Line 6 HX Stomp VS HX Effects (Comparison)
Our pick: The Line 6 HX Stomp
Looking at what these two pedals offer, it's weird that the HX Effects unit is not cheaper then the HX Stomp. The Line 6 HX Effects is essentially only focused on effects and leaves out things like amp modeling, cabs, and impulse responses. Instead, it offers you more footswitches, functioning more like a traditional multi-effects pedal. Still, we'll stick with the HX Stomp since it seems to give you more for the same amount of money.
What are the differences between the Line 6 HX Stomp and HX Effects?
As it turns out, a fair amount, but we'll do our best to simplify this comparison and give you the meta narrative of each pedal.
In short, the HX Stomp is a full, digital guitar rig processor with effects, amps, cabs, and even mic models. The HX Effects, on the other hand, is focused solely on providing effects with more footswitches and greater control, without amp models, cabs, or IRs.
Since they're both the same price and have roughly the same number of effects, we'd probably still recommend the HX Stomp over the HX Effects.
Ultimately both are great processors, but we'd like to see at least a modest price reduction in the HX Effects.
Line 6 HX Stomp VS HX Effects
In this section we have a simple comparison table that lets you look at pricing and a stripped down, basic list of specs. Use the compare buttons to see that information. A more detailed chart and audio demos are listed below. Note that the price of these two units is exactly the same, unless things have changed since this page was written.
Pedal | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Line 6 HX Effects | n/a | |
| Line 6 HX Stomp | n/a |
Watch the Comparison
Detailed Comparison
You can see that the amount of effects in each pedal is roughly the same, so it's not as if the HX Effects is more specialized with effects than the HX Stomp.
The reason the HX Effects costs the same as the HX Stomp is because the HX Effects adds a lot more footswitches, which allow you more opportunities to bank and recall sounds, but also drives up the price of the pedal. So you've likely cut costs by eliminating amp models and certain sound banks, but you've recouped that cost by adding more footswitches.
So some good questions to ponder when you're deciding between these two, would be the following:
- How important is amp and cab modeling?
- Am I only interested in effects processing?
- Do I need/want the additional footswitches and control?
How you answer these questions will have a lot to say about which pedal is better suited for you.
Header | Stomp | 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. |
Demos | Cell | Cell |
Summary and Conclusion: Which one?
We would argue that the HX Stomp is the better value and is going to have more appeal to a wider range of people. However, if you really don't want the amp modeling features and you prefer to have more footswitches for more control, the HX Effects would steal the crown back.
Yes, we'd like to see the HX Effects about $50 to $100 cheaper, but those footswitches cost money.
So we'll say both are solid pedals, where one or the other might be a more ideal fit for you depending on what you're looking for.
If you have questions about our comparison, leave them in the comments section.
We'll see you there.
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Written by GC Editorial on Pedals and Comparisons
Written by GC Editorial on Pedals and Comparisons
HX Effects does have an IR festure, but not already integrated. You can upload your own IRs if you want. Now, I am not sure if this became possible after some sort of update or what, but in Europe HX Effects are 50-100€ cheaper than the HX Stomp
Nice reviews actually nailed some fundamental questions I had .
If I may ask the previous commenter
What the hell is ‘Laundry Lust if types ‘ ?
Thanks, John. I’m glad you found it helpful and I appreciate the kind words. Your guess is as good as mine on the previous comment. “List of types”, maybe is what he meant?
Your comparison of # of effects, and Effect Types, is useless. In the # of effects, you don’t indicate how many can be simultaneous on the Stomp, and on type, you list ” 150 helix and 77 legacy”, and on the Effects, you just have a laundry lust if types, with no mention of the # of Helix or legacy. Sheesh, it’s like comparing apples to oranges. You really need to do a better job.
You got some balls, coming on my site and saying I need to do a better job as though I work for you.
Like hell.
Maybe you need to do a better job of not being an ass hat when you leave comments.
LOL!! Make your site subscription only if you can’t accept a critique.
Critique is fine. Being an ass isn’t. Although the ny.gov email explains a lot.
That’s why I left NJ/NY- ha. Many angry folks, the south is where it’s at!
To others: You can easily google, Reddit or watch YouTube vids for more specific questions.
I prefer this review format, you did a good job highlighting the most important aspects without too much “boring” detail.
There’s never a 1 review fits all but this is close.
Thanks, Kevin. I appreciate that. The anger comments on here are always bizarre to me. What really gets people charged up is anything Fender. Strats, Telecasters. For some reason that brand is just a rage magnet.
That, and the Boss DS-1. 🤷🏻♂️
But you’re right about the comparisons. To be honest, I’ve paired them down even more. People usually just want the basics and something quick.
Anyways, thanks for the kind words.
He is actually right though mate..
We want to know how many effects can be run at once.
Also no mention of routing options where the HX actually has more sends / returns…
Understood. I’ll see if I can get that info in.