Variax and helix Glad you are getting the integration of the gr55 and helix working. That’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever tried on the guitar. Jul 23, 2018 · But the true power of the Variax can only be unlocked with the aid of a Helix. First, sometimes when I use a patch with Variax Acoustic or Reso, then switch to another Feb 10, 2021 · Helix processors support 2-way Variax ® guitar integration when the two are connected using the Variax Digital Interface (VDI). I'm using gr55 as one input on my helix, then using a variax with the gk3 fitted I'm also using a line with variax vdi input and another with variax mags. Eric quickly went from being entirely unfamiliar with Helix to recreating nearly all of Edward Van Halen’s ever-changing guitar sounds, across all eras of the guitarist’s career, in great detail. No USB. As noted before, all that should be connected (nothing else) is; Variax->VDI->Helix->USB->Computer. Same guitar, cable, and Helix, but there were no failures. For Variax instruments and Helix Control $39. Relay Wireless TBP12 Transmitter: Premium Straight TA4F Cable Apr 11, 2016 · Helix only supports Variax JTV and Standard guitars. However, like you I have experienced some degree of success with Helix and my Variax 300. I love the Helix and have created some really amazing sounds with all my other guitars and even the Variax sounds great if you use the magnetic pickups. ly/GEARGODSVARIAXTrey demonstrates how to sync up your Variax with your Helix to maximize its potenti Feb 10, 2021 · Modern Tones for Helix & Variax. All the other functions are controlled by the Helix presets- guitar model, tuning and volume and tone controls. However the V300 -> Helix communication does not work. I have a 1st generation Variax and it takes a little while to sort out the behaviors, but it is still extremely functional. Model changes in Helix presets work great, the VDI cable works just fine, etc. The Helix -> V300 communication seems to work. I have patches that swap between accoustic, and 3 different electrics and tunings for each to do rythym, lead, slide parts. Any idea if these are worth grabbing for shiggles? @Digital Igloo? Mar 21, 2017 · As Burningyen mentioned, the Workbench software doesn't integrate with the Helix as of yet, but it's supposed to be released in the next update. Then using snapshots to switch various helix effects, amp settings, variax tunings and to change gr55 patches. Aug 15, 2016 · Both my Variax 500s work just fine with the Helix. My preset uses the Variax mag pickups in standard tuning in one path as well as a custom tuned Variax acoustic model in the other path. g. Files purchased on ‘HELIX Marketplace’ are proprietary, and are intended for use solely with Line 6 Hardware, currently HELIX Floor, Helix Rack, HELIX LT, HX Stomp, HX Effects and/or POD Go. I apologize if this is a LMGTFY moment, but I’m trying to figure out how compatible these are with Helix Rack? I found mixed comments online, and it’s hard to tell what comments apply to these Variax guitars vs newer ones. Variax is connected to the Helix with a VDI cable and playing. The volume, tones, selector "on the guitar" work as they always have. I've modified the patch(es) for a Variax JTV-59 using the Acoustic-1 Model instead of Return1 input, and using Variax Mags instead of the Guitar input. Feb 3, 2020 · It's hard to beat the combo of a Variax and Helix even my older generation Variax comes in handy, the newer models even more so. To hear Eric Broadbent is the founder of the Line 6-themed YouTube talk-show, The Helix Hour, which is part of the Music Gear Network. Find a Dealer Quick view. But you can still mod the Variax using the included dongle. The Helix can change patches on the Variax but you must dial in the Variax Model on the Helix per preset/snapshot Sep 17, 2018 · After trying a Standard and a JT69 I had given up on Variax and Helix. Files are not always compatible between devices, so please check the product's description as well as the Marketplace Compatibility filter before Feb 26, 2025 · I just spent 30 minutes first playing the Variax directly through (1/4" cable) and changing the tuning preset knob by hand, and then playing the Variax through the Helix while changing the presets and snapshots using the foot switches on the Helix. This is a limitation of the Variax 300, not Helix. Apr 22, 2020 · This is kind of off topic but it's a JTV Variax issue that's been with the Helix for awhile in various versions. Our Variax® guitars can do more than any other instrument in history, and we’ve led the wireless analog-to-digital transition for musicians everywhere with our Relay® products. Jun 3, 2016 · You will need to purchase a Variax or Ethercon cable separately. Now, Line 6 has introduced Helix™, our new flagship tour-ready guitar processor. This relates to the JTV Variax. Sep 7, 2017 · However, I've had my Helix for about a month now and finally had some time to fiddle around with my Variax and I was astounded at how bad the Variax sounds. . Oct 21, 2021 · You should never use both the 1/4” cable and the VDI cable simultaneously. Toggle between two instrument models with a footswitch, control Helix amp and effects parameters using the controls on your Variax guitar, change string tunings when switching presets or snapshots, and much more. 95. I recently went to look at the new Helix and was amazed to find it cannot power a Variax guitar! Jan 6, 2016 · Peter, this is a great setup! Thanks for sharing. Apr 24, 2016 · I've got a new Helix and bought a Variax 700 to try out some of the features. Jun 3, 2019 · The helix will power the Variax You will get sound from the Variax The Variax will work exactly as it always has in regards to being a guitar. to Don't Force. Nov 6, 2019 · I own several Variax guitars including a 300, a 700 (my favourite), a JTV 69 and an acoustic 700 (second favourite). Feb 21, 2022 · The possibilities with Variax and Helix are amazing. However, any changes you make manually on the Variax are not received properly by Helix. You can use the Helix device to send Variax model and pickup selector switch changes to the Variax, and you can store/recall these settings successfully in a Helix preset. I only have two expression pedals so I've also modified the Vol controller on the acoustic path to use EXP2 and inverted min/max values so I can control the elect Dec 29, 2016 · The Variax 300 supports alternate tunings within the specific Variax models using Workbench. Oct 7, 2016 · Join Sean Halley as he shows just a few of the benefits of using a Variax guitar with the new Helix processor. 13. In the deep south of Italy, where the sun kisses the sea and good wine accompanies a great meal, Giovanni Boero creates new sounds inspired by the magical integration of Helix and Variax. I got a Variax recently and highly recommend it, among many other compelling features contained in the fashion the Variax communicates with the Helix is the simple ability to have it force the model as well as an alternate tuning on the Variax from a preset. Jethro Tull’s song Aqualung is a good example. This is part of my 3 video series on the Variax. Using the Helix, you can set up one-button (or no-button, if you’re using MIDI to sync to a click track) patch changes that will also trigger patch changes on the Variax over the network cable. Apart from the JTV they all need a power supply and of course even the JTV will run on the same power supply if the battery is flat. In this video I cover a few cool things you can do when you plug a Variax guitar into a Line 6 Helix. The one thing that doesn't work, and it doesn't seem like it would have been so terribly hard for Line 6 to have supported it, is using the Helix as an interface between an older Variax and the original Workbench software running on your computer. When I set a patch to a "per patch" input setting for the Variax to always select that guitar sound, the guitar seems to change to the desired sound initially but then keep that setting on any other patch selected after Jan 28, 2019 · But the VDI control features typically work in a 1-way fashion. Helix is happy. Older Variax models (pre-JTV) are not supported in the Helix family. Add to Cart. In fact, Helix does not support any sort of interaction with older Variax models like the 300. Workbench HD worked fine through the Variax USB interface. Files are not always compatible between devices, so please check the product's description as well as the Marketplace Compatibility filter before Jun 5, 2020 · USB is what is used to connect the Helix to the PC, or Variax direct to PC to work with Workshop, as you know. My V300 will successfully recall a stored model in the Helix preset. I created 11 new presets, each with the Variax's tone knob saved at 10, 9, 8, 7, etc. I reinstalled my presets and IR's. 9. May 28, 2019 · Yes, the 700 and 300 would respond/react the same way to the Helix. Jul 18, 2024 · The simple and official answer is no. That said it should be stated that a Roland GK Pickup and "capable" Roland/Boss processor (EG: GP-10) also has the ability to process strings individually, and can do a decent 12 string emulation. A young guitarist who loves experimental music and the fusion of musical genres, Giovanni is a long-time Line 6 user and fan. VDI is solely used, CAT5 ethernet connectors at each end, into the VDI port on the Variax and VDI port on the Helix. We haven't stopped, either. Mar 31, 2017 · Workbench is at 2. Followed ALL the instructions. While I am much happier with sounds I am still having annoying issues I can't seem to resolve. I rebooted the computer. This is what I've come across with Helix 2. I updated Helix, the editor, updater, and the USB driver. control Variax models and tunings within a Helix preset) you need to use the VDI cable. Learn scales on the guitar for 50% off here: http://bit. Note that this is not just an Ethernet cable; it uses protective shielding at both cable ends. I finally decided to try a Standard again. Sep 11, 2024 · These Variax 300 guitars were listed locally. In practice my Helix is able to switch models in my Variax 300 using stored presets. If you want the Variax guitar and Helix to communicate (e. However that is a fortunate holdover of some sort and is not guaranteed to happen with you Jan 22, 2022 · Rather than saving tunings in the Variax save them in the Helix and let the Variax just manage the bassline sounds - it helps your workflows be easier. zscijixefgnbzafwanstrsbjufwvxrzscilqkloqnsofjluaoknywjxbdyntojmrjhjvephvzimju