HX stomp with Catalyst

[allen_m]

I am thinking about buying an HX Stomp and Catalyst 100 as a more modestly priced alternative to a high-end modeler and an FRFR.

My question is...

Using the HX Stomp (or Stomp XL) as a midi controller for the Catalyst can a single "snapshot" (scene?) be used to switch not only effects block settings; but, simultaneously switch amp modeling modes as well?

 

Once set, my hope would be to have a half dozen or so snapshots to switch between each with not only different effect parameters; but, midi controlled amp settings as well.  Using the IR/modeling native to the Catalyst frees up more blocks in the Stomp.

 

And, if this IS possible, would the HX Stomp be easy enough to use in this fashion, or, would the XL be a better choice?

 

If the Stomp doesn't provide this functionality, I guess I could just use the Stomp for modelling/IR and use the power amp input of the Catalyst and forget about midi.

 

Thoughts? 

[rd2rk]

You're thinking about this the wrong way.

 

Catalyst is NOT an "alternative to a high-end modeler and an FRFR".

Catalyst is AITR vs FRFR.

There is no "IR/modeling native to the Catalyst".

Amp/FX modeling, yes. But while you COULD use the IRs in a modeler, they would not sound as intended because Catalyst is NOT FRFR.

It's a GUITAR speaker in a GUITAR cabinet.

The amp models in the Catalyst are voiced for the Catalyst speaker.

You can use the amp models in a modeler with the Catalyst's power amp and speaker, and they sound VERY good but, again, you probably don't want to use the modeler's speaker modes or IRs, you want to use the raw amp models into the Catalyst for the AITR effect vs the mic'd cab effect you get with modelers/IRs/FRFR.

 

I use my Catalyst 100 primarily with my Helix Floor. I also have an HXS.

Yes, you can create Snapshots which use MIDI to control most every aspect of the Catalyst's configuration.

The HXS allows 3 Snapshots per Preset, the HXSXL allows 4.

The additional footswitches on the HXSXL provide more flexibility than the HXS.

Beyond the additional Snapshot and footswitches the HXS and HXSXL are the same device.

MIDI is fully functional on both. When you load a Preset or Snapshot you can instantly send up to a total of 6 MIDI messages divided among any of the 16 MIDI channels.

Footswitches can be assigned to many functions, both on-board and for MIDI control of external devices like Catalyst.

On my Helix Floor I have a single preset which, using Snapshots, calls all 6 Banks. I have Stomp Mode switches that call the A/B channels of whichever Bank is active. I have other Stomp Mode switches that control the Helix FX. Using additional presets I COULD have up to 1024 entirely different virtual pedal boards which perform the same Catalyst functions. I frequently use my Catalyst as the "Dry" component of a W/D/W stereo configuration with my Powercab 212.

 

I also have presets for use with my HXS in a simpler configuration that uses the Stomp Mode footswitches to control the native Catalyst effects, switching channels with an external FS and changing Banks manually. An HXSL's extra footswitches would expand the capabilities of those presets.

 

Catalyst can be used in many ways.

6 distinct two channel amps. 3 four channel amps. 12 distinct presets.

OR any combination of the above. Essentially you have 6 "banks" of two presets (A/B) to use any way you like.

Any of the 12 presets can be called via MIDI from the HXS/HXSXL.

 

I could go on, but at this point I suggest that you DL the respective manuals for the Catalyst, HXS and HXSXL.

Read them and come back with specific questions.

 

SUMMARY: The combination of any Helix family device and the Catalyst 100/200 is fantastic. I have tried most every FRFR solution in the 6 years I've had my Helix, and the Catalyst sounds better than any of them. The only possible reason (IMO) for an FRFR/IR solution vs Catalyst would be if you play in a cover/tribute band and have VERY specific needs, or if AITR isn't important to you.