What distinguishes the Line 6 HX Stomp from the HX Effects pedals is its range of effects.
As it turns out, quite a bit; however, we will make an effort to simplify this comparison and provide you with the meta-narrative of each pedal. In a nutshell, the HX Stomp is a comprehensive digital guitar rig processor that comes equipped with effects, amps, cabinets, and even mic models. On the other hand, the HX Effects is solely devoted to providing effects with a greater number of footswitches and a higher level of control. It does not include any amp models, cabs, or IRs. We would probably still advise going with the HX Stomp rather than the HX Effects despite the fact that they are both the same price and have approximately the same number of effects. Both of these processors are excellent in their own right, but we believe that HX Effects could benefit from at least a slight reduction in price.
Comparison of the Line 6 HX Stomp and the HX Effects
In this part of the article, we’ve included a straightforward comparison table that provides a streamlined and fundamental rundown of the features and specifications offered by each option. To view that information, use the buttons to compare the items. Following this table is an expanded chart as well as some audio demonstrations. Take note that the price of both of these units is precisely the same unless there have been some significant developments since this page was originally written.
Comparison in Extensive Detail
You can see that the number of effects included in each pedal is roughly equivalent, so it’s not as if the HX Effects is more specialized with effects than the HX Stomp. Rather, the amount of effects included in each pedal is roughly equivalent.
There are a lot more footswitches on the HX Effects, which means that you have more opportunities to bank and recall sounds, but this also drives up the price of the pedal. The HX Stomp has fewer footswitches than the HX Effects does, which is why the HX Effects costs the same as the HX Stomp. Therefore, it is likely that you have reduced costs by getting rid of amp models and certain sound banks, but you have likely made up for those losses by adding additional footswitches.
STOMPS | EFFECTS | |
Pedal Type | Multi-effects and amp modeling | Multi-effects |
Presets | 126 user presets | 128 (32 banks x 4 presets) |
Number of effects | 200+ | 200+, Up to 9 simultaneous FX |
Effects types | 150 Helix, 77 Legacy | Overdrive, Distortion, Fuzz, Tremolo, Flanger, Chorus, Vibrato, Rotary, Phaser, Delay, Reverb, Modulator, Filter/Wah, Harmonizer |
Amp modeling | 80+ amps, 40+ cabinets | No |
Inputs | 2 x 1/4″ (L/mono,R), 2 x 1/4″ (L/R, aux in) | 2 x 1/4″ (L/Mono, R), 2 x 1/4″ TRS (stereo return) |
Outputs | 2 x 1/4″ (L/mono,R), 1 x 1/4″ (stereo send) | 2 x 1/4″ (L/Mono, R), 2 x 1/4″ TRS (stereo send) |
MIDI | In, Out/Thru | In, Out/Thru |
Height | 2.6″ | 2.81″ |
Width | 7.01″ | 10.8″ |
Depth | 4.96″ | 7.84″” |
Weight | 1.75″ | 4.9 lbs. |
If you’re having trouble choosing between these two options, some important questions to ask yourself include the following:
- How significant is the importance of modeling amps and cabs?
- Do you think I’m only interested in post-production effects processing?
- Should I get the additional footswitches and control, or do I even want them?
The manner in which you respond to these questions will have a significant impact on the type of pedal that will work best for you.
Which of the Summaries and the Conclusions Should You Choose?
We would argue that the HX Stomp offers a better value overall and is going to be more appealing to a wider variety of people as a result. On the other hand, if you really don’t care about the amp modeling features and you’d rather have more footswitches for more control, the HX Effects would be a better option for you.
Yes, we would like to see a $50 to $100 price reduction on the HX Effects, but the footswitches themselves are quite expensive. We’re going to go ahead and say that both of these pedals are of high quality, but depending on your preferences, one of them might be a better choice for you than the other.