I am coming into a little money and I am going to condense my current board to one all-in-one processor......Ive narrowed it down to either of these two based on what limited knowledge I have of either. I know the Zoom B6 is fresh off the press so probably wont be enough info there. Both can load IRs which is the main reason Ive narrowed it down to these two choices. Yes I know the Line6 is mainly for guitar but it does have bass options in it as well and Ive read a few good reviews from bass players that use it .....Opinions and info welcomed. Thanks in advance
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POLL: Line6 Helix Stomp or Zoom B6
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I replaced a Kemper and a Fractal FM3 with an HX Stomp. The Kemper sounded awesome, the Fractal sounded awesomer, but the HXS was easier to dial up a really good sound. I have no doubt that the Zoom is probably a fairly solid unit, but the HXS just keeps on getting better. The Line 6 pitch shifting algorithm is superior and the tuner is actually pretty good. The modulation effects are a bit subtle on bass, but the EQ and the compressors are sweet. My two biggest gripes with the Stomp are the fact that you hafta add a button to use the tuner if you're already using the 3 buttons for other stuff and, even though it has a balanced line out, it's not an XLR, so you either hafta have an adapter, or a sound guy willing to use a TRS cable. Other than those two minor complaints, I think the HX Stomp is brilliant! Also, if you have a decent power supply like a Strymon Zuma or a Cioks DC-7, you can use a current doubler and power the Stomp off of that.
I've got a Sushi Box Tube DI(it's called the Finally!) coming, so that solves the XLR issue(and adds a TOOB!), and I've got a Saturnworks Micro button coming, so that fixes the tuner issue. Right now, I'm just using the Stomp as a pitch shifter, and mid boost EQ, and a front-of-chain super light compressor into a Noble preamp, but I can still do a Stomp->Finally mini board and be good to go!
Good luck whichever way you decide to go...
I've got a Sushi Box Tube DI(it's called the Finally!) coming, so that solves the XLR issue(and adds a TOOB!), and I've got a Saturnworks Micro button coming, so that fixes the tuner issue. Right now, I'm just using the Stomp as a pitch shifter, and mid boost EQ, and a front-of-chain super light compressor into a Noble preamp, but I can still do a Stomp->Finally mini board and be good to go!
Good luck whichever way you decide to go...
I've had a chance to try both along with a TC Electronic Plethora X5.
The Stomp and the B6 both have advantages/advantages depending on how/what/where you play. This is not a complete list, but more off the top of my head and may help steer you.
Stomp Advantages
The Stomp and the B6 both have advantages/advantages depending on how/what/where you play. This is not a complete list, but more off the top of my head and may help steer you.
Stomp Advantages
- The ability to have two parallel paths for effects. The B6 can have only one.
- Has a built-in high and low pass filter (each takes a slot on the B6)
- All the Amp simulations can be used as a Pre-Amp.
- MIDI capability (B6 has none)
- The ability to provide and offset for each string with the tuner.
- Has more IR slots available (128 vs 100)
- 4 Built-in DI simulations easily changed from the pedal (Stomp has no XLR DI out)
- All the effects/amps/cabs are pretty much bass specific.
- 2 Inputs with the ability to configure each with a piezo pickup.
- Has built-in rhythms that can be used with looper
- Larger screen that supports touch and more buttons
- 4 Effect switches vs 3 for Stomp (can be expanded via the EXP jack and another pedal)
- The B6 is mono effects but samples at twice the frequency (88.2 vs 44.1 kHz).
- B6 has max of 6 effects, Stomp has 8 with new firmware (the one I used still had 6 max. - The one I used was borrowed, so I didn't update the firmware.)
- The looper on the B6 can go to over 2 hours with an added SD card
- The B6 has an iPhone/iPad app that can be used in place of the touch screen over BT.
- The B6 has a carbon fiber-look plastic body compared to the Stomp is much more solid and all metal.
- Some effects sound better on the B6, some on the Stomp. I preferred the Chorus on the B6 but have not spent a lot of time customizing the effects.
- You can control more parameters with the CABs on the Stomp. More choices for the mic used and distance. The B6 only has 2 mics to choose from.
- The B6 is big - much bigger than Stomp
- The specs on the Stomp indicate it's quieter by over 20db, but I didn't notice the B6 being any nosier. An engineer may find otherwise.
I have not used the Zoom. I was a fan of the B3.
The HX would be in another league I think. I have had the EFX, Stomp, Stomp XL and am back to the Stomp. The biggest single feature in the HX universe for me is the crossover split. Being able to send my lows down 1 path and my mids/highs down another is essential for me now.
Consider an nice fat, slightly dirty set of lows up to say 120 hz and blending in a nice fat but clean sub octave above that. Or maybe some modulation or a different flavor of dirt. After a couple of days of playing around, this made the HX indispensable to me.
The HX would be in another league I think. I have had the EFX, Stomp, Stomp XL and am back to the Stomp. The biggest single feature in the HX universe for me is the crossover split. Being able to send my lows down 1 path and my mids/highs down another is essential for me now.
Consider an nice fat, slightly dirty set of lows up to say 120 hz and blending in a nice fat but clean sub octave above that. Or maybe some modulation or a different flavor of dirt. After a couple of days of playing around, this made the HX indispensable to me.
I think the B6 provides better bass tones easier. I had the opportunity to work with a Line6 clinician. We spent an hour going over things that were counterintuitive. He took a lot of notes back to the shop.
He picked the bass Fender American Original, he used his preferred powered monitors, and we dug to get it to sound just right. Some of the settings were not intuitive to get a balanced tone. But when we did, he was impressed but was surprised that it took so long.
I guess it depends on if you consider yourself a tone snob or not. I have friends that gig with them and are happy.
Either way, the key is to sit well in the mix. The only people that care about tone to that degree are the people playing and the other critical bassists in the audience.
He picked the bass Fender American Original, he used his preferred powered monitors, and we dug to get it to sound just right. Some of the settings were not intuitive to get a balanced tone. But when we did, he was impressed but was surprised that it took so long.
I guess it depends on if you consider yourself a tone snob or not. I have friends that gig with them and are happy.
Either way, the key is to sit well in the mix. The only people that care about tone to that degree are the people playing and the other critical bassists in the audience.
wow, great info here and a lot to mull over -- apparently, there are features i like about each equally that isnt available on the other...i guess it will wind up being a checklist decision process....thanks to everyone
Quick question: Distortions....I'm a lifetime funk/dance/variety guy currently playing in a heavy band and using Distortion for the first time in my life, a Darkglass B7K because its the only one I have tried that doesn't make my cab sound like it has a blown speaker........I use it for a little edge and crunch without being too Djent-y........Are there Darkglass B7K comparable drives on these units? Thanks
Both have a DG Microtubes B7K Distortion effect. There is also a a DG Microtubes B7K preamp on the B6.
On the HX you may also like a fully saturated RetroReel. it is modulation but has a nice mild distortion element to it. Think tube drive from an echo plex or other vintage something. Also Teemah. Useful parameters, can be set for 'not over the top'.
I have a Pod Go. I'm going to get a B6 because it is designed for bass and seems to have a little easier interface.
Voted for B6. Soundwise I don't think that Stomp is better than B6. Regarding other factors it depends on your needs. I've used Stomp for quite some time. Also HXFX. HX UI is fantastic and hard to beat but I've never have been fully satisfied with results on HX. They vere good but not great. B6 is all about GREAT tones that you get very easily. 90% of stuff is very convicing vs 30% on HX IMO.
The DI models are real deal. Changing the whole dimension of sound as you would expect from hardware.
The DI models are real deal. Changing the whole dimension of sound as you would expect from hardware.
Both pedals are excellent choices IMO. They are completely different animals, though.
In the end, the choice comes down to wants and needs regarding cost and functionality. The Stomp is technically a much deeper design featuring advanced programming and external expansion of function if you want to go there. The B6 is less expensive and caters directly to bass-specific needs, designed with simplicity in mind for those who don't require deep function, and want to hit the ground running with solid amp & effects choices available.
The Stomp has the Line 6 Helix legacy modeling going for it, which is great for those who also use guitar amp modeling.
Functionally, the Zoom B6 is designed for ease of use and simple programming, whereas the Stomp his highly configurable and programmable, especially with MIDI implementation for external control pedals.
If floor space is an issue, the Stomp is much smaller...good for some reasons, not good for other reasons.
If XLR included connection and DI functions matter to you, then the B6 did a nice job with their implementation, with the switched dual input (with selectable impedance for each) to boot.
The B6 has more switches and the touch screen allows you to get around pretty quickly for on-the-fly editing. I would note the 4 switch limitation for switching effects/banks/patches...better than the Stomp, but not utopia by any means.
I found the Stomp to be awkward without having the software editor handy, and using only 3 switches to navigate in live performance is a huge negative for me and required an external footswitch to be functional for my needs at the gig. The newer Stomp XL solves this, with requisite cost bump.
Core sound-wise, I'd say the B6 is at least on par with the Stomp bass amp models (dare I say some are better? Yup, I do.), and each have good choices available to cover pretty much any genre. If parallel path tones are your thing, then the Stomp provides this, whereas the B6 IMO just gets you to satisfying tones quickly without much programming fuss.
In the end, the choice comes down to wants and needs regarding cost and functionality. The Stomp is technically a much deeper design featuring advanced programming and external expansion of function if you want to go there. The B6 is less expensive and caters directly to bass-specific needs, designed with simplicity in mind for those who don't require deep function, and want to hit the ground running with solid amp & effects choices available.
The Stomp has the Line 6 Helix legacy modeling going for it, which is great for those who also use guitar amp modeling.
Functionally, the Zoom B6 is designed for ease of use and simple programming, whereas the Stomp his highly configurable and programmable, especially with MIDI implementation for external control pedals.
If floor space is an issue, the Stomp is much smaller...good for some reasons, not good for other reasons.
If XLR included connection and DI functions matter to you, then the B6 did a nice job with their implementation, with the switched dual input (with selectable impedance for each) to boot.
The B6 has more switches and the touch screen allows you to get around pretty quickly for on-the-fly editing. I would note the 4 switch limitation for switching effects/banks/patches...better than the Stomp, but not utopia by any means.
I found the Stomp to be awkward without having the software editor handy, and using only 3 switches to navigate in live performance is a huge negative for me and required an external footswitch to be functional for my needs at the gig. The newer Stomp XL solves this, with requisite cost bump.
Core sound-wise, I'd say the B6 is at least on par with the Stomp bass amp models (dare I say some are better? Yup, I do.), and each have good choices available to cover pretty much any genre. If parallel path tones are your thing, then the Stomp provides this, whereas the B6 IMO just gets you to satisfying tones quickly without much programming fuss.
Thanks for elaboration of my view.
But I've already question parallel paths in digital environment. For every fx block you put in path A you need delay compensation in path B, cause ever block introduce latency or time delay which is longer or shorter depending on algorithm. When the A and B path combine at mixer the comb filtering occurs, phase cancellation in various frequency bands. I never used parallel paths even some fx have almost no latency. In analog domain there are no phase problems.
I'll add that I like both units, but I do own and use the B6.
If you want "all-in-one" the B6 is the best choice here. It has all the in's and out's you need. It is the closest to a stand alone unit you will get out of the two. The Stomp will require more add-ons to get all the functions you get with the B6 out of the box. B6 has XLR outs and extra switches to navigate through the unit. It also has Bluetooth capabilities (with the added dongle). However the app is only available on Apple IOS.
For a regular gigging musician like myself that doesn't require a bunch of special effects and parallel routes and whatnot, it works great. It has limits, especially when using amp and cab sims. You can get by just using the preamps and the DI's to get a great tone live.
So far I have great results using it as a practice tool with headphones and the drum beats, used it at rehearsal with several amps and straight to the PA and all sounded great. In 2 weeks I am taking it to the studio to record our new EP with it and have tried it with my DAW and it sounds awesome so far. Plug and play.
If you are an iPhone/iPad user, you are golden for the app with the Bluetooth Dongle and that opens the unit up more as you will have 2 screens to work with, essentially 2 screens that are available on the unit to work with. And if you use this feature live, you can scroll banks with ease vs. the tap dancing needed on the unit itself.
Overall, this unit has been very easy to use and sounds great out of the box. I could easily just use this unit live with or without an amp. I have already. There is a big thread here on TB about this unit and tips on how to save slot space and whatnot, we are still learning ways to expand the uses.
Yes, Zoom has a terrible track record of rolling out updates and support for their units, especially bass units. Line 6 wins hands down there. But as the unit sits, you have 90-100% of what you would ever need to practice/play out live with the unit and nothing else needed.
The Line 6 would win me over if I didn't want a dedicated bass unit. Line 6 would be on my radar if I needed a unit for guitar and bass and other instruments.
Either unit would be great, but as a stand alone out of the box ready to rock, B6 wins my vote. I added mine to Pedaltrain Classic and slapped a Cioks/Eventide Mini power supply under it to power it and the Fuzz I love in front along with a Dunlop Mini vol/exp pedal. I'm still sussing out other items I'll add on the board. I have the Bluetooth and expanded the memory so I'll never have to worry about that later.
If you want "all-in-one" the B6 is the best choice here. It has all the in's and out's you need. It is the closest to a stand alone unit you will get out of the two. The Stomp will require more add-ons to get all the functions you get with the B6 out of the box. B6 has XLR outs and extra switches to navigate through the unit. It also has Bluetooth capabilities (with the added dongle). However the app is only available on Apple IOS.
For a regular gigging musician like myself that doesn't require a bunch of special effects and parallel routes and whatnot, it works great. It has limits, especially when using amp and cab sims. You can get by just using the preamps and the DI's to get a great tone live.
So far I have great results using it as a practice tool with headphones and the drum beats, used it at rehearsal with several amps and straight to the PA and all sounded great. In 2 weeks I am taking it to the studio to record our new EP with it and have tried it with my DAW and it sounds awesome so far. Plug and play.
If you are an iPhone/iPad user, you are golden for the app with the Bluetooth Dongle and that opens the unit up more as you will have 2 screens to work with, essentially 2 screens that are available on the unit to work with. And if you use this feature live, you can scroll banks with ease vs. the tap dancing needed on the unit itself.
Overall, this unit has been very easy to use and sounds great out of the box. I could easily just use this unit live with or without an amp. I have already. There is a big thread here on TB about this unit and tips on how to save slot space and whatnot, we are still learning ways to expand the uses.
Yes, Zoom has a terrible track record of rolling out updates and support for their units, especially bass units. Line 6 wins hands down there. But as the unit sits, you have 90-100% of what you would ever need to practice/play out live with the unit and nothing else needed.
The Line 6 would win me over if I didn't want a dedicated bass unit. Line 6 would be on my radar if I needed a unit for guitar and bass and other instruments.
Either unit would be great, but as a stand alone out of the box ready to rock, B6 wins my vote. I added mine to Pedaltrain Classic and slapped a Cioks/Eventide Mini power supply under it to power it and the Fuzz I love in front along with a Dunlop Mini vol/exp pedal. I'm still sussing out other items I'll add on the board. I have the Bluetooth and expanded the memory so I'll never have to worry about that later.
Thanks for elaboration of my view.
But I've already question parallel paths in digital environment. For every fx block you put in path A you need delay compensation in path B, cause ever block introduce latency or time delay which is longer or shorter depending on algorithm. When the A and B path combine at mixer the comb filtering occurs, phase cancellation in various frequency bands. I never used parallel paths even some fx have almost no latency. In analog domain there are no phase problems.
This would be for others to address.
I no longer have any need for parallel path processing. When I did, it was usually for providing a wet/dry mix of distortion, compression or other effects parallel to a clean path, or when an effect block didn't include a wet/dry blend as a variable parameter.
The inclusion of wet/dry mix parameters in dirt drives and compressors makes that largely a moot point for me now.
I’ve used the zoom stuff for a while now and when the b6 came out I was exited. Unfortunately the button arrangement isn’t as well thought out as the B3n imo. The ability to never have to bend over to hit buttons for preset, bank and fx switching was key. The b6 also added things I had no use for like a bunch of DI options, and a second input. I started looking at the hx stuff. The stomp was not an option because of the lack of buttons, and the hxfx was close, but in the end I went with a stomp xl. The pedal edit mode is a huge deal for me, as is the ability to navigate banks presets and snapshots with my feet. The stomp xl has the IO I need for any situation and the fact it has a bunch of Ampeg stuff doesn’t hurt either.
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Helix UI is ingeniously made. Stomp XL is ideal missing link between Stomp and Helix. And IMO, is not comparable to B6. Regarding UI it's a beast.
I had opportunity to try B6 in my own environment before buying, so my judgments were not affected by potential impulsive buying act. I was stunned by the quality of the sound. I had several WOW moments which were not present with Line 6. With Stomp I've always had clear view what effects I need to have in original pedal form, beside it on the pedalboard, even if they are decent in Stomp. With Zoom I don't have that need. DI models are superb and are definitely not a marketing trick. Its simply made with bassist and his real world needs in mind.
BTW HXs Heliosphere delay verb, provided in latest update is AMAZING...very friendly for bass, as only the feedback of dly goes through reverb. Preventing any muddying. I wish B6 has that.
I had opportunity to try B6 in my own environment before buying, so my judgments were not affected by potential impulsive buying act. I was stunned by the quality of the sound. I had several WOW moments which were not present with Line 6. With Stomp I've always had clear view what effects I need to have in original pedal form, beside it on the pedalboard, even if they are decent in Stomp. With Zoom I don't have that need. DI models are superb and are definitely not a marketing trick. Its simply made with bassist and his real world needs in mind.
BTW HXs Heliosphere delay verb, provided in latest update is AMAZING...very friendly for bass, as only the feedback of dly goes through reverb. Preventing any muddying. I wish B6 has that.
I've owned the Zoom B6 for a while, had a card/loop issue which they replaced under warranty. All the presets sound good out of the box. You can tweak those and save as new presets. Easy to use screen and menu. The DI collection is really good. Two channels are handy if you double, eb and ub. Both inputs have an impedance switch for 1MΩ or 10MΩ for piezo. Upright Bass sounds amazing straight through as a DI. The tuner is functional. The unit is a little large, but if you're gigging, it's all you need.
Recording at home; I often run a processed Zoom B6 track and another DI track. Gives me the option to process the DI later. I tracked with it on a session at 301 Studios, all I used was the OCTAVE patch, then into the Studio Tube DI.
Compared to the amazing new AMP modellers out, the Zoom B6 is easy and ready for gigging. I think each pedal including the Stomp has its own uses and merit. You definitely need to find what works for you.
Zoom B6 is a great piece of kit.
Recording at home; I often run a processed Zoom B6 track and another DI track. Gives me the option to process the DI later. I tracked with it on a session at 301 Studios, all I used was the OCTAVE patch, then into the Studio Tube DI.
Compared to the amazing new AMP modellers out, the Zoom B6 is easy and ready for gigging. I think each pedal including the Stomp has its own uses and merit. You definitely need to find what works for you.
Zoom B6 is a great piece of kit.
