Line 6 Helix - Switching your amp channels with Snapshots and 4CM

Go to 2:57 to skip the intro.
I've been getting a lot of questions about using Snapshots to change amp channels with the Line 6 Helix in a 4 Cable Method configuration. In this video I show you how to do it with the 1/4 inch EXT AMP jack and via MIDI.

[@metalskinn460]

Thank you. I've been banging my head against the wall trying to create an Ext Amp block to change channels on each Snapshot. Knowing I can do this via Instants instead is eye opening. Thank you!

[@robgillanofficial]

These videos changed my life. Hahaha (I wish I was kidding). I spent a few hours now watching all of your tips and tricks and ended up being so convinced by the versatility that I picked up a Helix LT yesterday.

[@RonaldKasper]

Rob Gillan you have no humming problems when you switch the amp with the LT to the gain channel? Any global setting required for that? I can’t use this feature right now and got back to my normal amp-footswitch.

[@brettshawver2983]

Dude - you are the Helix Guru!! Love it! Line 6 should have you doing demo's because there's nobody else that gets in to the Helix the way you do. These videos have helped me understand what this device can do & has saved me from making some mistakes with routing. Excellent video as always man!! Keep doing the good stuff! 🤘😁🤘

[@englishiowa]

Dude! I’ve been struggling with changing midi patches on my fx loop pedals for a long time. Your explanation totally helped me figure out what I had been overlooking. Thanks!!!

[@slidepiece]

Seriously...thanks for these detailed videos! I have a MIDI capable amp and the I/O on the Helix is just flat out incredible with 4CM. You basically sold me on this unit after seeing how I can incorporate favorite pedals, my amp and control everything with one switch. My old MIDI/Pedal switcher setup was a pain to program...this is just so much smarter and fun!

[@deanbibb3680]

Thanks Richie! This was exactly what I was looking for!

[@bobvenegas2934]

Fantastic. I've used Snapshots but have not leveraged the gain channel on my amp within the snapshots. This was a perfect walk though and I had it working in 5 minutes. Thank You, Sir! (Setup: Helix LT, 4-Cable, Mesa Mark Five - 25) ....Next day edit/addition to the post: Realized after 'the happy five minutes', after I set up snapshot 8-of-8 as my dirty channel (on tip-1) on my amp, that I needed to go back and specify snapshots 1-through-7 to use tip-2 to use the clean channel. 20-20 hindsight and makes perfect sense...that each snapshot (or preset) is a 'complete amp/effect setup' and I needed to configure each snapshot-setup within the Preset. Last....Richie, now that I've found you, I've subscribed and been blazing through your other vids'. Thanks again....from Melbourne, FL.

[@mikejcassam]

Great video Ritchie. Thanks for doing these. I always learn a ton of new tricks when I watch your vids.

[@luckyspook8407]

Great informative video, i am ordering Helix LT next week after my Atomic Amplifire broke,that sort of info Richie puts out is worth a ton for me!

[@andrewbettis4247]

love this! and this is the first demo I've seen showing the use of the extension amp quarter inch jack on the helix... so many options very cool

[@RichieCastellano]

Check out this video. I pretty much use everything: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmO1YpyjpbZlrNk

[@andrewbettis4247]

Richie Castellano I watched it and dug it thanks. I have that same line 6 expression pedal and an Ernie Ball volume pedal just like in your video so I've got plenty to play with. Unfortunately right now I only have a little cheap practice amp that does not have an effects loop but I'm only playing around at home right now. Still the beginnings of a killer rig...

[@joelflmartinho]

Seriously, Line 6 should hire you as a demonstrator.. You're explanations are very informative! Thanks.. When whatching this I was about to subscribe but then I realised I was already subscribed.. :D It was some years ago.. Now I'm planning to use my helix as you just described with a Mesa Boogie Mark V25 which has "only" 2 channels.. I'll use crunch from chanel 1 and Mk4 from channel 2.. So the clean will come from one of the helix's preamps :D Cheers!

[@theRodofwar]

Thank You for this VID. Finally got my amp to switch CORRECTLY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@xiwiwix]

Thank you!!! I've been looking for a video like this for years!!!!

[@User-hb2sv]

Hi Richie, thanks for doing this video ! Very helpful and easy to understand - as always. Rock On !!

[@paperhanger29]

Man...I am not new to Helix. But their manual it trash with covering this. Thank you!

[@tricknologist2066]

Thank you! You're a Saint! Why can't Line 6 post explanations of these types of deep programing? The manual isn't super clear.

[@SwBeyond]

This is EXACTLY what I was looking for!! Thank you like... a lot!

[@markb3767]

Thank you so much! I was completely stumped.

[@adammcpherson8426]

Heck yes man! Im so glad you're a master Helix user!

[@robtedesco]

Ridiculously helpful.

[@petert7449]

Great lesson I really appreciate this. Thank you Richie.

[@waynejames2014]

Great informative video thank you

[@DesotoJones]

Very helpful - thank you!

[@mrhoadz3809]

it will be nice when i can have the editor for hx effects you have explained it very well thank you

[@paulhaullussy8662]

Great video and so very clear!!!

[@TheLaw1]

This video is super helpful! Thanks man, cheers!

[@stevecastaldi3508]

Great video thanks!

[@Xenia3621]

Hi rich, your video about the Helix is very informative. I have a question about the Pod Go. Can you switch external amp channels ( clean channel to high gain channel ) with the Pod Go?

[@emiltorres9106]

Hey Richie I try something different with my helix that turn out awesome for me. I'm putting my fender 65 deluxe reverb in the loop of the helix. I send a line out of loop 1 into the input of the amp, them I mic the amp with an sm57 that goes into a mic pre that goes back into the loop 1 return. Then I send everything out to 2 Qsc k10 and I'll get a wet & dry rig in stereo. My amp is actually become an ir and amp.

[@greenspiderforce]

Super useful vid, thank you!

[@stepitupandgo67]

thank you super helpful...one of the advantages helix has over ax8!!

[@orionpolendo6630]

YESSSS THANK YOU

[@timothynemecek8038]

Richie, I just got a Engl Savage and have been struggling to use the midi commands in the helix. You make this look so easy yet I can’t make it work. Do you have a guide or process you can share beginning to end? I think I’m just missing something minor or making it harder

[@wesleyleftguitar567]

How are you?For to switch the channels you didn’t need any special cable?You putted only in the send return?I’m fighting here with my Bugera 333xl for to do that?Thanks man!👍🙏

[@Ftanel]

Thank you so much for this!!!

[@christhembones8244]

Thanks. Ext Amp example works great. The only issue is Line 6 doesn't isolate the ground on the switching system and produces a horrible buzz sound on my MT15 amp. So it can create a ground loop and induce hum when connecting to another amp. Is there anything I can do about this?

[@RivalNev]

Hello, I tried this today with a 2005 Marshall JCM 2000 50 watt. The head has switching abilities and uses a 1/4 plug. I was able to have the channels switch as you demonstrated but I get a nasty hum as soon as I plugged a guitar cable from the EXT out of the Helix LT into back of the head for switching. Any idea what's causing the hum?

[@noahsevenmr3015]

Great video Richie. I have a blackstar ht mkii wit No midi, can you switch more than 2 channels?

[@KKMcK1]

Richie, when on stage, do you use a snake to run one line from the front of the stage back to your system? Just wondering how you keep that cluster of communication lines low profile so there is nothing to step on or trip over. Or do you run it around the side of the stage? I'm thinking about the multi-line wet/dry/wet set-up. I know there are some systems now that use Cat-6. I'd love to see how you do that.

[@Mechacookie]

Thanks!!!

[@taylorparker8912]

Can also do this with exact set with up with EVH III 50 watt? Multiple assignments to a clean channel etc?

[@plapnab]

My JCM 2000 doesn’t like this. Everything functions as it should. But, I get a massive ground hum when I plug that 5th chord in for the footswitch. Any advice would be very much appreciated

[@nigeldaddyo]

how do you do this w/a 3-channel (non-midi) amp? I can get my Suhr PT15 to toggle between channels 2 and 3, but I can't get to the clean channel for some reason. I know it can be done because Pete Thorn has a video demonstrating using the Line 6 HX Effects to toggle through the PT15's channels. all three of them. unfortunately he does not outline how he achieved this as far as setup goes

[@TamerYounes]

Hi Richie... this is so helpful. thank you. Could you manage to get proper steve morse sound out of the helix, (without the Engl 100 SM signature model)? thanks for letting me know.

[@R3dbudd]

I'm not able to make momentary work on my Kartakou preamp. Was trying to get away from my Voodoo Lab Control Switcher. That dumb thing never remembers the relay settings, have to program the thing every time I turn it on or change presets.

[@ColinShanahan]

Hey Richie. Spoke to you on a previous video about this topic. Thanks for making the video. Got my Helix and run it via the 4CM and have it all set using snapshots that change my amp channel via the external amp out using this method. One problem I'm having is that any time I make change in a snapshot (i.e. add a block, adjust a parameter) if I don't save the preset while snapshot 2 is selected all my Instant command settings (tip/ring) reset. If I save when snapshot 2 is selected they're fine but 1,3 & 4 selected and I save it resets. Have I missed something??

[@matteoratti7826]

hi man i've the same amp and same helix . i've purchased 2 days ago. i can't switch channel amp's with midi. i have to connect the midi in (amp) to midi out/though (of the helix) ? thx so much for ur answer

[@c0ntact0]

CAUTION ABOUT AMP SUPPORT!!! Hello everyone, my HX Effects does not work with my Engl Sreammer 50. The TRS jack puts some extra voltage on the amplifier, the lead led always has a dim light even when the channel is off. The polarity of one button is right and the other is inverted. Changing from EXP to Amp in the preferences also does not solve the problem, however, using EXP we can change the polarity (strange).There is also an increase in the gain of the amplifier. Using a Boss FS-6 pedal works fine. Also with Behringer FCB1010. I reported the problem to Line6 who replied: "Hi, HX Effects ability to control external amp channel and/or reverb switching has been tested with many popular amps and heads. Unfortunately this does not guarantee compatibility with all products. Note that, depending on the circuitry of the channel switching jack in the guitar amp used, the EXT Amp function may not operate as expected. Best regards, Technical Support Line 6 Support Europe" This is a copy/paste from the manual. Therefore, you buy the equipment and if you are lucky it works with your amplifier. I find out there are 3 Volts at the tip of the EXT Amp jack, Line6 support does not confirm if this is normal or a defect. No replay from then, very poor suport.

[@jamesw4850]

Richie you have helped me out so much getting the most out of my helix, thanks! How do you set up to get a great acoustic tones using your variax and helix through an amp? DI I cant get great tone but not so much through an amp live.

[@RichieCastellano]

Acoustic pickups rarely sound good through an amp. If you can, just setup a separate output on the helix for your acoustic and run that into a PA speaker. If you MUST use the amp, you should hook it up in the 4 cable method and bypass the amp's preamp section for the acoustic. Then you can even out the tone with an EQ so it doesn't sound so boomy. It's not perfect, but it's better than the alternative.

[@jamesw4850]

Thanks again Richie. I will give it a try.

[@MNGuitars]

Hey richie this worked perfectly for me for snapshots but for a preset in stomp mode I'd like a couple footswitches to change the channels but when I try to assign that in the command center the footswitch with ext amp selected only gives u tip ring or 1 n 2 where as the instant access gives u tip ring 1 n 2 n none, the none is my amps distortion channel so without that option under footswitch assign I cant program that change to a switch...can u help me out?

[@scottlevine5030]

How come the assigning of amp control instants per snapshot doesn't work on the HX effects? I can only do amp control per snapshot by assigning a footswitch to the amp control, and assigning the on/off status of the switch per snapshot.

[@champGuitar1]

Hi Richie,first of all well done for your channel,I dont know if you can help me out,I'm trying to figure out how to make my hd500x change channels on my laney ironheart studio,is there any way or settings to do so ,thank you in advance, and keep it up man

[@ZaryaMain]

What happens when you're using a preset/snapshot that has the External Amp's Drive channel turned on, and you then change to another preset/snapshot that also intends to sent a signal to turn on the External Amp's Drive channel? Does this turn off the drive channel?

[@daddylogan]

Very cool video Richie! I do not have a Line 6 Helix YET but am thinking about it and your videos are very educational. I have two 5150 III 50 watt heads I want to run in stereo and instead of building a huge pedal board out of expensive effects I have been thinking about the helix as my main effects unit using the 4CM. Is there any way you could do a tutorial for this application? I know it might be a pain in the butt, but since you are covering almost all things helix it would be way cool! keep up the fun videos...I love the "where is the beat" ones...LOL

[@daddylogan]

Oh and BTW...the 5150 III 50 watts are midi

[@RichieCastellano]

It's covered in one of my other videos. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKfEo4R_hdyWnqcm50s I call it the 5 Cable Method or 4CM in stereo. Basically the first 5150 will be the preamp for both amps. Its power amp section will power the left speaker. The second 5150 will be used only for its power amp, and will power the right speaker (or visa versa depending on your preference.)

[@daddylogan]

Thank you sir!!!! I will go investigate.

[@daddylogan]

So I watched your video and would it be correct to assume that since both amps are exactly the same that I won't have to deal with levels as in A and B levels or EQ and tone? Having the ping pong set up is a cool way to tell for sure. So the tone from amp 1 still goes to amp 2 then right?

[@RichieCastellano]

Yeah, your two amps should sound perfectly matched if they're the same.

[@tochiromifune419]

Do you need a special lead from the Helix Ext output to the amp channel switching input? Thank you!

[@ryandove3586]

Can you please help... my line 6 helix does not change amp channels on bugera v22. It just switches clean distortion and reverb ... I hope you can help, I dont want reverb to cycle, just clean and amp distortion

[@marstudios7879]

How can you do this using directly the interface Line 6 because I see your doing the set up through the computer. Any help?

[@timtaylor164]

Thanks!

[@iainwhite3476]

Hi Richie I have blackstar series 1 head, will I need a midi cable from helix to head(sorry for basic question)! To change amp channels on my helix LT?

[@guidovaldes720]

Hello Richie, this is really what I was looking for, BUT I have a problem. I have a Marshall DSL 20. When I hook up de cable going from the Ext Amp 1/4" out from the Helix to the F/S 1/4" jack on the amp I am able to switch the amp channels BUT every block that is after de FX Loop block ceases to work. The moment I disconnect that cable from de amp the effects after de Fx Loop block are recognised again... I believe this happens because the amp's footswitch-box has 2 buttons: one for the channel selection and one that says FX Loop. And when I set everything up to control it from the Helix it seems to me that I'm only controling de channel selection but de FX Loop function gets disabled permanently... did I explained myself correctly? Please, I'd love to use the amp's dirty channel controlling it from the helix with the snapshots, but if I do that I lose every block after the FX Loop block... is there any way to fix this????

[@gokussjinfinito]

Richie please help. I have a jvm410h and I want the helix to control chanel change. How can I do that?

[@mrhoadz3809]

thank u for this vid

[@korychaos8836]

I love this and you are awesome. However, can you please explain how this can work with an amp that has a multi pin foot switch input? I dont have a 1/4in Jack. I'm using the Bugera Trirec. I cant figure out the hookup to make the channel switching happen. Got any ideas??

[@RichieCastellano]

You gotta get a custom breakout cable made and then connect that to a midi relay interface like a voodoo lab control switcher. It’s an expensive endeavor, but I can’t think of any other way to do it.

[@RonaldKasper]

I got a Helix LT and as soon as I switch my amp with the helix to the gain channel it hums as hell. When I switch with the normal footswitch everything is fine. Tried different instrument cables, all the same. Do you have an idea? Do I have to set something in the global settings for that? Thank you!

[@skipbass2771]

hi liked your videos there very good.i tryed the channel switch my amp and i cant get it to switch.i got a trs cable tryed tip and ring.its a peavey delta blues if you know anything about them.

[@axelteus]

Hi Richie Your videos are great I have to say. Thanks. But I have a problem that I dont know have top solve. I am trying to switch channels on my amp with Helix ext amp output. I have a PRS Sonzera 20w and I have tried every cable possible. I get the Helix to switch but there is a huge HUM in the amp... Do you know anything about this? Best Regards Björn Egertz Stockholm Sweden.

[@tochiromifune419]

Yes same problem for me with a Friedman Runt as soon as I plug the Helix Ext Amp to the amp channel switching input...

[@CSC8393]

Hey, a product like the Morley Ebtech Hum Eliminator 2 will solve your problem ;)

[@angelloretto]

Can this be done with HX effects?

[@cchin27]

Do you have any combo amp recommendations to run the helix into the Return Fx? I’m looking probably to use a tube amp for the dry with two FRFR speakers for the wet in a W/D/W setup. Or possibly just use the amp (if it’s an Archon 25 or Mark v 35 combo) and use the Helix for FX/Drive pedals and use the FRFR again for the wet. Any thoughts on one being a better route to go?

[@RichieCastellano]

I honestly haven't experimented with to many combo amps with the Helix, so I can't give you an informed opinion.

[@jeremiahallen5095]

Very helpful video. Can helix change chanels on two amps at the same time? I have 2 orange cr120s and would love to use helix for fx only. Thanks in advance for any help.

[@RichieCastellano]

Jeremiah Allen I imagine you could with a splitter.

[@orionasgardzero7793]

Hi Ritchie, very good job!! I've a problem with remote switching..I've put my Bogner Ecstasy Red pedal in send/ret and now I want to use its boost function with Helix ext amp switching..and the problem is..I have to press the Helix switch twice to make that happened..how can I fix it..thank you so much!! Have a nice day!

[@RichieCastellano]

Oh that's weird. I have no idea.

[@orionasgardzero7793]

Richie Castellano :( Thanx for the answer!

[@jamesmunro5368]

Is that a USS Defiant guitar in the background?

[@JosephDunegan]

@Richie Castellano, I have a quick question. I want to use the HX FX with a Blackstar HT Stage 60 combo. I'm guessing that basically the setup is much the same with the HX FX and the Helix. I know the use a TRS cable for amp switching and plugging into one of the two Exp inputs, same as the Helix. My question is, since the Blackstar is a 3 channel amp, I want to set up various channels in the HX FX utilizing a clean, OD1, and OD2 situation. I would like to set up a few clean channels, and the same with the OD channels. Is it better to set up snapshots, or can I use each of the 6 channels on the HX FX to change channels and use the various sounds in it? I hope I'm not rambling here. Just need some initial info to get started. I need to get this thing set up quickly because I have a first rehearsal with a new band in a week. The amp and HX FX don't get here until the middle of the week. Time crunch!

[@taylorparker8912]

I was wondering the same thing!

[@MarioSeveri]

Great video. But for some reason I cannot get the Instant 1 to switch when changing snapshots, the setting for the Instant 1 remains the same in all snapshots. If I change it e.g. from tip to ring in snapshot 2 and save it, it is also changed in snapshot 1 from tip to ring. I can get the channel switching on my amp to work when I use one of the footswitches in the command center and use that on/off in snapshots but than I "sacrifice" one of the footswitches. So I'd rather use one of the Instants for it. Anyone any idea as to why I cannot save different values for the Instant in my snapshots ?

[@Scottsguitarplayground]

I'm having the exact same issue, the Instant commands aren't being stored from one Snapshot to another.

[@Scottsguitarplayground]

I figured out a method that works for me...it'll be in my video for today, on The Helix Channel. Rock on, Scott.

[@MarioSeveri]

With the upgrade to 2.30 I can now save different Instant commands per snapshot. I just tested it again because I noticed the icons for send and return were different (double arrow before, now 1 arrow up for send and 1 arrow down for return). That was another thing I didn't understand, why some people had these different icons for send/return. I guess they were beta testers for the 2.30 software ?

[@dreadnotpop]

Thanks Richie. Great video. I have an LT. I noticed that you did this using the computer. How would you do this using just the floor unit? Is that possible?

[@dreadnotpop]

oh yean, I'm using a JVM 210h so 6channels , master, fx, reverb

[@RichieCastellano]

Absolutely, and just as easy.

[@dreadnotpop]

So maybe a short video about snapshot midi from floor model?

[@RichieCastellano]

Probably not. Everything I mentioned in this video is pretty easy to find on the floor unit.

[@chrisreece5958]

Hey Richie I have Mesa boogie f-50 and a roadking. Both amps switch channels via pin cable do you know if it is possible to set something like this up with them. Thanks

[@RichieCastellano]

Yeah, but you have to buy extra stuff. For example, you'd need to get something like the RJM amp gizmo and then get their custom cable. It's expensive.

[@dustinc4353]

Hey Richie, great video. Do you do anything to get rid of hum? When I use my Helix in 4 cable method I get some serious signal noise or hum. Thanks!

[@RichieCastellano]

I was getting a bit of hum today, but my amp has a built in noise gate which killed a lot of it. Unfortunately, I don't know of a great solution yet. I tried ground lifts and that didn't really do it. Luckily the hum isn't too loud. I'm wondering if there's some kind of isolator device that will solve this issue.

[@Stratamania]

Perhaps an Ebtech Hum Eliminator

[@moocow367]

I added a line isolation box to the input going into my amp and eliminated most of the hum I was getting

[@dustinc4353]

Thank you for the replies everyone. I will give the isolation box a try on the input path.

[@DjuricaMaksimovic95]

Here is a situation: I use Hx effects and peavey classic 30, and i want to use only mid boost from the amp. I tried every method with ext jack, standard mono 1/4 inch cable, stereo 1/4 inch cables, but nothing happend. Also, i went to global settings>preferences and Pedal 1 jack changed from EXP1 to Amp 1 but still... nothing. If anyone knows how to solve mystery i would be really thankful! Cheers

[@alejombc]

Can I do this with POD HD500X and my amp??

[@RichieCastellano]

Not with the snapshots, but yes you can switch amp channels with your preset changes on the HD500. I made a video about it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYvXimuYiJJ6h5I

[@alejombc]

Thank you! It works perfect, but I have a problem, I want to control the volume with the expression pedal and I can not make it work, I put it before and after the FX and I can not make it work, what am I doing wrong ?? Sorry for my english, I'm using the google translator to make it faster jajaja

[@RichieCastellano]

If you put a volume block anywhere in the chain it should work.

[@alejombc]

I found the problem, the expression pedal was not well calibrated, caliber and now works perfect !!! Thank you!!!