Should You Buy The HX STOMP In 2024?

I'm currently changing webhosting platforms. If interested in lessons, e-books/courses or just contacting me in general you can do so here - matt-francesch...
-
Just wanted to share some thoughts on the HX Stomp and the Line 6 Helix product family in general. I love this thing! Links to everything I do can be found below:
My Website: www.mattfranceschini.com
Take A Lesson: mattfranceschi...
Become A Patron: / mattfranceschini
Buy My Book or Video Course: payhip.com/Mat...
Instagram: / matt.france. .
Facebook: / mattfrancesc. .
TikTok: / matt_franceschini
Buy My Music: mattfranceschi... ---
-
My Website: www.mattfranceschini.com
Take A Lesson: mattfranceschi...
Become A Patron: / mattfranceschini
Buy My Book or Video Course: matt-francesch...
Instagram: / matt.franceschini
Facebook: / mattfranceschinimusic
TikTok: / matt_franceschini
Buy My Music: mattfranceschi...

[@thelensmanize]

I got my stomp

[@mattfranceschini]

So glad you're enjoying the stomp, it's a truly amazing piece of gear to own. When you get gigging you'll have everything you need!

[@joshuawarren7738]

Bro your videos have got a lot better recently! I like the free form and no edits but it’s still very well thought out and seamless. I’ve actually been on the fence about buying a helix stomp and I think it’s sold me on it! Keep up the hard work bro!

[@mattfranceschini]

Thanks man!

[@joeltunnah]

Great rundown. I would say two things: Guitar electronics don't change at the pace of smartphones, for example. I played with 16-bit multi effects units in the 90s, they sounded good then and they would still sound good to an audience today. The HX Stomp is basically a new product by that standard. And two, another work around for the DSP limitations is to offload a block to a real pedal in the Stomp's FX loop. I have the Boss RV500 doing reverb duty. The whole rig easily fits on a PedalTrain Nano board. Still much smaller and cheaper than a Helix Floor.

[@mattfranceschini]

Totally agree on the guitar electronics aging slowly, especially with the constant firmware updates from line 6! Real pedals in the FX loop are something I try to avoid at all costs but thats just because after a few years of bringing nothing but my guitar and my stomp to the gig I'm hesitant to add more to carry!

[@ralphmuller6040]

I've been a continuous Fractal user since 2007. I currently have an AxeFXIII. I bought a HX Stomp XL two years ago because I found that schlepping the AxeFX + the large Mastermind GT/22 floor controller was problematic as I mainly do fly-gigs. Frankly the AxeFXIII was overkill for my needs in this band anyway. I've been very happy with the HX Stomp XL however, coming from the Mastermind GT/22 which has...22 buttons, I was always going to be limited with the stock HX Stomp hence why I bought the XL version.

[@mattfranceschini]

Cool to hear! I’ve played through friends fractal units and while I’ve always had a good time messing with them, the hx stomp fits my needs so much better in terms of form factor. Like you say, touring with it is a breeze! All of the units out there will get you incredible tones so now we’re able to pick and choose what size/capabilities best suit our situations.

[@JD-vj4go]

I got a Helix LT floor model for about the cost if an HX stomp. My needs are simple so the stomp would have been fine but hey more buttons for about the same cost. I love it. The Helix LT is probably the best value I've ever got.

[@mattfranceschini]

I sometimes go back and forth on whether I'd have the LT or the stomp but for me the tiny footprint is worth being a little more creative with presets etc. However, if the opportunity came to get the LT for the cost of a stomp I would seriously consider pulling the trigger. I wholeheartedly agree that these Helix units are dollar for dollar the best gear investment I've ever made!

[@jnixo9900]

I bought a stomp XL about 2 years ago. It does everything I need it to do. I see no point in buying a newer modeller. They are twice the price but not twice as good. They all literally do the same thing well but none have bought any greater features really since the stomp.

[@mattfranceschini]

The modellers have really become similar to mac vs pc. All options are incredibly capable machines, just up to personal preference with interface/form factor!

[@DonaHannah-x8k]

How doze it sound straight into a pa system. I have not seen anyone demo like this. Cos I put a mg30 threw line aray pa and sounds terrible. But threw the valve amp of cause it sounds great

[@mattfranceschini]

It sounds fantastic straight through a PA! You might need to mess with the hi and low cuts depending on the room but I’ve taken my HX Stomp on a national tour just plugging straight into the board and loved it

[@kennybissettsongs]

Gee, common sense - say it ain't so! Common sense: the lower DSP is a con, but how often does a song require 15 effects? Great vid. I have the full floor, but it's so massive and heavy. I missed the lower pricing that Line 6 just pushed back up to $699. Sigh.

[@mattfranceschini]

Haha! I'm on the other end where occasionally I find myself restlessly wondering whether it would be better to have a bigger unit with more dsp, but then I go on the road or even just slightly further than normal to a gig and am relieved to be able to carry my entire rig on my back weighing only 10 or so pounds! Sorry to hear you missed the price drop, I picked mine up for a steal used so it could be worth keeping your eyes peeled on facebook marketplace etc!

[@guitartoneSA]

No, buy a Kemper Player. 🥇

[@mattfranceschini]

Fair enough, I think it depends mostly on what you're looking for though. The HX Stomp is much more versatile in terms of effects and signal chain possibilities but if you're just looking for great amp tones the kemper may have more benefit. Depends on what you're looking for in the unit!

[@guitartoneSA]

@@mattfranceschini The Kemper has killer FX (before any updates), an XLR Out, L/R stereo balanced TRS outs, midi USB and Expression pedal input. Not sure the HX Stomp has more than that, besides the screen. But the player has a built in WiFi access point for the Editor cellphone APP, so your cellphone or tablet is your touch screen editor.

[@dasczwo]

yes. im seeing them for 300€ used in germany. get some uafx. modeller (amazing, tweaking immediateley stopped)or bos ir2 amp in a box and you have dsp for 8 blocks for crazy pitching glitching delays and reverbs…. routing tools… beat that meris, eventide, strymon. hx one and the new pod are just sad product crippled. hope line 6 puts the next gen flagship with full dsp in the hx stom form factor and sells an extra floor board for it.

[@mattfranceschini]

The HX One was a strange release for sure, the new pod I can see having a big market due to things you mentioned. Run an amp of that and free up some sap but I’m totally with you on wanting an hx stomp form factor with double DSP!