HX Stomp user - What to upgrade to without going Fractal?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rex Rocker
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Rex Rocker

Rex Rocker

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I'm using a Line 6 HX Stomp for home practice since I can't crank a tube amp right now at my apartment.

I like it, but quite honestly, I think there might be better-sounding options out there.

TBH, I only use a few of the models (Recto, 5150, and Revv), but I do appreciate the option of having several options for boosts. I'm not a varied player, so I can make due with any clean model for my cleans (modelers normally have Fenders, Voxes, or Rolands).

I don't need a ton of amp models or higher CPU capabilites. I just want a better-sounding rendition of the Recto or 5150, basically. That's honestly why I don't feel like paying the extra bucks for the FM3... but if it's the only way to *really* upgrade, I will.

So... what are my options?

Thanks!
 
Honestly, the FM3 is the best option right now. It sucks because Fractal is out of stock and everyone is selling them used for new prices. I have a HX stomp XL at the moment, and it does the job, but it doesn't sound as good as the Fractal stuff. I mainly have it because it gives me up to 6 footswitches in a small form factor. If Fractal put out an FM4 I'd be all over it.
 
pipboy90 said:
Honestly, the FM3 is the best option right now. It sucks because Fractal is out of stock and everyone is selling them used for new prices. I have a HX stomp XL at the moment, and it does the job, but it doesn't sound as good as the Fractal stuff. I mainly have it because it gives me up to 6 footswitches in a small form factor. If Fractal put out an FM4 I'd be all over it.
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I'm betting a new product is in the works -sale on Axe Fx III's and FM3's out of stock = new product likely an FM6 or similar. I have an FM 9 and it's way too many buttons. A revisited Ax8 or FM 6 with more processing power would be cool

I've been using FAS since 2011 and seen this trend more than five or six times since then. (y)
 
The FM3 is the best I have tried. Nothing tends to beat Fractal in terms of feel and low end chug.

The only model I even liked on the Helix platform was the Badonk.
 
Have you thought about getting a high end pre-amp, and using the HX stomp for effects only?
 
Does the stomp have the same tones as the full Helix?
 
If not get the Helix. I switched from the Axe II to that and didn’t feel any drop in enjoyment
 
Have you tried changing the cabinets within and/or using IRs? I ended up doing that when I was using an HX Stomp, everything sounded a lot better, and that was even after the 3.5 update. There was a Bogner 2x12 IR I really liked that I loaded up, as well as a DV-77 IR.
 
JustinCorrigible said:
Have you tried changing the cabinets within and/or using IRs? I ended up doing that when I was using an HX Stomp, everything sounded a lot better, and that was even after the 3.5 update. There was a Bogner 2x12 IR I really liked that I loaded up, as well as a DV-77 IR.
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Oh, yeah. The stock cabs sound attrocious even after the latest update.

I'm using OwnHammer, but I also have a couple of Celestions.

I'd like to try the Josh Middleton ones.
 
Rex Rocker said:
Oh, yeah. The stock cabs sound attrocious even after the latest update.

I'm using OwnHammer, but I also have a couple of Celestions.

I'd like to try the Josh Middleton ones.
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Gotcha. As far as competitors not Fractal, I REALLY liked the GT-1000 (including Core). Had a very good (to my ears) recto model IIRC, not to mention the effects. Overall the tones were way better than the comparable Helix stuff. Menu and blocks were a little… worse, maybe, to modify than on the Stomp, but if I was to do it over again I’d go GT-1000 Core.
 
How in depth does the modeling go on the Boss? I kinda like to be able to tweak the poweramp parameters in the HX. I know the Fractal goes even more in depth, and it's *objectically* better at least hardware wise. I know the modeling goes more in depth as well... Do you think the Boss is better since it has less models? I mean, do they focus on getting a few very high-quality models?
 
I have a HX Stomp and FM-3, honestly I wouldn’t say it’s a night and day improvement in tone between the two. Fractal is probably a notch above but with the same IR you’re basically splitting hairs.

The main benefit of Fractal IMO is the number of amp models you get - if there’s something particular they have then maybe it’s worth it. I think The Helix’s take on Uberschall/5150/SLO/Rectifier/Rev/VH4/BE100all hold up well against anything out there
 
Rex Rocker said:
How in depth does the modeling go on the Boss? I kinda like to be able to tweak the poweramp parameters in the HX. I know the Fractal goes even more in depth, and it's *objectically* better at least hardware wise. I know the modeling goes more in depth as well... Do you think the Boss is better since it has less models? I mean, do they focus on getting a few very high-quality models?
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Tone Studio can be viewed without a device connected:

gt1000recto.png


Sag, resonance, and presence.

There's like 23 different amp models, I did not cycle through them all at the time, but I didn't hear anything I disliked. You could probably pick up a Pocket GT to get a cheap idea of how the models sound, but it lacks the power amp settings.

gtpocket.png
 
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