evrardmusic

This question "Are 6 block enough?" will continue to be debated for sure. I have found that 6 blocks are sufficient. I did free up some blocks in a sense by inserting an effects loop block and integrated all three of the 500 series from Boss (MD-500, DD-500, RV-500). It really opened things up tremendously. I changed up some presets to the following Phaser------>Overdrive------>Amp----->EQ------->Effects Loop----->Stereo Cabs. I like phasers in front of overdrives and amps. Another really useful option for me will be Boost or Comp----->Overdrive---->Amp------>EQ------->Effects Loops------>Stereo Cabs. These types of presets would allow for me to continue to use FS1 aqnd FS2 for more useful things such as bypassing boosts, overdrives or EQ's. I still think that the HX-Stomp makes for a super great travel, grab and go rig all by itself. As for more functionality and versatility, adding other effects pedals into the mix makes things even better. I have been using my HXS with a JC-40 to make full use of the stereo imaging. Even without using snapshots, changes that I make to my sounds such as changing from one type of amp to another Different preset) maintains the trails of delay and reverb. I really do understand the issues people might have with HX-Stomp. So instead of arguing my point, I'll just say I truly love what the HX-Stomp does. What it does not do, I can combine with other pedals including controller pedals and additional switches.

After spending about a week with my new HXS, I love it and find that six blocks is plenty. A few things that I learned that helps, is that the amp/cab combination does allow for you to change to a different cab/mic etc. than the suggested cab for each preset. The "limitations" are what they are. I work in a music store and love it when people come in asking if there is a pedal that allows you to sound like David Gilmour, fit in your pocket and cost only $100. Come on folks..."You can't have everything...where would you put it?" -Steven Wright. Seriously, not enough blocks? Not enough buttons? Get yourself a Helix LT if those are your concerns. If you want a relatively small rig, get two HX Stomps. Even if you go stereo, with one HXS, a typical preset could be (Overdrive--->Amp---->Stereo Modulation------>Stereo Delay----->Stereo Reverb-----Stereo Cab). Within a stereo cab block you can actually have two different cabs. I did not realize this at first, but is super cool. If you are running a mono chain, your preset could be (Filter/wah----->Overdrive----->Amp/cab----->Modulation---->Delay----->Reverb). Plenty of blocks folks. I don't want to dismiss people's desire for more blocks, I get it. I can easily see eating up blocks especially when you run parallel paths or when you want to intergrate EQ's to fine tune your tone. I have seen Jason Sadities use up quite a bit of blocks to achieve Eric Johnson and Brian May tones. But remember folks...the six block "limitation" comes into play only in a live setting if at all. For recording, and doing the re-amping thing, you can record dry or relatively dry tracks and add in other things after those tracks are recorded. These HX Stomps are selling like hot-cakes. Making it more like a Helix defeats the whole purpose of this pedal at the price point that it is. Line 6 would not want to eat into its Helix and Helix LT market. If anything, owners of Helix and Helix LT are finding the HXS super useful as a travel rig. That form factor... is the first thing I was attracted to when I heard about this pedal. If the six block "limitation" truly is an issue, then the choice is simple...don't buy it. I would rather firmware updates include new amps and effects than adding more blocks.