User Manual
24
The Blocks
Input
Each preset can have up to four Input blocks (one or two per path).
I0I
0II
None
Disables (mutes) the input block. Only available on Path 2.
Multi
Guitar, Aux, and Variax inputs are all active simultaneously.
Normally, you should choose Multi.
Guitar
Guitar in only.
Aux
Aux in only. (10kΩ)inputforanactive-pickupequippedguitaror
bass.)
Variax
With a James Tyler
®
Variax
®
(JTV) or Variax
®
Standard guitar, the
"Variax" Input source receives the Model or Magnetic signal,
depending on the guitar's Model switch setting.
Variax Magnetics
Receives only the JTV or Variax Standard's magnetic pickup
signal.
Mic
Mic in only.
Return 1, 2, 3, 4,
1/2, 3/4
Returns 1, 2, 3, and 4 can act as additional mono input blocks.
Returns 1/2 and 3/4 can act as additional stereo input blocks
for processing keyboards, drum machines, or even other
modelers. If a Return or FX Loop processing block exists in
the preset, the utilized Return input will be non-selectable. See
"Send/Return"
Digital (S/PDIF or
AES/EBU)
S/PDIF or AES/EBU digital in only. If a Variax input (or Multi
input, which includes Variax) exists on another Input block
within the preset, S/PDIF and AES/EBU in will be non-select-
able.
USB 3/4, 5/6,
7/8
USB inputs 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 can all be used for processing
tracks from your Mac
®
or Windows
®
DAW software. See "USB
Audio"
Helix also receives input from USB 1/2, but it's dedicated for
monitoring audio from your computer (or iPad) and bypasses all
processing blocks. As such, it's not available as an input block
source.
All input blocks have a dedicated noise gate. Threshold and Decay parameters are
grayed out unless the Input Gate parameter is turned on:
Guitar In-Z
Auto
Input Multi (Guitar, Aux, Variax)
Input Gate
D
eca
y
Th
res
h
o
l
d
5
00 ms–48.0
d
BOff
Input > Multi and Input > Guitar blocks have an additional Guitar In-Z parameter. Helix
hasanimpedancecircuitonitsGuitarInputthataectstoneandfeelbyloadingyour
guitar'spickupsastheywouldbyaneectpedaloramplier.Alowervaluewilltypi-
cally result in some high frequency attenuation, lower gain, and an overall "softer" feel.
A higher value provides full frequency response, higher gain, and an overall "tighter"
feel.
Multi and Variax input blocks have additional pages for Variax parameters:
James Tyler Variax or Variax Standard
Page Knob Parameter Description
1 Variax Settings
Determines whether Variax settings are applied per
preset or globally
2 Variax Model
Selects the Variax model and pickup position set-
ting. When set to "Don't Force," Helix respects the
Variax current setting.
3
Variax Vol
Knob
Remotely sets the Variax volume knob setting.
When set to "Don't Force," Helix respects the cur-
rent Variax Volume knob position.
4
Variax Tone
Knob
Remotely sets the Variax tone knob setting. When
set to "Don't Force," Helix respects the current
Variax Tone knob position.
5
Lock Variax
Controls
When set to "Unlocked," the Variax tone knob,
volume knob, and toggle switch remain active.
When locked, the Variax knobs and/or switches
no longer control the local functions on the guitar.
Turning the Variax model knob resets all to "Un-
locked."
6 Variax Tuning
When set to "Don't Force," Helix respects the
Variax current tuning. When set to "Custom," Helix
engages any custom tuning on Page .