Strange Beatbuddy MIDI behavior with Line 6 Helix as master

BeatBuddy Help, Questions and Bugs
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So I hooked my Beatbuddy up to my Line 6 Helix (guitar effects) as I just wanted the Tap Tempo of the Helix to control the Tempo of the Beatbuddy. I only have the Midi In connected, and have disabled all the Midi functions except for the Tap Tempo. It works fine and controls the tempo, but sometimes when I press other switches on the Helix, the BeatBuddy will start playing from the Intro, event though I have Start/Stop Midi Disabled. Also will play on its own sometimes when everything is powered up (Helix and BB). It seems like the BeatBuddy is initializing, and that triggers a start. Any thoughts what could be causing this?

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I have this same issue. I don’t even think I have midi in on, I just have it set to see midi clock from my helix.

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What version of the BB firmware are you using?

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I’m on the latest. I only got it a month ago.

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Here’s something to try.

  • Download and unzip fresh copy BB firmware
  • Insert SD card in computer SD slot reader
  • Drag or copy and paste firmware files to SD card
  • Eject card and with power off on pedal,
  • Insert SD card into pedal and power up
  • When the update is done, restore the pedal MIDI settings
  • Connect MIDI Sync Adaptor and MIDI patch cables to Helix and test

If this doesn’t work and if you have another MIDI-enabled pedal, try to replicated the issues on that pedal.

If you’re still having problems, contact support@singularsound.com

Beatbuddy and looper
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Awesome thanks for the tips, I’ll try it this weekend!

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Any news?

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Actually yeah, reloading the software seemed to work! Sorry I forgot to update y’all.

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I’m not sure if I should start a new thread at this point, but I’m having the same issue. I just got the BeatBuddy 2 and when I switch presets on the helix it triggers the BB to start playing. I’ve tried all the recommendations on the helix like disabling Note On, turning MIDI PC off. Basically every suggestion I’ve found online and nothing works.

the BB2 had the factory firmware, so I hoped updating would fix it but it didn’t. I’m on 1.0.1 and it still happens.

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This is probably because the Helix is sending a MIDI Start message. Try disabling the MIDI Clock. Go to Global Settings > MIDI/Tempo and set Send MIDI Clock to Off.

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I have the helix midi clock turned off already.

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Try on the BB2 instead:
Settings/MIDI/MIDI IN/System Real Time/, set Start and Stop to Disable.

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Would that make it so I can’t use the helix to start/stop the BB2? I’ll try that when I get home.

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It will only affect System Real-Time messages. I assume you’re using CCs, so there shouldn’t be a problem.

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That didn’t work. It turns out I already had them set to disable.

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Ideally, you should monitor the MIDI communications to see what’s happening under the hood when the issue occurs.

I sold my Helix Floor months ago (now I’m rockin’ a Stadium) but I still have a Stomp XL and an HX Effects. The truth is, I’ve always used them as slaves to the BB to sync tempo-based effects.

But when I have some free time, maybe I could try setting them as masters and see if I can reproduce the behavior you’re describing here.

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Is monitoring g the midi communications something I can do in the device, or do I need a separate piece of equipment for that? I’ve tried basically every suggestion people and AI have recommended and nothing works. Google AI (I’m paraphrasing because I didn’t fully understand it) did say that sometimes the helix sends a powerful signal that triggers a Program Change (I think). Even when everything is set up properly. It seems like that would be something Line6 would have worked out by now though. But since nothing else has worked, I’m wondering if it’s true.

I’m considering buying a morning star, but it would be a shame to have to do that when the helix should be able to function perfectly fine as a midi controller.

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MidiView or MidiOx might help. can i use MIDI view to monitor MIDI from helix stomp xl at DuckDuckGo

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Does this happen with specific presets? Or does it happen randomly?

When Presets are recalled, all assigned Instant Commands will be sent.

This could be the actual cause.

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It happens randomly. I could switch to any preset or snapshot and it may happen, it may not. I don’t have any instant commands.

Edit: I’m wondering if this is a helix problem. Maybe I should be asking line 6?