guitarboy_02451

Not new to L6, started on original red POD, then POD 2.0 then POD HD, then POD HD 500... After my recording projects were done, I always parted ways because those solutions seemed to be silo'd to me. Meaning, I never incorporated them into a live rig, which consists of two Dr. Z amps and a boutique set of pedals. I also have an old Avid Eleven Rack cabled into my PT rig. When I realized my board was heavy on drives and distortion pedals, I started looking into more expensive mod/time-based pedals and then I discovered a video by Richie Castellano on 6 ways to setup and use the HX Stomp. That peaked my interest. So I completely rebuilt my board around the Stomp, to include the L6 / Mission Engineering Helix Expression pedal. I had to do some tweaking to make the toe button FS5 as I wanted it to enable some blocks that it otherwise didn't natively enable out of the box. I put all my pedals in the loop of the Stomp, and put the Stomp in the loop of my Empress + Buffer, and from there goes to one of my two Z's (whichever one I feel like playing). The Reverbs, Delays, volume, wah, and other mod/time-based effects are STUNNING!!! So I set up a few patches, now I just have to figure out how to go form 34A to 34B while their in the Stomp mode... Now onto the amps and cabs. Like I said, I've been into modeling for a while, and it was always just "ok"..... I always prefer mic'ing cabs (I have a good assortment of ribbon's, small diaphragm condensers, large diaphragm condensers and tons of 57's). Typically I do a ribbon + small condenser or 57 + small condenser... Both off axis. Last night for the first time, I patched in L/R 1/4" outs into my pre's and quickly dialed up the clean Friedman and enabled a stereo track in ProTools. The tone was blissful, I could have jammed for hours just with that amp, native cab and a bit of verb... I threw the Minitor (sp) on it for some drive and was blown away. Now it's got me thinking, is it time for a Power Cab + 212? I'd prefer low volume, sound... my Z's have the Z-Brake for attenuation. I have to admit, I'm thoroughly blown away, and impressed with the quality of the unit. I'm also finding getting around and doing some advanced things isn't all that difficult. Back in the day I used to have Digitech 2112 and if anyone knows that platform, you had to be somewhat of an engineer on that. I also like the simplicity of the Stomp, I'm a simple guy... my amps are hand-wired, point-to-point with some NOS tubs... I think the Helix or Helix LT would have been complete overkill for my brain to wrap around... If you give me hundred parameters, I'm the type that thinks I need to use all of them. The Stomp is small, simple, quick to get going and I don't use the editing software. I also don't really see having dozens of patches. I only use Dr.Z amps and have two (Carmen Ghia & Maz 38) so I don't see utilizing 50 million amps that this offers. I like the Placator, probably a Fender and a Matchless or Vox patch. I don't play metal and I'm not a huge Mesa or Marshall fan. I've owned plento Marshalls, but always leaned towards a Fender/Dumble thing. My only wish from Line 6 is that instead of the Dr. Z RT 66, that you please include a MAZ 18 or MAZ 38. Those two are really the workhorse of the Z fleet, and for good nature perhaps add a Carmen Ghia. The RT 66 is more niche than mainstream, IMO... Doc will probably correct me on that though. I could totally see using this both in my guitar rig, recording and if I ever got to play live again. This is my initial thoughts on this little box. I hope this helps anyone that's on the fence.

Get to know the unit first before going crazy buying stuff. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

To the OP, likely as others have said it's probably your release of OSX. I feel your pain, I have a 2007 intel iMac, running Lion 10.7.5. This is the LAST version of OSX that can run on my hardware. I tried to load HX Edit and it installed, but when executing the app, it said my release was too old. For those that say "upgrade OSX", easier said than done. Like I said, I cannot unless I upgrade my MAC unless the hw gets upgraded. Which then would make me have to upgrade ProTools, which then would make my Avid 003 a paper weight as it uses the old Fire Wire connection, which would also make my old Waves Bundle and all the other old plug-in software inoperable. I work in technology as an engineer and fully understand hardware/software life cycles. You see, it's a domino effect. So as others have said, if you're using your stomp to connect to a DAW on your old mac, it will work... Even my ProTools 10 recognized the HX Stomp via USB. Sad part is I can't hear it because the driver doesn't play with ProTools Audio Aggregate. So old fashion way, L/R TRS out of Stomp into my 003, and use a Windows 10 Laptop for HX Edit.

Hi, I just got the HX Stomp (not new to L6 or Eleven Rack). Typically I just use L/R Analog 1/4" to my pre's to record direct. My ProTools rig and Mac are pretty old. Mac is running 10.7.5 (Lion) with ProTools 10 and Avid Factory 003. I see the HX Stomp in my Midi Devices, and ProTools can even record direct from the USB, so I got that. The only issue is all peripherals and monitors are running through the Factory 003. I am hoping to be able to use the Factory 003 to drive the monitors. Yes, I have selected ProTools Aggregate I/O as the playback engine, but to no avail. (I was hoping anything in the aggregate would get routed to PT), no such luck. Worse case scenario, I unplug the HX Stomp's ins /outs (as I'm using it on my pedal board) and run separate cables to my preamp, but that's a PIA. Just leaving a USB connected would have been ideal. Does anyone have any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

thanks Phil, yes had vol about 2pm. Changed to inst, dimed the vol and I have unity. saw a Richie Catililano video and he had the same settings. Thanks for your reply!

I'm Sure this has been asked before. Just got my HX Stomp, great rig! I've incorporated it into my existing pedal board via 4 CM putting my pedals in the FX Loop. My output goes to either one of my Dr. Z amps. Right now I have the output going to my Dr. Z Carmen Ghia (which doesn't have an FX loop). I noticed the audio level dropped, I swapped cables and plugged guitar directly into the amp, nice and loud and bright, put everything back through the Stomp and signal dropped. Went in and changed the output from "Inst" to "Line", then I had unity (same signal from Stomp as guitar going direct to amp). But I know this can't be right... Line level is for low level signals like keyboards, etc.

Couldn’t you do that now with your two PC + cabs? Set one to one speaker and the other to another?

And speaking of Dr. Z, This Reverb article, fresh off the 2019 NAMM floor just popped into my in-box: https://reverb.com/news/dr-z-weighs-in-on-modeling-tech-and-the-future-of-amp-design "You can’t fight it," he says. "A musician will always want that piece of gear—that Stratocaster, that ‘59 Les Paul, that Marshall. That will always be coveted and that will always be of great value, but to survive, you’ve gotta go with the technology. And I’m not one to battle technology. Now, I can’t say that I’m such a mystic by saying that, but let’s face it—it’s got to do something if it’s going to survive. It’s got to evolve."

Yeah, I agree... This is one of the hardest justifications I have. When the Avid Eleven Rack came out it was the greatest thing since sliced bread... Coming in at about $799 (in 2010 dollars). I have one sitting in my side-car and has been used maybe three times for some recording sessions over the past 9 years. I see Elven's going for like $150 now... Technology for that product, along with support has come and gone. I started with the kidney bean way back when it came out, plus a Flextone, and POD HD500... etc.. I have a 2005 Dr. Z Maz 38 (Point to point, all tube with a 1959 GE NOS rectifier) going into Doc's mixed speaker 2x12 Cab... The head retailed for like $1200 in 2005.... Guess what??? The few that are on Ebay are still selling used for that. So to your point, I LOVE the idea of the HX Stomp w/ 2 PC Cabs... But what's the worth in 5 or 10 years??? For not much more I can look at a Fuchs ODS, Two Rock, or even more of the intense Dr. Z offerings now available. I've bought and sold more Line 6 gear over the years, but my DRZ's still are here. Each time I've sold an L6 product I've taken a bath. My POD HD500 sold for $148 and that included shipping!! I started playing guitar, 36 years ago, I always used two amps... My first rig was a little Gorilla that sat on a Sears Amp, and I had a DOD PDS1000 delay & DOD Stereo Chorus feeding two amps. Probably sounded like crap, but to a 13 year old... it was pretty cool. :) Realistically my Doc Z's are amazing amps, but their shortcomings are (lack of effects loop) and you can't push delays and reverbs too much in front of the amps, plus they're picky about true-bypass pedals. So when I use them for recording (which I do...), most ethereal effects are added in post production. But simplicity is key... My Dr Z 1x12 Carmen Ghia has two knobs.... Volume & Tone.... (and the tone does something magical...) The only consolation, and one of the product support managers for L6 stated in a video, is that, at this point, the modeling is pretty much there.... Meaning, they've captured and reproduced just about everything they feel they can at this point.... (especially capturing circuits and bulbs and point to point voltages...), that perhaps, aside from tweaks and new features, it may be true that at this point, the modeling is "as good as it's going to get." Thus values may hold. So, I just found that Sweetwater has bundled the 2 standard PC Cabs for $1080... https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PwrCabBunA--line-6-powercab-bundle-a-2-by-powercab-112 Keep in mind those aren't the PC+ and honestly, I don't even know what IR's are... so probably would work best if I went the HX LT or HX Stomp route. I'm not bashing L6... I'm just not a complicated player, nor even play out any more... I like the Stomp because it looks like a cool "toy...", I just cannot stand playing through my DAW monitors, I need real amp feel.... But man the cost of Stomp and two cabs combined is killer diller…. Especially to your point, Ebay & Reverb will be flooded with them in about 3 - 5 years dirt cheap.

I agree whole heartedly. $1399???? I think Line 6 needs to go back to the marketing/pricing/sales board room and re-address. The L6 PC+ 1x12 retail is $799.00. Logic would say, "well, we doubled what already existed so that doubled the price".... But that's ill logic. The brain (computer inside) already existed in the 1x12 PC+... The only thing that doubled was an additional speaker, additional plywood, some routing/cabling and a software update. Oh and an unnecessary increase in power to 500 Watts..... (Like who needs that????) Lest not forget doubling the weight. I could see the pricing coming in at like maybe $999 - $1099.... but literally doubling the price is outrageous!!!! No let me throw this out as another down-side to L6's ill thought out pricing scheme. If the cost of the 2x12 is double the cost of the 1x12 PC+, I'd rather just get (2) 1x12 PC+ speakers. That gives me the "grab & go" options of, do I need to take both or just one?? At this price point, you're better off with (2) 1x12's that gives you more options.... If the 212 came in around $999 - $1099, then yeah.. those that WANT stereo, it's a no brainer.... From a consumer stand point you've not given the consumer any reason to want the PC212+ L6 - PLEASE GO BACK TO THE BOARD ROOM and re-address the pricing of this. It's illogical from a marketing and consumer standpoint.

Well, looks like we asked, and L6 replied. Powercab 212 just popped up on the product page! :)

Yeah, looks like they just released the 212 for stereo!!! YAY!!! :)

I run two Dr Z amps (old MAZ 38) and an old Carmen Ghia. The CG is basic, two knobs... The old MAZ has a master vol / pre volume as well as an unbuffered fx loop which is its downfall. My pedal board is simple and linear. Wampler Comp -> Peppermint Fuzz -> Zen Drive -> Xotic AC -> Xotic BB -> Fulltone Supatrem -> Maxon AD 999 Delay. So crazy heavy on various gain stages, lean on ethereal modulation/special sounds. All effects run into front of amp. In my experience DrZ’s don’t like unbuffered pedals, nor cheap pedals. A non boutique will have evident signal loss. Same with cables, the Z’s are picky. I have a DAW and an Eleven Rack. I’ve used L6 since POD 1.0.... I hate playing through studio monitors. I haven’t played live in nearly 10 years and have no plans at present. Stomp gives all cool effects + cabs and amps. Lean on pedal control, but you don’t need to run cabs and amps.... And, I can add my existing board into the chain. HX FX gives all the same FX, sans amps and cabs. Lots of routing (which I don’t need cause my amps are old school). With each one would have to spend thousands of dollars to get the same high quality fx in individual boutique stomp pedals. So, I love playing the Z’s (Maz 38 is loud but I have a Z-Brake) but would love to get a low power thing (think 5 watts...) maybe two... Think Swart... or Champs. And Stereo! So I’m torn..... is any one else on the fence between the two? Also, both true bypass???? The Z’s will chew them up if they’re not. Thanks in advance. pg

Been a L6’er since the first red bean came out. I’m intrigued by the Helix LT. I like the idea of the Power Cab. I’m not keen on firing up my Protools Rig and studio monitors to play. Is there a way to run a stereo rig without having to buy a. 2nd Power Cab? Does L6 have any plans to make an extension cab or satellite cab for the Power Cab? This isn’t for gigging or sound stage, but to have a cool stereo rig.