devices · Helix LT · reference · MIDI

MIDI

What a controller can reach, the three messages that recall a sound, and how one preset can serve several songs.
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using it
firmware
Helix LT 3.80
The shape of it

On Helix, the CC numbers are fixed

The CCs above are reserved for global functions and cannot be learned as controllers. If you try, the modeler puts up a dialog saying so. If a MIDI controller set up for another brand does nothing here, check its CC numbers. They may collide with the reserved list, or be numbers Helix does not listen to.

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual
recalling a preset takes three messages

CC#32 picks the setlist, a Program Change picks the preset within it, and CC#69 picks the snapshot. The Setlist menu prints the exact three values for whatever is selected.

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual
it transmits as well as receives

Moving through presets on the hardware sends a matching Program Change out. If you do not want that, turn MIDI PC Send/Receive off in Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo.

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual
USB behaves exactly like the DIN jacks

MIDI over USB carries the same messages in both directions. On Windows, install Line 6's ASIO driver first. macOS, iPad and iPhone need nothing.

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual
clock goes both ways

Helix can send MIDI clock to sync other pedals and software to its tap tempo. It can also receive clock to sync its own delays and modulation to a DAW or drum machine. When it is following incoming clock the TAP LED flashes blue instead of red.

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual
presets can send their own MIDI

Command Center lets a preset fire CC, Bank/Program, MMC and other messages when it loads. Changing a Helix preset can then change your amp's channel or a rack unit's patch too.

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual
Reserved CCs

What a controller can reach

CC#69

Snapshot select

Values 0–7 pick snapshots 1–8. A value of 8 is next and 9 is previous. Use it for song sections.

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual
CC#32

Setlist select

Bank LSB. Values 0–7, one per setlist.

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual
CC#0

Bank MSB

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual
CC#72

Previous / next preset

0–63 previous, 64–127 next.

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual
CC#64

Tap tempo

Values 64–127.

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual
CC#68

Tuner on and off

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual
CC#71

The MODE switch

Flips footswitch mode remotely, for when the board is out of reach.

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual
CC#49–59

Footswitches FS1–FS11 and the EXP toe switch

Each switch's current function, whatever mode the modeler is in.

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual
CC#1–3

Expression pedals 1, 2 and 3

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual
CC#60–67

Looper controls

Record/overdub, play/stop, play once, undo, forward/reverse, half speed, and the looper block itself.

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual · HX Stomp 3.80 Owner's Manual
CC#75–80

Parameter knobs 1–6

Global control of whatever the six knobs currently show.

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual
CC#81

Page left and right

0–63 left, 64–127 right.

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual
setlists

Send the snapshot straight after the preset

A CC#69 snapshot change sent during a preset load is buffered and applied once the load finishes. Send a Program Change immediately followed by CC#69 and you land on a preset with a different snapshot than the one it was saved with. Use it to build a setlist where one preset serves several songs.

Helix 3.80 Owner's Manual

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