HX STOMP or HX STOMP XL: Which One Is Right FOR YOU?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks for watching everyone! A quick correction: with the latest firmware update you can actually set the Footswitch to change modes on the Stomp via a footswitch, not just midi. Very nice that they added that feature! I wouldn’t be able to use it myself because I use my FS4 for a boost and FS5 for tap/tuner, but the option is there. Thanks to subscriber @guitarplayer1994 for pointing this out to me 🤘

[@Macilmoyle]

Regarding the size difference between the models. Because the original stomp’s ports are on 3 sides of the unit, you may need to allow extra space to allow for their cables. With the XL you only need to allow for space for these at the top

[@ScottUhlMusic]

That’s a great point!

[@Nimbin]

got the XL, its amazing also as a midi controller. for Ableton and other pedals. works great! and also they always update it and give you more effects

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice! I’ve used my Helix to control ableton before too, it works great!

[@davidroden3799]

Helpful video as always. Last year I upgraded from Stomp to XL and as you say, it is well worth the added cost. With Snapshots, one thing I do that works well - I use the command center to assign 'next snapshot' to one footswitch. Then I can toggle through the 4 snapshots. I rarely change snapshots during a song, so I create 4 versions of my boards - clean, dirty, high gain, and ambient - then I just select the one I need. I find this reduces how often I change boards.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice! Thats smart too. The command center is extremely helpful 🤘

[@ticklesmcqueen2702]

Great concise info as always Scott, this is my one stop channel for all things helix, i upgraded from stomp to full helix but still use the stomp for jamming at home.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! And yeah it’s great to have both of them for sure 🤘 such a well designed system

[@leesbassment6393]

Yep. I have the Stomp and the Midi Captain. It occurred to me that those two are bigger and more crap to haul than the XL, so I bought the XL. One other thing to consider is that if you use the effects loop and midi on the stomp, it takes up as much real estate as the XL.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yup, also a great point! There is a certain point where you can add more stuff…. Or just get the slightly larger one 👍

[@ZachPetch]

For what it's worth, your video about programming the HX Stomp was what lead me to your channel.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Oh nice! 🤘🤘

[@danc3746]

I have the LT, just recently bought the Stomp for a desktop unit, but I do miss the other buttons. You convinced me to return the Stomp and get the XL.

[@jamiereinig]

Hi Scott, just wanted to say a general thank you for all the gear videos. Most of the gear you review is beyond what I need as a novice, but it's GREAT to see what all is out there. I'm into gear, and your videos shine a light on product classes I didn't even know existed. Also a huge thank you for having inks to your previous videos in the description! So helpful for those of us who want to learn more about a specific concept. Cheers, and thanks again! I am now subbed!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thank you! I appreciate that 🤘 Thanks for the sub too. I always try to leave other resources in my videos for similar topics 🤘

[@fivefingerfullprice3403]

I was thinking of trading my Stomp for the XL but then I came to my senses and bought a Midi Baby 3 from Disaster Area and now I'm happy again!

[@davidmhuey]

Scott. Thanks for your channel and your help. Have you seen the Pedalnetics switch for the Stomp? It sits on top of the stomp so no loss of real estate on the pedalboard. It’s great!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yup! I’ve seen those and follow them. I do plan to do a video on their products at some point. I’m just swamped with videos right now (NAMM was great for the channel), but it’s on my list. They have some very cool stuff 🤘

[@PlayinOcean]

I started out with the HXFX + an amp, but recently bought the Stomp and combined both into a tiny pedalboard using MIDI. Yes, it would be easier to just use the full size Helix, but I like the option to just take the Stomp or the HXFX with me if needed. I now get the 2x DSP, the 4 snapshots from the HXFX (two of those share the same snapshot on the Stomp), and enough buttons to tapdance all night long. For someone who now only has the Stomp, I would think this is a better upgrade than going to the Stomp XL, but it requires a little more thought.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yeah, there is no right or wrong answer, just what works best for each individual. All the features and routing of the full Helix is amazing, but the portability of the stomp and XL are also quite amazing. After I got the Stomp, I only used my Helix at a few gigs. Now that I have the XL, I feel like it will be my main one

[@SteveSampsonMusic]

With the price difference, I went straight for the XL. I've had it for about a year I think and it's been incredible. I'm thinking of getting a stomp as well and combining them via midi to control each other. I used a guitar with a Piezo and Electric Pickups so it might give me more options with more blocks and DSP. Still planning it out. I would've just gone for the Helix Floor but this is easier for travel.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice! Glad it’s been working well for you 🤘

[@jnixo9900]

Because of tutorials like yours I did heaps of research and then purchased a Stomp XL. Like you I personally think its form factor, layout and the added switches make it a no brainer. It does everything I need it to do and I see no reason to get any other modeller yet and at half the price of the newer modellers why wouldn't you get one.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Agreed completely 🤘 Love the design of the XL!

[@elliotcurrie7143]

Unpopular opinion, but I love the pod go. It's limited, but it prevents endless editing and tweaking. ( I am very curious about the headrush core, though...)

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I know some people love their PodGO and others want to upgrade. I havent personally used one, but I had the HD500 back in the day and loved it

[@basilkatz700]

Very helpful video! Thanks a lot!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Andrew_O]

Certainly some great combos you can make for a compact pedalboard if you want to combine the core Helix sounds with a few extra effects on the side and not take over the whole floor. It's on my consideration list to replace the HD500 I'd been keeping as a backup rig as it's also more compact...

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yeah definitely. Especially if you want to use it with other pedals. They also just released the HX One for something even smaller. But I personally like the Stomp or HX Effects more in that situation. Man the HD500 was what brought me into the amp modeling / all-in-one world. I used it with my Mesa for the longest time. I actually sold plasma to be able to buy it. And then the addiction started 🤣

[@Andrew_O]

@@ScottUhlMusic My Progression starting in the 90's with a DOD FX7 (sounded like a chainsaw!), then the Boss VF-1 half-rack, and through the GT family (8, 10, 100), before settling on the HD500 for a while, getting a Helix LT I never really got to learning, then the Headrush Pedalboard. So far the HRPB has served me well but I know the Helix has some better sounds going for it and I just wish I could get a betting mix between size & interface. Something compact yet flexible so that I can "just play" without wasting space or complicating my flow. Would be great to see a pluggable interface PB come out to bridge that gap and allow for users to customize their performance mode. A guy can dream, right? :)

[@iangrant8290]

I'm really bad at remembering all the different functions the buttons have so I went with the XL and run it in stompbox mode (caveman mode) exclusively. I picked it up as the core of my fly rig and it's become my every day rig. I absolutely love it. Really can't recommend it enough unless you really need the smaller form factor of the regular Stomp.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Nice! Glad you enjoy it. And I agree completely 🤘

[@iangrant8290]

@@ScottUhlMusic For Sure! Thanks for all the great content, Scott. Everything I've ever bought or tried based on your recommendations has worked really well for me.

[@bruce9531]

Great info, thank you. What I would really like to see/hear is a video doing a deep dive into the individual effects, particularly since I'm considering this as a fly rig.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! Man, that would take forever to do a dive into that haha. But that would be cool.

[@orlandoguitarist]

How about neither? I use the HX Effects with the Friedman IR-X in one loop and an Eventide H9 Max in the other loop. This way the HX Effects can control all three devices via MIDI and all effects can be placed anywhere in the signal chain.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

If that works for you, great! HX Effect is a great option as well. But I’ll be using my HX Stomp XL… also controlled via midi 👍

[@mfalkon]

I love my Pod Go. It has the same buttons as the Stomp XL plus a built in expression pedal for about half the price.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I have heard good things about the Pod as well (except for the midi functions). Haven’t tried it though. But I do love my Stomp/XL a lot

[@Eliminator-rl9sn]

Thanks for this very informative video. I appreciate your videos very much.....

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks!

[@chucksaeger7500]

You just explain stuff so well it’s unbelievable! Do you access these pedals with your feet or by midi? Thanks dude!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks Chuck! And you can do it either way, which is what’s great about them!

[@teldinstarstorm]

Great Video and Great info. I want to use one of these, but with the 8 block limitation, and my unique setup with an external synth pedal in the external loop, it's a problem. I'd have to have 2 of these and I don't want 2. But I keep watching to see if they ever increase the limit because I like everything else about these!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! And in that case you might be interested in the full Helix…. Or at least using snapshots and then changing presets sometimes as well if you need to keep it portable / compact 🤘

[@RoxSantos017]

Hey Scott, great video! I've been wondering for a while now. Would it be possible to use two Hx stompes at the same time for double dsp and have them connected through MIDI, so when you press a foot switch in one of them it affects the second unit as well?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! And yes you can do that for sure. It will take some programming, and a few limitations, but yes you can

[@MrGul]

Holy moly, these are WAY cheaper where you live than it is here in Sweden! The XL costs the equivalent of $850 and the regular HX Stomp is $710, which is a difference of $140 instead of $50.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Oh interesting! I do think it’s still worth it, but that’s quite a difference

[@WakizashiSabre]

Same in Czech... Ended up with XL by trade, but I guess for a bass, Id prefer the smaller unit...

[@steve_one]

Another great video Scott, I have the Stomp XL and was thinking of using it with the XSonic Airstep for snapshots, I was wondering if you have an Airstep perhaps you could do a demo video for using it with the Stomp/XL. If not no probs, as always, we really enjoy your thorough videos. Thanks 👍

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I don’t have the airstep, but I’ll have to look into it. I use the MVave midi controller and it works well, but I have it connected to my iPad via Bluetooth. I like the Midi Captain by Paint Audio a lot

[@steve_one]

@@ScottUhlMusic Thanks Scott, I also have the MVave, I think it's called the chocolate, I use that for Stage Traxx on my iPad. I heard the Airstep has some good reviews which is why I am curious.

[@perro0076]

Sooo. If we consider this as a pre amp. What kind of power amp would be good? A valve amp that you can by pass its preamp section? A solid state affair like the Orange Pedal Baby? Or straight into a mixer?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I honestly sold all my guitar amps and I just go direct now. I know the Helix and Stomp inside out…. Except for using it with an amp or power amp haha. I’m just too big of a fan of going direct personally. But I know you can use it in either way 👍

[@perro0076]

@ScottUhlMusic Ah, OK. Same here, but I've gone the AMT Bricks way. For the music I like, I don't need an array of pedals. Nice review BTW

[@papadavewatson]

The Kemper Power cab, the Tone Master Pro cab, The Line 6 powered cab, or any powered frff speaker. You can even go into the power amp section on the back of a Boss Katana.

[@saspencer1992]

Man I kinda wish I owned the XL! I’m currently on a ship using the HX Stomp with a 2 button midi switch for Mode/FS5. I also use an external Overdrive and a mini expression. The board fits in my suitcase, but man that XL would’ve save me having to build a board in the first place lol. Might get the XL anyway and switch it out for travel gigs and put the HX back on the main board with the analog pedals, great video!!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Hey it works! Haha, but yeah I did similar and it’s really nice to have the XL now and just have it all in one. But the stomp is still a great unit 🤘🤘

[@guitarplayer1994]

Actually, I assigned one of the extra switches to switch between the modes.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Ahhh I just looked into it and it looks like that’s a new feature with the new firmware update on the stomp. Thats great that they did that! I’ll be sure to add a pinned comment. Thanks for letting me know 👍 I just updated my stomp to the latest firmware for this video, and checked if there were any new global settings, but did not check that individually. Thanks again 🤘

[@LuisSalazar-do3xi]

Bro thank you so much for all the info, you the best! Question: is there any other way to connect to the HX Edit app (Mac) other with an USB cable? The USB port on my Helix broke and was wondering about a way around.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! And no, it’s only done via usb. Hope you can get it fixed 🤘

[@davidbraman3948]

Thinking about porting my MX Floor to a Stomp for more portable situations. I’m good with the smaller signal chain, but a lot of my songs use 5 snap shots. Can I use midi mapping to make up the difference, say adjusting tone settings on my amp?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

MIDI mapping is always helpful for making adjustments for sure! And helix family is great with midi

[@jeremycooper8978]

Hey Scott. Thanks for making this - as a Stomp user who is toying with upgrading to the XL, this was really informative. I do have a question about operating the XL - I use the trick (which I learned from you) of assigning one of the foot switches on the Stomp to toggle an increase in the output volume to give a completely clean boost without using up an effect block. Is it possible to assign one of the 6 foot switches in footswitch mode to control this, or in footswitch mode can you only control effect blocks on and off? Also, in snapshot mode, if you are largely going to be staying on one present and don't need the ability to bank up and down, can you reassign those footswitches (and the mode / tap tempo) footswitches to control other things, like turning effect blocks on and off? Or is it not that flexible?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! And yes, that output block assign is definitely possible with the xl with one of the 6 footswitches 👍 And I’m not sure on reassigning the down up arrows when you are on the snapshot screen. I don’t know about that. But command center will give you some deeper control: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZi9loCwo7J1fKMsi=-I5Y_MSzOFY2GQ70

[@jeremycooper8978]

@@ScottUhlMusic Thanks, very helpful to know :)

[@francescochissale]

Hey thanks a lot! Quick question though. I wanted to get the Stomp XL soon, but I wanted to use it with the cab at the end and keep it on Path B (for FOH and IEM so 2 outs), and keep Path A cab-less (only really need just 1 out). Is it possible to go with Path A through the FX send and keep Path B on the Main Output? Otherwise any idea on how can I make this "cab-less and with cab paths" thing work by any chance without relying on adapters, cables, and whatnot? Thanks a lot!

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I believe you can do path A and B in that way. I have a video about using split paths here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGfGnZSBisyhm8ksi=jB2vjuBpu5gsGKy8 But I’ll be honest, I use everything direct now. So I’m not as familiar with that setup

[@keoves]

hey scott! a question kind of outta context, did you ever try the expression pedal on the Helix LT by chance? i'm planning to get the LT but i don't know how much the mighty expression pedal on Helix Floor differs from its little brother.

[@dylanhoward718]

Not sure what you're asking g but I have an lt and the expression pedal works great.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I have used an external expression input on both the helix and the hx stomp and it’s worked well 🤘 pedals, footswitches, and even other ones and it worked well with all of them 👍

[@purplesundaze7881]

Bro can you change patches in the stomp with a basic range of preprogrammed effects by using just your feet in the stomp?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I’m not sure what you are asking, but if you want more control with the stomp, watch this video; kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHfUqIOCo6iXabssi=EGluwfGJ4P2o0vs9

[@lemonmon7656]

Quick heads up, the sweetwater links in your video description aren't working . Cheers and thanks for the information!

[@BeforeAndAfterScience]

They all work fine for me. Maybe it's a region thing, or maybe DNS.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Hmmm they seem to be working on my end. Thanks for letting me know, but the links are working when I try them. It could be your region maybe?

[@lemonmon7656]

@@ScottUhlMusic sorry for any confusion, they are working now. I poked their support at that time and their servers were having some problems but it’s resolved now.

[@mrcs73ma]

I tried to buy HX Stomp from the affiliate links you shared but the prices on Sweatwater are different from what was stated in the video. That's $150 more (XL at $749.99 and standard at $699.99). Has the product increased in price or do you have a discount code for the prices stated in the video?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Oh interesting, perhaps they were on sale when I reviewed them and now they are “normal” priced again

[@hubertried19]

Thank you very much for this insightful video. Personally, I would be very interested in a comparison between the 'HX Stomp XL' and the HX flagship (LT?)."

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! And I do have the full Helix as well but not the LT. Perhaps I’ll do a video of them in the future 👍 Thanks for the suggestion

[@lanceholland]

Another plus of the XL is the ability to do footswitch parameter editing like a helix.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Footswitch parameters? What do you mean? Because you can edit parameters on the stomp as well, unless I’m misunderstanding

[@lanceholland]

@@ScottUhlMusic On the Stomp XL, if you press and hold the mode switch, it enters Pedal Edit Mode. The footswitches corresponding to the effects will show up on the left side buttons. Press the footswitch corresponding to the effect you want to edit and you can then navigate between the parameters and change their values. If you go to Page 14 in the manual, they describe this.

[@rovenordiales]

Yeah so XL you can edit using your feet... 😂

[@lanceholland]

@@rovenordiales It's pretty slick. I ended selling the XL and keeping the Stomp but I do miss that feature. My mini Stomp board is the backup rig for my Fractal FM9. But, it's just as capable and sounds great through FOH. I could have just as easily kept the XL. It just depends whether you have other pedals you like.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Oh cool! Thats quite impressive!! Thanks for sharing that. I wasn’t aware of that one

[@bjarkenielsen8515]

What do you prefer: The HX Stomp XL or a Mooer GTRS with remote controller?

[@ScottUhlMusic]

The stomp sounds better for sure, but the convenience of the GTRS with Bluetooth pedal is quite amazing and convenient. Usually if I need to change tunings during a set I use the Stomp with my variax. If not, I use the GTRS. Both are great! Stomp sounds better, and GTRS is more convenient

[@andylee5812]

Why does my XL mode button just go between stomp and presets? I don't get the snapshot mode

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yeah that’s the way it does it by default. I mention in the video to change the snapshot mode to toggle. Then it will go to snapshots

[@telee19]

Man…I want both

[@unabonger777]

these went up $149 since 3 months ago? I am seeing the XL is now $749

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I believe it was on sale when I did the video

[@jbknows3845]

For $50 more the XL is a way better deal…Scott will you make a video of the Kemper player? I have my eyes on it.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Thanks! And I would love to try it out for sure

[@MarcusFHurt]

Wow... I'm a month too late. XL is now $750 on sweetwater. :(

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yeah, it’s still worth it, but I believe it was on sale when I posted the video

[@danielectics9435]

So 12 days ago the XL was $600 on Sweetwater and now it’s $750? Unbelievable.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

I believe it was actually on sale when I did this video. I just found that out, so that’s more the “normal” price

[@GillRigged]

Still waiting for a Helix Floor XL/Maxx with double the DSP. Bass players, I tell ya 😂

[@ScottUhlMusic]

🤣🤣

[@dylanhoward718]

Same. unfortunately witg my favorite new fx ( poly capo and feedbacker) there's only room for either or on the same path. Which sounds easy to get around but I use a lot of fx and path a for guitar and path B for bass at the same time.

[@papadavewatson]

Only 50 bucks difference. It's a no brainer.

[@queeffersthrlnd1620]

Too bad the prices went up to 700 and 750 for the xl

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Yeah it seems like it was on sale when I posted this. It’s still worth it for sure!

[@queeffersthrlnd1620]

@@ScottUhlMusic is that really the case when for like another 150 you can get into the 1k range of modelers? like the helix lt , higher end headrush or even the core which is 799 only 40 more than the stomp xl, or boss gt1000 to name a few.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Depends on your needs: portability/compact but still powerful vs more features but less compact

[@queeffersthrlnd1620]

@@ScottUhlMusic yeah I don’t really have a pedal board yet so it would be an all in one that I’m looking for. I just have a mini pedal and 2 switches for the amp reverb and dirty channel. Not sure if portability matters as long as it Can do enough to not need more pedals anytime soon. Maybe I’ll wait until the hx stomp xl is on sale but man it’s sucks seeing it reviewed for much lower and having to pay almost 250 more 😂

[@ChiroVette]

Neither of the above. Fractal FM9 all the way. Nothing by line 6 or any of the other companies doing modeling or effects even comes close to what Fractal is doing.

[@ScottUhlMusic]

Helix, Quad Cortex, Fractal, Kempers, they are all great. The Stomp is a phenomenal unit, and it’s one of the most affordable, most compact, and easiest to setup. Fractals are great…. But their fanboys are obnoxious. But use what you enjoy 👍

[@alunjprice]

So why did you even click on the video?

[@jnixo9900]

someones trying to justify an overpriced purchase.

[@hockeyman2274]

Love my Line 6 stuff - just saying.