HX Stomp for Bass: The Perfect Mini Pedalboard w/Ian Martin Allison

This is how you build the ultimate mini touring and studio pedalboard around the Line6 HX Stomp. IMA breaks down everything under the hood of how he gets both iconic bass tones and original sounds.
From pop synth to country twang, these concepts and presets have something I think every bassist should check out.
This is from our much longer interview on my podcast, so if you've got a commute, are tucked up on the couch with a cuppa, or just love bass enough to ingest 97 minutes of bass talk, check out the full episode here: • Ian Martin Allison Int...
Make sure you check out Ian's killer HX Presets packages that we demo in the video here: ianmartinallison.com/store
If you're into the weirder side of the HX sounds I also have a presets pack here: janekgwizdala.com/store/line6...
Ian's main online hang is Instagram: / ianmartinallison
Get my Bass Books Here: janekgwizdala.com/store
Join My Newsletter for more free stuff: janekgwizdala.substack.com/
#ianmartinallison #basspedals #scottsbasslessons

[@xdoctorblindx]

Ian needs to do an entire series on using the HX Stomp for bass. He could provide a total masterclass!

[@IanMartinAllison]

I want to go to Janek’s!

[@LaurentOliveri]

... and LINE 6 should totally sponsor him because I'm convinced that in just a few months of Ian making a ton of videos using this pedal, sales must have skyrocketed!!!

[@sasmithananth7771]

Technically does something like this over at SBL. Bro is a genius.

[@dmsea6811]

Yeah i have the stomp but no idea how to use it

[@samblazich]

Yes please!!!!

[@IanMartinAllison]

Janek you legend! Thanks so much for the lovely hang.

[@Rodney_see]

And thank you Ian!

[@Energy_from.the_Sun]

More of this please

[@JuanHunnid]

Mr. Allison..do you have the link to those 1/4” and XLR plugs?

[@wolfwarren6376]

I watched the complete conversation yesterday. I said it to Ian in his DMs, and I’ll say it here: this conversation is easily top 5 Janek Gwizdala Podcast episodes; your similarities are so very core to both of you, and your differences are so very complimentary. More than any other interview I can remember on this podcast, this feels like the musician’s version of actors on actors, and though it’s not often seen done, it’s also a brilliant analogue to a “directors on directors” conversation. Wonderfully done. I look forward to the possibility of you two doing something more in the future, as well as the three of you, including “Mr. Glove” himself. 🙌🔥

[@_B_E_A_D_G_C]

2 pedal lovers nerding out. I’m in heaven .

[@MikeKobb]

That sound with the Fender amp with the spring reverb and trem made me think of the old Twin Peaks theme. Great atmospheric feel!

[@wallace_nelson]

This was such a great video. I would have loved to see more HX Stomp sounds and presets between you both. More Pedals No Problems. Thanks for Sharing.

[@TheBbouge]

Every video I watch with Ian on, I learn something. Thank you for this!

[@iPivo]

I love Janek’s phrasing so much! @ 13:50 after 4 notes I could recognize his vocabulary and note choice. So fun listening to you guys geeking out about effects, and playing together

[@doubledecker1094]

YES! Great observation, and he has clearly achieved what he set out to do, as explained in the full episode, of being recognisable after just 1 or 2 notes.

[@BobbyKewley]

Loved watching the full podcast! Great to see you both together at last, a great hang! 😊

[@dominikpalmer7014]

Guys, thanks so much for that channel! It's so wonderful to listen to you all. That's what we needed. And finally you guys do it. In a sympathetic, competent way. Thanks!

[@crocholiday]

The IMA presets have helped me understand sound desingn using the HX Stomp. And for that, I salute him! I just updated my stomp and I saw they added a Noble DI model. Imagine that, a Noble under $1000 that you don't have to wait 32 weeks to get lol. My Noble screamed "Imposter!!" when I plugged the stomp back in and has quit talking to me... lol. And dude... that one note jam was epic. So good...

[@axlbraun]

The HX stomp was always on my GAS list. Watched the brilliant vid and now a purple Stomp is on the way to me. Thanks to Ian too. You both are amazing tone wizards.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

This podcast was a gem! I loved how when you guys did that small jam there wasn’t a word said it was a look and you both knew you were about to play something together, that’s magical

[@ethanlocke3604]

I’d definitely love to see more with y’all together in the future!

[@keziahj]

Thank you for the effort you put into this. You make my world nicer, that is true. ❤

[@Al_Mac125]

Watched the whole interview today. Surch a great chat. As I enter my 40th year of being a gigging/touring bass player, I really wish there were bass centric podcasts around years ago. Increadible insight from both of you. Massive fan of IMA from SBL podcasts with Scott. Some of the non bass banter bits are the best😅

[@stuartholme4457]

This is exceptionally cool... good job guys!

[@thisisMRJAMES]

Janek wanted to resolve that note, but nope, wait for it, loooool. Brilliant video guys.

[@SamRommer]

That beat boxing was 🔥

[@sergiocolmenares9482]

The jam was amazing, so natural 🎉

[@JaOnBass]

wow, enlightening, thank you for THIS!

[@fusdepilee]

Could sit and listen to you two all day, full pod was superb 👍 Also I want an HX Stomp now so my bank account doesn’t thank you…

[@martinhaywood8040]

I also have a simple board comprising - boss OC5, 2 notes revolt (clean, dirt & drive), mini bass wah @ line 6 hx one (I use phaser, chorus, flanger or synth and when not using them I use the compressor or reverb).

[@paniccleo]

Real cool sounds! Synth pedals can sound so cheezy but he makes it work.

[@fiore9655]

You 2 are unbelievable

[@conradsz]

I have idea what they’re talking about for the most part but it’s fascinating to listen to.

[@samblazich]

Great video!

[@Yaksonator]

Come on, man. This was fantastic. More. Of. This.

[@LorenLeonard]

Love the versatility of the Stomp! I made the HX Stomp the centerpiece of my bass pedal board but it has failed during performances several times now. And I don't think I can point to any other causes because a simple restart of the Stomp solved it every time. Firmware is updated, blocks not maxed out, I'm just not sure I can count on it.

[@landonh3535]

The Capo is incredible. I am supposed to send mine into get serviced for a small power issue, but I don't have another Preamp that can compare, so I am just dealing with it for now..lol. It's super versatile and the sound it puts out records perfectly.

[@cienciegos]

It would be very interesting to go deeper on the need / relevance these days of having an amp - other than for practice purposes. I am finding more and more venues requiring going ampless or to connect to the venue’s amp. Seems like investing in a good preamp DI gives you more flexibility. 🤔 Loved the whole episode BTW! 🤩

[@stuartholme4457]

Dang guys, some really beautiful music! Janek showing how it's done over one chord. Pick some out notes to spice it up, then when you come back to in notes its so good!

[@terrenceduncanson2716]

We share the same experience from Adam Clayton. 'Professor' Adam was my first bass instructor (he just doesn't know it yet)

[@skepticsinister]

Thank you both! Time stops in the pedal-sphere 👏

[@BurningHandSounds]

Holy Fuck! That Montana patch just sold me on the HX Stomp.

[@1234drums]

Cool insight ❤❤❤❤

[@dadolin01]

(11:15 - 11:40) so awesome!

[@robertwozniak7650]

ThatBass is Killer w / Flats!

[@casperbass68]

Freakin bass heroes! Appreciate this

[@thedoctajon]

Line 6 sponsorships for you both or we riot

[@ephraim.1964]

Wow 2 giants sharing their knowledge with so much respect and admiration for each other. I’m so looking forward for part2. Just EPIC!!!!

[@JETallacksen]

Ian, I'd love to hear your take on the bass part of the U2 and Johnny Cash collaboration, "The Wanderer."

[@Simbosan]

Try a Rickenbacker into that trem reverb setup. Instant Twin Peaks

[@ombracle]

Faith in humanity restored ✨

[@baszm]

Was thoroughly enjoying the vid til it occured to me how come Janek's the one asking all the questions and Ian doing all the demos... til i realised this is not SBL 😅Great to see the table turning

[@janekgwizdala]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 although I kind of liked the fact it wasn’t a straight up interview where I asked a question, got and answer, and moved on. Was nice for it to be more of a conversation.

[@baszm]

@@janekgwizdala chit chatting is the best kinda “interview” 😄 Saw you guys play at Penang Jazz Fest Malaysia way back in 2009 with Oli and Jojo Mayer. Inspiring!

[@LukasVlcek]

You two should just go for a tour.

[@simplethingies3423]

I need to know more about the `Glasgow/ Rennie Mackintosh’ item in the background!?!

[@MrKermitt71]

Great video , thanks ! Can you tell us more about the "hyperballad" preset. What settings are you using ?

[@lawrencelevinson]

+1, which IMA preset was that? 🔥

[@DamienGalban]

I love this mini pedalboard. Has anyone a reference for it ?

[@soulfred]

Go!

[@justinkoller6599]

Has either of you used a Source Audio C4 for synth and filters? I have one as the sole pedal on the FX loop, and always feel Im just on the tip of the iceberg with its possibilities, but it fills all the gaps left unsolved by the HX for me. Definitely a miss regarding low pass filters, and pitch tracking.

[@eheveronsmith]

How are either of you switching between your patches? Do you have the HX Stomp set to a mode where you’re switching between complete patches, or stompbox mode?

[@janekgwizdala]

When I switch I use the main top knob. You could also set up the FS4/5 switcher that Ian and I both use to be patch up/patch down...

[@ralf6300]

You guys are legend! Thanks for that great episode. I still have a question: i am one of the dude who can not afford a Noble DI. And i am fancy to know where i can find it on the stomp (as i havent found it yet) and how would you use it? Regards R.

[@janekgwizdala]

It's called the "Regal Bass DI" and it's under "distortion" I believe. You have to be updated to the latest firmware to see it.

[@ralf6300]

@@janekgwizdala thanks a lot. I'll check it out.

[@MrKermitt71]

In what pack is your 'hyperballad" preset ? Thanks

[@paulholmes5240]

I have a question as a person who has gear failure anxiety lol , if you just take the pedal board to a gig what is youre backup plan if it stops working ? As we know anything electrical is never fool proof .

[@janekgwizdala]

I'm definitely confident in my ability as a player after all these years to be able to get through a gig without the pedals. But in 1000's of gigs involving pedals, I'm hard pushed to remember a time when the entire board failed. I don't think it's ever happened. Maybe a patch cable goes after too much wear and tear from traveling, or one of your pedals goes on the fritz. But I always carry spare cables, and could re patch my board mid song if I had to, so it's not the end of the world.

[@MrElnath]

I didn't understand the function of the CALI76 compressor and whether it is connected upstream or downstream of Line 6, thanks

[@janekgwizdala]

It’s before the HX on Ian’s viewed. Stomp in the middle and capo at the end.

[@BennyBoyZinz]

Out of interest, what is the reason for using the capo if you’re not going to use the saturation circuits. Is it purely for eq reasons?

[@simonmaes4570]

Same question here. Are you using any of the stomps amp/ cab sims in conjunction with the gain/ saturation of the capo? Or using only the "fixed-gain clean preamp" option + eq in case the stomp is enabling amp/ cab sims? Can the capo saturation be used to juice up the stomps amp/ cab sims or is that just not working out? Thx for the feedback. Love the video, love the info you guys are sharing!

[@DannoDemo]

Wow, if Ian knew a good engineer to make an octive pedal that sounded like that and/or his echo-y reverb? I know for a FACT a number of us would buy them.

[@prisonfinger]

Do you use a powered peddleboard or the original stomp power adapter, I have a regular size board and a mini board and neither seem to support the stomps power needs

[@janekgwizdala]

I use the Cioks range of power supplies. Mainly the DC7 on the touring board, but also the Cioks 4 on smaller setups. I think it’s the most versatile power supply on the market as each output delivers 600ma and they do a Y cable for the stomp to be able to combine two outputs and get to the 1000ma the stomp requires. Never had an issue with it in years of use.

[@LawrenceJenner]

What's the name of the helix 2 button extension Ian has mounted?

[@alkis00]

helauxy duo mini

[@Brakken99]

The kinda alludes that this is a discussion of the bass version of the HX Stomp. Is there such a thing or is this actually the guitar version?

[@janekgwizdala]

There is only one version of the Stomp, but plenty of both bass and guitar features inside it.

[@Brakken99]

Cool thanks Janek!

[@lumurumba]

Is there any way to get that Bjork preset?

[@janekgwizdala]

Get Ian’s HX stomp preset packs. Links are in the description.

[@JETallacksen]

Ian: "Get you a bass that can do both." probably.

[@thisisMRJAMES]

I wish ableton made a multi fx pedal....

[@MateuszJagocha]

I wanted to go for HX Stomp but its routing options are too limited. I want to have two outputs - one without cabsim for onstage amp, second for FOH, you could do it by stereo splitting audio paths and putting cabsim only on R but then i will loose paraller path for cool efects mixing. Im planning to go gt1000 core, which has more routing options suitable for my case.

[@darkstar4494]

Stomp has that exact wiring option. You send the pre cabsim signal out through the fx send, into your on stage cab or whatever. Post cabsim to FOH

[@MateuszJagocha]

@@darkstar4494 yeah but you need to split amp and cab blocks so it takes two blocks. FX send I think takes up additional block? And anyway I want to add external looper into FX loop

[@darkstar4494]

@@MateuszJagocha splitting for fx send doesn’t take up a separate block, it goes between blocks. I don’t get the issue with anp + cab sim, if it takes 2 blocks that’s true no matter what right? Anyway you don’t want a hx so it’s moot.

[@MateuszJagocha]

@@darkstar4494 I'm just trying to resolve all issues before deciding. And I see two, when I use FX send for cab split then I will loose FX loop for external effect. Second amp + cab takes 2 out of 8 slots so 6 are left it might be sometimes not enough?

[@darkstar4494]

@@MateuszJagocha right, if you use fx send for cab split then you lose your fx loop. Although you could split that signal and send one copy to your looped fx and back into the stomp. Just curious, what would you use the stomp fx loop for? Instead of putting your other fx in front or behind stomp? Stomp has 6 slots for fx or amp / cab sim. You can use the 6 however you want, and split your fx send from any point.

[@Ee77Aa45]

What the sound of bulbarsuar pedal at the self😆😆

[@user-jx5tz9mg7b]

I wonder how the HX is powered from DC7, if it requires 9V, 3A, and the power supply does not provide such A

[@janekgwizdala]

Cioks make a custom HX Stomp splitter cable to use two outlets. The Stomp doesn’t need 3A, more like 1A.

[@user-jx5tz9mg7b]

@@janekgwizdalaOk, thank you.

[@lucastperez]

How can I get one of those funk shirts??

[@janekgwizdala]

www.jazz.se/

[@lucastperez]

@@janekgwizdala you're a legend! Thanks 🙏

[@AJbassist]

isnt this just a cut from your podcast young man ?

[@janekgwizdala]

Yes. Welcome to the internet I guess...? This is how you repurpose material for different audiences. Those who have the time to listen to a 97 minute discussion, and those who would like to see all the bits about the HX Stomp in one place.

[@AJbassist]

@@janekgwizdala thank you ,luv all ur content

[@anonymous_friend]

Didn't the guy with the glove just do this?

[@janekgwizdala]

🤷‍♀️

[@stevenmriley]

Ava

[@aristidescavalcante3516]

Thank you for the content! It would be even better without the background music… 🙂

[@janekgwizdala]

🤷‍♀

[@phatcatology]

So, honestly, why can’t there be a pedal designed for bass player by bass players. Are bass player always going to work with products made specifically for guitar players. No offence to Line 6 or any other pedal makers . BAss player should have more than an honourable mention in a lot of these pedals.

[@janekgwizdala]

Don't think I'm not working on exactly that... I have some ideas that I'm shopping around to builders to see if we can get some bass-specific versions of pedals we all know and love.

[@robertdinicola9225]

The bass is silent.

[@janekgwizdala]

Are you sure about that...? With over 34k views you don't think someone would have said something earlier...?

[@samblazich]

It’s just really quiet out of a phone speaker

[@tangobasso]

Black studio, black clothes, reviewing a black product. A real visual feast for a visual medium 😂

[@carlduringer9908]

I really wanted to watch this as I have a lot of respect for both of you..but there is an issue with the audio on my main system at home...at first I thought it was because you weren't using pop filters.....that horrible low pop you get when pronouncing P's.... But after a while I realised it was happening when you weren't speaking ..pretty sure it is the bass drum on the back ground music...so irritating...in fact so bad I had to stop watching...just too distracting.... So bizarrely I'm going to have to find something crappy to listen to it on where there are no bass frequencies. . ..oi Alanis....that's called irony.... ...

[@tyronehenry4307]

GT 1b sounds better

[@sasquatch1985]

@jadfreer