOTE
To manually select a MIDI CC, turn Knob 2 (Controller) to select "MIDI CC" and Knob 3 to the desired MIDI CC number.
- If desired, press and turn Knob 1 (Min Value) and Knob 2 (Max Value) to set the range you wish to control.
NOTE
To reverse controller behavior, swap the min and max values.
- Press HOME to return to the Home screen.
MIDI Clock Send and Receive
HX Effects is able to 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.
MIDI Clock Send: Transmit MIDI clock to synchronize the tempo of external pedals, rack gear, and software to the current HX Effects TAP Tempo rate.
MIDI Clock Receive: Synchronize the HX Effects 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 HX Effects TAP footswitch will flash blue (instead of the default red) to indicate the incoming tempo rate when receiving MIDI clock.
MIDI CC
The HX Effects hardware 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 functions (see "Controller Assign"), the following dialog appears:
Pedal and Footswitch Assignments
MIDI CC# | Value | Function |
---|---|---|
1 | 0-127 | Emulates EXP 1 Pedal |
2 | 0-127 | Emulates EXP 2 Pedal |
49 | 0-127 | Emulates Stomp footswitch mode’s FS1 |
50 | 0-127 | Emulates Stomp footswitch mode’s FS2 |
51 | 0-127 | Emulates Stomp footswitch mode’s FS3 |
52 | 0-127 | Emulates Stomp footswitch mode’s FS4 |
53 | 0-127 | Emulates Stomp footswitch mode’s FS5 |
54 | 0-127 | Emulates Stomp footswitch mode’s FS6 |
Looper Controls
MIDI CC# | Value | Function |
---|---|---|
60 | 0-63: Overdub; 64-127: Record | Looper Record/Overdub switch (FS4) |
61 | 0-63: Stop; 64-127: Play | Looper Play/Stop switch (FS5) |
62 | 64-127 | Looper Play Once switch (FS6) |
63 | 64-127 | Looper Undo switch (FS1) |
65 | 0-63: Forward; 64-127: Reverse | Looper Forward/Reverse switch (FS3) |
66 | 0-63: Full; 64-127: Half | Looper Full/Half Speed switch (FS2) |
67 | 0-63: Off; 64-127: On | Looper block on/off (if available); also enters/exits Looper footswitch mode |
Additional Controls
MIDI CC# | Value | Function |
---|---|---|
64 | 64-127 | "Tap" in a Tap Tempo value |
68 | 0-127 | Tuner screen on/off |
69 | 0-3, 8 and 9 | Snapshot select (0=Snapshot 1, 1=Snapshot 2, 2=Snapshot 3, 3=Snapshot 4, 8=Next snapshot, 9=Previous snapshot) |
70 | 0-63: Bypass; 64-127: On | All Bypass |
72 | 0-63, 64-127 | Previous Preset, Next Preset |
71, 73-76 | 0-127 | Additional global MIDI commands (reserved for future use) |
128 | 0-63: Guilt; 128 64-127: Regret | The HX Effects hardware calls your family and informs them of every single poor life decision you’ve ever made |