Line 6 HX Stomp

[jbybj]

I think the Stomp really is what I need to have a super solid little board. Dump my Pigtronix Comp, put my Broughtctave, Fifth Gear, Hiero BEAD, and JoshWah in the FX loops, add an expression pedal. I've been looking at the Darkglass X7 as an addition to my current pedals because it seems super badass, but a similar effect may be possible with creative use of signal splitting, EQing, and compressing in the Stomp. But that might use up a whole ton of blocks and DSP, so maybe the HXFX is still the way to go?

I dunno, I'm just excited they've finally announced something to replace the M series, basically.

EDIT: So conflicted. HXFX has more straightforward routing on the FX loops (no need for Y cables) and has lots more footswitches (I'd likely use it in stompbox mode because programming presets is something I never got the hang of with a multi before).

On the other hand, HXS has the audio interface built-in and allows for reamping which is huge for recording, which I'm doing more of these days. Small size means smaller board which is awesome because I'm travelling a lot this year.

New pricing is the same... I'm really torn. I think maybe I'll wait it out and hope one of you HXFX users flips theirs for the Stomp so I can snag a good deal.

Why not both?

 

[J Posega]

Separate switches are nice. I have been using the HX FX with a Tech 21 VT Deluxe. The HX, 2 mini Expression, VT Deluxe and an MXR Blowtorch fill most of the space on a Pedaltrain 2. (Width especially).
But if you don't use Amp sims, the HX alone is not bad carried in a backpack.

I would be running the following:

HX FX, Broughton Broughctave in a loop, Hiero BEAD in a loop, Broughton Joshwah in a loop, and I'm really itching for the new Darkglass X7.

Why not both?

$1200 for two units that still won't be able to replace a couple of necessities is just out of the question. And, at that point, why not a full-blown Helix?

I can purge my compressor, shelve the tuner, and maybe shelve/purge the Joshwah depending on the HX filters. Comp and Joshwah gets me a good 1/3 of what I need for a brand new HXFX, even more if I find a used one. If they suddenly announce an octave model that replicates the OC2 sound (and it ends up actually doing it), then there's another one off to the market. Same if they add a Brassmaster fuzz.

Still need to budget for a new PSU, a board to house all of it, at least one expression pedal, and the X7. It's an expensive jump to make. I'm eager to do it because I miss having a 'big board' but always hated the weight of a fully loaded Novo 24. I'm guessing I can get away with a PT Jr with all of that. Gonna go peruse Pedalboard Planner.

 

[dannybuoy]

@TheEmptyCell you might find yourself really liking the amp sims if you are interested in crossover distortion like the X7. With the Helix you can split your signal with a crossover, compress the lows and distort the highs just like the X7, except if you have the guitar amps on board that opens up a ton of possibilities for processing the top end.

Even without the amp sims though, sending your top end to a B7K model would probably get very close indeed to the X7.

 

[J Posega]

@TheEmptyCell you might find yourself really liking the amp sims if you are interested in crossover distortion like the X7. With the Helix you can split your signal with a crossover, compress the lows and distort the highs just like the X7, except if you have the guitar amps on board that opens up a ton of possibilities for processing the top end.

Even without the amp sims though, sending your top end to a B7K model would probably get very close indeed to the X7.

The possibility of simply compressing clean lows and distorting highs/mids with the B7k model in the HX seems like it would give a reasonable facsimile of the X7. I'm gonna have to ponder things. First, I need a cheaper bass to travel with, then I must decide if the HX FX or an X7 integrated with my current pedals is a better way to go.

 

[MascisMan]

I go direct to house 100% of the time with no amp on stage (IEM's) so the amp sims are fairly important to me.

 

[SirMoak]

I go direct to house 100% of the time with no amp on stage (IEM's) so the amp sims are fairly important to me.

To be honest I found that a cheap preamp pedal (Hartke Bass Attack 2) worked really well for me for beefing up the sound instead of an amp model. The only reason where I would really like the amp sim is with an upper octave (TC SubNUp) on a parallel path. Distortion into an IR works ok, but not as good as an amp sim.

 

[Plastalmonus]

Alright pre-order is in for a November delivery. $949 AUD.

Also ordered the Cioks DC7 to run it and the rest of my pedals. At 660mA per 9v out I should be right to power the HX Stomp by doubling two of them (9v 1320mA). This is based on the Strymon supplies working when doubled up (9v 1,000mA).

Now just to grab a Metro 24 and a couple of Cioks adapter cables and I should be all ready to go

 

[been_effected]

I’m running an Ojai R30 - my plan is to use a current doubler cable (2 plugs into 2 Ojai outputs, merging to 1 plug) into a 2.1mm to 2.5mm adapter which will fit the larger DC power input on the HX Stomp.

I'm thinking of downsizing from my Zuma into 2 x Ojai - better positioning under my Templeboard and I have way less effects now than I did when I got the Zuma.

 

[been_effected]

Ok cool. I already have an HXFX so I know what the effects sounds like, I guess I want to hear the amp models more than anything.

You can do a trial version of the Helix Native software - a mate of mine did this so he had an idea of what the effects and amp sims were like before he bought his full Helix. The software processing in the desktop version is exactly the same as in the pedals.

 

[been_effected]

The possibility of simply compressing clean lows and distorting highs/mids with the B7k model in the HX seems like it would give a reasonable facsimile of the X7. I'm gonna have to ponder things. First, I need a cheaper bass to travel with, then I must decide if the HX FX or an X7 integrated with my current pedals is a better way to go.

Main difference here will be whether you like a small amount of tweaking (X7) or lots of tweaking (HXFX). The X7 might get you there a little faster out of the box, but the HXFX has the potential to be a lot more flexible in terms of signal routing. That can be both a good and a bad thing, of course...

 

[MascisMan]

You can do a trial version of the Helix Native software - a mate of mine did this so he had an idea of what the effects and amp sims were like before he bought his full Helix. The software processing in the desktop version is exactly the same as in the pedals.

Great advice, thanks been _effected!

 

[been_effected]

Alright pre-order is in for a November delivery. $949 AUD.

Also ordered the Cioks DC7 to run it and the rest of my pedals. At 660mA per 9v our I should be right to power the HX Stomp by doubling two of them (9v 1320mA). This is based on the Strymon supplies working when doubled up (9v 1,000mA).

Now just to grab a Metro 24 and a couple of Cioks adapter cables and I should be all ready to go

Where did you manage to get yours for $50 off? Everywhere I'd looked at so far are all quoting $999.

I'm not sure if the Cioks is the same way, but I remember reading/watching something somewhere about the Strymon and TrueTone power supplies, that because they're "switching" power supplies (I think that's the right term?), they're different to more traditional power supplies, in that the Strymon/TrueTone line are able to deliver more than the rated amount of mA per output, so long as the total output doesn't exceed the total rated output for the entire unit. The load rating markings are there essentially due to existing regulation (or something, don't quote me on this)

eg: A Zuma has 9 x 500mA outputs, meaning the unit has a total theoretical full capacity of 4,500mA. Let's say you have the HXFX (assumed 3,000mA full output requirement) and a couple of misc pedals (drives, tuner, totalling 500mA). Your total power requirement is therefore 3,500mA, and the Zuma will happily supply past the 1,000mA rated output of the two outputs that you've summed together.

I know the TrueTones work the same way - there's a video on Youtube of them demonstrating how the CS12 can do it without an issue. I think it might be that video that describes what I'm trying to talk about...hope that all makes sense.

Also, if you'd consider looking for a Zuma instead of a Cioks, I may have one for sale...*ahem*

 

[Plastalmonus]

Where did you manage to get yours for $50 off? Everywhere I'd looked at so far are all quoting $999.

I'm not sure if the Cioks is the same way, but I remember reading/watching something somewhere about the Strymon and TrueTone power supplies, that because they're "switching" power supplies (I think that's the right term?), they're different to more traditional power supplies, in that the Strymon/TrueTone line are able to deliver more than the rated amount of mA per output, so long as the total output doesn't exceed the total rated output for the entire unit. The load rating markings are there essentially due to existing regulation (or something, don't quote me on this)

eg: A Zuma has 9 x 500mA outputs, meaning the unit has a total theoretical full capacity of 4,500mA. Let's say you have the HXFX (assumed 3,000mA full output requirement) and a couple of misc pedals (drives, tuner, totalling 500mA). Your total power requirement is therefore 3,500mA, and the Zuma will happily supply past the 1,000mA rated output of the two outputs that you've summed together.

I know the TrueTones work the same way - there's a video on Youtube of them demonstrating how the CS12 can do it without an issue. I think it might be that video that describes what I'm trying to talk about...hope that all makes sense.

Also, if you'd consider looking for a Zuma instead of a Cioks, I may have one for sale...*ahem*

Musos Corner is doing the pre-order for $949.

Invalid Link Removed

Also the DC7 is Cioks newest supply which is a two stage switching supply. It puts out a ridiculous amount of power.

There was a photo on Cioks FB of it powering the HX FX the other day.

 

[been_effected]

Musos Corner is doing the pre-order for $949.

Invalid Link Removed

Also the DC7 is Cioks newest supply which is a two stage switching supply. It puts out a ridiculous amount of power.

There was a photo on Cioks FB of it powering the HX FX the other day.

Awesome! OK, I can see you're all over it, don't mind my brain dump

I might see if I can get my local to price match their preorder.

 

[J Posega]

Main difference here will be whether you like a small amount of tweaking (X7) or lots of tweaking (HXFX). The X7 might get you there a little faster out of the box, but the HXFX has the potential to be a lot more flexible in terms of signal routing. That can be both a good and a bad thing, of course...

Exactly why it’s such a hard choice. If the HX could replace more of my standalone pedals, I wouldn’t be hesitant. Just going to have to wait for some hands on reviews of the X7; the EQ on it is limited compared to the B7K so I’m concerned I’d need to run an EQ with it for ampless gigs. At that point, the HX is more economical given the fact that that I want all to the modulations and stuff for home noodling and writing.

 

[dannybuoy]

So the official Line 6 page for the HX Stomp mentions a Mutron model, is this a new addition to the Helix line up yet to be released for the other units?

 

[Diegombass]

@TheEmptyCell you might find yourself really liking the amp sims if you are interested in crossover distortion like the X7. With the Helix you can split your signal with a crossover, compress the lows and distort the highs just like the X7, except if you have the guitar amps on board that opens up a ton of possibilities for processing the top end.

Even without the amp sims though, sending your top end to a B7K model would probably get very close indeed to the X7.

Is there any difference between amps and IRs?

 

[JustSomeDude]

Is there any difference between amps and IRs?

IR's are just simulating the Speaker.
"Impulse Response"
You can load IR's into the HX effects and it gets you closer...but not close enough for me

 

[MascisMan]

Where did you manage to get yours for $50 off? Everywhere I'd looked at so far are all quoting $999.

I'm not sure if the Cioks is the same way, but I remember reading/watching something somewhere about the Strymon and TrueTone power supplies, that because they're "switching" power supplies (I think that's the right term?), they're different to more traditional power supplies, in that the Strymon/TrueTone line are able to deliver more than the rated amount of mA per output, so long as the total output doesn't exceed the total rated output for the entire unit. The load rating markings are there essentially due to existing regulation (or something, don't quote me on this)

eg: A Zuma has 9 x 500mA outputs, meaning the unit has a total theoretical full capacity of 4,500mA. Let's say you have the HXFX (assumed 3,000mA full output requirement) and a couple of misc pedals (drives, tuner, totalling 500mA). Your total power requirement is therefore 3,500mA, and the Zuma will happily supply past the 1,000mA rated output of the two outputs that you've summed together.

I know the TrueTones work the same way - there's a video on Youtube of them demonstrating how the CS12 can do it without an issue. I think it might be that video that describes what I'm trying to talk about...hope that all makes sense.

Also, if you'd consider looking for a Zuma instead of a Cioks, I may have one for sale...*ahem*

I'm looking at the Cioks DC7 when its released. The 9v outs support 660mA each. Two of those together should be plenty I would think. Plus that small DC form factor.

 

[EastCoastThump]

So the official Line 6 page for the HX Stomp mentions a Mutron model, is this a new addition to the Helix line up yet to be released for the other units?

IIRC, the M series had a Tron up and down