Line 6 Helix Native User Manual

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PILOT'S GUIDE

A guide to the features and functionality of the Line 6 Helix Native plug-in

Contents

Welcome to Helix Native Plug-in 3

Requirements and Installation 3 Purchasing the Software License 5 Authorizing your Computer 5

Workﬂow 7

About Plug-ins 7 What’s in it for Me? 7 Marketplace 7

Quick Start 8

Live Input Monitoring Through Helix Native Plug-in 10 Optimizing the Input Level 10 GUI Overview 11 Customizing the Helix Native Plug-in Window 11 My Account Menu 11

Preset Compatibility with Helix Devices 12

HX Edit Application 12 Input & Output Block Settings 12 Send, Return, FX Loop & Looper Blocks 13 Impulse Responses 13 Hardware Controller Assignments 13 Computer Processing Management 14

Presets Panel 15

Helix Native Factory Presets 15 Premium Marketplace Presets 15 Loading Presets 16 Importing and Exporting Helix Preset Files 16 Renaming, Reordering, Copying and Pasting Presets 17 Importing and Exporting Setlists 17 Importing and Exporting Helix Bundles 18

Impulses Panel 19

What are Impulse Responses? 19 Importing and Exporting Impulse Responses 19 Copying, Pasting, Renaming & Clearing IRs 20

Working in the Plug-in Editor 21

Navigating with the Next/Previous Preset Buttons 21 Using the Preset File Menu 22 Editing the Tempo 22

Working with Snapshots 24

The Snapshots Menu 24 Snapshots > Block Bypass 24 Snapshots > Parameter Control 25

The Signal Flow Window 27

Master Input & Output Level Controls 27 Adding, Clearing & Bypassing Blocks 27 Cutting, Copying & Pasting Blocks 28 Drag and Drop Blocks 29 Block Order and Stereo Imaging 29 Moving Blocks & Arranging the Signal Flow 29 Signal Routing Examples 30

The Edit Tab 33

Selecting Models 33 Availability of Models within the Model Browser 33 Editing Model Parameters 34 Note Sync 34 Editing Input, Output, Split & Merge Blocks 35 Editing Send, Return, FX Loop & Looper Blocks 35

The Automation/Controller Assign Tab 36

About Plug-in Parameter Automation 36 Controller Assignment for Automation 36 Editing Options for an Existing Automation Controller

Assignment 38 Removing or Replacing an Existing Automation

Controller Assignment 39 MIDI Bypass & Controller Assignment 41 Global Reserved MIDI CCs 42

Preferences 44

The Preferences Window 44

Marketplace & Account Options 46

Marketplace 46 The My Account Menu Options 47 Account Sign In / Sign Out 47 Authorize / Deauthorize your Computer 48

Model Lists 49

Eects Models 49

Amp Models 54 Speaker Cabinet Models 56 Microphone Models 57

Additional Resources 59

Line 6, the Line 6 logo, Helix, HX Stomp, HX Eects, M13, M9, M5, DL4, DM4, MM4, FM4, Ampeg, SVT, and Portaex are trademarks or registered trademarks of Yamaha Guitar Group,

Inc. in the U.S. and/or other jurisdictions. Apple, Mac, OS X, macOS, and Logic Pro are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Windows is a registered

trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Cubase and VST are registered trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. Avid and Pro

Tools are registered trademarks of Avid Technology, Inc.

Welcome to Helix Native Plug-in

Thank you for purchasing the Line 6® Helix® Native software, one of the most powerful

and exible native multi-processing audio plug-ins ever created. Not just for guitarists,

the Helix Native plug-in is also ideal for producers and engineers, sound designers,

lm/TV/game composers, electronic musicians, and anyone else seeking to craft new and exciting sounds and special eects. This guide covers the features & functionality

of Helix Native plug-in v1.71.

The Helix Native plug-in truly is the same set of astounding amps, cabs & eects as

included within the ground-breaking Line 6 Helix® hardware multi-eects units, and shares the same simple user interface and workow as the Line 6 HX Edit editor appli- cation for Helix family devices.* Due to this design, all presets you create in Helix Native plug-in are compatible and transferable to Helix hardware units via the HX Edit application, so you can take your presets from studio to the stage—and back again! We hope it helps drive your search for tonal bliss and spawns years of creativity.

Requirements and Installation

Ready to jump in? The latest Helix Native installer for Mac & Windows® computers can be downloaded anytime from line6.com/software. Once installed, a free 15-day trial is available, allowing you to fully try the software on your system. After 15 days, you are required to purchase and authorize the Helix Native plug-in to continue using it on your system. Please check the requirements below to make sure your computer and DAW software meet the minimum requirements.

System Requirements

To follow are the requirements to install and use the Helix Native software on your DAW computer system. Note that Helix Native is a 64-bit plug-in and, therefore, requires that your host DAW application supports 64-bit plug-ins.

Mac Computers:

• Mac OS X 10.10 and 10.11, and macOS 10.12 and later

• 64-bit AAX Native, Audio Units (AU), VST

• Supported sample rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, and 96kHz

Windows Computers:

• Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 (64-bit versions only)

• 64-bit AAX Native, VST (VST2 or VST3) host DAW software

• Supported sample rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, and 96kHz

Minimum Hardware Requirements

• Dual-Core 2.0GHz processor or faster

• 4GB of RAM

• 100MB of free disk space

• Internet connection required for license authorization, use of trial version, and

for the initial license synchronization of Marketplace premium assets. (The use of premium presets and Impulse Responses purchased from Marketplace requires Helix Native version 1.70, or later)

(VST2 or VST3) host DAW software

The Helix Native plug-in

*NOTE: Presets are not compatible between the Line 6 HX devices (HX Stomp™

and HX Eects™) and Helix Native plug-in - please see “Preset Compatibility with

Helix Devices” on page 12.

Installing the Helix Native Plug-in

The rst step is to sign in to your Line 6 User Account. If you don't already have one, just go ahead and create one now at line6.com/account - it's free! Then follow the steps below.

NOTE: An Internet connection is required for the computer on which you want to install and run the Helix Native trial version, as well as for license authorization & deauthorization. License authorization on your computer is required for the use of Helix Native plug-in and for the import & export of purchased Marketplace premium assets. See page 5.

NOTE: The use of premium presets and IRs from the Line 6 Marketplace requires Helix Native version 1.70 (or later). Once Helix Native 1.70 has been installed, it is necessary to uninstall Helix Native before installing any earlier Helix Native version (see “Removing Helix Native Plug-in” on page 6).

1. Once signed in, you can head directly to the Line 6 Online Store and purchase your Helix Native license (see “Purchasing the Software License” on page 5), or proceed to the next step to install the Helix Native software on your computer and optionally choose the 15-day free trial.

2. Proceed to the line6.com/software page and download the Helix Native installer for your Mac or Windows system.

*NOTE: If your host DAW application supports VST3, it is recommended that

you do not also install the older VST2 format (VST2 is not selected by default). The VST2 format is oered for users that have host DAW applications that do not yet support VST3 plug-ins.

On Windows installation, if you do choose to install VST2, you'll be prompted to enter a custom install location. Please take note of the VST2 install location you choose since your host DAW may require that you manually dene this VST2 directory within its Preferences to allow its VST2 scan to nd it.

4. Once the installation is complete, simply launch your host DAW application and

it will typically scan and nd the Line 6 Helix Native plug-in and list it within its

audio plug-in insert menus.

5. Insert the Helix Native plug-in on a track in your DAW project (see “Quick Start”

on page 8 for help, if needed). You'll initially see the license authorization

screen.

• If You Have Already Purchased a Helix Native License - You'll be prompted

to authorize the computer for this license - please skip ahead to “Authorizing

your Computer” on page 5.

• If You Have Not Yet Purchased a Helix Native License - You can either

choose to purchase now (see next section), or start a 15-day free trial. Once the trial expires, it is necessary to purchase and then authorize the computer with which you will be using Helix Native, or the plug-in will no longer be functional.

The Line 6 website's software downloads page

3. Once the download completes, exit your host DAW and all other applications, then run the installer and follow its steps to complete the installation. If desired, you can customize the installation to install only the format(s) you require (AAX, AU, VST3 or VST2) for your particular host DAW application.*

Mac - Custom install options

(click the Customize button to access options)

Windows - Custom install options

Helix Native plug-in's purchase & trial mode options

NOTE: Once you've started the free trial version, you'll see your remaining trial time displayed at the bottom right of the plug-in window.

Trial status indicator

You can purchase a Helix Native license online at any time during or after your trial period by simply clicking on this trial status indicator, or going directly to the Line 6 Online Store at https://shop.line6.com/.

Purchasing the Software License

The Helix Native license is available for purchase from the Line 6 Store.* Just add Helix Native to your shopping cart, checkout, and the license will be immediately deposited

into your Line 6 User Account. Alternatively, you can rst download and install the Helix Native software and then choose to purchase or run it as a free trial rst (see “Install-

ing the Helix Native Plug-in” on page 4). Once you've purchased the Helix Native

license, you then use the plug-in's Authorization screen to authorize your computer to run Helix Native, as covered in the following section.

*NOTE: By the time you read this, Helix Native may also be available from other music retailers. If purchased from one of these vendors, your purchased Helix Native license will be automatically deposited into your Line 6 account as part of the process.

NOTE: If you are the registered owner of a Line 6 Helix, Helix Rack, Helix LT device, or POD Farm software, you may qualify for a substantial discount on the purchase of Helix Native! Please see the purchase options on the Line 6 Store.

Authorizing your Computer

Before you can use Helix Native, your computer on which you will be running the plugin must be authorized for your purchased Helix Native license. Authorization is accomplished within the plug-in's built-in Authorization screen, via an Internet connection directly from your DAW computer. Once you've installed the Helix Native software, launch your host DAW application, insert an instance of the Helix Native plug-in on a track and launch the plug-in window. (Please see “Quick Start” on page 8 for help on how to insert Helix Native plug-in within a host DAW.)

1. Sign in - Once launched, the Helix Native Authorization screen is displayed, prompting you to sign in using your Line 6 User Account username and password. (Note that your username is typically the name you created when creating the account and not your email address!)

NOTE: Once a Helix Native license is purchased and your computer is success- fully authorized, you will no longer be prompted to sign in on each use. Being actively signed in is then only necessary to deauthorize and authorize your computer, and for the initial synchronization of licenses for newly purchased Marketplace assets.

Your computer must be in the “authorized” state to be able to import and export and utilize any premium assets purchased from the online Marketplace for use within Helix Native. If you plan on purchasing Marketplace premium assets, it is easiest just to remain signed in and authorized within Helix Native - this allows all your assets fully functional, and their licenses to remain synced. Please also see

“Marketplace & Account Options” on page 46.

The initial Helix Native Authorization - Sign In Screen

• If You Have an Existing Line 6 Account but Forgot Your Login - Click the

Forgot password/username? option and follow the steps to reset your login credentials.

• If You Don't Yet Have a Line 6 Account - Click the Create a Line 6 Account

link to create one. Or you can do that right now by going here - it's free!

2. Enter your username and password and click Sign In to proceed.

• If You Have Already Purchased a Helix Native License with this Line 6

Account - Upon signing in, select the Authorize Computer option and you

should see conrmation that your computer is now successfully authorized.*

You can now start using Helix Native!

• If You Have Not Yet Purchased a Helix Native License - You'll be informed

that no license was found on your Line 6 account, and you'll have the option to buy it now, or start a free trial.

Selecting Deauthorize Computer from the My Account menu

*NOTE: Line 6 permits you to have your purchased or trial mode Helix Native license authorized on a maximum of 4 of your own computers concurrently. To

move the license to a dierent computer, it is necessary to deauthorize on at least

one of these systems to free up an authorization to be used on another computer. For further assistance, please contact Line 6 Support.

Helix Native plug-in's purchase & trial mode options

*NOTE: Be sure to Sign In using the same Line 6 Account you used when making the Helix Native license purchase!

• To Purchase a Helix Native License - Click the Buy Helix Native button and

follow the steps on the secure Line 6 Online Store. Once complete, a Helix Native license will be deposited into your Line 6 account. Your purchased license will be found and Helix Native plug-in will authorize on your computer.

• To Use Helix Native in Trial Mode - Click the Start Free Trial button and

you'll be able to use the Helix Native plug-in without restriction on this computer for 15 days (an active Internet connection is required for the Trial Mode). You may be prompted to sign in for each session when using Helix Native in trial mode. After the trial period expires, Helix Native will no longer be functional unless you choose to purchase the Helix Native license.

NOTE: Once you've started the free trial version, you'll see your trial time remaining at the bottom right of the plug-in window. Click directly on this indicator if you wish to purchase your Helix Native license.

Deauthorizing - Moving to Another Computer

Once you have purchased the plug-in license and authorized your computer (or if using

the free trial version), if you wish to run Helix Native plug-on a dierent computer, it may be necessary that you rst deauthorize your current computer.*

To deauthorize, click on the My Account menu at the lower left of the plug-in window to Sign In to your Line 6 account, then choose Deauthorize Computer from this menu. (Also see page 48).

Removing Helix Native Plug-in

Should you ever desire to remove Helix Native from your computer system, rst quit

your host DAW application, then follow the instructions below.

NOTE: Before removing Helix Native, it is highly recommended to export your presets (see “Importing and Exporting Helix Preset Files”) and IRs (see “Import-

ing and Exporting Impulse Responses”) to make sure you have backups of them.

Mac

To uninstall each plug-in format, move the following files to the Trash:

• AU plug-in: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/Helix Native.component

• VST2 plug-in: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST/Line 6/Helix Native.vst

• VST3 plug-in: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST/Line 6/Helix Native.vst3

• AAX plug-in: /Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/Line 6/Helix

Native.aaxplugin (or, you can optionally drag the Helix Native.aaxplugin le

into the /Plug-Ins (Unused) folder)

Windows

To uninstall all plug-in formats:

• Choose Start > Control Panel (or, on Windows 10, choose Settings)

• Click Programs and Features (or, on Windows 10, choose System > Apps &

Features)

• Select Line 6 Helix Native Uninstaller from the list of installed applications

• Click Uninstall and follow the on-screen instructions to remove Helix Native

IMPORTANT! After removing Helix Native version 1.70 (or later), if you plan on installing a Helix Native version earlier than 1.70, you will need to clear your Preset and IR Libraries by using the Clear Preset Library and Clear IR Library options within the Preferences window of the next-installed Helix Native plug-in (see page 44).

Workﬂow

This guide contains details of the Helix Native plug-in's features and functionality. All behaviors are the same on Mac and Windows (and for all plug-in formats - AAX, AU,

VST3 & VST2) unless otherwise noted. For the most part, the many host DAW applications on the market work very similarly in respect to how you insert and utilize eects

plug-ins. However, each host may have some unique features and settings you'll want to take advantage of, so be sure to read through your host DAW application's user documentation as well.

About Plug-ins

There are many types of “plug-ins” in the world of software. Plug-ins are relatively small applications that can only run when loaded inside a compatible “host” software application, extending the capabilities of the host. In the world of DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) applications, audio plug-ins provide signal processing for your audio tracks and/or live audio input.

A helpful analogy for audio plug-ins is to think of them as eects pedals. Eects pedals change the tone of your instrument before the signal reaches your amplier. As with pedals, rack eects units, or any other conventional piece of outboard gear, plug-ins

provide familiar knobs, sliders & buttons for tweaking their parameters. Plug-ins process your track signal similarly, but since they run in real-time in your DAW host software, they are non-destructive, allowing you to continue tweaking their settings all the

way up until you do your nal DAW project mix-down!

What’s in it for Me?

Helix Native is much more than a one-trick audio processing plug-in. It allows you to

combine a multitude of amps, speaker cabs and eects in practically any signal routing

fashion you can imagine. Its integrated preset librarian and IR manager also allow you to easily customize, backup and manage your built-in library of tones. All is managed within its simple, but powerful, user interface. Also note that Helix Native is not just for guitar! The many included amp, preamp, delay, modulation, reverb, compressor,

distortion and other eects can be utilized on any types of recordings, for traditional or

other-worldly results.

If you own a Line 6 Helix® multi-eects device, then you eectively already know how to use Helix Native plug-in! Helix Native utilizes a similar user interface as the current Line 6 HX Edit* editor application, therefore, tone creation and preset management tasks are essentially the same. In fact, you can import Helix hardware-created presets and use them within Helix Native - and vice-versa!

*NOTE: HX Edit is the newest editor application for Helix family devices that are running rmware v2.20 or later, and it replaces the previous Helix application, which is the recommended editor application to be used for Helix family devices

running rmware earlier than v2.20. For best performance, and to take advantage

of all the newest features & functionality, it is recommended that you always use the latest available version of both the HX Edit application and Helix device rmware. Please also see “Preset Compatibility with Helix Devices” on page 12.

For those new to the Helix products family, although Helix Native plug-in may appear

complex at rst glance, it is designed in such a way that once you learn a few basic

concepts, you'll be able to construct both simple and complex tones at nearly the speed of thought, with very little deep diving required. It's a great idea to try the included Factory & Template presets as a starting point, which you can customize as desired to start building your own Helix tone collection.

NOTE: For even more details about individual Helix family models and capabili- ties, please also read through the Helix hardware and software Owner's Manuals

- available from line6.com/support/manuals.

Marketplace

Now open for business is the new Marketplace online shop, where you'll nd 3rd-party add-on assets that even further enhance the functionality of your Helix Native plug-in (and Helix device, if you own one). Available now are professionally crafted presets and IRs that can be instantly purchased and added to your Helix Native libraries. An Internet connection is required for the computer where you'll be using Helix Native to initially sync and authorize the licenses for the use of Marketplace premium assets. Please see

“Marketplace & Account Options” on page 46.

Quick Start

OK, we know you're eager to jump right in and give Helix Native a try on your tracks! To follow are steps for adding an instance of Helix Native plug-in within a host DAW application's audio track to get you up and running.

You will nd Helix Native within your host DAW application's plug-in insert menus along with all other audio eects plug-ins. The initial steps in any host DAW application are

as follows.

1. Create a Session or Project at a supported sample rate (44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz or 96kHz)

2. Create at least one audio track. Depending on your host DAW application, it

may oer options for “mono” or “stereo” type audio tracks, or just one common

audio track type that can record or import mono or stereo audio, depending upon the hardware input type you choose for the track. Either way, Helix Native

plug-in can be added into the eects insert of your audio track.

3. Either record some unprocessed “dry” electric guitar into the audio track, or

import an existing recorded audio le into the track so you have something for

playback.

4. Now you can proceed to insert an instance of Helix Native on this track by selecting it from the host DAW track's eects insert menu. To follow we've provided examples on several popular host DAW applications.

2. In the Eects menu, choose Helix Native. Note that Cubase oers both mono and stereo track types - you can simply choose the Helix Native plug-in and it

will conform to your Cubase track's input & output routing conguration.

3. You will then see the Helix Native plug-in appear in the Eects Insert window. Be sure to turn your monitoring system to a low level, then double-click a factory preset from the plug-in's Presets tab and hit Play to hear the results.

Cockos Reaper

Reaper is a full-featured host DAW available for both Mac and PC.

1. Select your audio track within your Reaper project. Within the track header at the left (or within the Reaper Mixer window's channel strip for this track), click on the FX track eects insert menu button.

Steinberg Cubase

The Cubase application is oered for both for Mac & PC. It supports the VST3 plug-in

format.

1. Select your audio track within the Cubase project. Within the track's Inspector at the left of the track (or within the Cubase Mixer window's channel strip for this track), click on one of the slot's menus in the Inserts section.

Inserting Helix Native plug-in on a Cubase Pro 9 audio track

Inserting Helix Native plug-in on a Reaper 5 audio track

2. In the FX window, choose the plug-in format type. On Mac, Reaper supports both the AU (Audio Units) and VST3 plug-in formats, so you can choose either. On PC, choose VST3. Select Line 6: Helix Native and click OK.

3. You will then see the Helix Native plug-in appear in the FX window. Be sure to turn your monitoring system to a low level, then double click a Factory preset from the plug-in's Presets tab and hit Play to hear the results.

NOTE: Some Mac host DAW applications allow you to use instances of plug-ins

of dierent format types (for example, in Reaper you can insert both VST and

AU type instances of Helix Native within the same project simultaneously). For some actions, such as changes within the Helix Native Preset or IR Libraries and

Preference options, changed settings will not take eect immediately across currently open Helix Native plug-in instances of dierent format types until you

close and re-open the plug-in windows.

Apple Logic Pro

Logic Pro is an extremely popular host DAW for Mac. It supports the Apple Audio Units (AU) plug-in format.

1. Select your audio track within the Logic Pro project. Within the track's Inspector channel strip (or within the Logic Pro Mixer window's channel strip for this track), click on the Audio FX track eects insert menu.

Inserting Helix Native plug-in on a Logic Pro X audio track

2. In the FX window, choose the Audio Units (AU) plug-in format type and select

Line 6 > Helix Native. Note that Logic Pro oers both mono and stereo track types, therefore, you'll have dierent sub-options depending on your track's

type:

• If inserting on a mono track - You'll have the option to choose either Mono

(the plug-in's output is summed to mono) or Mono->Stereo (the plug-in's output is stereo).

• If inserting on a stereo track - It is recommended to select the Stereo option

here, which provides stereo in/out processing. The Dual Mono option inserts two mono instances of the plug-in (each accessed via the L and R buttons at the top of the plug-in window). Each mono instance processes the left and right audio channels of the stereo track discretely, but this can quickly utilize a great deal of CPU power, so we don't recommend using it.

3. You will then see Helix Native appear within the plug-in window. Be sure to turn your monitoring system to a low level, then double click a Factory preset from the plug-in's Presets tab and hit Play to hear the results.

Avid

The Pro Tools host DAW application for is available for Mac & Windows. It supports the Avid AAX plug-in format.

1. Select your audio track within your Pro Tools project. Within the track header at

2. In the plug-in menu, choose Helix Native. Note that Pro Tools oers both mono

3. You will then see the Helix Native plug-in appear in the Eects Insert window. Be

Once you insert an instance of Helix Native and load a preset, the preset's contents are displayed within the Signal Flow Window, with model menus, parameters and automation control options available within the tabs of the Inspector Window.

Pro Tools

the left of the track (or within the Pro Tools Mixer window's channel strip for this track), click on one of the slot's menus in the Inserts section.

Inserting Helix Native plug-in on a Pro Tools mono audio track

and stereo track types, therefore, you'll have dierent sub-options depending

on your track's type:

• If inserting on a mono track (as shown above) - You'll have the option to

choose either mono (the plug-in's output is summed to mono) or mono/ stereo (the plug-in's output is stereo, assuming the track is routed to a stereo output).

• If inserting on a stereo track - Only a stereo option is oered here, which

provides stereo in/out processing. (Note that Pro Tools does oer a dual

mono option for some plug-ins, but this is not supported by Helix Native plug-in.)

sure to turn your monitoring system to a low level, then double-click a Factory preset from the plug-in's Presets tab and hit Play to hear the results.

TIP: Most host DAWs also allow you to insert plug-ins on Send, Bus or Aux track

types. Host DAWs dier slightly in their naming and features of these track types,

but their main purpose is to allow you to insert a single instance of your plug-in and then route the output of any number of audio tracks into it to process them

using the same eect. This is the preferred way of processing multiple tracks

since, obviously, one instance of your plug-in utilizes less CPU power as compared to inserting individual instances on each audio track! Please refer to your host DAW's documentation for details.

This allows you to load & customize any of the provided Factory presets, create your

own presets, congure automation controller assignments, manage presets & Impulse

Responses, as well as backup all your tones to your computer. Even better, all your saved creations can be transferred between Helix Native plug-in and the HX Edit application, allowing them to also be used on a Helix hardware device as well (see “Preset

Compatibility with Helix Devices” on page 12 for details).

Live Input Monitoring Through Helix Native Plug-in

Another great benet of audio eects plug-ins is the ability to monitor your input signal

through the plug-in inserted on the track. This allows you to dial in the desired tone,

such as a customized set of amp, cab & eects within the instance of Helix Native, and

then hear your guitar (or other track input signal) processed by it in real-time. Once you hit record, only your “dry” D.I. guitar signal is actually recorded into the track, which

provides the huge benet of being able to completely change the plug-in settings at any time, right up until you do a nal mix-down of the DAW project!

Live Input Monitoring is a function of your host DAW application, and is typically ac-

complished by the following steps. Each host DAW is slightly dierent, so be sure to

consult your DAW application's documentation for details.

1. Congure your audio track's input options to receive input from whatever physi- cal input your guitar (or desired instrument) is plugged into.

2. Insert Helix Native on the track, as described in the previous section.

3. Set the track's Record Arm button to “on” so that the track receives audio input.

4. Activate the track's “Input Monitoring” feature - this is typically a button found near the Record Arm button. This feature allows the live track input to be fed through the DAW track and all plug-ins inserted on the track.

About Latency

Since this input signal is being fed round-trip - into your audio interface, through the DAW software and back out your audio interface's outputs - it is subject to some amount of “latency.” Latency is the time between when you pluck a note on your guitar and hear the resulting audio output through your monitoring system. Latency is a function of your audio interface, host DAW software and the recording capabilities of your

computer system. You can generally get the lowest latency by reducing your buer size

options for your audio interface driver within in your host DAW software's Preferences

- please see your DAW software’s documentation for details.

Optimizing the Input Level

The level of the input signal entering the Helix Native plug-in can aect the overall gain

and saturation of your tones, therefore, it is essential to “gain stage” accordingly. It is

important to note that most Helix Native Amp & Eect models are designed to receive

“Instrument” level input signals, much like plugging an electric guitar directly into the

same type of amp or eects pedal we modeled them after. To follow are several tips for

achieving the optimal signal level.

NOTE: Please also see “Master Input & Output Level Controls” on page 27.

• For the most accurate results when recording “dry” electric guitar (or bass), we

recommend that you use an audio interface with a “Hi-Z” or “Instrument” input.

• For monitoring your input signal level (or the playback level of any clips within

your track), reference the Master Input Level meter within the plug-in.

Record Arm Input Monitor

An audio track in Cubase congured with Record Arm & Input Monitoring active

NOTE: When utilizing your DAW track's “Input Monitoring” feature, you'll want to be sure to disable any “Direct Monitoring” signal on your audio interface (many

interfaces oer an optional function that routes your input signal directly to its

outputs, without going through the DAW software). This way you'll hear only the input signal fed through the Helix Native plug-in. See your audio interface's documentation for details.

5. Now when you strum your guitar, you should hear your signal through the track with the Helix Native processing applied. You can hit the Record button and try a pass at recording your performance. Upon playback you can then experiment with tweaking the Helix Native settings even further!

Optimal Input Range Indicator

Multi-color Input Meter

The Master Input Level controls

• The Optimal Input Range Indicator provides a guideline for where you should

keep your input level, between -36 dB to -12 dB.

• The Multi-color Input Meter also provides guidance - basically, strive for keep-

ing your input level in the green and yellow, and avoid the blue (signal is too low) and red (signal is too high).

Master Input Level Slider

• If your audio interface oers input level adjustment, it is typically best to adjust

it there to keep the recording level entering the plug-in within this optimal range. If needed, you can adjust the plug-in Master Input Level Slider to ne-tune the level. The Master Input and Output Level sliders are global per plug-in instance and, therefore, their values are not saved per preset.

• Guitars with active pickups may have a hotter output than traditional passive

pickups. If your guitar utilizes active or especially high output pickups, set your audio interface or preamp's input “pad” to on, if available.

• Clipping, as indicated when the red Clip Indicator lights up, should always be

avoided on both the plug-in's input and output meters.

Clip Indicator

The Input meter showing a clipped input level

GUI Overview

The Helix Native plug-in has a very simple, easy-to-use interface which functions as

both a Librarian for your Helix Preset and Impulse Response les and as an Editor to

create and customize your tones.

Presets

Tab

Impulses

Tab

Show/Hide

Librarian

Signal Flow

Window

The Signal Flow Window - Where you can add and move amps & eects blocks,

and customize your complete signal path routing - see “The Signal Flow Window”

on page 27.

The Inspector Window - Where you can choose from the huge selection of models, edit their parameters, and create and manage parameter automation control

- see the Inspector Window chapters on page 33 and page 36.

Customizing the Helix Native Plug-in Window

Resize the Plug-in Window - The plug-in's window is resizable to allow you adjust

the window size that best suits your screen and workow. Simply click and drag

using the “grab handle” at the bottom right of the plug-in window to reduce or increase the window size independently for any instance of the Helix Native.

Drag the “grab handle” on the bottom right of the plug-in window for resizing

Show or Hide the Librarian Panel - It is also possible to show or hide the Presets/ Impulses Librarian panel independently for each instance of the plug-in, by clicking on the toggle button at the top left of the Signal Flow window.

LIBRARIAN

Edit Tab

Navigation within the plug-in's user interface is divided into three main windows:

The Librarian Window - For managing presets and impulse response (IR) les -

see “Presets Panel” on page 15 and “Impulses Panel” on page 19.

Inspector

Window

Automation/Controller

Assign Tab

EDITOR

The Librarian Panel's Show/Hide Button

My Account Menu

At the bottom left of the plug-in window, click on the “My Account” menu to access the plug-in Preferences, Marketplace and account options - please see page 44.

Preset Compatibility with Helix Devices

Helix preset, setlist and bundle les are compatible and transferable between the Helix

Native and Helix family devices (Helix, Helix Rack and Helix LT).* Presets, setlists and bundles are imported to, and exported from, these Helix hardware devices on your computer by the use of the HX Edit editor/librarian software. This compatibility is the foundation of the Line 6 “Studio to Stage” concept, allowing you to load and transfer your tones between Helix Native plug-in and Helix hardware!

*NOTE: Presets and setlists exported from Line 6 HX type (HX Stomp or HX Eects) devices are not compatible with the Helix Native plug-in or Helix devices. Likewise, presets and setlists exported from Helix Native or Helix devices are not able to be imported into HX type devices. However, it is possible to Copy and Paste or drag and drop individual blocks, along with their current settings, between HX Edit with an HX device and Helix Native. See the following “Block Copy and Paste” section.

HX Edit Application

Line 6 HX Edit is the editor/librarian software for use with Helix hardware devices that

are running rmware version 2.20 or later. For best performance, it is recommended to use the latest version of both the HX Edit application and Helix rmware. If you own a Helix that is still running a rmware earlier than v2.20, you'll need to update the Helix device's rmware to the v2.20 rmware or later, or use the previous Helix application

with your Helix device.

For optimal preset compatibility between Helix Native plug-in and Helix hardware, you

should always be sure to use matching versions of the Helix Native, Helix rmware, and

the HX Edit (or Helix) application. The easiest (and recommended) way to be sure your presets are compatible is to update to all the latest versions available for Helix Native,

Helix rmware and HX Edit. All Line 6 software is available for download from line6.com/

software.

HX Edit Backup Files

The HX Edit application includes a feature that creates Helix Backup (.hxb) les that can

be utilized to restore a Helix device's presets, IRs and global settings. Helix Native does not currently include this feature and, therefore, does not support creating or opening

HX Edit Helix Backup les.

TIP: If you own a Helix device, be sure to check the “Helix compatible” version number (found in the Helix Native Preferences' About box - see page 45) to

determine the recommended Helix rmware version you should use for maximum

preset compatibility.

Presets, setlists and bundles can simply be imported into the Helix Native or the HX Edit app using their Import functions, as covered in the following sections. It is also possible to drag and drop presets directly between the applications' Preset panels. Once imported into the HX Edit application, presets are immediately loaded onto your connected Helix device, replacing the presets within the device's internal memory. When importing presets into the Helix Native Presets Library, they are then available for all instances of the plug-in.

NOTE: As with all plug-ins, the specic settings you last used within your existing plug-in instances are retained as part of your host DAW project and not aected unless you manually load a dierent preset into the plug-in's Signal Flow. Instanc-

es of the Helix Native plug-in that already exist in previous host DAW projects will also reference the current plug-in Presets Library lists when you load the DAW project again.

Due to the obvious dierences of Helix hardware devices having numerous physical

inputs and outputs, there are some settings, block type & controller support variances

when sharing presets between the Helix Native and Helix hardware. These dierences

are detailed in the following sections.

Block Copy and Paste

Using the Copy and Paste Block commands, you can copy/paste any individual block between presets within any instance of Helix Native, as well as between Helix Native and HX Edit (with any Helix or HX type device connected). It is also possible to drag and drop any processing block to move it within the current preset, or to copy it into any other Helix Native plug-in or HX Edit device window. Restrictions apply when copying and pasting some block types, depending on the Helix hardware in use and the paste destination - please see “Cutting, Copying & Pasting Blocks” on page 28.

Marketplace Assets

All premium presets and IRs purchased from the online Line 6 Marketplace that are offered for Helix (Floor, Rack and LT) devices are fully compatible with Helix Native plug-in (version Helix Native 1.70 and later is required). Please see “Marketplace & Account

Options” on page 46.

Input & Output Block Settings

When Importing a Helix Hardware-exported Preset into Helix Native - All Input and Output blocks currently set to physical Inputs and Outputs (other than “None”) will default to the “Host” setting within the plug-in.

When Importing a Helix Native-exported Preset into Helix Hardware - All Input and Output blocks currently set to “Host” will default to the “Multi” setting within the Helix hardware. Any Input block set to “None” will remain as set to “None” within the hardware.

Send, Return, FX Loop & Looper Blocks

When Importing a Helix Hardware-exported Preset into Helix Native - These block types are only functional within Helix hardware and, therefore, their parameters are not editable. These blocks have no routing functionality within Helix Native.

NOTE: If an existing Send, Return or FX Loop block is toggled as “active” via its Bypass switch, it can reduce or fully mute the path's audio signal, depending on the block's Mix or Dry Thru parameter settings. To ensure these block types are

not aecting the plug-in's signal path, simply toggle the block to bypassed.

If you load a preset that happens to include any of these types of blocks, you'll see them appear within the Signal Flow with an indicator to remind you they are “unsupported” within the plug-in.*

An FX Loop (Snd/Rtn) and Looper (Loop) block within a Helix hardware-exported preset

*NOTE: Within the Preferences - General window, you can enable the option for Helix Native to automatically strip out all unsupported block types from presets whenever importing Helix presets, setlists or bundles (see page 44). However, regardless of this Preference setting, it is still possible to Paste one of these unsupported blocks into Helix Native from the HX Edit app, if it remains as the most recently copied item in your clipboard.

Impulse Responses

Impulse Response (IR) les are able to be utilized within IR blocks of Helix Native just

as they are within Helix devices. You can simply import IRs using the Impulses panel to build your Library of IRs that are available to Helix Native. Helix hardware retains its own separate IR Library (managed by using the HX Edit application).

If you are to be sharing Helix presets between Helix Native and Helix devices, it is a good idea to build and maintain your IR Libraries similarly on each to allow the same IR

les to be utilized for your presets that include them. Please see “Impulses Panel” on

page 19 for details.

Hardware Controller Assignments

Helix Floor, Rack & LT devices and the HX Edit editor application oer the ability to

create several types of “controller assignments” to provide remote control of Helix parameters via Helix footswitches, expression pedals and external MIDI gear. These controller assignments are saved and retained within Helix hardware-exported presets. If you happen to open a preset within Helix Native that includes them, you'll see these controller assignments represented by their parameter values displayed in white and in brackets.

Helix hardware assignment indicator

When you select one of these unsupported blocks within the Signal Flow, you'll see a reminder within the Edit tab to alert you it is non-functional, and see that its parameters are not editable (dimmed). However, these blocks and their original settings remain fully functional if and when the preset is exported from Helix Native and imported back into HX Edit.

An “unsupported” block's parameters within the Helix Native Edit tab

NOTE: Note that it is not possible to add Send, Return, FX Loop or Looper type blocks to your tone from the Helix Native model menu - the Send/Return and Looper menu categories of the Edit tab's Model Browser remain non-selectable.

Indicator that a parameter includes a controller assignment

Helix hardware controller assignments oer no functionality within Helix Native plug-in,

and any parameter itself that includes an assignment remains adjustable and functional within Helix Native. MIDI controller assignments created within HX Edit are supported and functional within Helix Native. These controller assignments also continue to be retained in the preset, even once exported from Helix Native, allowing them to still function if imported back into a Helix device again. Please see the Helix Owner's Manuals.

TIP: Note that, within Helix Native, you can utilize your host DAW application parameter automation functionality to control the bypass of blocks and parameter values in real-time! Please see page 36.

Snapshots & Snapshot Assignments

Snapshots & snapshot assignments created and saved within a Helix device's preset are compatible when the preset is loaded in the Helix Native plug-in, and vice-versa.

However, there are a few specic functions that can exist within Helix hardware-created

presets that Helix Native does not support, as described below.

• Helix hardware Command Center message data (see previous section).

• Line 6 Variax instrument tunings and other Variax parameter settings.

These types of data within snapshots are essentially ignored by Helix Native, with all other supported Snapshot settings recalled just as on Helix hardware. Both supported and non-supported snapshot data are retained within your Helix Native-exported presets when loaded on Helix hardware again. Please also see “Working with Snapshots”

on page 24.

NOTE: The current Snapshot, along with all its settings, can be copied and pasted using the Copy Snapshot and Paste Snapshot commands either within the current Helix Native preset or within the current HX Edit preset, but not between the Helix Native plug-in HX Edit app and. Also see “Copying, Pasting & Renaming

Snapshots” on page 26.

Bypass Assignments

A common practice within Helix devices is to congure “bypass assignments” where the bypass parameter of blocks are then toggled O/On via the device's footswitch-

es, or optionally by expression pedals or external MIDI commands. Currently, MIDI bypass assignments are supported in Helix Native (see next section), but not other types of bypass assignments that can be created within Helix hardware. If you happen to change the bypass state of block that includes a Helix hardware bypass assignment and export the preset, you will overwrite the saved state of the assignment when the preset is imported back into a Helix device.

Controller Assignments

Helix device users can create “controller assignments” to map the control of parameters (such as a wah or volume, a delay's Mix parameter, etc.) to a Helix expression pedal, footswitch, or external MIDI controller device. Currently, MIDI In controller assignments are supported in Helix Native plug-in (see next section), but not other types of controller assignments that can be created within Helix hardware.* If you edit a parameter that includes a Helix hardware controller assignment, and then export the preset from Helix Native, your last-used parameter value is the same value the parameter will default to upon import within a Helix device.

*NOTE: When importing a preset into Helix Native which includes HX Edit-saved hardware controller assignments, you'll see the assigned parameter sliders within Helix Native display their values in white brackets indicating the assignments. Even though these hardware controller assignments are not supported within Helix Native, they are preserved with the preset (as well as with the respective, individual blocks for copy/paste). Therefore, these assignments will still be intact if you import the preset back into HX Edit.

MIDI In Bypass & Controller Assignments

Helix device users can create MIDI In bypass assignments to remotely toggle the bypass of most block types, and create MIDI In controller assignments to remotely control most Helix parameters, via external MIDI controller devices or MIDI software. These MIDI In assignments are also supported by Helix Native. Likewise, MIDI In bypass and controller assignments created in Helix Native presets are also supported when the preset is imported into Helix devices via the HX Edit application. See page 41.

Command Center Assignments

The Command Center in Helix devices provides the ability to assign the transmission of MIDI/CV/Amp switching and other commands to Helix hardware switches and expression pedals. Helix Native does not support the transmission of these types of commands and, therefore, essentially just ignores any Command Center assignments that may exist within an imported Helix preset. Existing Command Center data is retained when exporting a preset from Helix Native.

Automation Controller Assignments

Since parameter automation is a functionality specic to DAW hosts and software plug-

ins, all automation controller assignments saved within a Helix Native-exported preset will be ignored when the preset is loaded on Helix hardware devices. However, these assignments are retained if and when the preset is exported from a Helix device. See

“Controller Assignment for Automation” on page 36.

Customized Hardware Footswitch Labels and LED Colors

Helix devices include the ability to customize the labels displayed on their “scribble

strips” (on Helix oor and Helix Control devices) and on-screen footswitch labels (on

Helix LT devices), as well as to customize the color displayed for their footswitch LED lights. This data is stored within a Helix hardware-exported preset, but is not utilized by the plug-in, nor altered when importing or exporting the preset with Helix Native.

TIP: Remember, you can create an unlimited collection of backups of your presets, setlists and bundles from both Helix Native plug-in and the HX Edit application using their Export functions. It is good advice to follow the golden rule, “backup early and often” so that you always have copies of your favorite Helix tones!

Computer Processing Management

In order to maintain preset compatibility with Helix family devices, Helix Native incorporates similar processing management as the DSP management system utilized on Helix hardware. That is, Path 1 and Path 2 within an instance of the plug-in each have a maximum computer processing limit. Once this limit is approached on either path,

the Edit tab's Model Browser options become dimmed if the specic models require an

amount of processing power that would surpass maximum limit. (Please see “Availabil-

ity of Models within the Model Browser” on page 33.) This way, any preset created

and exported from the Helix Native is ensured to be able to be imported and utilized on Helix hardware devices.

TIP: Note that if you just can't manage to cram in all the eects you want in an

instance of the Helix Native plug-in, you can always insert an additional instance of the plug-in! Please also see “Tips to Optimize Processing Power Usage” on page

32.

Presets Panel

The Librarian's Presets Panel provides functionality for loading, importing & exporting Helix presets & setlists to manage the plug-in's Presets Library. The contents of the Presets Library is stored commonly for Helix Native, and changes you make to this

Library aect what presets appear within all instances of the Helix Native plug-in on

the computer.

Setlist Commands - Click on any command in this row to perform the selected action on the current Setlist.

Setlist Menu - Click here to display one of the 8 Setlists of the Presets Library. right-click directly on the current Setlist's name here to rename it.

NOTE: It is also possible to import and export all setlists, including all your presets and their last-saved settings by using the Bundle options found in the Preferences window. Please see “General Screen” on page 44.

Presets Tab

Setlist Commands

Setlist Menu

Preset Commands

Last Loaded Preset

Selected Preset

The Presets panel

Presets Tab - Click on this tab to display and place focus on the Presets panel.

Preset Commands - Click on any command in this row to perform its action on

the currently selected Preset(s).

Last Loaded Preset - When you double-click on any preset in the panel, it loads it into the Signal Flow as the current tone in use by the plug-in. The white vertical line at the left of the preset slot indicates that this is the last preset that was loaded.

NOTE: It is important to note that, once a preset is loaded as the current tone,

changes to the current tone does not aect the preset within the Presets Library panel unless you specically Save the tone to the Preset Library - see

“Using the Preset File Menu” on page 22.

Selected Preset - Click once on any preset in the panel to select it, and you'll see it appear highlighted, as shown above. The selected preset is the one that is acted upon when choosing any Preset Command. Note that when you load a preset, it remains the selected preset until you click on any other preset within the panel. It is also possible to select multiple presets to perform actions on them simultaneously, as covered in the following sections.

Helix Native Factory Presets

The very rst time you insert an instance of the Helix Native plug-in after installation,

you'll see a pop-up notice informing you that the set of Factory Presets will be auto-

matically imported. You'll then see the rst two setlists, titled FACTORY 1 and FACTO- RY 2, and the last setlist, titled TEMPLATES/OTHER, all of which become populated

with numerous Factory Presets to provide an easy start for your own sonic creations! Most presets within the FACTORY 1 & 2 setlists are intended for guitar, and you'll also

see quite a few intended for bass (cleverly titled starting with “BAS”). If you're wanting to utilize Helix Native for processing vocals, or for discrete left/right channel input and

output eects for a stereo Aux or Bus track within your DAW project, look in the TEMPLATES/OTHER setlist for the “VOX” and “AUX” titled presets. Please also be sure to

read through “The Signal Flow Window” on page 27 to see the many capabilities for mono, stereo, serial and parallel signal routing.

TIP: If you want a clean start, we've also provided the options Clear Preset Li- brary (to clear out all data from all your plug-in's current Library presets) and Restore Factory Setlists (to restore the original Helix Native Factory Setlists) - see

“General Screen” on page 44.

Premium Marketplace Presets

If you've purchased and downloaded premium presets from the Marketplace online shop, you must initially have Helix Native signed in, and your computer authorized, to allow the import or export of these presets (as well as for import and export of any setlists or bundles that include premium presets).*

NOTE: The authorization required for your Helix Native license also covers the use of any Marketplace premium assets on this computer - both within Helix Native (version 1.70, or later) and the Line 6 HX Edit (version 2.70, or later) application. Please

see “Authorizing your Computer” on page 5.

Premium Marketplace presets are otherwise able to be utilized just like any other Helix presets. When imported, these premium Marketplace presets are indicated by a golden guitar pick “badge” to their right within the Presets panel. Please also see “Marketplace

& Account Options” on page 46.

Premium Marketplace presets are indicated with a golden guitar pick badge

Loading Presets

Double-click on the desired preset from the Presets panel list to load it into the Signal Flow window as the current tone, with all blocks' parameters accessible within the Edit tab. You can also use the Next/Previous preset buttons at the top of the Signal Flow window (see “Navigating with the Next/Previous Preset Buttons” on page 21).

Alternatively, if you wish to load a preset that exists as a saved Helix preset (.hlx) le on

your computer, you can do one of the following:

• Use the preset Import command button and select the desired preset from

your computer to import it into the plug-in's Preset Library, then double-click the imported preset within the Presets list to load it as the current tone.

• Use the Open from Disk option from the menu at the top of the Signal Flow

window. This loads the preset directly into the plug-in's Signal Flow as the current tone (without importing it into the Preset Library).

NOTE: Use the Save To Disk or Save To Library command within the le menu at the top of the signal ow if you wish to retain any changes you've made to the

current tone to create it as a preset that can be utilized by other Helix Native instances. Please see “Using the Preset File Menu” on page 22.

The Default Preset

Whatever preset resides within location 01A of the rst Setlist becomes the designated Default Preset. You'll see that this preset is the one automatically loaded into the Signal Flow every time you create a new instance of the plug-in. This allows you to set any preset you like as the Default Preset for Helix Native - by simply importing or saving it to this Preset Library location!

All settings that you customize and save to this library Default Preset are recalled when

loaded, including automation assignments, routing conguration, block bypass states,

etc.

Importing and Exporting Helix Preset Files

Helix presets are able to be exported from the Presets Library to be copied and saved

to your computer as individual (.hlx) les, allowing you to create a limitless collection of

tones that can be imported back into your Presets Library at any time.

To Import a Helix Preset File - Click once to select the desired preset location within the Presets panel and click the Import preset command.* A brief dialog will warn you that importing will overwrite any preset information in the selected Library location. Click Yes to continue. A system window will display a le brows- er for selecting the preset you wish to import. The imported preset will then remain available within the built-in Presets Library for all instances of the plug-in.

NOTE: Importing a preset into the Preset Library does not also automatically load the preset into the Signal Flow of the plug-in. If you wish to load the imported preset as the current tone, double-click on the preset within the library location.

To Export a Helix Preset - Click once to select the desired preset within the Presets panel, then click the preset Export command. This creates a copy of the preset from the Helix Native plug-in's Presets Library and saves it to your computer as

a Helix preset (.hlx) le. The familiar Mac or Windows computer's Save As window is presented, in which you can edit the lename and choose a destination folder. By default, all .hlx les are exported to:

• Mac - /Documents/Line 6/Tones/Helix folder

• PC - \My Documents\Line 6\Tones\Helix folder

*NOTE: Clicking once on a preset within the Presets panel selects the Library preset, not to be confused with loading the preset into the Signal Flow as the current tone (double-clicking on a preset loads the preset). The preset that is selected (highlighted) within the Presets panel allows you to then execute commands upon it (Export, Reorder, Copy, etc. - see next section).

TIP: Using the Preset panel's Export command makes a copy of the selected library preset in its last-saved state and saves it to your hard drive. If you wish to save the tone currently in use within the plug-in's Signal Flow, with all edited settings intact, use the File menu - Save options (see “Using the Preset File Menu” on page 22).

Renaming, Reordering, Copying and Pasting Presets

These functions allow you to customize your presets within the Presets panel. Choose Rename, Copy or Paste from the row of Preset command buttons and it will act upon the selected (highlighted) preset location. Or, optionally right-click on an individual preset location within the panel to open a context menu with these same commands. For most commands, it is also possible to multi-select a number of presets by using Shift+click to select a contiguous set of presets, or Cmd+click (Mac) or Ctrl+click (Windows) to select a non-contiguous set.

Importing and Exporting Setlists

The Presets panel allows you to Export to save a copy of the currently loaded setlist, in-

cluding all its presets, to a Helix setlist le (.hls). This is very handy for making a backup

of all presets within a setlist, so that a group of presets can easily be imported back into the plug-in's Library in a single action.

NOTE: Copy and Paste of presets and IRs between Helix Native and HX Edit is not currently supported. However, you can use drag and drop for these actions! See

the next section.

Drag and Drop Presets

Drag and drop any preset (or multi-selected presets) directly to or from the plug-in's Presets panel to perform the following actions.

• Export - Drag any preset from the plug-in's Presets panel into any folder on

your computer to export a copy of the .hlx Helix preset le and save it there.

• Import - Drag any saved .hlx Helix preset le from your computer's hard drive

and drop it directly into a slot within the plug-in's Presets panel to import it into the Presets Library. (Note that this does not automatically load the preset as the current tone in the plug-in - Double-click the preset slot you imported into to load the preset.)

• Load - Drag any saved .hlx Helix preset le from your computer's hard drive

and drop it within the plug-in's Signal Flow window to load it.

NOTE: This “Load” action loads the preset as the one used within this instance of the plug-in, but it does not import the preset into the plug-in's Presets Library. Optionally, you can add this loaded preset by using the File > Save to Library option within the Signal Flow window - see “Using

the Preset File Menu” on page 22.

• Reorder - Drag any preset up or down and drop it into another location within

the Presets panel to reorder the presets within the current setlist. When the preset is dropped in the new location, the surrounding presets are shifted upward or downward accordingly.

• Transfer to or from Helix Hardware (for Helix/HX Edit application owners) -

With a Helix device connected, you can drag a preset directly from Helix Native plug-in's Presets panel and drop directly into the Presets panel of the HX Edit application to import the preset into your Helix device. Likewise, you can drag a preset from the HX Edit app into Helix Native to import your device's library presets into the plug-in (also see “Preset Compatibility with Helix Devices” on

page 12).

To Import a Setlist - Click Import Setlist. This will prompt you to ensure that you wish to replace the currently selected setlist and its presets within the plug-in's Presets Library. Continue through the “Open” window to select the setlist you wish to import.

To Export a Setlist - Click the Export Setlist command to save a copy the current

setlist as a Helix setlist le on your hard drive. By default, setlists are exported to:

• Mac - /Documents/Line 6/Tones/Helix/Setlists folder

• PC - \My Documents\Line 6\Tones\Helix\Setlists folder

Changing Setlists

To change the active setlist shown within the Presets panel, click on the Setlist menu and choose from among the 8 setlists stored within the plug-in's Library. The currentlyselected setlist will be indicated with an “open folder” icon in the menu.

Choosing a new setlist from the setlist menu

Renaming Setlists

To rename the current setlist, right-click on the current setlist's name within the Setlist menu and enter your new title.

To Export a Bundle - Click the Export Bundle button found in the Preferences > General window to create a copy of the plug-in's complete Presets Library as

a Helix bundle (.hlb) le, stored on your computer. By default, all bundle les are

exported to:

• Mac - /Documents/Line 6/Tones/Helix/Bundles folder

• PC - \My Documents\Line 6\Tones\Helix\Bundles folder

Renaming the current setlist

Importing and Exporting Helix Bundles

A Helix bundle le (.hlb) includes all 8 setlists that make up the plug-in's current Library,

including all presets and saved settings, all wrapped up in a single, tidy package. This makes it easy to store a backup of your complete Presets Library - and easily restore your Helix Native Library by importing the bundle. The options for importing and exporting a Bundle are found within the Preferences window (also see page 44).

Use the buttons in the Preferences window for Importing and Exporting Helix Bundles

To Import a Bundle - Click the Import Bundle button found in the Preferences > General window. This will prompt you to ensure that you wish to replace all setlists and presets within your Presets Library with those from the selected

bundle le. Continue through the “Open” window to select the bundle you wish to

import.

NOTE: Bundle les do not contain any of the Impulse Response (IR) les that

you may have imported into the Impulses Library. You can separately export IRs from within the Impulses Panel - see “Importing and Exporting Impulse Re-

sponses” on page 19.

Impulses Panel

The Librarian's Impulses Panel provides a list of up to 128 Impulse Response les (along with their respective index numbers), which are available to all instances of the Helix Native plug-in. Initially, this Impulses panel is empty, awaiting you to import Im-

pulse Response les. Once imported, Helix Native presets will access the IRs displayed within the Impulses panel by their index number only. Impulse Response les them-

selves are not directly associated with presets.

Impulses Tab

IR Commands

Selected IR

IR Index Numbers

The Impulses panel

Impulses Tab - Click on this tab to display the Impulses panel.

IR Commands - Click on any command in this row to perform its action on the

currently selected IR(s).

IR Index Number - Each IR slot includes an Index Number at its left. This index is what is referenced by an IR block within a Helix preset, allowing the block to utilize

whatever actual IR le is imported into this IR Library slot.

Selected IR - Click once on any IR in the panel to select it, and you'll see it appear highlighted, as shown above. The selected IR is the one that is acted upon when choosing any available IR Command.

What are Impulse Responses?

Impulse Responses (or “IRs”) that can be used in Helix Native are audio les that are

the result of capturing the sound of a test tone (frequency sweep) through a guitar or bass amp speaker cabinet, which has been de-convolved with the original tone signal. This represents the frequency response of the cabinet itself and can be used to simulate the way it alters the sound. This is similar to a convolution reverb, but with a much shorter decay.

You can add an IR block to your preset as an alternative to using one of the Cab blocks to provide speaker cabinet simulation along with an Amp block. Several companies

now oer large selections of professionally recorded IRs that can be used in Helix Native,

or you can even do some research on how to record and create your own.*

You can also nd some IRs that were created using this convolution process to capture

the properties of acoustic guitar bodies, guitar pickups and other items. These IRs can be used in the Helix Native or Helix & HX devices' IR blocks, to allow even deeper tone sculpting!

*TIP: Helix IRs are now available for purchase from the online Marketplace, which you can access directly right from inside Helix Native plug-in (version 1.70, and later). Please see “Marketplace & Account Options” on page 46.

IR Formats and Restrictions

Once imported, les are automatically conformed to the Helix-compatible IR properties

(48kHz, 16-bit, Mono, 2048 or 1024 samples). For Helix Native plug-in, as well as for

Helix devices, the following IR le types are supported.

• Helix Impulse Response (.hir) - This is the proprietary Line 6 IR le format.

All IRs purchased through the Marketplace are of this le type. Please also see

“Marketplace & Account Options” on page 46.

• WAV (.wav) - Most IR producers and vendors typically oer IRs within the .wav

format. It is possible to import a mono or stereo .wav le IR, regardless of its

bit depth, length, or sample rate frequency. Once imported into Helix Native or

Helix hardware, les are automatically conformed to the Helix-compatible IR

properties (48kHz, 16-bit, Mono, 2048 or 1024 samples). Please be careful to

import only .wav les that were created specically for use as IRs, not just any audio .wav le, or you may experience unexpected sonic results.

Helix Device Users: If you plan on utilizing your Helix Native presets in both Helix Native plug-in and your Helix hardware, the best practice to import the same exact

IR les into both, and in the same IR list order. This allows all IR blocks to reference

and load the same indexed IR les for all presets that use them. Please also see “Preset

Compatibility with Helix Devices” on page 12.

Importing and Exporting Impulse Responses

To Import an IR - Click once to select the desired index location within the Impulses panel and then select the Import command button at the top of the Impulses list. Con-

tinue through the File-Open window to select the desired IR le. If you select multiple IR les, they will all be imported into contiguous index locations.

Premium Marketplace IRs

If you've purchased and downloaded premium IRs from the Line 6 Marketplace online shop, you must initially have Helix Native signed in, and your computer authorized to allow the Import or Export and license synchronization for these IRs.*

*NOTE: The authorization required for your Helix Native license also covers the use of any Marketplace premium assets on this computer - both within Helix Native and the Line 6 HX Edit application. Please see “Authorizing your Computer” on page

5 and “Marketplace & Account Options” on page 46.

When premium Marketplace IRs (.hir les) are imported, they are indicated by a guitar

pick “badge” to their right within the Impulses panel.

Premium Marketplace IRs are indicated with a guitar pick badge

To Export an IR - Select the desired IR(s) within the Impulses panel and click the Export command to display the Save As dialog.* By default, IRs are exported to:

• Mac

• PC - \My Documents\Line 6\Tones\Helix\IRs folder

You may also drag & drop to and from the Impulses panel to import and export IRs - see the following section.

- /Documents/Line 6/Tones/Helix/IRs folder

TIP: Exporting your complete list of IRs is a nice way to keep a backup of them

all in one place on your computer. It is helpful to rename your exported IR les to

include their stored index ID number at the start of the title (001 through 128, as shown in the image at the start of this chapter) to easily identify what IR slots they should be imported back into.

Copying, Pasting, Renaming & Clearing IRs

These functions can be performed by clicking the command buttons above the Impulses index list and will act upon the selected (highlighted) IR. You can also right-click on any IR slot to choose these options from the context menu.

Drag and Drop IRs

There are several drag and drop options that allow you to import and export single or

multiple IR les between your computer’s hard drive directories and Helix Native, as

listed below.

• Import - Drag one or more IR (.hir or .wav) les from your computer's hard drive

folder directly into the Impulses panel. When multiple les are being dragged in,

they are imported in sequence, starting with the selected IR index slot.

• Export -Select one or more IR index locations in the Impulses panel and drag

directly to your computer to export the IR les to the selected hard drive folder.

• Copy - It is also possible to drag and drop IRs within the Impulses list view to

create a copy of the IR in a new index location.*

*NOTE: There are intentionally no options to move or reorder IRs in a single operation, thereby reducing the risk of unintentionally breaking the link between IRs and the Helix presets that may be referencing them. Use the Copy and Clear functions to rearrange IR within the Impulses list as needed.

• Transfer To/From Helix Hardware (For Helix/HX Edit application owners)

With a Helix device connected, drop an IR from the Helix Native plug-in's Impulses panel directly into the Impulses panel of the HX Edit application. It is also possible to drag an IR from HX Edit into the Impulses panel of Helix Native to

import a copy of the same IR le.

Loading an IR in an IR Block

When you insert an IR block within your preset's Signal Flow, it initially defaults to

referencing the #1 IR index location (if you have not yet imported any IR le into the referenced index location, the “empty” IR block has no eect on the signal).

To choose which IR index is referenced by the IR block, select the IR block within the Signal Flow, then, in the Edit tab, use the IR Select parameter slider (or its menu at the right) to select the IR index number (1-128) that includes the desired IR.

TIP: We've also provided a handy Clear IR Library option, to clear out all IRs from the plug-in's current IR Library in one click - see “General Screen” on page

44.

Choosing an IR by its Library index number within the Edit tab

You can use the other IR block parameter sliders in the Edit tab to further shape the IR's tone and level - see “Editing Model Parameters” on page 34.

Working in the Plug-in Editor

To the right of the Librarian panels is the Editor UI of the plug-in, which consists of a top row of options, the Signal Flow and Inspector windows, oering a multitude of options for adding & conguring processing blocks, signal routing & parameter automation congurations. See the following sections for details on using these user interface elements.

Preset NameNext/Previous Preset Preset File Menu Snapshots Menu Tempo Controls

Show/Hide

Librarian Button

Signal Flow Window

Edit & Automation/Controller Assign Tabs

Inspector Window

Navigating with the Next/Previous Preset Buttons

These buttons provide an easy way to increment forward and backward within the current plug-in Library setlist, instantly selecting and loading the next/previous preset into

the Signal Flow window. If you wish to have these buttons navigate through a dierent

setlist, choose the desired setlist from the Setlist menu at the top of the Presets panel.

Naming the Preset

The Preset Name eld displays the name of the most recently loaded Helix preset. Double-click on the text here to optionally rename the preset.

NOTE: When you edit the preset title or make any other changes to the preset's settings after initially loading it, be sure to use the Save to Library or Save to Disk options found within the Preset File menu (see next section) if you wish to retain your changes within a preset that can be utilized by other Helix Native instances!

Using the Preset File Menu

To the right of the Preset Name eld is the File menu which includes options for the current tone.

Preset File Menu Button

• Open From Disk - Allows you to load a saved preset from your collections

of Helix preset (.hlx) les saved on your computer. This diers from using the

Import command found within the Presets panel in that it loads the preset directly into the Signal Flow without also importing the preset into the plugin's Presets panel library. If you edit this loaded preset and wish to save your changes, use the Save options, as described below.

• Save To Disk - Exports the currently loaded tone to your computer, oering

you the option for your specic save location. By default, presets are saved as .hlx les to:

• Mac - /Documents/Line 6/Tones/Helix folder

• PC - \My Documents\Line 6\Tones\Helix folder

• Save To Library - Allows you to choose any preset location within your Presets

panel to save the preset into the plug-in's internal Presets Library.

NOTE: Most host DAW applications also oer their own feature for saving and

loading plug-in presets. The options for this feature are typically found in the header of the host's plug-in window in which your plug-in instance appears.

This type of feature creates these presets as les on your computer disk and are

not managed by the Helix Native Presets Library. If you open a preset from the host DAW preset location, it will load within the Helix Native Signal Flow - use the above described Save To Library command if you'd like to have the preset added to your Helix Native Presets Library panel.

Current Snapshot

Indicator (1 - 8)

The Snapshots Menu

• ToCongureandEditaSnapshot - Click on the Snapshots Menu and select

the snapshot index number you wish to edit, then congure all desired options

for your current tone's block bypass states, tempo and snapshot controller-assigned parameters' values. Your changes are stored automatically for the current snapshot index number. Be sure to Save your tone to permanently retain your snapshot settings with the preset.

• To Load a Snapshot - Simply choose the desired snapshot index number from

the menu and all the settings congured for the snapshot are recalled instantly.

TIP: Snapshots can also be loaded in real-time via your DAW host's plug-in parameter automation functionality - see “Automating Snapshot Changes” on page

40.

Snapshot Menu

Editing the Tempo

There are a few options available for conguring the tempo that is utilized by the plug-

in, accessible from the controls at the top of the Signal Flow window. Any of the current

tone’s eects blocks that are set to note division values (a Note Sync option is available for most delay and modulation eects within the Edit tab - see page 34) will follow

this tempo value.

Tempo Select Menu

The Tempo controls

Numerical Tempo Field & Tap Tempo Button

Conﬁguring and Loading Snapshots

The Snapshots Menu allows you to load and edit the 8 snapshots available within each preset, providing instant recall of up to 64 assigned parameter value changes, block bypass states and more, in one click.

NOTE: To follow is a quick description to get you going, but the snapshots feature is a big enough topic that we've dedicated an entire chapter to it - please see “Working with Snapshots” on page 24.

How the Tempo Value is Recalled

Use the Tempo Select Menu to select how the tempo value is utilized and recalled.

• Per Snapshot - The tempo value will be stored and recalled individually with

each snapshot (see “Working with Snapshots” on page 24 for details).

• Per Preset - The tempo value will be stored and recalled individually with this

preset.

• Sync to Host - The tempo value follows the timeline tempo of the host DAW

project for any preset loaded within the plug-in instance. Note that even if your DAW project has timeline tempo changes automated, Helix Native will follow when using this setting!

Entering a Tempo Value

To the right of the Tempo Select Menu is a combined Numerical Tempo Field and Tap Tempo Button. When you have selected the Per Snapshot or Per Preset tempo modes

in the menu, you can enter a tempo here in two ways:

• Right-click to type in your desired numerical tempo value.

• Click rhythmically to “tap” in your preferred tempo.

Show or Hide the Librarian Panel

Click the button at the top left of the Signal Flow window to either display or collapse the Presets & Impulses Librarian Panel. Also see “Customizing the Helix Native Plug-in

Window” on page 11.

The Librarian Panel's Show/Hide Button

Working with Snapshots

Within Helix hardware devices and within the Helix Native plug-in, it is possible to create & customize up to 8 “snapshots” within a preset. Snapshots can store a set of options (a block’s bypass state, snapshot-assigned parameter values, and tempo settings), and then recall them without the brief lag time and audible signal drop-out typically associated with changing presets.

Congure up to 8 snapshots with your desired settings for the current tone within Helix

Native, and then recall any snapshot from the Snapshots menu, via your DAW host’s parameter automation or via external MIDI control (MIDI CC 69, values 0-7). Snapshots created and exported from Helix devices (via the HX Edit application) are also supported within Helix Native, and vice-versa. This all presents some extremely powerful mix capabilities in your DAW, with the ability to instantly recall and change numerous Helix Native parameter settings in real-time!

TIP: Don't worry - you actually don't need to utilize or even understand anything about snapshots if you don't want to right now! You can completely ignore them and edit your presets without accessing them at all. But if you want to explore the possibilities, please keep reading this chapter.

Similar to the snapshots feature in some high-end digital mixers, each Helix Native snapshot stores and recalls the state of certain elements within the current preset, including:

• Block Bypass—The bypass (on/o) state of all processing blocks, indepen-

dent of any footswitch assignments - see “Snapshots > Block Bypass”

• Parameter Control—The value of any parameter assigned to a snapshot con-

troller (up to 64 per preset) - see “Snapshots > Parameter Control”

• Tempo—The current system tempo, if the Tempo Select is set to Per Snap-

shot. (By default, it’s set to Per Preset.) See “Editing the Tempo” on page

22.

Depending on how you congure them, snapshots can act as 8 variations of the same tone, eight drastically dierent tones, or any combination thereof—all within the same

preset.

Current Snapshot

Indicator

The Snapshots Menu

Snapshots Menu

Snapshots > Block Bypass

Snapshots automatically store the current bypass (on/o) state for all processing

blocks. Therefore, all block bypass states are recalled when jumping from snapshot to snapshot, and appear as you last left them.

For example, here's a scenario where you might congure and name snapshots to toggle the desired blocks on/o for each section of your song.

Snapshot 1—INTRO could have Distortion 1, Amp 1, Cab, Mod 1, and Delay 1 on:

Snapshot 2—VERSE could have Dynamics, Distortion 2, Filter, Amp 2, Cab, IR, Delay

2, and Reverb on:

Snapshot 3—BRIDGE could have Dynamics, Amp 2, IR, EQ, Mod 2, and Delay 2 on:

Snapshot 4—CHORUS could have everything on:

And Snapshot 5—INTERLUDE could just be Amp 1 and the IR:

The Snapshots Menu

Snapshots are accessed via the Snapshots menu at the top of the Helix Native plug-in main window. The index number displayed within the little camera icon within the Snapshots Menu tells you which of the preset’s 8 snapshots is currently loaded. Click the

menu to select and load a dierent snapshot. Ctrl+click / right-click directly within the

menu to rename the current snapshot as desired. Also see “Configuring and Loading

Snapshots” on page 22.

Note that all snapshots in a particular preset share the same models; you cannot, for example, add a US Deluxe Amp block in Snapshot 1 and switch its model to Essex A30 in Snapshot 2. However, (if the current Helix Native instance has not reached its maximum processing limit), you can load both amp blocks into the same preset and snapshots can enable neither, one, or both of them.

Snapshots > Parameter Control

In addition, parameters can be set to jump to specic values with each snapshot.

Here’s an example where seven parameters' values (out of a possible 64) are updated instantly with each snapshot:

Snapshot

1 INTRO

2 VERSE

3 BRIDGE

4 CHORUS

5 INTERLUDE

6 SOLO

7 BREAKDOWN

8 OUTRO

In the table above, we see that when changing from Snapshot 2—VERSE to Snapshot 3—BRIDGE:

• The Amp block’s Gain increases from 4.5 to 5.2

• The Delay block’s Mix increases from 35% to 43%

• The Split block routes your guitar from Path A to Path B

• The Pitch block’s Interval lowers from +5 to +3 semitones

• The IR changes from index #27 to #103

• The Volume block’s Level increases from 0.0dB to +0.8dB

If you want a parameter to be automatically updated with each snapshot, the parameter

must rst be assigned to a Snapshots Controller, as covered in the next section.

Amp Gain

Delay

Mix

4.5 35% Path A 100 0 #27 -7.2dB

4.5 35% Path A 100 +5 #27 0.0dB

5.2 43% Path B 100 +3 #103 +0.8dB

4.5 50% Path B 100 0 #103 +1.5dB

3.9 8% Even Split +5 #27 0.0dB

8.7 72% Path B 100 +12 #103 +2.6dB

2.0 46% Path B 47 -12 #12 0.0dB

4.5 35% Path A 100 0 #41 -3.6dB

Split A/B Pitch

Select

Volume

Level

Assigning a parameter to the Snapshots Controller

As covered in the preceding Snapshots > Block Bypass section, the Bypass state of any block is automatically stored and recalled per snapshot. However, for other parameter types, it is necessary to rst create a Snapshots Assignment to allow the parameter’s value to be stored and edited per snapshot.

Assigning the Drive parameter to the Snapshots controller

3. You’ll see the parameter’s value appear in white and in brackets to indicate the Snapshots controller assignment.

4. Now you can simply load any Snapshot and set this Drive slider to the desired value - the value is independently stored and recalled with each Snapshot.

Each preset can have up to 64 controller assignments, including parameters controlled by Snapshots. Remember to save your tone if you want your assignments

to be permanently stored with the preset!

5. All existing Snapshots Assignments appear within the Automation/Controller Assign tab’s Assignment List.

If desired, you can right-click on the assignment here and choose Clear Assignment to remove it.

Once a Snapshots Assignment is created, any changes to the value of the assigned parameter is instantly stored with the current snapshot. These stored values are recalled when jumping from snapshot to snapshot, and appear as

you last left them per snapshot.

1. Within the Signal Flow window, select the block which includes the parameter

you wish to control via snapshots. For this example, we’ll choose the Litigator

Amp+Cab block so we can control the amp’s Drive parameter.

2. In the Edit tab, right-click on the Amp’s Drive parameter and choose the Snapshots option.

Copying, Pasting & Renaming Snapshots

You can Copy & Paste all snapshot settings from one snapshot to another within the current tone as a time-saver for when you want to just change a few settings. You can optionally Rename your snapshots to help you remember the intended purpose of each. These snapshot commands are available via right-click on the Snapshots Menu.

To Copy & Paste a Snapshot - Select and load the snapshot you wish to copy and select Copy from the Snapshots right-click menu. Then load the snapshot you wish to overwrite and choose Paste to paste the clipboard contents, replacing the currently loaded snapshot.

To Rename a Snapshot - Right-click on the currently loaded snapshot from the Snapshots Menu and select Rename. Type in your new name, then press Enter/ Return on your keyboard.

Tips for Creative Snapshot Use

• As in the preceding examples, congure a dedicated snapshot for each section

of your song - Snapshot 1 for the Intro, Snapshot 2 for Verse 1, Snapshot 3 for

the Chorus, and so on. Then use your host DAW's parameter automation to load the snapshots in real-time!

• Worried that further tweaking might make your tone worse, not better? Snap-

shots are a great way to compare minor changes between tones without losing your settings.

• Turn any Delay or Reverb block's Trails parameter to “On” for seamless spill-

over between snapshots.

• Set dierent keys in Harmony Delay blocks or intervals in Pitch blocks per

snapshot.

• Having diculty maintaining consistent volume levels throughout a song? Set

the Output block's Level parameter per snapshot.

• Recall snapshots via an external MIDI controller device or software using the

dedicated MIDI CC 69 - see “Global Reserved MIDI CCs” on page 42.

• Rename your snapshots uniquely within a preset to dene their purpose - see

the previous section.

NOTE: All snapshots assignments and settings are retained within the current tone's preset until another preset is loaded within the plug-in. If you wish to permanently retain all your snapshot assignments and settings with the preset, be sure to use the File Menu options to Save your tone to the Preset Library or to Disk. The snapshot that is in use when you save your preset is the one that is recalled when the preset is loaded again.

The Signal Flow Window

The Signal Flow Window displays the plug-in's inputs and outputs, levels and all your

processing elements, all laid out in the actual ow in which your DAW audio signal is

routed through it. When you click on any input, output or processing block and select it here, you can then access the block's model & parameter options within the Edit tab, or its automation options within the Automation/Controller Assign tab below.

Path 1A

Master Input Level

Path 2A

Split BlockSelected Block

Bypassed Block

The Signal Flow Window

Active Block

Path 1B

Show/Hide Block Labels Option

If you prefer a cleaner look within the plug-in's Signal Flow window, you can “hide” the descriptive text labels that appear below each block using the Show/Hide option within the Preferences > General window (see page 44). When set to hide the labels, you'll only see a block's label appear when hovering your mouse over the block.

Block label option set to Show Block label option set to Hide

Merge Mixer Block

Master Output Level

Adjusting Levels - Just as with all sliders in Helix Native, the Master Input & Out-

put Level sliders can be adjusted in several ways:

• Click on any slider's “handle” and drag to the desired value.

• Click on the desired range location within a slider's path and it will jump to the

clicked value.

• While hovering your mouse cursor over the slider's path, use your mouse wheel

to adjust it.

• Double-click anywhere on the slider area and enter a precise numerical value.

Clipping, as indicated by the Clip Indicator at the top of the meter lighting up red, should always be avoided for both the plug-in's input and output.*

*TIP: Conguring your input levels into Helix Native is important for achieving the optimal sound from most Amp & Eect blocks. Please see “Optimiz-

ing the Input Level” on page 10 for details.

If the plug-in's Output meter is showing very low or high levels, it is best to adjust the blocks that may be cutting or boosting the signal too heavily (Dynamics, Distor-

tions and Amp blocks, for example, all oer Gain or Volume parameters). However, you can always use this Master Output Level slider to optimize the plug-in's nal

output level.

Reset to Default Level - Cmd+click (Mac) or Ctrl+click (PC) directly on the Input or Output slider to reset to the default (unity gain) value.

Peak Level Display - The numerical, real-time peak level value is displayed at the top of each slider whenever you are adjusting the slider, and whenever you hover your mouse cursor over the slider path.

Adding, Clearing & Bypassing Blocks

To Add a Block to Your Tone - Hover your mouse cursor over the desired location on any path and you'll see an empty block location appear to indicate that a processing block can be added there. Once you click and select the empty location, choose any type of block from the Edit tab's Model Browser. Please see “Select-

ing Models” on page 33 for more info.

NOTE: The Show/Hide Labels function aects all Helix Native plug-instances

globally. (However, you may need to close any other currently open plug-in instance's window and re-open it again before a change in this setting is applied.)

Master Input & Output Level Controls

At the left and right of the Signal Flow are the Master Input & Output level sliders, along with real-time level meters. These level sliders' values are not saved per preset

and, therefore, oer independent control over levels entering and exiting the plug-in. To

follow are several tips for using these controls.

Selecting a location in the Signal Flow for a new block

To Clear any Existing Processing Block - Select the desired block and choose Clear from the (right-click) context menu, or click the “X” button that appears when

hovering your mouse cursor over a block.

When hovering over a block, you'll see its Bypass and Clear buttons appear

Clear All Blocks - Select the desired block and select Clear All Blocks from the context menu to remove all processing blocks from the signal ow. (Input & Output block settings remain unchanged.)

To Bypass or Enable any Existing Processing Block - There are a several ways to bypass or enable a block:

• Whenever you hover your mouse cursor over a block type that oers bypass,

you'll see a click-able Bypass/Enable button appear (as shown above).

• Select the desired block and select Bypass or Enable from the block's

(Ctrl+click or right-click) context menu.

• Click the Bypass/Enable button oered in the Edit tab - see “Editing Model

Parameters” on page 34.

Cutting, Copying & Pasting Blocks

It is possible to Cut, Copy or Paste any individual processing (Amp, Cab, IR, or FX) block within Helix Native. To access these commands, click on the desired block within the Signal Flow to select it, then right-click or Ctrl-click to display the context menu.

Block context menu

TIP: You can also use Copy/Paste, or drag and drop, to copy a block between separate Helix Native plug-in instances, or HX Edit device windows, as covered below.

Use Cut or Copy for a block, and then use one of the Paste commands within any Helix Native plug-in instance or within the HX Edit application, as follows:

• Into any path within the same or a dierent instance of the Helix Native plug-in,

and within any preset.

• Into any path within the HX Edit app, and within any preset.

Block Copy / Paste is allowed for all block types (Amp, Eects, Mix, Input and Output blocks), with some restrictions.* This provides great exibility in re-creating tones between Helix Native, HX Edit, and even dierent Helix and HX devices.

*NOTE: Some restrictions apply for Copy/Paste of blocks, depending on the DSP capacity and features of the particular device in use. For example, just as any Helix Native or device preset will prevent adding some block or model types as the DSP

limit is reached, the same DSP limit rules apply for Copy/Paste. Therefore, Copy and

Paste observes these Block rules as well. Physical inputs & outputs dier between Helix

Native and Helix/HX devices, therefore, the copying of Mix, Input and Output blocks and their settings may not be allowed, as covered throughout this chapter.

Cut - Clears the block from the Signal Flow and copies the block and its current parameter settings to the clipboard.*

Copy - Copies the block and its current parameter settings to the clipboard.

NOTE: When copying a block with existing HX Edit hardware-based assignments, the assignments will not be retained if the destination device does not

include or support the specic controller type (e.g., if copying a block with an

EXP 3 controller assignment from a Helix Floor to an HX Stomp device, the assignment is not shown or supported, since HX Stomp includes no EXP 3).

Paste - Pastes the most recently cut/copied block into the currently selected block location within the Signal Flow. If you select an existing processing block, this will replace the existing block and its settings.

• Paste Block After / Paste Block Before - If you select an existing process-

ing block, you can alternatively choose either of these commands to paste the block in your preferred location.

• Mix type blocks - Copy & paste are also available for an Input, Output, Split

and Merge type block as well, where its parameter settings can be copied & pasted into a location with the same block type.

• When copying a block within the same window, or between separate Helix

Native (and/or HX Edit) windows, existing Snapshot assignments are copied with the block, but Automation and footswitch-based Bypass assignments are not.

• When copying a block from HX Edit to Helix Native, it may not appear that

its hardware-based controller assignments are retained, since the Helix Native does not support them, and does not list them in its Assignments tab. But if you copy the same block back into an HX Edit window again, you'll see its original assignments are indeed still intact.

NOTE: When using the Cut command for a block that includes Automation (Knob or Switch) Controller assignments, the assignments are included in the

settings data when copied to the clipboard and included the rst time the

block is pasted into a new location within Helix Native. When using the Copy command, no existing Automation Controller data is copied to the clipboard..

Drag and Drop Blocks

You can also use “drag and drop” to Copy/Paste a block within the current preset, as well as between separate Helix Native and/or HX Edit windows, as follows.

• Within the current window's signal ow, drag and drop of a block between Path

1 and Path 2 copies the block to the opposite path. (This diers from dragging

a block within the same or parallel path, which moves the block.)

• Between separate Helix Native instances and/or HX Edit windows - Drag and

drop copies the block, to any path.

• Drag and drop can be used to copy any processing type blocks (Amps, Cabs,

IRs, FX).

• Since performing a drag and drop of a block between separate windows is

essentially the same as a Copy/Paste Block operation, the same rules and behaviors apply - please see the preceding section.

NOTE: When dragging a block, if you try to drop it on top of an existing block, you'll see the existing block shift left or right to place your dragged block before or after it. Unlike when using the Copy and Paste commands, it is not supported to replace

an existing block via drag and drop.

Keep the following in mind when building tones:

• All Amp+Cab, Amp, Preamp, single Cab and IR blocks are mono, so any stereo

signal sent into these will be collapsed to mono. As such, it’s a good idea to

add only mono eects blocks before amps and preamps to conserve computer

processing resources.

• Adding a mono eects block will collapse any preceding stereo blocks' signal

on the same path to mono.

• The Helix Native plug-in's signal ow always allows the use of mono or stereo

type processing blocks, regardless the type of track on which it is inserted. This allows you to utilize any existing preset and create complex routings within the plug-in Signal Flow (see the routing examples later in this chapter). When inserted on a mono output track, the output at the end of the Helix Native signal chain is summed to mono.

• If you’re using Helix Native on an audio track with mono input and output, there

is no need to use stereo models at all (except, of course, for models that are

only oered as stereo).

• Stereo models use twice as much processing resources as mono models,

therefore, its a good idea to only utilize stereo models when stereo processing is desired.

Block Order and Stereo Imaging

Helix Native is a stereo plug-in, with each signal ow path carrying two channels of

audio. When Helix Native plug-in is inserted on a stereo DAW track and fed a stereo input (or playback of a stereo clip), the left and right audio is processed discretely in stereo within each path, wherever stereo blocks are used within the path. When the track is fed a mono source, the mono signal is split and fed equally to the left and right channels within the path. Whenever a mono block is added within a path (such as an

Amp or mono Eects model), both channels of audio are combined and sent out of the

block as mono.

Most of the Helix eects 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 monitor speakers or headphones—is highly dependent on the type of blocks you add and in what order.

Legacy eects models vary in behavior, just as on the classic Line 6 eects from where

these models originated.

• Legacy Distortion, Dynamics & Pitch/Synth eects are mono.

• Legacy Modulation & Delay eects vary in that some are mono, some stereo,

and some mono-in/stereo-out, where adjusting the eect's Mix parameter can

narrow the stereo image that is fed into them. It is best to experiment with

these eects and tweak the Mix parameter to achieve the desired stereo output

results.

• Legacy Filter and Reverb eects are stereo.

Moving Blocks & Arranging the Signal Flow

To arrange blocks within a signal path, in addition to using Cut/Copy/Paste (see previous section), you can also click and drag any block left or right within the same path, or its split, parallel path to move it to the desired location. While dragging you'll see an empty block location appear to indicate where you can drop your block, and existing blocks will move to accommodate it. Each path can hold a maximum of 8 blocks.

Dragging a Delay block - an available empty block location appears while dragging

To follow are a number of pointers for arranging the signal ow in dierent ways.

Split Paths - Drag a block down from the main signal path (Path 1A or Path 2A) and you'll see a parallel, split path (Path B) appear, with both a Split and Merge block created at each end. To remove the split path, clear or move all blocks out of the parallel path. Alternatively, you can right-click on the Split or Merge blocks and use the Create Input/Output or Restore Split/Merge commands instead of dragging.

TIP: Drag and drop an Amp & Eects block between Split Paths 1A and 1B, or between Split Paths 2A and 2B to move the block, or drag a block between main Paths 1 and 2 to copy it there (see preceding Drag and Drop section). You can also use a block's Cut, Copy and Paste commands to arrange your blocks between any Paths.

Split and Merge Blocks - When a Split block is selected in the Signal Flow, you can choose from among 3 types of Split blocks and adjust its balance options using the parameter sliders that appear in the Edit tab below.

Input & Output Blocks - A path's Input and Output blocks cannot be moved, but when you select one of these blocks, you'll see options within the Edit panel below

- please see “Editing Input, Output, Split & Merge Blocks” on page 35.

Signal Routing Examples

To follow are a few more routing possibilities you can try within the Signal Flow. Also be sure to try some of the factory presets we've provided within the TEMPLATES setlist for

even more congurations.

1 into 2

Drag a split path's Merge block down to Path B. The Merge block shifts right and a duplicate Output block is created:

In this example, the input signal is split to stereo Paths A and B, each with its own Output block. You can now use Path A and B's Output block options to independently pan each left/right as desired.

Parallel Paths

If you start with a split path, you can convert it into two individual, stereo parallel paths, each with its own Input and Output block.

1. Drag the Split block down to Path B (or right-click on the Split block and

choose Create Input). The Split block shifts left and a duplicate Input block is created.

2. Drag the Merge block down to Path B (or right-click on the Merge block and choose Create Output). The Merge block shifts right and a duplicate Output block is created.

Inactive Merge blockInactive Split block

Once converted to Input & Output blocks, the Split and Merge blocks become inactive - you can drag the Split and Merge blocks up to the Path A above (or right-click on the Split or block and choose Restore Split or Restore Merge) to revert back to

a Split Path conguration.

Discrete Stereo Processing with Amps

As mentioned in “Block Order and Stereo Imaging” on page 29, each path within the plug-in is capable of processing discrete left & right audio input on a stereo Audio, Aux or Bus track, provided you're utilizing all stereo blocks on the plug-in's signal paths. But if you're wanting to utilize any Amp or Preamp blocks (which are all mono-output blocks), it is necessary to split the path to allow the left & right audio channels to be processed discretely.

Start with the AUX: DiscreteDuo preset provided within the factory TEMPLATES

setlist. This preset already has all necessary routing congured for discrete stereo using an amp on each path. To follow are the key settings for this signal ow.

1. A Split Y type block is used with its Balance A & B parameters panned hard left and right.

2. The Merge block's Pan A & B parameters are set hard left and right, respec- tively, to also keep the two channels' audio discretely separate.

3. The Path 1 Output block is fed to Path 2A, allowing additional stereo eects blocks to be applied.

Path 1B (with mono blocks)

Merge blockSplit Y block Path 1A (with mono blocks)

Super Serial

A serial path has eight processing block locations. If that’s not enough, you can use

parallel Path B to create an extended “super serial” path conguration.

1. Drag the Merge block down to Path 1B. A duplicate Output block is created.

2. Drag the Split block all the way to the right, past the last processing block on path 1A.

3. Select the Output block on path 1A and turn Knob 2 (Level) all the way down.

That way, you’re only hearing Output 1B.

In the illustration above, our signal is processed by the eight blocks on Path 1A and processed further by Delay block (or whatever blocks you wish to add) on Path 1B.

Of course, if this still isn’t enough, you could always duplicate the above signal ow

routing on Path 2 and then route Path 1B’s output block to Path 2A for one gigantic serial tone with up to 32 block locations (plug-in processing limit permitting - See

“Computer Processing Management” on page 14):

Path 2A (with stereo blocks)

In this conguration, Path 1A of the split path will process only the left signal, and the Path 1B will process only the right signal, allowing you to add mono

blocks on each of these parallel paths accordingly.

By placing stereo blocks on Path 2, it will still retain the left/right channel separation, allowing you to use common eects to save some resources.

Tips to Optimize Processing Power Usage

• Some block types, such as Amps, Cabs, IRs, and Pitch Shifters, use much

more of your computer's processing power than others. Not surprisingly, the

Amp+Cab block uses the most. EQ, Dynamics and Volume/Pan blocks use

relatively little.

• Some models may require more processing power than others of the same

category. This is especially true with Amp models.

• If you run out of processing power on Path 1, route it to Path 2 for more horse-

power (see “Computer Processing Management” on page 14). If creating

tones with two or more amps and more than a handful of eects, use both paths.

• Instead of a parallel path with two Amp+Cab blocks or two separate Amps and

Cabs, try adding a single Amp block followed by a single Cab > Dual block, or two individual Cab or IR blocks, as in the preceding “1 into 2” example (mixing

two dierent Cabs can provide some substantial variations).

• The stereo version of an eects block will use roughly twice as much process-

ing power as a mono version of the same block. Likewise, the dual version of a cab block will use roughly twice as much processing power as the single version. Therefore, you likely won't want to use stereo versions of blocks in routing

congurations where they don't actually provide a stereo output (see “Block

Order and Stereo Imaging” on page 29).

• Some model categories have “Simple” blocks, which utilize less processing

power than others.

• The “Legacy” type models often utilize less processing resources than other

models of the same eect type.

The Edit Tab

The Inspector window's Edit tab provides access to all models via its multi-level Model Browser, where you can choose from numerous categories of models to make up your

tone. This panel also displays all available parameters for the block that is currently selected within the Signal Flow window, providing easy access for editing. Be sure to check out the “Model Lists” chapter for the full array of models and what they are based on.

For block categories that oer it, you'll see a Sub-Category menu at the top of the Model List, where you can choose to see Mono, Stereo or Legacy type models. Amp

categories oer Guitar & Bass sub-categories, and for Cabs you'll see Single & Dual sub-

category options.

Once you click on any model in the Model List it is instantly active and loaded into the selected Signal Flow location. (You can click on models here to preview them in realtime as your DAW track is playing.) When a model is selected, its editable parameters appear at the right of the Edit panel. If you want to remove an existing block, select it within the Signal Flow and choose the None category's Empty Block option. Or alternatively, right-click on the block within the Signal Flow and choose the Clear command.

Selecting Models

As mentioned in the previous chapter (page 27), add models to your current preset by selecting the desired empty location on any path within the Signal Flow window and then choose your specic model from the Model Browser. You can also select any existing block within the Signal Flow and change its model this way. (Also note that if you

select an Input, Output, Split & Merge block, the Model Browser can also oer options

for these block types.)

List/Grid View Toggle

Category List

Choose the type of block rst in the Category List at the left and you'll see all of its available models appear in the Model List. Note that, once you've selected a Category, you can toggle List/Grid View Toggle button to change between a list or grid display of the category's models.

Sub-Category Menu

Model List/Grid

The Edit tab's Model Browser

Parameter Sliders

Availability of Models within the Model Browser

There are cases where some model types are displayed as “dimmed” and not selectable within the Model Browser. There are limits for how many of some types of models can be inserted within a path and/or within a preset, as described below.

Dimmed models

Unavailable models appear dimmed within the Model Browser

Amp+Cab, Amp, or Preamp blocks

Cab blocks (includes Amp+Cab

blocks)

Impulse Response blocks

Send/Return & Looper blocks

Additionally, as per the computer processing management functionality of Helix Native (see page 14), when the current tone approaches its allowable processor usage limit, some models may not be selectable if adding them would result in the tone exceeding the limit. To free up more resources for the current preset, try removing some models, or swapping out models with similar mono or “simple” versions within the same category.

Any combination, up to four within a preset (up to two per path)

Up to four (two per path; Cab > Dual blocks are considered two)

Up to four 1024-point IRs (two per path) or two 2048-point IRs (one per path)

Send, Return, FX Loop and Looper type blocks remain “disabled” since they are only functional in Helix hardware and, thus, cannot be added from within the Helix Native Model Browser (see page 13 for details).

Model List view

Model Grid view

Editing Model Parameters

Once added to your tone, simply click on any block within the Signal Flow to select it and you'll see the model category and type highlighted in the Model Browser, with its parameter sliders available at the right of the Edit tab.

Edit TabModel Browser Selected Model Stereo Indicator Bypass/Enable

Parameters

The Inspector Window - Edit Tab

Selected Model, Stereo Indicator- At the top of the parameter pane you'll see the name of the selected model. If the selected model is stereo, the indicator appears to the right of its name, as pictured above.

Bypass/Enable - For all block types that support it, the Bypass/Enable button at

the top right allows you to manually toggle the block's processing on or o. Note

that you'll see all the block's parameter sliders become “dimmed” to indicate the bypassed state. Alternatively, hover over the block and use right-click or Ctrl+click to choose the bypass/enable options from the context menu - see “Adding, Clear-

ing & Bypassing Blocks” on page 27.

Adjusting Parameter Sliders - There are several ways to adjust slider values:

• Click on any slider's “handle” and drag to the desired value.

• Click on the desired range location within a slider's path and it will jump to the

clicked value.

• While hovering your mouse cursor over any slider's path, use your mouse wheel

to adjust it. (Note that hovering over the scroll bar at the right also allows you to use the mouse wheel to scroll vertically when there are more parameters.)

• Click the up/down arrow buttons at the right for incremental adjustments. If a

down arrow is displayed at the right, click on it to expand a menu of selectable options.

Resetting Sliders - If you're not happy with your slider adjustment, use Cmd+click (Mac) or Ctrl+click (PC) on a slider to reset it to its initial default value.

Type in a Precise Value - Double-click anywhere on a slider's path, or on its value, to manually type in a precise numerical value.

ConguringaParameterforHostDAWAutomation - Right-click on a slider to display the menu of Automation Controllers, which allow the host DAW application to access the parameter for its automation features - see “The Automation/Con-

troller Assign Tab” on page 36 for details.

Accessing All Parameters - Note that some model types, such as amps and

complex eects, may have more sliders and controls than you can see all at once

in the Edit tab. Click and drag the vertical scroll bar at the right to access all parameters (or use your mouse wheel when hovering your mouse cursor over the vertical scroll bar). You can also resize the entire plug-in window as desired by dragging its bottom right corner.

Note Sync

Most modulation and delay eects models oer a Note Sync option, allowing the mod- ulation rate or delay repeat time to follow the plug-in's main tempo value. For models

that oer it, you can click the Note Sync button within the Edit tab to toggle the feature on/o. When active (the Note Sync button is lit), the parameter will change to oer note

division values, as shown below.

Note value options Tempo Sync (active)

A Delay block's Delay Time parameter congured for Note Sync

Set the plug-in's main Tempo Controls at the top right of the plug-in window to Host Sync mode for the individual, active Note Sync parameters to follow your host project's

timeline tempo (also see “Editing the Tempo” on page 22).

Setting the plug-in to Host Sync tempo mode

Otherwise, when the main Tempo Controls option is set to Per Preset or Per Snapshot, the parameters' Note Sync follows the editable tempo value that is displayed in

the numerical tempo eld at the top right of the plug-in.

Editing Input, Output, Split & Merge Blocks

Just as with Amp & Eects blocks, you can click on these block types within any Signal

Flow path and access their options in the Edit tab.

Input Block Options - The Input block for any path (except Path 1A) is able to be set to receive input from the Host or None. If you have congured the Output block of a preceding path to feed into the current path, then you may wish to set the current path's Input block to None so that it does not also receive input audio from your Host DAW track. All Host Input blocks include a built-in Noise Gate, and

you'll nd the Gate's On/O and parameter sliders here as well.

Output Block Options - Path 1's Output block oers options to feed the path's

output to Host, or into any existing Input block of Path 2. (If you've created a sepa-

rate Path 1B, its output block oers these options as well).*

Path 2's Output block is always routed to Host. All Output blocks oer Pan and Level sliders within the Edit Tab.

*TIP: See page 29 for info about creating dierent possible path routing congurations using these Output block options.

Split Block Options - If your preset includes a Split path, click directly on the point of the main path where the signal divides to select the Split block and you'll see op-

tions for choosing dierent Split block types and their parameters. Note that there

is also a Bypass switch for Split blocks which, when bypassed, results in the block feeding an equal signal to each parallel path.

Merge Block Options - If your preset includes a Split path, click directly on the point of the main path where the signal returns to select the Merge block and you'll see several mixer options for blending the two paths' signals.

Editing Send, Return, FX Loop & Looper Blocks

These block types are supported only by Helix hardware devices, therefore, you'll only see them within Helix Native when importing a Helix preset that was exported from a Helix device. When included within a Helix Native tone, they are displayed with a slashed circle icon on the block to indicate this “unsupported” state.* However, you can still move & clear these blocks within the Signal Flow, and edit the parameters of these blocks within the Edit tab. Your edits are retained within your exported presets for use on Helix devices - see “Preset Compatibility with Helix Devices” on page 12.

*NOTE: If an existing Send, Return or FX Loop block is toggled as “active” via its Bypass switch, it can reduce or fully mute the path's audio signal, depending on the block's Mix or Dry Thru parameter settings. To ensure these block types are

not aecting the plug-in's signal path, simply toggle the block as bypassed.

The Automation/Controller Assign Tab

The Inspector window's Automation/Controller Assign tabbed panel is where you can create, edit and reference all your automation controller assignments for the current plug-in instance. This panel oers two sections - the Assignment List at the left where all current assignments are shown, and the Inspector at the right where you can create new automation assignments and access additional options for existing assignments.

Column HeadersAssignment List Selected Block

Target Parameter Menu

Controller Assignment for Automation

Since Helix Native can potentially include numerous parameters (depending on how many Amp & Eects blocks you add within your tone), Helix Native utilizes a set of assignable controllers that allow you to map whichever sliders and switches you desire to automate. To follow are what will appear as “automatable” Helix Native parameters within your host DAW application's plug-in automation menus.

• Knob 1-16 Controllers - Allow you to assign “variable” type controls - for ex-

ample, the Mix slider of a delay, or the Drive slider of an amp.

• Switch 1-16 Controllers - Allow you to assign “O/On” switches, such as the

bypass switch for any block.

• Snapshot Index Controller - Allows you to automate the loading of any of the

current tone's 8 Snapshots.

• Additional “Fixed” Controllers - These Helix Native global parameters are al-

ready mapped and require no automation controller assignment: Master Input Level, Master Output Level, and Master Bypass. (Note that some host DAW

applications also oer their own “xed controllers” within their automation

menus that are also usable with Helix Native plug-in, such as a Wet/Dry Balance or their own plug-in Bypass.)

Selected Assignment Min/Max Range

Parameters

The Automation/Controller Assign tab

Automation Controller Menu

About Plug-in Parameter Automation

Helix Native supports your host DAW application's features to read, write and edit parameter automation, where the DAW can control the plug-in's parameter values over time using editable track envelopes. Helix Native takes this concept even further and not only allows for practically any block's parameters to be automated, but also allows automating the loading of any of the current preset's Snapshots, which eectively provides simultaneous switching of numerous Helix Native parameters in one action!

Most DAWs additionally allow you to record parameter automation in real-time, where you enter an automation “write” mode and changes to the selected plug-in parameters are recorded and displayed on the track as adjustable envelopes. This allows all these parameter changes to be played back (using the host's track “read” mode option) and incorporated into your project’s mix-down.

Host DAW applications typically allow you to access the list of automatable parameters

for a plug-in by way of an automation parameter menu, specic to the audio or aux track where you have inserted the plug-in. Each host DAW software oers parameter automation options slightly dierently, so it is recommended that you consult your host software’s documentation for its specic instructions and parameter automation capa-

bilities.

Creating an Automation Controller Assignment

Before you’ll be able to utilize your DAW host’s track automation for a Helix Native pa-

rameter, it is necessary to rst assign the desired parameter to an automation “Knob”

or “Switch” controller. This is performed as follows.

Automating a Variable (Slider) Parameter:

1. Click on the block within the signal ow that contains the model and parameter

that you wish to automate. For this example, we'll create a controller assignment to automate the Mix slider of the Simple Delay model.

2. In the Automation/Controller Assign tab, you'll see that the Simple Delay block name is displayed at the top, indicating that it is the selected block. Click on the

Target Parameter menu to see all of the Simple Delay's parameters - select the Mix parameter.

Selecting a Delay's Mix as the target parameter for automation assignment

3. Once a target parameter is selected, click on the Automation Controller menu and select the “Knob” controller to which you want to assign your selected target parameter. We will select Knob 1. (You can optionally assign a slider to one of the Switch automation controllers to allow the parameter to be automated

strictly between two dened values - see the Tip at the end of this example.)

Selecting a Knob automation controller for a target parameter

5. Now access your host DAW app track's automation parameter menu and select

the Helix Native - Knob 1 to congure it for host automation.

6. You should be able to see an envelope line for the “Knob 1” parameter for the track (your host app may require that you toggle an option to display it). Adding edit points and adjusting this envelope will now directly adjust the assigned Mix slider of the Simple Delay.

TIP: As an alternative to steps 2 & 3, you can right-click directly on the Simple Delay's Mix slider within the Edit tab, choose Automation Assign and the desired Knob controller from the menu.

Creating an automation assignment from a slider's context menu in the Edit tab

Also note that only one parameter can be assigned to any one Knob automation controller at a time - choosing a controller with an existing assignment (as indicated by a dot to its left within the Automation Controller menu) will replace the existing assignment. Or, you can choose None to remove an existing assignment.

4. Once the assignment is created, you'll see it appear in the Assignments List at the left. When selected in this list, you can edit its assignment settings at the right of the tab - see “Editing Options for an Existing Automation Controller As-

signment” on page 38. You'll also see an automation assignment Knob indi-

cator (or Switch indicator, depending on which type of assignment you created) displayed for the parameter's slider within the Edit tab, which includes the Knob number to which it is now assigned:

An automation assignment indicator for “Knob 1” appears at the left of the assigned slider

Cubase Pro with Helix Native “Knob 1” automated on an audio track

You can repeat these steps, choosing other “Knob” controllers, to create additional automation assignments for the Simple Delay (or any other selected block within the Signal Flow), if you wish to automate more parameters for this Helix Native plug-in instance.

TIP: Alternatively, in step 3 you can choose one of the Switch 1-16 auto-

mation controllers, which congures the parameter to be automated strictly between two specic values. You can dene the two values within the Au-

tomation/Controller Assign tab using the assignment's Min Mix & Max Mix value options - see “Editing Options for an Existing Automation Controller

Assignment” on page 38.

As shown in the example above, a variable Mix parameter slider is assigned to a Switch automation controller, with its Min and Max Mix values set for

20% and 50% - these are the two specic values to which the host track

automation will be toggled between.

TIP: Click on the little knob automation assignment indicator at the left of the slider to jump to the Automation/Controller tab, where the assignment is selected and it editable options displayed.

Automating an Off/On Switch Parameter:

The Switch 1-16 automation controllers are for parameters that oer only a two option switch. Most commonly this would be a block's Bypass O/On, but you can automate

other switch parameters in the same way, such as the Speed - Fast/Slow switch of a

rotary speaker model. For the following example, we'll congure the Bypass of a Simple

EQ block.

1. Add a Simple EQ block to your Signal Flow and click on it to select the block.

2. In the Automation/Controller Assign tab, you'll see that the Simple EQ block name is displayed at the top, indicating that it is the selected block. Click on the Target Parameter menu to see all of the EQ's parameters - select the Bypass parameter.

Selecting Bypass as the target parameter for automation assignment

3. Once the Bypass target parameter is selected, click on the Automation Con- troller menu that appears and select the Switch controller to which you want to

assign your selected target parameter. We will select Switch 1.

Selecting a Switch automation controller for a target parameter

TIP: As an alternative to steps 2 & 3 for assigning block Bypass, you can right-click or Ctrl-click directly on the EQ block within the Signal Flow and choose the desired Switch controller from the Automation Bypass menu.

4. Once the assignment is created, you'll see it appear in the Assignments List at the left. When you select an existing assignment in this list, you can edit its settings at the right of the tab - see “Editing Options for an Existing Automation

Controller Assignment” on page 38.

5. Now access your host DAW app track's automation parameter menu and select

the Helix Native - Switch 1 parameter to congure it for host automation.

6. You should be able to see a “Switch 1” parameter envelope line for the track (your host app may require that you toggle an option to display it). Adding edit points and adjusting this envelope will now directly toggle the bypass state of the assigned Simple EQ block. Note that, since this is a “switch” type parameter,

its track envelope will only create edit points as “o” (0% value) or “on” (100%

value).

Reaper 5 with Helix Native “Switch 1” automated on an audio track

You can repeat these steps, choosing other “Switch” controllers, to create additional automation assignments for the Simple EQ (or any other selected block within the Signal Flow), if you wish to automate more parameters for this Helix Native plug-in instance.

TIP: You can also utilize a Switch automation controller for an automation assignment to a “variable” Helix Native parameter, such as any model's slider

parameter, allowing you to dene two specic parameter values to toggle between when automating the Switch's “O/On” states - see “Automating a

Variable (Slider) Parameter:” on page 36.

Also note that only one parameter can be assigned to any one Switch automation controller at a time - choosing a controller with an existing assignment (as indicated by a dot to its left within the Automation Bypass menu) will replace the existing assignment. Or, you can choose None to remove an existing assignment.

Editing Options for an Existing Automation Controller Assignment

Once you've created one or more Automation Controller assignments, they are displayed in the Assignment List at the left of the Automation/Controller Assign tab. This list makes it easy to reference all your automated parameters and edit their available options. The Assignment List includes 3 columns:

• Block - Displays the name of the parent block which includes the assigned

parameter.

• Parameter - Displays the name of the assigned parameter.

• Source - Displays the automation controller source (Knob 1-16 or Switch 1-16)

to which the parameter is assigned.

TIP: Note that you can click on these column titles at the top of the list to sort the list by Block, Parameter or Source, ascending or descending.

When you click on any assignment within the list, you'll see the assignment's editable options appear at the right of the Automation/Controller Assign tab. Most variable type parameters oer Minimum Value / Maximum Value sliders which allow you to custom- ize the automated values.

If the Automation Assignment Source is a Knob Controller - The Min & Max

values dene the range for which the parameter can be adjusted, allowing you to

limit the range, if desired. For example, if you want an amp's Drive parameter to automate strictly between the value range of 3.0 to 7.5, set these sliders accordingly, as shown below.

An Amp - Drive “Knob” automation assignment with its Min & Max (range) values dened

Removing or Replacing an Existing Automation Controller Assignment

To Remove an Existing Automation Controller Assignment - Select the assignment within the Assignment List and choose the None option from the Automation Assignment menu.

Select None to remove an existing assignment

To Replace an Existing Automation Controller Assignment - Select the existing

assignment within the Assignments List and choose a dierent Knob or Switch

controller from the Automation Controller menu. This removes the existing controller and applies the newly selected Knob or Switch automation controller to the parameter.* You can then choose this newly assigned Knob or Switch controller from your DAW track's parameter automation menu to automate it.

NOTE: For Automation assignments, (unlike with MIDI assignments) the Min and Max values cannot be inverted.

If the Automation Assignment Source is a Switch Controller - The Min & Max

values dene the “O” and “On” values to which the parameter can set, allowing

you automate switching between these values. For example, if you want an amp's Drive parameter to automate strictly to either 4.0 or 8.5, set these sliders accordingly, as shown in the following image.

An Amp - Drive “Switch” automation assignment with its Min & Max (O/On) values dened

TIP: Some DAW hosts also oer additional on-screen controls to provide easy

access to track and plug-in parameters, such as the “Smart Controls” in Logic Pro or the “Quick Controls” in Cubase Pro. Typically these types of DAW controls can be set to the Helix Native Knob 1-16 or Switch 1-16 Automation Controllers, for which you'd want to follow the preceding steps to assign your preferred Helix Native parameter to the respective Automation Controller.

*NOTE: In the case where you have written automation for an existing Helix Native assignment and performed the above replace action, the automation envelope in your DAW track will be left “orphaned,” since the Knob or Switch automation controller it was congured to automate no longer references any actual Helix Native parameter. If you assign another parameter to this automated Knob or Switch controller, the track automation envelope will then control the newly assigned parameter - or, you may wish to delete the unused automation envelope from your host project.

To Re-assign an Existing Automation Controller Assignment to a New Parameter - If you choose a new, unassigned block parameter in the Automation

menu, and then select a Knob or Switch from the Controller menu that is currently assigned to another parameter, this removes the controller assignment from the existing parameter and assigns it to the newly selected parameter. (Any Knob or Switch automation controller can only be assigned to one parameter at a time.)

Automation Assignment Preservation when Changing Models

You may wonder, once you've congured one or more parameters of a particular Amp or

FX block with automation assignments, what happens to these assignments if you want to then change the model for this block? For just this situation, Helix Native incorporates an automatic “preservation” for automation assignments, which can intelligently

re-assign the automation assignments when the new model oers similar parameters.

For assignments to be preserved, the assigned parameters of the newly selected model

need to be similar in type and in scale. For example, if you've congured the Drive slider

of the Amp+Cab model to be automated by the Knob 1 automation controller, you can then select most any other Amp+Cab, Amp or Preamp model for the block and the Knob 1 controller will automatically re-assign itself to the Drive slider of the new model. Likewise, if you have a Delay's Mix parameter automated, the Mix parameter assignment will typically be preserved for the Mix parameter of most any other type of FX model that includes a Mix slider.

For the cases where automation assignments cannot be preserved automatically, (e.g.,

when a block's model is changed to one with a very dierent set of parameters) any

existing track envelope with written or edited automation will be left in an “orphaned” state on your DAW track. But you can manually re-assign the automation controller, as covered in the previous section.

Automating Snapshot Changes

As covered on page 24, the Snapshot feature allows you to store a number of settings, such as block bypass, parameter values, tempo values and more, and then recall all Snapshot-assigned settings simply by loading the respective Snapshot via the plug-

in's Snapshots menu. For even more exibility, Helix Native also allows you to automate

the loading of Snapshots 1-8 in real-time using your host DAW application's automa-

tion features! Use the following steps to congure a Snapshot automation assignment.

1. Access your host DAW app track's automation parameter menu and select the Helix Native - Snapshot Index option.

Selecting the Snapshot Index automation option in a Logic Pro track's automation menu

2. You should be able to see a “Snapshot Index” automation envelope line added for the track (your host app may require that you toggle an option to display it). Adding edit points and adjusting this envelope allows you to choose the Snap-

shot 1-8 that you wish to be loaded over the specied time duration.

Writing Parameter Automation

Most host DAW apps also provide several “Read/Write” modes for parameter automa-

tion, which typically appear as a set of options on the track (O, Read, Write, Latch,

Touch, etc.).

The track automation Read & Write mode options in Pro Tools

When set to Read (typically the default), the track will actively “play back” the automa-

tion envelope settings on the track, and when set to O it will ignore the automation

envelope.

When one of the Write options is set as active on the track, you can then play the track and manually adjust any Helix Native switch or slider within the plug-in's Edit tab that includes an automation controller assignment, and your moves are recorded to the track in real-time. Also, since the Helix Native Snapshots feature has a dedicated automation parameter (Snapshot Index), the loading of snapshots via the Snapshots menu can also be “written” using your host's Write features. Typically you'll see the parameter's envelope in the track edited with the adjustments that you have written, and you can manually drag individual edit points to edit the envelope further as desired once playback is stopped.

Note that once a parameter is assigned to a controller and automated by the above methods, it is no longer then possible to manually make adjustments directly to the parameter's slider or switch within the Helix Native plug-in window, since it then responds only to the written automation envelope values. To edit the settings, either edit the automation envelope, or utilize one of the host's automation Write modes to make the desired parameter value changes.

The editable Snapshot Index envelope line displayed on the Logic track

Feel free to continue to add, edit or remove the specic items you have included

within each of your 8 Snapshots. This automation feature simply loads whichever Snapshot you set it to load, allowing you to continue to customize Snapshots' contents as desired.

MIDI Bypass & Controller Assignment

Most parameters and functions within Helix Native can also be controlled remotely via external MIDI control devices or MIDI software applications. For most Helix Native parameters, this is accomplished by creating a MIDI CC Bypass or MIDI In Controller assignment, as shown in the following steps. (Note that several MIDI CCs are reserved or pre-assigned to Helix Native global functions - see “Global Reserved MIDI CCs” on

page 42).

TIP: If you happen to own a Helix device, it makes an excellent MIDI Controller device for your DAW! Check out the “Command Center” chapter within your

Helix Owner's Manual for details on how to congure the Helix to transmit a

variety of MIDI control messages.

NOTE: You may need to congure your DAW host application to receive MIDI

Control input from your external MIDI controller device or software. These settings are typically found within the DAW application's Preferences. Additionally,

it is often necessary to congure your DAW host track routing to so that the

external MIDI Controller data is fed directly to your current Helix Native plug-in instance. This often requires the use of a MIDI or Instrument track to receive the MIDI input and then send it to the audio track on which the Helix Native plug-in inserted. Please see your application's documentation for details.

Creating a MIDI Bypass Assignment

For any block type that includes a Bypass parameter, a MIDI Bypass Assignment can be created to allow the block's Bypass to be toggled via MIDI CC.

1. Click on the desired block within the plug-in's Signal Flow to select it. For this example, we've selected a Compulsive Drive Distortion block.

2. Go to the plug-in's Automation/Controller Assign tab. If not already selected, choose the Compulsive Drive's Bypass from the parameter menu at the top right of the tab.

3. Click on the menu beneath and choose MIDI In as your assignment type. (If the Bypass parameter already includes an existing assignment, choose None from the menu to remove it, then choose MIDI In.)

4. Use the MIDI In slider to congure the MIDI CC number to which the block's

Bypass parameter will respond - we've select CC 13. Be sure to also congure

your external MIDI device to transmit this same MIDI CC number.

Once congured as above, when a MIDI CC Toggle message (CC 13 with two

alternating values, where one is 0-63, and the other 64-127) is sent to the plug-

in, it will switch the block's Bypass parameter.

5. To remove a MIDI Bypass assignment, right-click or Ctrl-click on the assignment within the Assignments List at the left and choose the Clear option.

Feel free to continue to add, edit or remove MIDI Bypass assignments for additional blocks as desired. Be sure to Save your tone to retain these assignments

within the preset.

6. Alternatively, you can right-click or Ctrl-Click directly on the desired Amp, Ef-

fects or Mix block within the plug-in's Signal Flow and select MIDI Bypass > MIDI In to create the MIDI Bypass assignment. Follow step 4 to then congure

the MIDI CC for your assignment.

Creating a MIDI Bypass assignment within the Signal Flow

Creating a MIDI Controller Assignment

Practically any parameter within Helix Native can be controlled remotely via a MIDI

controller device or MIDI software. This can be congured by creating a MIDI Control

Assignment to allow the parameter to be controlled via MIDI CC. For this example, we'll

select the Vetta Wah to be controlled via a MIDI expression pedal.

1. Click on the Wah block within the plug-in's Signal Flow window to select it,

2. Within the plug-in's Edit tab, right-click or Ctrl-click directly on the Wah's Posi- tion slider and choose Controller Assign > MIDI CC to create a MIDI Controller assignment for the parameter.

Conguring the MIDI In CC number for a MIDI Bypass Assignment

Creating a MIDI Controller assignment for a parameter

3. Go to the plug-in's Automation/Controller Assign tab and you'll see your newlycreated Wah MIDI Controller assignment in the list at the left. Click on this assignment to select it.

4. Choose the desired MIDI CC number using the MIDI In slider in the right pane -

we've selected CC 10. Be sure to also congure your external MIDI expression

pedal to transmit this same MIDI CC number

Creating a MIDI Controller assignment for a Wah

5. If desired, you can adjust the Min & Max Position parameters to limit the range of a MIDI CC-assigned parameter. Note that it is possible to make the Min value larger than the Max value, if you want to invert the behavior of the parameter.

Once congured as above, when a MIDI CC 10 message (with values of 0-127)

is sent to the plug-in, it will control the Wah block's Position parameter.

6. To remove a MIDI Controller assignment, right-click or Ctrl-click on the assignment within the Assignments List and choose the Clear option.

Feel free to continue to add, edit or remove MIDI Controller assignments for additional parameters as desired. Be sure to Save your tone to retain these as- signments within the preset.

Global Reserved MIDI CCs

Helix Native has reserved specic MIDI CC messages which are not available within

the Helix Native menus for creating MIDI Bypass and Control Assignments. As shown in the following table, most of these reserved MIDI CCs are for features that are only functional on Helix hardware, but are reserved within Helix Native to provide preset compatibility with Helix devices.

GLOBAL RESERVED MIDI CCs

MIDI CC# Value Function

Reserved for use with Helix hardware assignments

GLOBAL RESERVED MIDI CCs

MIDI CC# Value Function

0-7 Snapshot 1-8 select

128

0-63: Oh; 64-127: Nooo

Reserved for future use

Helix Native achieves self-awareness and starts poking fun of that face you make during the solo

Preferences

The My Account menu at the bottom left of the Helix Native plug-in window provides access to the menu to open the Preferences window, as well as to several options for Marketplace and managing your Line 6 account options.

NOTE: For details on the additional commands within this menu, please see the following chapter - “Marketplace & Account Options” on page 46.

The Preferences Window

Select Preferences from the menu to launch the Preferences window, which includes three selectable screens to edit plug-in settings and reference version and legal info.

General Screen

The General settings screen oers options for the plug-in's Preset and IR Libraries. These settings are global and aect current and future instances of the plug-in.

Preset Numbering Format - The presets within the Librarian's Presets Panel can be numbered as bank numbers & letters (as 01A-32D) or sequentially (as 000-127) within each Setlist, depending on which is more convenient for you.

Stereo IR Import - When a stereo .wav IR le is imported by Helix Native, it is

converted to mono. This preference lets you choose whether to take the left or

right channel of the source IR le, or to sum both channels to mono. The default is

to import the left channel.

Remove Unsupported Blocks on Import - Presets exported from Helix hardware can potentially include Send, Return, FX Loop and/or Looper type blocks, all of which are unsupported block types within Helix Native plug-in (see page 13). Enabling this option automatically strips out these block types from presets whenever importing Helix Presets, Setlists or Bundles into Helix Native.

Show/Hide Block Name Labels - If you prefer to have the Signal Flow window not show labels beneath each block, you can choose Hide Names here (see page

27).

Clear & Restore Library Options

This group of buttons within the window oer quick and easy ways to clear out or restore the contents of the Librarian's panels.

IMPORTANT! Be sure to backup your presets and impulses using the Export options within the Librarian panels or Preferences window before using these Clear and Restore features, since Librarian presets and impulses will be permanently deleted or overwritten, as indicated below.

The Helix Native Preferences window - General screen

Help Options

At the top right of the Preferences window, click the ? menu button and you can choose Online Help to visit the line6.com Helix Native plug-in support site, or select Pilot's Guide to launch the PDF you are now reading.

• Clear Preset Library - Instantly removes all presets in all setlists. This replaces

all with empty “new” presets, providing a clean library to create and import presets as desired.

• Restore Factory Setlists - Clears only Setlists 1, 2 & 8 and replaces them with

the Factory Setlists 1, 2 & 8 included with the currently installed version of Helix

Native.* All of your presets within any other Setlists remain unaected.

*TIP: Note that when a new version of Helix Native is released, it may include some new Factory Presets. If you already have a previous version of Helix Native installed and install the newer version, you'll need to perform the Restore Factory Setlists function to get these new Factory Presets within your plug-in's Presets Library.

• Clear IR Library - Instantly removes all IRs from the Impulses Library list. Use

the Impulses panel's Import feature to import IR les from your computer's hard

drive in whatever order you like.

• Import & Export Bundle - A Bundle is a le containing the complete set of all

setlists and presets. These buttons allow you to Import a Helix Bundle le from

your hard drive, or create and save all the Helix Native Library's setlists and pre-

sets in their currently-saved state as a Bundle le to your hard drive. As noted

above, this is a great way to easily save a backup of all your Library presets and restore them at any time. Please see “Importing and Exporting Helix Bundles”

on page 18 for details.

About Box

The About box screen provides full version information for the installed Helix Native plug-in.

The Helix Native About box screen

Note that the “Helix 2.xx Compatible” version number informs you which Helix device

rmware version is recommended if you are to be sharing presets between Helix Native

plug-in and your Helix device. Please also see “Preset Compatibility with Helix De-

vices” on page 12.

Legal Information

The Legal screen displays all the necessary trademark, copyright and other legal required statements for the Helix Native software.

Marketplace & Account Options

Marketplace

Now open for business is the Line 6 Marketplace online store, where you'll nd 3rd-party,

premium add-on assets that even further enhance the functionality of Helix Native, as well as Helix hardware! As of this writing, professionally crafted presets and IRs are available

- check back often on Marketplace for product news and announcements. As covered

within this chapter, you're only a few clicks away from using new Marketplace assets on your system, right from the My Account menu in Helix Native.

NOTE: Helix Native version 1.70 (or later) is required for the full functionality of Market- place premium presets and IRs.

To download your purchased assets, click on the Manage Account command within the plug-in's My Account menu (or go directly to https://line6.com/ac-

count/), sign in to your account, and select Helix Marketplace from the Hardware

& Software section at the left.

Each Marketplace purchase is downloadable as a “zip” le that you'll need to “unzip”

on your local hard drive once downloaded.

Licenses for your purchased assets are automatically added to your Line 6 account, and “synced” the next time you use an instance of Helix Native, as long as your are actively signed in to your Line 6 account from the My Account menu (see

“Account Sign In / Sign Out” on page 47).

Import and Utilize Your Marketplace Assets

Once you've signed in and authorized your computer for use with Helix Native, your computer is also authorized for your premium Marketplace assets - your presets and IRs can then be imported and used just like any other presets and IRs.

Once imported, premium Marketplace presets (individual .hlx preset les, or setlist or bundles les that include them) and/or premium Impulse Responses (.hir les), appear

with a golden guitar pick “badge” at their right in the plug-in's librarian lists. (Also see

page 16 and page 19 for more about importing presets and IRs.)

Get Your Marketplace Assets

Access the Line 6 Marketplace website by choosing the Get More Presets and Get More IRs, commands within the My Account menu at the bottom left of the Helix

Native plug-in window (or go directly to https://line6.com/marketplace/) and sign in to your Line 6 account.* When browsing the Marketplace site, simply choose the desired packs of presets or IRs, add them to your cart, and check out.

*NOTE: Be sure to sign in to the same Line 6 user account with which you purchased your Helix Native license so that your Marketplace licenses are deposited into the same account!

Once your purchase is complete, your downloadable Marketplace assets are deposited into your Line 6 account, which include your personal license that allows you to import them on your authorized computer system.

The golden guitar pick badges indicate premium Marketplace Presets and IRs

The My Account Menu Options

At the bottom left of the Helix Native plug-in window, you'll see the My Account menu and account status indicator. Initially, before you've signed in to your Line 6 online account and/or authorized your computer for Marketplace premium assets, you'll see this menu displayed with the My Account label.

The My Account menu (not signed in or authorized)

Clicking on the My Account menu at the bottom left of the Helix Native plug-in window displays options for accessing the Preferences window (see page 44), signing in & managing your Line 6 account, as well as for accessing Marketplace.*

*NOTE: Once you've completed the computer authorization, it is not required that your computer have an active Internet connection, nor do you need to be signed in or autho-

rized at all for the Helix Native plug-in itself to be functional. But signing in is necessary to authorize (or deauthorize) your computer to allow the use of Helix Native, including the import and export of premium assets purchased from the online Marketplace.

Account Sign In / Sign Out

Signing in to your Line 6 account from within the Helix Native My Account menu (see above) is necessary to be able to perform the following online processes.

• To Authorize or Deauthorize your Computer - Once you've purchased the

Helix Native license, it is necessary to Authorize your computer to run it (as covered in the next section).

• For Authorizing Marketplace Purchases to your Computer - Whenever you

make a new purchase of premium add-ons from Marketplace, you'll need to be signed in to allow Helix Native to initially “sync” with your Line 6 account and authorize the licenses for your newly purchased goodies.

Once your computer is Authorized, you don't otherwise need to be actively signed in, or even have an active Internet connection, to utilize Helix Native plug-in or Marketplace add-ons.* We recommend that you simply remain signed in, as this does not hinder the performance of Helix Native and ensures your licenses are always synced.

*NOTE: You must be actively signed in at all times if using the Helix Native plug- in in the 15-day Trial Mode. You must also be signed in for the initial import of any new Marketplace assets, to allow license synchronization - see “License

Synchronization” on page 48.

If you are not currently signed in, choose Sign In from the My Account menu and enter your Line 6 account user name and password in the Sign In pop-up window. If you have forgotten your sign in credentials or have not already created a Line 6 account, choose the Forgot my password/username or Create a Line 6 account option within the window. If you are already signed in and wish to sign out, choose the Sign Out option from the My Account menu.

The Sign In pop-up window

Computer Authorization Status Indicator

Once you've signed in and authorized your computer, you'll see the My Account menu label display a green dot and your rst name (derived from your Line 6 account), indicating the status of your account sign in and computer authorization (more details about authorization in the following section). When signed out, the menu button displays the “My Account” label, with no colored authorization indicator.

Signed out with computer authorizedSigned in with computer authorized

Once you've authorized your computer, you can optionally sign out, and your computer remains in the authorized state, allowing you to continue to perform import, export, copy and backup actions with your Marketplace premium assets, even if your Internet connection is not currently active.

Note that you will need an Internet connection to be able to sign in again to access the Deauthorize and Authorize options from the menu, as well as to initially synchronize with your online Line 6 account after making any new Marketplace purchase (see “License Syn-

chronization”).

Authorize / Deauthorize your Computer

Authorizing your computer allows your purchased (or Trial version) Helix Native license to be run on the computer. It also allows you to utilize premium add-on assets purchased from the Marketplace within Helix Native plug-in.

Helix Hardware Owners: This activation & deactivation within Helix Native globally activates/deactivates your computer for the import, export and use of Marketplace premium assets with the HX Edit application as well - please see the latest HX Edit Pilot's Guide for details.

It is permitted to authorize a maximum of 4 of your computers concurrently. If you've already authorized 4 computers, you can deauthorize one computer to free up one of these license authorizations - see “Authorizing your Computer” on page 5 for details.

To Deauthorize your computer, rst make sure you are signed in to your Line 6 acct (as

covered in the previous section) then complete the following.

If you have purchased & authorized Helix Native - Click on the Deauthorize Computer option. The online deauthorization completes momentarily. Helix Na-

tive remains installed and selectable within your host DAW app, but the plug-in windows displays only its authorization screen, and will not process audio while deauthorized.

If you are using the 15-day Trial version of Helix Native plug-in - When signed in, you'll see your time remaining for the trial at the bottom of the plug-in window. At any time during your 15-day trial, or once the trial has expired, you can

click this time remaining indicator to purchase your software license. Click Yes when prompted to do so and you'll be taken to the Line 6 Online Store to make your purchase and be up and running Helix Native plug-in in minutes!

Deauthorizing the Trial License from your Computer - You would likely only want to deauthorize in the event that you want to continue the Helix Native plug-

in 15-day trial on a dierent computer that you own (assuming you have time remaining in your trial). To continue your trial on a dierent computer, install Helix

Native plug-in on the other computer and choose the Trial version.

Manage Account

Choose this menu option to be taken to the Line 6 My Account page (https://line6.

com/account/), where you can view and update your Line 6 user account - view and

manage add-ons and Marketplace purchases, register Line 6 gear, update your personal information, and more.

License Synchronization

Whenever you make a purchase from Marketplace, a license for each product you purchase is deposited into your online Line 6 account. For Helix Native to access your new

licenses and eectively “unlock” your purchased assets, it needs to perform a “sync”

process with your Line 6 account. You must have an active Internet connection and be signed in within Helix Native on your next use of the plug-in after your purchase for this license synchronization to occur.

When you're signed in, this brief sync takes place automatically in Helix Native the next time you insert a plug-in instance, or if already inserted, when you next click on the plug-in window. (Note that it may take up to 5 minutes before a sync occurs for an existing instance of the plug-in.) Once the license sync has completed, an active Internet connection is not required for the use of these Marketplace purchased assets.

Model Lists

To follow are the lists of all Eect, Amp, Speaker Cabinet & Microphone models included in Helix Native, as well as the original gear they are based on.* Models, in many cases, include some unique parameters, typically based on the controls found on the

original gear we modeled. However, you will also nd a set of options that are common

to model category types, as described in the sections that follow.

TIP: Most model parameters are able to be congured for automation control by your

host DAW software - see “The Automation/Controller Assign Tab” on page 36.

Effects Models

Helix Native includes all the eects models found within the award-winning Line 6 Helix guitar processors. In addition, selected eects from the classic Line 6 DL4™, DM4™,

MM4™, and FM4™ stompboxes as well as M13®, M9®, and M5® processors are also included, which are referred to as “Legacy” models.

The following Eects models are found within each of the Helix Native plug-in's respective block category menus (Distortion, Dynamics, EQ, etc.). Once you've selected an ef-

fects category in the plug-in's Model Browser menu, you'll see up to three eects sub-

categories: Mono, Stereo and Legacy. Mono models process in mono, as you'd expect, collapsing the stereo output of any block preceding it to mono. Stereo models process the signal as discrete stereo-in, stereo-out. Legacy type models, just as on earlier Line 6 devices, are a mixed bag and can be either mono, stereo or mono-in/stereo-out. See

“Block Order and Stereo Imaging” on page 29 for more info.

Distortion Models

Model Subcategories Based On*

Kinky Boost

Deranged Master

Minotaur

Teemah!

Compulsive Drive

Valve Driver

Top Secret OD

Scream 808

Hedgehog D9

Mono, Stereo Xotic® EP Booster Mono, Stereo Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster Mono, Stereo Klon® Centaur Mono, Stereo Paul Cochrane Timmy® Overdrive Mono, Stereo Fulltone® OCD Mono, Stereo Chandler Tube Driver Mono, Stereo DOD® OD-250 Mono, Stereo Ibanez® TS808 Tube Screamer Mono, Stereo MAXON® SD9 Sonic Distortion

Distortion Models

Model Subcategories Based On*

Stupor OD

Deez One Vintage

Deez One Mod

Vermin Dist

KWB

Arbitrator Fuzz

Triangle Fuzz

Industrial Fuzz

Tycoctavia Fuzz

Thrifter Fuzz

Wringer Fuzz

Megaphone

Bitcrusher

Obsidian 7000

Clawthorn Drive

Tube Drive

Screamer

Overdrive

Classic Dist

Heavy Dist

Colordrive

Buzz Saw

Facial Fuzz

Jumbo Fuzz

Fuzz Pi

Jet Fuzz

L6 Drive

L6 Distortion

Sub Oct Fuzz

Octave Fuzz

Mono, Stereo BOSS® SD-1 Overdrive Mono, Stereo BOSS® DS-1 Distortion (Made-in-Japan) Mono, Stereo BOSS® DS-1 Distortion (Keeley modded) Mono, Stereo Pro Co RAT Mono, Stereo Benadrian Kowloon Walled Bunny Distortion Mono, Stereo Arbiter® FuzzFace Mono, Stereo Electro-Harmonix® Big Mu Pi Mono, Stereo Z.Vex Fuzz Factory Mono, Stereo Tycobrahe® Octavia Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Garbage's modded BOSS® FZ-2 Mono, Stereo Megaphone Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Darkglass® Electronics Microtubes® B7K Ultra Mono, Stereo Wounded Paw Battering Ram Legacy Chandler Tube Driver Legacy Ibanez® Tube Screamer Legacy DOD® Overdrive/Preamp 250 Legacy ProCo RAT Legacy BOSS® Metal Zone Legacy Colorsound® Overdriver Legacy Maestro® Fuzz Tone Legacy Arbiter® Fuzz Face Legacy Vox® Tone Bender Legacy Electro-Harmonix® Big Mu Pi Legacy Roland® Jet Phaser Legacy Colorsound® Overdriver (modded) Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy PAiA Roctave Divider Legacy Tycobrahe® Octavia

*See “U.S. Registered Trademarks” on page 58. All product names used in this document are trademarks of their respective owners and neither Yamaha Guitar Group nor Line 6 are associated or aliated with them. These trademarks appear solely to identify products whose tones and sounds were studied by Line 6 during sound model development.

Dynamics Models

Modulation Models

Model Subcategories Based On*

Deluxe Comp

Red Squeeze

Kinky Comp

LA Studio Comp

3-Band Comp

Noise Gate

Hard Gate

Autoswell

Tube Comp

Red Comp

Blue Comp

Blue Comp Treb

Vetta Comp

Vetta Juice

Boost Comp

Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo MXR® Dyna Comp Mono, Stereo Xotic® SP Compressor Mono, Stereo Teletronix® LA-2A Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Legacy Teletronix® LA-2A Legacy MXR® Dyna Comp Legacy BOSS® CS-1 Legacy BOSS® CS-1 (Treble switch on) Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy MXR® Micro Amp

EQ Models

Model Subcategories Based On*

Simple EQ

Low and High Cut

Parametric

10 Band Graphic

Cali Q Graphic

Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo MXR® 10-Band Graphic EQ Mono, Stereo MESA/Boogie® Mark IV Graphic EQ

Modulation Models

Model Subcategories Based On*

Optical Trem

60s Bias Trem

Tremolo/Autopan

Harmonic Tremolo

Mono, Stereo Fender® optical tremolo circuit Mono, Stereo Vox® AC-15 Tremolo Mono, Stereo BOSS® PN-2 Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original

Model Subcategories Based On*

Bleat Chop Trem

Script Mod Phase

Ubiquitous Vibe

Deluxe Phaser

Gray Flanger

Harmonic Flanger

Courtesan Flange

Dynamix Flanger

Chorus

70s Chorus

PlastiChorus

Trinity Chorus

Bubble Vibrato

Vibe Rotary

122 Rotary

145 Rotary

Double Take

AM Ring Mod

Pitch Ring Mod

Pattern Tremolo

Panner

Bias Tremolo

Opto Tremolo

Script Phase

Panned Phaser

Barberpole

Dual Phaser

U-Vibe

Phaser

Mono, Stereo Lightfoot Labs Goatkeeper Mono, Stereo MXR® Phase 90 Mono, Stereo Shin-ei Uni-Vibe Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo MXR® 117 Flanger Mono, Stereo A/DA Flanger Mono, Stereo Electro-Harmonix® Deluxe EM Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo BOSS® CE-1 Mono, Stereo Modded Arion SCH-Z chorus Stereo Dytronics® Tri-Stereo Chorus Mono, Stereo BOSS® VB-2 Vibrato Stereo Fender® Vibratone Stereo Leslie® 122 Stereo Leslie® 145 Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Stereo Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy 1960 Vox® AC-15 Tremolo Legacy 1964 Fender® Deluxe Reverb Legacy MXR® Phase 90 (script logo version) Legacy Ibanez® Flying Pan Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Mu-Tron® Bi-Phase Legacy Shin-ei Uni-Vibe Legacy MXR® Phase 90

Modulation Models

Delay Models

Model Subcategories Based On*

Pitch Vibrato

Dimension

Analog Chorus

Tri Chorus

Analog Flanger

Jet Flanger

AC Flanger

80A Flanger

Frequency Shift

Ring Modulator

Rotary Drum

Rotary Drum/Horn

Legacy BOSS® VB-2 Legacy Roland® Dimension D Legacy BOSS® CE-1 Legacy Dytronics® Tri-Stereo Chorus Legacy MXR® Flanger Legacy A/DA Flanger Legacy MXR® Flanger Legacy A/DA Flanger Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Fender® Vibratone Legacy Leslie® 145

Delay Models

Model Subcategories Based On*

Simple Delay

Mod/Chorus Echo

Dual Delay

Multitap 4

Multitap 6

Ping Pong

Sweep Echo

Ducked Delay

Reverse Delay

Vintage Digital

Vintage Swell

Pitch Echo

Transistor Tape

Cosmos Echo

Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Stereo Line 6 Original Stereo Line 6 Original Stereo Line 6 Original Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo TC Electronic® 2290 Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Maestro® Echoplex EP-3 Mono, Stereo Roland® RE-201 Space Echo

Model Subcategories Based On*

Harmony Delay

Bucket Brigade

Adriatic Delay

Adriatic Swell

Elephant Man

Multi Pass

Ping Pong

Dynamic

Stereo

Digital

Dig w/Mod

Reverse

Lo Res

Tube Echo

Tape Echo

Sweep Echo

Echo Platter

Analog Echo

Analog w/Mod

Auto-Volume Echo

Multi-Head

Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo BOSS® DM-2 Mono, Stereo BOSS® DM-2 w/ Adrian Mod Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Electro-Harmonix® Deluxe Memory Man Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy TC Electronic® 2290 Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Maestro® Echoplex EP-1 Legacy Maestro® Echoplex EP-3 Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Binson® EchoRec Legacy BOSS® DM-2 Legacy Electro-Harmonix® Deluxe Memory Man Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Roland® RE-101 Space Echo

Reverb Models

Model Subcategory Based On*

Glitz

Ganymede

Searchlights

Plateaux

Double Tank

Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original

Reverb Models

Filter Models

Model Subcategory Based On*

Plate

Room

Chamber

Hall

Echo

Tile

Cave

Ducking

Octo

'63 Spring

Spring

Particle Verb

Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original

Pitch/Synth Models

Model Subcategories Based On*

Pitch Wham

Twin Harmony

Simple Pitch

Dual Pitch

3 OSC Synth

3 Note Generator

4 OSC Generator

Bass Octaver

Smart Harmony

Octi Synth

Synth O Matic

Attack Synth

Synth String

Growler

Mono, Stereo Digitech® Whammy Mono, Stereo Eventide® H3000 Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Legacy EBS® OctaBass Legacy Eventide® H3000 Legacy Line 6 Original

Legacy Line 6 Original

Legacy Korg® X911 Guitar Synth

Legacy Roland® GR700 Guitar Synth

Legacy Line 6 Original

Model Subcategories Based On*

Mutant Filter

Mystery Filter

Autolter

Voice Box

V Tron

Q Filter

Seeker

Obi Wah

Tron Up

Tron Down

Throbber

Slow Filter

Spin Cycle

Comet Trails

Mono, Stereo Musitronics® Mu-Tron® III Mono, Stereo Korg® A3 Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Legacy Line 6 Original

Legacy Musitronics® Mu-Tron® III

Legacy Line 6 Original

Legacy Z Vex Seek Wah

Legacy Oberheim® voltage-controlled S&H lter

Legacy Musitronics® Mu-Tron® III (up position)

Legacy Musitronics® Mu-Tron® III (down position)

Legacy Electrix® Filter Factory

Legacy Line 6 Original

Legacy Craig Anderton's Wah/Anti-Wah

Legacy Line 6 Original

Wah Models

Model Subcategories Based On*

UK Wah 846

Teardrop 310

Fassel

Weeper

Chrome

Chrome Custom

Throaty

Vetta Wah

Colorful

Conductor

Mono, Stereo Vox® V846 Mono, Stereo Dunlop® Cry Baby® Fasel model 310 Mono, Stereo Dunlop® Cry Baby® Super

Mono, Stereo Arbiter® Cry Baby

Mono, Stereo Vox® V847

Mono, Stereo Modded Vox® V847

Mono, Stereo RMC® Real McCoy 1

Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original

Mono, Stereo Colorsound® Wah-fuzz

Mono, Stereo Maestro® Boomerang

Volume/Pan Models

Model Subcategories Based On*

Volume Pedal

Gain

Pan

Stereo Width

Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Mono, Stereo Line 6 Original Stereo Line 6 Original Stereo Line 6 Original

Common FX Settings

Parameter Description

Drive

Bass

Mid

Treble

Speed

Rate

Time

Depth

Feedback

Decay

Predelay

Adjusts the amount of overdrive, distortion, or fuzz.

Adjusts the bass level.

Adjusts the midrange level.

Adjusts the treble level.

Adjusts the speed of the eect, with higher settings providing faster

rates. Activate the model's Note Sync parameter to toggle between Hz and note values. Choosing a Hz value provides a specic

modulation speed in cycles per second; 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 be non-linear and highly interactive.

Adjusts the rate of the eect, with higher settings providing faster

rates. Activate the model's Note Sync parameter to toggle between Hz and note values. Not all Rate parameters can be synced to

note values, as they may be non-linear and highly interactive.

Adjusts the delay/repeat time, with higher settings providing longer delays. Activate the model's Note Sync parameter to toggle be-

tween Hz and note values. Choosing a ms value provides a specic

time in milliseconds; choosing a note division value provides a time based on the current tempo. With a note division value, this parameter’s value is retained when changing models.

Adjusts the intensity of the modulation. Higher settings result in more

extreme pitch bending, wobble, or throb, depending on the eect.

Adjusts the amount of delayed signal fed back into the eect. Higher

settings can provide more dramatic textures.

Sets the length of time the reverb eect sustains.

Determines the time before the reverb eect is heard.

Parameter Description

On stereo delays, the Scale oers control over the left & right channel

repeats proportionately. The left channel repeats following the Time

Scale

Spread

Headroom

Low Cut

High Cut

Mix

Level

Trails

value and the right channel will repeat at a time that is the percentage of the left time. For example, if a delay's Time is set for 1 second and the Scale set to 75%, the left channel will repeat at 1 second and the right at 750 milliseconds (ms).

Spread diers slightly among stereo delay eects. For most delays,

it adjusts how widely the repeats bounce left and right. With the Ping Pong Delay, for example, 0 is in the middle (mono), and 10 is full left to right panning for the repeats.

For modulated stereo delays, Spread aects the LFOs’ (low frequency

oscillators) stereo modulation behavior. At 0 the LFOs are in sync. At 10, the two LFOs are 180 degrees out of sync, so that when one side is modulating up, the other side is modulating down.

Some mod and delay pedals' internal signal paths exhibit a bit of grit, especially when placed after a high-gain amp block. Negative values increase the perceived amount of grit; positive values clean things up a bit. At 0dB, the model behaves like the original pedal.

Filters a portion of the block’s bass and/or treble frequencies, which can help remove rumble and/or high-end harshness.

Blends the eected “wet” signal vs. the “dry” signal passed through the block. When set to 0%, the path bypasses the eect completely. When set to 100%, the entire path is fed through the eect, and no

dry thru signal is heard.

Adjusts the overall output level of the eects block. Be careful not to

boost this parameter too high on multiple blocks, as digital clipping could occur. You should typically leave this at 0.0dB for most blocks. Where the original pedal's level or volume knob behavior doesn't really apply to dB values, 0.0-10 may be used.

Trails O: Any delay repeats or reverb decays are instantly muted when the block is bypassed.

Trails On: Any delay repeats or reverb decays continue to decay natu-

rally when the block is bypassed or a dierent snapshot is selected.

Amp Models

The following guitar & bass amp models are found within the Helix Native Amp+Cab, Amp and Preamp block category menus. Note that you'll also see Guitar and Bass subcategories for the Amp+Cab & Amp categories, and Guitar, Bass and Mic subcategories for the Preamp category.

• Amp+Cab blocks include an Amp plus a matched Cab model. You can change

out the Cab for sonic variation (see the list of “Speaker Cabinet Models” on

page 56 ).

• Amp blocks are identical to Amp+Cab blocks, except they contain no matched

Cab model. Using an Amp block is the best choice if you want to use an IR block. Or try using a few IR or Cab blocks in a parallel Split Path for even more variation.

• Preamp versions of each amp model are also included, which provide the tone

of just the preamp stage of the amp. Preamp blocks require less computer processing than a full Amp block.

Amp Models

Model Subcategory Based On*

WhoWatt 100

Soup Pro

Stone Age 185

Voltage Queen

Tweed Blues Nrm

Tweed Blues Brt

US Small Tweed

US Deluxe Nrm

US Deluxe Vib

US Double Nrm

US Double Vib

Mail Order Twin

Divided Duo

Interstate Zed

Derailed Ingrid

Jazz Rivet 120

Essex A15

Guitar Hiwatt® DR-103 Brill

Guitar Supro® S6616

Guitar Gibson® EH-185

Guitar Victoria Vintage Queen

Guitar Fender® Bassman® (normal channel)

Guitar Fender® Bassman® (bright channel)

Guitar Fender® Champ

Guitar Fender® Deluxe Reverb® (normal channel)

Guitar Fender® Deluxe Reverb® (vibrato channel)

Guitar Fender® Twin Reverb® (normal channel)

Guitar Fender® Twin Reverb® (vibrato channel)

Guitar Silvertone® 1484

Guitar ÷13 JRT 9/15

Guitar Dr Z® Route 66

Guitar Trainwreck® Circuits Express

Guitar Roland® JC-120 Jazz Chorus

Guitar Vox® AC-15

Amp Models

Model Subcategory Based On*

Essex A30

A30 Fawn Nrm

A30 Fawn Brt

Matchstick Ch1

Matchstick Ch2

Matchstick Jump

Mandarin 80

Brit J45 Nrm

Brit J45 Brt

Brit Trem Nrm

Brit Trem Brt

Brit Trem Jump

Brit Plexi Nrm

Brit Plexi Brt

Brit Plexi Jump

Brit P75 Nrm

Brit P75 Brt

Brit 2204

Placater Clean

Placater Dirty

Cartographer

German Mahadeva

German Ubersonic

Cali Texas Ch1

Cali Texas Ch2

Cali IV Rhythm 1

Cali IV Rhythm 2

Cali IV Lead

Guitar Vox® AC-30 with top boost

Guitar Vox® AC-30 Fawn (normal channel)

Guitar Vox® AC-30 Fawn (bright channel)

Guitar Matchless® DC30 (channel 1)

Guitar Matchless® DC30 (channel 2)

Guitar Matchless® DC30 (jumped)

Guitar Orange® OR80

Guitar Marshall® JTM-45 (normal channel)

Guitar Marshall® JTM-45 (bright channel)

Guitar Marshall® JTM-50 (normal channel)

Guitar Marshall® JTM-50 (bright channel)

Guitar Marshall® JTM-50 (jumped)

Guitar Marshall® Super Lead 100 (normal channel)

Guitar Marshall® Super Lead 100 (bright channel)

Guitar Marshall® Super Lead 100 (jumped)

Guitar Park® 75 (normal channel)

Guitar Park® 75 (bright channel)

Guitar Marshall® JCM-800

Guitar Friedman BE-100 (clean channel)

Guitar Friedman BE-100 (BE/HBE channel)

Guitar Ben Adrian Cartographer

Guitar Bogner® Shiva

Guitar Bogner® Überschall

Guitar MESA/Boogie® Lone Star (clean channel)

Guitar MESA/Boogie® Lone Star (drive channel)

Guitar MESA/Boogie® Mark IV (channel I)

Guitar MESA/Boogie® Mark IV (channel II)

Guitar MESA/Boogie® Mark IV (lead channel)

Amp Models

Model Subcategory Based On*

CaliRectire

Archetype Clean

Archetype Lead

ANGL Meteor

Solo Lead Clean

Solo Lead Crunch

Solo Lead OD

PV Panama

Line 6 Elektrik

Line 6 Doom

Line 6 Epic

Line 6 2204 Mod

Line 6 Fatality

Line 6 Litigator

Line 6 Badonk

Tuck n' Go

SV Beast Nrm

SV Beast Brt

Woody Blue

Agua 51

Cali Bass

Cali 400 Ch1

Cali 400 Ch2

G Cougar 800

Guitar MESA/Boogie® Dual Rectier

Guitar Paul Reed Smith® Archon® (clean channel)

Guitar Paul Reed Smith® Archon® (lead channel)

Guitar ENGL® Fireball 100

Guitar Soldano SLO-100 (clean channel)

Guitar Soldano SLO-100 (crunch channel)

Guitar Soldano SLO-100 (overdrive channel)

Guitar Peavey® 5150

Guitar Line 6 Original

Bass Ampeg® B-15NF Portaex

Bass Ampeg® SVT® (normal channel)

Bass Ampeg® SVT® (bright channel)

Bass Acoustic® 360

Bass Aguilar® DB51

Bass MESA/Boogie® M9 Carbine

Bass MESA/Boogie® Bass 400+ (channel 1)

Bass MESA/Boogie® Bass 400+ (channel 2)

Bass Gallien-Krueger® GK 800RB

Model Subcategory Based On*

Del Sol 300

Busy One Ch1

Busy One Ch2

Busy One Jump

Studio Tube Pre

Bass Sunn® Coliseum 300

Bass Pearce BC-1 preamp (channel 1)

Bass Pearce BC-1 preamp (channel 2)

Bass Pearce BC-1 preamp (jumped)

Preamp > Mic Requisite Y7 mic preamp

Common Amp Settings

Parameter Description

Adjusts the amount of power amp distortion. This parameter is highly

Master

Sag

Hum

Ripple

Bias

Bias X

interactive with all other power amp parameters—the lower the Master

is set, the less eect the other controls will have.

Lower Sag values oer a “tighter” responsiveness for metal and djent

playing; higher values provide more touch dynamics & sustain for

blues and classic rock ris.

Controls how much heater hum and AC ripple interacts with your tone. At higher settings, things get freaky.

Changes the Bias of the power tubes. Lower values achieve a “colder” Class AB biasing. At maximum, the amp is operating in Class A.

Determines how the power amp tubes' voicing reacts when pushed hard. Set low for a tighter feel. Set high for more tube compression. This parameter is highly reactive with the Drive and Master settings.

Speaker Cabinet Models

The following Cab models are available within the Amp+Cab and Cab block category menus. All Cab models also include your choice of Mic model type used on the Cab, as well as several Mic settings (see the list of “Microphone Models” on page 57).

There are two subcategories of Cab blocks—Single and Dual. Not surprisingly, Dual Cabs require twice as much processor usage as single Cabs. When you select a Dual Cab within the Model menu, you'll see two model tabs, allowing you to select the spe-

cic cab and settings for each. Dual Cab blocks are stereo, with the two cabs panned

hard left and right.

Cab Models

Model Subcategories Based On*

Soup Pro Ellipse

1x8 Small Tweed

1x12 Field Coil

1x12 US Deluxe

1x12 Celest 12H

1x12 Blue Bell

1x12 Lead 80

1x12 Cali IV

1x12 Cali Ext

2x12 Double C12N

2x12 Mail C12Q

2x12 Interstate

2x12 Jazz Rivet

2x12 Silver Bell

2x12 Blue Bell

2x12 Match H30

2x12 Match G25

4x10 Tweed P10R

Single, Dual 1 x 6x9" Supro® S6616 Single, Dual 1x8" Fender® Champ Single, Dual 1x12" Gibson® EH185 Single, Dual 1x12" Fender® Deluxe Oxford Single, Dual 1x12" ÷13 JRT 9/15 G12 H30 Single, Dual 1x12" Vox® AC-15 Blue Single, Dual 1x12" Bogner® Shiva CL80 Single, Dual 1x12" MESA/Boogie® Mk IV Single, Dual 1x12" MESA/Boogie® EVM12L Single, Dual 2x12" Fender® Twin C12N Single, Dual 2x12" Silvertone® 1484 Single, Dual 2x12" Dr Z® Z Best V30 Single, Dual 2x12" Roland® JC-120 Single, Dual 2x12" Vox® AC-30TB Silver Single, Dual 2x12" Vox® AC-30 Fawn Blue Single, Dual 1x12" Matchless® DC-30 G12H30 Single, Dual 1x12" Matchless® DC-30 Greenback 25 Single, Dual 4x10" Fender® Bassman® P10R

Cab Models

Model Subcategories Based On*

4x12 WhoWatt 100

4x12 Mandarin EM

4x12 Greenback25

4x12 Greenback20

4x12 Blackback30

4x12 1960 T75

4x12 Uber V30

4x12 Uber T75

4x12 Cali V30

4x12 XXL V30

4x12 SoloLead EM

1x12 Del Sol

1x15 Tuck n' Go

1x18 Del Sol

1x18 Woody Blue

2x15 Brute

4x10 Rhino

6x10 Cali Power

8x10 SV Beast

Single, Dual 4x12" Hiwatt® AP Fane Single, Dual 4x12" Orange® Eminence Single, Dual 4x12" Marshall® Basketweave G12 M25 Single, Dual 4x12" Marshall® Basketweave G12 M20 Single, Dual 4x12" Park® 75 G12 H30 Single, Dual 4x12" Marshall® 1960 AT75 Single, Dual 4x12" Bogner® Uberkab V30 Single, Dual 4x12" Bogner® Uberkab T75 Single, Dual 4x12" MESA/Boogie® 4FB V30 Single, Dual 4x12" ENGL® XXL V30 Single, Dual 4x12" Soldano Single, Dual 1x12" Sunn® Coliseum Single, Dual 1x15" Ampeg® B-15 Single, Dual 1x18" Sunn® Coliseum Single, Dual 1x18" Acoustic® 360 Single, Dual 2x15" MESA/Boogie® 2x15 EV Single, Dual 4x10" Ampeg® SVT® 410HLF Single, Dual 6x10" MESA/Boogie® Power House Single, Dual 8x10" Ampeg® SVT

Microphone Models

Model Based On*

57 Dynamic

409 Dynamic

421 Dynamic

30 Dynamic

20 Dynamic

121 Ribbon

160 Ribbon

4038 Ribbon

414 Cond

84 Cond

67 Cond

87 Cond

47 Cond

112 Dynamic

12 Dynamic

7 Dynamic

Shure® SM57

Sennheiser® MD 409

Sennheiser® MD 421-U

Heil Sound® PR 30

Electro-Voice® RE20

Royer® R-121

Beyerdynamic® M 160

Coles 4038

AKG® C414 TLII

Neumann® KM84

Neumann® U67

Neumann® U87

Neumann® U47

AKG® D112

AKG® D12

Shure® SM7

Mic Models

Cab & Mic Settings

Knob Parameter Description

1 Mic

2 Distance

3 Low Cut

4 High Cut

5 EarlyRec

6 Level

Selects one of the 16 available mic models.

Sets the distance (1 inch to 12 inches) between the mic and the speaker grille.

Filters a portion of the cab's bass and/or treble frequencies, which can help remove rumble and/or high-end harshness.

Sets the amount of “early reections.” Higher values add more reective room sound to your Amp tone.

Adjusts the overall output level of the Cab.

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 aliated with them. These trademarks 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.

Acoustic is a registered trademark of GTRC Services, Inc. Aguilar is a registered trademark David Boonshoft. AKG, DOD and Whammy are registered trademarks of Harman International Industries, Inc.

Arbiter is a registered trademark of Sound City Amplication LLC.

Binson, Dytronics, LA-2A and Teletronix are registered trademarks of Universal Audio, Inc. Beyerdynamic is a registered trademark of Beyer Dynamic GmbH & Co. KG.

Bogner and Überschall are registered trademarks of Bogner Amplication.

BOSS and Roland are registered trademarks of Roland Corporation U.S. Colorsound is a registered trademark of Sola Sound Limited Corporation, UK. Cry Baby, Dunlop, Fuzz Face, MXR and Uni-Vibe are registered trademarks of Dunlop Man-

ufacturing, Inc. Darkglass and Microtubes are registered trademarks of Darkglass Electronics, TMI Douglas

Castro. Digitech is a registered trademark of DOD Electronics Corporation. Dr. Z is a registered trademark of Dr. Z Amps, Inc. EBS is a registered trademark according of EBS Holding. EchoRec is a registered trademark of Nicholas Harris.

Electro-Harmonix and Big Mu Pi are registered trademarks of New Sensor Corp. Electro-Voice is a registered trademark of Bosch Security Systems, Inc. Engl is a registered trademark of Beate Ausug and Edmund Engl.

Eventide is a registered trademark of Eventide Inc. Fane is a trademark of Fane International Ltd. Fender, Twin Reverb, Bassman, Champ, Deluxe Reverb and Sunn are registered trade-

marks of Fender Musical Instruments Corp. Fulltone is a registered trademark of Fulltone Musical Products, Inc. Gallien-Krueger is a registered trademark of Gallien Technology, 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 Simon Giles and Justin Harrison. Ibanez is a registered trademark of Hoshino, Inc. Klon is a registered trademark of Klon, LLC. Korg is a registered trademark of Korg, Inc.

Leslie is a registered trademark of Suzuki Musical Instrument Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Lone Star is a registered trademark of Randall C. Smith.

Marshall is a registered trademark of Marshall Amplication Plc.

Matchless is a registered trademark of Matchless, LLC. MAXON is a registered trademark of Nisshin Onpa Co., Ltd.

Mesa/Boogie and Rectier are registered trademarks of Mesa/Boogie, Ltd.

Musitronics is a registered trademark of Mark S. Simonsen. Mu-Tron is a registered trademark of Henry Zajac. Neumann is a registered trademark of Georg Neumann GmbH. Orange is a registered trademark of Orange Brand Services Limited. Park is a registered trademark of AMP RX LLC. Paul Reed Smith and Archon are registered trademarks of Paul Reed Smith Guitars, LP. Peavey is a registered trademark of Peavey Electronics Corporation. RMC is a registered trademark of Richard McClish. Royer is a registered trademark of Bulldog Audio, Inc. DBA Rover Labs. Sennheiser is a registered trademark of Sennheiser Electronic GmbH & Co. KG. Shure is a registered trademark of Shure Inc. Silvertone is a registered trademark of Samick Music Corporation. Supro is a registered trademark of Absara Audio LLC. TC Electronic is a registered trademark of MUSIC Group IP Ltd. Timmy is a registered trademark of Paul Cochrane AKA PAULCAUDIO. Trainwreck is a registered trademark of of Scott Alan Fischer and Mona Fischer. Tube Screamer is a registered trademark of Hoshino Gakki Co. Ltd. Tycobrahe is a registered trademark of Kurt Stier.

Vox is a registered trademark of Vox R&D Limited.

Xotic is a registered trademark of Prosound Communications, Inc.

Additional Resources

Looking for more info? We’ve got plenty of online resources, just a click away.

• Download additional Help documentation covering Helix family devices and soft-

ware from the Line 6 website at Line 6 Product Manuals

• Check out the Line 6 Support page for access to helpful tips, videos, discussion

forums, or to contact Line 6 Technical Support

• Stay up to date with the latest updated version of Helix Native and all your other

Line 6 applications, available from the Line 6 Software Downloads page

• Looking for some professionally crafted presets and Impulse Responses for your

Helix device or Helix Native plug-in? Check out the new Marketplace, and be sure to check back often for news and product announcements

• Visit the Line 6 CustomTone site where you can share your Helix presets with the

world, and download free presets created by Line 6 and other users just like you

• Can’t get enough Line 6 Gear & accessories? Head on over to the Line 6 Store

Line 6 Helix Native User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Welcome to Helix Native Plug-in

Requirements and Installation

Purchasing the Software License

Authorizing your Computer

About Plug-ins

What’s in it for Me?

Marketplace

Quick Start

Live Input Monitoring Through Helix Native Plug-in

Optimizing the Input Level

GUI Overview

Customizing the Helix Native Plug-in Window

My Account Menu

Preset Compatibility with Helix Devices

HX Edit Application

Input & Output Block Settings

Send, Return, FX Loop & Looper Blocks

Impulse Responses

Hardware Controller Assignments

Computer Processing Management

Presets Panel

Helix Native Factory Presets

Premium Marketplace Presets

Loading Presets

Importing and Exporting Helix Preset Files

Renaming, Reordering, Copying and Pasting Presets

Importing and Exporting Setlists

Importing and Exporting Helix Bundles

Impulses Panel

What are Impulse Responses?

Importing and Exporting Impulse Responses

Copying, Pasting, Renaming & Clearing IRs

Working in the Plug-in Editor

Navigating with the Next/Previous Preset Buttons

Using the Preset File Menu

Editing the Tempo

Working with Snapshots

The Snapshots Menu

Snapshots > Block Bypass

Snapshots > Parameter Control

The Signal Flow Window

Adding, Clearing & Bypassing Blocks

Master Input & Output Level Controls

Cutting, Copying & Pasting Blocks

Drag and Drop Blocks

Block Order and Stereo Imaging

Moving Blocks & Arranging the Signal Flow

Signal Routing Examples

The Edit Tab

Selecting Models

Availability of Models within the Model Browser

Editing Model Parameters

Note Sync

Editing Input, Output, Split & Merge Blocks

Editing Send, Return, FX Loop & Looper Blocks

The Automation/Controller Assign Tab

Controller Assignment for Automation

About Plug-in Parameter Automation

Editing Options for an Existing Automation Controller Assignment

Removing or Replacing an Existing Automation Controller Assignment

MIDI Bypass & Controller Assignment

Global Reserved MIDI CCs

Preferences

The Preferences Window

Marketplace & Account Options

Marketplace

The My Account Menu Options

Account Sign In / Sign Out

Authorize / Deauthorize your Computer

Model Lists

Effects Models

Amp Models

Speaker Cabinet Models

Microphone Models

Additional Resources