The Helix Stadium Application

Use the Helix Stadium application on your macOS or Windows^® computer to connect via Wi-Fi and create, edit, backup, and restore your complete library of Stadium presets, and import and export IRs, Preset Templates, and Favorites. This page provides an overview of installation, setup, the app’s “Views,” and using the Helix Stadium application to create and edit presets.

Get The Helix Stadium Application

Download the free Helix Stadium app installer for macOS or Windows from line6.com/software, launch the app installer, and follow its on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Connect to your Stadium Device

To use the Helix Stadium application, you’ll need to connect to your Stadium device to wirelessly “sync” its content for real-time preset loading, editing, and import/export of asset files. The connection between the app and device is established when both are connected to your local Wi-Fi network. When Helix Stadium is not connected, the Helix Stadium app displays the Disconnected splash screen.

The Device Connection button on the app toolbar also displays the current status, as either not connected or connected . Please see the following steps to configure your Helix Stadium app-to-device connection.

Application and Firmware Update Notification

Upon launch of the Helix Stadium application and your Line 6 account log in (via the app’s button), the app will automatically check online for both the Helix Stadium application and firmware updates. If you are notified that new versions are available, we recommend installing the available update(s).

If prompted to update both the application and firmware, please update the Helix Stadium application first.

Updating the Helix Stadium Application

If prompted, click to initiate the Helix Stadium application update. In the App/Device Update screen, be sure to click the App tab to access the details for the available application version, then click to proceed. Follow the instructions on the additional screens to complete the update.

Updating the Helix Device Firmware

To perform firmware updates using the Helix Stadium app, you must establish a USB connection between your computer and the Stadium device. If a Firmware Update notification appears after the Helix Stadium application connects via USB, it is recommended to proceed with the update. Please refer to the following Device Firmware Update page for USB connection details.

Managing the App-To-Device Connection

1. By default, your Helix Stadium Global Settings > Preferences > Remote Access is set to “Allow,” allowing connections from the Helix Stadium application via any computer. Optionally, you can set Remote Access to “Require PIN” for added security using the following steps.

   • Go to the device’s Global Settings > Preferences and set Remote Access to Require PIN.

   • Also in the Preferences, tap on the Set PIN button above Knob 5, type in your desired 4-digit PIN code, and tap .

2. Enable your computer’s Internet connection, and ensure your Stadium device is connected to the same network via Wi-Fi (or Ethernet)—see the Wi-Fi & Ethernet Connections page for details.

3. Launch the Helix Stadium app, click the button, and log in to your Line 6 account.

4. Click the button to open the Connect To Device dialog.*

   • If desired, keep the Auto-connect at Launch switch on (in the right position) , and the app will attempt to connect automatically for future launches.

5. Click the Connect button at the right of your Available - network connected Stadium device (see below).

   • If you configured your Stadium’s Remote Access for “Require PIN” in Step 1, enter your 4-digit PIN when prompted and tap , as shown below, to establish the app-to-device connection. Otherwise, you won’t receive a PIN prompt.

5. Once connected, the app’s toolbar button indicates the connection , and the app will automatically sync with Stadium. You can now start using the Helix Stadium app for real-time remote editing and importing/exporting asset files.

Connecting Using Helix Stadium’s Manual IP Address

Some Wi-Fi router configurations may prevent the app from connecting to your Stadium device when using the preceding steps. If you encounter this issue, please use the following steps to manually enter your device’s IP address for connection.

Click to expand... Steps for Manual IP Address configuration.

1. On your Stadium device, go to the Main Menu > Wi-Fi Settings dialog, and note the IP address displayed there. This IP number is specific to your Stadium device's network connection.

2. Launch the Helix Stadium app and click the button to launch the Connect To Device dialog.

3. Enter your IP address in the Manual IP Address field and click . When you see your IP Address appear as “Available,” click its button.

4. The Helix Stadium app should then connect to your Stadium device.

5. Note that the Auto-Connect feature is not supported for future connections using the Manual IP Address method. Repeat step 1 above, and your IP address should be remembered and appear in the Manual IP Address field, making it easy to complete step 2.

Main Application Window

Device Connection Indicator & Options : Indicates the current app-to-device connection and provides connectivity options.

View Selectors : Selects the main Views displayed in the app. Please see the individual sections on this page for overviews of each: Home, Librarian, Command Center, and Global EQ Views.

My Account and Help : The toolbar buttons at the right provide access to the following:

• My Account: Click to Log In, Log Out, and Manage your Line 6 account.

• Help: Click to access the About Helix Stadium & Legal Info for app version, copyright, and accreditation details. You’ll also find a link for Helix Stadium Online Support, which will direct you to Stadium product information and this online Owner’s Manual you are currently reading.

Preset Librarian Panel: A compact version of the Preset Librarian is displayed on the left of the Home View for easy searching and loading of your presets. Click and drag the panel’s right vertical divider to make it wider or narrower as desired, or click to hide it.

The Home View

This main application window displays the current preset’s signal flow, where you can fully create and edit your presets, much like within the Stadium device's Home - Edit View screen. To the left of the app’s Home View, you can also access the Preset List to select a Setlist and load a preset directly into the Home View, as well as several other preset functions. Click the Manage button to open the Preset Librarian View for additional Setlist and Preset management functions.

Creating New Presets

Choose a Preset Template to begin building your own custom tone. Select the Empty Preset template to start from scratch, or choose one of the other provided templates for a specific signal routing or input configuration.

1. From the Home View - Menu button , select New Preset and choose the desired Preset Template.

Select New Preset from the menu, choose the desired template, and click .

A new, unsaved preset is created within the User Presets folder from the selected template.

2. Add and edit blocks as desired to build your preset, then be sure to save the preset to retain it in your library.

Editing Your Tones

The Helix Stadium app’s Home View screen is functionally very similar to your Stadium device's Home > Edit screen. You can perform the following tasks in the app and hear your edit results in real-time.

Add blocks: Click on an empty location on any path in the app’s Home View and select the desired model from the Model List at the bottom left of the screen.

Edit block settings: Click on any block in the app’s path to access its parameters in the Inspector panel at the bottom right of the screen for editing. Note that you can choose the Sliders or view for the app’s Inspector.

• For Cab and EQ blocks, optionally tap the button within the Inspector to open their Focus View screen for visual editing of mic placement and EQ bands.*

• Hover your mouse cursor over any block in the signal flow to access the Block Bypass and Clear Block buttons that appear above it .

• Within the app’s Inspector edit panel, right-click on an individual parameter slider/knob for additional functions, such as Reset, Controller Assignment, and more.

• Click and drag any block left/right to change its position in a path. Drag a block down from a main path to create a split/parallel path, or drag a block to any other existing path to move it there.

• Right-click on a block to access its Action Panel to create Bypass, Controller, MIDI, or Snapshot Control assignments, Copy, Paste, Clear, Add to Favorites, and more.

• Remember to click the Save button to save your preset to your device’s library—see the next section.

Saving Your Presets

Once you’ve edited your preset to your liking, save the preset to retain it in your Stadium’s Preset Library. Please also see the Saving Presets page for additional preset and setlist details.

• Click the Save button at the top of the Home View to open the Save Preset dialog.

• To save your changes to the currently saved preset, click the Save button .

• To name the preset, type in your desired name in the field at the top of the dialog .

• To save a unique copy of the preset into a different location, select the desired location in the preset list:

  • If the selected location is empty, click the Save As New button to save a copy there.

  • If the selected location already includes a preset, click the Overwrite button to replace the current preset.

  • Note that saving a preset into a Setlist location also automatically saves its original preset file within the User Presets list (since Setlists contain only “aliases” that reference their original User Presets).

• To save the preset as a Preset Template, click the Save Template button and name and save the Template in the Add Template pop-up dialog.

• To exit the Save Preset dialog without saving, click the Cancel button at the top right of the dialog.

The Librarian View

The Librarian window provides access to all Helix Stadium file assets, which include Presets, Cab IRs, Favorites, and Preset Templates.

Select a Library in the left column (Presets, Cab IRs, Favorites, or Templates) to display its contents list. Much like working in the Librarian lists on your Stadium device’s screen, you can fully manage all your files in the app. Additionally, the Librarian’s Import and Export options allow you to copy and move files between your computer and Stadium device. See the following sections for details.

Importing & Exporting Presets and Setlists

Helix Stadium presets and setlists can be exported using the Helix Stadium app to build a virtually unlimited library of Stadium preset (.hsp) and setlist (.hss) files. These presets and setlists can be imported into your Stadium device’s internal memory at any time using either the app’s Home View > Preset Panel or the Preset Librarian. Please also refer to the Presets and Setlists page.

Importing & Exporting Presets

To Import a Preset: From either the app’s Home View Preset Panel or the Preset Librarian, select an empty preset location and use one of the several Preset Import options, as shown below.

• Browse to your computer folder where preset files are stored, select one (or multiple presets), and import. Note that if you select a preset location that already contains a preset, the imported preset will permanently overwrite it.

• Alternatively, access the Import Preset command from the application’s main File menu, or drag preset files directly from your computer and drop them into the desired preset list location within either the Helix Stadium app’s Home View Preset Panel or Preset Librarian.

To Export a Preset: Select any Factory, User, or Setlist preset(s) within either the app’s Home View Preset Panel or the Preset Librarian View list and use one of the several Export Preset options.

• Browse to the desired computer folder where you’d like to store your Stadium preset files and export them.

• Alternatively, access the Export Preset command from the application’s main File menu, or drag preset files directly from any preset list location within either the Helix Stadium app’s Home View Preset Panel and drop them into a computer folder to export them.

Managing Presets

Use the buttons at the top of the Librarian’s Presets panel to Delete presets from the current User Presets folder or Setlist, or to Create a Setlist that includes alias copies of the currently selected presets. (Presets within the Factory Presets folder are read-only—they cannot be deleted, but can be exported to your computer or dragged into other preset folders/setlists to make editable copies of them.)

Importing & Exporting Setlists

To Import a Setlist: Use one of the Setlist Import options from either the app’s Home View Preset Panel or the Preset Librarian.

• Browse to the computer folder where Stadium setlist files are stored, select one or more setlist(s), and import them. The imported setlist will be added as the last Setlist.

• Alternatively, you can access the Import Setlist command from the application’s main File menu.

To Export a Setlist: Use one of the several Export Setlist options from either the app’s Home View Preset Panel or the Preset Librarian.

• Alternatively, access the Export Setlist command from the application’s main File menu.

• Browse to the desired computer folder where you’d like to store your Stadium setlist files and export them.

Managing Setlists

Use the buttons at the top of the Preset Librarian’s Setlist panel to create a New setlist or Delete or Duplicate the currently selected setlist(s).

Importing & Exporting IR Files

Helix Stadium devices can utilize third-party Impulse Response .wav files within one or both tab locations within a Cab block, providing endless possibilities for speaker emulation. Please refer to the Cab IR section for details on using IRs. Many vendors now offer expertly captured IRs of practically any speaker and mic combination. Once you’ve purchased and saved IR .wav files to your macOS or Windows^® computer, launch the Helix Stadium application and import your desired IRs into your Stadium device’s IR library.

Importing IR Files

Within the Librarian View, click the Cab IRs button within the left column to open the Cab IRs librarian. The Cab IRs librarian is initially empty.

1. Click on the Import button , browse to the folder on your computer where your IR .wav files are stored, select the desired IRs, and import them.

   • Alternatively, you can drag IR .wav files from your computer folder and drop them directly into the Cab IR librarian to import them.

2. When the import is complete, you’ll see all IRs appear in the librarian’s right pane. These IRs are then available for any preset’s Cab blocks.

3. To Use Your Imported IRs: Add a Cab block within your preset, select either of the tabs within Cab’s Inspector, select the Cab IR category, and your list of imported IRs is available for selection. You can add up to two IRs within a Cab block. Please refer to the Cab IR page for additional details.

Exporting IR Files

• To Export IRs: Select the desired IR file(s) within the Cab IRs Librarian right pane, click the Export button, browse to the desired folder on your computer, and save.

Managing IRs

Use the buttons at the top of the Cab IR Librarian to Delete^* or Rename the selected IRs, or to create a New Folder for managing your library of IR files. Please also refer to the Cab IR File List section for additional details.

• Note that you can select the desired IRs in the list, then click New Folder to automatically move all selected IRs into the newly created folder in a single step.

  • Folders always appear at the top of the Cab IR list. Drag IRs between the IR list and your folders to move and arrange them as desired.

  • Click on a folder to show its contents on the right.

Importing & Exporting Favorites and Preset Templates

The Helix Stadium app’s Librarian View also offers import and export for your Favorites and Preset Templates. This allows you to back up these files on your computer and restore them individually as desired.

Within the Librarian View, click Favorites or Templates within the left column to open the desired Librarian window. The Librarian will show all Favorites or Preset Templates stored within the connected Helix Stadium’s internal memory. Please also refer to the Editing Favorites and Saving Preset Templates sections for details.

Importing Favorites or Preset Templates

Click on the Librarian’s Import button, browse to the folder on your computer where your Favorite or Template files are stored, and select and import the desired file(s). Alternatively, you can drag Favorite or Template files from your computer folder and drop them directly into the app’s respective Librarian to import them.

Tip: You can import either Stadium Favorite (.hls) or original Helix Favorite (.fav) files.

Tip: A set of Preset Templates is already included to get you started.

Exporting Favorites or Template Files

Select the desired file(s) within the Librarian right pane, click the Export button, browse to the desired folder on your computer, and save. Alternatively, you can drag Favorite or Preset Template files to a computer folder to export them.

Managing Favorites and Templates

Use the buttons at the top of the Favorites or Templates Librarian to Delete or Rename the selected files, or to create a New Folder to manage your Favorites and Templates.

• Note that you can select the desired Favorites or Templates from the list, then click New Folder to automatically move all selected files into the created folder in a single step.

  • Drag files between the Librarian list and your folders to move and arrange them as desired.

  • Click on a folder to show its contents on the right.

Configuring Bypass and Controller Assignments

Within the Helix Stadium application, Bypass and Controller Assignment options are available via right-click Action menus, as described in the following sections. Please also refer to the Stadium device’s Bypass and Control Assignment page for additional details regarding assignment types and behaviors.

Creating and Editing a Block Bypass Assignment

Right-click on the block for which you want to create or edit a Bypass assignment to open its Action menu.

• To assign to a Switch, Pedal, or XY controller: Choose Assign Bypass Controller. In the Controller Assign dialog that appears, select the specific switch or controller to which you want to assign the block bypass. To remove an existing Bypass assignment, select “None.”

• To create a MIDI Bypass assignment for the block: Select Bypass MIDI Control from the block’s Action menu. In the MIDI Assign dialog that appears, choose the desired MIDI Command type and its additional Value or Note options. To remove an existing MIDI Bypass assignment, select “None.”

• To additionally configure the block so that its Bypass is stored and recalled via Snapshots: Set the block Action menu’s Bypass Snapshot Control switch to its right position to enable it .

Creating and Editing a Parameter Controller Assignment

Practically any parameter for any block can be assigned to a switch, pedal, XY Controller, external, or MIDI for remote control. Most assigned command parameters also allow control via Snapshots. These options are configured in the app’s Parameter Panel.

1. Click the block you want to create or edit a Controller assignment for.

2. Within the lower right Parameter Panel, right-click on the desired knob (or slider, if using the panel’s Slider View) to open its Action menu.

• To assign to a Switch, Pedal, or XY controller: Choose Assign Controller. In the Controller Assign dialog that appears, select the specific switch or controller to which you want to assign. To remove an existing parameter assignment, select “None."

• To create a MIDI Bypass assignment for the parameter: Select Bypass MIDI Control from the block’s Action menu. In the MIDI Assign dialog that appears, choose the desired MIDI Command type and its additional Value or Note options. To remove an existing MIDI parameter control assignment, select “None.”

• To additionally configure the parameter so that its values are stored and recalled via Snapshots: Set the parameter Action menu’s Snapshot Control switch to its right position to enable it .

The Command Center View

This view displays the Command Center window for editing the Command Center options for the current preset. All functions within this window are the same as editing within the Stadium device’s Command Center screen. Please refer to the Command Center page for details.

Snapshot Control

For Command Center parameters that support it, you can right-click on a parameter slider and toggle the Snapshot Control switch on/off. Enabling Snapshot Control stores its values with snapshots and sends them on snapshot recall. See the Command Center page for additional info.

The Global EQ View

This view displays the Global EQ, providing access to the three Global EQs—one for each Matrix Mixer 1/4”, XLR, and Phones layer. All functions are the same as editing within the Stadium Device’s Global EQ screen. Please refer to the Global EQ page for details.