Is an HX Stomp still worth buying?

[Sascha Franck]

Fwiw, so far I used the Stomp:
- As an FX only unit.
- As an amp only unit.
- As the core of a small pedalboard.
- Standalone (obviously).

In each of these disciplines, it's been better than any of the comparable competitors. When I got it, I was looking for a delay/verb unit and there's barely been any. The usual MFX units would always only sort of do the job as they typically have a fixed amount of blocks. By now, the Hotone Amperos might be comparable, but that's pretty much it already.
Same goes for using it as an amp only thing. I've been able to run a split path with two amps and some dirt boxes in front. There's hardly any other unit in that bracket of the market allowing for that.
When using it for acoustic gigs, I'm able to load IRs to apply at least some kinda mic'ed acoustic guitar characteristics to rather lackluster piezo signals. Also did the same for a jazzier patch, enhancing the tone of my Ibanez 335 clone, so it'd sound a little more like a jazz box.
Also makes up for the best backup utility there ever was. My small pedal board fits into the utility case I usually have with me when using the larger board. Otherwise, the Stomp on its own fits into a gigbag pocket.
Etc.

It's the combination of all these making the Stomp an invaluable piece of kit for me.

 

[FuzzyAce]

@Jim Soloway .
Since you like to record, have you tried Helix Native software? You should at least think about that option too.
The Stomp is great. That and the native software are the best musical/gear investments I've made in years.

 

[DieSchmalle]

Yes.

 

[MindCrime]

In answer to the question...YES ! Absolutely without a doubt !

 

[Sascha Franck]

@Jim Soloway .
Since you like to record, have you tried Helix Native software? You should at least think about that option too.
The Stomp is great. That and the native software are the best musical/gear investments I've made in years.

Also, as it might not be as obvious as it is for existing users and hasn't been mentioned yet, let me add this: Apart from hardware specific things (switches, loop, input settings, etc.), HX Native is pretty much fully compatible with the hardware. So you can comfortably create patches in the plugin version and then just drag them into the unit (via HX Edit).

In addition, it's obviously a great way to try things out before purchasing.

 

[synthpenguin]

Yes, and I think the recent US Super (Nrm or Brt) and Line 6 Clarity amp models would be perfect for the stuff I’ve heard you play :) For the latter, make sure to try the Boost parameter (it’s variable and changes the sound and feel quite a bit).

 

[sashimi]

@Jim Soloway you should definitely download the free trial of Helix Native if you haven’t already, before pulling the trigger. You can even set it to Stomp compatibility mode so you know exactly what the DSP limitations of the Stomp are.

And in addition to the Super Reverb, Princeton, and Twin suggestions, definitely try the Grammatico GSG for cleans. Also I think the Grammatico LG does a great warm tweed clean tone for jazz, when it’s not cranked up to sound like Neil Young. IMO both of those Grammatico amps are some of the best Helix has to offer.

 

[Jim Soloway]

@Jim Soloway you should definitely download the free trial of Helix Native if you haven’t already, before pulling the trigger. You can even set it to Stomp compatibility mode so you know exactly what the DSP limitations of the Stomp are.

And in addition to the Super Reverb, Princeton, and Twin suggestions, definitely try the Grammatico GSG for cleans. Also I think the Grammatico LG does a great warm tweed clean tone for jazz, when it’s not cranked up to sound like Neil Young. IMO both of those Grammatico amps are some of the best Helix has to offer.

I have not but I will immediately ! Thanks.

 

[Sascha Franck]

Make sure to keep your input levels rather low-ish for Helix Native. There's a big thread about calibrating your interface for plugin usage here, but as you're quite familiar with things already, you possibly don't need to dive into it too deep.

 

[sashimi]

Make sure to keep your input levels rather low-ish for Helix Native. There's a big thread about calibrating your interface for plugin usage here, but as you're quite familiar with things already, you possibly don't need to dive into it too deep.

I was going to say the same thing. On my UA interfaces (volt and apollo) I turn the preamp gain all the way down for helix native.

 

[EOengineer]

The stomp is an amazing device, which is why L6 sold a bajillion of them. If it were my dollars, I’d probably hold out for the inevitable stadium stomp. There’s no way L6 doesn’t try to fill those shoes in the new platform.

 

[Elf]

I keep reading about new offerings coming from Line 6 and I'm wondering if an HX Stomp is still worth buying, or are they getting old enough to be reaching their expiry date? Even used they seem to still be selling for a pretty hefty amount considering how old the technology is. Any thoughts?

100% Yes! I'll never sell mine it does so many things well like a perfect instrument pedal Swiss army knife.

 

[Fireproof]

Definitely. It's pretty amazing little piece of kit. And Line6 made it clear that the Stadium(s) are a new line, not a replacement of Helix/HX. So not only is it pretty killer now as-is, it is still going to be supported and updated for a while to come. I would have no problem buying one today.

 

[Sascha Franck]

it is still going to be supported and updated for a while to come.

I doubt there's gonna be much substantial updates. Maybe the odd amp or effect and hopefully editor/plugin software compatibility support (always an issue for Mac users).

 

[bucephalus]

I was going to say the same thing. On my UA interfaces (volt and apollo) I turn the preamp gain all the way down for helix native.

Dumb question incoming. Do you mean the gain for the input channel of the interface? I have a Scarlett 2i2, that would be the gain dial on the input the guitar is in. I'm pretty new to recording with native so my apologies.

 

[sashimi]

Dumb question incoming. Do you mean the gain for the input channel of the interface? I have a Scarlett 2i2, that would be the gain dial on the input the guitar is in. I'm pretty new to recording with native so my apologies.

Yeah, I turn the input gain knob all the way down on my interface. Set to instrument input of course. If you dig into it on the internet I think there are some listed stats for the minimum input gain levels on different interfaces and the suggested input levels for different amp modeling plugins. But it’s probably safe to just turn it all the way down, and then maybe turn it up a hair only if you have to.

 

[Sascha Franck]

If you dig into it on the internet I think there are some listed stats for the minimum input gain levels on different interfaces and the suggested input levels for different amp modeling plugins.

Plenty of information right here in this very forum, no need to look any further:

Thread 'Calibrating Input Level for Plugins'

Nov 15, 2022

Note: Please don't quote this entire post, I may want to edit and add information or clarify things.
You can just reply without hitting the reply button, Thank You!

My method of calibrating your Audio Interface and Helix Native to match Helix hardware.
The result is more accurate gain from Helix Native equal to the Hardware, the last thing you want is to unknowingly set your vintage Telecaster to be as hot as a shredding axe with 18v EMGs, which a LOT of people mistakenly do.


1. Generate a 1kHz sine wave test tone in your DAW.

The free DD SigGen VST works great...

• James Freeman
• Replies: 869
• Forum: Digital & Modeling

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[bucephalus]

Appreciated both.

 

[Jarick]

Absolutely, I don’t think there’s anything that matches the utility for the price and space.

I’ve honestly thought about picking up a new HX Effects or Helix LT just to use with an amp for channel and effects switching.

 

[Fireproof]

I doubt there's gonna be much substantial updates. Maybe the odd amp or effect and hopefully editor/plugin software compatibility support (always an issue for Mac users).

Maybe so. But it’s not declared EOL or discontinued was my point.

Certainly buy it for its capabilities today which are already awesome, and not on expectations that a lot of new stuff is coming.

But it’s nice to know you’re buying something that is remaining in their line up for a while.