Line 6 HX Series Compact Comparison: Differences & How to Choose (HX Stomp, HX Stomp XL, HX Effects, HX One)

Measuring 64 mm H × 170 mm W × 122 mm D and weighing roughly 820 g (1.8 lbs), it is exceptionally compact. It slips easily into tight spots on a pedalboard and is effortless to transport.

The top panel features three footswitches. Each switch supports multiple functions like mode switching and effect bypassing via taps or long presses. They also feature capacitive touch sensors, so lightly touching a switch displays its assigned effect on the screen. Despite its small size, hands-on control remains intuitive.

The rear panel includes stereo inputs (L/MONO, R), stereo outputs (L/MONO, R), an effects loop with 1 x SEND and 2 x RETURN (supporting a mono or stereo loop), MIDI IN/OUT (TRS mini jacks), and a dual EXP/FS jack.

Using a Y-cable, the EXP jack can connect two expression pedals or additional footswitches (FS4/FS5), allowing you to expand control options.

Despite its small size, it supports four-cable method (4CM) setups for flexible signal routing.

It also includes a headphone output for silent home practice without an amp.

The HX Stomp allows you to run up to 8 simultaneous blocks for amps, cabs, and effects (expanded from 6 in firmware 3.0+).

However, it relies on a single DSP engine compared to dual-DSP units like the Helix Floor, so high-DSP amp models or intensive effects can limit available processing capacity.

While it offers half the processing power of the Helix Floor (dual DSP, up to 12 blocks), it provides plenty of horsepower for focused signal chains.

Typical presets with an amp model and several core effects run smoothly, making it more than capable for most setups.

The HX Stomp runs on an included 9V DC power supply, drawing a high current of around 900 mA (Line 6 supplies a 9V 3A adapter to ensure stability).

Powering it from standard pedalboard power supplies requires combining isolated 9V outputs using a current-doubler cable.

However, high-current pedalboard power supplies have become widely available, making integration much simpler.

Approx. US street is $700.

The HX Stomp is ideal for guitarists and bassists who want a full amp modeling and multi-effects system in the smallest possible footprint.

It is great for players who want to:

• Cover home recording to live gigs with a single unit
• Build a carry-on friendly fly-rig pedalboard
• Add high-quality digital modeling to an existing analog pedalboard

It fits easily into all these roles.

Despite having only three switches, leveraging Snapshot mode (switching multiple parameter states within a preset) makes it fully capable on stage.

It is also popular among bassists thanks to dedicated bass amp models and effects, making it a powerful direct box (DI) solution on stage.

Thanks to its portability and tone quality, many touring pros rely on the HX Stomp as a main or backup rig.

Funk guitarist Cory Wong (Vulfpeck) has used the HX Stomp in his live rig, praising its dynamic amp-like feel and straightforward operation.

Mastodon’s Bill Kelliher has also incorporated the HX Stomp into his setup, pointing to its organic drive tones and high-gain amp models.

Many session players and touring guitarists build mini fly rigs combining an HX Stomp with a few essential standalone pedals.

Session musicians frequently note that a single HX Stomp can handle almost any gig demand.

Measuring 68 mm H x 316 mm W x 120 mm D and weighing roughly 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs), it is nearly double the width and heavier than the HX Stomp.

However, it remains well within a reasonable size for fitting on a pedalboard, and without an integrated expression pedal, it is still much smaller and lighter than units like the Helix LT.

All eight footswitches feature color LED rings and capacitive touch sensors.

While the three footswitches on the original HX Stomp could feel limiting, the XL lets you freely assign individual effect toggles and Snapshot switching across its expanded switch layout.

Although it uses the same small LCD screen as the HX Stomp, the color LED rings and touch sensitivity make it easy to visually identify each switch's function at a glance.

It includes basically the same I/O setup as the HX Stomp: stereo inputs/outputs, one effects loop, MIDI IN/OUT, and an EXP/FS jack.

Additionally, the HX Stomp XL features an amp switching output for controlling external amp channels, allowing control over external gear via analog switching as well as MIDI.

Just like the HX Stomp, the dual EXP jack supports connecting up to two external footswitches or expression pedals.

The internal DSP capacity and maximum effect count are identical to the HX Stomp, allowing up to 8 simultaneous blocks (from firmware v3.0 onward).

Compared to the single-DSP limits against the Helix Floor, the Stomp XL on its own can easily handle an amp model, several effects, and a looper.

There is no change in sound quality or processing power compared to the standard HX Stomp.

Power runs on standard 9V DC center-negative, with power draw estimated around 1A (similar to or slightly higher than the HX Stomp).

It uses the same included power adapter as the standard HX Stomp.

Approx. US street is $750.

The HX Stomp XL answers the demand from players who want to make the HX Stomp easier to use on stage.

It is ideal for guitarists who need to toggle multiple effects on the fly during gigging, or those who found the original HX Stomp lacking footswitches and were considering an external controller.

If you want to keep your setup compact but find three footswitches limiting, the XL’s eight-switch layout provides peace of mind.

It also suits players who prefer an intuitive experience without setting up complex MIDI control systems, letting you manage everything directly on your pedalboard.

Conversely, if you already pair your HX Stomp with an external MIDI controller, your setup achieves much the same functionality; the deciding factor is whether upgrading to an all-in-one unit is worth the additional investment.

Although the HX Stomp XL is a relatively recent release, many touring and gigging pros have already adopted it.

For instance, Cory Wong transitioned from the standard HX Stomp to the XL to control more effects right from his pedalboard.

Additionally, prominent guitarist and YouTuber John Cordy frequently demonstrates advanced setups with the HX Stomp and XL, proving its capabilities for professional work.

Measuring 76 mm H × 200 mm D × 274 mm W (3.0" x 7.9" x 10.8") and weighing around 2.3 kg (5 lbs), it is sturdier and larger than smaller HX units.

With its metal chassis and 8 large footswitches, it carries solid weight, delivering outstanding durability and stability on stage.

Players praise its tough build and identical switch feel to the Helix Floor, making it ready for demanding live use.

All 8 footswitches feature color LED rings and individual scribble strip LCD screens, giving you the same stage visibility as the Helix Floor.

Each switch is capacitive touch-sensitive—touching a switch with your finger brings up the assigned effect name for intuitive editing and assignment.

You can toggle individual effects on and off like a traditional pedalboard or assign modes, tap tempo, and tuner functions for seamless stage control.

Versatile I/O is one of the standout features of the HX Effects.

Along with standard stereo instrument inputs and outputs (L/MONO, R), it includes two effects loops (SEND 1/2, RETURN 1/2) for integrating external drive pedals or setting up four-cable method (4CM) routing.

It also comes equipped with standard full-sized MIDI In/Out jacks.

Additionally, external Amp control jacks allow sending latching or momentary switching signals to change channels on your guitar amp.

Two expression pedal jacks allow simultaneous control of functions like volume and wah.

Note that the HX Effects does not include a headphone output or USB audio interface functionality (the USB port is for editor connectivity and MIDI command control).

While not built for standalone silent headphone practice or direct recording into a DAW, it is designed from the ground up to integrate into an existing amp or audio interface rig.

You can run up to 9 effect blocks at the same time.

Because amp models are excluded, DSP headroom is generous, allowing complex combinations of resource-heavy delays and reverbs. (It uses the same single DSP chip as the HX Stomp, but without amp processing, available DSP goes much further).

For most guitarists, 9 simultaneous effects are plenty, with many noting that "this single pedal covers every effect I need."

The included power supply is 9V DC (3A), with actual current draw around 1.1A to 1.3A.

Like the HX Stomp, powering it via a multi-output pedalboard power supply requires careful planning, though compatible high-current supplies are more common now.

Given the unit size, the stock power supply brick is somewhat large, which is worth keeping in mind for tight board layouts.

Approx. US street is $650.

Positioned in the same price tier as the HX Stomp, it offers exceptional value if you do not require built-in amp modeling.

The HX Effects is built for guitarists and bassists who want to keep their favorite amp sound intact while adding top-tier effects processing.

For example, players running a tube amp with analog stompboxes can add the HX Effects to handle modulation, delay, reverb, and pitch effects while serving as the central hub of their pedalboard.

Using the two effects loops, you can easily integrate standalone analog drive pedals into your preset switching.

Running the four-cable method (4CM) allows placing effects both in front of the amp and in its FX loop, consolidating complex traditional routing into a single pedal.

Operation is straightforward—it operates much like a classic pedalboard, making it approachable even if you dislike complex menu diving. Conversely, since it lacks amp modeling, it is not meant for ampless direct-to-PA rigs on its own (though it supports IR loading, allowing direct-to-PA setups when paired with an external preamp pedal).

Even touring pros who own the Helix Floor frequently choose the HX Effects when running physical tube amps, relying on Line 6 strictly for effects processing.

For example, top US studio guitarists Tim Pierce and Tom Bukovac long relied on the Line 6 M9/M5 units in studio environments, praising the HX Effects as a natural upgrade to those classic boards.

On stage, backing musicians for major artists place an HX Effects on their pedalboards to control amp channel switching and MIDI sync in one place, effectively using it as a central system controller.

In Japan, iconic guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei previously combined a Helix with real tube amps; many players adopt a similar hybrid approach using the HX Effects on their boards.

Amp purists in particular rate it highly for clean tone, minimal noise, and reliable operation.

Measuring 62 mm H × 125 mm D × 96 mm W, it is slightly larger than a standard compact stompbox.

With a shallower depth than a standard Boss pedal and a width of about 1.5 standard units, it fits easily onto almost any pedalboard. Weighing just 450 g (approx. 1 lb), it is highly portable.

It features two footswitches on the top panel.

One handles effect bypass/engage, while the other can be user-assigned to functions like tap tempo or parameter toggling.

The dual-switch design enhances real-time control within a single effect—such as tapping delay tempos, switching tremolo speeds, or controlling looper recording and playback.

Because the HX One includes built-in looper models, having two switches allows full control over basic looping operations.

Despite its small footprint, it meets modern pedalboard demands with stereo inputs (1/4" L/R), stereo outputs (L/R), and MIDI IN/OUT via 3.5mm TRS jacks.

It also features an EXP/FS jack, allowing you to connect either an expression pedal or a dual footswitch.

Like the HX Stomp series, it supports flexible external control options.

While it lacks an effects loop, it integrates seamlessly with other pedals via MIDI.

Note that a headphone output is omitted.

It packs over 270 effect models derived from the Helix family (as of the latest firmware update).

Nearly every effect category from Helix is covered, including distortion, delay, reverb, modulation, filter, pitch, compression, EQ, wah, and looper models.

Only one block can be used at a time, so you cannot chain multiple effects together.

However, the HX One features a unique function called the Flux Controller, which allows specific effect parameters to sweep automatically over time.

This enables expressive parameter automation—such as gradually increasing a phaser's resonance—all within a single pedal setup.

While the DSP hardware is likely comparable to or lighter than the HX Stomp, running just one effect at a time means DSP overload is rarely an issue.

Even DSP-heavy reverbs and pitch-shifting models run effortlessly on their own.

The HX One operates on an included 9.6V DC power supply (500mA) with a rated power draw of approximately 500mA.

Power requirements are significantly lower than other HX series units, making it easy to power using standard multi-output pedalboard power supplies.

Line 6 explicitly highlights how easy it is to integrate onto board power without needing special high-current adapters.

Approx. US street is $300.

It is the most affordable entry in the Helix lineup, priced comparably to a single high-end boutique pedal.

The HX One suits players who want the ultimate single-stomp wild card—a pedal capable of filling any single effect slot on demand.

It is ideal for analog-focused players who need niche sounds for specific songs (like harmonic tremolo or specialty filters) or anyone looking to fill a remaining slot on their board with a versatile utility pedal.

Giving you access to over 250 tones in a single stompbox footprint, it lets you quickly adapt to unexpected sound requests during sessions or gigs.

It is also a great choice for guitarists who want to explore a wide range of effects without spending a fortune or sacrificing board real estate.

On the flip side, because you cannot stack multiple effects simultaneously, it isn't suited for crafting complex chains like combined delay and reverb.

Operation is strictly one effect at a time. Also, without amp modeling, it shines best as a dedicated ambient or modulation unit added to an existing setup.