Line 6 HX Edit v2 Pilot's Guide v2
en
A guide to the features and functionality of the Line 6 HX Edit application Rev. T (v3.15) www.line6.com/manuals 2022 Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
PILOTS GUIDE
HX EDIT
2022 Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Line 6, the Line 6 logo, Ampeg, Powercab, Helix, HX Stomp, and HX Effects 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.
Contents Workflow 2 Whats in it for Me? 2 Marketplace 2 Workflow Overview 2 Computer Connectivity 2 Multi-Device, Multi-Window Support 3
Preset Compatibility 4 Preset Compatibility with Helix Native Plugin 4 Preset Translation 4 Feature Compatibility 7
GUI Overview 9 Resizing the Application Window 9 Application Menus 10 Preferences, Help & Account Options 12
Presets Panel 13 Premium Marketplace Presets 13 Selecting, Loading & Saving Presets 13 Importing and Exporting Preset Files 14 Renaming, Reordering, Copying, and Pasting Presets 14 Importing and Exporting Setlists 14 Importing and Exporting Bundles 15
IRs Panel 16 What are Impulse Responses? 16 Importing and Exporting IRs 16 Renaming, Loading, Copying, and Clearing IRs 17
Favorites Panel 20 Adding Blocks as Favorites 20 To Insert a Favorite into your Current Preset 21 Managing Favorites 21 Importing and Exporting Favorites 22
Working in the Editor 23 Naming & Saving the Preset 24 Configuring & Managing Snapshots 24 Undo / Redo 25 Editing the Tap Tempo 26 Creating & Restoring Complete Device Backups 27 Extracting Files from a Backup 28
The Signal Flow Window 30 Moving Blocks & Arranging the Signal Flow 31 Split Path Options 31 Cutting, Copying, Pasting, and Clearing Blocks 32 Drag and Drop Blocks 33 Adding a Block to Favorites 34 Configuring a Models User Defaults 34
The Edit Tab 35 Selecting Models 35 Editing Model Parameters 36 Editing Input, Output, Split & Mixer Blocks 37 L6 LINK - Powercab Plus and DT 25/50 Amp Options 37
The Bypass/Controller Assign Tab 39 Editing an Existing Assignment 39 Creating a Bypass Assignment 40 Creating a Controller Assignment 42
The Command Center Window 45 Creating a Command Center Assignment 45 HX Preset, Snapshot, and Looper Commands 47 Customizing a Footswitch Label 48 Customizing a Footswitch LED Color 48
Global EQ Window 49 Adjusting Global EQ Parameters 49
Preferences and About Box 50 The Preferences Window 50 The About/Legal Box and Help Options 52
Marketplace & Account Options 53 Marketplace 53 The My Account Menu Options 54 Sign In / Sign Out 54 Authorize / Deauthorize Your Computer 55
Model Lists 56 Effects Models 56 Amp Models 62 Speaker Cabinet Models 64 Microphone Models 65
Keyboard Shortcuts 67 Command Center, Global EQ & Preferences Window Shortcuts 75 Additional Mouse Behaviors 78
Updater & Additional Resources 79 HX Edit and Device Firmware Updater 79 Using the Line 6 Updater App 81 Additional Resources 82
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Workflow Welcome to the HX Edit Pilots Guide. This guide contains details of the HX Edit v.3.15 applications features and functionality with Line 6 Helix devices (Helix, Helix Rack, and Helix LT), as well as with HX devices (HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL, and HX Effects). All behaviors are the same on Mac and PC computers unless otherwise noted. It is recommended that you also read the Owners Manual for details on using your particular device.
Whats 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 version v.3.15 is the editor/librarian software for use with all Helix or HX devices that are running firmware version 3.10 (or later).* For best performance, it is recommended to use the latest available versions for your HX Edit application, drivers, and device firmware (as well as for the Helix Native software, if youre using it). If for any reason you wish to use an earlier firmware in your device, or an earlier HX Edit software version, youll need to be sure the release versions of the firmware and software match for full functionality.
*IMPORTANT! Your Helix or HX device must be running a firmware version no earlier than 3.00 to be able to use it with HX Edit version 3.15 (the latest available firmware and HX Edit version are recommended).
If youre currently using HX Edit v3.01, simply connect your Helix or HX Device to your computer with an active Internet connection and launch HX Edit. Its integrated Updater will find and walk you through installing the latest HX Edit and device firmware versions in minutessee Updater & Additional Resources on page 79.
NOTE: Each Helix or HX device model offers a different set of inputs, outputs, and signal flow capabilities. Throughout the following chapters, weve indicated HX Edit app functionality that is specific to your Helix or HX device type.
Marketplace Be sure to visit the Line 6 Marketplace online shop, where youll find 3rd-party add-on assets that further enhance the functionality of your Helix and HX devices, as well as Helix Native plugin! As of this writing, professionally crafted presets and IRs are availablecheck back often on Marketplace for product news and announcements. An Internet connection is required for the computer on which youll be using the HX Edit app to authorize it for the use of Marketplace premium assets. Please see Marketplace & Account Options on page 53.
Workflow Overview Once the HX Edit app is launched, it automatically syncs all presets and IRs from your Helix or HX devices internal memory. Youll see your devices 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 Create & Restore Backup 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 presets contents displayed in the Editor panels on the right. This allows you to load & fully customize your presets, configure bypass & controller assignments, and create & edit snapshots. While connected, communication between the application and your connected devices 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 reflected on the device, and vice-versa.
PRESET
PHONESVOLUMEBYPASSSAVE ACTION
PAGE PAGE
16B Dream Rig Duet
FeedbackTime
[37%] Delay Harmony Delay
LevelMixKey Scale
0.0dB40%MinorD1/8
Scream 808 MODE
EXP 1 EXP 2
H O L D T O E D I T
TAPBANK H O L D F O R T U N E RNone More Black 16A
Dream Rig Duet 16B
Jimi, Not Jimmy 16C
DAW Remote 16D
BANK Mystery Filter Ubiquitous Vibe Harmony Delay
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 IRsthese changes cannot be reverted! You can use the Create & Restore Backups feature to back up your Helix or HX devices 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 computers USB 2 (or higher) port.
NOTE: If on Windows, be sure to have the latest Line 6 drivers installed for your device. No driver installation is necessary on Mac computers.
It is highly recommended to install all included drivers when running the latest Windows HX Edit application installerall drivers are already selected to be installed by default. The latest HX Edit application installer is available at line6.com/software/.
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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 onboard presets, IRs, and Favorites. This may take a moment to download all of the preset information.
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. The separate windows can be resized and/or positioned on your screen independently, making it easy to reference and edit presets and settings, as well as copy presets and IRs between the multiple USB-connected devices. Please also see GUI Overview on page 9.
TIP: You can also use the Copy and Paste commands or drag and drop 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, select the desired device to display, and bring its HX Edit window to the foregrounda checkmark at the left of a device here indicates the device window that is currently in the foreground. If any of your devices become disconnected, its entry within this menu displays Not connected to indicate this.
The Devices menu, showing two connected devices, and the Helix Floor window in the foreground
Youll see an indicator at the bottom of each application window displaying its connected Helix/HX device typeor a warning that no device is detected.
Device indicator at bottom of the HX Edit main window
Each devices HX Edit window also includes its own Command Center and Global EQ floating windows as well (for devices that include these features)see The Command Center Window on page 45 and Global EQ Window on page 49.
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, youll need to use the Quit HX Edit command from the main HX Edit menu (or better, just train yourself to use
the Cmd+Q shortcut).
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Preset Compatibility This guide covers version 3.15 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 HX Edit application will automatically check for, and walk you through installing, the latest firmware update for your connected Helix or HX device (see Updater & Additional Resources on page 79). An active Internet connection is required.
Helix preset files are transferable between Helix devices (Helix, Helix Rack and Helix LT), as well as with the Helix Native plugin software.* Additionally, HX Edit and Helix Native both include Preset Translation functionality, and Helix Native further includes selectable Hardware Compatibility modes. As covered throughout this chapter, these features allow many presets to be shared between any Helix and HX type devices, and with Helix Native.
*IMPORTANT! As of firmware version 3.00, the preset file structure has been changed to accommodate the new features and functionality on all Helix and HX devices. Presets
saved or exported from any Helix or HX device running a previous (version 2.xx) firmware are still fully compatible with HX Edit 3.xx and your Helix or HX device with v3.xx firmware. However, presets saved or exported from Helix and HX devices with v3.xx firmware or Helix Native v3.xx (or later versions) are not compatible with earlier versions. We highly recommend backing up and keeping copies of all your v2.xx-created presets before updating to firmware v3.xx.
TIP: It is also possible to Copy and Paste, or drag and drop individual blocks, along with their current settings, between Helix Native and HX Edit, as well as between multiple HX Edit device windowssee Block Copy and Paste on page 7.
Preset Compatibility with Helix Native Plugin All your Helix and HX device presets, setlists, and bundles are compatible between the HX Edit app (v3.00 or later) and Helix Native plugin (v3.00 or later), by way of the Helix Native Hardware Compatibility mode (HC mode) functionality. As noted above, presets exported or saved with Helix/HX device firmware and Helix Native v3.xx are not compatible with earlier versions.
Once a preset (or setlist or bundle) is exported from your device using HX Edit, upon import, Helix Native determines the device type from which it was created and automatically changes the plugins HC mode to match the device, thus fully supporting the complete tone. Likewise, presets exported from Helix Native plugins matching HC mode are fully compatible with your Helix or HX device.
Helix Native also offers Preset Translation functionality (also offered in HX Editsee the next section). When loading a preset into Helix Native as the current tone (such as by dragging a preset from the HX Edit Presets Library or a computer folder directly into the Helix Native Signal Flow), a prompt is offered to either change the plugins HC mode to match the presets source format, or to attempt to translate to match the current plugin HC mode.
This preset compatibility is the foundation of the Line 6 Studio to Stage concept, allowing you to load, edit and transfer your tones between HX Edit and Helix Native plugin! Note that Helix Native plugin maintains its own Preset & IR libraries, independent of the presets and IRs that reside within your Helix hardware. For more information, please see the Helix Native Pilots Guide.
TIP: If you also own Helix Native plugin, be sure to reference the Helix compatible version number (found in the Helix Native softwares About box) to determine the
recommended Helix/HX device firmware version you should use for maximum preset compatibility. It is highly recommended to always use the latest available device firmware and HX Edit and Helix Native software.
Since the different Helix device types include different physical inputs and outputs, some variances exist among settings, as well as for their support of block types & controllers, which may affect the sharing of presets between devices, or between HX Edit and Helix Native plugin. The following sections in this chapter provide details about sharing presets and settings.
Preset Translation When importing a preset into the HX Edit Presets Library, the application automatically detects the source device from which it was created (Helix, HX Effects, HX Stomp, or HX Stomp XL).
NOTE: As covered in the previous section, if the preset attempting to be imported was exported from Helix Native, the Hardware Compatibility mode of the preset determines its source device type format.
If the HX Edit app windows currently connected device is different that the presets source device, the app will attempt to translate the preset to the current device format. If translation is successful, the preset is imported into the current devices library.
Presets cannot be translated if created with a source device (or Helix Native HX mode) which includes features or capabilities that exceed those of the current device (e.g., greater signal path count, exceeds maximum block count or type, etc.) If the preset cannot be translated, an error window lets you know the preset is not compatible and why, and import is cancelled. For example, if attempting to import a Helix exported preset which includes an Amp model into an HX Effects device (HX Effects includes no support for Amp models), translation is not possible and the following error is displayed.
Error message displayed when a preset cannot be translated on import
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Feature Comparison Table The following table shows the primary feature differences that affect preset translation between the Helix and HX hardware types. Additionally, Helix Native offers a HC mode Off option. When this Off mode setting is in us in Helix Native, the preset has fewer restrictions for block types and DSP limits. Therefore, presets exported from this Off mode can exceed the capabilities of any Helix or HX device. You can consult this table to determine if a preset from one source device (or Helix Native HC mode) will be able to be translated to other devices. See the Preset Translation Compatibility table for more info.
HC MODE / DEVICE FEATURE COMPARISON
Feature HC Mode or Device Type:
Off (Helix Native only)
Helix HX Stomp XL HX Stomp HX Effects
Included Models*
Full set of v.3.15 Helix models
Full set of v.3.15 Helix models
Full set of v.3.15 Helix models
Full set of v.3.15 Helix models, except 6
Switch Looper
Full set of v.3.15 Helix models, except Amps
& Cabs
Blocks Per Path Capacity 16 16 8 8 9
Max. Block Type Per Path None
2 Amps, 2 Cabs, 2 IRs (1,024 sample) or
1 IR (2,048 sample), 1 Poly Pitch effect*
2 Amps, 2 Cabs, 2 IRs (1,024 sample) or
1 IR (2,048 sample), 1 Poly Pitch effect*
2 Amps, 2 Cabs, 2 IRs (1,024 sample) or
1 IR (2,048 sample), 1 Poly Pitch effect*
2 Amps, 2 Cabs, 2 IRs (1,024 sample) or
1 IR (2,048 sample), 1 Poly Pitch effect*
Max. DSP Limit None Same as Helix device Same as HX Stomp XL device
Same as HX Stomp device
Same as HX Effects device
Snapshots Per Preset 8 8 4 3 4
Preset Library (independent per HC mode)
8 Setlists for up to 1,024 Presets.
4 Presets per Bank Bundle support
included
8 Setlists for up to 1,024 Presets.
4 Presets per Bank Bundle support
included
1 Setlist for up to 128 Presets.
4 Presets per Bank
1 Setlist for up to 126 Presets.
3 Presets per Bank
1 Setlist for up to 128 Presets.
4 Presets per Bank
IRs Library Favorites Library
(shared between HC modes)
Holds up to 128 each User IRs & Favorites
Holds up to 128 each User IRs & Favorites
Holds up to 128 each User IRs & Favorites
Holds up to 128 each User IRs & Favorites
Holds up to 128 each User IRs & Favorites
* Poly Pitch type effects are those that utilize polyphonic pitch processing: Delay - Poly Sustain, Modulation - Poly Detune and Pitch/Synth - Poly Pitch, Poly Wham, Poly Capo, and 12-String.
NOTE: Likewise, if importing multiple presets at once, a setlist, or a bundle, where one or more presets are not able to be translated to the current device, the non-translatable presets display an error window and are not imported, while the eligible presets are successfully translated and imported.
Input and output block options and controller support also differ among the Helix and HX device types (e.g., HX devices include no Variax input or EXP 3 pedal options as Helix devices do). These non-compatible features do not prevent preset translation. Typically, non-compatible input and output block settings are translated to the common Main In or Main Out, and non-supported controller assignments are removed from the preset.
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Preset Translation Compatibility Table The following table provides an overview of the preset translation capabilities from each source device (or each source Helix Native HC mode).
PRESET TRANSLATION COMPATIBILITY
Created With: Can Be Translated To:
HC Mode Off (Helix Native)
Helix (Floor, Rack, LT)
HX Stomp XL HX Stomp HX Effects
Helix Native HC mode = Off
If does not exceed Helix block count and DSP
limits
If does not exceed HX Stomp XL Block and Path
count, and DSP limits. Snapshots greater than 4
are discarded.
If does not exceed HX Stomp Block and Path count and DSP limits.
Snapshots greater than 3 are discarded.
If does not exceed HX Effects Block type and
Path count, and DSP limits. Snapshots greater than 4
are discarded.
Helix (Rack, Floor, LT)
or Helix Native
HC mode = Helix
If does not exceed HX Stomp XL Block and Path
count, and DSP limits. Snapshots greater than 4
are discarded.
If does not exceed HX Stomp Block and Path count and DSP limits.
Snapshots greater than 3 are discarded.
If does not exceed HX Effects Block type and
Path count, and DSP limits. Snapshots greater than 4
are discarded.
HX Stomp XL or
Helix Native HC mode = HX Stomp XL
Snapshots greater than 3 are discarded.
If does not exceed HX Effects Block type and
Path count and DSP limits.
HX Stomp or
Helix Native HC mode = HX Stomp
If does not exceed HX Effects Block type and
Path count and DSP limits.
HX Effects or
Helix Native HC mode = HX Effects
Snapshots greater than 3 are discarded.
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Feature Compatibility The following sections provide details on the compatibility of the major features between device types, and between HX Edit and Helix Native.
HX Edit Backup Files The HX Edit application includes a feature that creates Helix Backup (.hxb) files to restore a Helix or HX devices presets, IRs, and global settings (see page 27). Helix Backup files are specific to each device type and, therefore, cannot be opened or utilized in HX Edit when a different source device is connected.
Helix Native plugin does not currently include this backup functionality and, therefore, does not support creating or opening Helix Backup .hxb files.
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 multiple HX Edit windows (with any Helix or HX device connected) and any instance of the Helix Native plugin. It is also possible to drag and drop any processing block to move it within the current preset, or to copy it into any other HX Edit device window. Restrictions apply when copying, pasting, and moving some block types, depending on the source Helix/ HX device (or source Helix Native HC mode) and the destination. Please see Cutting, Copying, Pasting, and Clearing Blocks on page 32.
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 within the current Helix Native preset. Also, see Configuring & Managing Snapshots on page 24.
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 Centers Copy and Paste command options to copy assignments between controllers, as well as between controllers within other HX Edit presets within the current HX Edit device window.*
Helix Native plugin does not include the Command Center, therefore, it is not possible to copy Command Center assignments between HX Edit and Helix Native. See The Command Center Window on page 45.
*TIP: As of firmware version 3.0, HX Stomp devices include the Command Center feature too!
Input & Output Block Settings When Importing a Helix/HX hardware-exported Preset into HX Edit with a different device type connected - During preset translation, the Input and Output block settings are changed to Multi or Main if the connected device does not support the original options (also see Preset Translation on page 4).
When Importing a Helix Native-exported Preset into Helix/HX Hardware - All input and output blocks that were set to Host will default to the Multi setting within the Helix devices, and to the Main setting in HX devices. Any input block set to None will remain as set to None within the hardware.
When Importing a Helix/HX hardware-exported Preset into Helix Native Plugin - All input and output blocks that were set to physical inputs and outputs (other than None) will default to the Host setting within the plugin. Any input block set to None will remain set to None within the plugin.
Hardware Blocks (Send, Return, FX Loop & Looper) When Importing a Helix Hardware-exported Preset into Helix Native - These hardware block types are only functional within Helix/HX devices. Within Helix Native, these blocks offer no routing functionality, and their parameters are not editable.
Impulse Responses Impulse Response (IR) files are able to be utilized within IR blocks of all Helix and HX devices, as well as by the Helix Native plugin in any HC mode. If you are to be sharing Helix presets between Helix Native plugin and Helix or HX devices, it is a good idea to build and maintain your IR libraries similarly on each to allow the same IR files to be utilized for your presets that include themsee page 16.
NOTE: IRs, including those from the Line 6 Marketplace online shop and 3rd party vendors, are supported by all Helix and HX devices, as well as by Helix Native plugin. Any of your IRs can be imported and exported, as well as dragged and dropped, between HX Edit and Helix Native IR
library windows.
Favorites Favorites that youve created on your Helix or HX device, as well as Favorites files (.fav) exported from HX Edit, are compatible with any Helix or HX device and Helix Native pluginwherever as the specific model type is supported. See page 20.
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Controller Assignments Controller assignment types vary between Helix and HX devices, for example, a Helix Floor preset may include an EXP 3 controller assignment, which Helix LT and HX devices do not include. Therefore, if a preset is imported and translated to a different device in HX Edit, non-supported assignments are discarded.
The Helix Native plugin does not utilize any hardware-based bypass, footswitch or EXP controller, Variax or Powercab parameter assignments, or Command Center assignments that may exist within HX Edit-exported presets. Any such assignments that are supported only by Helix/HX hardware remain intact within your presets, but are essentially ignored by Helix Native.* Snapshot and applicable MIDI In type assignments, however, are supported in both Helix hardware and Helix Native plugin.) Helix Native plugin includes its own functionality to create plugin parameter - Automation Controller type assignments, which are similarly ignored when Helix Native presets are imported into the HX Edit application.
*TIP: Helix Native includes a Preferences option to show or hide existing hardware-based assignments within its Automation/Controller Assign tab.
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 other Helix/HX devices, as well as in Helix Native plugin. See Creating a Bypass Assignment on page 40.
DSP Limit In order to maintain preset compatibility with Helix and HX devices, each HC mode within the Helix Native plugin incorporates DSP limits on its presets, matching the limits of the respective hardware devices (also see the following Preset Spillover section). The exception to this rule is when the Off HC mode setting is in use in Helix Native. This mode effectively removes the DSP limits on presets, as well as several other restrictions. For this reason, presets exported from the Helix Native - HC Off mode may not be translatable in HX Edit for any device. See Preset Compatibility with Helix Native Plugin on page 4.
Preset Spillover Mode Helix Floor, Rack, and LT devices include the Preset Spillover Mode (accessible in the devices Global Settings > Preferences) which, when activated, dedicates 50% of its DSP to providing full spillover for the decay of delay and reverb tails, as well as a smooth transition across a preset change. To achieve this processing, the device limits its signal flow to Path 1 (with Path 2 visibly removed). Therefore, if the connected Helix device has Preset Spillover Mode active, when loading any Helix preset, only its Path 1 blocks and settings are visibly loaded and audible (as shown in the following HX Edit image), and any existing bypass or controller assignments for path 2 blocks are non- functional.
The Signal Flow shows one main path when Preset Spillover Mode is active
Note that a presets existing Path 2 blocks remain part of the preset, even if the preset is saved while Spillover is active, so youll see them appear on Path 2 for the preset when Spillover is turned Off. Considering this behavior, the best practice is to start with empty New Presets when you have Preset Spillover On and utilize them for the Spillover mode only, and youll not need to concern yourself with Path 2 blocks or settings!
NOTE: When in Spillover mode, youll need to ensure that your presets Path 1A and Path 1B Output blocks are set to physical Helix outputs (i.e., the imported preset may have a Path 1 Output block set to Path 2A, which will result in no audible output). Please see your Helix
Owners Manual for details.
Marketplace Assets Premium presets and IRs purchased from the online Marketplace are compatible with Helix devices and Helix Native plugin. Marketplace also includes presets and bundles specifically for HX devices as well. The import of premium Marketplace assets requires online license Authorization. Please see Marketplace & Account Options on page 53.
NOTE: Version 1.70 of Helix Native and 2.70 of HX Edit and device firmware (or later versions) are required for full support and use of premium Marketplace presets and IRs.
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GUI Overview HX Edit has a very intuitive, easy-to-use interface. The main application window automatically detects your specific 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 presets, Impulse Responses (IRs), and Favorites.
The Signal Flow Window - Where you can add and move amp, effects & 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.
Show/Hide Librarian
Undo/Redo Buttons
IRs Tab
Tempo Controls
Presets Tab
Signal Flow Window
E D
ITO R
LIB R
A R
IA N
Edit TabMy Account/Preferences Menu
Bypass/Controller Assign Tab
Inspector Window
Favorites Tab
The HX Edit main GUI (Helix Floor device)
HX Device Owners: With an HX device connected, its application window displays the single signal flow, just as on your HX hardware screen. As covered in this chapter for Helix devices, you can utilize the applications signal flow to bypass,
move, clear, copy & paste blocks, create split paths, and more.
The HX Edit signal flowwith an HX Stomp XL or HX Stomp connected
The HX Edit signal flowwith an HX Effects connected
TIP: The Command Center, for creating MIDI control assignments and Global EQ (Helix, HX Stomp XL, and HX Stomp only) are available as separate windows from the applications Window menu.
Resizing the Application Window The HX Edit main application window is resizable, allowing you to adjust it to best fit your screen size and workflow. 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 devices application window is independently resizable.
It is also possible to show or hide the Presets/IRs/Favorites Librarian panel, by clicking on the toggle button at the top left of the Signal Flow window (or via the Window menus Show/Hide Librarian command).
The Librarian window Show/Hide toggle button
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Application Menus At the top of your computer screen (Mac) or top of the application window (Windows), youll find the familiar application menu bar for the current device. Note that the available commands differ within the File and Edit menus depending on the application window, tabbed panel, and/or specific 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. See Keyboard Shortcuts on page 67 for additional information.
*NOTE: It is possible that the Librarians Presets or IRs tab currently has focus, but if youve 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, available menu commands & keyboard shortcuts act only upon the current foreground application window.
(Choose the desired device within the Devices menu to bring its application window to bring it to the foreground.)
HX Edit (Mac only)
About HX Edit - Launches the About box screen, which displays the versions of the HX Edit software and connected Helix device firmware, as well as legal information.
Check for Updates - Launches the built-in updater to check for an install any available software and device firmware updatessee Updater & Additional Resources on page 79.
Preferences - Launches the Preferences window, where you can select application and hardware settingssee Preferences and About Box on page 50. You can also launch the Preferences window by clicking on the gear icon button or device indicator at the bottom of the application window.
Quit HX Edit - Exits the application for all connected devices.
File When a preset within the Presets tab currently has focus (or, when the Presets tab is displayed and focus is within any other window), the following commands are selectable:
Save Preset - Saves changes for the currently loaded preset to the devices Preset Library.
Save Preset As - Displays the Save As window, allowing you to choose the desired Setlist and Preset Library location where to save the current tone. Note that choosing an occupied preset location will overwrite the existing preset within the location on your device.
Import Preset - Imports any .hlx preset file (or files) from your computer, replacing the currently selected library preset(s).
Export Preset - Exports the currently selected preset (or presets) and saves each to your computer as a .hlx file.
Import Setlist - (Helix devices only) Imports any .hls setlist file from your computer, replacing the current setlist on your Helix.
Export Setlist - (Helix devices only) Exports the current setlist and saves it to your computer as a .hls setlist file.
Import Bundle - (Helix devices only) Imports any .hlb bundle file 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 a .hlb bundle file.
When an IR slot within the IRs tab currently has focus, the additional following commands are available:
Import Impulse - Imports an Impulse Response file (or files) from your computer, replacing the currently selected library Impulse(s).
Export Impulse - Exports the currently selected Impulse (or IRs) and saves each to your computer.
When a Favorites slot within the Favorites tab currently has focus, the following commands are available:
Import Favorite - Imports a Favorite file (or files) from your computer.
Export Favorite - Exports the currently selected Favorite (or Favorites) and saves each to your computer.
TIP: Please see Presets Panel, IRs Panel, and Favorites Panel for details on these menu command behaviors.
The following, additional 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 devices Presets, IRs, Global Settings, Favorites, and User Defaultssee page 27.
Restore From Backup - Launches the Restore From Backup window, where you can restore your devices Presets, IRs, Global Settings, Favorites, and User Defaults from a previously created backupsee page 27.
Extract Files From Backup - Launches the Extract Files From Backup window, where you can choose one of your saved Helix Backup files, and choose to extract the Favorites, IRs, and/or Presets from the backupsee page 28.
Preferences - (Windows only) Launches the Preferences window, where you can access application and hardware settingssee page 50. You can also launch the Preferences window from the gear icon button or the connected device indicator at the bottom of the application window.
Quit - (Windows only) Exits the application.
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Edit Regardless of tab focus:
Undo - Reverses the last supported edit action.
Redo - Reverses the last performed Undo action.
TIP: Please see Undo / Redo on page 25 for details.
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 IRs 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 IR(s) from the IRs library.
Select All IRs - Selects all IRs within the IRs library. Rename IR - Renames the currently selected IR.
When the Favorites tab has focus:
Copy Favorite - Copies the selected Favorite(s) to the clipboard.
Paste Favorite - Pastes the last-copied Favorite(s) and displays a prompt to copy as new or replace the selected Favorite.
Clear Favorite - Deletes the selected Favorite(s) from the library. Rename Favorite - Renames the currently selected Favorite.
When the Signal Flow window has focus:
Cut Block - Copies the currently selected block and its settings to the clipboard and removes the block from the Signal Flow.
Copy Block - Copies the currently selected block and its settings to the clipboard.
Paste Block - Pastes the last-copied blocks model and its settings to the selected block location. When an existing block is selected as the paste location, this replaces the existing block.
Paste Block Before - When an existing block is currently selected, pastes the last-copied blocks model and its settings to the location before the selected block.
Paste Block After - When an existing block is currently selected, pastes the last-copied blocks model and its settings to the location after the selected block.
Clear Block - Deletes the selected block. Rename Preset - Renames the currently loaded preset.
When the Command Center window has focus:*
Cut Command - Copies the currently selected (instant, footswitch, EXP pedal, or Variax knob) controllers command settings to the clipboard and clears the command settings from the controller.
Copy Command - Copies the currently selected controllers command settings to the clipboard.
Paste Command - Pastes the last-copied controllers command settings to the selected controller.
Clear Command - Deletes the selected controllers command settings.
*NOTE: When working in The Command Center Window you can access these Edit commands as follows:
Mac - These commands are available within the main applications Edit menu at the top of your screen when the Command Center window has focus.
Windows - The Command Center window itself includes an Edit menu with these commands.
TIP: Copy Block and Paste Block, as well as drag and drop of processing blocks, can be also used between multiple HX Edit windows, and back and forth with Helix Native plugin! See Cutting, Copying, Pasting, and Clearing Blocks on page 32 for details.
Snapshots Copy Snapshot - Copies the currently loaded presets snapshot to the
clipboard.
Paste Snapshot - Pastes the last-copied snapshot contents, replacing the currently loaded snapshots contents.
Rename Snapshot - Allows you to edit the title of the currently loaded snapshot (Helix and HX Effects devices only).
Snapshots - Any of the current presets snapshots can be selected directly here. (Note that Helix devices offer 8 snapshots, HX Stomp XL and HX Effects offer 4, and HX Stomp offers 3.)
*NOTE: When working in The Command Center Window you can access the Snapshots commands as follows:
Mac - These commands are available within the main applications Snapshots menu at the top of your screen when the Command Center window has focus.
Windows - The Command Center window itself includes a Snapshots menu with these commands.
TIP: Please see Configuring & Managing Snapshots on page 24 for details.
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Window Show / Hide Librarian - Toggles the Presets/IRs/Favorites librarian panel
between shown and hidden for the current device window.
Command Center - Displays the Command Center window (Helix and HX Effects devices only)see page 45.
Global EQ - (Helix devices only) Displays the Global EQ windowsee page 49.
Close - Closes the Command Center, Global EQ, or main application window (whichever has focus). Note that the main HX Edit window can be re-opened using the Devices menu commands.
Help HX Edit Online Help - Takes you to the Line6.com Support site where you can
find the helpful info on HX Edit and Helix & HX devices.
HX Edit Application Pilots Guide - Launches the PDF you are reading now.
Check for Updates - (Windows - this command is found within the Apple menu on Mac) Launches the built-in updater to check for an install any available software and device firmware updatessee Updater & Additional Resources on page 79.
About HX Edit - (Windows only) Launches the About box, which includes the software version and legal credits.
Devices Displays a selectable option for each connected Helix or HX devices individual HX Edit application window. Choosing a device within the menu will bring its HX Edit forward, if it is currently not in the foreground, and re-displays the window if it is currently minimized or closed. A checkmark appears to the left of the device window that is in the foreground. See Multi-Device, Multi-Window Support on page 3.
Preferences, Help & Account Options At the bottom left of the application window, click on the menu buttons to access the apps Preferences, Help & About Box, (see page 50) and My Account options (see page 53)
Preferences Help/About Account Options
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Presets Panel The Librarians Presets tabbed panel provides functionality for importing, exporting, and managing presets & setlists.
Setlist Commands
Presets Tab
Setlist Menu
Loaded Preset
Selected Preset
Preset Commands
The Presets panel
Youll find the same commands for copying, pasting, renaming, importing, and exporting within the applications 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 plugin! Please see Preset Compatibility 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.
Premium Marketplace Presets If youve purchased and downloaded premium Helix or HX presets from the 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 youve initially imported your Marketplace assets to sync their licenses with your account, you dont need to have HX Edit actively Signed In to use themand it is not necessary to even be connected to the Internet once your computer has been Authorized,
except to Deauthorize the computer. Please see Authorize / Deauthorize Your Computer on page 55.
Premium Marketplace presets are otherwise able to be utilized just like any other Helix presets. When imported, these premium Marketplace presets are indicated by guitar pick badges to their right within the Presets panel.
Premium Marketplace presets are indicated with golden guitar pick badges
Selecting, Loading & Saving Presets It is important to note there is a difference 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 youll 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 different 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/Retur