If you guys are interested in programming your Helix/Music Gear with MIDI using an iPad/Tablet/Phone, I also made a video about that. Watch it here: th-cam.com/video/KCEtqHCf8aE/w-d-xo.html
just going through these videos and i'm learning a lot! when i got my helix i decided to buy helix native and i'm trying to use logic's automation controls so i don't have to even use my helix. it's a lot of work on the front end, but it's fun to play along with.
Yup! You can send specifically for snapshots I believe on CC 69, or you can use this method and set it to snapshot mode and CC starting at 49 acts like each of the buttons are pushed 👍
Scott, absolutely love your content and promote it whenever I can! Question, do you have all of your songs on one Logic session so you don't have to run to your computer and load up each song? If so, how do you make it so you can pause the session between songs so you are not forced to bomb through every song in the session with out a pause? I imagine I can somehow program a button on the Helix to pause the Logic session and start again when you're ready for the next song.
This is the most useful tutorial about the Helix so far on youtube...thanks... By the way you have the same voice timbre as Tool's Drummer Dany Carey..minute on minute i'm focused on what you're saying and can't stop thinking subconsciously Dany's talking..
Scott great stuff. Im a big fan of yours. I have a question. You show setting Up your helix to the voice live 3 do you have a video that shows how to set the voice live 3 settings in the VL3? I cannot find any of your videos that show that.. thank you in advance.
Thanks for your videos Scott! very useful and interesting :) I'd like to ask you how to solve a strange thing as someone already mentioned in the comments. Every time I hit the space bar the stomp will randomly turn on or off. I use Logic and I have already checked the key commands . It's not clear what is messing up the helix. Could it be the usb cable? Instead of just using the midi cable? if you like , let me know if you know how to solve it. Thanks for your time :)
Oh weird…. It’s probably not the space bar itself, but for some reason some midi command is triggered when you hit space. I’m honestly not sure, that’s very strange
This info is really great! I have the following question: I setup a project in Cubase with backing tracks for rehearsals and live playing, with arranger track, automation, etc. I’m running my voice and guitar through Cubase with effects. I have midi events to change guitar patches for every song but the patch will change only when the song starts playing (before it starts playing, the previous song patch will still remain selected. So if I want to play a chord with my guitar to preview the sound before launching the song, I will still be hearing the guitar patch from the previous song. ¿Any ideas for this? Thank you so much for sharing all this things!
If I understand correctly, I would just put like 5 seconds of silence on the song you want to start playing and send a midi command to the new patch before the backing track starts. Then you can play a chord on the new patch before the backing track starts
Hey Scott, Whats up man? Have you ever worked with the Line 6 M5? I cannot find PC or CC midi reference for this unit. I tried to send pc and cc to the unit via logic, and was super confusing. The lekato midi interface shows in logic, but the references in logic mean nothing without reference
Great video! One question though, does this require a powerful computer to run smoothly live? Is this high cpu consuming? The last thing I would want is for Logic to go "System Overload" in the middle of a show haha.
Yes, you definitely need a powerful enough computer. If you are just sending audio and midi data you should be okay with a less-powerful computer or ipad. When you start putting plugins and vst's and run lights and visuals and stuff like that is when you really need a stronger computer.
Hi Scott, don't know if this is possible: I'd like to use the Helix & Firehawk1500 together. Presently on the Helix; guitar into 1/4 guitar, xlr out to Firehawk then routed to xlr in, resulting in bypassing amp head & just using cabinet. To use Firehawk amp on it's own I unplug Helix xlr & plug guitar into it's guitar input. Instead of doing all this how do I route both together? Do I use a 4 cable method or midi, & how to configure?
Scott I may have missed it but how do you make sure it’s in the correct user folder of your helix ? And there is an update to this for snapshot changes ?
That sounds more like a general helix question, so hopefully this video answers your question: th-cam.com/video/hMDE8u1azls/w-d-xo.htmlsi=a8K85ggmu9a-rYFm
Scott based off your m live b beat video I’m thinking that’s easier way to go and I’ve just pulled the trigger on one . I’ll try this way as a potential backup method
GDay Scott, mate great tutes. Helping heaps. I have a similar setup to you (Logic, Helix, G4 IEM etc...). Is there any way to trigger different Helix Snapshots (with multiple stomp boxes - in different combos - selected for that Snapshot) using midi trigger commands in Logic?
@@ScottUhlMusic thanks for replying mate. I actually think I've worked it out (after watching your Helix vid again). With my snapshots, I change the combination of effects (i.e. Snapshot 1 might have both reverb and distortion on but Snapshot 2 might turns those two effects off but turn on flanger and delay). I use snapshots to avoid latency in patch changes. I was hoping a single midi command could select a snapshot and change the multiple effects on/off depending on their combinations (i.e. send a command to the Snapshot; not the individual patches). I think I have to do it by sending multiple midi commands simultaneously to each effect individually (one on/off/value command for each effect - so if I need two effects on and two effects on at the same time, I need to send four separate commands simultaneously - one to each effect and its required value. Will experiment and see. I may be goofing this completely.
Yup, you can definitely program helix native with midi for sure. I did that with Ableton until I overloaded my computer with too many plugins to use it live haha
Hello Scott, This video is very well done . As you know I'm using the B Beat like you. May you tell me how you make to use the MIDI file created on your DAW to be usable on the B. Beat. When I'm running Logic Pro X and my helix is connected with a USB to MIDI cable (UNO cable) everything is OK. I export the MIDI file, transfer it to the B. Beat, connect the MIDI out of the B. Beat to my MIDI IN of my Helix and noting works. Thanks for your help.
Interesting… that I don’t know why it wouldn’t work as I was able to get mine to work fine. Likely it’s the cable from the TRS midi out to 5pin midi. I tried using one and it didn’t work, but another one did. I linked to the one that worked in the description 👍
@@ScottUhlMusic Yes I think it's the MIDI cable. I bought the wrong one. For the B. Beat it's necessary to have a B type and I bought a A type. Waitong for the cable to be delivered and I will try. Thanks for your help.
Hi Scott, Thanks for your videos you are a Great Teacher and I have learnt very useful tips from you thank you very encouraging. My question is in this video you demonstrate how to control with MIDI. Can you export that midi programming as a single file from Logic which contains all the messages in it? Could the file be used in the M Live B Beat. I have watched that video you did and that help me decide to buy it which was one of the main reason. I use Reaper to organise my multi-tracks and now I am attempting to program the midi to control my FX pedals, NUX Cerberus and Voicelive 2. Everything seems to work whilst I have it all connected to Reaper fine. However after I export the file and put it into B Beat using the B Beat Manager it does not happen. I do have the midi type B adaptor running the a MOTU XT midi express. So everything works from Reaper, MacBook, MOTU too pedals. But no luck in B Beat and midi file. If you have any advise that would be much appreciated. Thank You
Yeah you have to get the right midi adapter on the b beat. But if you export stuff as a single midi file will all the different commands on different channels for different devices, it should work 👍 that adapter has to be the correct one though!
@@ScottUhlMusic Ok I'll give it another go but I seem to have everything in order. I may change and try Logic as I have found out that it has Track & Region option for midi. I found another person had similiar issues and it was a matter of exporting the midi as a region so that all automation was in the region even though the automation was in the track. I can't find this option in Reaper so I may have to change to Logic 🙂
Hey dude, this video really helped me a lot. The other day I saw a guy programming a Quad Cortex, He use a midi command to load an specific preset, Do you know how can I load my preset that way on my Helix? That would help me a lot to program the midi in my band's live shows.
Hey Scott, the CC number value doesn't quite matter cuz it just toggles the state of the footswitch. However there is one weird thing that happens with me. As soon as I play or stop the session for some odd reason logic sends CC toggle to the unit. Does this happen with you as well? I noticed at the 8:12 mark that your Amp footswitch toggled as soon as you stopped the track if I observed correctly.
Yeah, it's weird how Logic does that. It doesn't do that in Ableton. For some reason, when you stop a track mid-way through it resends the last midi message. I never figured that out. But we never had to stop a song mid-way through haha, so it was never a problem. But it is still weird and annoying.
@@zakklee2556 I honestly cannot remember. I just remember that Logic is weird when you stop in the middle of playback. And sometimes when you are programming you'll find that you need to send a value of 1 (or less than half way) to turn something off, and sometimes 127 (or above half) in order to turn something on. Sometimes as long as it gets a CC note (of any value) it turns the device/button on/off. Each device is different.
@@InVisionsOfficial Hey, I finally came to conclude it's a logic bug and not specific to the Line 6 device. If you have some PC or CC messages configured in the midi track and you play/stop the session anywhere you can notice in the midi activity window on top that Logic triggers the previous midi command to the external device. Due to this issue everywhere on stage when my engineer would start/stop a track, some or the other pedal in my signal chain would get toggled. To deal with it I would make sure that my guitar is silent during the start or stop of a song. You can't be playing something and trigger the track in the middle of your playing. I finally switched to Ableton Live for this reason.
@@9manav Hey Manav, that's exactly what we are experiencing. It's totally fine if you're running the set without pausing the tracks which we don't normally do anyway. But should we have to pause the tracks the last thing we want to do is have to perform a recovery on the MIDI settings. Looks like the move to Cubase now they're removed the need for a dongle just jumped up the timescale! Thanks!
Hey Scott - great video - I found that using the line6 preprogrammed midi cc numbers from the line6 manual to toggle the foot switches on and off was problematic. I’m using studio one - so that might be the issue…. However I found that you can manually assign a midi in cc number to each foot switch on the Helix. Then just add the corresponding midi cc message in the DAW and a value under 50% turns it off and a value over 50% turns it on. This is a better way to toggle the foot switches via the DAW IMHO.
This is awesome Scott, I'm going to do this tomorrow on my GX-100 for our whole show (I have 26 banks for 26 songs and loads of patches). I'm wondering though, couldn't I just record the automation. Click record on Logic and push the pedals as I need them for each song? Then Logic would record the change data, no?
It works the same way, it just depends on how your helix is set up. If you are in snapshot mode, and you want to go to the snapshot that is on the button that is controlled by CC55, you would send CC55. Line 6 was smart and had the CC messages control the button as opposed to the effect. This is actually how I use it with my HX Stomp
I Did do a breakdown video on snapshots if you are interested: th-cam.com/video/gY67lxBrLHg/w-d-xo.html I don’t cover the midi but more details on snapshots 👍
Hey Scott - I've got a question maybe you can help me with. I set up a couple of CCs in Logic to switch a stompbox on and off, just like you showed, but I find that whenever I stop playback, the stompbox switches on again - and I notice in your vid it seems to do the same to you (8:12). Have you figured out a way to stop that happening?
Hey, no I have not figured out why it does that. Really odd. So if you have to restart a song from somewhere in the middle for some reason you just have to manually make sure everything is set where it needs to be. It was never a problem performing live, and only at rehearsal would we stop and restart in the middle of a song. If anyone finds out the answer, I would love to know.
You can manually assign a midi cc in on the Helix to each foot switch. I used midi CC 120-127 for all the Footswitches. Using the pre programmed midi cc in the line6 manual is problematic.
Hi man! Thanks a lot for your very useful videos about this topic. Can I ask you one more thing? If the Mac that plays the backing tracks/click and the Mac that sends MIDI messages for the Helix are two different Macbooks, is there any chance to synchronize the two Logic projects? Thanks again!
I would imagine that is possible, but I personally have never done that. It would be something I would be interested in. If you find the answer, please let me know, thanks!
Really helpful! But I was wondering if you could help with a small problem. Whenever I press the spacebar it seems like logic is sending some midi information to my Helix. It turns on and off certain stomp effects. This problem is compunded by the fact that I have a few Midi Meta events telling the playhead to stop after a song. Anything you would know how to fix?
Are you doing this in Logic? I know in some DAWs you can program things like the Space Bar to send a midi message. Check your Logic Pro Key Commands to see if Space Bar is sending something midi. Also, this is why you should set your Helix to read on a different midi channel. Try setting your Helix to read on Channel 4 or something and see if it still does it.
Hi ! Great vid :) Do you think it'd work to send the midi orders directly into the midi in of the helix rack amp ? I'm looking to automate the effects via midi but don't own a helix control pedal. Thanks !
thanks for that video. As a bass player I want to model a sound, where I want to double my bass signal with an pitch shifted signal (with seperate effects) to sound like a bass doubled by a guitar. I could not get this to work since I cannot find a pitch shifter in the helix that is just shifting my signal one oktave higher. Am I missing something?
@@ScottUhlMusic Thanks a lot for feedback! I also figured (and learned in your videos :-) ) that I run out of DSP pretty fast, i.p. when using amps. I just got me a helix stomp xl. Is it expandable with memory, is it is expandable with sounds? I found expansion pacakges on the helix website but they don't seem to be made for the stomp... thanks anyway, your helix rookie ;-)
You don’t get more DSP with any of them, that isn’t possible. And yeah the Poly Pitch is a DSP hog for sure! So you will definitely run out with that one haha. Using the bottom path is a good way to get the DSP problem less for sure. You still can run out, but you get more if you use both paths.
Helix, logic user… I ‘m confident with Logic and MainStage - but I have no idea how to “program” a full set list in logic. So I purchased Abelton Live. Any idea how to export the midi commands and import it in Live to trigger the helix and voice live??? Or a way to build set lists with logic/MainStage with midi commands?
Thanks - Any idea how to program a whole set list with Logic? or do you use an app? I ask because I want to retain the midi controls as I export the songs (or run it from logic (Abelton is not user friendly) IMO @@ScottUhlMusic
Is there a way to use the helix to trigger commands in your daw to start and stop backing tracks with a click and all that? I've seen some bands seemingly doing that but they are secret about their setup. Can't find anything online.
I know there definitely is a way to do this. I believe it's in the Command Center. I did this with my old POD HD500, so I know it's possible on the Helix. I've never done it though. Look into the details on the Command Center. And a few google searches should be able to help. I googled "helix send midi" and the 2nd results was The "Unofficial" Helix MIDI Guide | The Gear Page. Try there and see if that helps.
I noticed while reviewing this yet again that at 1 minute and 50 seconds that it changed from GarageBand to logic pro. Is there anything significant with this?
Do you know if it's possible to send command changes at a specific time using the Multitracker app ? (I could only figure out how to send program changes)
That’s funny, I’m literally working on a video on MultiTracker now. It won’t be out for a while, but yes you definitely can send midi. You export a midi file into the app as a .mid file and it works well 👍
@@ScottUhlMusic Good to hear and good timing ! I couldn't find any documentation regarding CC in the Multitracker user guide, so I kinda gave up. Do you know where I could find an example of a midi file that could be imported in Multitracker ?
It looks to me that unlike my Line 6 Echo/Mod/Filter Pros, you can only “press the button” on stomp boxes with MIDI thus toggling on/off only. Is there no way to switch an effect ON or OFF definitively with different MIDI commands?
Not that I know of... definitely don't think it's possible with the Helix. If you are using software/VSTs you likely will be able to make that work... or at least work in a similar way
Is there an app for the Mac that will send MIDI over USB to my XR-18? The Logic thing works, but short of programming EVERY song I have in Logic, if I only have a couple of MIDI cc's to send for various scenarios, being able to just click within an app much like the iPad/iPhone wirelessly (with wireless MIDI controller) is what I'm looking for. Or the iOS app that is standalone (not OnSong) that I can get the USB dongle or also do wireless. Thanks!
@@ScottUhlMusic agreed! I think I’ve simplified it knowing these program changes and just need a simple delivery vehicle. If I can’t do it with iPad or MacBook, I’ll find a simple foot pedal solution. I did order one of the new wireless ones WIDI that you reviewed. I’ll check out DMXIS for OS X. I appreciate your continued replies to my myriad of questions!
@@ScottUhlMusic Yes! 🙄Well trying to find some way to send MIDI commands from a Mac appears to be daunting! I just want like four buttons to send Program Changes. The struggle is real!
It doesn’t matter where your pedals are in the chain, it just depends on what actions each of the buttons do. If you button 1 changes to snapshot 1, then that’s what the midi message will do. If button 1 turns on distortion, that’s what the midi send will do. It doesn’t matter where anything is in the chain.
To connect multiple MIDI devices, you use the Out or Thru port. So you would go Computer Out to MIDI In on Axe Fx 1. Then on MIDI OUT (or THRU) of Axe Fx 1 into Axe Fx2.
I love my HX Stomp as well. But I'm not sure what you are asking. Does the tuner send midi? Not that I know of. Certain button presses will send midi messages, and the Stomp can receive midi messages (I program mine similar to the way I do in this video). But I don't believe the tuner can send messages specifically if that's what you are asking
@@ScottUhlMusic my question is you can tell the hx stom via midi with ableton live to turn on and off the tuner on the hx Like the snapshots or the presets.
@@santiagollorente9285 I think so. I haven't tried, but you can send midi commands to act like button 1, 2, or 3 has been pushed. So if button 3 is your tuner, and you send a midi message to act like button 3 was pushed you should be able to. But I'm not sure since a tuner is a "hold" not just a press. You would have to experiment with that
@@ScottUhlMusic that's right but if im in snapshot mode the 3 switches are for the snapshots. If I want to accsess the tuner I have to press other buttons.
@@santiagollorente9285 I have a little MXR tap tempo pedal attached in the EXP input for my HX Stomp which I set to control my tap tempo and tuner. Use that and program it to FS 4 I believe?
Great video but I got the impression I should have watched something else first...CMD click for creating a midi region flummoxed me , what does the CMD bit do that an ordinary click doesn't?
This is the 5th video in the series. I would recommend watching from the beginning if something was a little confusing to you. Command Click is just a shortcut tool. Regular click does one thing (that you assign Logic to do), but command click does another thing (that you assign Logic to do). I have it set in this video to the pencil tool, which will allow me to draw empty midi data on a midi track. If you are interested in learning more, google "command click logic" and the first article that pops up should be able to help you out.
randallpatrickc I’m assuming that would work. Put Helix to slave for midi and Logic is master tempo. I’ve never tried it, but it sounds right in theory. I do like having the presets for the few shows that I don’t have the midi synced up for, so it’s nice to have too. Plus some songs I like a delay with more feedback and such.
In Logic you can draw in midi automation. Press "A" to open the automation, scroll down to to "MIDI Control 0-63" and select channel 1 (for exp 1... 2 for exp 2... 3 for exp 3). Then draw in the midi data from 0-127. Similar to how I control my TC Helicon voicelive in this video. Also, keep in mind that midi is weird. Sometimes CC1 on a unit is CC0 on your controller and vise versa. Try that as well.
Are you following the exact same steps as me in Logic? I'm curious as to why yours would be doing that. You can control setlist, program changes, and CC changes. Make sure you are doing the exact steps and let me know if it's still failing you.
i litterally need the opposite. I want to completely get rid of anything changing in the helix while my dt whammy external midi pedal is connected for only doing program change,expression and pitch shifting.
It does, you have to go into your global settings and turn on midi usb. I did a global settings breakdown of the helix if you need it: th-cam.com/video/4AezAmIiwXA/w-d-xo.html
If you guys are interested in programming your Helix/Music Gear with MIDI using an iPad/Tablet/Phone, I also made a video about that. Watch it here: th-cam.com/video/KCEtqHCf8aE/w-d-xo.html
just going through these videos and i'm learning a lot! when i got my helix i decided to buy helix native and i'm trying to use logic's automation controls so i don't have to even use my helix. it's a lot of work on the front end, but it's fun to play along with.
Thanks again Scott. Looking forward to trying this on the Midi Captain !
this is EXACTLY what I have been looking for! Thank you!
LOVING THIS! Now, can we use midi to change a Helix snapshot? Ex, Clean, dirty, lead depending on where we need those in the song?
Yup! You can send specifically for snapshots I believe on CC 69, or you can use this method and set it to snapshot mode and CC starting at 49 acts like each of the buttons are pushed 👍
Scott, absolutely love your content and promote it whenever I can! Question, do you have all of your songs on one Logic session so you don't have to run to your computer and load up each song? If so, how do you make it so you can pause the session between songs so you are not forced to bomb through every song in the session with out a pause? I imagine I can somehow program a button on the Helix to pause the Logic session and start again when you're ready for the next song.
Thanks Tom! And I use Stage Traxx and Ableton now. I go over how to pause songs in the 4th video in this series about about using a laptop 🤘
This is the most useful tutorial about the Helix so far on youtube...thanks...
By the way you have the same voice timbre as Tool's Drummer Dany Carey..minute on minute i'm focused on what you're saying and can't stop thinking subconsciously Dany's talking..
Have now just to figure out how it works in Cakewalk Sonar.
Very cool I can’t wait to do this!! I hate changing my board manually 🤘
It’s very nice to not have to pedal dance live!
Scott great stuff. Im a big fan of yours. I have a question. You show setting Up your helix to the voice live 3 do you have a video that shows how to set the voice live 3 settings in the VL3? I cannot find any of your videos that show that.. thank you in advance.
Thanks! And no, I don’t. Just what I went over in this video 👍
Just great , thanks for explaining the procedures with Logic Pro X in a really easy way 10/10
Glad it helped!
Thanks for your videos Scott! very useful and interesting :)
I'd like to ask you how to solve a strange thing as someone already mentioned in the comments. Every time I hit the space bar the stomp will randomly turn on or off. I use Logic and I have already checked the key commands . It's not clear what is messing up the helix. Could it be the usb cable? Instead of just using the midi cable?
if you like , let me know if you know how to solve it. Thanks for your time :)
Oh weird…. It’s probably not the space bar itself, but for some reason some midi command is triggered when you hit space. I’m honestly not sure, that’s very strange
This info is really great! I have the following question: I setup a project in Cubase with backing tracks for rehearsals and live playing, with arranger track, automation, etc. I’m running my voice and guitar through Cubase with effects. I have midi events to change guitar patches for every song but the patch will change only when the song starts playing (before it starts playing, the previous song patch will still remain selected. So if I want to play a chord with my guitar to preview the sound before launching the song, I will still be hearing the guitar patch from the previous song. ¿Any ideas for this?
Thank you so much for sharing all this things!
If I understand correctly, I would just put like 5 seconds of silence on the song you want to start playing and send a midi command to the new patch before the backing track starts. Then you can play a chord on the new patch before the backing track starts
Thank you Scott! very helpful tips!
Thanks for the explanation! Do you know if we can have mote than 127 Program Changes on Logic?
You only get 127 PC commands in general midi per midi channel
Hey Scott, Whats up man? Have you ever worked with the Line 6 M5? I cannot find PC or CC midi reference for this unit. I tried to send pc and cc to the unit via logic, and was super confusing. The lekato midi interface shows in logic, but the references in logic mean nothing without reference
I haven’t used the M5, so I’m not sure!
Great video. Do you know if it works same way with hxstomp? regards
Thanks! And yup, I did a specific video on it here: th-cam.com/video/iKFBNyAg19Q/w-d-xo.html
Great video! One question though, does this require a powerful computer to run smoothly live? Is this high cpu consuming? The last thing I would want is for Logic to go "System Overload" in the middle of a show haha.
Yes, you definitely need a powerful enough computer. If you are just sending audio and midi data you should be okay with a less-powerful computer or ipad. When you start putting plugins and vst's and run lights and visuals and stuff like that is when you really need a stronger computer.
Hi Scott, don't know if this is possible: I'd like to use the Helix & Firehawk1500 together.
Presently on the Helix; guitar into 1/4 guitar, xlr out to Firehawk then routed to xlr in, resulting in bypassing amp head & just using cabinet.
To use Firehawk amp on it's own I unplug Helix xlr & plug guitar into it's guitar input.
Instead of doing all this how do I route both together? Do I use a 4 cable method or midi, & how to configure?
I responded on your other post 👍
Scott I may have missed it but how do you make sure it’s in the correct user folder of your helix ? And there is an update to this for snapshot changes ?
That sounds more like a general helix question, so hopefully this video answers your question:
th-cam.com/video/hMDE8u1azls/w-d-xo.htmlsi=a8K85ggmu9a-rYFm
Scott based off your m live b beat video I’m thinking that’s easier way to go and I’ve just pulled the trigger on one . I’ll try this way as a potential backup method
GDay Scott, mate great tutes. Helping heaps. I have a similar setup to you (Logic, Helix, G4 IEM etc...). Is there any way to trigger different Helix Snapshots (with multiple stomp boxes - in different combos - selected for that Snapshot) using midi trigger commands in Logic?
Nice setup! Not sure I understand the question though…
@@ScottUhlMusic thanks for replying mate. I actually think I've worked it out (after watching your Helix vid again). With my snapshots, I change the combination of effects (i.e. Snapshot 1 might have both reverb and distortion on but Snapshot 2 might turns those two effects off but turn on flanger and delay). I use snapshots to avoid latency in patch changes. I was hoping a single midi command could select a snapshot and change the multiple effects on/off depending on their combinations (i.e. send a command to the Snapshot; not the individual patches). I think I have to do it by sending multiple midi commands simultaneously to each effect individually (one on/off/value command for each effect - so if I need two effects on and two effects on at the same time, I need to send four separate commands simultaneously - one to each effect and its required value. Will experiment and see. I may be goofing this completely.
You saved me so much time! Thank you...
Very nice! Looking forward to learn more of this Live techniques!.. thanks for the video.
thank you very much you helped me a lot. I wanted to control my helix with cubase and your video helped me
Hi i want to do same could you please tell me how you did it in cubase. Can I work over the usb/midi cable provided? Any help would be appreciated
Helpful. Can this be done with helix native ?
Yup, you can definitely program helix native with midi for sure. I did that with Ableton until I overloaded my computer with too many plugins to use it live haha
Hello Scott,
This video is very well done . As you know I'm using the B Beat like you. May you tell me how you make to use the MIDI file created on your DAW to be usable on the B. Beat. When I'm running Logic Pro X and my helix is connected with a USB to MIDI cable (UNO cable) everything is OK. I export the MIDI file, transfer it to the B. Beat, connect the MIDI out of the B. Beat to my MIDI IN of my Helix and noting works. Thanks for your help.
Interesting… that I don’t know why it wouldn’t work as I was able to get mine to work fine. Likely it’s the cable from the TRS midi out to 5pin midi. I tried using one and it didn’t work, but another one did. I linked to the one that worked in the description 👍
@@ScottUhlMusic Yes I think it's the MIDI cable. I bought the wrong one. For the B. Beat it's necessary to have a B type and I bought a A type. Waitong for the cable to be delivered and I will try. Thanks for your help.
Hi Scott, Thanks for your videos you are a Great Teacher and I have learnt very useful tips from you thank you very encouraging. My question is in this video you demonstrate how to control with MIDI. Can you export that midi programming as a single file from Logic which contains all the messages in it? Could the file be used in the M Live B Beat. I have watched that video you did and that help me decide to buy it which was one of the main reason. I use Reaper to organise my multi-tracks and now I am attempting to program the midi to control my FX pedals, NUX Cerberus and Voicelive 2. Everything seems to work whilst I have it all connected to Reaper fine. However after I export the file and put it into B Beat using the B Beat Manager it does not happen. I do have the midi type B adaptor running the a MOTU XT midi express. So everything works from Reaper, MacBook, MOTU too pedals. But no luck in B Beat and midi file. If you have any advise that would be much appreciated.
Thank You
Yeah you have to get the right midi adapter on the b beat. But if you export stuff as a single midi file will all the different commands on different channels for different devices, it should work 👍 that adapter has to be the correct one though!
@@ScottUhlMusic Ok I'll give it another go but I seem to have everything in order. I may change and try Logic as I have found out that it has Track & Region option for midi. I found another person had similiar issues and it was a matter of exporting the midi as a region so that all automation was in the region even though the automation was in the track. I can't find this option in Reaper so I may have to change to Logic 🙂
Really thank you! This is what we were looking for
Glad to help 🤘
Hey dude, this video really helped me a lot. The other day I saw a guy programming a Quad Cortex, He use a midi command to load an specific preset, Do you know how can I load my preset that way on my Helix? That would help me a lot to program the midi in my band's live shows.
Yup, using this method exactly. Program changes will load the patches on the helix 👍
Nice tutorial. Very helpful. How do you control more than one midi device? A midi splitter.. Like your helix and your vocal processor.
Thanks! Daisy chaining or something like this: th-cam.com/video/iWPTYBq0VdA/w-d-xo.html
Exactly. Asante sana
Hey Scott, the CC number value doesn't quite matter cuz it just toggles the state of the footswitch.
However there is one weird thing that happens with me. As soon as I play or stop the session for some odd reason logic sends CC toggle to the unit. Does this happen with you as well? I noticed at the 8:12 mark that your Amp footswitch toggled as soon as you stopped the track if I observed correctly.
Yeah, it's weird how Logic does that. It doesn't do that in Ableton. For some reason, when you stop a track mid-way through it resends the last midi message. I never figured that out. But we never had to stop a song mid-way through haha, so it was never a problem. But it is still weird and annoying.
@@zakklee2556 I honestly cannot remember. I just remember that Logic is weird when you stop in the middle of playback. And sometimes when you are programming you'll find that you need to send a value of 1 (or less than half way) to turn something off, and sometimes 127 (or above half) in order to turn something on. Sometimes as long as it gets a CC note (of any value) it turns the device/button on/off. Each device is different.
Hey mate, have you found a fix for this?
@@InVisionsOfficial Hey, I finally came to conclude it's a logic bug and not specific to the Line 6 device. If you have some PC or CC messages configured in the midi track and you play/stop the session anywhere you can notice in the midi activity window on top that Logic triggers the previous midi command to the external device. Due to this issue everywhere on stage when my engineer would start/stop a track, some or the other pedal in my signal chain would get toggled. To deal with it I would make sure that my guitar is silent during the start or stop of a song. You can't be playing something and trigger the track in the middle of your playing.
I finally switched to Ableton Live for this reason.
@@9manav Hey Manav, that's exactly what we are experiencing. It's totally fine if you're running the set without pausing the tracks which we don't normally do anyway. But should we have to pause the tracks the last thing we want to do is have to perform a recovery on the MIDI settings. Looks like the move to Cubase now they're removed the need for a dongle just jumped up the timescale! Thanks!
Hey Scott - great video - I found that using the line6 preprogrammed midi cc numbers from the line6 manual to toggle the foot switches on and off was problematic. I’m using studio one - so that might be the issue…. However I found that you can manually assign a midi in cc number to each foot switch on the Helix. Then just add the corresponding midi cc message in the DAW and a value under 50% turns it off and a value over 50% turns it on. This is a better way to toggle the foot switches via the DAW IMHO.
Interesting. I haven’t had that problem, but I’m glad you figured out a solution 🤘
This is awesome Scott, I'm going to do this tomorrow on my GX-100 for our whole show (I have 26 banks for 26 songs and loads of patches). I'm wondering though, couldn't I just record the automation. Click record on Logic and push the pedals as I need them for each song? Then Logic would record the change data, no?
That could work! I never did it that way, but my understanding is that it will work 👍
@@ScottUhlMusic Thanks again Scott, I'll let you know how I get on
Nice one! Works for Quad Cortex too.
Yup! This method will work on anything that accepts midi 👍
Thanks Scott! What about just changing from snapshot to snapshot on a song preset?
It works the same way, it just depends on how your helix is set up. If you are in snapshot mode, and you want to go to the snapshot that is on the button that is controlled by CC55, you would send CC55. Line 6 was smart and had the CC messages control the button as opposed to the effect. This is actually how I use it with my HX Stomp
Very useful tutorial, thanks. Do you know how to trigger snapshot changes in the Helix, by any chance? Is it just a different prog change or a cc?
Don't worry - found it in the Helix manual. It's cc 69 with a value of 0-7.
I Did do a breakdown video on snapshots if you are interested: th-cam.com/video/gY67lxBrLHg/w-d-xo.html I don’t cover the midi but more details on snapshots 👍
Hey Scott - I've got a question maybe you can help me with. I set up a couple of CCs in Logic to switch a stompbox on and off, just like you showed, but I find that whenever I stop playback, the stompbox switches on again - and I notice in your vid it seems to do the same to you (8:12). Have you figured out a way to stop that happening?
Hey, no I have not figured out why it does that. Really odd. So if you have to restart a song from somewhere in the middle for some reason you just have to manually make sure everything is set where it needs to be. It was never a problem performing live, and only at rehearsal would we stop and restart in the middle of a song. If anyone finds out the answer, I would love to know.
@@ScottUhlMusic Thanks for the reply Scott - glad it's not just me being a midiot!
@@ScottUhlMusic Has anyone figured out a solution for this? @sentientfootwear
You can manually assign a midi cc in on the Helix to each foot switch. I used midi CC 120-127 for all the Footswitches. Using the pre programmed midi cc in the line6 manual is problematic.
Hi man!
Thanks a lot for your very useful videos about this topic.
Can I ask you one more thing? If the Mac that plays the backing tracks/click and the Mac that sends MIDI messages for the Helix are two different Macbooks, is there any chance to synchronize the two Logic projects?
Thanks again!
I would imagine that is possible, but I personally have never done that. It would be something I would be interested in. If you find the answer, please let me know, thanks!
Thanks for the answer!
Absolutely, I’ll write the process here when I’ll discover how to do it.
Really helpful!
But I was wondering if you could help with a small problem.
Whenever I press the spacebar it seems like logic is sending some midi information to my Helix. It turns on and off certain stomp effects.
This problem is compunded by the fact that I have a few Midi Meta events telling the playhead to stop after a song.
Anything you would know how to fix?
Are you doing this in Logic? I know in some DAWs you can program things like the Space Bar to send a midi message. Check your Logic Pro Key Commands to see if Space Bar is sending something midi. Also, this is why you should set your Helix to read on a different midi channel. Try setting your Helix to read on Channel 4 or something and see if it still does it.
Hi ! Great vid :)
Do you think it'd work to send the midi orders directly into the midi in of the helix rack amp ?
I'm looking to automate the effects via midi but don't own a helix control pedal.
Thanks !
I have an HX Stomp and a Helix Floor, so I cannot 100% confirm, but I'm 99% positive you should be able to if the Rack has a midi in for sure
@@ScottUhlMusic Nice ! Thank you for the answer.
And i assume that the rack works with the same midi logic as the helix floor ?
@@baptistelouis9234 Yup, that would be my guess.
thanks for that video. As a bass player I want to model a sound, where I want to double my bass signal with an pitch shifted signal (with seperate effects) to sound like a bass doubled by a guitar. I could not get this to work since I cannot find a pitch shifter in the helix that is just shifting my signal one oktave higher. Am I missing something?
There is definitely a shifter. You can also update to the latest version and get the poly pitch shift, which is awesome!
@@ScottUhlMusic Thanks a lot for feedback! I also figured (and learned in your videos :-) ) that I run out of DSP pretty fast, i.p. when using amps. I just got me a helix stomp xl. Is it expandable with memory, is it is expandable with sounds? I found expansion pacakges on the helix website but they don't seem to be made for the stomp... thanks anyway, your helix rookie ;-)
You don’t get more DSP with any of them, that isn’t possible. And yeah the Poly Pitch is a DSP hog for sure! So you will definitely run out with that one haha. Using the bottom path is a good way to get the DSP problem less for sure. You still can run out, but you get more if you use both paths.
Helix, logic user… I ‘m confident with Logic and MainStage - but I have no idea how to “program” a full set list in logic. So I purchased Abelton Live. Any idea how to export the midi commands and import it in Live to trigger the helix and voice live??? Or a way to build set lists with logic/MainStage with midi commands?
Ableton is different, but they are pretty straightforward for sending midi and midi routing. I don’t have a video on it, but I know they are on TH-cam
Thanks - Any idea how to program a whole set list with Logic? or do you use an app? I ask because I want to retain the midi controls as I export the songs (or run it from logic (Abelton is not user friendly) IMO
@@ScottUhlMusic
Is there a way to use the helix to trigger commands in your daw to start and stop backing tracks with a click and all that? I've seen some bands seemingly doing that but they are secret about their setup. Can't find anything online.
I know there definitely is a way to do this. I believe it's in the Command Center. I did this with my old POD HD500, so I know it's possible on the Helix. I've never done it though. Look into the details on the Command Center. And a few google searches should be able to help. I googled "helix send midi" and the 2nd results was The "Unofficial" Helix MIDI Guide | The Gear Page. Try there and see if that helps.
I noticed while reviewing this yet again that at 1 minute and 50 seconds that it changed from GarageBand to logic pro. Is there anything significant with this?
I only use Logic Pro, but you can do this with basically any DAW
Do you know if it's possible to send command changes at a specific time using the Multitracker app ? (I could only figure out how to send program changes)
That’s funny, I’m literally working on a video on MultiTracker now. It won’t be out for a while, but yes you definitely can send midi. You export a midi file into the app as a .mid file and it works well 👍
@@ScottUhlMusic Good to hear and good timing ! I couldn't find any documentation regarding CC in the Multitracker user guide, so I kinda gave up. Do you know where I could find an example of a midi file that could be imported in Multitracker ?
You create it in logic or something like that and then export as midi 🤘
@@the_guy_next_door_31 You'll create the midi file in Logic (or a DAW) and then "export as midi" file. That's how I do it.
I came here from your recent video. Could you use this MIDI device for using Guitar Rig?
Thanks for checking out the video! Do you mean you will use the helix to control Guitar Rig? The plug-in?
It looks to me that unlike my Line 6 Echo/Mod/Filter Pros, you can only “press the button” on stomp boxes with MIDI thus toggling on/off only. Is there no way to switch an effect ON or OFF definitively with different MIDI commands?
Not that I know of... definitely don't think it's possible with the Helix. If you are using software/VSTs you likely will be able to make that work... or at least work in a similar way
Is there an app for the Mac that will send MIDI over USB to my XR-18? The Logic thing works, but short of programming EVERY song I have in Logic, if I only have a couple of MIDI cc's to send for various scenarios, being able to just click within an app much like the iPad/iPhone wirelessly (with wireless MIDI controller) is what I'm looking for. Or the iOS app that is standalone (not OnSong) that I can get the USB dongle or also do wireless. Thanks!
Midi is just time consuming no matter what you use unfortunately. You might look into Show Buddy by DMXIS, that might be easier?
@@ScottUhlMusic agreed! I think I’ve simplified it knowing these program changes and just need a simple delivery vehicle. If I can’t do it with iPad or MacBook, I’ll find a simple foot pedal solution. I did order one of the new wireless ones WIDI that you reviewed. I’ll check out DMXIS for OS X. I appreciate your continued replies to my myriad of questions!
@@ScottUhlMusic Tried the Show Buddy demo but won't run on my M1 Macbook unfortunately.
@@scottbakernc Ah... of course! That never ending struggle of the computer upgrade not working with software. Sorry man.
@@ScottUhlMusic Yes! 🙄Well trying to find some way to send MIDI commands from a Mac appears to be daunting! I just want like four buttons to send Program Changes. The struggle is real!
How can I do this with both Chains in the Helix?
I have to use 1 Bass and 1 Guitar with programmed changes
It doesn’t matter where your pedals are in the chain, it just depends on what actions each of the buttons do. If you button 1 changes to snapshot 1, then that’s what the midi message will do. If button 1 turns on distortion, that’s what the midi send will do. It doesn’t matter where anything is in the chain.
How do get actually midi note info for recording from the Helix to daw?
That would be sending midi to the DAW. Hopefully this video helps: th-cam.com/video/EJ_bCKH8rmk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=R6lP8ECfOIUWS2gn
Do you know if reaper does this?
Reaper should be able to send midi. I’ve never used it, but it would be a pretty awful paid DAW if it cannot send midi
can the looper in the helix be controlled by midi ?
Yup!
I have a question? If i have two axe fx for two guitarists.how to connect midi with two axe fx?
To connect multiple MIDI devices, you use the Out or Thru port. So you would go Computer Out to MIDI In on Axe Fx 1. Then on MIDI OUT (or THRU) of Axe Fx 1 into Axe Fx2.
Any way for us to send the midi destination to helix midi in via USB for CC.
Yup 👍 set it up in global settings and it will work. That’s how I use it
@@ScottUhlMusic
Could you do a quick video explaining it step by step on logic ?
Nice video, i have the hx stomp, you know if i can accsess the tuner sending some midi message?
I love my HX Stomp as well. But I'm not sure what you are asking. Does the tuner send midi? Not that I know of. Certain button presses will send midi messages, and the Stomp can receive midi messages (I program mine similar to the way I do in this video). But I don't believe the tuner can send messages specifically if that's what you are asking
@@ScottUhlMusic my question is you can tell the hx stom via midi with ableton live to turn on and off the tuner on the hx Like the snapshots or the presets.
@@santiagollorente9285 I think so. I haven't tried, but you can send midi commands to act like button 1, 2, or 3 has been pushed. So if button 3 is your tuner, and you send a midi message to act like button 3 was pushed you should be able to. But I'm not sure since a tuner is a "hold" not just a press. You would have to experiment with that
@@ScottUhlMusic that's right but if im in snapshot mode the 3 switches are for the snapshots. If I want to accsess the tuner I have to press other buttons.
@@santiagollorente9285 I have a little MXR tap tempo pedal attached in the EXP input for my HX Stomp which I set to control my tap tempo and tuner. Use that and program it to FS 4 I believe?
Great video but I got the impression I should have watched something else first...CMD click for creating a midi region flummoxed me , what does the CMD bit do that an ordinary click doesn't?
This is the 5th video in the series. I would recommend watching from the beginning if something was a little confusing to you. Command Click is just a shortcut tool. Regular click does one thing (that you assign Logic to do), but command click does another thing (that you assign Logic to do). I have it set in this video to the pencil tool, which will allow me to draw empty midi data on a midi track. If you are interested in learning more, google "command click logic" and the first article that pops up should be able to help you out.
very cool
Do you have a video on how you control your voicelive?
StickySprite I don't, but TC Helicon did here: th-cam.com/video/Bt_JZX3R2x0/w-d-xo.html
You could just get tempo from Logic rather than have separate presets with different songs tempos (I guess). Helpful video tks.
randallpatrickc I’m assuming that would work. Put Helix to slave for midi and Logic is master tempo. I’ve never tried it, but it sounds right in theory. I do like having the presets for the few shows that I don’t have the midi synced up for, so it’s nice to have too. Plus some songs I like a delay with more feedback and such.
Scott - actually I just tried it this evening and as you say, Helix slaves nicely. Finding your vid very helpful - tks :-)
I’m struggling with the expression pedal. The more I look it up the more it seems like you can’t automate the expression pedal through a daw
In Logic you can draw in midi automation. Press "A" to open the automation, scroll down to to "MIDI Control 0-63" and select channel 1 (for exp 1... 2 for exp 2... 3 for exp 3). Then draw in the midi data from 0-127. Similar to how I control my TC Helicon voicelive in this video. Also, keep in mind that midi is weird. Sometimes CC1 on a unit is CC0 on your controller and vise versa. Try that as well.
Doesn´t work. I do it in the same way but helix switch between setlists when i change program change numbers. Mmh.
Are you following the exact same steps as me in Logic? I'm curious as to why yours would be doing that. You can control setlist, program changes, and CC changes. Make sure you are doing the exact steps and let me know if it's still failing you.
i litterally need the opposite. I want to completely get rid of anything changing in the helix while my dt whammy external midi pedal is connected for only doing program change,expression and pitch shifting.
Using this method you don’t have to touch the helix
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
does someone know why using the same method with a USB cable doesn't work at all?
It does, you have to go into your global settings and turn on midi usb. I did a global settings breakdown of the helix if you need it: th-cam.com/video/4AezAmIiwXA/w-d-xo.html
@@ScottUhlMusic midi over usb is already active..
just seen your vid..my settings are the same as yours..