A few HX stomp questions

[Faultline]

I currently run an analog pedal board and I'm looking to scale down as I keep getting in more projects and traveling with a board loaded with 9 pedals, power supply and case is getting old. My knowledge of digital effects is primitive ( A.R.T. Nightbass was the the only one I've ever used) and frankly the newer stuff is kind of overwhelming to me in a " where do I start" sort of way. What I'm looking to accomplish:

I need the ability to run chorus and fuzz/distortion on one switch, with the ability to run a wah with an expression pedal in combination with those effects.
I need to be able to assign an octave effect to one switch.
I need to be able to assign chorus to one switch.

I see there are add-on switches for the HX Stomp to bring the total up to 5 switches and I think that would most likely cover anything I'd need. I'm basically looking at using the Stomp for my effects in an unchanging switch assigned layout and treating it like regular stomp boxes.

Does the HX have a decent distortion? I'll be running at the end of my signal chain for a Preamp/DI but I want the distortion to be articulated by the wah/expression pedal and I would think the distortion post wah effect would behave differently.

What expression pedal pairs well with the HX? I prefer something tough because live shows can get sporty.

Can I run an unaffected signal to my DI parallel through the HX?

If I'm switching to a pre-assigned combination of effects (distortion, chorus,wah) is it possible to mute the clean parallel signal while those effects are engaged or would I need an external solution?

Sorry if these things have been covered Ad-nauseum, it's all a bit foreign to me.

 

[jbybj]

I humbly suggest HX Effects.

 

[BEADist]

Oi @Faultline ,

At the moment I am trying to set up a Helix (a HX-effects) as a back-up board. Here are a few things I ran into.

An effect-block can only be toggled by ONE switch. So, you cannot set up one switch to toggle your chorus and another switch to toggle that same chorus and your fuzz.

You can set up an effect-send output as a unaffected output, but it costs an effect block. If you also want to run 9 effects, the Stomp simply does not have enough effect blocks.

You can mute the clean path while running the 'effect path'.

You could take a look at the Boss GT1000 Core. It has enough effect-blocks for your application (unless you are using 2 reverbs) and it can do the switching you require (I know because I have one).

 

[el murdoque]

Does the HX have a decent distortion? I'll be running at the end of my signal chain for a Preamp/DI but I want the distortion to be articulated by the wah/expression pedal and I would think the distortion post wah effect would behave differently.

That is up to you to decide, but I found it lacking in the drive department. Some sounded okay, but felt flat.
You can, however, use the FX loop for that. Just plug your favorite dirt pedal in there and place it post wah.

What expression pedal pairs well with the HX? I prefer something tough because live shows can get sporty.

Modern multi FX pedals generally accept any expression pedals. If you want something sturdy, the Lehle expression pedal is a great choice.

Can I run an unaffected signal to my DI parallel through the HX?

Yes.

If I'm switching to a pre-assigned combination of effects (distortion, chorus,wah) is it possible to mute the clean parallel signal while those effects are engaged or would I need an external solution?

I'm not entirely sure if that's possible, but I'd wager that there is a way to achieve that. When you trigger multiple actions at once, I believe it's called a snapshot and you can probably set the volume on the clean path to zero along with the other things you're doing.

Sorry if these things have been covered Ad-nauseum, it's all a bit foreign to me.

These are quite specific questions regarding the unit, I don't believe this has been covered in a single post.

 

[Faultline]

I humbly suggest HX Effects.

I'm not sure that's what I'm looking for, thanks.

 

[Faultline]

Oi @Faultline ,

At the moment I am trying to set up a Helix (a HX-effects) as a back-up board. Here are a few things I ran into.

An effect-block can only be toggled by ONE switch. So, you cannot set up one switch to toggle your chorus and another switch to toggle that same chorus and your fuzz.

You can set up an effect-send output as a unaffected output, but it costs an effect block. If you also want to run 9 effects, the Stomp simply does not have enough effect blocks.

You can mute the clean path while running the 'effect path'.

You could take a look at the Boss GT1000 Core. It has enough effect-blocks for your application (unless you are using 2 reverbs) and it can do the switching you require (I know because I have one).

Thanks for your input! I was hoping there was a simple solution to my needs but there's no free lunch in life, lol. I'll look into the Boss, I appreciate the suggestion.

 

[Faultline]

That is up to you to decide, but I found it lacking in the drive department. Some sounded okay, but felt flat.
You can, however, use the FX loop for that. Just plug your favorite dirt pedal in there and place it post wah.


Modern multi FX pedals generally accept any expression pedals. If you want something sturdy, the Lehle expression pedal is a great choice.


Yes.

I'm not entirely sure if that's possible, but I'd wager that there is a way to achieve that. When you trigger multiple actions at once, I believe it's called a snapshot and you can probably set the volume on the clean path to zero along with the other things you're doing.



These are quite specific questions regarding the unit, I don't believe this has been covered in a single post.

I have heard the drive on the HX WRT bass is lacking. I currently run a Turbo Rat in addition to an EQ to return some low end being stolen from the Rat and I'm happy with that sound. One of the imagined benefits for me of a processor is minimizing the tap dancing.

Good to know and I appreciate the suggestion, I'll check out the Lehle.

I may just have to pick up an HX and see what I can make happen, or just stay analog and quit my whining haha... thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!

 

[el murdoque]

I have heard the drive on the HX WRT bass is lacking. I currently run a Turbo Rat in addition to an EQ to return some low end being stolen from the Rat and I'm happy with that sound. One of the imagined benefits for me of a processor is minimizing the tap dancing.

Good to know and I appreciate the suggestion, I'll check out the Lehle.

I may just have to pick up an HX and see what I can make happen, or just stay analog and quit my whining haha... thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!

Depending on how many blocks and snapshots you use, you could put the RAT into the FX Loop and have an EQ in the Stomp to turn up lost bass frequencies - using a snapshot to activate both the RAT and the EQ in one go.

Another thing that might be interesting is to hook up a capable MIDI controller like the Morningstar MC-3 or MC-4 Pro. These would give you the possibility to store complex commands within the MIDI controller and send them to the Stomp whenever needed - should you run out of snapshots for a setting.

 

[bthiemann80]

As a person who recently went from analog to digital and back to analog again, I'll add a few words of caution.

Do not get rid of your analog stuff.

I went headlong into a POD Express and it was doing it for me in a big way. Loved the relative simplicity, small footprint and I even added a couple extra switches via the FS/EXP jack to take full advantage (similar to what you're talking about doing for the HX). My sonic goals were to get some Ampegy tones w/ mild to moderate OD going full time and the option to use a fuzz, comp and possible 3rd effect like chorus (effects being on/off, like pedal style). The goal was achieved early on and I could not have been happier. However, the more I used it the more I started to hear the DI signal of the bass behind the processing. I know it may not make a lot of sense, but that's the best way to describe it. I only noticed it w/ the amp sims though, the effects were pretty righteous and is certainly worth the cost of admission. No amount of fiddling made it go away to the point that it was not noticeable to me. I came running back to analog in the form of a VTDI which has been an absolute joy and some other analog effect pedals. If I had just kept my analog stuff to begin with, I would have only been out the dough I spent for the POD express. Instead I had to pinch and grind to get to the same level of comfort through an all analog signal path like I had before going down the all digital rabbit hole.

Maybe the HX Stomp has better processing, or the issue I had was all in my head. I'm ever tempted to go to an all digital setup like the HX Stomp for the same reasons as anyone. In your case, it sounds like it would undoubtedly be a more streamlined setup that checks all your boxes and then some. Just be wary if you are considering a complete overhaul.

 

[BEADist]

I may just have to pick up an HX and see what I can make happen...

That is the way to go, because often multi effects have 'hidden' deal-breakers or big annoyances. You only find out once you try the damn thing in person, or meticulous read the manual.

For example, on the HXFX (I think on the Stomp it is the same) I cannot assign a footswitch to activate the tuner. I have to hold the TAP footswitch and wait till the tuner engages and mute the signal. I really dislike that, and I never expected this limitation. Off course I can use an external tuner (and an external distortion and...) but then I need a multi output power supply and it adds up to a much bigger and more expensive board then initially expected!

 

[Faultline]

Depending on how many blocks and snapshots you use, you could put the RAT into the FX Loop and have an EQ in the Stomp to turn up lost bass frequencies - using a snapshot to activate both the RAT and the EQ in one go.

Another thing that might be interesting is to hook up a capable MIDI controller like the Morningstar MC-3 or MC-4 Pro. These would give you the possibility to store complex commands within the MIDI controller and send them to the Stomp whenever needed - should you run out of snapshots for a setting.

Lots to consider for sure! I prefer simplicity in operation of my effects and this newer digital stuff while incredibly capable, is still seemingly complex haha! Thanks again for your help. I may just settle on a 2 pedalboard analog solution as only one of my current gigs use most of my effects.

 

[Faultline]

As a person who recently went from analog to digital and back to analog again, I'll add a few words of caution.

Do not get rid of your analog stuff.

I went headlong into a POD Express and it was doing it for me in a big way. Loved the relative simplicity, small footprint and I even added a couple extra switches via the FS/EXP jack to take full advantage (similar to what you're talking about doing for the HX). My sonic goals were to get some Ampegy tones w/ mild to moderate OD going full time and the option to use a fuzz, comp and possible 3rd effect like chorus (effects being on/off, like pedal style). The goal was achieved early on and I could not have been happier. However, the more I used it the more I started to hear the DI signal of the bass behind the processing. I know it may not make a lot of sense, but that's the best way to describe it. I only noticed it w/ the amp sims though, the effects were pretty righteous and is certainly worth the cost of admission. No amount of fiddling made it go away to the point that it was not noticeable to me. I came running back to analog in the form of a VTDI which has been an absolute joy and some other analog effect pedals. If I had just kept my analog stuff to begin with, I would have only been out the dough I spent for the POD express. Instead I had to pinch and grind to get to the same level of comfort through an all analog signal path like I had before going down the all digital rabbit hole.

Maybe the HX Stomp has better processing, or the issue I had was all in my head. I'm ever tempted to go to an all digital setup like the HX Stomp for the same reasons as anyone. In your case, it sounds like it would undoubtedly be a more streamlined setup that checks all your boxes and then some. Just be wary if you are considering a complete overhaul.

The deeper into the digital rabbit hole I go, the more I am leaning toward a 2 pedalboard, analog solution. I really like the analog effects, it's just the multiple simultaneous effects and weight that's been a pain for me. Looking at a Saturnworks multi looper to consolidate my effects combinations at this very moment and I'll just have to build out another smaller analog board for my less effect heavy gigs. I appreciate your input!

 

[Faultline]

That is the way to go, because often multi effects have 'hidden' deal-breakers or big annoyances. You only find out once you try the damn thing in person, or meticulous read the manual.

For example, on the HXFX (I think on the Stomp it is the same) I cannot assign a footswitch to activate the tuner. I have to hold the TAP footswitch and wait till the tuner engages and mute the signal. I really dislike that, and I never expected this limitation. Off course I can use an external tuner (and an external distortion and...) but then I need a multi output power supply and it adds up to a much bigger and more expensive board then initially expected!

Yeah that is my hesitation on the HX, the potential hidden frustrations/deal breakers. I think I'm gonna stay analog, with 2 separate boards for now and pick up a used HX to play around with once my two boards are built out and vetted. I can always switch later if it equals/beats my analog setups. Thanks for your input!

 

[logdrum]

The Source Audio folks with the Soliman and Neuro Hub was able to do these group on and off. - via scene and panel mode. But I also found out that I could do this with just the Soleman and possibly other programmable MIDI pedals like the Ampero control if the virtual pedals (or real pedals) in the multi fx blocks are MIDI controllable.

Is this the case with the HXStomp that the virtual pedals are MIDI contrallable or can you use an external MIDI controller to control the virtual fx blocks, And what about that snapshot capability?. Can you just not have different snapshots with the pedal on or off

I am using a DIY multi fx Stomp Box called the PiStomp which is bass on the Mod Dwarf. But the learning curve is a bit steep and not for everybody. I have 2 ways to do what the OP wants, through snapshots of the same virtual pedal board I can go up and down snapshots, where fx blocks and simulators are either off or on and with different settings

The other way is through virtual switches and mixers, almost like a virtual gig rig. The advantage of this is that it is faster than snapshots. Snapshots require on this device a 2 second footswitch press, but if you need to turn the effects on and off say 2 times a second or rather quickly, virtual switches or mixers are the say to go.


Here is a pedalboard I created


MOD-Dwarf and PiStomp use MOD-UI browser based to do complicated routing scenarios

You can program the switch pedal to toggle between series routing that has distortion and chorus and the other routing is just a plain bass signal bypassing everything even the amp and cab into just a gain block. It can load 16 blocks in mu usage. In that mizer just to illsutrate you can parallel distortion and flanger and level mixed.

 

[el murdoque]

Lots to consider for sure! I prefer simplicity in operation of my effects and this newer digital stuff while incredibly capable, is still seemingly complex haha! Thanks again for your help. I may just settle on a 2 pedalboard analog solution as only one of my current gigs use most of my effects.

Just some food for thought:
You might want to look at the Headrush MX-5 or the never version, the Flex Prime.
It can basically do all the stuff you're asking. It also has the expression pedal built in.

But there's one thing about the Headrush: It's UI is, simply put, great. You pound your signal chain components into the slots, navigating mostly per touch screen. Most of the stuff can be figured out as one goes along. I think I had two or three specific questions I could not solve myself, and the tutorial video that explained it was easy to find and quickly made me slap my forehead.

I've used an old Headrush Gigboard for one gigging season a few years ago. This summer, I bought a Headrush Flex Prime. It arrived in the afternoon and I gigged it about three hours later. The UI was so intuitive that I could still use it even though there was a gap of a few years where I did not touch any Headrush product. That night on a jam session, playing straight into the FOH system, I found that my bass was lacking mids to sit well in the mix. I bent down, selected a single band EQ, set it to boost 600Hz and placed it in the signal chain. The whole thing took less than a verse of whatever song was played and I joined in on the chorus. I've sold my HX Stomp maybe 18 months ago and I would not know how to use it if I got one in front of me now. All I remember is that stupid function where merely touching a foot switch with your skin triggers stuff. It took me ages to figure that out.

 

[Faultline]

Just some food for thought:
You might want to look at the Headrush MX-5 or the never version, the Flex Prime.
It can basically do all the stuff you're asking. It also has the expression pedal built in.

But there's one thing about the Headrush: It's UI is, simply put, great. You pound your signal chain components into the slots, navigating mostly per touch screen. Most of the stuff can be figured out as one goes along. I think I had two or three specific questions I could not solve myself, and the tutorial video that explained it was easy to find and quickly made me slap my forehead.

I've used an old Headrush Gigboard for one gigging season a few years ago. This summer, I bought a Headrush Flex Prime. It arrived in the afternoon and I gigged it about three hours later. The UI was so intuitive that I could still use it even though there was a gap of a few years where I did not touch any Headrush product. That night on a jam session, playing straight into the FOH system, I found that my bass was lacking mids to sit well in the mix. I bent down, selected a single band EQ, set it to boost 600Hz and placed it in the signal chain. The whole thing took less than a verse of whatever song was played and I joined in on the chorus. I've sold my HX Stomp maybe 18 months ago and I would not know how to use it if I got one in front of me now. All I remember is that stupid function where merely touching a foot switch with your skin triggers stuff. It took me ages to figure that out.

I didn't even know the Headrush was a thing.. Off to check that out haha. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[pineweasel]

For example, on the HXFX (I think on the Stomp it is the same) I cannot assign a footswitch to activate the tuner. I have to hold the TAP footswitch and wait till the tuner engages and mute the signal. I really dislike that, and I never expected this limitation. Off course I can use an external tuner (and an external distortion and...) but then I need a multi output power supply and it adds up to a much bigger and more expensive board then initially expected!

This is a maddening feature of the Stomp. There are workarounds: you can bend down and press Action and Page together, or you can open the tuner with a MIDI command, either from an external switch or via MIDI loopback, although ludicrously you need a cable to achieve this.

 

[Fondsdale]

Sounds like you'd be better off with a Helix LT. Everything you listed it can do, it has enough switches and an expression pedal. It's quite large so that's one drawback, but I imagine it's smaller than 9 pedals + power supply.

Otherwise, a POD Go might work - it's limited as it only has 4 blank blocks, but the amp, cab, wah, eq are permanently in the preset. There is also the HX Stomp XL which has more switches, so then you'd only need to add an expression pedal.

Alternatively, the boss GX100, GX10 or GT1000 could be a good choice.

 

[E_I_Kummonen]

This is a maddening feature of the Stomp. There are workarounds: you can bend down and press Action and Page together, or you can open the tuner with a MIDI command, either from an external switch or via MIDI loopback, although ludicrously you need a cable to achieve this.

Stomp can send midi commands to itself, if you use 2 inch midi cable, for example. Pretty funny.

Faultline, please note expression pedal and two extra footswitches both use Exp 1/2 input. You can use MIDI expression pedal and extra footswitches dimultaneously.

I believe you could use chorus on/off via switch and "chorusy distortion" on/off via another switch. Multiple instances of same effect are allowed.

 

[Faultline]

Sounds like you'd be better off with a Helix LT. Everything you listed it can do, it has enough switches and an expression pedal. It's quite large so that's one drawback, but I imagine it's smaller than 9 pedals + power supply.

Otherwise, a POD Go might work - it's limited as it only has 4 blank blocks, but the amp, cab, wah, eq are permanently in the preset. There is also the HX Stomp XL which has more switches, so then you'd only need to add an expression pedal.

Alternatively, the boss GX100, GX10 or GT1000 could be a good choice.

I am thinking I'm going to add a switcher to my analog board and start saving for a Quad Cortex. I played through my guitarist's Helix and Quad Cortex last weekend and the QC really sucked me in.