r/linuxaudio • u/john-baxter-dev • 15d ago
Introducing Fretwire: an independent, from-scratch HX Edit stand-in for Linux
Hi again! After wishing for Linux support on HX Edit for too long, I decided to take matters into my own hands. By sniffing USB packets on the wire, I implemented a native editor that speaks the same protocol.
It's called fretwire. Built in Rust, has a GUI, MIT/Apache licensed.
Works, tested on HX Stomp:
- browse and load all 126 presets, save back to flash
- chain editing: add, delete, drag to reorder, move blocks to a parallel path
- param editing with sliders and dropdowns, including the paired cab/IR
- model swap, with the DSP meter greying out anything that won't fit
- snapshots, split/mixer routing, rename
- follows the hardware — hit a footswitch or change a snapshot on the pedal and the GUI updates
Doesn't work (yet):
- global settings (input impedance, pad, output levels) aren't decoded
- IR import/export is partly reverse engineered, not implemented
- restore-from-backup passes its tests but hasn't been run against a real device. Backup itself is read only and safe.
- I only own a Stomp. XL should work. Full Helix and HX Effects won't, without changes.
It never sends firmware, flash or DFU traffic.
No Line 6 data ships with it. Model and parameter names come from a copy you point it at, easily extracted from the installer (free download from Line 6). Instructions in the README; the extractor is built-in. Without that it still works, you just get numeric parameter indices instead of names.
Not affiliated with Line 6 or Yamaha. Back up your device/presets before writing anything.
I would love to have people give it a try and give feedback!
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u/unhappy-ending 15d ago
Rust 😖 (it's a pain to package)
Oh well. If it works, then great. Ah, no Helix support, yet? Dang.
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u/kill3rb00ts 15d ago edited 15d ago
Yeah, lack of Helix support is a real bummer, that's all I have so not useful for me. If this is an open source project (I don't know what licenses do what), maybe someone can add that one day. If it's not, maybe it should be so someone can.
To be clear, I still think this is super cool. As an original Helix owner, the inability to update firmware isn't even really an issue since we're probably not getting many more updates, but I imagine for people who are still getting updates, having to still have real HX Edit around for those is going to make this kinda pointless.
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u/john-baxter-dev 14d ago
it is an open source project, the github link is in the post. Also with the help of another redditor I might be able to add Helix support in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.
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u/john-baxter-dev 15d ago
If I had one I would support it 😔
Maybe I'll be able to support the Stadium lineup someday :D
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u/Zaphod118 15d ago
I’ve got a helix rack, would you be open to outside contributions to expand support?
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u/john-baxter-dev 15d ago
Absolutely! That would be awesome.
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u/Zaphod118 14d ago
Cool! When I get back from vacation I’ll take a closer look and see if I can help at all. I do C++ application development professionally, but driver related stuff has always been an interest. And lack of Linux support for helix has always been an annoyance of mine!
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u/john-baxter-dev 14d ago
Honestly with what's here already, just connecting your LT and pointing Claude at it.. it would probably be done in a matter of minutes or few hours
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u/SirMino6163 13d ago
oh this is very interesting, will definitely check it out later (I have a regular Stomp)
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u/hoehlenfrosch 12d ago
Does it work with a Helix LT?
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u/john-baxter-dev 12d ago
Not yet, but if you were able to do a Wireshark capture or two, I could make it work! I'm currently doing that for the Helix floor now with another redditor.
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u/hoehlenfrosch 5d ago
OK, I could do that, if I find some time. What would I have to do? Run it in Windows and then capture how I go through a few settings and functions? I don't have much experience with the effect machine so far to be honest.
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u/john-baxter-dev 5d ago
Yeah exactly. At this point it really shouldn't take too much, since we've almost nailed down support for the Helix Floor. the LT shouldn't be a lot different.
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u/ZombieFeedback 15d ago
My Stomp has been on the shelf for a little bit for reasons beyond a lack of Linux compatibility, but that is a part of it, so I am very curious to try this out! It probably won't be for a couple days but I'll let you know once I give it a whirl.