The Dunlop XP Series Expression Pedal for Line 6 Helix (model XPL6H) is an expression pedal built to the exact specifications of Line 6 Helix modelers that support expression and toe switch functionality. It gives Helix players a foot-controlled pedal for sweep effects such as wah-style filter moves, volume swells or effect parameter changes, with a toe switch for engaging and disengaging effects that have on/off modes.1
What it does and how it connects
Dunlop describes the sweep action as smooth, with accurate tracking from heel to toe. The pedal is calibrated to match the response of Line 6 expression inputs, so the Helix reads the pedal's travel consistently across its range.1
The toe switch is the feature that sets this version apart from a plain expression pedal. Dunlop explains that "the toe switch allows effects with on/off modes to be engaged and disengaged," which means a player can leave the pedal set for expression control and still turn an effect block on or off with a tap of the toe, without bending down or reaching for the Helix's own switches.1
Connection is straightforward. As Dunlop puts it, "All you need is a pair of standard instrument cables." One cable carries the expression signal and the other handles the toe switch. Because the pedal is passive, it draws no power and needs no supply of its own.1
The other XP Series versions
Dunlop builds the XP Series as a family of expression pedals, each version matched to a specific piece of gear. The differences come down to what the pedal is calibrated for, whether it carries a toe switch, and what cables it needs123.
| Version | Made for | Toe switch | Cables required |
|---|---|---|---|
| XP Series for Line 6 Helix (XPL6H) | Line 6 Helix modelers | Yes | Pair of standard instrument cables1 |
| XP Series for Line 6 (XPL6) | All Line 6 products with an expression input | Not described | One standard instrument cable2 |
| XP Series for Kemper | Kemper Profiler | Yes | One TRS cable and one standard instrument cable3 |
| XP Series for TMP | TMP | Yes | One TRS cable and one standard instrument cable3 |
The XPL6, the general Line 6 version, is described by Dunlop as "Matched to the exact response of all Line 6 products with an expression input," with smooth, accurate heel-to-toe tracking calibrated to match every Line 6 expression input. It uses a single standard instrument cable.2 The Helix version, the XPL6H, is the one to look at when the pedal needs to do two jobs at once, since its toe switch support is built around what Helix modelers offer.
The Kemper and TMP versions follow the same pattern of a matched pedal with a toe switch. On the TMP version, Dunlop says the toe switch "allows you to turn FX blocks on and off without interrupting the flow of your performance," and describes the sweep as smooth and even.4 The Kemper version is described as perfectly matched to the Kemper Profiler's response, with the same toe switch behavior of engaging and disengaging effects with on/off modes.3
All four versions share the same construction. Dunlop describes each as having an all-metal rocker and base, which the maker says ensures high performance and road readiness.1
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Questions
Does the Dunlop XPL6H have a toe switch?
Yes. The XPL6H is built to the exact specifications of Line 6 Helix modelers with expression and toe switch support. The toe switch allows effects with on/off modes to be engaged and disengaged, so you can turn an effect block on or off with your foot while the pedal keeps controlling the expression function.
What cables does the Dunlop Helix expression pedal use?
All you need is a pair of standard instrument cables, according to Dunlop. One cable carries the expression signal to the Helix and the other connects the toe switch. That is simpler than some other XP Series versions, such as the Kemper and TMP pedals, which require one TRS cable and one standard instrument cable.
What is the difference between the XPL6H and the XPL6?
The XPL6H is the XP Series version made for Line 6 Helix modelers, while the XPL6 is the version made for Line 6 products generally. Both are Dunlop XP Series expression pedals with an all-metal rocker and base, but the Helix version adds toe switch support and connects with a pair of standard instrument cables rather than a single cable.
Does the Dunlop XP pedal for Helix work with other Line 6 products?
Dunlop makes a separate XP Series Expression Pedal for Line 6, the XPL6, which it describes as matched to the exact response of all Line 6 products with an expression input. For Helix modelers specifically, Dunlop builds the XPL6H to the exact specifications of Helix units that support expression and toe switch functionality.
Is the Dunlop Helix expression pedal made of metal?
Yes. Dunlop says the XPL6H has an all-metal rocker and base, which the maker describes as ensuring high performance and road readiness. It is a passive expression pedal, so it needs no power supply of its own and runs from the connection to the Helix.
Sources (4)
- DUNLOP XP SERIES EXPRESSION PEDAL FOR LINE 6 HELIX, Jim Dunlop (jimdunlop.com)
- DUNLOP XP SERIES EXPRESSION PEDAL FOR LINE 6, Jim Dunlop (jimdunlop.com)
- DUNLOP XP SERIES EXPRESSION PEDAL FOR KEMPER, Jim Dunlop (www.jimdunlop.com)
- DUNLOP XP SERIES EXPRESSION PEDAL FOR TMP, Jim Dunlop (www.jimdunlop.com)
