HX Stomp Splits and Blocks

[MorbidAddiction]

Hey Guys,

 

I didn't mean to make this so long so apologies!

 

Considering getting one of these units as an upgrade from a POD HD500 and just had some questions I hope someone in the know could awnser.

 

I was hoping to have a set up on the HX Stomp where I split the input to have two amps (no cabs) with an EQ each, then rejoin to an FX Loop to another split after that with two IR blocks for two seperate cabs back to one output (figuring that's best way to handle FX Loop, if not open to ideas!)

 

Does the FX Loop itself take up an extra block? And if the input has a noise gate activated does that also take up a block? I've read some places that they are expanding it to 8 blocks in an update, but I figure it would be more likely they'd need to do a HX Stomp+ situation given the block limitations are likely physical and not software related?

 

The manual wasn't so clear on these topics. Wasn't sure if the 6 block thing would be too limiting for me or not.

 

I was originally looking at an FM3, but then discovered this. If it can handle the combination above with all the amps, then it sounds like what I am looking for combined with my HD500 for FXs And extra EQ.

 

Finally, I wasn't overly happy with any of the hi gain amps on the POD HD500 except for solo patches in terms of like a Holdsworth sound etc, am I going to be disapointed with the Helix range? I'm also surprised at the randomness of the Hi Gain amps on offer, like an ENGL fireball but no Savage, Powerball, Invader or SE compared to a tone of Mesa Boogie models etc.

 

I wish I could get my hands on one to update the firmware and play with for a few days, but I'm in the middle of no where and I'd be ordering one online without getting to try first.

 

The selling point if the above is available is the size and price overall. If I had to go to a Helix LT instead, then I might as well save a little more and go to an FM3 (only $500AUD difference, whereas the HX Stomp is half the price of the FM3).

 

Sorry if this was long winded

[rd2rk]

You're OK until the FX Loop. That requires a Block, and you can't do a second split for the two cabs (only one split allowed). Also, as soon as you start talking dual amps, you're seriously limiting the DSP remaining for other effects. Noise Gate is part of the Input Block, but if you want one elsewhere in the signal chain, that's another Block.

 

Sounds to me like the Stomp is not what you need. Any of the full sized Helix devices will do what you want, and the LT is in the price range with the FM3, but if you can't try one, and you've already tried the FM3 and like it, that's the way to go. BUT, if you haven't actually TRIED the FM3, then it's a crap shoot.

 

As for the whether you'll like the high gain amps, the answer is YES/NO/MAYBE. No one can say what YOU will like, it's too subjective.

 

Overall it sounds like you want the FM3. Go for it!