Line 6 HX Multi Effects Pedals Comparison
The Line 6 HX family has some of the best multi effects pedals for guitarists looking for a compact yet powerful FX solution for their setup. As of today, there are four different HX models available: the HX, HX Stomp XL, HX Stomp, and HX One.
Each one of these multi-effects pedals have similar features in terms of number of effects and amp/cabs, but offer a different user experience and vary in design. The HX Stomp, for example, is the most compact solution and is perfect to be paired with analog pedals.
In this guide, we will explore the functions and characteristics of each of the four Line 6 HX pedals, as well as give you some important tips to help you make a wise decision when shopping for your next multi-effects unit. Let 's dive in!
Why Choose a Line 6 HX Multi-Effects Pedal?
If you're currently debating the age-old question of whether to choose between a pedalboard or a multi-effects pedal, know that there are several pros and cons to both choices. While single pedals offer the most customization possibilities, multi-effects units have unmatched convenience and can be the best bang for your buck if you're on a tight budget.
In terms of audio quality and performance, the Line 6 HX line performs tremendously well, thanks to using the same processors found in the top-of-the-line Helix family. There are several quality-of-life features to these pedals as well, such as in-app editing and capacitive footswitches. Below, we unravel the features that you can find on all Line 6 HX pedals.
Common Features of the Line 6 HX Multi-Effects Pedals
As we mentioned, the Line 6 HX pedals have similar features but differ in terms of design and functionalities. Let's now explore each unit in detail to help you make the best choice.
Line 6 HX Family - In-Depth Review
Line 6 HX Effects
Main Features
- 266 effects
- IR loader
- Six capacitive-touch footswitches
- Same algorithm as Helix line
- Two expression pedal inputs
- Stereo I/O
- MIDI I/O
- Two return/send I/O
- USB port
The Line 6 HX is the HX family's flagship model, with a good balance between compactness and functionality. Featuring 266 effects and a custom IR loader, it's one of the most versatile multi-effects units in the market to this date.
Starting at the very top portion of the unit, the HX has a comprehensible set of buttons and knobs that can be used to easily navigate the effects menu, despite not featuring a larger LCD screen like other models in the HX family.
Of course, you can always pre-load your effects and presets using the HX application on Mac and PC, which makes it much easier to customize all the functions present in the unit.
As you can see above, the back panel is loaded with a lot of inputs and outputs, including stereo I/O, MIDI I/O, two send/return jacks, and two expression inputs, as well as a USB port.
The HX also features six capacitive touch footswitches, which can be used to both activate and cycle between effects depending on how you press them, an extremely useful function in concert and live settings.
The standard HX features 266 effects and an IR loader, but unlike the HX Stomp models, it has no amp simulations.
Who is the Line 6 HX for?
One of the best use cases for the Line 6 HX is if you're used to single-effect units, as you can load one effect to each of the eight slots and it will behave similarly to a standard pedalboard, eliminating the need to mess with presets.
Line 6 HX Stomp XL
Main Features
- Over 300 effects and amp models
- IR cab loader
- Eight color-coded capacitive-touch footswitches
- Up to eight simultaneous effects
- Audio interface function
- Expression pedal input
- Stereo I/O
- MIDI I/O
- Return/send I/O
- Headphone jack
- USB port
The HX Stomp XL is an expanded version of the standard Stomp model. With over 300 effects and amp simulations and eight footswitches, the unit can be used both as a complement to your current pedalboard or in itself.
One of the best features of the HX Stomp XL is certainly the LCD screen, which can be found in its compact counterpart as well. It makes it much easier to choose and customize effects when compared to the standard HX model, for example.
However, it can be hard to check whether an effect is engaged or not, so you need to plan your chain beforehand, especially if you're doing concerts and in live situations.
The jacks and inputs/outputs you find on the back of the HX Stomp XL are a bit reduced when compared to the standard HX model, but it offers a great number of possibilities nonetheless, and the fact shouldn't be a deterrent for most guitarists One particular feature of the HX Stomp XL is the headphone jack, which is not present on most other models.
Who's the Line 6 Stomp XL for?
The HX Stomp XL is a great option if you'd like to pair it with your analog pedals but want more footswitches and easier on-the-fly customization than what the standard HX Stomp can offer.
Line 6 HX Stomp
Main Features
- Over 300 effects and amp models
- IR cab loader
- Three capacitive touch footswitches
- Six simultaneous effects
- Audio interface function
- Expression pedal input
- Stereo I/O
- MIDI I/O
- Return/send I/O
- Headphone jack
- USB port
The Line 6 HX Stomp is currently one of the most popular compact multi-effect pedals in the market, thanks to its reduced size, sound quality, and functions. It is perfect for pairing with analog pedals and as a complement to larger pedalboards.
Just like its bigger brother HX Stomp XL, this unit features an LCD screen and a menu that's easy to navigate through, but it does have fewer footswitches, allowing you to either control three effects at a time or quickly switch through presets.
Similarly to the XL, if you plan on using the HX Stomp for concerts and live settings, you'll most likely have to plan your presets for each song beforehand.
The I/O configuration of the HX Stomp is the same as the larger XL model, with a pair of stereo inputs/outputs, an expression jack, return/send capabilities, and a USB port, so you won't be missing out on any of those features.
Who's the Line 6 HX Stomp for?
The Line 6 HX Stomp is compact yet retains all of the basic functionalities found in the HX line, so this pedal is an excellent pair for analog pedals and a great choice if you don't have much space left in your pedalboard.
Line 6 HX One
Main Features
- Over 250 effects, allowing for one effect at a time
- 128 built-in preset slots
- Dual function tap/flux footswitch
- Expression pedal input
- Stereo I/O
- MIDI I/O
- Return/send I/O
- USB-C port
The Line 6 HX One features over 250 effects and can only load one effect at a time. Acting similarly to a standard stompbox pedal, this unit is designed with versatility and compactness in mind, fitting on most pedalboards.
While the functions of the HX One are limited when compared to its counterparts, the audio quality is pretty good, and the effect selection has most of the options you find on larger units.
One of the best features of the HX One is the ease with which you can navigate through the menu. There are three knobs to alter the parameters of each effect, and you can use the right footswitch both with the tap tempo and flux functions, to quickly switch between banks.
While this pedal is compact, the I/O configuration leaves nothing to be desired, featuring both stereo inputs and outputs and return/send options, and surprisingly MIDI I/O function on the side of the unit as well.
Who's the Line 6 HX One for?
Despite its limitations, the HX One is a solid choice if you are looking for a versatile yet compact stompbox to go along your analog pedals. However, the ability to use only one effect at a time might make the experience a bit limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between the Line 6 Helix and the Line 6 HX Lines?
The main difference between the Line 6 Helix and Line 6 HX lines is in their feature set and intended use. The Helix series (including Helix Floor, Helix LT, and Helix Rack) is Line 6’s flagship model, offering comprehensive amp, cab, and effects modeling with advanced routing options and extensive I/O capabilities, making it ideal for professional studio and live performance use.
In contrast, the HX line (which includes HX Stomp and HX Effects) is a more compact, streamlined version, with the HX Stomp providing amp and cab modeling alongside effects, while the HX Effects focuses solely on effects. The HX models are designed for players looking to integrate powerful modeling into existing pedalboards or setups without the full complexity and size of the Helix.
Is There a Difference in Sound Quality Between the HX and Helix Pedals?
Since both the HX and the Helix pedals use a similar audio engine and similar processors, there is virtually no difference in terms of audio-quality and performance.
Are There Presets Available for the HX Stomp and HX Effects?
Yes, all of the models come with built-in effects, and you can download more through the Line 6 CustomTone library on your computer, as well as customize and save your own banks.
Conclusion
All of the models in the Line 6 HX family are pretty similar in terms of sound quality and functions, only varying in size and operational features such as the number of footswitches. With that being said, the main thing to keep in mind when picking your choice is how you're going to be using the multi-effects pedal.
If you're used to analog pedals, for example, then the standard HX model is a wise choice thanks to its comprehensible design. If you plan on customizing your chain on the fly and prefer having a larger LCD screen, we recommend the HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL. The HX One, while more limited, can be a great pick if you plan on pairing it with analog pedals.
As all of the Line 6 multi-effects pedals mentioned in the article use the company's Helix processors, you will find top-notch audio-quality and fast performance in any of the four choices.
Here's a recap of all the Line 6 HX pedals featured in our article:
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Pedal |
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$649.99 |
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$749.99 |
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$699.99 |
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$299.99 |
You can check these and many other pedals in our store!
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