Kilrahi

Okay this is one of those "educated guesses" posts since the only ones who can really know are Line 6, but I'm still curious of people's perception.

This week Line 6 has their software on sale, including Native. You get a HUGE discount though if you already own the Helix or the Helix LT.

There's nothing for the younger brother Effects or Stomp.

I was just curious what everyone's opinion was of the chance for a  discount in the future. Do they offer that discount for Helix and HELIX LT people every year?

On one hand I get it. Especially with the Effects, it can't do amp modeling anyway, and it's far cheaper. HX Stomp is also quite a bit cheaper (though hardly cheap), but to its credit it can do the amp effects so something like Native makes a bit more sense there. Plus, ANY sort of link to the ecosystem just keeps you loyal and more profitable to Line 6 long term, so it's not like it can't make sense on some level.

Anyway, I'm debating in my mind buying Native before the sale ends, but at $270 I'll probably hold off because there is still a reasonable chance I'll get an LT someday - and then I could get Native even cheaper. If the Stomp provided ANY discount though it might make me jump now.

That might be a crack dream though.

On ‎11‎/‎28‎/‎2018 at 10:00 AM, Trunks74 said:

I have some spider sounds that I use regularly. Is there a way to use this sound with my helix?

One thing to keep in mind too, most of the core Spider tones there is a superior Helix version. I'd make sure you check those out before you decide you'd rather go with the Spider version.

Do you have an external footswitch connected? There's a bug that hasn't been corrected yet, and I know when I attached one one of the issues I faced was the tuning screen constantly popping up.

For now that's all I got.

Where did you hear that the headphone jack of the Stomp was weaker?  As far as I know, what works for the Helix will be just fine for the Stomp.

17 hours ago, loradirmeyer said:

Hello!

 

I am very new to learning guitar, as well as all toys associated with it. I have a Spider V 120W, and just purchased a Firehawk FX. What is the best way to cable my Firehawk to my amp? Is the 4 cable method the best and/or only way? If I have the option to plug in to a sound board directly, can I just skip my amp, and plug my Firehawk via XLR directly to the board?

 

Thank you so much for your help!!  :)

As said by robertgoddard, yes, the Firehawk can plug directly into a board. That's nice and easy.

If you want to utilize the amp, you have a lot of options. They are:

1. The Spider can be just a regular flat response speaker. Turn off all amp modeling and effects and simply plug your guitar into your Firehawk, which you can then plug into your guitar in on your amp. For MOST people, this is the easiest way to do it and will be more than satisfactory for you.

2. You can combine the DSP of both the Firehawk and the amp if you wish. Typically the easiest way to do this is to plug your Firehawk into the amp's effects loop and have the amp handle distortion/amp/cab effects while having your Firehawk handle post effects (delays, reverb, etc.). A four cable method is messy but the benefits of that is you can let the Firehawk do some of the pre amp effects as well as the post.

There are a bunch of combinations possible. Mix and match and see what you like the best.

12 hours ago, Trunks74 said:

I have some spider sounds that I use regularly. Is there a way to use this sound with my helix?

Ummm.... as in Spider amp? Or you have some actual spiders that sing for you?

On 11/28/2018 at 7:12 PM, jcs2179 said:

Thank you for quick response...I don't want to sound (more??) idiotic, but what are we talking about here?? can u expand a little?

 

I get the 3.5mm to the 2TS 1/4" and into the 1-2 RETURNS output thou...

Below is an excellent transmitter:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07BQYYDNJ/ref=dp_ob_neva_mobile

On ‎11‎/‎25‎/‎2018 at 10:45 PM, sdre9096 said:

On a side note this IPAD app for the Firehawk is brilliant! Why did they not implement this for the Helix? I dont understand some decisions by L6!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, so let me get this straight . . . because maybe it will one day make me want to buy a Helix.

So in additional to just changing the tunings quickly in Helix, or by preset by preset (which the Firehawk can also do) you can ALSO assign thinks like a footswitch or the expression pedal to a specific Variax string and change that with a click of a button or push of a pedal while still in the SAME preset?

19 hours ago, ride85 said:

Anybody know this... if when only using mono blocks when building a preset will the stereo outputs function in dual mono?

 

i want to use the hx stomp to send a signal to the desk & another to my power amp (with the exact same sound inc. cab sims).

 

at the moment i’m using an fx send block at the end of my signal path to do this same thing. Problem is it leaves me only 5 blocks to work with..not a big problem but if can avoid needing to use a block for an fx send i will.

 

thanks!

Huh. Interesting question. My assumption would be that this is EXACTLY what it should do. Especially since whenever a mono block is added to the Stomp's signal, the signal sent out of that mono block is mono, so if you're final block is mono - so should the output. I double checked what I could find and it left me . . . not as confidant as I'd like to be.

I'd assume if you could do this it would have suggested it as the more obvious option in the HX Stomp's manual when it talks about a hybrid amp/direct setup. Instead it very clearly mentions using an FX block (Honestly, I wish the Stomp would at least let us use more blocks IF they're going to be FX blocks since I believe they use very little DSP).

Then again, MAYBE they didn't there because the assumption was it was a traditional amp, and you wouldn't want things like delays, amp modeling, and other effects being applied prior to going through a traditional amp.

My advice would be to test it. If I get a chance I might look into it myself and let you know, but it sounds like you have easier access to the type of setup you use. Let us know what it does!

5 hours ago, rd2rk said:

 

I presume (based on your use of the winking emoji) that you're being sarcastic, as opposed to making a statement that anyone who likes the Helix cabs is lazy and a tasteless, second rate artist?

I'd hope that was meant. I bought a few IRs the other day and tried them out. I liked them.

I usually use stock cabs though, and for the life of me I can't fathom all of the seeming hate, or at least "meh" feeling people seem to have for them. I seem to be able to dial in a bunch of sounds I like.

I like Hawaiian pizza too though. Maybe my ears are one of God's mistakes.

1 hour ago, akalchschmid said:

Ok, so I set the L/mono output to “line level“ and route it to the “FX return“ of my amp, correct?

 

Do I add Cab simulation? As my amp has a cab already I mean?

You're gonna hate this answer, but it's the truth. The answer is . . .  it depends. Same with the 4 cable method.

I personally think that whenever you can, you should use the HX Stomp as a DSP EXPANDER rather than the sole DSP unit. This helps reduce the impact of having only 6 blocks and three buttons. Now, I like Line 6 effects across the board, so if I were to do it, I'd do as the above suggests. I would set my amp to model the distortion, amp, AND cab and then stick my HX Stomp in the effects loop for post amp effects. I'd try that first and see if you like it. If you don't, I'd move on to the other options. Below are the four options I see:

1. Use your spider for pre amp distortion, amp, and cabinet effects. Hook the HX Stomp into the Effects loop and use it for post effects. This is simply the easiest way to do it. It's the way I use my Line 6 Firehawk 1500 with the HX Stomp.

2. Set your amp to neutral flat response and do ALL of it with the HX Stomp (no amp, no effects, no cab - just nothing). This method is also simple. You set the amp up as described, plug your guitar into the Stomp, plug your Stomp into the amp, and see what you think of it. OR plug your guitar into the amp, and the HX Stomp into the effects loop, but again the Stomp handles it all.  The two approaches usually sound slightly different. See which you prefer.

3. The reversal of option 1 above. Use your HX stomp to be the pre amp distortion, amp, and cab. Use your amp for the post amp effects (delay, chorus, reverb). I don't recommend this at all because the HX Stomp has a far superior post effect selection, but hey, different strokes.

4. Four cable method - Mix and match with the amp. You can use your HX Stomp to do pre distortion, and post effects while your amp does the amp and cab effects. Or have the HX Stomp do pre distortion, amp, but no cab while your amp does the cab, and the HX Stomp does post effects.  This method works and some people REALLY swear by it - but I gotta be honest, at least with modeling, I think it's way overrated.

You're the ultimate authority on your ear though, so try them out and see what you prefer.

2 hours ago, willjrock said:

Thats kind of like asking for an IR of a guitar....or drums.....or a singer. You generally dont get an IR of instruments.

 

Theres nothing thats going to make your guitar sound like a banjo other than playing a banjo, or a tool specifically designed for that, similar to an acoustic simulation pedal. But even then i wouldnt expect attempted recreations to be very faithful.

 

 

The Variax guitar does a pretty believable banjo.

Not that this guy can go buy one for one gig, but still, just saying.

1 hour ago, codamedia said:

 

I don't know for certain, but I think only the Helix gives you "per string tuning" changes. 

Perhaps it has some deeper function I'm not aware of. If you just mean switching to an alternate guitar tuning on the fly within seconds, the Firehawk does that quite well. Probably easier than the Helix because of the phone app. You choose the string, slide your finger to the tuning, and go.

10 minutes ago, sdre9096 said:

I find I am really only using one feature of the Helix and that is using it with my Variax and having the ability to change tunings(or just the note of one string) on the fly with the footswitch. Question is this.... Is there any other way to do that without the Helix hardware? For such an expensive piece it dosnt seem worth it for me to keep it given what im using it for. 

Seriously? That's the ONLY use you can find for it?!

Still, if that's it, there's sadly no Variax only device. Cheapest way is probably the Firehawk FX. On a deal you can grab for under $400. Still has effects though because that's its primary purpose.

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/line-6-firehawk-fx-guitar-multi-effects

3 hours ago, greg_l said:

So is there no offer from Line6 for black Friday this year ???

I didn't see a huge deal. They sent me an e-mail pointing out their G10 relay and a few other items (like Spider amps) have an instant rebate right now. 

I'm considering the G10 . . .

2 hours ago, Maikilove said:

Hi.

 

Is it possible to connect an audio player to the HX Stomp to study a song and play on it?

 

For example, connect a stereo cable and listen to an mp3 song with the headphones while playing the guitar at the same time.

Yes it is. I do this rather frequently. If your device has a USB out instead of a headphone jack then you'd use the Stomp's USB in. You'd probably have to buy the right cord connections for it, but it's doable.  If it has a headphone jack then you'd probably need an adapter so that the cord will fit into a standard guitar input, but those are pretty cheap ($6 for 4 on Amazon when I bought them).

3 hours ago, zolko60 said:

Oh, really? They indicate?
 

Yeah. They do. I can't speak to the rest of your question, but Line 6 has always described it as an in house process. 

I mean, if it wasn't WHATEVER, but they describe it that way.

3 hours ago, macnevine said:

I have been pushing my stomp to the limit.  I can say the only negative thing so far for me is discovering that you have to be very thoughtful of which 6 effects you use because of DSP limitations. In some instances I can literally only chain 4 effects without it impacting DSP.  Anyhow, there are some great youtube videos that show more thoughtful uses using particular lower DSP effects and somewhere there is documentation in this forum to help plan and manage the DSP.  I have worked through this and I have found a good Clean/Dirty/Lead chain with typical modulating effects in the chain that I trigger on/off with a small MC6 Midi controller  for my needs.  The only other limitation at the moment is that it will not work with 2 expression pedals without a reported work around (which I cannot get to work around).  But if you are only using one expression pedal you should be OK.  The volume control is a block but you can have your expression pedal learn the master levels out and control volume to save an effect "block".  

 

Another thing I am doing, because it is a USB Interface, is that I am connecting it to my IPAD on my Mic Stand and I am successfully integrating the tone stack app into the guitar chain.  So I am finding success with using the amp modelers on the STOMP with vol. control and triggering many of the Tonestack modulating effects which are very very good. For my one man band shows this is a great set up and I even integrate the HX STOMP signal into an IPAD looper app I have named Quantiloop.  In my one man band setup I use a foot pedal named beat buddy that delivers bass and drums for many of my songs and my app Onsong changes all of the songs via midi on my beatbuddy pedal.  My beat buddy is also midi chained into my HX stomp and my IPAD so it sends the tempo to my HX stomp and auto sets my BPM for all my modulation effects on the stomp HX and sends the BPM  to my Tonestack app effects on my IPAD and the BPM also syncs with my looper on my IPAD so everything is tightly integrated with BPM.  So a typical thing I do is start my beat buddy song then I loop a basic clean chord progression that repeats later early in the song.  I then stop the intro loop and play and sing live, then when it comes for a lead, I start the looper again and step on my lead channel on HX STOMP for soling over the chord progression.

 

Of course when i am playing with a band I only need my HX stomp with an expression pedal and tap tempo but my main goal was to merge the new IPAD apps with the hardware HXSTOMP and so far I am having success with it being a very flexible piece of equipment.

First off, bravo.  That's some seriously creative flexibility with DSP limitations there.  I wish I was half as creative. Those are some ideas I'll have to look into. 

I also wanted to weight in to the original poster's question, in my opinion the HX Stomp is a perfect or NEAR perfect standalone device. It's an expensive, but not TOO expensive piece of kit that can easily become the centerpiece for most rigs.  As you progress there might come times where you come up a bit short or want to add something, but part of the genius of the Stomp is it's pretty easy to do so (for example I want to throw in a Freeze Pedal - easy peasy - in one setup I run into a DSP shortage because of some crazy modulations going on, so I turn on the attached Boss Distortion pedal so that the HX Stomp doesn't have to run that end).  Additionally, snapshots and expression pedals allow for some serious tricks to solve problems in ways you couldn't before (ample, bail on the distortion pedal period and just use an expression pedal or snapshot to up the gain on your amp of choice).

So in my opinion it's a great stand alone or 75% standalone rig for MOST players, BUT there are caveats.  There are some players who want mountains of effects and chains, and no, the Stomp would at best be a flavor there.  If they don't have one already, the Full Helix or LT is designed for those types of people. 

27 minutes ago, zolko60 said:

Thank you. Looking at two photos one can feel it is the same picture, doesn't he? IRs like a digitized photos or other soundfiles - you can alter them, process them but to some degree there is a feeling this is this and not something else.  So I am asking people who did compare them and can share their experience. I am not conspiracy detective. Just curious and always willing to check if I can trust my ears.

That's an analogy which ignores a lot of the differences between sound and photos. Particularly in this case, both groups were TRYING to make the most accurate version of the same thing.  

In some respects it's like saying your Aunt's version of your grandma's apple pie tastes the same as your mom's version of your grandma's apple pie.  Of course they do. That was the whole point.

Line 6 has indicated in every single situation that they create all of their own versions of amps, cabs, effects, etc.  By the way, I happen to be one of the ones who likes them . . .

1 hour ago, tdawgg said:

The exp pedal I'm using is hard-wired, with a TRS end. It does have a polarity switch, and also a knob to control parameter.

I tries the "bug workaround", still doesn't work.

Any suggestions?

The reason I bought this pedal is because a) it was inexpensive (won't be gigging w/the HX) and b) an online retailer showed it as part of a "bundle", along with the HX, so I figured they must have tried it, before offering it as part of a bundle.

I only intend on using the pedal occasionally.

I did buy a relatively cheap two-button switch, that works fine for turning blocks off and on. It also uses a TRS cable, the only "issue" is you have to step on FS5 (the two button switch) twice, to get the block to turn off or on..not a big deal.

Honestly, I think until they actually fix the bug in question it's going to be hard to trouble shoot anything. In all likelihood problems are the bug, but in rare occurrences it might be the pedal. I'd bank on the bug right now.  I know it's frustrating but we're kind of stuck sitting on our hands for now. 

14 hours ago, GMArts said:

Is there a way  to access the HX Stomp tuner OTHER than the Tap/Tuner foot-switch (or MIDI)?

 

The manual only refers to the tuner with the Tap/Tuner foot-switch which I intend to reassign, with pedals preventing use of FS4 and FS5.  I won't have MIDI connected, so that's not an option.

Could you be a little more clear here?  Are you saying that using FS4 and FS5 won't work for your option?  Because you can setup FS4 or FS5 to be the tap tuner, but I wasn't sure if you were saying you knew that but it wouldn't work for you. 

24 minutes ago, tdawgg said:

I just got a Onstage exp pedal (model is KEP100), can't seem to make it work with any of the volume/wah/pitch blocks...tried adjusting every parameter I could think of, and followed the instructions in the manual, as well.

Will this exp pedal work with the HX Stomp? 

Is there a comprehensive list of 3rd party pedals that will work with the HX Stomp?

There was a bug introduced with the latest firmware. It's made it difficult to have expression pedals or switches function properly. It's possible your issues are related to that. I know I struggled getting two additional switches to work last night.

Supposedly a patch is on the way soon.

Just to weigh in, I'm a user who prefers the VDI cable and thinks it's 100% worth it. It powers the Variax, and it allows you to change to extremely unusual  tunings much faster  (I like playing a lot of bizarre tunings). It's also faster changing between guitar choices (though not considerably so). Just not having to care about the battery is a big plus to me.

I've heard people say it's brighter than the regular cable. I'm not arguing that it's not, but to me tonal differences are rarely anything to get worked up about since we have so many ways to impact that anyway, ESPECIALLY with a Variax and a Helix.  

2 hours ago, Rickholbert said:

question solved. AxeFX has 270+ amp models. Helix has 75+. Headrush has 34+. Kemper has as many as you wish to profile.

That's my point. if line 6 wants to stay competitive they have to get up to at the least AxeFX. I choose to give the helix the chance so I'll see what happens next year if not up to par I will be switching.  

I realize you're probably not really looking for an answer, but I'll bite and get all business speak with you for a moment. Line 6 IS the dominant modeler. They pretty much started the biz, and they have been "winning" for quite a while now. It's clearly part of why Yamaha wanted to buy them. For other companies who want to compete with Line 6, they only have a few directions they can try to win that fight. They can try to be cheaper, argue that they have "better" sound (which as time goes on will become increasingly hard to win on that front as all systems start to reach a parity of diminishing returns), compete as being easier to use than the Helix, or compete as being premium (selling fewer units but commanding a higher price).

Clearly groups like Headrush are trying to compete at the same price level and be easier, with their advantage focus being UI. Boss with the GT-1000 is also trying to compete on Line 6's level (and in my opinion presenting a VERY mixed message about how they're different which probably impacts sales).  Fractal and Kemper are clearly trying to compete on the premium "professional" grade level (more, more, more but you're going to PAY for it).

The fact that these different groups exist is not a sign that Line 6 is losing. In fact, you can clearly see Line 6's dominance by how ALL of these companies set up their business practices around Line 6, as well as by the varied and immense product line that Line 6 offers. Simply put, Line 6 already has the power to compete in every single market. For the low budget musician, they have Pods, Firehawks, and now even the Stomp which is kind of a bridge between the Helix and older gear, and for the professional they have the more affordable LT and the premium Helix floor. Where is the affordable Kemper?  Kemper can't even focus on that market right now, and Fractal can only kind of reach it by selling its older gear. Line 6 even competes in the professional premium overkill market with Kemper and Fractal by being the more affordable of the big three as the full Helix is still considered a valid choice between it, Kemper, and Fractal. Especially with IRs, to be frank the NEED to go completely bonkers with a Fractal is a head scratcher to me, but I guess if your the Edge from U2 you probably have more money than you legitimately know what to do with.

For any musician out there Helix is probably even overkill for what they REALLY need. It's awesome to live in a time where you can turn all your guitar gear knobs up to 11 and go completely overkill bonkers on choices (Kemper/Fractal, and arguably even Helix) and it's great that there are companies out there who meet those needs, but it really can distract you from the reason we all got into it anyway, which was to enjoy playing awesome music for ourselves and others.

I can hook up the ancient Pod kidney bean and plug it into a cheap 90's amp and have my family and friends singing along in seconds. They don't seem to give a damn about any of this.

The take away for you though, is you should NOT own a Helix. It was the wrong product for you. I don't know how you got off the beaten path, but you clearly NEED to be drowning in choices, and that clearly puts you in the "premium" overkill market. I have no idea what your income level is, but be prepared to pay for it to be happy. I hear kidneys go for good prices these days in most major city back alleys. Since it's near Christmas perhaps all you'll need to do is pawn off half your liver.  

14 minutes ago, groovadile said:

Hello there.

Is there any way (without hooking up external switch) to change preset by foot in the play view? (I would say, eg. press two right buttons simultaneously to go up, two left simultaneously to go down)

 

If not, then:

Is there any compact midi controller you would know, that would fulfill those:

1) three buttons

2) small

3) can be programmed so that one button changes between play/preset view, and the other two are page up/page down.

 

Thank you very much in advance!

 

Mike

Well, "Play View" has four modes, and since 3 of the 4 modes have this ability (simply pressing FS1 + FS2 or FS2 + FS3) I assume you mean in the stomp mode of play view.

As far as I know, no, if you can't or don't want to hook up an additional switch you have to bend over OR, I think, you can set FS3 to cycle somewhat but then you loose the tempo/tuner ability (I think on that last part - I have only kind of fiddled there).

If you want a midi controller that can do it, my research indicates this is the best one and that it can do it:   https://www.morningstarfx.com/mc6-mkii

It's a pricey little beast but it sure seems like it can do a lot. I've been tempted to put it on a Christmas wish list, but then I have to ask myself why if I need that to enjoy my Stomp I didn't just buy an LT.

Hindsight, 20/20, and all that.