The firmware is essentially the same between Helix devices. The main difference is processing power and having certain features unavailable.

If you're using it for recording, try giving the demo version of Helix Native a try. It's the plug-in version with all the Helix features. That's a good way of seeing if you like how it sounds.

Helix Native does go on sale once in a while for about 50% off (e.g., Black Friday). It seems to be on sale now.

 

I don't understand the chucking rocks but I have the. Bigger model hxfx and its pretty awesome. Everything can be controlled by your pc and you can program your volume pedal to act as a controller for different effects

 

I had the HX Stomp for a short time and was immediately and completely blown away by it. It didn't take long for me to wish it had more power as you're limited to 8 blocks. I was also wishing it had more switches so I quickly upgraded to the LT which has 2x the power and plenty of switches.

The editor is so nice and simple compared to something like the Tonex which to me was a pure nightmare. I should say I don't use the unit itself to edit things but it seems most people find that fairly intuitive.

You probably already know it can double as an interface as well which is a bonus for those without a separate interface, I should give that a try some day but I'm still using a separate interface.

 

I had the HX Stomp for a short time and was immediately and completely blown away by it. It didn't take long for me to wish it had more power as you're limited to 8 blocks. I was also wishing it had more switches so I quickly upgraded to the LT which has 2x the power and plenty of switches.

The editor is so nice and simple compared to something like the Tonex which to me was a pure nightmare. I should say I don't use the unit itself to edit things but it seems most people find that fairly intuitive.

You probably already know it can double as an interface as well which is a bonus for those without a separate interface, I should give that a try some day but I'm still using a separate interface.

I do’t think I will ever need more than 3 switches and 8 blocks(Indont even know what a block is).

What do you use to edit?

I was aware that you can use it as an interface which would be handy.

 

If you really want a smaller sized modelling pedal, I don't think there is a better choice than the HX stomp. Line 6 still provides updates for new models and tweaks the engine software for all their Helix modellers despite being about a decade old. These (free) updates haven't been frequent these past few years but it shows the continued support and commitment LIne 6 has for their customers. It's great a company still does this while others are charging for any additions or extras.

This pedal is my most often used pedal while sitting at the desk practicing. The companion computer software, HX Edit, is intuitive for quick control of your presets and on the fly settings. Like others have mentioned, the DSP is limited but if you're expecting to use a straight forward chain, i.e. noise gate, compressor, boost, amp, delay, reverb and EQ, then you'll be fine. Once you start creating chains with 2 parallel amps, then you'll be severely limited to which effects you can select as amp blocks need much more DSP.

Helix Native, the computer software version of this is regularly $400 USD but can be purchased for $100 USD if you own a helix modeler.

 

When you say “play direct” do you mean a playback system away from your computer?

If you plan to be at the computer anyway, helix native may be a better solution.

I’d say rent one from l&m for a week and see how you like it.

 

I have a powered monitor as well so I could use it direct.

I am also technology challenged and would prefer to turn knobs and push buttons!

 

While the Hx stomp is really good, so is the Boss Gx-10 or Gx-100, and the Boss is cheaper. I have GX-10 and I'm really happy with it.

 

The Boss units are excellent.

I have a Boss GT-100 (not the same as what the OP is looking for, I don't think) and at one point I tried it against units from Line 6, Headrush, and at least one higher end Boss unit. After testing them out I realized I was good with what I had. It just works, and it does all I need it to do.

The GT-100, and many of the other Boss units, can be found for good prices on the used market.

 

I like my HX Stomp XL, but you really need to get impulse responses to make it come alive. Lots of free ones out there. It is easy to edit, but can get a little too into the weeds for my liking. Still, I get good sounds.

You may also want to give the Headrush Flex Prime a gander. Touchscreen editing is attractive.

 

Any suggestion on where to get these IR’s? I have a real big concern that I am going to end up in a rabbit hole in those weeds!

 

Also worth considering is a used AX8. It's a great unit and is usually between $750-800 used. (I like mine.)

If you're okay with a simpler signal chain, the POD Go is also solid. It has a well-implemented expression pedal, which I find handy.

 

Hey Mark! I will say the Stomp is a very great sounding unit, but you do need to be somewhat into tech to get the right IRs and knowing the unit to get the most out of it. They can sound not the best if you don’t know what’s what. I’d recommend the Friedman IRX if you’re more into less tech and just turning a few knobs and playing. Lots of tones to be had and it’s versatile. I have one and love it. I actually used it last night at rehearsal and the other guitarist uses his Stomp. Quality sounds. Similar overall. My tone took me literally 30 seconds to get. Other guy has been messing with his unit for months, tweaking, changing, multiple amp tones, that still need adjusting. Just my 2cents.

 

I took in all your advise and went a bought a HX Stomp anyway! I am about to test how techy I am, don’t let fear and common sense stand in my way!

 

Congrats on new purchase. The HX Stomp manual might seem overwhelming and this is coming from someone who grew up and works in the tech industry. I still refer to it from time to time if I need to understand a new concept or setup I haven't explored yet.

Latest HX Stomp manual from Line 6
HX Stomp quick start videos by Line 6
If you decide to control the HX Stomp with a computer, this is the software (HX Edit) manual

 

I had the afternoon to play with this,why did I not go down this rabbit hole years ago!

I bought a rental unit from L&M and it was really flucked up, reset to factory, downloaded updates. Ran it into my monitor system and the variation of sound was mind boogling. Some I will never have a purpose, the Helix Edit sure seems like a powerful tool. I have enough to learn with this unit that I dont need IR’s and more downloads.

 

When I went to fire everything up that I had working the HX Edit couldn't connect to the stomp, back to the drawing board I guess!

Doesn‘t seem to be many Stomp users on this forum?

 

I'm sure there are plenty of stomp owners on here. It's such a convenient device. As for not being able to connect to the pedal, I've noticed this happens after a certain period of time has passed. I'm not sure of what the exact conditions are but the connection times out after an extended period of not being used. I'm on an Apple Mac and closing the HX Edit app and relaunching it re-establishes the connection.

 

 

Haha, suddenly you are more than an amp guru! Have you tried restarting it?

Twice already IT guy!

 

I downloaded updates for both the HX Edit and HX Stomp and got it connected again. Does anyone know if there is an order that the Edit and Stomp should be started? @d69f ?

 

I dont think so.. i usually start up the stomp first then the edit. For the record, ive had zero issues with them not connecting, so maybe its a firmware issue u had.

 

Thanks, I am not sure what firmware is, an update?

 

Yes firmware is an update. Line 6 issues new firmware every so often to fix bugs in the software, and more importantly to add new amps, effects, etc to the unit.

 

I updated both the HX Edit and stomp and it appears to be working well. Thank you for the explanation @Voxguy76 . I am impressed with the editing feature, time to learn how to save those edits. I checked out some of the effects today and they apparently have to be connected to an amp, they are obviously need to be connected to an amp. I am good for now using the Dir settings.

 

Not to hijack this thread, but does anybody know if the HX stomp or stomp XL can do more than 2 pitch blocks in a given preset?

 

I've never tried but I can when I'm back home later today.

 

You don't need IR's. The new cab block, with the ability to use dual cabs with different mics and placements is killer. I thought I needed IR's, but I was able to get as good, if not better, sounds using the stock cab block. When buying 3rd party IR's, you're always relying on the mic positions someone else likes, with the HX cab block, you can set it up to your liking.

 

I agree with not needing IRs. I sometimes use them out of convenience because they're easily portable between different software platforms.

 

The more I play with this, the better it gets! Connecting to HX Edit makes it way easier to change presets with pressing two buttons at the same time sticking your tongue out to the left. I am struggling referencing which amp they are replicating, I understand that they can’t use names.

 

Master list of all FX amp, cab, etc. models:

Click here

 

Anyone using a Boss FC-6 with their Stomp, I have read several reviews where it worked and didn’t work. I just happen to have one kicking around.

 

I have to bring this thread back! I am totally digging this gadget, I have only scratched the surface. I can’t decide on 3 settings. Every time I pick a different setting. I can’t believe I resisted modelling for so long! In my ill spent youth I created thunder with a driven tube amp and 4x12. Well they have this Revv amp setting in there with a 4x12 cabinet that makes thunder without cranking things up? What is this sorcery and witchcraft?

 

What is this sorcery and witchcraft?

Mainly electronics.