How are you using/configuring Line6 HX Stomp for live use?

[jjbb123]

This has probably been discussed many times but looking for your advice.

So just this week I got an HX Stomp. Mainly to replace some pedals on the board and have less stuff on stage, ease of travel gigs. Pretty basic use of it really.
Not sure if I’m just overwhelmed with the amount of stuff it does (it’s awesome) but I’m struggling to find a way to efficiently use it for live shows. I just need it to be a stomp box on steroids.
I don’t use a ton of effects. I do if I’m doing something more fusion/funky/solo but with things i mainly gig and travel for (lissie) i only need a few basics.
But even that isn’t seeming too doable.
I like to kick in some overdrive for parts. Or maybe a slight octave. Or a bit of delay, etc.
But it seems like everything has to be on different patches of you actually want to be able to turn things on and off via footswitches. Or lean down and physically turn knobs to switch patches and then hit foot switches. I have an external foot switch on the way to have 4 possible stomp boxes and a tap/tuner on each patch. Could help do what I need but also seems like I should just stick to actual pedals. I’m also a bit Old school that way anyway.
could be great for practice of course. And I’m sure I’m missing so many options. But I’m not one to set up patches of multiple effects at once. I like to be able to have full quick control sometimes on the fly.
i feel like I’ve spent a ton of time dialing in effects to match my current pedals and have gotten close. But then don’t have access to all at once on any patch. I’d have to make a separate patch for each effect and then have to put the same overdrive on every patch to have access. And also switch the patches by hand because I have it set in stompbox mode.

People that use this live for a lot of effects, how are you setting it up?!

 

[furym]

Read up on snapshots if you need to make several changes at once in a patch. Midi controllers can also expand your control. Depending on how much you need to control at once within a patch you might need to look into the Helix LT or Floor models. You can certainly mix other pedal and the stomp on the same board too. Lots of options, just need to figure out exactly what you need to do during a song. Each patch can be a song in your set list if you need different effects for each song.

 

[jjbb123]

Read up on snapshots if you need to make several changes at once in a patch. Midi controllers can also expand your control. Depending on how much you need to control at once within a patch you might need to look into the Helix LT or Floor models. You can certainly mix other pedal and the stomp on the same board too. Lots of options, just need to figure out exactly what you need to do during a song. Each patch can be a song in your set list if you need different effects for each song.

Thanks! I’ll look more into snapshots.
I think I’m just convincing myself I don’t really need it. Lol. Sometimes I need to hit some pedals when it isn’t all planned out with the set list, etc.
so I think it would def live on my pedalboard with other effects. But then I’d only be replacing maybe two pedals?
Either that or I should gotten XL like you said.

 

[furym]

Thanks! I’ll look more into snapshots.
I think I’m just convincing myself I don’t really need it. Lol. Sometimes I need to hit some pedals when it isn’t all planned out with the set list, etc.
so I think it would def live on my pedalboard with other effects. But then I’d only be replacing maybe two pedals?
Either that or I should gotten XL like you said.

Not the XL. You can do everything you need with the standard and midi or extra foot switches. If you need more “on your board” than the 8 blocks then you need to step up to the LT or Floor (both full size and dual DSP).

 

[furym]

I’m running a simple midi that gives me snapshot and FS controls at the same time. I’m also running my IEMs through the Stomp.

 

[ole Jason]

Personally I don't find Snapshots to be that useful for bass. I use them on guitar quite a bit but for bass I use the Stomp, basically, like a normal pedalboard setup. So I typically just use a single patch with always on comp (not assigned to a switch) and then each individual effect is tied to a different switch. I'm using the XL but I think if you use external footswitches you can replicate the same setup with a Stomp... it really just depends on how many switches you need.

I do like Snapshots for more complicated stuff. Things like changing the notes produced by the Tone Generator, harmonizer settings, etc.

 

[JohnSmith2]

I have found the plan stomp with no accessories to be useful live in settings where it mostly replaces “always on” / “utility” pedals, with 2-3 switchable effects. My basic preset would look something like below (** denotes blocks bypassed by foot switches), depending on the needs of the set / tune. For the music I play, this covers 90%+ of what I need. Just an Hx stomp in the gig bag is a magical thing.

a 2-button external switch adds preset up/down, and then I usually leave FS3 as tuner. Gets me to 95%.

a 3-button midi controller like a Morningstar MC-3 opens up the whole world, getting me to 100%.

Lately, I have been been putting an empress mk2 in front of the stomp, for the metering, and because I think it sounds better than any of the models in the stomp. Whole thing is still smaller than an XL (which I also have and love).

Example stomp chain:
0. Noise gate
1. Pitch shift (**) (to tune down 1/2 step on some tracks)
2. Compressor
3. Overdrive (**)
4. Chorus OR Octave OR Flanger (etc) (**)
5. Amp + Cab
6. EQ
7. HPF/LPF
8. Send/Return (send to FOH, return takes in a stereo monitor mix)

 

[jjbb123]

Personally I don't find Snapshots to be that useful for bass. I use them on guitar quite a bit but for bass I use the Stomp, basically, like a normal pedalboard setup. So I typically just use a single patch with always on comp (not assigned to a switch) and then each individual effect is tied to a different switch. I'm using the XL but I think if you use external footswitches you can replicate the same setup with a Stomp... it really just depends on how many switches you need.

I do like Snapshots for more complicated stuff. Things like changing the notes produced by the Tone Generator, harmonizer settings, etc.

That’s the exact reason I just ordered a 2 button foot switch. Thinking I’d basically set up the last switch on the external as the tap/tuner and the other 4 as stompbox effects. I think if you could choose which patches have a tap/tuner it would be great. Weird that it’s a global on or off thing?!
snapshots seem like they’d be more work than I’d want for setup. I need a few good sounding effects. The amp modeling I would probably never use live. Always have a rig. Plus that seems like stuff you could never dial in until you were in the venue. Too boomy, etc. And some of the venues I play with her are big.

basically the stomp is a bit redundant for my needs I guess. I have found some good overdrive settings and delays, etc. But ironically I find myself dialing in what I already have. So in the end it would maybe free up some space?

 

[Odinbass]

I run ampless with IEMs. I got the HX Stomp XL version for the extra buttons. I have the amp/cab set to a good all-around tone and then assign stompboxes to the buttons. Everyone is different but I have an overdrive, octave, and two compressor settings on the first 3. The remaining slots are usually just random effects I might use in a spontaneous jam or time filler situation. Never found a need to have multiple patches or snapshots with bass.

I'll be the first to admit that individual pedals are more fun and 'sexier' but the Helix line is definitely practical. The other day my band asked if I could add an effect on to a certain part and since I had the Stomp it was no big deal. I didn't have to drop $200 at Sweetwater and come back the next week. 1 minute later the effect was in the song.

 

[jjbb123]

I run ampless with IEMs. I got the HX Stomp XL version for the extra buttons. I have the amp/cab set to a good all-around tone and then assign stompboxes to the buttons. Everyone is different but I have an overdrive, octave, and two compressor settings on the first 3. The remaining slots are usually just random effects I might use in a spontaneous jam or time filler situation. Never found a need to have multiple patches or snapshots with bass.

I'll be the first to admit that individual pedals are more fun and 'sexier' but the Helix line is definitely practical. The other day my band asked if I could add an effect on to a certain part and since I had the Stomp it was no big deal. I didn't have to drop $200 at Sweetwater and come back the next week. 1 minute later the effect was in the song.

Oh yeah, it def has many pro’s! I think I tend to overthink things like this, and with all the options never stop tinkering!
Having the two extra footswitch buttons should help me have better use for it as multiple stomp boxes.

 

[WhoopingHonky]

I use the stomp as part of a larger pedalboard, but it's really 95% of my rig in practice. I figured out a couple things to make life easy for me:

1. Don't try to do everything in one preset. There isn't processing power or footswitch space to do it.
2. If using switches for individual effects, keep it to the ones on the Stomp. That leaves my two expansion switches for Snapshot/preset change or tap tempo.
3. Learn the command center function.

Right now, I have footswitch 4(first external) set up to change my snapshots. Tap to switch back and forth between 1 and 2, hold to go to 3. Same deal with switch 5, only that is for presets. I don't need more than 3 presets in a night, so I can swap back and forth as needed based on whatever other effects I need. Super synthy song? Swap to my synth preset. Go into a power ballad? Swap to my preset with chorus and some different amp setting snapshots. Back to synth, cool, I'm one press away.

 

[RJ]

The Stomp functions as the brain to my Morningstar MC6.
The three switches on the stomp page up, down, and toggle expression.

The MC6 is used like 6 stomp boxes, like a Stomp XL. I like the functionality and versatility of the MC6 route.
The MC6 toggles effects I like to have on hand (modulation, delay, reverb).
I almost only use one preset. My dirt comes from two seperate stomp boxes.

Having a board the size of mine forces me to keep things somewhat contained and from expanding too much.
Stompboxes are for sure 'more fun' but I don't really lust for auxiliary effects anymore.

One thing I will say, have a clear idea of what youd like to accomplish. The Stomp is incredibly powerful and versatile. So much so that it's easy to get lost. If you have a clear idea of what you'd like to achieve it's almost certain you can do it with the Stomp. You may need an external controller and or but it's worth it.

 

[jjbb123]

The Stomp functions as the brain to my Morningstar MC6.
The three switches on the stomp page up, down, and toggle expression.

The MC6 is used like 6 stomp boxes, like a Stomp XL. I like the functionality and versatility of the MC6 route.
The MC6 toggles effects I like to have on hand (modulation, delay, reverb).
I almost only use one preset. My dirt comes from two seperate stomp boxes.

Having a board the size of mine forces me to keep things somewhat contained and from expanding too much.
Stompboxes are for sure 'more fun' but I don't really lust for auxiliary effects anymore.

One thing I will say, have a clear idea of what youd like to accomplish. The Stomp is incredibly powerful and versatile. So much so that it's easy to get lost. If you have a clear idea of what you'd like to achieve it's almost certain you can do it with the Stomp. You may need an external controller and or but it's worth it.

Super informative and appreciated! Thanks so much.

 

[jjbb123]

I use the stomp as part of a larger pedalboard, but it's really 95% of my rig in practice. I figured out a couple things to make life easy for me:

1. Don't try to do everything in one preset. There isn't processing power or footswitch space to do it.
2. If using switches for individual effects, keep it to the ones on the Stomp. That leaves my two expansion switches for Snapshot/preset change or tap tempo.
3. Learn the command center function.

Right now, I have footswitch 4(first external) set up to change my snapshots. Tap to switch back and forth between 1 and 2, hold to go to 3. Same deal with switch 5, only that is for presets. I don't need more than 3 presets in a night, so I can swap back and forth as needed based on whatever other effects I need. Super synthy song? Swap to my synth preset. Go into a power ballad? Swap to my preset with chorus and some different amp setting snapshots. Back to synth, cool, I'm one press away.

Thanks for taking the time to share the details. I think just expanding the footswitches will open things up.

 

[robertusf]

i just set mine up with the intention of going ampless and having a small footprint. It worked like a charm and sounded most excellent on it's first gig last weekend. I have wireless into the stomp into a radial JDI. I added a 2 button footswitch and power supply from Sweetfoot pedals like @furym has in the post above. I used in stomp mode, but am going to mess around with other configurations because I can lol!

 

[jad]

The Stomp is the only effect on my board. For me, it is all about simplicity. I run ampless w/ IEMs, so amp/cab sims are important. I basically have a handful of patches that get me through my cover gigs. Important variations on my basic sound include settings for half step and full step down, and one for BEAD since I only play 4s. I have a clean octave patch for funky stuff and a separate dirty octave for a couple of songs. I have another with a couple of levels of drive if I need it. Oh, and I have an envelope filter patch for playing Ghostbusters and Thriller at Halloween gigs. Some of the best money I've spent on gear for sure.

 

[Barticus]

This has probably been discussed many times but looking for your advice.

So just this week I got an HX Stomp. Mainly to replace some pedals on the board and have less stuff on stage, ease of travel gigs. Pretty basic use of it really.
Not sure if I’m just overwhelmed with the amount of stuff it does (it’s awesome) but I’m struggling to find a way to efficiently use it for live shows. I just need it to be a stomp box on steroids.
I don’t use a ton of effects. I do if I’m doing something more fusion/funky/solo but with things i mainly gig and travel for (lissie) i only need a few basics.
But even that isn’t seeming too doable.
I like to kick in some overdrive for parts. Or maybe a slight octave. Or a bit of delay, etc.
But it seems like everything has to be on different patches of you actually want to be able to turn things on and off via footswitches. Or lean down and physically turn knobs to switch patches and then hit foot switches. I have an external foot switch on the way to have 4 possible stomp boxes and a tap/tuner on each patch. Could help do what I need but also seems like I should just stick to actual pedals. I’m also a bit Old school that way anyway.
could be great for practice of course. And I’m sure I’m missing so many options. But I’m not one to set up patches of multiple effects at once. I like to be able to have full quick control sometimes on the fly.
i feel like I’ve spent a ton of time dialing in effects to match my current pedals and have gotten close. But then don’t have access to all at once on any patch. I’d have to make a separate patch for each effect and then have to put the same overdrive on every patch to have access. And also switch the patches by hand because I have it set in stompbox mode.

People that use this live for a lot of effects, how are you setting it up?!

Search is your friend on TB, here’s one of the best threads I’ve found on the Stomp

 

[jjbb123]

The Stomp is the only effect on my board. For me, it is all about simplicity. I run ampless w/ IEMs, so amp/cab sims are important. I basically have a handful of patches that get me through my cover gigs. Important variations on my basic sound include settings for half step and full step down, and one for BEAD since I only play 4s. I have a clean octave patch for funky stuff and a separate dirty octave for a couple of songs. I have another with a couple of levels of drive if I need it. Oh, and I have an envelope filter patch for playing Ghostbusters and Thriller at Halloween gigs. Some of the best money I've spent on gear for sure.

Never even thought about the tuning manipulations!

 

[Boz68]

This has probably been discussed many times but looking for your advice.

So just this week I got an HX Stomp. Mainly to replace some pedals on the board and have less stuff on stage, ease of travel gigs. Pretty basic use of it really.
Not sure if I’m just overwhelmed with the amount of stuff it does (it’s awesome) but I’m struggling to find a way to efficiently use it for live shows. I just need it to be a stomp box on steroids.
I don’t use a ton of effects. I do if I’m doing something more fusion/funky/solo but with things i mainly gig and travel for (lissie) i only need a few basics.
But even that isn’t seeming too doable.
I like to kick in some overdrive for parts. Or maybe a slight octave. Or a bit of delay, etc.
But it seems like everything has to be on different patches of you actually want to be able to turn things on and off via footswitches. Or lean down and physically turn knobs to switch patches and then hit foot switches. I have an external foot switch on the way to have 4 possible stomp boxes and a tap/tuner on each patch. Could help do what I need but also seems like I should just stick to actual pedals. I’m also a bit Old school that way anyway.
could be great for practice of course. And I’m sure I’m missing so many options. But I’m not one to set up patches of multiple effects at once. I like to be able to have full quick control sometimes on the fly.
i feel like I’ve spent a ton of time dialing in effects to match my current pedals and have gotten close. But then don’t have access to all at once on any patch. I’d have to make a separate patch for each effect and then have to put the same overdrive on every patch to have access. And also switch the patches by hand because I have it set in stompbox mode.

People that use this live for a lot of effects, how are you setting it up?!

Relax and have fun experimenting. There are so many capabilities of this multi fx unit, that even seasoned users are still discovering new tricks.

I pretty much get every sound I need between my Helix and C4. I set my patches up by song….and then order the songs for the gig so I don’t need a set list on stage.

I also run some patches with a parallel dry so that I don’t lose bottom end when using certain effects.

And you don’t need to assign one effect per foot switch. You can assign 2 or 3 or ? if you like. Button 1 can control your distortion, octaver, and envelope all at once to give you some synth….and when you turn it off your chorus and delay can turn on if you like. The options are endless. All this with 1 switch.

I have an external 2 button switch that I’m not even using in favor of an expression pedal for some sweet fading in/out fx…so I’m getting everything I need off the unit’s 3 switches.

I should also note that I use an external tuner…so that frees up the tap-tuner switch…and I pretty much use HX Edit exclusively vs trying to set up everything directly on the Stomp interface.

Anyway - good luck and have fun experimenting. You’re not going to blow it up, so just try whatever and keep what works for you. YouTube is also a great resource.

 

[RyanOh]

I use it for live gigs, strictly for effects. I have the Stomp XL with 6 buttons so I setup a few patches for particular tunes but mainly have one patch I use.

Main Patch: (all independently on or off)
Mutron - Phaser - Reverb
Sansamp OD - Sub Octave - Chorus

I don't use any amp/cam emulators, nothing is 'always on', it's just a swiss army knife setup with every effect I'll ever need. Other patches have specific distortion, delays, etc. I just got tired of needing one more pedal for a specific tune. I also have a ABY mute box, tuner, compressor, DI, and a spot for one extra (right now it's the Pitchfork).