MIDI Triggered Filter in Pedal Format

[BigRedX]

Not sure whether this question would be best served here or in the "Keyboards and Synthesis" section...

I used to have a Peavey Spectrum filter (analogue VCF and VCA with full ADSR envelopes on each) in my rig which was fine when everything I had was rack mounted. However since I replaced all my rack gear with a Line6 Helix Floor, I've had to make do without this function.

One of my bands now has a couple of songs where it would be useful to have something like this again, ideally in a pedal format that I can run via one of the effects lops of the Helix. I don't mind digital so long as I can get the effects I want out of it.

The functions I absolutely need are the following:

1. The filter must either be able to be triggered via a MIDI note on command or the cut off frequency can be mapped to a MIDI CC and has a suitably fast response so that I can use CC commands to simulate an envelope generator.

2. A decent complement of programmable user memories - ideally 128, although I'll settle for less (but not just two or three). If not then I need to be able to access every parameter using MIDI CCs.

3. Proper MIDI sockets. I'll need to daisy chain this from the MIDI out/thru of the Helix so no MIDI via USB only.

Alternatively is there any lateral thinking I can do to get the same effect with one of the modules on the Helix - what I need is a way of opening and closing a filter at pre-progammed times in synchronisation with our backing which is from Logic running on a Mac. I'm already using it to change patches and snapshots of the Helix.

Any ideas?

[The Elf]

You can assign the Helix's foot pedal (or an external pedal) to the filter cut-off in the Helix. You can also create snapshots to switch between different filter cut-off values. You can assign MIDI CCs to the Helix's internal values. I would think one of those options should cover it without needing a separate filter pedal.

[BigRedX]

Thanks. That's a brilliant piece of lateral thinking.

I hadn't considered simply switching between snapshots from the sequencer. I'll be having a play with this later today and decide whether this method or using CCs to make an "envelope" for the cut-off frequency works best.

I'll also let you know what I find.

[BigRedX]

Thanks, that worked a treat. I ended up using MIDI CC to control the filter cut off, and created a simple 1/32 note 4-step envelope shape. This method has also allowed me to program some "keyboard tracking" so that the filter opens up more on the higher notes. Once I've got the whole song programmed (I only had time to do the main riff yesterday) I'll probably have to advance all the MIDI data, as it feels as though I'm getting a slight lag to the filter opening.

Interestingly the HX Edit application really doesn't like sharing the USB connection with my DAW when it's sending lots of MIDI data and kept loosing the connection. I ended up having to do all the fine tuning to my patch from the front panel of the Helix.

[The Elf]

Glad you have something you can work with. As a non-guitarist I still view Helix as a problem-solving super-hero device. The answer is almost always 'yes', and it's just a case of asking it the right question.

I never have HX Edit running at the same time as my DAW/performance software, so have no experience of it losing connection. When I need to integrate with software I use Helix Native instead of hardware.

[BigRedX]

I was pleasantly surprised to find in the first instance that HX Edit would run alongside my DAW (Logic) and most of the time it does so without issue, when all I'm doing is sending the occasional patch or snapshot change command.

Generally the biggest problem I have is remembering to have the DAW in focus before hitting the space bar so that it starts/stops playback as required rather than disabling the selected module on the Helix.