Harnessing the unparalleled versatility of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), Line 6’s Helix Floor Pedal grants you unprecedented control over your musical expression. By leveraging MIDI, you can seamlessly integrate external devices and unlock a treasure trove of creative possibilities. To harness this power, meticulously configuring a MIDI control is paramount. In this comprehensive guide, we will embark on a detailed exploration of MIDI contour setup on the Helix Floor Pedal, empowering you to delve into the boundless realm of MIDI-controlled sonic exploration.
MIDI, the ubiquitous language of electronic musical instruments, serves as a bridge between your Helix Floor Pedal and a vast array of MIDI-compatible devices. Through this digital dialogue, you can trigger external sound modules, control DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) parameters, and even synchronize tempo and other timing-critical elements with other musicians. The Helix Floor Pedal features a dedicated MIDI I/O, providing a gateway to this expansive world of MIDI connectivity. With its intuitive user interface and comprehensive MIDI implementation, setting up a MIDI contour on the Helix Floor Pedal is a straightforward and rewarding process.
To initiate the MIDI contour setup process, delve into the Helix Floor Pedal’s meticulous menu system. Navigate to the “MIDI” submenu, where you will encounter an array of configurable parameters. Here, you can meticulously define the MIDI channel, note assignments, and control parameters for each footswitch on your Helix Floor Pedal. With surgical precision, you can map specific MIDI messages to each footswitch, enabling you to trigger external devices, control software plugins, or manipulate DAW parameters with a mere tap of your foot. The Helix Floor Pedal’s MIDI contour setup empowers you to transform your pedalboard into a command center for your MIDI-controlled musical ecosystem, unlocking a boundless realm of creative possibilities.
Understanding MIDI Basics
MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface, is a protocol that allows electronic musical instruments, computers, and other devices to communicate with each other. It is a way of sending and receiving data that tells the receiving device what notes to play, what effects to apply, and other information.
MIDI is a very versatile protocol that can be used for a wide variety of applications. It is used in the music industry for everything from recording and editing music to controlling live performances. MIDI can also be used in other industries, such as education and manufacturing.
MIDI Data
MIDI data is sent in the form of messages. There are many different types of MIDI messages, but the most common are:
- Note On/Off: These messages tell the receiving device which notes to play and when to stop playing them.
- Pitch Bend: These messages tell the receiving device to change the pitch of the notes that are being played.
- Modulation: These messages tell the receiving device to change the volume or tone of the notes that are being played.
- Control Change: These messages tell the receiving device to change a variety of other parameters, such as the sustain pedal or the portamento.
MIDI data is sent in a serial format, meaning that the data is sent one bit at a time. This makes MIDI very efficient and allows it to be transmitted over long distances.
| MIDI Message | Description |
|---|---|
| Note On/Off | Tells the receiving device which notes to play and when to stop playing them. |
| Pitch Bend | Tells the receiving device to change the pitch of the notes that are being played. |
| Modulation | Tells the receiving device to change the volume or tone of the notes that are being played. |
| Control Change | Tells the receiving device to change a variety of other parameters, such as the sustain pedal or the portamento. |
Configuring Your MIDI Controller
The first step in setting up a MIDI contour on Helix is to configure your MIDI controller. This involves assigning MIDI CC numbers to the parameters you want to control on Helix. You can do this by using the MIDI Learn function in Helix’s Edit mode.
To assign a MIDI CC number to a parameter, first select the parameter in the Edit mode window. Then, press the MIDI Learn button on the front panel of Helix. Next, move the desired MIDI controller on your MIDI keyboard or other MIDI device. Helix will automatically assign the MIDI CC number of the controller to the selected parameter.
You can repeat this process to assign MIDI CC numbers to multiple parameters. Once you have assigned MIDI CC numbers to all of the desired parameters, you can save your changes by pressing the Save button on the front panel of Helix.
Connecting Your Devices
To set up a MIDI contour on Helix, you’ll need to connect your devices properly. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the process:
MIDI Cables
You will need two MIDI cables: a MIDI IN cable and a MIDI OUT cable. The MIDI IN cable will connect your MIDI controller to the Helix, and the MIDI OUT cable will connect the Helix to your computer or other MIDI devices.
MIDI Ports
The Helix has two MIDI ports: a MIDI IN port and a MIDI OUT/THRU port. The MIDI IN port is used to connect your MIDI controller, and the MIDI OUT/THRU port is used to connect other MIDI devices. The THRU port simply passes the MIDI signal from the IN port to whatever device is connected to the THRU port.
Connecting Your MIDI Controller
To connect your MIDI controller to the Helix, plug the MIDI IN cable into the MIDI IN port on the Helix and the other end of the MIDI IN cable into the MIDI OUT port on your MIDI controller.
Connecting Your Computer or Other MIDI Devices
To connect your computer or other MIDI devices to the Helix, plug the MIDI OUT cable into the MIDI OUT/THRU port on the Helix and the other end of the MIDI OUT cable into the MIDI IN port on your computer or other MIDI devices.
Creating a MIDI Contour
To create a MIDI contour, follow these steps:
- Select the MIDI block: From the Signal Chain menu, choose the MIDI block you wish to configure.
- Enable MIDI Contour: Click on the "MIDI Contour" button in the block’s settings to activate it.
- Set MIDI Source: Select the MIDI controller or expression pedal that will generate the contour data.
- Configure Contour Parameters: This is where you define the shape and behavior of the contour. Here’s a detailed explanation of each parameter:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Curve | Selects the type of curve applied to the MIDI data. Options include linear, exponential, and logarithmic. |
| Range | Sets the maximum and minimum values of the MIDI data generated by the contour. |
| Polarity | Defines whether the MIDI data generated by the contour is positive or negative. |
| Offset | Adds a fixed value to the MIDI data generated by the contour. |
| Smoothing | Applies a smoothing algorithm to the generated MIDI data to reduce jitter and enhance response. |
Assigning Parameters to Contours
To assign parameters to contours, follow these steps:
- Select the contour you want to edit by clicking on it in the Contour Editor.
- Click on the “Assign” button in the Contour Editor.
- A list of parameters will appear. Select the parameter you want to assign to the contour.
- Click on the “OK” button to assign the parameter to the contour.
- Repeat steps 2-4 for each parameter you want to assign to the contour.
You can also assign multiple parameters to a single contour. To do this, hold down the “Shift” key while clicking on the parameters you want to assign.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Start Value | This is the value that the parameter will start at when the contour is triggered. |
| End Value | This is the value that the parameter will end at when the contour is triggered. |
| Attack Time | This is the time it takes for the parameter to reach its start value from its current value. |
| Decay Time | This is the time it takes for the parameter to reach its end value from its start value. |
| Release Time | This is the time it takes for the parameter to return to its original value after the contour is released. |
Using Preset and Bank Modes
Preset mode allows you to access and edit individual presets. In this mode, you can make changes to the preset’s parameters, save changes, and load new presets. To enter preset mode, press the “Preset” button on the Helix’s front panel. You can then use the value knob to scroll through the presets and press the “Enter” button to select a preset.
Bank mode allows you to group presets into banks of eight. This can be helpful for organizing your presets and quickly accessing them during live performances. To enter bank mode, press the “Bank” button on the Helix’s front panel. You can then use the value knob to scroll through the banks and press the “Enter” button to select a bank.
### Changing the MIDI Channel
The Helix can receive MIDI messages on any of the 16 MIDI channels. To change the MIDI channel, press the “Setup” button on the Helix’s front panel and navigate to the “MIDI Settings” menu. Use the value knob to select the desired MIDI channel and press the “Enter” button to save your changes.
### Receiving MIDI Control Messages
The Helix can receive a variety of MIDI control messages, including note on/off messages, controller changes, and program changes. To receive MIDI control messages, you need to connect a MIDI keyboard or other MIDI device to the Helix’s MIDI input port. You can then use the MIDI device to control the Helix’s parameters in real time.
### Sending MIDI Control Messages
The Helix can also send MIDI control messages. This can be useful for controlling external devices, such as effects pedals or keyboards. To send MIDI control messages, you need to connect the Helix’s MIDI output port to the MIDI input port of the external device. You can then use the Helix’s “MIDI Control” menu to configure the Helix to send the desired MIDI control messages.
### Using MIDI Program Changes
MIDI program changes can be used to switch between presets on the Helix. To use MIDI program changes, you need to first assign a MIDI program number to each preset. To do this, press the “Setup” button on the Helix’s front panel and navigate to the “MIDI Settings” menu. Use the value knob to select the desired preset and press the “Enter” button to edit its parameters. In the “MIDI Settings” tab, you can use the value knob to assign a MIDI program number to the preset. Once you have assigned MIDI program numbers to all of your presets, you can use a MIDI controller to send program changes to switch between the presets.
| MIDI Channel | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Default MIDI channel |
| 2 | Used for controlling effects pedals |
| 3 | Used for controlling keyboards |
| 4-16 | Can be used for any purpose |
Recording and Editing MIDI Contours
To record a MIDI contour, first, select the parameter you want to control with the contour. Then, click on the “Record” button in the MIDI Contour Editor. While recording, move the parameter knob or slider to create the desired contour shape. Once you have finished recording, click on the “Stop” button.
Once you have recorded a MIDI contour, you can edit it using the tools in the MIDI Contour Editor. You can use the “Trim” tool to adjust the start and end points of the contour. You can use the “Stretch” tool to change the length of the contour. You can also use the “Smooth” tool to smooth out any sharp edges in the contour.
Recording MIDI Contours
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Click “Record” button | Begins recording the MIDI contour |
| Move parameter knob or slider | Defines the shape of the MIDI contour |
| Click “Stop” button | Stops recording the MIDI contour |
Editing MIDI Contours
The MIDI Contour Editor provides various tools for editing recorded MIDI contours:
- Trim: Adjusts the start and end points of the contour
- Stretch: Changes the length of the contour
- Smooth: Smooths out sharp edges in the contour
Troubleshooting MIDI Setup
If you are having trouble getting your MIDI devices to work with Helix, here are some tips:
1. Make sure that your MIDI devices are properly connected to each other and to Helix.
2. Make sure that your MIDI devices are set to the same MIDI channel.
3. Make sure that the MIDI In and Out ports on Helix are properly configured.
4. Make sure that the MIDI Control Center software is installed and running on your computer.
5. Make sure that the MIDI Control Center software is set to the same MIDI channel as your MIDI devices.
6. Make sure that the MIDI Control Center software is sending MIDI data to Helix.
7. Make sure that Helix is receiving MIDI data from the MIDI Control Center software.
8. If you are still having trouble getting your MIDI devices to work with Helix, you can try the following:
- Restarting Helix.
- Restarting the MIDI Control Center software.
- Reinstalling the MIDI Control Center software.
- Updating the firmware on Helix.
- Updating the firmware on your MIDI devices.
- Contacting Line 6 support.
Customizing MIDI Control Mappings
The Helix features extensive MIDI control capabilities, allowing you to map external MIDI controllers to various parameters within the unit. To customize these mappings:
Creating Custom MIDI Assignments
Press the “Setup” button and navigate to the “MIDI” tab. Select “Control Assignments” and choose “Create New MIDI Assignment.”
MIDI Source Selection
Choose the MIDI source you want to use. This can be a physical MIDI controller, a MIDI track in your DAW, or a virtual MIDI device.
MIDI Type and Channel
Specify the MIDI type (note, control change, etc.) and channel you want to receive control messages from.
Parameters
Select the parameter(s) you want to control within the Helix. You can access a wide range of parameters, including:
- Amp model parameters (gain, EQ, etc.)
- Effects parameters (chorus rate, delay time, etc.)
- Global settings (tuner, master volume, etc.)
MIDI Parameter Value Mapping
Map the received MIDI value to the desired value for the selected parameter. You can set a minimum and maximum value for the MIDI mapping, and choose the mapping type (linear, exponential, etc.).
Special Actions
For certain parameters, you can assign special actions. For example, you can toggle bypass, recall presets, or start/stop the looper.
Multiple Parameters
You can map the same MIDI control to multiple parameters, allowing you to create complex control schemes.
Using the MIDI Learn Feature
The Helix has a convenient MIDI Learn feature that allows you to quickly map MIDI controllers to parameters. Simply move the desired MIDI controller while holding down the “MIDI Learn” button on the Helix.
Saving and Loading Assignments
Once you have created your MIDI control assignments, you can save them as presets for easy recall. You can also load custom MIDI control assignments created by other Helix users.
Advanced MIDI Contour Techniques
10. Sequencing with MIDI Contours
MIDI Contours can be used to create sequenced patterns and loops that can be triggered in multiple ways. By combining MIDI Contours with an expression pedal, you can create dynamic and evolving sounds that change over time. To do this, assign a MIDI CC to the expression pedal and then create a MIDI Contour that maps the CC values to different parameters of your sound. For example, you could create a MIDI Contour that controls the filter cutoff frequency, resonance, and envelope parameters. When you move the expression pedal, the MIDI Contour will trigger these changes in your sound, creating a sequenced effect. To enhance your sequencing capabilities, utilize multiple MIDI Contours and expressions to manage various sound elements and generate complex patterns.
Here’s an example of how to create a sequenced pattern using MIDI Contours and an expression pedal:
- Create a new MIDI Contour.
- Assign a MIDI CC to the expression pedal.
- In the MIDI Contour, map the CC values to different parameters of your sound. For example, you could map the CC values to the filter cutoff frequency, resonance, and envelope parameters.
- When you move the expression pedal, the MIDI Contour will trigger these changes in your sound, creating a sequenced effect.
Benefits of Sequencing with MIDI Contours
Sequencing with MIDI Contours offers numerous advantages that set it apart from traditional MIDI sequencing methods.
- Dynamic Control: Expression pedals provide real-time and expressive control over your sequences, allowing for nuanced adjustments and variations in your sound.
- Intuitive Workflow: Mapping MIDI CCs to sound parameters using MIDI Contours creates an intuitive and straightforward workflow, streamlining the sequencing process.
- Scalability: MIDI Contours can manage multiple sound elements and patterns, enabling you to build intricate and elaborate sequences with ease.
- Integration with Other Effects: MIDI Contours seamlessly integrate with other effects in the Helix ecosystem, allowing you to combine them with other processors and modulators to create complex and dynamic soundscapes.
How to Setup a MIDI Contour on Helix
MIDI contours are a powerful way to control your Helix’s parameters in real-time. By assigning a MIDI controller to a contour, you can create expressive effects such as swells, fades, and pitch bends. In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up a MIDI contour on Helix.
Step 1: Create a New Contour
To create a new contour, press the “New” button in the “Contours” tab. This will open the “Edit Contour” window.
Step 2: Assign a MIDI Controller
In the “Edit Contour” window, click on the “MIDI” tab. Here, you can assign a MIDI controller to the contour. You can choose from any of the MIDI controllers that are connected to your Helix.
Step 3: Set the Contour Shape
The “Shape” tab allows you to set the shape of the contour. You can choose from a variety of shapes, such as linear, exponential, and logarithmic. The shape of the contour will determine how the parameter changes over time.
Step 4: Set the Contour Range
The “Range” tab allows you to set the range of the contour. You can choose the minimum and maximum values for the parameter. The range of the contour will determine how far the parameter can change.
Step 5: Set the Contour Speed
The “Speed” tab allows you to set the speed of the contour. You can choose the duration of the contour in milliseconds. The speed of the contour will determine how quickly the parameter changes.
Step 6: Save the Contour
Once you have finished setting up the contour, click on the “Save” button. This will save the contour to your Helix.
People Also Ask
How do I use a MIDI contour?
Once you have created a MIDI contour, you can use it to control any parameter on your Helix. Simply select the parameter you want to control and then assign the MIDI contour to it.
What are some examples of how to use MIDI contours?
MIDI contours can be used to create a wide variety of effects. Here are a few examples:
Swells:
You can use a MIDI contour to create a swell effect by assigning it to the volume parameter. This will cause the volume to gradually increase over time.
Fades:
You can use a MIDI contour to create a fade effect by assigning it to the volume parameter. This will cause the volume to gradually decrease over time.
Pitch Bends:
You can use a MIDI contour to create a pitch bend effect by assigning it to the pitch parameter. This will cause the pitch to gradually change over time.
