mercifulfuzziness
Shredder
- Messages
- 1,500
Hey all,
I’ve seen this question float around in bits and pieces, but I wanted to put it out there more directly: Can the HX Stomp hold its own as a dedicated audio interface, specifically for DAW-based production and playback? Not talking about tracking guitars, not talking about using it for amps or effects. Just treating it as an audio interface for making music inside the DAW, mixing, and general system playback.
I’ve done a fair bit of digging and wanted to sanity-check my findings against the real-world experience of folks here who actually know what they’re listening to.
TL;DR:
It works. But if you don’t need the amp/fx features, a Scarlett or MOTU will probably serve you better.
What I Found:
Important:
I’m NOT comparing it to an RME Babyface or Universal Audio Apollo. Totally different tier. This is strictly about the budget-to-midrange category.
Final Thought:
If you’re already using the HX Stomp in your rig, sure it’s good enough to double as an interface. But if you’re focused purely on making beats, producing, or mixing in a DAW, and you care about things like driver stability, converter transparency, and routing flexibility… something like a MOTU M2 or even a Scarlett will get you there with fewer compromises.
Would love to hear from anyone using the Stomp long-term in a production setup. Any surprises or caveats I missed?
Hope all is well with everyone!!!
I’ve seen this question float around in bits and pieces, but I wanted to put it out there more directly: Can the HX Stomp hold its own as a dedicated audio interface, specifically for DAW-based production and playback? Not talking about tracking guitars, not talking about using it for amps or effects. Just treating it as an audio interface for making music inside the DAW, mixing, and general system playback.
I’ve done a fair bit of digging and wanted to sanity-check my findings against the real-world experience of folks here who actually know what they’re listening to.
TL;DR:
It works. But if you don’t need the amp/fx features, a Scarlett or MOTU will probably serve you better.
What I Found:
- Drivers & Latency: HX Stomp performs decently here. It’s class-compliant and works fine on most systems, but it’s not as rock-solid or low-latency optimized as interfaces designed specifically for studio workflows. MOTU in particular tends to have better performance/stability in this range.
- Converter Quality: Not bad — but not exactly transparent either. It’s clearly optimized for guitar tone shaping rather than pristine, neutral playback. Interfaces like the Scarlett Solo/2i2 or MOTU M2/M4 generally offer flatter, more accurate conversion that’s better suited for mixing and referencing.
- Routing & Monitoring: This is where it gets clunky. HX Stomp routing is clearly built for pedalboard-style setups, not multi-channel DAW production. Direct monitoring isn’t as intuitive or flexible as what you get with, say, a MOTU + CueMix or even Focusrite Control.
- Workflow Fit: If you’re using the HX Stomp anyway (for guitar or portability), it’s a nice bonus that it can also act as an interface. But if you’re buying it just to use as an audio interface, there’s really no advantage — and a few disadvantages — compared to something purpose-built like a MOTU M2 or Scarlett 2i2.
Important:
I’m NOT comparing it to an RME Babyface or Universal Audio Apollo. Totally different tier. This is strictly about the budget-to-midrange category.
Final Thought:
If you’re already using the HX Stomp in your rig, sure it’s good enough to double as an interface. But if you’re focused purely on making beats, producing, or mixing in a DAW, and you care about things like driver stability, converter transparency, and routing flexibility… something like a MOTU M2 or even a Scarlett will get you there with fewer compromises.
Would love to hear from anyone using the Stomp long-term in a production setup. Any surprises or caveats I missed?
Hope all is well with everyone!!!
. I had two in a row that the big knob broke off, and their support sucked. Sweetwater took care of me, and I ended up selling the second replacement.
