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What is logic behind HXFX 4CM routing


cmoore75
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Does anyone know why L6 didn't use the main out to go to the amp input instead of the send?  It would be a lot more logical to me if the send/return on the HXFX were used with the amp send/return.  I'm guessing it may correspond to how the routing works in the devices that have amp/cab blocks and they just kept it the same.  I know it doesn't really matter, but I'm curious if there is a better reason that I can't think of.  

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In the beginning is the INPUT.

At the end is the MAIN OUTPUT.

In between is the FX LOOP BLOCK - SEND routes (SENDS) the signal from the FX which are placed BEFORE to the amp's INPUT (usually GAIN and MOD FX) - just like on a physical pedal board ITRW.

 

The amp's effected PREAMP signal then passes back (RETURNS) to the HXFX RETURN to be processed by the FX placed in the AMP's FX Loop (usually MOD and time-based FX such as REVERB/DELAY) - just like ITRW.

 

The MAIN OUTPUT then routes the further effected signal to the amp's POWER AMP and SPEAKER via the AMP's RETURN - just like ITRW.

 

Without the FX Loop Block the signal passes from the BEGINNING to the END - INPUT to MAIN OUTPUT.

 

That's 4cm - Four Cable Method.

 

Both the SEND and the MAIN OUTPUT are OUTPUTS - the terms SEND and MAIN are intended to differentiate the actual intended design functions.

 

If you want the HXFX IN the AMP's FX Loop, then you plug your guitar into the AMP's Input and route the AMP's SEND to the HXFX INPUT and the HXFX MAIN OUTPUT to the AMP's RETURN. Just like using traditional serial FX in an AMP's FX Loop ITRW.

 

Using names that reflect the intended functions must have somehow seemed logical to somebody. Makes sense to me!

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Okay, I see your point.  The main output contains everything (pre&post effects) so it should be the last thing that goes into the amp return.  I just think of send and return as the FX loop I/O so it would be easier for me to remember the routing that way. 

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On 5/1/2026 at 8:04 PM, cmoore75 said:

Okay, I see your point.  The main output contains everything (pre&post effects) so it should be the last thing that goes into the amp return.  I just think of send and return as the FX loop I/O so it would be easier for me to remember the routing that way. 


Hi,

 

A picture is worth a thousand words.

 

There are diagrams of how to hook up your HXFX for use in your amps effects loop, plus the 4 cable method on pages 9 and 10 of the HX Effects 3.80 Owner’s Manual, available from this link below.

 

https://line6.com/data/6/0a00051afdbe673ccc8bdcf2d/application/pdf/HX Effects 3.80 Owner's Manual - English .pdf

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

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On 5/2/2026 at 7:17 AM, datacommando said:


Hi,

 

A picture is worth a thousand words.

 

There are diagrams of how to hook up your HXFX for use in your amps effects loop, plus the 4 cable method on pages 9 and 10 of the HX Effects 3.80 Owner’s Manual, available from this link below.

 

https://line6.com/data/6/0a00051afdbe673ccc8bdcf2d/application/pdf/HX Effects 3.80 Owner's Manual - English .pdf

 

Hope this helps/makes sense.

Thanks, I did check the manual and I have successfully set up 4CM, I just have trouble remembering the routing so I refer back to the manual each time.  I think I've got it now though.  

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