Quick Start

Use this guide for a first MatchPatch run in about 10 minutes.

If you only want to learn the app, use loopback mode first. If you want real Helix results, use hardware mode.

Before You Start

  • Back up your original Helix .hls or .hlx file.

  • Have a reference DI WAV ready, or use the default one.

  • Decide which file you are working on:

    • .hls for a setlist;

    • .hlx for one preset.

  • Decide which backend to use:

    • loopback for a safe no-hardware test;

    • hardware for real Helix measurement.

  • Optional: save a config file if you want the same defaults every time. On installed Windows builds, the automatic config path is %APPDATA%\MatchPatch\config.toml.

Warning: Keep a backup of your original Helix file before saving changes.

Fast First Run: Loopback

Loopback is the easiest way to learn MatchPatch. It does not measure your Helix, but it lets you practice the full GUI flow.

  1. Open MatchPatch.

  2. Open a Helix .hls setlist or .hlx preset.

  3. Open Advanced.

  4. Go to the Device tab.

  5. Set Backend to loopback.

  6. If you opened a setlist, choose the presets you want to test.

  7. If you opened a single .hlx preset, enter a temporary slot such as 12A in the Preset column.

  8. Check the Reference DI field in Advanced > Files.

  9. Click Start normalization.

  10. Watch the progress area and result table.

  11. Try Save As only if you intentionally want to test saving.

Warning: Loopback mode does not measure your real Helix preset levels.

For more detail, see Test Without Hardware.

Real Run: Hardware

Use hardware mode when you are ready to measure the Helix.

  1. Connect and power on the Helix.

  2. Open MatchPatch.

  3. Open your .hls setlist or .hlx preset.

  4. Open Advanced > Device.

  5. Set Backend to hardware.

  6. Check audio routing and MIDI steering.

  7. Check the Reference DI in Advanced > Files.

  8. Select the presets you want to measure.

  9. Click Start normalization.

  10. Follow any import prompts.

  11. Review the result table.

  12. Click Save As and save an adjusted file.

  13. Import the adjusted file into the Helix.

  14. Listen through the presets and snapshots.

For more detail, see Hardware Measurement and Normalize A Setlist.

Success Checklist

Before you trust the adjusted file, check:

  • Measurement finished.

  • No important rows are red.

  • Solo snapshots have stars when expected.

  • Ignored snapshots are grey only when you meant to skip them.

  • Save or Save As completed.

  • The adjusted file imports into Helix.

  • The presets sound balanced when you play.

If You Get A Warning

Do not panic. Most warnings are fixable.

Common causes are:

  • the wrong backend;

  • missing Helix connection;

  • wrong audio routing;

  • missing reference DI;

  • a snapshot recording silence;

  • timing that is too fast for long delay or reverb trails.

See Troubleshooting.

Where To Go Next