Is THIS the Best Pedal Ever Made? HX Stomp - What Do You Think?

[@joelgoico8524]

The HX Stomp is the Star Trek Tricorder of music gear. It will do it all. I’ve even used it to monitor my glucose and diagnose my Toyota’s Electrical system.

[@Tone2town]

Me too used it on my taco and all 😂💪🤙😊

[@ManchurianCounterweight]

I use mine to control my home lighting system, and I understand Boeing is purchasing thousands to use to fix their computing issues.

[@stevethebeeline44]

Global warming solution and free energy for humanity update incoming in the next HX update!

[@steveliberty]

You nailed it with the phrase "real, meaningful updates". I bought the Ampero II Stomp hoping to take advantage of 12 blocks compared to the 8 in my HX Stomp. As one would expect, there were some issues with the A2S in it's first version. But, since its release, they have released NO "real, meaningful updates". Problems still exist, and almost nothing added in terms of features/models. And they mislead the folks that own the pedal by claiming that they would do 4 releases per year (they didn't), and that bug fixes and scenes would be coming (they haven't), etc. I eventually sold it and continue to use the HX Stomp as my main rig. I have thought about upgrading to an XL....but since I have a MIDI controller and have gotten used to using it to supplement the HX Stomp's footswitches, the upgrade seems only marginally worthwhile. Plus the original HX Stomp is 1/2 the size, so it can be taken to a jam very conveniently without the MIDI controller when that makes sense.

[@jclebedev]

Yep, buying any of these devices which are very powerful and complicated computers from a Chinese company is a huge gamble. I noticed Ampero released a new updated model, and deletes my comments when I ask about updates for the old unit lol.

[@arrighioce]

Did the same thing and was so let down by Hotone.

[@AEP2x]

I have the same experience with the Ampero Stomp, and am selling mine. I really liked the quality of modeling and thought it was going to be serious comp. For HX stomp as I'm not a helix fan, but it's been disappointing!

[@89digits59]

Yes, it has made it's way into historic Pedals, it's the Swiss Army Knife of Pedals.

[@AlexVonCrank]

Swiss Army Knife.

[@89digits59]

I corrected now, thanks @@AlexVonCrank

[@toddlee7498]

HX Effects for those of us who just want to plug into an amp. The yearly free Helix updates with new effects is like Christmas Day for Helix owners. Very Apple like in that once you figure out how to use one Helix product you are able to use them all. I bought a TC Electronics 65 Deluxe and a Headrush 108 FRFR that work exceptionally well with the HX Effects. I can load in two guitars in gig bags, a pedal board in a back pack and the Headrush in one trip without a trip to the chiropractor after the gig. My amps may never leave home again.

[@ManchurianCounterweight]

my amps left home one last time, and never came back.

[@metalmover]

It’s amazing….by itself….with drives before it…with drives in the 1st loop….with wet effects in the 2nd loop…breaking into an amp’s effects loop…or even as an effects processor. I own the XL version….i took my time replacing pedals that I have relied on for a long time. I still use my tube amps….all the time….but in some way this unit is always involved. Sold my 6 strymon v2 pedals after buying this unit….replaced my h9 too.

[@goldbug1974]

The HX Stomp has been a game changer for me. It is so versatile and I love the small foot print. I put a Wampler Tumnus in front of it with a JHS Charlie Brown in the effects loop so I can move that block around. It all fits on a pedal train nano with room for a double switch pedal adding two more stomps. Pretty much can get anything I need that way.

[@mutantboy8888]

Yes, the HX Stomp is a magical machine!

[@ogmakefirefiregood]

I have really dug into my Boss GX100. I think it is by far the best pedal I have ever used. I get lots of compliments on my tone. Edit: second place, Eventide H90

[@GaryDGuitar]

Also using the Boss GX100. Absolutely love it!

[@ogmakefirefiregood]

@GaryDGuitar it is really versatile and full of great effects. I have the same program copied across an entire bank so that each user number acts like "seen mode" with different gain stages or more than one effect activated. That way, I can press one footswitch to completely change my sound without any Gap in the signal. I really like the Amp models as well. Not overwhelming and mostly usable.

[@ThePlanarchist]

Yes and can't see how it could be beaten other than a bit more DSP. Amazing machine.

[@bengalinsky4300]

I used to run a ton of pedals, now use an hx stomp xl while retaining some pedals in the send/return loops. Not just a convenient, time-saving, weight saving pedal but it sounds incredible. I have owned many of the oedals it models and the majority of them are damn near perfect replicas. Also, anyone tried it on a synth? Spectacular!

[@scottyldavis]

Yes I agree with the HX Stomp as the best pedal ever made! It does it all!

[@JohnMcGFrance]

Up until November last year I’d have said Boss BD2 blues driver, but now HX Stomp all day long. Love it!

[@Ryan-tv4wc]

Recently switched over to the HX Stomp from multiple modulation/reverbs/Strymons, and I would have to say, yes, at the very least, the HX Stomp is definitely one of the best ever made. User friendly, simple functionality, and musical. Pair it with a strong midi platform, and you've covered almost all of your bases, if not ALL of your bases. Definitely think it's one of the best gear purchases I've made in 25 years of playing and gigging.

[@hermespadilla]

In 2024, I would love to know if line 6 is coming up with a new version of the HX stomp any time soon. I have been on the fence about getting one, since it's been a while since it came out and also because I would still buy this version if a new one come up, but I would love a discount on the "old" version.

[@TheGuitarBay]

YES IT IS! 🎉 The only thing that i‘m struggling with is it’s completely cured my GAS because it does pretty much everything amazingly well regardless what effect, amp or cab! It even handles Analog pedals very well! Happy owner here 😃

[@ManchurianCounterweight]

my pedal board and my boogies sit around gathering dust. I really need to sell, and just keep my timmy and my 1988 RAT.

[@ricklaurens5884]

I have sold all my pedals (some really good/expansive ones) and am running two HX Stomp pedals. One for Amp & IR and all the fx I have before the amp, and one that runs all the post amp fx. Controlling it with a Morningstart MC8. Could not be happier. Might be able to this with a Helix but this is smaller/lighter and if one of them fails to work I have presets that cover the essentials so I can keep on playing. Some other favorites are Timmy, Tone Press, Halo, Immerse mkII.

[@Francis23777]

The HXStomp is the MVP of guitar pedals, effects wise I have a Dirty Shirley pedal which sounds insane for drive and Neunaber which for me WET is by far the best reverb ever made, is a marvelous time to play guitar, everyone enjoy !!!!

[@ernieleduc9090]

I have the HX and the HXL. The most recent updates were a game-changer for me.

[@maxymstoiakevych4139]

Ampero 2 stomp with the newest firmware update is amazing!

[@robinr.2233]

TS-808, Rat and/or a Zindrive end up in all my HX Stomp presets. One of those plus an amp with reverb gets it done.

[@macmac838]

Rat + TS-808 is the best in HX Stomp

[@stevekatz5685]

i have a TMP, QC, HR and now HXSXL - and man i gotta agree with you - esp for live!!!

[@johanrautenbach]

You are just a phenomenal player John. Channeling some Eric Johnson chords at the end. Just brilliant playing

[@GitShiddy]

Initial thought was fuzz, that's the pedal that evolved the sound of guitar henceforth. However it's impossible to choose between ToneBender, Fuzz Face, & Big Muff because of how essential each one is. Then I thought Delay, but the Echoplex isn't a pedal, the Memory Man maybe, but I fully put the DL4 into that hallowed ground as well. In 30 years tone snobs will be paying thousands to have a DL4 & I feel like it's the only digital multi function thing that'll reach that status. The Whammy mkI which I think is the first pedal to allow for digital pitch effects which have evolved throughout the years to be in every type of effect in numerous different ways. The Fuzz triumvirate, the Memory Man, The Whammy, & The DL4 I feel are the pedals that allowed for everything else to evolve forward, not only in effects but in music. So they'd be the most important effects imo.

[@MattFicarra]

I do really like it, but like the xl version a bit better. The regular stomp is great for in the house use, but I find myself wanting to hook up more pedals to it so I have more presets. The XL gives me that option without the hassle of plugging in and routing cables without compromising much size.

[@love4thetruth]

I have tried all kinds of others. But for me, I love the Helix. I plug my Shure 215 SE in-ears directly into it and then route the house monitoring system back into the Helix for me to hear the perfect blend. I go out xlr in stereo. There is no better and more versatile unit than the Helix.

[@picksalot1]

The HX Stomp is my favorite pedal by far, and I got it for what it can do, and to replace a bunch of other pedals. 👍 The same "Encoder" on my 3.5 year old unit started to slip/skip a few months ago as well. What was your solution? PLEASE ANSWER 🙏🙏🙏

[@poesybeat]

It’s one of the best reverb pedals ever made. That alone is impressive. Being able to stack three reverbs with a dedicated foot switch for each reverb makes this incredibly versatile - plus you can modulate and distort those reverbs and attach an expression pedal. I’d wager you could do a lot of what the Mercury X does with an HX Stomp. And the quality of the reverbs is very high IMO.

[@ManchurianCounterweight]

yeah, the new reverbs from the past few updates are amazeballs.

[@jaysmoreymusic]

I have my eyes on an HX Stomp to go with my Tonex. Also a Timeline user who likes the pedal, but it takes up too much space for one or two presets used. I'd love to find a smaller form factor (Halo-sized) delay that has deep editing software (incl low pass, high pass, and mod), is MIDI controllable, and top notch converters. Also, someone needs to make a delay where there are compression controlls on the wet signal so you can control how loud the initial repeats are. Many have the first repeat too loud.

[@willemmerson4524]

agreed DL4 is probably one of the best pedals also loving my new HX stomp thanks to this channel and your advice and guideance cheers!

[@guitarspeakpodcast1383]

Yep, absolutely the best thing on my board. Amp gigs, IEM silent stage gigs, recording. Killer tones, updates that are useful, plays well with others (a small midi controller takes it next level). Cons: fewer switches and DSP limits rule it out for me as a stand alone live pedal. But in conjunction with a few other pedals on a board it rules.

[@rossbulcock552]

My entire rig is an HX Stomp with my Mesa Boogie Mk5-25 using 4 cable method. This was primarily done three years ago to take advantage of the reverbs and delays. Interesting to note that I haven't bought another pedal since, and find it hard to justify acquiring anything new, as there is more than enough unused potential sitting there already wired up and ready to go.

[@joeltunnah]

As someone who once owned an Alesis Quadraverb, Digitech RP12, and several Korg multieffects boards back when they were new, and one of the original Line6 Spider amps (I swear that’s a Mandela Effect, they were called “Spyder” with a “y”)… I’m a huge Line6 and HXStomp fan. Perfect size, great sounds, amazing flexibility, easy-ish to program, great switches, attractive, and costs the same as only 3 standard one effect pedals.

[@andersestes]

Would love to now how you people use the stomp with a tube amp. I use a Peavey Delta Blues, and I'm struggling to get great tones with that combination. Stomp sounds awesome direct.

[@macmac838]

Marshall DSL 20cr + HX Stomp XL + Cry Baby from Hell wah ❤

[@swatchcovers5401]

Also the digitech digi delay. It has a reverse, you can loop, you can get a ring mod kind of sound to it, and my fav is you can use the loop to stutter. When I was doing the mathrock thing the loop stutter was essential.

[@dpepke]

I went from an elaborate strymon midi board to a hx stomp with a tuner, a DI and a cioks DC7 on a PT Nano board. Super small, super capable and even cured my pedal GAS.

[@yikelu]

Yeah HX Stomp is incredible. Form factor is a huge part of it for me. That makes it incredibly pedalboard friendly. All the larger units (Stomp XL included, which I own too) by virtue of their size dominate a small pedalboard and want to be the centerpiece and take the place of most of your rig. The Stomp on the other hand is very comfortable replacing 3 functions your pedalboard. Chorus/delay/reverb? Sure. Pre -amp section? Not a problem. Multi-channel amp replacement? No problem. Weird FX? Why not. It can also do any combination of these, up to its DSP and display limitations of course. So it can also be an all-in-one.

[@misterringer]

after the last year of updates, I'm going with FM3, but HX stomp is still massive value (recent price pop in the UK notwithstanding)

[@triton1044]

Woohoo! I use the DL4 MKII and that was one of my answers to the poll! The other was the GE-7 :D

[@gilku4725]

@Nathan - Is there a pedal like the hx stomp but with a midi sync’d looper?

[@LivinginLosAngeles-re5yx]

How close do we feel the Ampero 2 Stomp is to HX Stomp, two similar products. Thoughts?

[@strifer81]

I can’t wait to see what the next iteration of the HX Stomp is, even though it doesn’t really need it at this point

[@MattLawhonMusic]

What are you using to get that shimmer/delay sound at the very end of the intro? It’s beautiful

[@mamifero.efimero]

I need the 2 chips in a HX Stomp XL size

[@IamMusicNerd]

A subjective question obviously, but the best sounding pedals to my ears are the ones that do one thing extremely well, rather than trying to do 100 things pretty well. In terms of the number of sounds you can get it, might be the most versatile, but definitely not the best in my opinion. If I was trying to find one pedal that did a lot of sounds extremely well, I much prefer the sounds that I can get out of something like the Eventide H90.

[@Superboygamer1028]

I tried Helix, Pod Go, and even down the line on those cheaper amp modelers, nothing beats th HX Stomp!

[@aaronhiggs]

I’m more of Boss Gt1000 core man myself. The Hx stomp is definitely the Swiss Army knife of guitar pedals.

[@AlecBourneMidiMadScientist]

Hxstomp for sure, it is the pedal i have ever bought 2 of. I reckon a better question would be which pedal in the last decade is a better question. If a box can go as number 1 for a full decade that is quite enough of an accomplishment.

[@luisfguitar]

I agree, and that's coming from someone that uses full analog gear in gigs. At home, i use Nam and some other plugins to practice and learn songs, cause its too much work and trouble to use my amps and pedals in a fucken apartment. In the future i plan to go digital and practical. And so far i haven't seen anything that beats the hx. A friend has it and it sounds awesome. Also i love the boss katana, what a beatiful sound. My dream digital rig would be a hx stomp controlling a tonex, with an exp pedal and those ampero extra footswitches. The amp would be the katana 100w.

[@TLMuse]

Killer motifs in that intro piece! Another Bandcamp candidate! -Tom

[@andrewchristie6483]

When you said “pedal” I didn’t think you meant multi fx, but probably is the best ‘standalone’ pedal. The HX Stomp does it all, with great tones/sounds but I kinda want a pedal that I can dial in quick, something that doesn’t obstruct my playing time too much. I thought I could combine it with fav analogue drive/boost pedals, use it for everything else, but with no analogue dry thru (?) makes it a bit more challenging. I’m sure Mick from TPS recently gave this as a reason for not using the Eventide H9/90 with other pedals.

[@ryand5251]

I tend to lean towards the Hx stomp as being the best in their line on balance, but honestly I think the pod go(/wireless) is underrated. For a lot of people it has more effects than you need, an exp pedal and perhaps a wireless receiver. Regardless the line seems to have been a great guy no matter where you decide to buy in

[@Wadey1960CS]

As far as a pedal in the drive category a newer one that is very very good, would be the Kernom Ridge. If you know how to tweak it correctly, it will sound like most of the other’s out there.

[@citizenkang01]

As long as hx edit is able to run on my computer, I will keep my stomp until it dies. I originally bought it to play for a year or so until I could save for a QC or FX9, and besides an XLR out I haven't found any complaint that would warrant spending the cash.

[@baskara88]

HX stomp is everything i want in a small compact pedal. Yes the knob is one of the downside, i got mine skipped at certain position. The other one for me is when you put extra 2 buttons footswitch, you can't add the wah/volume pedal to work together. But everything else is perfect.

[@ShreddingFinn]

Yup. Nothing else in its price range is so flexible and the tones are more than good enough

[@kenphillips3282]

Try the Unobtainium dual overdrive pedal by Crazy Tube Circuits. I have tried so many overdrives and this one is the ducks nuts. If it’s good enough to live on Pete Thorn’s pedalboard, it’s good enough for me.

[@fastfinger6]

My favorite pedal now is tonex, as a kemper player i very much appreciate sound and feel of those units

[@macmac838]

Tonex + HX Stomp ❤

[@ksharpe10]

A electronic tuner would be have to be Game changer. Maybe the multieffects as a no.2, but took a while to grow to what it is now.

[@marklawrence9416]

Beautiful and uplifting playing as usual…. 😀😀😀

[@micktheman6]

Personally the eventide h9 sounds better then thing line 6 does however my favorite would be the chase bliss automatone preamp because it’s an eq overdrive and fuzz. But I have to agree with that one guy green Russian big muff is my favorite tone from a simple pedal of all time.

[@bajajay9818]

I'm very happy with my podgo

[@mikesmithwick1570]

Definately, it's taken me 4 years of pedal swapping and buying and selling to finally find the sounds and effects that are perfect for me for both acoustic and electric....mind you, the journey's been fun!

[@Javier-qk7ms]

Just 4 years? 🤔

[@slawsonscot]

You’ve done well to get there in such a short space of time! I’ve been at it for around 20 😂

[@Topj-]

Best pedals I've ever owned(helix LT not included) are Boss DD-20 delay and tc electronic spark mini.

[@chrisegonmusic]

Maybe my favourite single piece of equipment.

[@rocknrollboise]

Can't argue with that... Also, the BB Preamp is NOT based on a Tube Screamer, FYI.

[@fives.]

Very, very close. The FM-3, given it's power for the same physical footprint, objectively takes it for me, but 9/10 times I'm taking the HX Stomp over Fractal just based on U.I. and access alone

[@docbobster]

HX stomp, easily. The one I keep in my guitar case for emergencies is the Neunaber immerse -- great verbs, a delay, and a nice mod, easy to use, small footprint, and it is impossible to make it sound bad.

[@jacoblickliter76]

Yes, but man if there would have been a way to incorporate stereo XLR outs on it, that would have made it even better than it already is!

[@johnplaystheguitar123]

Yes definitely. Can add an actual analog drive pedal to front for the snobs if you wish but not needed. It's the only pedal anyone actually ever NEEDS

[@latemnf]

The fact that it's even still in the conversation against all this new tech, after being released more than half a decade ago; I think says it all.

[@RichardCharles-RCJH]

BOSS BD-2 . Bought mine in '95 . Despite owning many other drives, the BD2 is the one pedal that always works well in the 90% of my playing situations. (Obviously I'm referring to just drive pedals here, I imagine the HX stomp or the like wins for the "all in one" category.)

[@joegriffithsmusic]

The value for money with it is insane

[@QuickSticks8771]

The boss OD200 and any clean amp can get the job done every time , the Swiss Army knife of dirt !!

[@robnorris8053]

I had 2 DL4'S.. But they keep breaking

[@rkphilpot]

Price comment didn’t age well. 7 days later and they’re £699 in retailers now. Completely unfair sneaky increase.

[@PearHellforge]

totally agree. 499, u can do 2 instruments at the same time.

[@steveirving6850]

Funny how the GT-1000 barely gets a mention anywhere when there's a modeller conversation?? As far as I know it has the highest sampling rate of any of the others and a collection of the best market-leading delay (DD-500), modulation (MD-500) and reverb (RV-500) pedals inside. It doesn't get updated with new amps as often as the others but, lets be honest, once you find an amp model you like the rest is about the effects, and the GT-1000 has virtually the full set of BOSS pedals with (as far as I've experienced with it) no limitation on the number you can use. I love it to bits and chose it in preference to the Helix Floor. Everyone to their own tastes I suppose 🙂

[@johnmessenger5395]

Lots of inaccuracies in what you’ve said unfortunately. I know the GT1000 Core inside-out and it absolutely does not include the 3 other Multi FX - it does share some overlapping basic algo’s but many of the most important complex ones are NOT included. Perhaps the company are happy to give the vague impression that everything is included but it would be very misleading to state this as a fact, which I think you are doing here.

[@bryantwalley]

If we are counting full size units as pedals, the Helix Floor is still king. If we are just going with “pedals” then yes, the Stomp goes unchallenged. The Miku is a unit unto itself and I do not believe anything will replace it in my lifetime.

[@warrenb79]

If Amp modelling is included then it's the Stomp, but otherwise I'd go for the Line 6 M9.

[@fivefingerfullprice3403]

I don't know if it's the best but it's gotta be among the best, every single time I delve into it I'm shocked at what I can do with it.

[@andybimson-sp2fx]

Drive pedals that are universally popular? Never heard anyone say a bad word about the Nobels ODR-1. If I had to just use one pedal from my board it would always be the HX Stomp. Versatile, sounds great and easy to use. Compact but not so small as to be impractical. What’s not to love?

[@fishy4071]

The only thing higher on my pedal list than an HX Stomp . . . is two HX Stomps 💥

[@johnplaystheguitar123]

Lol Paul walkers accelerator. Brutal. Joyo was half joking. HX stomp. Looper is a good answer but HX stomp has that too.

[@worthmoremusic]

As a former Eventide employee, I may be a tad biased BUT they DO make some of the absolute best, top of the line signal processing and recording gear...pedals too ! I also love Strymon and Helix....AND your guitar playing John !

[@Lorneplumber]

Stomp xl for me. So good I have 2

[@fcariani]

My tech is about to install a normal sized power jack on my hx stomp and THEN it’ll be the best pedal ever :)

[@michaelnilsson3103]

I think, it depends. What you want you want to achieve. If you want a versatile pedal that can do many things including line out direct to the PA (FOH), the Helix Stomp is the answer (I bought one recently for that reason). But if you only think about quality and low latency in the analog and digital world, I think: All Strymon pedals with a completely analog dry path (delays and reverbs), sounds amazing. And in front of an amp, Boss BD-2w, Harley Benton Vintage Overdrive, Behringer SF300 Super Fuzz :)

[@DarthV506]

The stomp is a full on modeler, if you're talking effects peal then I'd choose the HX Effects ;)

[@DGGriffinMusic]

I agree, the HX Stomp is the current GOAT. Prior to that, for me, it’d be the Zoom MS50G.

[@hartlee1160]

Hx stomp is a bone thrown to the poor folk like me. The drive pedal I love is earthquaker devices plumes Mode 3. It's the" asymmetrical" tube screamer but it eqs more low mids than a regular tube screamer. Pillars in helix apparently does a good Sim of plumes

[@AlexVonCrank]

Helix floor for the win. I need the I/O.

[@mikealpinist3818]

Dear friend John, I have a sincere question that I wish you will answer.. why is the HX stomp any better than the GX 100? Thank you for the amazing content

[@BasedRaven96]

Imma order one soon :)

[@fivefingerfullprice3403]

You're gonna love it! I love mine!

[@BasedRaven96]

Thats awesome! :) I have the Boss Gt1000 core, and I find it is difficult to get good sounds. This one seems a lot better in that way! @@fivefingerfullprice3403

[@BasedRaven96]

@@fivefingerfullprice3403 Can't wait! I have the boss gt1000 core atm, it's fine but it's quite difficult getting a tone I'm happy with.

[@skeres01]

Browne Amplification Protein has been the most outstanding pedal I've purchased. I am very interested in the Free The Tone reverb and delay pedals but haven't tried them yet. The ACS1 has been a great amp substitute for headphone use of my full pedal board.

[@newmorningrecords]

no one said EHX P.O.G. first version?

[@paulheartsongs]

Still love the Timeline. Using it and Walrus Audio D1 MkII and the Oceans 11. Eventide is amazing too!! They're all inspiring for me!

[@patrickr.5821]

DL4 ❤❤❤

[@joelcraig6416]

HX Stomp wins hands down. It improves with every update. What it doesn’t have you can add it in front or in the loop.

[@donniehba795]

Your question is what is the best -- and it probably is the HX Stomp -- but my single favorite is the Keisman Thunderbird boost/distortion pedal. I found a used one and played it till I wore it out. By then Keisman was no longer making them so it took me a few years to find another used one which I found and still love. I have it on almost all the time.

[@AEP2x]

I'm going to have to say Eventide H90 as far quality of effects.