devices · Helix Rack · reference · questions and answers
questions and answers
does the Helix Rack come with footswitches?
No. Helix Control is a separate purchase. A Rack on its own is driven from its front panel, which suits a studio but not a stage.
what's the difference between the Helix Rack and the Helix Floor?
The sound engine is identical. The Rack adds wordclock, AES/EBU and S/PDIF inputs, and a buffered guitar thru. The Floor has a built-in expression pedal and its footswitches included. Everything else is the same.
how does Helix Control connect to the Helix Rack?
One Cat5 or etherCON cable into the port marked HELIX CONTROL. It carries control both ways and powers the board, so there is no second power supply to pack.
why is the guitar input on the front of the Helix Rack?
It is the only guitar input, placed there by design, with the same switchable pad and selectable impedance as the Floor's.
what is Guitar Thru on the Helix Rack for?
It passes your dry guitar signal straight out with no conversion, so you can feed a second processor or a real amp from the same instrument. The Floor does not have it.
can the Helix Rack take a digital input?
Yes. S/PDIF and AES/EBU both come in as well as out. This is rack-only. The Floor has digital outputs and no digital input.
why did my reverb cut off when I changed preset?
Changing preset unloads and reloads everything. Turn on Preset Spillover (hold ACTION and press HOME) and trails carry across, at the cost of losing Path 2.
why won't my Helix Rack let me add another amp?
Four amps per preset, two per path. That is a hard cap, not a DSP limit.
what amp is Brit 2203 on the Helix Rack?
A Marshall JCM-800, 100 watt, model 2203. The Rack has the same 440 models as every other Helix, and Line 6 publish what each one is based on.
does Helix Control need its own power supply?
Not normally. The rack powers it down the Cat5. It has a DC IN jack for very long cable runs, using a Line 6 DC-3 adapter.
what is the USB port on Helix Control for?
Nothing yet. Line 6 label it reserved for future use. Connect your computer to the rack's USB port.
how do I get rid of hum on my Helix Rack?
Press the GND/LIFT switch on the rear panel, beside the XLR outputs. It is a physical button.