Ed_Saxman's Helix MIDI Controller for IOS

Started by admin, March 14, 2019, 11:28:57 AM

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Now online!: https://gum.co/HelixMidiController
https://gum.co/HelixMidiController


This is a premium MIDI template made for the Line 6 Helix devices. ($20 USD)

Hardware and software requirements:
- Line 6 Helix (Floor, Rack, LT)
- Apple iPad
- MIDI Interface (Wireless: Yamaha MD-BT01. Wired: Roland UM-ONE MKII + Apple CCK USB3 read here for some suggestions)
https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/ed_saxmans-helix-midi-controller-for-ios.2029022/#post-28198396

- MIDI Designer PRO 2 (IOS app, sold separately)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/midi-designer-pro-2/id492291712?mt=8


Early notes:
V1.0 is online!!
PDF manual coming soon.
Lifetime support, future updates will be free for existing costumers.

A bit of tech stuff:
The operation of this MIDI template is based on the current MIDI implementation available on Line 6 Helix devices.
This means that the limits of what or how can be controlled are determined by the manufacturer (to a large extent).

The practical translation of this fact is that:
There are some functions in the Helix that are not controllable, simply because there is no continuous controller (CC) assigned to whatever.
There are some things in the Helix that receive MIDI but they do not send it. A clear example are the footswitches (FS). For this reason, it is not possible to show a synchronized status (on/off) on the controller's screen. For this type of controls, it will only be possible to send a status change message, so the buttons will be of a momentary type.
Helix does not send the names of presets or setlists via MIDI -something that would normally use SYSEX messages or the Line 6's own protocol (but we will be able to write and store those names on the controller anyway).

Description:

1-Main Screen.
From this screen you can control the main functions of your Helix.
Some elements receives the MIDI information that your Helix sends and display it on the screen, such as bank and program changes.
Others are used to send commands to activate and deactivate elements such as footswitches.
A few elements are bi-directional, such as looper controls (for the most part).
As you already know, the Helix does not send us setlists names. However, you will be able to rename your Setlists on the controller easily from this screen, simply by pressing the "Setlist" button to write names coincident with those of your Helix.


2-Setlist Screen
The main function of this screen is to navigate comfortably between the eight banks of your Helix, but we can also select a preset in each of the 8 banks, and toggle between them at the touch of a button. There are also controls that receive information from your Helix, like those two large screens of Setlist and Preset. The most important looper controls are also present here.
For advanced users: the setlist names are also editable! So you can manually write the patches names on your controller to match your Helix.


3- Preset Screen
On this screen, the idea is to have quick and immediate access to all the Presets (and Setlists) of your Helix.
Snapshot selection controls are also present, as well as the looper, tap tempo and tuner buttons.



4- Favourites Screen
Easy access to your 48 favorites, just pushing labeled buttons.
A good way to sort your most used presets, regardless of where the hell(ix) they are found. If you need more buttons, you can even duplicate this screen to double the amount available!



Recommended MIDI interfaces

Wireless:
Yamaha MD-BT01


Wired:
Roland UM-ONE MKII + Apple CCK USB3



Note that wireless and USB wired connections can be used at the same time, so you can connect the Helix to your iPad wirelessly while having a wired MIDI-USB connection with your laptop.

So using Helix MIDI Controller and HX Edit simultaneously is not only possible, but very practical!