HX Stomp... interesting but on the fence

[franvarin]

Hi Everyone,
I'm hoping for some insight/advice from everyone who has or had an HX Stomp. They seem very interesting to me, but they're quite an investment. Here's the deal, the band I'm in is ampless on the stage, we use IEMs and my current "rig" sits in a rack drawer and I use a balanced out to the FOH. I'm not unhappy with the tone I've got, but like I mentioned, the HX Stomp has me curious.

I particularly like the amp sims and can see me using it and switch between amp models for some songs. I'm a set and forget guy for the most part. I can also see me using chorus, compression and some light OD.

So, it would likely be in the rack drawer and I occasionally would switch presets. I'm hoping that those that have them or have some experience with them can respond and either talk me down off the ledge or convince me it's a direction worth taking.

 

[bherman]

Well,I'm not a user but am around people that are (a guitar player - went from 2 chained pedalboards to a mult-unit). My sense is that they're great if you are seriously into effects and move between a multitude of sound styles. but if you're a set and forget guy (like I am) it seems like it might be overkill. I play both electric and upright and have a modest pedalboard, but its primary purpose is really pretty limited - tuner, preamp for room eq shaping (Mesa +), a light overdrive (Edison). Very occasional light chorus and octave (one sond at the present time). 95% of the time its set and forget. Seems like tne HX is way beyond what your needs are. I hope that you'll hear from some dedicated users, but that's my observation.

BTW, the guitarist that I occasionally play with that uses one is brilliant but he has an endless array of tonal options that he uses. So he's gone from two separate pedalboards used at the same time, to a digital modelling unit that's easy to carry and set up. I'm sure that he spends alot of time dialing it in. Just my 2 1/2 cents ,,,,

 

[RJ]

There’s a monsterous thread here:Line 6 HX Stomp.

 

[Smurf-o-Deth]

I’m sure there will be plenty of people to cheer you on in buying a helix product, but I wouldn’t recommend it if the amp/cab sims are the main appeal for you, as they are not spectacular (especially the cabs). If that’s what you want, I’d recommend some sort of IR loader to stick before your DI (which is more like $100, not $700). I also wouldn’t recommend a Helix product for either compression or drive on bass. Can you make it work? Sure. Is it good at it? Not really. You could always use the Helix Native trial to mess with the sounds and see what you think, though.

 

[SteveC]

I went from a small board but very expensive and fairly large DI to the stomp in the name of downsizing. When I did a side by side at a gig, no one really noticed. I did a little but overall, if you aren't doing a back to back like that, the Stomp can be effective. So yeah, I don't use all the options, it's probably way beyond my needs now, but it's small, has anything I need (now or in the future) and it's really all in one. And if I get a wild hair to try something, I can do it without spending money or changing up gear. It's about compromise and what you can live with or without. I miss my REDDI and Empress stuff, but the Stomp can get me 85-90% there. The last 10-15% may be worth it if you're a touring/recording pro, but for me, the convenience and options are pretty nice.

I actually did a commercial recently for our local Chamber Of Commerce. The guy used a Kemper SVT model for me with a Dark Glass Obsidian drive. Sounded fantastic. Better than my Stomp but not by much.

 

[Challanger2]

What amp sim models do you typically use/like? There may be other modelers that are a better match than helix.

 

[Scotty4string]

I think the amp/cab models are pretty good. Even better with an aftermarket IR. I can make the SVT model sound identical to my Ampeg PF50T when the amp is going through a Two Notes Cab M and I use the same IR on the HX Stomp. Also, although I have some really good drive pedals, I can get much better sounds with the Stomp. Mostly because of the ability to have a clean blend or a crossed over blend on any drive. Also, it has the advantage that knobs don't accidentally get turned when moving.

 

[AmyTwonotes]

I think the amp/cab models are pretty good. Even better with an aftermarket IR. I can make the SVT model sound identical to my Ampeg PF50T when the amp is going through a Two Notes Cab M and I use the same IR on the HX Stomp. Also, although I have some really good drive pedals, I can get much better sounds with the Stomp. Mostly because of the ability to have a clean blend or a crossed over blend on any drive. Also, it has the advantage that knobs don't accidentally get turned when moving.

Hi Scotty4string,

Amy from Two notes here! So happy to hear the C.A.B. M is working out for you

 

[javi_bassist]

I am a really happy user of the HX Stomp. Some of their amp sims are really good and there are people who make awesome presets. Unluckily, I am not one of them. I wouldn't really recommend you the HX for their amp sims and IRs. Yuu can get pretty amazing tones (I love my "clean" preset, with a touch of overdrive) but you will have to experiment a lot. Maybe you'd be better with the Origin Bassrigs or some of the cool preamps that are being released now

 

[SteveC]

IYou can get pretty amazing tones (I love my "clean" preset, with a touch of overdrive) but you will have to experiment a lot. Maybe you'd be better with the Origin Bassrigs or some of the cool preamps that are being released now

I've thought about that myself. I use like 2 presets (Studio DI and SVT) and really no effects. I like that settings don''t get accidentally changed. I like that everything is in one box. It fits on my Nano with my Rolls PM50 for my wired IEM's. But sometimes I wonder if just a good preamp/DI like one of the BassRigs would be just as fine.

 

[javi_bassist]

I've thought about that myself. I use like 2 presets (Studio DI and SVT) and really no effects. I like that settings don''t get accidentally changed. I like that everything is in one box. It fits on my Nano with my Rolls PM50 for my wired IEM's. But sometimes I wonder if just a good preamp/DI like one of the BassRigs would be just as fine.

In my preset I use a compressor, an overdrive in path B with a crossover on 120Hz (lately replaced by a retro reel, but they switch), Studio pre and a HPF/LPF. The other day I left the HX Stomp and took my Markbass Vintage Pre. I must admit that I could live with the Markbass, but I missed a little the HX Stomp. It's just one solution in a box.

A good thing it also has that, since I play in different projects, I have different effects available always.

 

[Bonecat]

I’ve used an HX Stomp as my ampless rig for the last couple years and it’s been fine. I use a Sweetfoot power supply as the Line 6 wall wart is ginormous and inconvenient. I also added a Mission add-on switch. The most helpful thing I did is add a Pinstripe MISO isolator/XLR box to the output. It gives a clearer output signal and lets me go XLR to FOH. I used some Bergantino IRs and some careful EQ and compression tweaks and got a clean, solid sound.

I’ve since moved to a Bergantino Super Pre and will be listing my HXS here shortly, FWIW…

 

[Nephilymbass]

Hi Everyone,
I'm hoping for some insight/advice from everyone who has or had an HX Stomp. They seem very interesting to me, but they're quite an investment. Here's the deal, the band I'm in is ampless on the stage, we use IEMs and my current "rig" sits in a rack drawer and I use a balanced out to the FOH. I'm not unhappy with the tone I've got, but like I mentioned, the HX Stomp has me curious.

I particularly like the amp sims and can see me using it and switch between amp models for some songs. I'm a set and forget guy for the most part. I can also see me using chorus, compression and some light OD.

So, it would likely be in the rack drawer and I occasionally would switch presets. I'm hoping that those that have them or have some experience with them can respond and either talk me down off the ledge or convince me it's a direction worth taking.

I have one and plan on selling it soon. It can produce some great sounds but it’s not easy to tweak on the fly without it being connected to an PC, and it’s very limited in processing power. When I was window shopping for a stomp I had all these ideas for how I’d use it. But most of them were not possible due to limited DSP. For example yeah you can make two different presets with two different amp models but you pretty much have to leave preset mode and use snapshot mode in order to actually use it live in order to get seamless switching. If the two amp models are on different presets, the lag when switching is unusable live. And trying to put two amp models on one preset uses up all the DSP. If you’re looking for an “amp in a pedal” depending on the style of music I’d likely recommend one the origin effects bass rigs for classic bass sounds or a darkglass Adam/infinity,photon for more modern stuff.

The stomp works very well as a Swiss Army knife effects pedal, using a separate pre amp pedal or real amp to free up the DSP in the stomp so you can use it for effects. That’s more so how I’ve used and would recommend others use it.

 

[SteveC]

In my preset I use a compressor, an overdrive in path B with a crossover on 120Hz (lately replaced by a retro reel, but they switch), Studio pre and a HPF/LPF.

Yeah, I need to spend more time with it - especially the dual path thing. I'm pretty sure the secret to sounding great is there.

I’ve used an HX Stomp as my ampless rig for the last couple years and it’s been fine. I use a Sweetfoot power supply as the Line 6 wall wart is ginormous and inconvenient. I also added a Mission add-on switch. The most helpful thing I did is add a Pinstripe MISO isolator/XLR box to the output. It gives a clearer output signal and lets me go XLR to FOH. I used some Bergantino IRs and some careful EQ and compression tweaks and got a clean, solid sound.

I’ve since moved to a Bergantino Super Pre and will be listing my HXS here shortly, FWIW…

I just use a 1/4" to XLR cable to DI mine. It seems to be fine. I have a CIOKS DC7 under my Nano that powers the Stomp, a SR tuner (so I can have that 3rd foot switch) and my Rolls PM50 box for my wired IEM's.

Before I got the Stomp, I was waiting for the Bergantino to come out. At the time it had everything I used/needed in my analog (Empress Para EQ, Empress Bass Compressor and REDDI) set up. That was a sweet rig, but big and expensive. The Berg would be a preamp, comp, some drive options, and DI all in one which is awesome. While waiting and waiting for the Berg, my church bought us (guitar and I ) Stomps so we wouldn't need to keep hauling our personal stuff every week. It was a nice gesture. I got a nice tone. And it's there if I'm gone for a sub or whatever.

Then I took it and did a side by side at a cover band gig. No one really noticed a difference. I thought why not just get a Stomp for myself. I did and it's fine. I don't really use effects like I thought I would so part of me thinks try the Bergantino like I originally planned. But it doesn't fit my Nano and I like to keep it small.

 

[thisSNsucks]

I am not a pedal guy, but I bought a stomp XL and really like it.

I’m using it in my cover band and it’s been pretty perfect all in one solution for me.

The tuner feature is accurate. I use the pitch effects to drop down a half step and down to BEAD when needed. There are some “digital artifacts” with going down to BEAD but in the mix it’s not enough to bother me that much.

The compressors are ok from what I can tell. I never used them before but they seem to add a nice bit of extra presence.

I use a little overdrive, the sansamp block, on a few songs.

The amp sims and cab sims take some tweaking. I’ve been able to match the tones of my Aguilar ToneHammer, DB750, Ampeg SVT, and GK800RB pretty close.

The Cab sims are Ok. I find some of the guitar cabs actually sound better than some of the bass ones. They’re helpful when going straight into the P.A. though.

The other day we were doing a tune and felt some low end was lacking so I dialed in a bass octave real quick and boom, we’re in business.

Live I have it set up for one master preset, 3 snapshots for different tunings on the top foot switches , and an on off switch for the overdrive and now octave effect on the bottom footswitch.

just started messing with the retro reel too, very cool way to warm the tone up.

 

[mundee]

The tuner feature is accurate. I use the pitch effects to drop down a half step and down to BEAD when needed. There are some “digital artifacts” with going down to BEAD but in the mix it’s not enough to bother me that much.

may I ask please, which specific pitch effect you are using (and some great settings)? I am torn between simple pitch and poly capo. I have a nagging feeling that some dynamics get lost with Simple Pitch. With Poly Capo, I can sense these "digital artifacts" more (or perhaps this was just the sound of my strings)

 

[thisSNsucks]

may I ask please, which specific pitch effect you are using (and some great settings)? I am torn between simple pitch and poly capo. I have a nagging feeling that some dynamics get lost with Simple Pitch. With Poly Capo, I can sense these "digital artifacts" more (or perhaps this was just the sound of my strings)

So the Simple Pitch to me sounded a little too dark, and yeah the dynamics didn’t really come through as well. The Poly Capo was brighter but definitely had some artifacts, almost like a pinging tone.

I started using the poly wham, which is intended for use with an expression pedal but it works without one. I don’t have my stomp in front of me right now for settings but basically set it up or down however many steps and then set the position to be fixed. I leave the tracking and auto eq alone.

 

[Mikaelbass]

Got mine recently.

I am having a lot of FUN. My latest creation is a split signal. One signal going into a "noble" DI which really beefs the sound, that then goes into an SVT amp sim that is relatively clean with big low end. The other signal chain hits a Sansamp, then into a chorus, then into an SVT 4 Pro style amp sim. Both signals come together into a compressor and a noise gate. It not all that versatile, dirt on or off, chorus on or off. A lot of DSP being used on the dual amps etc. However, the sound that I am getting is absolutely monstrous, better than any sound I achieved with my real SVT thats for sure.

I run it into my AG700, which runs into my interface and I use high quality studio monitor headphones. Sorted.

I intend to make other patches that are more unique/fun/effects focus. If you like to compose things it can be a super great unit for recording and making different layers with different sounds. Haven't used it live, but if I did I would be happy to go ampless/cabless with the sound I am getting, or run it through a good speaker system.

There is a lot of tech in the system, more than you can really work with. But if you are patient you can really find some amazing sounds.

I play this unit with my Atelier Z M265, Stingray 5 LE, '57 fullerton p bass and it is an absolute winner.

My current side hobby is honing in on some of my favourite bass players sounds and recreating them in the unit, Newsted, trujillo, chancellor, butler etc etc. Playing this game has actually helped me learn the system and to be less "stick to what I know" to achieve certain sounds. Especially if you can get details on certain bands gear and try to recreate it...funny how close some of the things sound.

 

[Phagor]

Love/hate relationship with mine. At home I love tweaking mine and being creative with splits and subtle effects. On a gig I hate tap dancing and the lack of control. I've discovered I'm not an IR guy. I run mine into a Noble and that gives me a polished clean sound that I love.

There's also some loss of tone I can't quite put my finger on. A loss of detail and depth. Yes I have experimented with impedance. It's baked in.

I'm sure the Stomp works well for many players, but I'm thinking of going back to individual pedals. Will keep the Stomp as a utility knife.

 

[Mikaelbass]

Love/hate relationship with mine. At home I love tweaking mine and being creative with splits and subtle effects. On a gig I hate tap dancing and the lack of control. I've discovered I'm not an IR guy. I run mine into a Noble and that gives me a polished clean sound that I love.

There's also some loss of tone I can't quite put my finger on. A loss of detail and depth. Yes I have experimented with impedance. It's baked in.

I'm sure the Stomp works well for many players, but I'm thinking of going back to individual pedals. Will keep the Stomp as a utility knife.

I find that the absolute most pure tone is bass straight into amp. And the addition of character you gain from pedals/eq/DI is at the cost of that purity. But that character can sound better in the mix/recording situation. For example my sound with the HX stomp is so damn thick on all strings it makes the pure sound, sound thin. I use a compressor in the HX, definitely a loss of depth when played solo, in a mix, hot damn.