®
PILOT'S GUIDE
A guide to the features and functionality of the Line 6 HX Edit application
Rev. F (v2.70) www.line6.com/manuals © 2018 Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Contents
Workflow 2
What’s in it for Me? 2
Helix Marketplace 2
Workow Overview 2
Computer Connectivity 3
Multi-Device, Multi-Window Support 3
Preset Compatibility 4
Preset Compatibility with Helix Native Plug-in 4
GUI Overview 6
Resizing the Application Window 6
Application Menus 6
Presets Panel 9
Premium Helix Marketplace Presets 9
Selecting & Loading Presets 9
Importing and Exporting Preset Files 9
Renaming, Reordering, Copying and Pasting Presets 10
Importing and Exporting Setlists 10
Importing and Exporting Bundles 11
Impulses Panel 12
What are Impulse Responses? 12
Importing and Exporting Impulse Responses 12
Renaming, Copying, Pasting & Clearing IRs 13
Working in the Editor 14
Naming & Saving the Preset 15
Conguring & Managing Snapshots 15
Editing the Tap Tempo 16
Creating & Restoring Complete Device Backups 16
The Signal Flow Window 18
Moving Blocks & Arranging the Signal Flow 18
Split Path Options 18
Cutting, Copying, Pasting & Clearing Blocks 19
Adding & Bypassing Blocks 20
The Edit Tab 21
Selecting Models 21
Editing Model Parameters 22
Editing Input, Output, Split & Mixer Blocks 22
The Bypass/Controller Assign Tab 23
Editing an Existing Assignment 23
Clearing Existing Assignments 23
Creating a Bypass Assignment 24
Creating a Controller Assignment 26
The Command Center Window 29
Creating a Command Center Assignment 29
Customizing a Footswitch Label 30
Customizing a Footswitch LED Color 30
Global EQ Window 31
Adjusting Global EQ Parameters 31
The Preferences Window 32
The General Screen 32
The About Screen 32
The Legal Screen 32
Helix Marketplace &
Account Options 33
Helix Marketplace 33
The My Account Menu Options 33
Sign In / Sign Out 34
Authorize / Deauthorize Your Computer 34
Keyboard Shortcuts 36
Command Center, Global EQ & Preferences Window
Shortcuts 43
Additional Mouse Behaviors 45
Line 6 Updater & Additional
Resources 46
Using Line 6 Updater 46
Additional Resources 46
© 2018 Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Yamaha Guitar Group, Line 6, the Line 6 logo, Helix, HX Stomp, and HX Eects are trademarks or registered trademarks of Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other jurisdictions. Apple, Mac and macOS
are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this product or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Windows is a
registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Workflow
Scream 808
EXP 2
Welcome to the HX Edit Pilot’s Guide. This guide contains details of the HX Edit v2.70
application’s features and functionality with Line 6® Helix® devices (Helix®, Helix® Rack
and Helix® LT), as well as with HX devices (HX Stomp™ and HX Eects™). All behav-
iors are the same on Mac and PC computers unless otherwise noted. It is recommended that you also read the Owner’s Manual for details on using your particular device.
What’s in it for Me?
HX Edit is a simple, but powerful, editor, preset librarian and IR manager application. It
allows you to easily customize, backup and manage your tone presets and setlists, as
well as manage the Impulse Responses on your Line 6 Helix or HX device.
HX Edit is the editor/librarian software for use with all Helix or HX devices that are running rmware version 2.70 (or later). For best performance, it is recommended to
use the latest available version of both the HX Edit application and device rmware. If for any reason you wish to use an earlier rmware in your device, or an earlier
HX Edit software version, you'll need to be sure the release versions of the rmware and
software match for full functionality.
NOTE: Each Helix or HX device model oers a dierent set of inputs, outputs and
signal ow capabilities. Throughout the following chapters, we've indicated HX
Edit app functionality that is specic to your Helix or HX device type.
Helix Marketplace
Now open for business is the Helix Marketplace online store, where you'll nd 3rd-party
add-on assets that even further enhance the functionality of your Helix and HX devices,
as well as Helix Native plug-in! As of this writing, professionally crafted presets and IRs
are available - check back often on Helix Marketplace for product news and announcements. An Internet connection is required for the computer where you'll be using the
HX Edit app to authorize it for the use of Helix Marketplace premium assets. Please see
"Helix Marketplace & Account Options" on page 33.
NOTE: HX Edit version 2.70 and device rmware version 2.70 or later are required
for full support and use of premium Helix Marketplace presets and IRs.
Workflow Overview
Once the HX Edit app is launched, it automatically syncs all presets and IRs from your
Helix or HX device's internal memory. You'll see your device's presets & IRs displayed
in the Librarian panels at the left. This allows you to export presets and IRs to create a
virtually unlimited library on your computer, and then import them onto your device at
any time. These Librarian panels also allow you to easily rename and reorder your presets and IRs, and the Backup & Restore feature makes it simple to create full backups
that can be restored to your Helix or HX hardware in minutes.
You will also see your currently loaded preset's contents displayed in the Editor panels
on the right. This allows you to load & fully customize your presets, congure bypass
& controller assignments and create & edit snapshots. While connected, communication between the application and your connected device’s internal memory is instantaneous. Changes you make to any parameters in the Signal Flow or Inspector Windows,
as well as any changes to presets, setlists and IRs within the Librarian, are immediately
reected on the device, and vice-versa.
16B Dream Rig Duet
PRESET
Delay Harmony Delay
[37%]
FeedbackTime
BANK
16A
BANK
None More Black
BYPASSSAVE ACTION
0.0dB40%MinorD1/8
PAGE
PAGE
LevelMixKey Scale
Mystery Filter Ubiquitous Vibe Harmony Delay
16B
16C
Dream Rig Duet
Jimi, Not Jimmy
DAW Remote
16D
H O L D F O R T U N E R
EXP 1
PHONESVOLUME
MODE
H O L D T O E D I T
TAP
This interactive communication allows you to tweak your presets and setlists in real
time, without the need to send/receive or manually sync to the device.
WARNING: Be careful when overwriting presets or Impulse Responses - these
changes cannot be reverted! You can use the use the Create & Restore Backups
feature to backup your Helix or HX device's contents before making changes. See
"Creating & Restoring Complete Device Backups".
Computer Connectivity
To put the HX Edit application to work, connect your Helix or HX device to your computer’s USB 2 or 3 port.
NOTE: If on Windows®, be sure to have the latest Line 6 driver installed for your
device: Helix (Helix Floor/Rack/LT Driver), HX Stomp (HX Stomp Driver), or HX
Eects (WinUSB Driver). You can download the driver installers at http://line6.
com/software/, or simply choose to install the included drivers when you install the
HX Edit application.
2
Exit any other Line 6 applications that may be running. With your Helix device
powered on, launch HX Edit.
• Mac: Go to Applications > Line 6 > HX Edit
• Windows: Go to the Start button menu > All Apps (or Programs) > Line 6 > HX
Edit
Upon launch, the application will detect Helix hardware and automatically retrieve and
display its on-board presets & Impulse Responses. This may take a moment to download all of the preset information.
You'll see an indicator at the bottom of each application window displaying its con-
nected Helix/HX device type and the device's rmware version - or a warning that no
device is detected.
Multi-Device, Multi-Window Support
The HX Edit application supports the use of multiple-connected Helix/HX devices simultaneously, where each device displays its own full application window. This allows
you to more easily reference and edit presets and settings, as well as drag and drop
presets and IRs between multiple USB-connected devices.
TIP: You can also use the Copy and Paste commands or shortcuts to copy a block
and its current settings from one HX Edit device window to another!
To access the separate application windows for each connected device, simply go to
the HX Edit Devices menu and select the desired device to display or hide its window
- a check mark at the left of a device here indicates its app window is open. You can
choose to have multiple device windows open simultaneously, making it easy to copy
and paste blocks, or drag and drop presets and IRs between them. The separate windows can also be resized and/or positioned on your screen independently. Please also
see "GUI Overview" on page 6.
The app's Devices menu, showing two connected device's windows
Device indicator at bottom of the HX Edit main window
NOTE: On macOS computers, closing all open device windows does not exit the
HX Edit application. As is common with multi-window supporting macOS apps,
you'll need to use the Quit HX Edit command from the main HX Edit menu (or
Cmd+Q).
3
Preset Compatibility
This guide covers version 2.70 of the HX Edit application. The easiest way to ensure the
best performance and compatibility between HX Edit and your Helix or HX device is to
make sure to have the latest updates. The latest HX Edit application installer is always
available free at line.com/software. Use the free Line 6 Updater application to check
and update your device's rmware (see page 46) .
Helix preset, setlist and bundle les are compatible and transferable between Helix
family devices (Helix, Helix Rack and Helix LT), as well as with the Helix® Native plug-in
software (see next section).* Note that, since Helix LT devices include a more limited
set of features (smaller I/O set, up to two EXP pedals rather than three, etc.), presets
created for Helix & Helix Rack devices and Helix Native plug-in may include some unavailable functionality when loaded on a Helix LT device. However, all aspects of the
preset are retained and available on the other Helix products even after saved with a
Helix LT device. Please be sure to consult your Helix LT Owner's Manual for its com-
plete feature set.
*NOTE: Presets, setlists & bundles exported from Helix devices (Helix Floor,
Rack & LT) and Helix Native plug-in are not compatible with HX devices (HX
Stomp and HX Eects). Likewise, at this time, presets and setlists exported
from HX devices are not able to be imported into Helix devices or the Helix
Native plug-in.
It is possible to Copy and Paste individual blocks, along with their current settings,
between Helix Native and HX Edit - including with the use of any Helix or HX device.
See the following Block Copy and Paste section.
Helix presets that were originally created using the earlier Helix editor application and
Helix device rmware versions are still supported. Note that, once loaded and saved
with the newer HX Edit application, your presets will have new information added to
them to support the latest models and functionality - full backward compatibility with
the Helix application and earlier Helix rmware versions, therefore, cannot be guar-
anteed. It is advised to keep a backup all your earlier presets if you plan on possibly
returning to these previous device and application versions.
Preset Compatibility with Helix Native Plug-in
With a Helix Floor, Rack or LT device, your presets, snapshots, setlists and bundles
are compatible between the HX Edit app and Helix Native plug-in. This compatibility is
the foundation of the Line 6 "Studio to Stage" concept, allowing you to load, edit and
transfer your tones between Helix hardware and Helix Native plug-in! Note that Helix
Native plug-in maintains its own Preset & IR libraries, independent of the presets and
IRs that reside within your Helix hardware. To share presets from either the HX Edit app
or Helix Native plug-in, use the export & import features within each.
TIP: If you also own Helix Native plug-in, be sure to reference the "Helix compat-
ible" version number (found in the Helix Native software's About box - see page
32) to determine the recommended Helix family device rmware version you
should use for maximum preset compatibility. It is highly recommended to always use
the latest available device rmware and HX Edit and Helix Native software
Due to the obvious dierences of Helix hardware devices' physical inputs and outputs,
there are some settings, block type and controller support variances when sharing presets between a HX Edit and Helix Native plug-in. To follow are tips for sharing presets
and settings. Please also refer to the latest Helix Native Pilot's Guide for details regarding the use of Helix hardware-exported presets within the Helix Native plug-in.
HX Edit Backup Files
The HX Edit application includes a feature that creates Helix Backup (.hxb) les to
restore a Helix or HX device's presets, impulses and global settings (see page 16).
Helix Native plug-in does not currently include this functionality and, therefore, does not
support creating or opening Helix Backup .hxb les.
Block Copy and Paste
Using the Copy Block and Paste Block commands, you can copy and paste any block
type between any presets within HX Edit, as well as between HX Edit (with any Helix or
HX device connected) and any instance of the Helix Native plug-in. 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 & Clearing Blocks"
on page 19.
Snapshot Copy and Paste
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 HX Edit
preset or the current Helix Native preset, but not between the HX Edit app and Helix
Native plug-in. Also see "Conguring & Managing Snapshots" on page 15.
Command Center Copy and Paste
Within the Command Center window, once a command assignment is created for any
footswitch, EXP Pedal or other controller, you can use the Command Center's Copy and
Paste command options to copy assignments between controllers, as well as between
controllers within other HX Edit presets. Helix Native plug-in does not include the Command Center, therefore, it is not possible to copy Command Center assignments between
HX Edit and Helix Native. Also see "The Command Center Window" on page 29.
Input & Output Block Settings
When Importing a Helix Native-exported Preset into Helix Hardware - All input and
output blocks that were set to "Host" will default to the "Multi" setting within the Helix
family devices. Any input block set to "None" will remain as set to "None" within the
hardware.
4
When Importing a Helix hardware-exported Preset into Helix Native Plug-in - All
input and output blocks that were set to physical inputs and outputs (other than "None")
will default to the "Host" setting within the plug-in. Any input block set to "None" will
remain set to "None" within the plug-in.
Impulse Responses
Impulse Response (IR) les are able to be utilized within IR blocks of the Helix Native
plug-in just as they are within HX Edit, by way of each application's Impulse Library
panel. If you are to be sharing Helix presets between Helix Native plug-in 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 - see page 12.
NOTE: IRs, including those from Helix Marketplace and 3rd party vendors, are sup-
ported by all Helix and HX devices, as well as by Helix Native plug-in. Any of your IRs
can be imported and exported, as well as dragged and dropped between HX Edit and
Helix Native IR library windows.
Controller Assignments
The Helix Native plug-in does not utilize any Bypass, Controller or Command Center
Assignments that may exist within Helix hardware-exported presets. Helix Native plug-
in simply ignores these assignments, therefore, any such assignments remain intact
within your presets. (Snapshot controller assignments are supported in both Helix hardware and Helix Native plug-in.) Helix Native plug-in includes its own functionality to
create plug-in parameter - Automation Controller type assignments, which are similarly
ignored when Helix Native presets are imported into the HX Edit application.
MIDI In Bypass & Controller Assignments
Using HX Edit, you can create MIDI In Bypass Assignments to remotely toggle the
bypass state of most block types, and MIDI In Controller Assignments to remotely
control most Helix parameters, via external MIDI controller devices or MIDI software.
MIDI In assignments saved within HX Edit-exported presets are supported when imported into Helix Native plug-in. Likewise, MIDI In Bypass and Controller assignments
saved in Helix Native-exported presets are also supported when the preset is imported
into HX Edit. Also see "Creating a Bypass Assignment" on page 24.
Helix Marketplace Assets
Premium presets and IRs purchased from the online Helix Marketplace are compatible
with Helix devices (Helix Floor, Rack and LT) and Helix Native plug-in. (Some Helix Marketplace items may be compatible with HX devices, as indicated on the Marketplace
site.) The import of premium Helix Marketplace assets requires online license Authorization - Please see "Helix Marketplace & Account Options" on page 33.
NOTE: Version 1.70 of Helix Native and 2.70 of HX Edit and device rmware (or
later) are required for full support and use of premium Helix Marketplace presets
and IRs.
DSP Limit
In order to maintain preset compatibility with Helix devices, the Helix Native plug-in incorporates similar processing management as the DSP management system utilized on
Helix hardware. That is, the Helix Native plug-in includes a built-in, maximum computer
processing limit equivalent to the Helix hardware's DSP limit for each preset. This way,
any preset created and exported from the Helix Native plug-in is ensured to be able to
be imported and used on Helix hardware devices.
5
GUI Overview
HX Edit has a very intuitive, easy-to-use interface. The main application window automatically detects your specic Helix or HX device type and displays all its options within
the main application window.
TIP: As covered in "Multi-Device, Multi-Window Support" on page 3, if you
have more than one device connected, a separate application window is available
for each device.
Within the application window, the navigation is divided into three main sections:
The Librarian Window - For managing preset and Impulse Response (IR) les.
The Signal Flow Window - Where you can add and move amp, eects & mix
blocks, and customize your complete signal path routing.
The Inspector Window - Where you can choose from the huge selection of models, edit their parameters, create bypass & controller assignments, and more.
Presets
Tab
LIBRARIAN
Impulses
Tab
Show/Hide
Librarian
Signal Flow
Window
EDITOR
HX Stomp & HX Effects Device Owners: With an HX device connected, its
application window displays the single signal ow, just as on your HX hardware
screen. As covered in this chapter for Helix devices, you can utilize the application's signal ow to bypass, move, clear, copy & paste blocks, create split
paths, and more.
The HX Edit signal ow - with an HX Stomp connected
The HX Edit signal ow - with an HX Eects connected
TIP: The Command Center, for creating MIDI control assignments (Helix and HX
Eects only) and Global EQ (Helix and HX Stomp only) are available as separate
windows from the application's Window menu.
Resizing the Application Window
The HX Edit main application window is resizable, allowing you to adjust it to best t
your screen size and workow. Simply click and drag any corner or edge of the window
to adjust to the preferred size, or click the "Maximize" button at the top of the window
to use it in full screen mode. If you have multiple devices connected, each device's application window is independently resizable.
It is also possible to show or hide the Presets & Impulses Librarian panel, by clicking on
the toggle button at the top left of the Signal Flow window.
Menu
Edit TabMy Account/Preferences
The HX Edit main GUI (Helix Floor device)
Inspector
Window
Bypass/Controller
Assign Tab
The Librarian window Show/Hide toggle button
Application Menus
At the top of your computer screen (Mac) or top of the application window (Windows),
you'll nd the familiar application menu bar for the current device. Note that the available commands dier within the File and Edit menus depending on the application
window, tabbed panel and/or specic control that currently has "focus." The window
focus is indicated by a blue outline appearing around the Librarian, Signal Flow or
Inspector windows.* To change focus, simply click within the desired window, or use
the TAB key. To follow are descriptions of the included application menu commands
for Mac and Windows. Also see "Keyboard Shortcuts" on page 36 for additional
information.
6
*NOTE: It is possible that the Librarian's Presets or Impulses tab currently has
focus, but if you've "hidden" the Librarian panel, you will not see its blue outline
focus indicator. Using the TAB key will advance the focus to the other windows,
even when the Librarian is hidden.
NOTE: On Mac computers, HX Edit has one common, main application menu at the top
of your screen. If you have multiple Helix devices connected and multiple app windows
open, all available menu commands & keyboard shortcuts act only upon the current
"front" application window. (Click on the desired application window to bring it to front.)
HX Edit (Mac only)
• About HX Edit - Launches the About box screen, which displays the versions
of the HX Edit software & connected Helix device rmware.
• Preferences - Launches the Preferences window, where you can select applica-
tion options and reference the app's version & legal information - see page 32.
You can also launch the Preferences window from the My Account menu or from
the connected device indicator at the bottom of the application window.
• Quit HX Edit - Exits the application for all connected devices.
File
When the Presets tab currently has focus (or, when focus is within any window or tab
except the Impulses tab):
• Save Preset - Saves changes for the currently loaded preset to the device's
Preset Library.
• Import Preset - Imports any .hlx preset le (or les) from your computer, re-
placing the currently selected library preset(s).
• Export Preset - Exports the currently selected preset (or presets) and saves
each to your computer as a .hlx le.
• Import Setlist - (Helix devices only) Imports any .hls setlist le from your com-
puter, replacing the current setlist on your Helix.
• Export Setlist - (Helix devices only) Exports the current setlist and saves it to
your computer as an .hls setlist le.
• Import Bundle - (Helix devices only) Imports any .hlb bundle le from your
computer, replacing all setlists and presets within the Helix.
• Export Bundle - (Helix devices only) Exports all the current setlists and their
presets from your Helix and saves them to your computer as an .hlb bundle le.
When the Impulses tab has focus (or, when focus is within any window or tab except
the Presets tab):
• Save Preset - Saves changes to the currently loaded preset.
• Import Impulse - Imports an Impulse Response le (or les) from your com-
puter, replacing the currently selected library Impulse(s).
• Export Impulse - Exports the currently selected Impulse (or Impulses) and
saves each to your computer.
TIP: Please see "Presets Panel" on page 9 and "Impulses Panel" on page
12 for details these File menu commands.
The following File menu commands are available regardless of window focus:
• Create Backup - Launches the Create a Helix Backup window, where you can
export a full backup of your device's presets, impulses & global settings - see
page 16.
• Restore From Backup - Launches the Restore From Backup window, where
you can restore all your device's presets, IRs & global settings from a previously
created backup - see page 16.
• Preferences - (Windows only) Launches the Preferences window, where you
can select application options - see page 32. You can also launch the Preferences window from the My Account menu or the connected device indicator
items at the bottom of the application window.
• Quit - (Windows only) Exits the application.
Edit
When the Presets tab has focus:
• Copy Preset - Copies the selected Preset(s) to the clipboard.
• Paste Preset - Pastes the last-copied preset(s), replacing the preset(s) within
the selected preset library location(s).
• Select All Presets - Selects all Presets within the current Setlist.
• Rename Preset - Renames the currently loaded preset.
When the Impulses tab has focus:
• Copy IR - Copies the selected IR(s) to the clipboard.
• Paste IR - Pastes the last-copied IR(s), replacing the IR(s) within the selected
IR library location(s).
• Clear IR - Deletes the selected the IR(s) from the Impulses library.
• Select All IRs - Selects all IRs within the Impulses library.
• Rename IR - Renames the currently selected IR.
When the Signal Flow window has focus:
• Cut Block - Copies the currently selected block and its settings to the clip-
board and removes the block from the Signal Flow.
• Copy Block - Copies the currently selected block and its settings to the clip-
board.
• Paste Block - Pastes the last-copied block's model and its settings to the
selected block location.
• Clear Block - Deletes the selected block.
• Rename Preset - Renames the currently loaded preset.
TIP: Copy Block and Paste Block can be also used between multiple HX Edit
windows, and back and forth with Helix Native plug-in ! See "Cutting, Copying,
Pasting & Clearing Blocks" on page 19 for details.
7
Snapshots
• Copy Snapshot - Copies the currently loaded preset's snapshot to the clip-
board.
• Paste Snapshot - Pastes the last-copied snapshot contents, replacing the cur-
rently loaded snapshot's contents.
• Rename Snapshot - Allows you to edit the title of the currently loaded snap-
shot.
• Snapshots - Any of the current preset's snapshots can be selected directly
here. (Note that Helix devices oer 8 snapshots, HX Stomp oers 3 and HX
Eects oers 4.)
TIP: Please see "Conguring & Managing Snapshots" on page 15 for de-
tails.
Window
• Show / Hide Librarian - Toggles the Presets/Impulses librarian panel between
shown and hidden for the current device window.
• Command Center - Displays the Command Center window (Helix and HX Ef-
fects devices only) - see page 29.
• Global EQ - (Helix devices only) Displays the Global EQ window - see page
31.
Help
• HX Edit Online Help - Takes you to the Line6.com Support site where you can
nd the latest product documentation.
• HX Edit Application Pilot's Guide - Launches the PDF you are reading now.
• About HX Edit - (Windows only) Launches the About box, which includes the
software version and legal credits.
Devices
Displays a selectable option to open or close an individual HX Edit application window
for each connected Helix or HX device. A check mark appears to the left of each device
here to indicate when its window is open. Also see "Multi-Device, Multi-Window Sup-
port" on page 3.
8
Presets Panel
The Librarian's Presets tabbed panel provides functionality for importing, exporting,
and managing presets & setlists.
Presets Tab
Setlist Commands
Setlist Menu
Preset Commands
Loaded Preset
Selected Preset
Premium Helix Marketplace presets are otherwise able to be utilized just like any other
Helix presets. When imported, these premium Helix Marketplace presets are indicated
by a guitar pick "badge" to their right within the Presets panel.
Premium Helix Marketplace presets are indicated with a golden guitar pick badge
The Presets panel
You'll nd the same commands for copying, pasting, renaming, importing, and exporting within the application's File & Edit menus. These commands are also accessible via
"Keyboard Shortcuts".
TIP: Helix device presets, setlists and bundles can also be imported and utilized
within other Helix devices and the Helix Native plug-in! Please see "Preset Compat-
ibility" on page 4 for more info.
HX Device Owners: All functionality described in this chapter is the same for
use with all Helix and HX devices, unless otherwise noted. At this time, preset
and setlist les are not compatible between HX and Helix devices or Helix Native
plug-in - see "Preset Compatibility".
Premium Helix Marketplace Presets
If you've purchased and downloaded premium presets from the Helix Marketplace,
you must be Signed In to your Line 6 account within HX Edit and have your computer
Authorized to allow HX Edit to initially Import or Export these presets (as well as for any
setlists or bundles that include premium presets).*
*NOTE: Once you've initially imported your Helix Marketplace assets to sync their
licenses with your account, you don't need to have HX Edit actively Signed In to use
them - and it is not necessary to even be connected to the Internet once your com-
puter has been Authorized, except to Deauthorize the computer. Please see "Autho-
rize / Deauthorize your Computer" on page 34.
Selecting & Loading Presets
It is important to note there is a dierence between the selected and loaded preset
within the Presets panel.
To Select a Preset - Click once on a preset location in the Presets panel and you'll
see it become highlighted in gray. This indicates the preset is selected, meaning
that a preset command (Copy, Paste, Import, etc.) will act upon this preset (even if
a dierent preset is the one currently loaded within the Signal Flow).
To Load a Preset - Double-click on any preset (or click once to select it and then
hit your Enter/Return key) and you'll see the preset with an amber colored highlight,
indicating it as the preset currently in use. If no other preset is currently selected
(highlighted in gray), menu commands will act upon this loaded preset, since it is
eectively also the selected preset.
TIP: Before editing a preset you may wish to rst copy it to another location in the
Presets panel, or export it to be sure you have an original version of the preset
before making changes.
Importing and Exporting Preset Files
Presets are able to be exported to your computer as individual (.hlx) les, allowing you
to create a limitless collection of tones that can be imported back onto your device's
internal preset library at any time.
9
To Import a Preset File - It is recommended to select an empty "New Preset"
location within the Presets panel and select the Import Preset command. A brief
dialog will inform you that importing will overwrite any preset information in the selected location. Click Ye s to continue. A system window will display a le browser
for selecting the preset you wish to import. Once imported, the preset will reside
on your Helix or HX device's internal memory, within the selected preset location.
To Export a Preset File - Select the preset by single-clicking on it in the Librarian
- Presets panel and select the Export Preset command. This creates a copy of the
preset in its last-saved state from your Helix or HX device's memory and saves it to
your computer. The familiar "save" window is presented, in which you can edit the
lename and choose a destination folder. By default, .hlx preset les are exported
to the following directories.
• Mac - /Documents/Line 6/Tones/Helix folder
• PC - \My Documents\Line 6\Tones\Helix folder
TIP: If you happen to own both a Helix (or Helix Native plug-in) and HX device, it is
recommended to export your HX Stomp and HX Eects presets into their own, individual directories to avoid mixing them up with Helix and Helix Native plug-in
preset les, since they are not compatible at this time.
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 or application's
Edit menu and it will act upon the selected (highlighted) preset. You can also right-click
on a preset in the list 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.
TIPS: There is no command to "delete" a preset, but you can right-click on a block
within the signal ow and use the Clear All Blocks command.
• Export - Drag one or multiple presets from the Presets panel and drop into any
folder on your computer to export a copy of the .hlx preset le(s) there.
• Reorder - Drop to another location within the Presets panel to reorder the pre-
sets within the list as desired. When the preset is dropped into the new location
slot, the surrounding presets are shifted upward or downward accordingly.
• Copy Between Two Devices - If you have multiple devices connected, it is
possible to drag and drop presets between the multiple HX Edit device app
windows' Presets panels, or directly into the Signal Flow, assuming the presets
are compatible between both device types. (See "Preset Compatibility" on
page 4.)
• Copy To/From Helix Native Plug-in - (Helix devices only) Drag a preset from
the plug-in's Presets panel and drop directly into the Presets panel of the HX
Edit app to import and load the preset on your Helix device, replacing and
overwriting the previously loaded preset. Likewise, you can also drag and drop
presets from HX Edit into Helix Native plug-in (see "Preset Compatibility" on
page 4).
Importing and Exporting Setlists
The Presets panel allows you to instantly save the currently loaded setlist, including all
its saved 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 loaded back into your
Helix in a single action.
HX Device Owners: A Setlist for your HX Stomp/Eects consists of all presets
within the device's preset library. Similar to the steps described here for Helix
devices, you can use the HX Edit Import Setlist and Export Setlist commands,
found within the app's File menu.
NOTE: Copy and Paste of presets and IRs between HX Edit and Helix Native, or
between multiple HX Edit device app windows is not currently supported. However, you can use drag and drop for these actions! See the next section.
Drag and Drop Presets
It is possible to drag and drop any preset (or multi-selected presets) directly from the
Presets panel to perform the following actions.
• Import and Load - Drag a .hlx preset le from any computer folder and drop
directly onto a Presets panel slot, or onto the Signal Flow window, to import
and load it in the app as the current preset. This import action replaces and
overwrites the previously loaded preset.
• Load - Drag any individual preset from its Presets panel location and drop it
within the Signal Flow window to copy it into the currently loaded preset's slot
location, overwriting the currently loaded preset.
To Import a Setlist - Select the Import Setlist command. This will prompt you
to ensure that you wish to replace the currently selected setlist and the presets
therein. Continue through the Open window to select the setlist you wish to load
onto your connected device.
To Export a Setlist - Select the Export Setlist command to display the Save As
dialog. By default, setlists are saved 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 in the Presets panel, click on the Setlist menu and
choose from among your device's setlists. The currently-selected setlist will be indicated with an “open folder” icon in this menu.
10
Renaming Setlists
To rename the current setlist, right-click on the setlist name within the Setlist
menu and type in your desired title.
HX Device Owners: The single Setlist on your HX Stomp/Eects displays no
name on the hardware or within HX Edit. However, you can edit the Setlist's le
name when Exporting the le to your computer.
Importing and Exporting Bundles
A Bundle le (.hlb) includes all 8 setlists' contents of your Helix device, including all their
presets and saved settings, wrapped up in a tidy package.* This makes it easy to export
to create and store a backup of your Helix device's complete Preset library - and easily
restore your device's Presets library to your device (or to the Helix Native plug-in) by
importing the bundle.
NOTE: Bundle les do not contain any of the Helix device's Global Settings or Impulse Response (IR) les. To include all these Helix items, use the Create & Restore
Backups feature - see page 16.
*HX Device Owners: HX Stomp/Eects devices do not support Bundle les,
therefore, you will see no available Bundle options.
The Import Bundle and Export Bundle options are found in the application's Prefer-
ences > General window (see "The Preferences Window" on page 32).
To Export a Bundle - Click the Export Bundle button to create a copy of all pre-
sets and their last-saved settings that exist in all setlists as a Helix bundle (.hlb) le.
By default, all .hlb les are saved to:
• Mac - /Documents/Line 6/Tones/Helix/Bundles folder
• PC - \My Documents\Line 6\Tones\Helix\Bundles folder
NOTE: On the next power up of your device after importing multiple presets, or
importing any setlist or bundle, you may see your device perform an additional
"Rebuilding Presets" process during boot up. This process is normal and optimizes
preset loading times on the hardware.
TIP: Wanting to restore the Factory Presets & settings for your device? You can do
so by performing a Factory Restore - please see your Helix or HX device's Owner's
Manual for details (and remember to use HX Edit to rst do a backup of your cur-
rent presets!)
TIP: Visit the line6.com/customtone site to share your tones and download from
the huge online library of artist and user presets!
Bundle options within the Preferences window (for Helix devices)
To Import a Bundle - Click the Import Bundle button and you'll be prompted
to replace all setlists and presets within your Preset library. Continue through the
“Open” window to select the bundle you wish to import. Note that you can optionally import any bundle that was exported from the Helix Native plug-in or any Helix
device.
11
Impulses Panel
The Librarian's Impulses tabbed panel provides a list of all Impulse Response les
(along with respective ID numbers in the left column) that currently reside on your Helix
or HX device. Initially, this Impulses panel is empty, awaiting your import of Impulse
Response les.
Impulses Tab
IR Commands
Selected IR
IR Index Numbers
The Impulses panel
HX Device Owners: IR les can be used by all Helix and HX devices. All func-
tionality described in this chapter is the same for use with all devices, unless
otherwise noted.
What are Impulse Responses?
Impulse Responses (or “IRs”) that can be used in Helix & HX devices 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 miked 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.
Add an IR block to your preset as an alternative to using one of the Cab blocks to
provide speaker cabinet simulation. Several companies now oer large selections of
professionally recorded IR les that can be used in Helix devices, 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 sources. These IRs
can certainly be used in the Helix IR blocks as well, to allow even deeper tone sculpting!
TIP: Line 6 oers a free pack of excellent IRs from Allure - you can grab them now
at http://line6.com/allure/.
You can also nd a great selection of IRs, specically created for Helix products, on the
Helix Marketplace - see page 33.
IR Formats and Restrictions
For all Helix and HX devices, as well as Helix Native plug-in, 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 Helix Marketplace are of this le type. (Please also
see "Helix Marketplace & Account Options" on page 33.)
• WAV (.wav) - Most IR producers and vendors typically oer 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. While this is very convenient, please
be careful to import only .wav les that were created specically for use as IRs,
not just any audio .wav le, or you may experience unexpected sonic results.
Helix Native Plug-in Users: If you plan on utilizing your Helix presets on both a
Helix device and Helix Native plug-in, 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 Native Plug-in" on page 4.
Importing and Exporting Impulse Responses
To access the IRs stored on your Helix or HX device, click on the Impulses tab. From
here you will be presented with a list of up to 128 IRs and their index numbers. Your
presets will access these IRs by their IR list index number only. The IR les themselves
are not directly associated with presets, only the IR's index number, as shown at its left,
is referenced.
NOTE: Premium Helix IRs purchased from Helix Marketplace are also imported &
exported using the following steps. It is required that you have Authorized your
computer, and that you are Signed In to your Line 6 account in HX Edit to initially
Import or Export them. Once imported into HX Edit, no active Internet connection is
necessary to utilize your Helix Marketplace IRs. Please see for "Helix Marketplace &
Account Options" on page 33 details.
To Import an IR, rst select the desired index location in the application's Impulses
panel and select Import. Select the desired IR .hir or .wav le you wish to load onto
your device. It is also possible to select multiple IR les and all will be imported in one
action.
12
When premium Helix Marketplace IRs (.hir les) are imported, they are indicated by a
golden guitar pick "badge" to their right within the Impulses panel.
Premium Helix Marketplace IRs are indicated with a golden guitar pick badge
To Export an IR, click Export to display the Save As dialog.
By default, IRs are saved to the following directories.
• Mac - /Documents/Line 6/Tones/Helix folder
• PC - \My Documents\Line 6\Tones\Helix folder
You can also drag and drop to and from the Impulses panel to export and import IRs see the following section.
• Export - Select one or more IR index locations and drag from the Impulses list
view directly to your computer to export the IR les to the selected hard drive
folder.
NOTE: When exporting IRs from the HX Edit IR panel, any Helix Market-
place purchased IR is saved to your computer as a Helix IR (.hir) type le.
The .hir les are proprietary to Line 6 products, and licensed to you via the
Line 6 Account on which you purchased them. Any IR that was originally
imported as a .wav le is exported as a .wav le.
• 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 no options oered 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, Paste and
Clear functions to rearrange IR within the Impulses list as needed.
• Copy Between Helix / HX Devices - If you have multiple devices connected,
it is possible to drag and drop IRs between the multiple HX Edit device app
windows' Impulses panels to copy them between devices.
• Copy To/From Helix Native Plug-in - With an instance of the Helix Native
plug-in open, drop IRs from the HX Edit application's Impulses panel directly
into the Impulses panel of the Helix Native. It is also possible to drag IRs from
Helix Native directly into the Impulses panel of HX Edit to import copies of the
same IRs.
TIP: Use the File menu's Create Backup & Restore From Backup options to
create a backup of your Impulses Panel's contents, and restore from the backup, at
any time - see "Creating & Restoring Complete Device Backups".
Renaming, Copying, Pasting & Clearing IRs
These actions can be performed by clicking the commands above the Impulses list
view and will act upon the selected (highlighted) IR. You can also right-click to choose
these options from the context menu (or use the app's "Keyboard Shortcuts").
NOTE: Copy and Paste of presets and IRs between HX Edit and Helix Native, or
between multiple HX Edit device app windows, is not currently supported. However, you can use drag and drop for these actions! See the next section.
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 directories and HX Edit, as listed below.
• Import - Drag one or more IR les from your computer folder directly into the
Impulses panel. When multiple les are being dragged in, they are imported
starting with the selected IR index slot.
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 IR that resides within 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 eect 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 IR index number (1-128) that includes the desired IR.
Choosing an IR by its Library (1-128) 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 22.
13
Working in the Editor
The Editor portion of the HX Edit user interface consists of the Signal Flow and Inspector windows. The Signal Flow Window is where you'll see the signal paths for your currentlyloaded preset, appearing much like the Home screen of your Helix, or Signal Flow screen of your HX device. The Inspector Window below contains 2 tabbed panels, Edit & Bypass/
Controller Assign, where you can select models, tweak parameters, congure controllers and more. Regardless which of these tabs you have selected, the current preset's Name Field,
Save, Snapshots & Tempo options are always available at the top of the window. Additionally, there are dedicated windows for the Command Center for MIDI assignments (Helix & HX
Eects only - see page 29), and the Global EQ (Helix & HX Stomp only - see page 31), accessible from the application's Window menu. If you have not already done so, be sure
to read through the in-depth information in your device's Owner's Manual to get an understanding of the features we'll be covering in the following sections.
HX Device Owners: HX Edit application functionality described within this chapter is the same with Helix or HX devices, except where noted.
Librarian Show/Hide
Button
Signal Flow Window
Inspector Window
Preset Name Field
Preset Save Button Snapshots Menu Tempo Controls
Edit & Bypass
Controller Assign Tabs
The Editor portion of the HX Edit application (Helix device)
14
Naming & Saving the Preset
The Preset Name eld at the top of the Editor displays the title of the currently loaded
preset. Double-click on the text here to optionally rename the preset. For Helix devices,
whenever you see your preset's title appearing in italicized text at the top of the Signal
Flow window, it indicates that the preset has been edited from its last-saved state.
HX Device Owners: Since preset functionality diers slightly on HX devices,
you will not see the current preset's title displayed in italics when in an unsaved
state.
The Save button at the top of the Editor can be used to save the currently-loaded
preset, overwriting the preset that resides within the respective Presets panel slot. As
covered in "Presets Panel" on page 9, there are also the Librarian window options,
Copy and Export, to create & store copies of your presets.
Configuring & Managing Snapshots
Your device oers the ability to congure the 8 snapshots within a Helix preset (or 3
snapshots of HX Stomp preset, or 4 snapshots of an HX Eects preset), allowing you
to recall a customized set of options for your current blocks instantly, without the brief
lag time associated with changing presets! A snapshot is capable of storing the bypass
state of any amp or eects block, up to 64 assigned parameter values, tempo settings
and more (please see your device's Owner's Manual for specics).
There are two ways to select a snapshot within HX Edit: by clicking on the Snapshots
menu at the top of the Edit window, or by using the commands within the application's
Snapshots menu. To edit its settings, select the numbered snapshot you want as your
destination, then congure the desired tone options for this snapshot.*
Once your desired destination snapshot has been selected, us the following steps to
congure your settings.
To Store a Block's Bypass State Per Snapshot - Click on the Bypass button
above any block within the Signal Flow and set your desired bypass state for the
block (or you can toggle the block's Bypass button within the Edit tab).
To Store a Parameter's Min. & Max. Values Per Snapshot - Select the desired
block within the Signal Flow, then right-click directly on the desired parameter's
slider within the Edit tab and choose the Snapshots controller option. This eectively creates the snapshot assignment for the parameter. You can then go to the
Bypass/Controller Assign tab, select the snapshot assignment you just created
within the Controller List, and customize its Min. & Max. sliders and other available
options in the Inspector at the right. We cover more about conguring these con-
troller options in "The Bypass/Controller Assign Tab" on page 23.
To Store a Command Center MIDI Message Per Snapshot - The Value parameters of any instant MIDI CC, Bank/Prog, and MMC message, plus the state (Dim or
Lit) of any CC Toggle and Ext Amp messages are always stored and recalled when
selecting a snapshot. Therefore, there is no need to manually set any of these parameters to a Snapshot assignment within the Command Center - see page 29.
Attention Helix Native Plug-in Users: Snapshot settings are compatible within
presets between Helix, Helix Rack & Helix LT devices and the Helix Native plug-in!
Copying, Pasting, Renaming & Customizing Snapshots
The Copy, Paste and Rename Snapshot commands are available within the app's
main menu. Or, (for Helix or HX Eects devices) right-click on the Edit window's Snapshots menu to access these commands as well as the LED color customization options.
The Edit window's Snapshots menu The menu bar's Snapshots menu
*NOTE: You can use your device's Global Settings > Preferences > Snapshot
Edits to choose between Recall (automatically stores your changes to the current
snapshot) versus Discard (does not store changes to the current snapshot).
The camera icon within the Edit window's Snapshots menu is displayed in red
when the hardware's option is set to Discard.
The context menu for the Snapshots menu name eld (Helix or HX Eects devices)
To Copy & Paste a Snapshot - It is possible to copy all the settings of one snap-
shot and paste them to another snapshot within the same preset. Select and load
the snapshot you wish to copy and select Copy. Then select and load the snapshot you wish to overwrite and choose Paste to paste the clipboard contents,
replacing the currently loaded snapshot.
15
To Rename a Snapshot - Right-click the desired snapshot from the Snapshots
menu and select Rename Snapshot. Type in your new name, then press Enter/
Return on your keyboard.
To Customize a Snapshot's LED Color - When your Helix or HX Eects device is
set to Snapshot footswitch mode, each footswitch LED defaults to a red color. If
you prefer to customize the LED color for the current Snapshot, choose the desired
color from the right-click menu. Or choose Auto to restore the default behavior, or
O for no LED.
NOTE: Remember that you'll need to Save before switching to another preset to
retain your edited snapshot settings within the current preset! The snapshot that is
in use when you save your preset is the one that is recalled when the preset is
loaded again.
Editing the Tap Tempo
There are a few options available for conguring the tempo, accessible from the Tempo
Controls at the top of the Signal Flow window. Any of the current preset’s eect models
set to note division values will follow this Tap Tempo value. (Note Sync mode is available for most delay and modulation eects - see page 22.)
Tempo Select
Menu
The Tempo Controls
Tap Tempo
Button
Entering a Tempo Value
To enter a value, click on the Tap Tempo Button rhythmically, or right-click directly on
the Tap Tempo button and type in your desired numerical value.
Creating & Restoring Complete Device Backups
Use the File menu's Create Backup and Restore From Backup commands to create
complete backups of your Helix or HX device's current Global Settings, IRs, and Presets, and easily restore them back to your device at any time. All presets are backed
up from their last-saved state, therefore, be sure to save your currently-loaded preset
before creating your backup to include its current settings.
NOTE: If you have purchased and imported Helix Marketplace premium presets or
IRs, your computer must be in the Authorized state to be able to use the Create
Backup and Restore From Backup features if the backup includes Helix Market-
place premium assets. See "Authorize / Deauthorize Your Computer" on page 34.
TIP: Backup les (.hxb) created using the Create Backup feature any Helix (Helix
Floor, LT or Rack) device can then be "Restored" onto any other Helix device. This
allows you to easily duplicate all your applicable Global Settings, Presets, and IRs
to another Helix in one action.
Backup les created for HX Stomp devices are compatible only with
HX Stomp type devices, and HX Eects backup les are compatible only
with HX Eects type devices.
To Create a Backup
Select the Create Backup command from the File menu to launch the window.
How the Tempo Value is Recalled
Use the Tempo Select Menu to choose how the tempo value is saved and recalled
(this is the same option found in your Helix or HX hardware's Global Settings > MIDI/
Tempo screen):
• Per Snapshot - The tempo value is stored and recalled individually per snap-
shot for the current preset.
• Per Preset - The tempo value is stored and recalled individually with this preset.
• Global - The tempo value is used for all presets whenever set to Global.
NOTE: Your Helix device's tempo can also be congured to follow MIDI Clock from
an external source, accessed from within your device's Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo
screen. When your device is actively following MIDI Clock, all options for the Tempo
Controls are disabled and the Tempo value displays as "[External]."
The Create Backup window (Helix device)
1. Name - Your backup le is automatically named with the type of device (Helix
Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, HX Stomp or HX Eects) and the current date. Optionally, you can click directly on the le name here and edit it as desired.
16
2. Description - Optionally, you can type in some descriptive notes about this
backup. All text added here is saved with your backup, and viewable during the
Restore From Backup process.
3. Where - By default, your Backup le (.hxb) is saved to the following directory
on your computer:
• Mac - /Documents/Line 6/Tones/Helix/Backups folder
• PC - \My Documents\Line 6\Tones\Helix\Backups folder
If you wish to save to a dierent folder, click the folder button and browse to
select your preferred disk location.
4. Click Create Backup and you'll see the progress of your backup being created,
and a message once completed successfully (or click Cancel to exit without
creating a Backup).
You can repeat the above steps at any time to create as many individual backups as you like. All compatible backup les for your connected Helix or HX are
then available within the Restore From Backup window.
TIP: It is highly recommended to create a full Backup before installing device rmware, and to perform backups regularly to make sure you always have copies of
your tones, IRs and settings!
To Restore From a Backup
Select the Restore From Backup command from the File menu to launch the window.
1. Backup Folder - The default or most-recently used Backup folder is selected
here. If you want to nd a backup le in a dierent folder, click the folder button
to browse to the desired location.
2. Backup File - All compatible Backup les (.hxb) that you created within the currently selected directory are selectable here. When you select a backup le, the
following information is displayed so you know the details about the backup
before you choose to restore from it.
• Date: The creation date of the backup le.
• Device: The specic type of Helix device this backup was created from (Helix
Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, HX Stomp or HX Eects).
• Version: The rmware version installed on the device when the backup was
created.
• Description: Any notes that you entered within the Description eld when the
backup was created appear here.
3. Items to Restore - In the lower pane, you can select the individual items you
wish to be restored from the selected backup le: Global Settings, Impulse Responses and Presets. Whichever items you select here will be restored, overwriting those currently on your Helix device.
TIP: For Helix, Helix Floor & Helix LT devices, note that by clicking on the arrow
to the left of the Presets checkbox, you can expand the option (as pictured
above) to individually choose whichever Setlists you want to restore from the
selected Backup!
4. Click Restore Backup and you'll see the progress of the restore process, and
then a pop-up message once completed successfully (or click Close to exit
without restoring). Do not disturb the HX Edit application or device until the
Restore process is complete.
The Restore From Backup window (Helix device)
TIP: If the Backup that you restored included any Presets or Setlists, it is a good
idea to power your device o and on again to allow it "rebuild" the presets. This
process optimizes preset loading times on the hardware.
You can repeat the above steps at any time, and select any available Helix or HX
Backup le stored on your computer.
17
The Signal Flow Window
The Signal Flow window allows you to directly access the Amp, Eects, Mix & Looper
blocks within your preset and congure your signal path routing simply by clicking and
dragging. Once you select any block within the Signal Flow, the Inspector's Edit tabbed
panel below provides access to all its editable parameters. The options oered here are
essentially the same as found on your connected Helix or HX device, making editing
very straight-forward.
Show/Hide Block Labels Option
If you prefer a cleaner look within the HX Edit app'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 32). 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
HX Device Owners: HX Edit application functionality described within this chap-
ter is the same with Helix or HX devices, except where noted.
Path 2A
Path 1A
Path 1A
Split Block
The Signal Flow Window (HX Stomp device)
Split BlockPath 1A
The Signal Flow Window (Helix device)
Path 1B
Split Block
Merge-Mixer Block
Path 1B
Path 1B
Merge - Mixer Block
Merge-Mixer Block
Moving Blocks & Arranging the Signal Flow
To move blocks within a signal path, click and drag any block to its desired location. To
follow are a number of pointers for arranging the signal ow in dierent ways.
HX Device Owners: You'll see only the HX Stomp/Eects device's single Path 1
displayed within the HX Edit signal ow panel. The HX Path 1 can be similarly
split to oer parallel Paths 1A and 1B, as shown in the preceding screenshots.
Path 1 / Path 2 (Helix devices only) - Just like on the Helix hardware, it is not possible to move a block between Path 1 and Path 2, but you can Cut or Copy a block
and then Paste into any desired location on the opposite path to re-locate it there
along with all its settings intact - see next section.
Split Paths - To create a split path, simply 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 (as shown in above image). To
remove the split path, clear or move all blocks out of the parallel "B" path.
Mix (Split and Merge-Mixer) Blocks - When a Split block is selected in the Signal
Flow, you can choose from among 3 types of Split blocks, and adjust the balance
options using the parameter sliders that appear in the Edit tab below. Note that you
can click and drag the Split and Merge-Mixer blocks to position them however you
like within the path.
TIP: You can also Copy and Paste blocks between presets, between HX Edit and
Helix Native and back, and with any Helix or HX device - see page 19.
Split Path Options
Functionality for Split blocks and Paths dier slightly for Helix vs. HX devices, as detailed here.
The Signal Flow Window (HX Eects device)
Helix, Helix Rack & Helix LT Devices
If you drag a Split block down from Path A (or right-click on the Split block and choose
Create Input), it will change into a separate Input block for Path B, which then oers a
set of Input block options in the Edit panel. Likewise, if you drag a Merge block down
(or right-click on the block and choose Create Output), it becomes a separate Output
block for Path B. When dragged to Path B, the Split or Merge-Mixer block becomes
inactive and no longer aects either of the signal paths.
18
This functionality is how you can potentially create up to 4 individual signal paths within
one preset, each with its own input and output settings, as shown below. Once converted to Input & Output blocks, you can drag the inactive Split or Merge-Mixer block
back up to the main Path A to restore each back to an active Split or Merge-Mixer block
(or use the right-click options to Restore them).
Inactive Merge-Mixer blocksInactive Split blocks
Split paths converted to individual paths (Helix device)
Cutting, Copying, Pasting & Clearing Blocks
You can use the Cut Block or Copy Block commands for an existing block, and then
use Paste Block to paste it, with all its current settings, into a new location within any
path and within any preset. Use Clear Block to remove the selected block from the
path. Once you've selected the desired block, these commands are accessed either
from the menu bar's Edit menu, or from a block's (Right-click) context menu (or via
keyboard shortcuts - see page 36).
HX Stomp and HX Effects Devices
On HX devices, once a parallel path is created, the Split block can be dragged left or
right on Path A to re-position it as desired. (But unlike with Helix devices, a Split block
cannot be moved down to convert it into a separate Path B Input.)
It is possible to drag the Path A Merge-Mixer block down (or right-click on the block
and choose Create Output), as shown in the following screenshot. This routes the Path
B output separately to the hardware Send 1/2 output jacks, and the Merge-Mixer block
becomes inactive in this Path B position.
Once converted to an output, drag the inactive Merge-Mixer block back up to the main
Path A to restore the split path and active Merge block (or use the right-click option to
Restore it).
Inactive Merge-Mixer blockParallel Paths A & B
Split path with Merge-Mixer block routed to Path B Send Output (HX Stomp device)
Parallel Paths A & B
Split path with Merge block converted to Path B Send Output (HX Eects device)
Inactive Merge-Mixer block
Cut, Copy, Paste & Clear commands are available in the Edit menu or block's context menu
It is also possible to use Cut Block or Copy Block and then use Paste Block in either
HX Edit or Helix Native plug-in, as follows:
• Into any path within the same or a dierent instance of the Helix Native plug-in,
and within any preset
• Into any path within the HX Edit app, and within any preset
• Into any preset within HX Edit when then connected to a dierent Helix or HX
device (as long as the copied Block data is the last item copied to your computer's clipboard)
• Into an additional HX Edit application window - see "Multi-Device, Multi-Win-
dow Support" on page 3
Block Copy / Paste is allowed for all block types (Amp, Eects, Mix, Input and Output
blocks), with some restrictions.* This provides great exibility in re-creating tones between Helix Native, HX Edit, and even dierent Helix 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 plug-in 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. Presets can
also include only one Looper block, one use of each Send & Return, up to two IR
blocks, etc. Therefore, Copy and Paste observes these Block rules as well. Physical
inputs & outputs dier between Helix Native and Helix/HX devices, therefore, the copy-
ing of Looper, Mix, Input and Output blocks and their settings may not be allowed, as
covered throughout this chapter.
Cut Block - Clears the block from the Signal Flow and Copies the block and its
current parameter settings to the clipboard.
19
Copy Block - Copies the block and its current parameter settings to the clipboard.
Paste Block - Pastes the most recently Cut or Copied block to the selected des-
tination. To follow are a few handy Copy & Paste tips.
• Paste location - You can paste the most recently Cut or Copied block to the
currently selected block location. If already occupied, this will replace the existing block.
• Mix type blocks (Helix devices only) - Copy & Paste are also available for any
Input, Output, Split and Merge type block as well, where its settings can be
Copied & Pasted into a location with the same block type. (When copying these
blocks between dierent device types, which may include unique parameters
per device, only common parameters are pasted.)
• Clear Block - Click on the desired block to select it and choose Clear Block
from the application's Edit menu or from the block's (Right-click) context menu.
Alternatively, you can select an existing block in the Signal Flow and choose
None from the Edit tab's Model Browser.
NOTE: Only one Looper block can exist within any preset at a time. Therefore, you
cannot Copy and then Paste a Looper block within the same preset. But you can
use the Cut Block command and then Paste Block to eectively "move" a Looper
block, including its settings, to a new location, such as to a dierent path.
Drag-delete - Another handy way to clear any block is to simply drag the block in
any direction out of the signal path. Once you reach the outer boundary of the path,
you'll see the "Drag-delete" notice appear, as well as a specic mouse cursor icon that
indicates the block will be deleted once you release the mouse button. (Note that the
mouse icon diers for Mac vs. Windows computers, as shown below.)
Adding & Bypassing Blocks
To Add Any Type of Block to Your Tone - Simply hover your mouse cursor over
the desired location on any path and you'll see an empty "None" block location appear. Once you select the location, choose any type of block from the Model List
Menu in the Inspector's Edit tab below (see the following chapter for more info). If
you select a location already occupied, choosing a dierent model from the menu
will replace the selected block's model.
To Toggle the Bypass of a Block - Do any of the following:
• Hover your mouse cursor over a block within the Signal Flow and use the
Bypass button that appears above the block.
• Right-click on the block and choose Bypass from the context menu.
• Click on the desired block to select it, then use the Bypass button within the
Edit tab.
• Click on the desired block to select it and hit the Spacebar.
Drag-delete of a Reverb block (Mac)
Drag-delete of a Reverb block (Windows)
20
The Edit Tab
The Inspector window's Edit panel 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.
HX Device Owners: HX Edit functionality described in this chapter is the same
for all Helix and HX devices, except where noted.
Selecting Models
As mentioned in the previous chapter (page 20), add models to your current preset by
selecting the desired empty location on any path within the Signal Flow window and then
choose the specic model you want from the Model Select Menu. You can also select any
existing block within the Signal Flow and change its model this way.
List/Grid View Toggle
Sub-category Menu
Model List view Model Grid view
For block categories that oer 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
oer Guitar & Bass sub-categories, and for Cabs you'll see Single & Dual 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'll see the selected model's 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 use the Clear
Block menu command).
DSP Limit
As in your Helix or HX device's Model Select menu, when the current preset reaches a
high DSP usage, some models become non-selectable within the menu. In the HX Edit
app's menu, you'll see models dimmed to indicate this, as shown below. To free up more
DSP resources for the current preset, try removing some models, or selecting "Simple"
or "Legacy" type models. For Helix devices, utilize both Path 1 and Path 2 to take advantage of all available DSP power. (See the DSP Management information within your device's
Owner's Manual for details.)
Category List
Choose the type of block rst in the Category List at the left to 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 menu list or grid type display
of the category's models.
HX Effects Owners: HX Eects devices do not include Helix Amp, Preamp or
Cab type models, therefore, these categories will not be available.
Model List/Grid
The Edit Panel's Model Browser
Parameter Sliders
Dimmed models
Unavailable models appear dimmed when the preset's DSP limit is reached
NOTE: Also see "Preset Compatibility" on page 4 for relevant information
about DSP limits and the use of Helix presets with the Helix Native Plug-in.
21
Editing Model Parameters
Once added to your tone, simply click on any block to select it, then choose the desired
model type and tweak its parameters in the Edit panel. To follow are a few editing tips
(also see "Keyboard Shortcuts").
Toggling Model Bypass - A Bypass button is available at the top right of the Edit
panel for any model that oers a bypass option. When a model is bypassed, its
parameters appear dimmed to indicate this state.
Edit tab - model active Edit tab - model bypassed
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 directly over any slider's path, use your
mouse wheel to adjust it.
• Click the up/down arrow buttons at the right for small, incremental adjustments.
If a down arrow is displayed at the right, click on it to expand its menu.
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.
Resetting Sliders - If you're not happy with your slider adjustment, Cmd+Click
(Mac) or Ctrl+Click (Windows) on the slider to reset it to its initial default value.
Accessing All Parameters - Note that some model types, such as amps and
complex eects, may have more sliders and controls than you can see all at once
in the Edit tab. You can re-size the application window to show more sliders, or
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 scroll bar).
Note Sync - Most modulation and delay eects models oer a Note Sync option,
allowing the modulation rate or delay repeat time to follow the device's main Tap
Tempo value (see "Editing the Tap Tempo" on page 16). For models that oer 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 oer note
division values, as shown in the following screenshot.
Note value options Note Sync (active)
A Delay block congured for Note Sync
Impulse Response Block Options - When an IR block is selected in the Signal
Flow, you'll see IR block parameter sliders here in the Edit panel, just like for any
other block. Use the IR Select parameter to choose the index number for the desired IR from your IR Library. Remember that you'll need to import IR les into your
Helix or HX device using the application's Impulses tab for an IR block to utilize
them - see "Importing and Exporting Impulse Responses" on page 12.
Looper Block Options - It is possible to add a Looper block to a preset, and view
and edit several Looper block parameters within the Edit tab. However, it is not
possible to toggle the Looper mode of your connected device on and o within the
HX Edit application.
TIPS: Right-click on a slider for a handy menu to assign external control of the
parameter to one of your Helix or HX device's controllers, or to an external MIDI
controller - also see page 26. Alt+Click directly on slider in the Edit tab to in-
stantly create a Snapshot Controller Assignment for the parameter - see page 15.
Editing Input, Output, Split & Mixer Blocks
Much like Amp & Eects blocks, you can click on the Input, Output, Split or Mixer
blocks of any path and access their options in the Edit panel.
Input Block Options:
• Helix and HX Stomp Devices - Dierent parameters, such as Gate, Level,
Pan, etc., are displayed depending on the specic input type you select from
the Input block's menu. If the Multi or Variax input type is selected (available
on Helix devices only), you'll see options here for selecting a Variax model, in-
dividual string tunings, and more.
• HX Eects Devices - The path's input is "xed" and, therefore, is not select-
able and does not oer block options.
Output Block Options:
• Helix Devices - When the Output block of any path is selected, you'll see
output routing options available. In addition to your Helix device's analog and
digital outputs, you can also choose to route the output of one path to the input
of another later path. Note that you can route the output of Path 1 into Path 2 in
a "serial" fashion to take advantage of both paths' DSP capacity!
• HX Stomp and HX Eects Devices - When a split path is created, the Mixer
block can be dragged down to Path B to create a separate "Send" output (see
"Split Path Options" on page 18). When this dual-output, split path congu-
ration exists, you can click on the Path A (Main) output or the Path B (Send)
output to access Pan and Level parameters for each. The HX Stomp Path B
output additionally oers a Mono/Stereo option.
Split Block Options - If your preset includes a split path, click directly on the point
on the main path where the signal divides to select the Split block and you'll see
options for choosing dierent Split block types and their parameters. Note that
there is also a Bypass switch for Split blocks which, when bypassed, feeds an
equal signal balance to each parallel path.
Mixer Block Options - If your preset includes a split path, click directly on the
point on the main path where the signal returns to select the Merge-Mixer block
and you'll see several mixer options for blending the two paths' signals.
22
The Bypass/Controller Assign Tab
This tabbed panel combines the options found within the Controller Assign screens of
your Helix or HX device (as well as the options within the Helix and HX Stomp devices'
Bypass Assign screens), allowing you to assign model parameter functions to your
device's footswitches & expression pedals, or external MIDI controllers for real-time,
remote control. It is also possible here to assign model parameters to be stored and
recalled with snapshots, as well as to customize footswitch labels and LED colors.
HX Device Owners: HX Edit functionality described in this chapter is the same
for all Helix and HX devices, except where noted.
TIP: For creating & managing assignments for the transmission of MIDI commands
from your (Helix or HX Eects) device's footswitches and pedals, see "The Command
Center Window" on page 29.
In addition to the options for creating assignments, a list of existing bypass & controller
assignments for the current preset appears within the left portion of this panel, allowing
you to select and edit assignment options. (This handy display of existing assignments
in one list is something not found on your Helix or HX device's screens.)
Column HeadersAssignment List Selected Block
Assignment Menu
Editing an Existing Assignment
When working with Factory Presets, you'll see that most already have some existing
assignments, and they appear within the Assignments List at the left of the Bypass/
Controller Assign tab (see previous image). Once you create your own Bypass & Controller assignments, you'll see them appear within this list as well. At any time you can
select an assignment within the list to see and edit its options, as described below.
Please also refer to the following examples for creating specic assignments types for
more info.
Clearing Existing Assignments
If you right-click directly on any existing Bypass or Controller assignment within the
Assignment List, you'll nd handy options for deleting the selected or all assignments.
The Clear Assignment options within an assignment's context menu
Clear Assignment - Deletes the assignment that you clicked on.
Clear All Assignments - Deletes all Bypass and Controller assignments that exist
within the current preset.
Minimum & Maximum Sliders
Use the Min & Max sliders to set the range of control. For example, if creating a controller assignment utilizing an EXP Pedal, the Min setting equates to the pedal's "heel
down" value, and the Max to its "toe down" value. If assigning to a footswitch, clicking
the switch toggles between your congured Min & Max values. (Note that if assigning to
a snapshot, all you need to do is set the single parameter value you wish to be recalled
with the currently-loaded snapshot.)
Selected Assignment Bypass/Control
Parameters
The Bypass/Controller tab
Attention Helix Native Plug-in Users: The Helix Native plug-in's Automation/
Controller Assign panel supports a dierent set of controller assignments (for use
with host DAW software's parameter automation). Therefore, Helix Native will es-
sentially ignore any HX Edit-created hardware controller assignments saved in a preset
- see "Preset Compatibility" on page 4.
Footswitch/Controller
Menu
TIP: You can "reverse" the behavior of a controller by setting the Min to 100% and the
Max to 0% - such as to make an assigned Wah pedal work backwards!
Latching/Momentary Footswitch Option
For Amp & Eect models, you'll also nd the Type option here to have the assigned
footswitch behave as Latching (alternating On/O on each click) versus Momentary
(active only while the footswitch is held down).
23
MIDI CC In Selector
For assignments that oer remote control via external MIDI, this parameter is where
you need to dene the specic MIDI CC value (CC 0-127) to match the MIDI CC value
being transmitted from your external MIDI controller device or MIDI software. Your MIDI
hardware or software must be capable of sending MIDI CC messages via 5-pin MIDI
cable or USB to your Helix or HX device.*
*NOTE: Your Helix or HX device can receive MIDI from either its 5-pin MIDI IN jack
or over USB. Use the device's Global Settings - MIDI Tempo options to congure
its receiving MIDI channel and other MIDI options.
Creating a Bypass Assignment
Create a Bypass assignment for any Amp, Cab, IR, Eect, Looper or Split type block to
allow it to be toggled on/o via one of your Helix or HX device's footswitches, controllers or via external MIDI.
NOTE: On Helix devices, adding a Volume Pedal, Pan, Wah, or Pitch Wham block
automatically creates a Bypass assignment to the Helix on-board pedal's EXP Toe
footswitch. On HX devices, a Bypass assignment is automatically created for these
block types on EXP 1 / EXP 2. You can change or clear this assignment if desired - see
"Editing an Existing Assignment" on page 23.
Switch LED Option
(Helix and HX Eects devices only) By default, the color of the LED light surrounding
your assigned footswitch is set to Auto Color, where it intelligently takes on the color
according to the assigned model type. You can optionally use this slider to manually
congure this LED color as desired.
Customizing a Footswitch Label
(Helix and HX Eects devices only) For any selected Bypass or Controller assignment
that is created using your device's Footswitch, you'll see a Customize control displaying the block model's default name. This is the label displayed on the hardware's
scribble strip for this footswitch (or on the LCD screen for a Helix LT device) when the
Helix device is in Stomp Footswitch Mode. If you want to customize this label, double-
click on the existing name, type your new text in the eld and hit your Enter/Return key.
To clear your text and return to the default model label, click the Clear (eraser) button
to the right of the eld.
The Customize label control
NOTE: On Helix and HX Eects Devices, if a footswitch includes one or more additional block Bypass, Controller or Command Center assignments, the default
label appears as Multiple (X)" with "X" being the number of assignments. You can
customize the label in this scenario, but note that it can also be customized within the
Custom eld of the other assignment panels as well, with the latest customization edit
aecting the label in all places.
Creating a Bypass Assignment Using a Footswitch
1. Click on the block within the Signal Flow for which you want to create the Bypass
assignment.
2. At the right of the Bypass/Controller Assign panel, if not already selected by
default, click the Assignment Menu and choose Bypass as the parameter to
control.
3. Click on the Footswitch/Controller Menu to select the desired footswitch or
controller and your assignment is created.
Selecting a footswitch controller for block Bypass assignment
TIP: Alternatively, right-click on a block within the Signal Flow and choose the desired
Footswitch or Controller to quickly create a Bypass assignment.
Creating a Bypass Assignment Using an External MIDI Controller Source
It is also possible to congure a block to be controlled remotely via an external MIDI
controller switch, or via MIDI software on your DAW computer. All that is required is that
the MIDI controller is capable of sending MIDI CC messages via 5-pin MIDI cable or
USB to your Helix or HX device.*
A MIDI - Bypass assignment can be created independently of a Helix or HX hardware
controller source assignment for the same block. You will only see one Bypass assignment entry displayed within the HX Edit app's Assignments List, regardless if it includes
an active MIDI assignment source, hardware controller assignment source, or both.
24
*NOTE: Your Helix or HX device can receive MIDI from either its 5-pin MIDI IN or
over USB. Use the device's Global Settings - MIDI Tempo options to congure its
receiving MIDI channel and other MIDI options.
1. Click on the block within the Signal Flow for which you want to create the MIDI-
In Bypass assignment.
2. At the right of the Bypass/Controller Assign panel, if not already selected by
default, click the Assignment Menu and choose Bypass as the parameter to
control.
3. Set the MIDI In parameter to match the MIDI CC number (0 - 127) that your external MIDI controller is sending. To "disable" the MIDI assignment, simply set
this parameter to O.
2. If using a Helix device with an on-board EXP 1 pedal, move the pedal forward
and click the Toe Switch so that it is set to EXP Pedal 1, and the Wah block is
active.
3. On a Helix or HX Stomp device, since the Wah block is already automatically as-
signed to the EXP Pedal Toe switch for bypass, you'll need to change its Bypass
assignment to EXP Pedal 1 instead.
Select the Wah block in the Signal Flow view and go to the Bypass/Controller
Assign tab. Select the existing Bypass assignment in the list at the left, then
select the EXP Pedal 1 controller from the Controller/Switch menu at the right.
Setting the MIDI In's CC number for a bypass assignment
Your conguration is now complete and your external MIDI source should suc-
cessfully toggle the selected block's Bypass. You'll also see the CC number you
selected shown in the Assignment list's Source column ("MIDI In 11").
TIP: Alternatively, you can utilize the Learn (MIDI Learn) feature within the Bypass
Assign screen of your Helix or HX device to create a MIDI Bypass Assignment.
NOTE: With Helix and HX Eects devices, you can use CC67 to toggle the Bypass
of any 6 Switch Looper block. This is a pre-dened, global MIDI CC hardware assignment that does not appear within the HX Edit Bypass/Controller Assign panel.
Creating a Bypass Assignment Using an Expression Pedal
It is also possible to assign a block's Bypass to an Expression pedal (or to a Variax
knob on Helix devices). An example of this is to congure a Wah block so that resting
the pedal at the "heel" position toggles the eect o, and then moving the pedal away
from this position to use the Wah automatically activates the eect again. Set this type
of conguration using the following steps.*
*HX Effects Owners: On HX Eects, this type of EXP 1 - Bypass conguration
is congured automatically for any Wah or Pitch Wham type block you add to
your tone, and to EXP 2 for any added Volume/Pan block. You can follow these steps
to manually create an EXP Pedal - Bypass assignment for any type of block.
1. Start by adding a Wah block to your tone and selecting it within the Signal Flow.
Selecting an expression pedal controller for block bypass assignment
4. Once the assignment is created, you can congure its option sliders at the right
of the panel.
Conguring an expression pedal - Bypass assignment options
• Position - For a Bypass assignment, this determines the position of the con-
troller where the block's bypass is triggered. Set this slider to 5% or lower to
establish a "heel down" resting position to trigger your bypass toggle.
• Wait - Determines the duration of time for which the assigned controller must
rest at the congured Position value before the bypass is triggered. For this
type of Wah Bypass assignment, 300 ms is generally a good setting, since it
prevents unwanted bypass triggering during the typical use of the pedal for
your Wah eect.
Once congured, you'll see that your EXP 1 pedal's heel down position toggles
the Wah block o, and as soon as you move the pedal, it activates the Wah until
you move the pedal back to the Min heel position and rest it there for 300 ms
or more (as determined by the Wait slider). You can choose to congure other
blocks' parameters with a "pedal bypass" using these same steps as well.
25
Bypass Assignments for Multiple Blocks
For Helix & HX hardware, you can only assign the Bypass toggle of any particular block
to one footswitch at a time. If a block already has an existing Bypass assignment and
you change the assignment, this will move the assignment to the newly selected footswitch or controller. But it is possible to assign the Bypass function for multiple blocks
to one common footswitch or controller for simultaneous switching.
Each Helix or HX device's footswitch or controller can have up to 8 assignments. You
can additionally create Controller and (on Helix or HX Eects) Command Center assignments utilizing footswitches that simultaneously include Bypass assignments. It's also
possible to create snapshots that include multiple Bypass & other parameter changes
all in one click - see the respective sections for more on these assignment types!
TIP: A handy trick is to create a multi-bypass assignment to toggle one block o and
the other on simultaneously, such as to change between two dierent distortions, be-
tween two dierent amps, etc. To reverse the switching, select one block within the
Signal Flow and manually click its Bypass button so that one block is the opposite bypass
state as the other. Now whenever you toggle the assigned Bypass footswitch, both blocks'
bypass states are toggled oppositely.
3. Click on the Switch/Controller menu to select the desired controller and your
assignment is created. We'll choose the EXP Pedal 1, but you can alternatively
choose any EXP Pedal (or, if using a Helix device, one of the Variax Knob controllers). It is also possible to choose one of your device's Footswitches as the
controller, which allows you to then congure a specic parameter value for
each of the two states of the footswitch. More on this in the nal step.
Selecting an EXP Pedal controller for controller assignment
TIP: Alternatively, right-click on the Mix slider for the 70s Chorus within the Edit tab
and choose the desired controller from the slider's context menu to quickly create a
Controller assignment.
Creating a Controller Assignment
Just as on your Helix or HX device's Controller Assign screen, you can create a Controller assignment for practically any block's parameter to allow it to be controlled by
a remote device's footswitches or controllers, or by external MIDI gear. Here in the
Bypass/Controller Assign tab you can also congure a Snapshot assignment, to allow
your desired parameter settings to be stored & recalled with a preset's snapshots.
Creating a Controller Assignment Using an EXP Pedal or Footswitch
1. Click on the block within the Signal Flow that includes the parameter for which
you want to create the Controller assignment.
2. At the right of the Bypass/Controller Assign panel, click the Assignment menu
and choose the parameter to control - for this example we'll choose the Mix of
a 70s Chorus block.
Selecting a Chorus block's Mix parameter for controller assignment
4. Once you've created the Controller assignment, you'll see it appear in the list at
the left of the Bypass/Controller Assign tab. Select the assignment in the list to
access options specic to the type of controller you've chosen. For EXP Pedal
and Variax Knob controller types, there are options for the Min and Max, which
allow you to limit the range of the assigned parameter as you move the pedal or
knob controller from minimum to maximum position. For our example, we'll set
the Max slider to 50% so that it achieves a 50% wet/dry Mix balance when our
controller is moved to full open.
Conguring options for an EXP Pedal controller assignment
26
If you have chosen a Footswitch as your controller rather than an EXP Pedal or
Variax Knob, you'll have a few more options, as described below.
2. Once the assignment is created, congure the Min & Max sliders to limit the
range of the assigned parameter control, if desired. You then need to set the
MIDI CC In slider value to match the MIDI CC number being sent from your
external MIDI source - if this value does not match the MIDI CC being sent, the
parameter will not respond.
Conguring options for a footswitch controller assignment
• Type - Choose the footswitch behavior:
• Latching - Press and release the footswitch to toggle between the "On/O"
states.
• Momentary - Press and hold and the footswitch. While held down, the "On"
state of the switch is active. While released, the "O" state is active.
• Min and Max - Congure these two sliders to the specic values you'd like the
"O" and "On" footswitch states of the assigned footswitch to toggle between.
• Switch LED - (Helix and HX Eects devices only) Customize the color of the
LED that surrounds the assigned footswitch on your device.
• Customize - (Helix and HX Eects devices only) You can edit the name that ap-
pears for the assigned footswitch label on your device by clicking in this eld.
To return to the default label, click the eraser button.
Creating a Controller Assignment Using an External MIDI Controller Source
It is also possible to congure a block's parameter to be controlled remotely via an
external MIDI controller device, or via MIDI software.
1. To congure a parameter for external MIDI control, you can essentially use the
same steps as in the above controller assignment example. However, in step 3
you will want to select MIDI CC from the Footswitch/Controller Menu.
Conguring a MIDI CC assignment's options
Your conguration is now complete and your external MIDI controller source
should successfully control the selected 70s Chorus - Mix parameter. You'll also
see the assigned CC number shown in the Assignment list's Source column
("MIDI CC 16") for reference.
TIP: Alternatively, you can utilize the Learn Controller (MIDI Learn) feature within the
Controller Assign screen of your Helix or HX device to create a MIDI Controller as-
signment.
Creating a Snapshots Controller Assignment
Congure a block's parameter with a Snapshots assignment to allow the parameter's
settings to be stored & recalled with a preset's snapshots.
1. Since a Snapshots assignment is simply one type of controller assignment, you
can follow the same steps 1 and 2 from "Creating a Controller Assignment Using
an EXP Pedal or Footswitch" on page 26 to select the block within the Signal
Flow, and then choose the desired parameter in the Bypass/Controller Assign
tab's Parameter Menu.
2. In the Controller Menu, choose Snapshots.
Selecting MIDI CC as the controller type
Selecting the Snapshots controller type
27
TIP: Click on the desired slider within the HX Edit Edit tab and use the "Alt+click" or
"S" keyboard shortcuts to instantly create a Snapshots controller assignment.
3. Unlike with other controller types, you won't see any options in the right of the
Bypass/Controller tab for a Snapshots controller assignment.
A snapshots assignment is created - there are no congurable options for this assignment type
With this assignment created for the parameter, simply choose the desired
snapshot from the Snapshots Menu at the top of the HX Edit application win-
dow, and then whatever value you set for this parameter is automatically stored
and recalled with the snapshot. This allows you to congure up to 8 dierent
values on Helix devices (or 4 values on HX Eects, or 3 values on HX Stomp) for
the preset - one for each available snapshot. Please see your device's Owner's
Manual for details on using snapshots.
Multiple Controller Assignments
Just as on the hardware, you can only assign a parameter to one Controller at a time.
However, it is possible to assign multiple parameters to one common Controller, (for example, to simultaneously control the Mix parameters of two eects with an EXP Pedal
to blend between them). It is also possible to create additional Bypass assignments
and/or Command Center assignments on footswitches that also include Controller assignments - see the respective sections for more on these assignment types.
NOTE: (Helix and HX Eects devices only) If a footswitch includes one or more
additional block Bypass, Controller or Command Center assignments, the default
label appears as Multiple (X)" with "X" being the number of assignments. You can
optionally customize the footswitch label - see "Customizing a Footswitch Label" on
page 24.
The footswitch label can also be customized within the Customize label eld within the
Command Center window, with the latest customization edit aecting the label in all
places. See the next chapter.
28
The Command Center Window
To display the Command Center window, select it from the application's Window menu.
This window oers the options found within the Helix or HX Eects devices' Menu -
Command Center screen, allowing you to create MIDI output assignments (and CV
output assignments for Helix devices) to remotely control other gear from your device.
Please refer to your Helix or HX Eects Owner's Manual for details on the types of commands supported and their options. Many of the Command Center window functions
are also accessible using keyboard shortcuts - see page 36.
HX Stomp Owners: HX Stomp devices do not include the Command Center feature. HX Edit functionality described in this chapter is the same for all Helix and
HX Eects devices, except where noted.
EXP Pedal Toe Switch Selected Controller
Instant Commands Variax Knobs
Command Menu
Creating a Command Center Assignment
Click directly on any Control Selector item (Instant , Footswitch, EXP Pedal or
Variax Knob) for which you want to map an assignment. Then, in the inspector pane
at the right portion of the window, click on the Command menu to choose the type
of message you wish to transmit from this control. Once a command type is selected,
congure its options using the parameter sliders that appear. Once you save, these
Command Center settings are stored individually with the current preset.
You'll see a turquoise triangle indicator above the control items that include an assignment. To remove an existing assignment, select the control item again within the Command Center window and choose None from the Controller menu, or right-click and
choose one of the Clear Command options from the context menu.
Assignment Indicators
Copying, Pasting and Clearing Commands
Just as on your Helix or HX Eects device, there are options available to easily Copy,
Paste and Clear Command Center assignments. Using these commands from the ap-
plication's Edit menu, or from the individual controls' right-click context menu, you can
copy and paste an assignment from one controller to another, copy & paste all command assignments within the current preset to another preset, clear the current command assignment, or clear all of the preset's current command assignments.
Footswitches
The Command Center window (Helix Floor device)
NOTE: The application's Command Center window will show Control selector
items specic to your device. For example, as shown above, the Helix Floor device
oers more hardware options for controller assignment (Variax Knobs, 3 EXP
Pedals, and a Pedal Toe switch), than are available with an HX Eects.
Attention Helix Native Plug-in Users: Helix Native does not include the Command Center or support for creating or customizing these types of commands.
However, existing Command Center assignments are retained even after load-
ing, editing or exporting presets with Helix Native. Also see "Preset Compatibility with
Helix Native Plug-in" on page 4.
EXP Pedals
Inspector Done Button
The Command Center context menu's Cut, Copy Paste & Clear commands
It is also possible to paste within the Command Center window for any other preset,
even if a dierent Helix device is connected to the HX Edit application while your lastcopied command data still exists on the clipboard. At this time, it is not possible to
utilize the Copy All Commands and Paste All Commands options between dierent
devices.*
29
*NOTE: The dierent Helix device types oer varying sets of Command Center assignment options, therefore, unsupported commands cannot be copied between
dierent Helix devices (e.g., Helix LT and HX Eects devices do not oer an EXP 3
controller, thus it is not possible to paste an EXP 3 command assignment from a Helix
oor to these devices).
To Cut, Copy or Clear - Simply right-click on the desired instant , Footswitch, EXP
Pedal or Variax Knob controller item that includes the assignment and choose the command from the context menu.
• Use Cut if you want to clear the assignments of the selected Control Select
item, and also copy the assignments to the clipboard.
• Use Copy All if you want to copy the complete set of existing Command Center
assignments within the current preset and you can then load a dierent preset
and use Paste All Commands within its Command Center window to copy all
in one action.
• Use Clear All if you want to wipe out all the Command Center assignments
from the current preset and start clean.
To Paste - Once you've copied Command Center assignment data to the clipboard, right-click on your desired destination controller item (within the same pre-
set, or in another) and choose the Paste or Paste All option.
Configuring Unique Assignments Per Snapshot
It is possible to congure your Command Center assignments with specic command
values that dier within each snapshot, allowing a great deal of message variety possibilities within a single preset. The message types supported by snapshots include
the Value parameters of any instant MIDI CC, Bank/Prog, and MMC message, plus the
state (Dim or Lit) of any CC Toggle and Ext Amp messages. Please refer to your Helix
or HX device's Owner's Manual for details on the types of Command Center messages
that can be stored & recalled with a snapshot, and their specic behaviors.
To store your assignment settings within a snapshot, rst select the desired snapshot
index number from the Snapshots menu at the top of the app's Editor window, and
then open the Command Center and edit the eligible values of your existing Control
Center assignments that you wish to be stored. The settings are automatically retained
per snapshot. Be sure to save your preset once your edits are complete. (Also see
"Conguring & Managing Snapshots" on page 15.)
Clear buttonCustomize label eld
NOTE: If the footswitch includes one or more additional block Bypass, Controller or
Command Center assignments, the default label appears as Multiple (X)" with "X"
being the number of current assignments. You can customize the label in this scenario, but note that it can also be customized within the Custom Label eld of the
Bypass/Controller Assignment tab as well, with the latest customization edit aecting
the label in all places.
Customizing a Footswitch LED Color
When the selected footswitch within the Command Center window includes any type of
Bypass, Controller or Command Center assignment, the color of the LED on/o indicator light surrounding your footswitch can be customized to your color choice using the
Switch LED slider/menu at the right.*
The Command Center - Switch LED parameter
The options are as follows:
• Choose one of the 10 colors
• Auto Color - The LED intelligently takes on the color according to the assigned
model type.
• O - The LED remains unlit, regardless of the switch state.
Customizing a Footswitch Label
When you create a Command Center assignment to the selected footswitch control
within the Command Center window, you'll see the Customize eld available within the
parameter display at the right.
You can customize text in this eld to determine what is displayed on the hardware's
footswitch scribble strip (Helix Floor, Helix Control, and HX Eects devices), or on the
footswitch display block when in Stomp Mode (Helix LT devices). To clear your text and
return to the default label, click the Clear (eraser) button to the right of the eld.
*NOTE: This option is also found within the Bypass/Controller Assign panel - cus-
tomizing an LED in either will overwrite the LED's current settings.
30
Global EQ Window
The Global EQ, accessed from the application's Window menu, oers a large graphical
interface for the Helix device's Global EQ. As its name suggests, the Global EQ settings and bypass state are indeed global and not saved or recalled with any preset or
snapshot.
HX Effects Owners: HX Effects devices do not include the Global EQ feature.
HX Edit functionality described in this chapter is the same for all Helix and HX
Stomp devices, except where noted.
Reset Button
Apply EQ Output Menu
Bypass Button
Adjusting Global EQ Parameters
The Global EQ window oers two methods in which you can view & adjust its settings: by dragging any band's edit "node" within the graph, or by adjusting the selected
band's parameter sliders within the lower inspector portion of the window. The EQ
processing is functional whenever its Bypass button is set to "active" in this window (or
via your device's Bypass button when viewing its Global EQ screen).
Reset - Click the Reset button to instantly return all parameters to their default,
"at" values.
Apply EQ Output Menu - (Helix devices only) Select your Helix device's output(s)
on which you want the Global EQ to be active.
Bypass Button - Toggle the Bypass to globally enable or disable the EQ.
Band Edit Nodes - Click and drag the desired band's Edit Node in the upper
graph to adjust its Frequency and Gain. You'll also see the respective parameters'
sliders move within the inspector pane while adjusting any edit node.
Inspector Pane - This lower portion of the window oers a set of adjustable parameters for each of the EQ's ve bands.
Band Parameters - Each band has its own set of sliders. Note that the Low Cut
and High Cut are "shelving" type lters, allowing you to set the roll-o point for the
low and high frequencies respectively. The middle 3 bands are fully parametric,
with controls for choosing the center Frequency, Gain (with a boost or cut of up
to 12dB), and Q (the width of the frequency range aected). Adjust the sliders as
follows:
• Click and drag any slider's handle or use the Up/Down buttons at the right of
each slider
• Right-click on a slider to enter a precise value numerically
• Turn your mouse wheel while hovering your cursor over any slider
• Click on a slider and use the comma/period or -/+ shortcut keys to incremen-
tally adjust its value
• Double click on a slider to individually reset it to its default value
Inspector Pane Band Parameters
The Global EQ is a 5-band, parametric style equalizer, situated after all other processing blocks of your Helix or HX Stomp signal path, allowing for sculpting your overall
tone just before it is sent out your Helix (1/4" and/or XLR) or HX Stomp (Main 1/4")
outputs. This is especially handy for ne-tuning your tone to compensate for a venue's
stage or room sound, without having to go in and tweak all your presets.
Level Slider
Band Edit Nodes
Done Button
Level Slider - (Helix devices only) Adjusts the post-EQ output level, oering a
"make-up gain" to compensate for the overall output level change incurred by EQ
parameter settings.
Done Button - Click to close the Global EQ window.
TIP: Try the handy keyboard shortcuts for adjusting Global EQ options - see page
36.
31
The Preferences Window
The HX Edit Preferences window is available for all Helix and HX devices. It includes
three selectable screens to edit application settings and to reference version & legal
info. This window is accessed by either selecting Preferences from the HX Edit menu
(Mac), Help menu (Windows), or by clicking on the My Account menu button or connected device indicator at the bottom of the main application window.
The My Account menu and device indicator
At the top of the Preferences window you'll see the rmware version for your connected
Helix or HX device.* Click the "?" menu button at the top right and you can choose Online
Help to visit the line6.com site for product info, or select Pilot's Guide to launch the PDF
you are now reading. Click the buttons at the left of the window to access the desired
options.
Stereo IR Import - When a stereo IR .wav le is imported by a Helix or HX device,
it must be 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.
Import Bundle & Export Bundle - (Helix devices only) A Bundle is a le containing
the complete contents of the Helix device's Preset Library (or, the full Preset Library
from Helix Native plug-in, if exported from Helix Native). These buttons allow you to
Import a Helix Bundle le from your hard drive, or create and save all your device's
setlists and presets in their currently-saved state as a Bundle le to your hard drive.
Please see "Importing and Exporting Bundles" on page 11 for details.
EXP 2/Ext Amp Option - (Helix LT devices only) Helix LT devices incorporate a
"shared" EXP PEDAL 2/EXT AMP jack. This option allows you to choose the
jack's functionality (same as the Helix LT hardware's Global Settings > Preferences
option).
EXP 1/Amp 1 and EXP 2/Amp 2 Options - (HX Eects devices only) For the HX
Eects device's two PEDAL/EXT AMP jacks, these options allows you to choose
their functionality (same as the HX Eects hardware's Global Settings > Prefer-
ences options).
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 18)
The About Screen
The About screen provides version information for the HX Edit application.
The HX Edit Preferences window - General Settings screen (Helix device connected)
*NOTE: To check for and install the latest rmware updates for your Helix or HX
device, use the Line 6 Updater application - see page 46 for details.
The General Screen
The General screen (as shown above) oers options for your device's Preset and IR
Libraries.
Preset Numbering Format - The presets within the Librarian's Presets Panel can
be numbered as bank numbers & letters (as 01A-32D), or by 000-127 within each
Setlist, depending on which is more convenient for you.
The HX Edit About box screen (Helix device connected)
The Legal Screen
The Legal screen displays all the necessary trademark, copyright and other legal required statements for HX Edit.
32
Helix Marketplace &
Licenses for your purchased assets are automatically added to your Line 6 account
and "synced" the next time you use the HX Edit application, as long as your are
actively signed in to your Line 6 account from the My Account menu (see "Sign In
/ Sign Out" on page 34).
Account Options
Helix Marketplace
Now open for business is the Line 6 Helix Marketplace online store, where you'll nd
3rd-party, premium add-on assets that even further enhance the functionality of your
Helix and HX devices, as well as Helix Native plug-in! As of this writing, professionally crafted presets and IRs are available - check back often on Helix Marketplace for
product news and announcements. As covered within this chapter, you're only a few
clicks away from using new Helix Marketplace assets on your system, right from the My
Account menu in HX Edit.
NOTE: Version 2.70 of HX Edit and device rmware, and 1.70 of Helix Native (or
later) are required for full support and use of premium Helix Marketplace presets
and IRs.
Get Your Helix Marketplace Assets
Access the Helix Marketplace website by choosing the Get More Presets and Get
More IRs, commands within the My Account menu at the bottom left of the HX Edit
window (or go directly to https://line6.com/marketplace/). When browsing the Helix
Marketplace site, simply choose the desired packs of presets or IRs, add them to your
cart, and check out.
Once your purchase is complete, your downloadable Helix 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. Each Helix Marketplace purchase
is downloadable as a "zip" le that you'll need to "unzip" on your local hard drive once
downloaded.
To download your purchased assets, click on the Manage Account command
within HX Edit app'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.
Import and Utilize Your Marketplace Assets
An Internet connection is required for the computer where you'll be using the HX Edit
app to authorize it for the use of Helix Marketplace premium assets, and for the sync
with your Line 6 account to initially authenticate your newly purchased Helix Marketplace licensed assets. Otherwise, an active Internet connections is not required for
the use of HX Edit. Please see the following sections for details about signing in and
authorization.
Once you've signed in and authorized your computer via HX Edit, your premium
Helix Marketplace presets and IRs can then be imported and used just like any
other presets and IRs within HX Edit (and/or within Helix Native).
Once imported, premium Helix 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 HX Edit librarian
lists. (Also see page 9. and page 12 for more about importing presets and IRs.)
The golden guitar pick badges indicate premium Helix Marketplace presets and IRs
The My Account Menu Options
At the bottom left of the HX Edit application 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 Helix Marketplace premium assets, you'll
see this menu displayed with the My Account label.
33
The My Account menu (not signed in or authorized)
Clicking on the My Account menu displays options for accessing the Preferences
window (see page 32), signing in & managing your Line 6 account, as well as for
access to Helix Marketplace.*
*NOTE: It is not required that your computer have an active Internet connection, nor
do you need to be signed in or authorized at all for the HX Edit app itself to be functional. But signing in is necessary to authorize (or deauthorize) your computer to allow
the import and export of premium assets purchased from the online Helix Marketplace.
If you don't plan to use Helix Marketplace premium assets, you don't have to worry
about signing in and out with HX Edit, and you can simply ignore the following
Sign In / Sign Out and Authorize / Deauthorize sections.
Sign In / Sign Out
If you are not currently signed in, choose Sign In from the menu and enter your Line 6
account user name and password in the Sign In window. If you have forgotten your sign
in credentials, or have not already created a Line 6 account, choose the Forgot my pass-
word/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 menu.
Whenever signed out, the menu button displays the "My Account" label, with no colored
authorization indicator.
Signed in with computer authorized
Signed in with computer Deauthorized
TIP: If you plan on purchasing premium Helix Marketplace assets, it is easiest to
simply remain actively signed in, with your computer in the authorized state. This
allows the licenses for your purchased assets to automatically be "synced" from your
Line 6 account, and for the assets able to be utilized for all actions within the HX Edit app.
The Line 6 account Sign In window
Computer Authorization Status Indicator
Once you've signed in, your computer is automatically authorized, as conrmed by a pop
up window letting you know the sign in and authorization were successful. You'll see the
My Account menu label display your rst name (derived from your Line 6 account) and indicate the status of your account sign in and computer authorization (more details about
authorization in the following section).
Signed out with computer Deauthorized
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 Helix Marketplace 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 Helix Marketplace purchase (see "License
Synchronization").
Authorize / Deauthorize Your Computer
It is necessary for your computer to be in the authorized state for performing any HX
Edit Import, Export, Copy/Paste or Backup/Restore action that includes your pur-
chased Helix Marketplace premium IRs or presets (as well as setlists or bundles that
include them). Simply signing in to your Line 6 account will authorize your computer
automatically.*
*NOTE: It is permitted to authorize a maximum of 4 of your computers concur-
rently. If you've already authorized 4 computers, you can deauthorize one com-
puter to free up one of your authorizations.
34
Deauthorizing You Computer
While signed in to your Line 6 account, choose the Deauthorize Computer command
from the My Account menu and the brief online deauthorization process completes automatically. You'll see a conrmation dialog appear and the Authorization Status Indicator for the My Account menu will change to red to indicate your deauthorized state (see
preceding section). Additionally, deauthorizing your computer will also automatically
sign you out of your Line 6 account.
When deauthorized, the HX Edit application still functions to provide all preset & IR librarian and signal ow editing tasks, however, Helix Marketplace-purchased assets are
not able to be imported or exported with the HX Edit app. You can choose Authorize
Computer from the menu to authorize the computer again at any time, providing you
have not exceeded the 4 computer authorization limit.
Helix Native Plug-in Owners: This authorization/deauthorization within HX Edit
globally authorizes/deauthorizes your computer for the use of the Helix Native
plug-in (and the use of Helix Marketplace assets within it) as well, assuming your
Helix Native license and Helix Marketplace purchases were performed using your
same Line 6 user account. Please also see the Helix Native Plug-in Pilot's Guide.
License Synchronization
Whenever you make a purchase from Helix Marketplace, a license for each product you
purchase is deposited into your online Line 6 account. For the HX Edit application to
access your new licenses and eectively "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 HX Edit on your next use of the app after your
purchase for this license synchronization to occur.
When you're signed in, this brief sync takes place automatically in HX Edit the next time
you launch the application, or if already running, when you next click on the HX Edit
app window. (Note that it may take up to 5 minutes before a sync occurs if HX Edit was
already running.) Once the license sync has completed, an active Internet connection
is not required for the use of these Helix Marketplace purchased assets within HX Edit
or within your Helix hardware.
Manage Account
Choose this menu option to be taken to the Line6.com My Account page, where you
can view and update your Line 6 user account - view and manage add-ons and Helix
Marketplace purchases, register Line 6 gear, update your personal information, and
more.
35
Keyboard Shortcuts
Tab
Shift
+
Tab
T
T
+
S
+
S
+
I
+
Ctrl
I
+
E
+
E
+
Command
I
+
Alt
Alt
I
+
Command
E
+
Alt
Alt
E
+
The following keyboard shortcuts are available to speed up tasks when working in the HX Edit application. Where indicated, some shortcuts require that "focus" be placed on a
window, panel or specic control to be able to trigger its function. To place focus within the desired window, press your Tab key to cycle focus between the Librarian, Editor and
Inspector windows - you'll see the window outlined in blue to indicate it now has focus. Whenever the Command Center, Global EQ or Preferences modal windows are opened
from the app's Window menu, they will automatically have focus. To place focus on a tabbed panel, click directly within the desired Presets, Impulses, Edit or Controller Assign
panel. To place focus on any block, or on any parameter slider, button or menu list, simply click directly on it to select it, or use the Up/Down and Left/Right arrow keys to navigate
through blocks, presets, IRs or menu items.
HX Device Owners: Shortcuts listed in the following tables are the same for use with Helix and HX devices, except where noted.
Global Shortcuts
Command Mac PC Function - These shortcuts perform the following functions regardless of focus
Window Focus
(forward)
Window Focus
(reverse)
Enter Tap Tempo
Toggles focus between the Librarian, Signal Flow and Inspector (as indicated by blue outline of selected window)
Performs same focus action as above, but rotates through Librarian, Signal Flow and Inspector in reverse order
"Tap" the key rhythmically to enter the system Tap Tempo value
Tap Tempo Mode
Selection
Command
Save
Import Preset/IR
Export Preset/IR
Import Setlist
Export Setlist
Shift
Changes the Tap Tempo Mode Menu selection (Per Snapshot, Per Preset or Global)
File Menu Commands - Shortcuts
Mac PC Presets Tab Focus Impulses Tab Focus Signal Flow Panel Focus Inspector Tab Focus
Command
Command
Command
Option
Option
⌘
⌘
⌘
⌘
+
⌘
+
Ctrl
Ctrl
Ctrl
+
Ctrl
+
Saves the currently loaded preset
Imports a preset into the
currently-selected librarian list
slot
Exports the currently-selected
preset
Imports a setlist, replacing the
current setlist and its presets
Exports the current setlist and
its presets as a setlist le to
your computer
Imports an IR into the currentlyselected librarian list slot
These shortcuts are functional and act upon the
Presets or Impulses tab, whichever is currently displayed within the Library window
Exports the currently-selected
IR
No function These shortcuts are functional whenever the Presets
tab is currently displayed within the Library window
36
Command
Command
I
+
Shift
I
+
Command
E
+
Shift
E
+
Command
X
+
Ctrl
X
+
C
+
Ctrl
C
+
V
+
V
+
Command
⌘
+
Delete
Command
A
+
Ctrl
A
+
R
+
Ctrl
R
+
Command
L
+
Shift
L
+
Command
M
+
Shift
M
+
Command
G
+
Shift
G
+
Import Bundle
(Helix devices)
File Menu Commands - Shortcuts
Mac PC Presets Tab Focus Impulses Tab Focus Signal Flow Panel Focus Inspector Tab Focus
Shift
⌘
+
Ctrl
+
Imports a bundle, replacing all
setlists and presets
No function These shortcuts are functional whenever the Presets
tab is currently displayed within the Library window
Export Bundle
(Helix devices)
Shift
⌘
+
Ctrl
+
Exports all setlists and their
presets as a bundle le to
your computer
Edit Menu Commands - Shortcuts
Command Mac PC Presets Tab Focus Impulses Tab Focus Signal Flow Panel Focus Inspector Tab Focus
Cut
Copy
Paste
Clear
Select All
Rename
Command
Command
Command
⌘
⌘
⌘
⌘
⌘
Ctrl
Delete
No function No function Copies the selected block &
its settings to the clipboard
and deletes the block from
the signal ow
Copies the currentlyselected preset (in its lastsaved state) to the clipboard
Pastes the last-copied
preset from the clipboard
into the selected preset
location
No function Clears the selected IR
Selects all 128 preset
locations within the current
Copies the currently-
selected IR (with its current
settings) to the clipboard
Pastes the last-copied IR
from the clipboard into the
selected IR location
location(s)
Selects all 128 IR locations
within the Impulses list
Copies the selected block
(with its current settings) to
the clipboard
Pastes the last-copied
block from the clipboard
into the selected block
location
Deletes the block from the
signal ow
No function No function
setlist
Allows the selected preset
to be renamed
Allows the selected impulse
to be renamed
Allows the currently loaded preset to be renamed
No function
No function
No function
No function
Window Menu Commands - Shortcuts
Command Mac PC Presets or Impulses Tab Focus Signal Flow Panel Focus Inspector Window Focus
Show/Hide Librarian Panel
Command Center
(Helix & HX Eects)
Global EQ
(Helix devices)
Shift
Shift
Shift
⌘
+
⌘
+
⌘
+
Ctrl
+
Ctrl
+
Ctrl
+
Shows or hides the Preset/Impulses Librarian Panel
Opens (and places focus in) and closes the Command Center window
Opens (and places focus in) and closes the Global EQ window
37
Snapshots Menu Commands - Shortcuts
Command
C
+
Shift
C
+
Command
V
+
Shift
V
+
Command
R
+
Shift
R
+
1
+
1
+
Command
2
+
Ctrl
2
+
3
+
3
+
4
+
4
+
5
+
5
+
6
+
6
+
7
+
7
+
8
+
8
+
P
I
Command Mac PC Presets Tab Focus Impulses Tab Focus Signal Flow Panel Focus Inspector Tab Focus
Copy
Shift
⌘
+
Ctrl
+
Copies the currently loaded snapshot to the clipboard
Paste
Rename
Snapshot 1
(All Helix & HX
devices)
Snapshot 2
(All Helix & HX
devices)
Snapshot 3
(All Helix & HX
devices)
Snapshot 4
(Helix & HX Eects
devices)
Snapshot 5
(Helix devices)
Snapshot 6
(Helix devices)
Snapshot 7
(Helix devices)
Snapshot 8
(Helix devices)
Shift
Shift
Command
Command
Command
Command
Command
Command
Command
⌘
+
⌘
+
⌘
⌘
⌘
⌘
⌘
⌘
⌘
⌘
Ctrl
+
Ctrl
+
Ctrl
Ctrl
Ctrl
Ctrl
Ctrl
Ctrl
Ctrl
Pastes the last-copied snapshot contents from the clipboard into the current snapshot
Allows you to enter in a new title to rename the current snapshot
Loads Snapshot 1
Loads Snapshot 2
Loads Snapshot 3
Loads Snapshot 4
Loads Snapshot 5
Loads Snapshot 6
Loads Snapshot 7
Loads Snapshot 8
Librarian Window - Shortcuts
Command Mac PC Presets Tab Focus Impulses Tab Focus
Presets Tab
Impulses Tab
Displays and changes focus to the Presets tab No function
No function Displays and changes focus to the Impulses tab
38
Librarian Window - Shortcuts
Ctrl
+
+
Enter
Shift
+
Return
Enter
+
+
+
R
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Command Mac PC Presets Tab Focus Impulses Tab Focus
Display Context
Menu
or
or
Shift
Return
or
Displays the context menu for selected preset location
(Navigate an open menu using Up/Down Arrow keys and
ENTER key to make selection. Use ESC key to dismiss
menu.)
Displays the context menu for selected IR location
(Navigate an open menu using Up/Down Arrow keys and
ENTER key to make selection. Use ESC key to dismiss
menu.)
Change Tab Focus
Navigate Selection
Extend Selection
Contiguous Multiselect
Non-contiguous
Multi-select
Rename Preset/IR
Rename Setlist
(Helix devices)
Setlist 1
(Helix devices)
Setlist 2
(Helix devices)
Setlist 3
(Helix devices)
Setlist 4
(Helix devices)
Setlist 5
(Helix devices)
Setlist 6
(Helix devices)
Setlist 7
(Helix devices)
Setlist 8
(Helix devices)
Command
⌘
+
Shift
Shift
Ctrl
Delay click
Changes focus between the Presets and IR tabs Changes focus between the Presets and IR tabs
Navigates the preset selection within the current setlist Navigates the IR selection within the Impulses list
Extends the preset selection within the current setlist Extends the IR selection within the Impulses list
Selects contiguous multiple presets within the current
Selects contiguous multiple IRs within the Impulses list
setlist
Selects non-contiguous multiple presets within the current
Selects non-contiguous multiple IRs within the Impulses list
setlist
Renames the clicked preset (click once and then a 2nd time
1/3 of a second or later)
Renames the current setlist
Displays Setlist 1
Displays Setlist 2
Displays Setlist 3
Displays Setlist 4
Displays Setlist 5
Displays Setlist 6
Displays Setlist 7
Displays Setlist 8
Renames the clicked IR (click once and then a 2nd time 1/3
of a second or later)
No function
No function
No function
No function
No function
No function
No function
No function
No function
39
Signal Flow Window - Shortcuts
Return
Enter
Shift
+
Return
Enter
Ctrl
+
Shift
+
Return
Enter
A
E
H
B
C
Shift
+
Alt
+
Shift
+
Return
Enter
+
Shift
+
Return
Enter
Command Mac PC Function - These shortcuts perform the following functions when the Signal Flow window has focus
Navigate Selection
Selects and cycles through blocks within the Signal Flow
Edit Tab
Activates the Edit tab, displays the edit options for the selected block, and gives focus to the Model Category of the
selected block's model
Display Block
Displays the block's context menu*
Context Menu
or
or
or
Block Bypass
Spacebar
Toggles the bypass state of the selected block
Toggle
Amp Block Select
(Helix & HX Eects
devices)
Block Select
Selects and cycles through selecting the amp blocks in the current preset
Selects a block or empty block location
Single-click
Display Edit tab Model Browser
Double-click
Double click on any block or empty block location to display the Model Browser to choose a model
*Open context menus can be navigated by arrow keys, where ENTER makes a selection, and ESC dismisses the open menu.
Inspector Window - Shortcuts
Command Mac PC Edit Tab Focus* Bypass/Controller Assign Tab Focus
Edit Tab
Bypass/Controller
Assign Tab
Select Previous/Next
Parameter or List
Select Previous/Next
Tabbed List
Snapshot Assign
Display Context
Menu
or
or
Ctrl
or
or
or
No function Displays and places focus on the Edit tabbed panel
Displays and places focus on the Bypass/Controller
No function
Assign tabbed panel
Advances the focus to the previous or next parameter
No function
slider or list
(If Model Grid view is visible, Shift must be used to
advance focus out of Model Grid - see next shortcut)
Advances the focus to the rst parameter on the previ-
No function
ous or next tabbed list (if Amp+Cab or Dual Cab, or if
Variax input parameters are present)
Click directly on any parameter slider to quickly assign
No function
its value to a Snapshots controller
Display the context menu for the selected parameter
slider
Display the context menu for the selected Bypass or
Controller Assignment within the Assignments list
(Note that the Shift+Enter shortcut does not work within
this tab, but right click actions do)
40
Inspector Window - Shortcuts
+
+
G
Shift
+
Shift
+
G
Command Mac PC Edit Tab Focus* Bypass/Controller Assign Tab Focus
Reset to Default
Command
⌘
Ctrl
Toggle Model List
and Grid Views
*Focus within the Edit tab is indicated by turquoise colored outline surrounding a Model Browser item, or vertical line at left of parameter sliders. See next section for more details.
Click on any parameter slider to reset it to its default
value
Toggles between displaying the Category/Model List
View and Model Grid View
No function
No function
Edit Tab - Model Browser Shortcuts
There are numerous keyboard shortcuts available for working within the multi-level Model
Browser of the Inspector's Edit tab. The functionality of these shortcuts is dependent
upon the element within the Edit tab that currently has focus, as described below.
List/Grid View Toggle
Category List
Within the Model Browser, the element that currently has focus is indicated by a turquoise colored outline. You can set the focus by either clicking to select an item within
the list, or use your Up/Down/Left/Right arrow keys.
Sub-category Menu
Model List/Grid
Parameter Sliders
Model Focus (List View)
Model Focus (Grid View)
Model Category
Focus
Slider Focus
Edit Tab: Category List or Model/Grid List Focus Shortcuts
Mac or PC Function
Changes category or model selection
Moves focus between Category List, Model List and Parameter
Sliders
(If Model Grid view is visible, Shift must be used to advance focus
out of Model Grid)
For navigation when the Model Grid View is in use - Moves focus to
the rst parameter slider
For navigation when the Model Grid View is in use - Displays the
Model Category Menu
(Use Up/Down Arrow keys and ENTER keys to navigate and select
Category within menu)
Toggles between displaying the Category/Model List View and
Model Grid View
41
Edit Tab: Category List or Model/Grid List Focus Shortcuts
D
+
Y
+
Shift
Q
+
M
+
L
+
R
+
S
+
Shift
F
+
W
+
A
+
C
+
Shift
P
+
I
+
V
+
Shift
N
+
O
+
+
-
+
Return
Return
N
D
S
Mac or PC Function
Shift
Shift
Shift
Shift
Selects Distortion category
Selects Dynamics category
Selects EQ category
Selects Modulation category
Selects Delay category
Edit Tab: Parameter Slider Focus Shortcuts
Mac or PC Function
Increments/decrements parameter value - ne adjustment
=
_
-
or
Increments/decrements parameter value - coarse adjustment
+
Shift
or
=
+
Shift
_
Shift
Shift
Shift
Alt
Option
Shift
Shift
Shift
Shift
Shift
Shift
Selects Reverb category
Selects Pitch/Synth category
Enter
Edits numerical parameter value or shows drop-down menu for
discrete parameter choices. (Navigate an open menu using Up/
Down Arrow keys and ENTER key to make selection. Use ESC key
to dismiss menu.)
Selects Filter category
Shift
Selects Wah category
+
+
Selects Amp+Cab category (Helix and HX Stomp devices)
A
+
Enter
Opens the selected slider's context menu for controller assignment
options
For "Note Sync" capable parameters (indicated by the button to
the right of the slider), this toggles the functionality between Note
Sync and Absolute Time
Selects Amp category (Helix and HX Stomp devices)
Selects Cab category (Helix and HX Stomp devices)
Selects Preamp category (Helix and HX Stomp devices)
Double-click Enters edit mode for numerical parameter value (tap Enter/Return
Sets the selected parameter to its default value
For model parameters, assigns parameter to a Snapshot controller
key to accept edited value)
Selects IR category
Selects Volume/Pan category
Selects Send/Return category
Selects Looper category
42
Command Center, Global EQ & Preferences Window Shortcuts
Command
M
+
Ctrl
M
+
Tab
Shift
+
Tab
+
-
+
Return
Enter
Return
Enter
+
Focus within these windows is indicated by the turquoise colored outline surrounding a control, or by the vertical line at left of any parameter slider.
Command Center Window - Shortcuts (Helix and HX devices)
Command Mac PC Function
Any Control Has Focus
Open/Close
Command Center
Shift
⌘
+
Shift
+
Opens and closes the Command Center Window
You can alternatively use ESC to close the open Command Center window
Focus Next
Focus Previous
Parameter Slider Focus
Adjust Parameter
Value - Fine
Adjust Parameter
Value - Coarse
Shift
Edit Numerical
Parameter Value
Customize Label Control Focus
Edit Custom Label
Remove Custom
Label
Controller Grid Focus
Select Controller
Within Grid
Command Menu Focus (as indicated)
Command Menu
Option Selection
Shift
or
or
or
Delete
=
_
-
Move focus to next command parameter
Move focus to previous command parameter
=
_
Adjusts the selected parameter slider's value up or down using small increments
-
+
=
+
_
Adjusts the selected parameter slider's value up or down using large increments
Edits the selected parameter's numerical value, or displays a parameter's drop-down menu for parameter options
Edits the text within the Customize label eld to create a custom name for any Footswitch label
Deletes the text within an edited Customize label eld and returns it to its default label
When any Controller (Instant, Footswitch , Variax Knob or EXP Pedal) has focus within the Grid pane - Moves the selection to the next or previous Controller
(Use TAB to place focus on Command menu and then use Arrow keys to choose Command option)
When the Command Menu has focus, but the menu is not opened - chooses the next or previous option within the
Command menu. Once the desired command within the menu list is highlighted, press the ENTER key to choose the
command
43
Command Center Window - Shortcuts (Helix and HX devices)
Return
Enter
Esc
Command
G
+
Ctrl
G
+
Tab
Shift
+
Tab
R
A
B
1
2
3
4
5
Shift
+
Tab
Command Mac PC Function
Open Command
Menu
Dismiss Command
When the Command Menu has focus, but the menu is not opened - use the ENTER key to open the menu, and then
use the following shortcut keys to choose a command from the open menu list.
When the Command Menu has focus and is opened - use the ESC key to close the menu without making a selection
Menu
Change Command
Menu Selection
When the Command Menu has focus and is opened - use the Up/Down Arrow keys to highlight the desired com-
mand in the menu list, then use the ENTER key to select the highlighted command
Global EQ Window - Shortcuts (Helix and HX Stomp devices)
Command Mac PC Function
Any Control Has Focus
Open/Close Global
EQ
Shift
⌘
+
Shift
+
Opens and closes the Global EQ Window.
You can alternatively use ESC to close the open Global EQ window.
Focus Next
Focus Previous
Reset
Apply EQ
Bypass
EQ Graph Pane Focus
Low Cut
Low Peak
Mid Peak
High Peak
High Cut
Adjust Edit Node Fine
Adjust Edit Node Coarse
Move focus to next control
Move focus to previous control
Invoke the Reset button to set all parameters "at"
Cycle through the Apply EQ menu's output modes
Toggle Bypass on/o
Selects the Low Cut node
Selects the Low Peak node
Selects the Mid Peak node
Selects the High Peak node
Selects the High Cut node
Adjusts the selected edit node in small increments
Use the numbered keys above to select the desired node, then use Up/Down keys to edit Gain and Left/Right arrow keys
to edit Frequency
Adjusts the selected edit node in large increments
Use the numbered keys above to select the desired node, then use Up/Down keys to edit Gain and Left/Right arrow keys
to edit Frequency
44
Global EQ Window - Shortcuts (Helix and HX Stomp devices)
Q
Q
+
Q
+
Shift
Q
+
Return
Enter
Return
Enter
+
Return
Enter
+
<
Return
Enter
Command Mac PC Function
Increment Q Value
- Fine
Increment Q Value
- Coarse
Decrement Q Value
- Fine
Decrement Q Value
- Coarse
Control-Specic Focus (as indicated)
Shift
Ctrl
Ctrl
Reset
+
Increments the selected node's Q parameter value by 0.1
Increments the selected node's Q parameter value by 1.0
Decrements the selected node's Q parameter value by 0.1
Decrements the selected node's Q parameter value by 1.0
When the Reset button has focus - Resets all parameters to default "at" values
Bypass
Close Window
Spacebar
When the Bypass button has focus - Toggles Global EQ Bypass
When the Done button has focus - Triggers the Done button to exit the Global EQ window. Optionally, you can use the
ESC key to close the window
Apply To
Output Options
or
=
_
When the Apply To output menu has focus - Selects the Apply To output menu's next or previous option. Optionally, you
can use the ENTER key when the menu has focus to expand and view the menu list
-
Preferences Window - Shortcuts
Command Mac PC Function
Close Window
Command
or
⌘
,
When the Preferences window is open, triggers the Close button to exit the window. You can also use the ESC key to
close the window
Additional Mouse Behaviors
But wait, there's more! To follow are additional time-saving gestures using your mouse
buttons or mouse wheel.
• Hover your mouse cursor over any parameter slider and adjust its value.
• Hover your mouse cursor over any scroll bar to scroll the panel's contents, such
as within the Presets and Impulses lists and Edit and Bypass/Controller Assign
tabs
• Left-click and hold the mouse button or right-click on the Preset tab's Setlist
menu to rename the current Setlist.
• Use your mouse wheel while hovering the mouse cursor over the Setlist menu to
load a dierent Setlist.
• Left-click and hold the mouse button or right-click on the Snapshots menu to
rename the current Snapshot.
• Use your mouse wheel while hovering the mouse cursor over the Snapshots
menu to load a dierent Snapshot.
• Left-click and hold the mouse button or right-click on the numerical Tap Tempo
control to edit the tempo value.
• Use your mouse wheel while hovering the mouse cursor over the numerical Tap
Tempo control to increment/decrement the tempo value.
• In the Signal Flow window, drag a block in any direction out of its signal path until
you see the "Drag-delete" indicator appear, then "drop" the block to delete it.
45
Line 6 Updater & Additional Resources
Using Line 6 Updater
The Line 6 Updater application is the free utility to use to easily install the latest rmware
onto Line 6 products. The Line 6 Updater software is installed automatically on your
computer with the installation of the HX Edit application - or the latest version can be
downloaded anytime from http://line6.com/software/
TIP: It is always a good idea to create a backup of your Helix or HX device's con-
tents before performing a rmware update! The best procedure is to perform the
backup in your existing HX Edit version rst - then update to the latest device rm-
ware and HX Edit versions. See "Creating & Restoring Complete Device Backups" on
page 16.
To use the Line 6 Updater application - With your Helix or HX device connected and
powered on, quit all other Line 6 and audio applications and launch the Line 6 Updater
application.
• On Mac - Go to Applications > Line 6 > Line 6 Updater
• On Windows
Line 6 Updater
®
- Go to the Start button menu > All Apps (or Programs) > Line 6 >
You'll see the rmware's Release Notes and special instructions displayed before update
begins. Be sure to read all screens and prompts carefully and the Line 6 Updater software will assist you in performing the update in minutes. It is especially important not
to disturb the device’s controls and cable connections until the update fully completes!
While the presets on your device will not be altered, some minor sonic changes may still
occur with rmware updates, as noted within any rmware's Release Notes.
TIP: Whenever installing rmware, you must be sure to also install the matching version number of the HX Edit application. Please visit http://line6.com/software/ to nd
the correct application version.
Additional Resources
Looking for more info? We’ve got plenty of online resources, just a click away.
• Additional Help documentation covering Helix & HX hardware and Helix Native
Plug-in is available on the Line 6 Support site at Line 6 Product Manuals.
• Visit the Line 6 CustomTone site where you can share your presets with the
world, and download free presets created by Line 6 and other users just like you.
• Looking for some professionally crafted presets and Impulse Responses for your
Helix device or Helix Native plug-in? Check out the new Helix Marketplace, and
be sure to check back often for news and product announcements.
• Can’t get enough Line 6 Gear & accessories? Head on over to the Line 6 Online
Shop.
• Check out the Line 6 Support page for access to helpful tips, videos, discussion
forums, or to contact Line 6 Technical Support.
Once launched, you will be asked to sign into your Line 6 account. If you do not have
an account, you must rst create one. Follow the prompts through to the quick online
registration.
Once logged in, any USB-connected and supported Line 6 products will appear in the
main view of the Line 6 Updater application. Click on the device you wish to update and
your device's current rmware version and available updates are displayed.
Click the Update button for the desired rmware version. The release notes are shown
before continuing with the update process. Click Accept and accept the terms and con-
ditions to start the update process.
46
®
Loading...