The Line 6 HX Stomp (Black) is a professional Guitar Effect Processor that shrinks the ground-breaking sounds and effects of Helix HX modelling technology into a compact and pedalboard-friendly format. The HX Stomp is equipped with over 300x different Amplifier, Loudspeaker and Effect simulations, and acts as an advanced Stompbox, Audio Interface or complete rig. Its stereo inputs/outputs, effects loop and connections for expression pedals and footswitches ensure that the Line 6 HX Stomp is ideal for any audio environment.
Simple Operation
Despite its compact dimensions, the HX Stomp is easy and fast to operate. With its 320x240 pixel LCD, the HX Stomp provides a detailed overview of the activated effect chain at all times, while 3x footswitches with colour-ring LEDs are available for foot control. The HX Stomp can also be controlled by MIDI commands, external footswitches, and even individual effect parameters using an external expression pedal.
HX Audio Quality
As a member of the HX family, Line 6 HX Stomp naturally offers the crystal-clear audio quality of professional HX modelling technology and an impressive 123db dynamic range for immense headroom with low-noise operation. The computing power of the DSP also offers enough reserves to use up to 6x blocks (Amps, Cabinets, Effects) simultaneously without any problems.
Versatile Connection Options
With a large number of connections, Line 6's HX Stomp is perfectly prepared for any application. For fast rigging the HX Stomp can be played like a normal effect pedal in front of the amp, or thanks to the effect loop it can also be used in combination with the Amp using the 4-wire method. The use of the HX Stomp with active Monitors or as an extension for additional signal processors via MIDI control can also be activated via the MIDI In and Out/Thru sockets.
The main features of the Line 6 HX Stomp (Black) include:
Upgraded to this unit from a Pod XT Pro rack. This unit not only has amazing and better sounds but more flexible options and a wider array of effects and amps.
Pros:
-Sound is stunning. I've not done a side-by-side with a real amp mic'ed with a specific mic in a certain position, but it's utterly convincing to my ears.
-Blocks can be re-ordered without restriction. For example, want to daisy chain two amps to get that "you really got me" sound? You can do it and it actually works.
-Multiple outs and routing
-Flexible pedal assignments. You can connect up another two external footswitches (or exp pedals) and assign to any block. OR, you can assign more than one block to a single pedal (so you could activate a tube screamer, digital delay, and anything else with a single press ready for your solo). OR, you can just use a snapshot and change dozens of parameters with a single press. No more "dancing" around the pedal board, hitting the wrong pedals in the process, looking like an utter berk etc.
-Preset sounds with flexible ways to work through them. At a gig I don't have time to change an abundance of settings so have a preset for each song. Sound completely changed in half a second. Next song started without hesitation.
-All functions of the unit look like they can be configured through the front panel without having to use the Windows or MAC editor.
Cons
-Terrible, terrible power supply brick. I can't believe Line 6 sell it like this. They even know it's rubbish - the manual says something to the effect of: "we know the power supply is big but it needs to be special to give you enough juice". Big is not the problem - being stuck upwards in the air from your mains socket standing proud like, er, ahem, well something unmentionable is the problem. Plus when you try to unplug it, the power supply comes in half leaving a little bit left in the mains socket. Which will inevitably get left at a gig. Can't wait for that to happen.
-limited number of presets. I need a preset for each of 60 songs. I keep a copy of each preset as a master then duplicate them in the order of the night's set list into other presets - so with that I need at least 120 presets, allowing myself one or two to fiddle with. If I recall correctly this has around 126. Best not learn three more songs that need a different sound each.
-It's a little difficult to program the thing - the button layout is confusing and unintuitive compared to the Pod XT pro I have just replaced. I can make the trade-off for the sound but this would not work for many I suspect.
-Windows or MAC editor - really? Where do I set that up then? Ah yes I just need a $1000 laptop or a chuffing great desktop unit and monitor to hand. I want to spend my money on guitar gear, thanks! Some other vendors have bluetooth and android apps, line 6 for a change is behind the curve.
Two final points.
1) If you need something easier to use buy something with more buttons, knobs and pedal switches.
2) If you really like a particular sound, go out and buy the real amp / effect. You just can't beat the real thing. But this gets very, very close, and of course you have several hundred "things" to choose from with no crackles, no mic stand to get kicked, etc etc.
Having previously owned the HX effects I knew what I was getting into with the stomp. However the small size, included amp/cab sims, headphone out etc make this incredible value for money. Might go for the full floor set up in future. Excellent service from dv247.com once again. Quick delivery and they keep in touch every step of the way, first class.