HX Stomp: A Comprehensive Manual Overview (December 27, 2025)
Today’s date is December 27, 2025. This manual details the HX Stomp, featuring 300 effects, amp models, and cabinet simulations, offering a comprehensive guide for users.
LINE 6 HX STOMP firmware 2.65 is covered, alongside resources for Helix, M Series, and legacy patches, ensuring a thorough understanding of its capabilities.
The HX Stomp represents a powerful and versatile floor-based modeling solution, bringing the acclaimed Helix sound engine into a compact and robust pedal format. This comprehensive manual serves as your guide to unlocking the full potential of this innovative device, designed for guitarists and bassists seeking exceptional tone and flexibility.
As of December 27, 2025, the HX Stomp boasts an extensive library of over 80 amps, more than 40 cabinets, and over 220 effects, encompassing both legacy Line 6 models and the cutting-edge technology of the Helix family. Whether you’re crafting pristine cleans, searing leads, or crushing rhythms, the HX Stomp provides the tools to achieve your sonic vision.
This guide will walk you through every aspect of the HX Stomp, from initial setup and interface navigation to advanced features like looping and expression pedal integration. It’s designed for both beginners and experienced users, ensuring a smooth and rewarding experience.
What is the HX Stomp?
The HX Stomp is a groundbreaking multi-effect processor and amp modeler, delivering the sonic power of the flagship Helix in a compact, stompbox-sized unit. It’s essentially a miniaturized Helix, offering access to the same industry-leading DSP and modeling algorithms. This allows musicians to achieve professional-quality tones in a convenient and portable package.
Containing over 300 effects – including those from the Helix, M Series, and legacy Line 6 platforms – the HX Stomp provides an unparalleled palette of sounds. Furthermore, it features over 80 guitar and bass amp models, alongside more than 40 cabinet simulations, offering immense tonal versatility.
The HX Stomp isn’t just a collection of effects; it’s a complete guitar system. It allows for the creation of complex signal chains, utilizing presets and snapshots to instantly switch between different tones and configurations. It’s designed for live performance, studio recording, and practice sessions.
HX Stomp vs. Helix: Key Differences
While the HX Stomp shares the core DSP and modeling technology of the full-size Helix, several key differences exist. The most obvious is size and footswitch count. The Helix boasts a larger footprint and more footswitches for greater on-stage control and immediate access to presets and snapshots.
The HX Stomp, designed for pedalboard integration, prioritizes compactness. It features fewer footswitches, relying more on bank selection and external control via expression pedals or MIDI. The Helix offers more simultaneous block instances, allowing for more complex signal chains.
Connectivity also differs; the Helix includes more I/O options, including stereo outputs and additional inputs. However, the HX Stomp remains incredibly versatile, offering USB and MIDI connectivity for integration with other gear. Ultimately, the HX Stomp provides Helix-quality tones in a more streamlined, pedal-friendly format.
Getting Started with Your HX Stomp
Begin by unboxing and setting up your HX Stomp, then power it on and connect essential cables for immediate tone exploration and enjoyment!
Unboxing and Initial Setup
Upon receiving your HX Stomp, carefully unpack the box and verify all included components are present. You should find the HX Stomp unit itself, a power supply, a USB cable for connection to a computer, and essential documentation including the owner’s manual.
Before proceeding, inspect the unit for any physical damage that may have occurred during shipping. If damage is present, contact your retailer or Line 6 support immediately. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the physical layout of the HX Stomp, noting the footswitch arrangement, knobs, buttons, and input/output jacks.
The initial setup involves connecting the power supply and, if desired, connecting the USB cable to your computer. Avoid powering on the unit until you’ve reviewed the ‘Powering Up and Basic Connections’ section for optimal setup procedures. This ensures a smooth and trouble-free start to your sonic journey!
Powering Up and Basic Connections
To power up your HX Stomp, connect the provided power supply to the DC input jack on the rear panel. Ensure the power outlet is functioning correctly. Once connected, the unit will automatically power on, displaying the Line 6 logo and initiating the startup sequence.
For basic audio connections, plug your guitar into the instrument input jack. Connect the HX Stomp’s output jack to your amplifier or audio interface. If connecting to an amplifier, ensure the amplifier is set to the appropriate input impedance.
The USB connection, established via the USB cable, facilitates firmware updates and integration with HX Edit software. It also allows for direct recording to your computer. Proper connections are crucial for optimal performance and accessing the full potential of the HX Stomp.
Downloading and Installing Firmware
Keeping your HX Stomp firmware up-to-date is essential for optimal performance and access to the latest features. Download the latest firmware version from the official Line 6 Support Website. Ensure you download the correct firmware specifically designed for the HX Stomp model.
Connect your HX Stomp to your computer using a USB cable. Launch HX Edit software. Within HX Edit, navigate to the Firmware section. Follow the on-screen prompts to initiate the firmware update process.
Important: Do not disconnect the USB cable or power off the HX Stomp during the update. A successful update will display a confirmation message. Firmware version 2.65 is referenced in documentation, so verify your version.
Understanding the HX Stomp Interface
The HX Stomp interface features footswitch modes, assignable knobs and buttons, and a display for navigating settings and customizing your tonal experience.
Footswitch Functions and Modes
HX Stomp footswitches are incredibly versatile, offering multiple functions and operational modes to suit diverse playing styles. These aren’t simply on/off switches; they can be configured for preset selection, snapshot activation within a preset, or even direct control over specific effects parameters.
Understanding these modes is crucial for maximizing the pedal’s potential. Standard mode allows for straightforward preset switching, while Snapshot mode enables instant transitions between different settings within a single preset, ideal for dynamic song structures.
Furthermore, the footswitches can be assigned to control looper functions, tap tempo, or even act as momentary switches for effects like swells or tremolo. Customization is key, allowing players to tailor the footswitch behavior to their individual performance needs. The manual provides detailed instructions on assigning and modifying these functions.
Knob and Button Assignments
The HX Stomp’s knobs and buttons are central to real-time control and parameter adjustments. Each knob can be assigned to virtually any parameter within a preset, offering immediate access to crucial settings like gain, volume, tone, or effect depth. Button assignments are equally flexible, allowing for control over functions like effect activation/deactivation, wah manipulation, or even looper playback.
The manual details how to navigate the assignment menus, enabling users to customize the control scheme to their preferences. Multiple assignments are possible, allowing a single knob or button to control different parameters in different snapshots within a preset.
This level of customization ensures that essential controls are always within reach, streamlining performance and fostering creative expression. Understanding these assignment options unlocks the full potential of the HX Stomp’s interactive capabilities.
Display Navigation and Settings
The HX Stomp’s display serves as the central hub for accessing all settings and parameters. Navigation is primarily achieved through the encoder knob and the footswitches, allowing for intuitive scrolling through menus and precise parameter adjustments. The display presents a clear visual representation of the current preset, snapshot, and selected block.
Within the settings menu, users can customize global parameters such as input/output levels, display brightness, and footswitch behavior. Detailed options are available for MIDI configuration, USB connectivity, and firmware updates.
The manual provides a comprehensive guide to understanding each setting and its impact on the HX Stomp’s overall functionality, ensuring optimal performance and personalized control.
Core Concepts: Presets, Snapshots, and Blocks
HX Stomp utilizes presets as your core tones, built from signal blocks and snapshots for instant variations, offering flexible and dynamic sound creation.
What is a Preset?
Within the HX Stomp ecosystem, a preset fundamentally represents your complete and customized tone. Think of it as a self-contained sonic environment, meticulously crafted to deliver a specific sound – whether it’s a searing lead tone, a sparkling clean rhythm patch, or a complex ambient texture.
A preset isn’t simply a single effect; it’s an entire signal chain. It consists of all the blocks connected together, defining the order and parameters of each component. This includes amplifiers, cabinets, effects pedals (like distortion, modulation, and delay), and various utility blocks.
Essentially, a preset is a snapshot of your entire signal path, allowing you to instantly recall and deploy a complex sound with a single footswitch press. Presets are the foundation of organization and performance within the HX Stomp, enabling seamless transitions between different tones during live performances or studio recording sessions.
Understanding Snapshots within Presets
Snapshots are a powerful feature within the HX Stomp that elevate the functionality of presets, allowing for dynamic tonal changes within a single preset. While a preset represents a complete tone, snapshots offer variations on that theme, accessible instantly via footswitch control.
Imagine a preset designed for a song with both clean verses and distorted choruses. Instead of needing two separate presets, you can create one preset with two snapshots: one for the clean verse and one for the distorted chorus.
Each snapshot captures a specific state of the signal blocks within the preset. Switching between snapshots instantly alters parameters like gain, modulation depth, or even entirely different effect combinations, all while remaining within the overarching context of the original preset. This provides seamless transitions and expanded sonic possibilities during performance.
The Building Blocks: Signal Blocks Explained
The HX Stomp’s sound creation revolves around signal blocks – individual processing units chained together to form a complete signal path. These blocks represent everything from amplifiers and cabinets to modulation effects, filters, and utilities.
Each block has specific parameters you can adjust to shape the sound. Blocks are arranged in a visual, drag-and-drop interface within HX Edit, allowing for intuitive signal flow customization. Understanding these blocks is crucial for crafting your own tones.
Common block types include Amp (modeling various amplifiers), Cab (simulating speaker cabinets), Drive (overdrive, distortion, fuzz), Mod (chorus, flanger, tremolo), and FX (delay, reverb). Blocks connect sequentially, with the output of one feeding into the input of the next, creating a complex and versatile sonic palette.
Exploring the HX Stomp’s Sound Library
The HX Stomp boasts an extensive library, including over 80 guitar and bass amps, more than 40 cabinets, and over 220 effects models for tonal versatility.
Amps: Over 80 Guitar and Bass Models
The HX Stomp truly shines with its impressive collection of over 80 meticulously crafted guitar and bass amplifier models. These aren’t simply digital recreations; they are deeply researched and accurately modeled versions of iconic amps, spanning decades of sonic innovation.
You’ll discover everything from pristine Fender cleans and roaring Marshall stacks to smooth Vox chime and high-gain modern metal machines. The library encompasses a vast range of tonal palettes, catering to virtually any genre or playing style. Beyond the classics, the HX Stomp also includes boutique and rare amp models, offering unique and inspiring sounds you might not otherwise encounter.
Each amp model is designed to respond dynamically to your playing, capturing the nuances of tube saturation, compression, and overall character. This allows for expressive and authentic guitar tones, making the HX Stomp a powerful tool for both practice and performance.
Cabinets: More Than 40 Options
Complementing the extensive amp collection, the HX Stomp boasts over 40 cabinet models, providing a crucial element in shaping your final guitar tone. These aren’t just static impulse responses; they are dynamic and responsive simulations of legendary speaker cabinets, meticulously captured to deliver authentic sonic characteristics.
The selection includes a diverse range of cabinets, from vintage Fender combos and classic Marshall 4x12s to Mesa/Boogie rectifiers and various bass cabinets. Each cabinet model interacts realistically with the chosen amplifier, influencing the overall frequency response, resonance, and projection.
You can also mix and match different cabinets to create custom tonal combinations, or even use them without an amp model for direct recording or unique effects. The HX Stomp’s cabinet modeling capabilities offer unparalleled flexibility and control over your sound.
Effects: Over 220 Models Available
The HX Stomp truly shines with its expansive effects library, containing over 220 distinct models. This vast collection encompasses everything from classic stompboxes to studio-grade processors, offering a sonic palette to suit any musical style. Expect faithful recreations of iconic delays, reverbs, modulations, and dynamic effects.
Beyond the staples, you’ll discover more esoteric and experimental effects, allowing for truly unique sound design. These models aren’t simply emulations; they’ve been refined to respond dynamically to your playing, offering nuanced control and expressiveness.
The effects can be arranged in any order within a preset, chained together to create complex and layered tones. The HX Stomp’s processing power ensures pristine audio quality, even with multiple effects engaged simultaneously.
Advanced Features and Functionality
HX Stomp boasts powerful looping, expression pedal control, and versatile connectivity via USB and MIDI, expanding creative possibilities for guitarists and bassists.
Looper Capabilities
The HX Stomp’s looper functionality is remarkably robust, offering a powerful tool for practice, improvisation, and performance. Users can create loops up to 30 seconds in length, with the ability to overdub multiple layers to build complex arrangements.
Looping is easily controlled via footswitches, allowing for hands-free operation during live performances. The looper includes features like half-speed and reverse playback, adding further creative options. Precise loop timing and quantization ensure tight, professional-sounding results.
Furthermore, the looper integrates seamlessly with the HX Stomp’s preset system, enabling users to save and recall looped performances alongside their favorite tones. This allows for instant access to complete song sections or backing tracks, streamlining the performance process and enhancing stage presence.
Expression Pedal Integration
The HX Stomp offers extensive expression pedal integration, significantly expanding its control possibilities. Users can assign expression pedals to virtually any parameter within the unit, including volume, wah, modulation depth, delay time, and more. This allows for dynamic, real-time control over your sound, adding nuance and expressiveness to your playing.
Multiple expression pedals can be connected simultaneously, enabling complex control schemes and layered effects. The HX Stomp supports both standard expression pedals and the Line 6 EXP2 expression pedal, offering a range of options to suit different playing styles.
Furthermore, expression pedal assignments are saved with presets, ensuring that your custom control setups are readily available whenever you need them, streamlining your performance and creative workflow.
Connectivity Options: USB, MIDI, and More
The HX Stomp boasts a versatile array of connectivity options, enhancing its integration with other gear and software. A USB port facilitates direct connection to computers for firmware updates, preset management using HX Edit software, and audio recording/playback capabilities. This allows for seamless integration into a digital audio workstation (DAW) environment.
Standard MIDI In/Out ports enable synchronization and control with other MIDI-equipped devices, such as keyboards, sequencers, and controllers. This opens up possibilities for complex setups and external control of HX Stomp parameters.
Additionally, the unit features stereo ¼” outputs for connecting to amplifiers, mixers, or recording interfaces, ensuring high-quality audio transmission. These diverse connectivity options make the HX Stomp a flexible and powerful tool for any guitarist.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
HX Stomp issues like no sound, firmware update problems, or footswitch malfunctions are addressed in this section, providing solutions for a smooth experience.
No Sound Troubleshooting
Experiencing no sound from your HX Stomp? Several factors could be at play. First, meticulously check all cable connections – instrument input, amplifier output, and power supply. Ensure the volume knob on the HX Stomp is turned up, and the amplifier’s volume is also appropriately set.
Verify the selected preset isn’t muted or set to a very low volume level. Cycle through presets to confirm if the issue persists across all tones. Examine the signal path within the current preset using HX Edit; a disconnected or improperly configured block could be the culprit.
Confirm your amplifier is set to the correct input channel for the HX Stomp. If using headphones, ensure they are securely connected to the headphone jack. Finally, a firmware glitch can sometimes cause audio issues; consider a firmware reinstall as a last resort.
Firmware Update Problems
Encountering issues during a firmware update for your HX Stomp? The most common problem is a disrupted USB connection. Ensure a stable connection to your computer throughout the entire process, avoiding accidental disconnections. Use a high-quality USB cable and, if possible, connect directly to a USB port on your computer, avoiding hubs.
If the update fails mid-process, do not power cycle the HX Stomp. Attempt the update again, ensuring the correct firmware file for your specific model is selected within HX Edit. Verify your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the update software.
Occasionally, antivirus software can interfere with the update. Temporarily disable your antivirus during the update, then re-enable it afterward. If problems persist, consult the official Line 6 support website for specific troubleshooting steps and potential recovery procedures.
Footswitch Malfunctions
Experiencing unresponsive or erratic footswitch behavior on your HX Stomp? First, check the physical connections of any external expression pedals or footswitch controllers. Ensure they are securely plugged in and properly configured within the HX Stomp’s settings. A loose connection is a frequent cause of intermittent issues.
If the problem persists with the onboard footswitches, try resetting the stomp to factory defaults via the global settings menu. This can resolve software glitches affecting footswitch functionality. Also, verify that the assigned footswitch functions haven’t been accidentally altered within your presets.
For persistent malfunctions, consult the Line 6 support resources. They may recommend a firmware re-installation or, in rare cases, a hardware repair.
Resources and Further Learning
Explore HX Edit software, Line 6’s official support website, and vibrant community forums for in-depth tutorials and user-shared knowledge about the HX Stomp.
HX Edit Software Guide
HX Edit is Line 6’s powerful companion software, essential for unlocking the full potential of your HX Stomp. It allows for comprehensive preset creation, editing, and management directly on your computer, offering a visually intuitive interface beyond the pedal’s display.
Through HX Edit, you can deeply customize signal chains, meticulously sculpt amp and effect parameters, and organize presets into manageable sets. The software facilitates easy backup and transfer of your tones, ensuring your creations are always safe and readily available;
Furthermore, HX Edit enables advanced features like IR loading for custom cabinet responses and detailed MIDI mapping for seamless integration with external controllers. Regularly check for software updates to benefit from new features and improvements, maximizing your HX Stomp experience. It’s a crucial tool for serious tone crafting!
Official Line 6 Support Website
For the most up-to-date information, troubleshooting assistance, and downloadable resources regarding your HX Stomp, the official Line 6 Support Website is your primary destination. This online hub provides access to a comprehensive knowledge base, frequently asked questions, and detailed product documentation.
You’ll find the latest firmware updates for your HX Stomp, ensuring optimal performance and access to new features. The website also hosts official user manuals, including the HX Stomp Owner’s Manual (Rev A for Firmware 2.65 and beyond), offering in-depth explanations of all functionalities.
Direct support channels, such as contact forms and support ticket submission, are available for personalized assistance with any issues you may encounter. Regularly visiting the Line 6 Support Website guarantees you have the tools and information needed to fully utilize your HX Stomp.
Community Forums and User Groups
Beyond official resources, a vibrant community of HX Stomp users thrives online, offering a wealth of shared knowledge and support. Numerous forums and user groups dedicated to Line 6 products, including the HX Stomp, provide platforms for discussion, troubleshooting, and preset sharing.
These communities are invaluable for learning advanced techniques, discovering hidden features, and finding solutions to common challenges. Experienced users readily share their expertise, offering guidance and assistance to newcomers. You can find tips on maximizing the HX Stomp’s capabilities, including looper techniques and expression pedal integration.
Engaging with these groups fosters a collaborative learning environment and allows you to connect with fellow musicians passionate about the HX Stomp. Search online for “Line 6 HX Stomp forum” to discover active communities.