What Are Line 6 HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL, and What’s the Difference?
- Noise Harmony
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
At first glance, the HX Stomp doesn’t look like much. It’s small, light, and has only a few footswitches and knobs. Nothing about it screams flagship processor. But it’s actually a full-featured amp and effects unit designed primarily for guitar and bass - but I really like using it with synthesizers. Once you power it on and start exploring what’s inside, it quickly becomes clear why so many players have made it the centerpiece of their rigs.
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HX Stomp uses the same modeling tech as the Helix line, so the amps and effects sound the same — the main difference is that it runs on a smaller DSP chip. That limits how many processing blocks you can use in a single preset, but the sound quality is identical. You’re not getting a “lite” version of anything, just a more compact device with fewer resources under the hood. The library includes hundreds of effects, over 80 amp models, and detailed cabinet sims, all powered by Line 6’s HX modeling architecture.
The layout is focused but not limiting. You get six blocks per preset, which might sound like a constraint, but with smart routing and snapshot control, you can build some surprisingly complex sounds. Dual amps, stereo delays, dynamic reverb chains — all possible with just a few menu dives. The unit also includes support for impulse responses, making it easier to personalize your tone.
Check out our custom-made presets for Line 6 HX STOMP!
NH_GreatSky_STOMP
NH_LunarShine_STOMP
HX Stomp XL takes the same core and adds more footswitches — eight instead of three. That’s a big deal if you rely on snapshots or like switching multiple effects on the fly. The extra switches let you do more without having to bring a MIDI controller or dive into menus mid-performance. Everything else stays the same: same DSP, same routing, same sound quality.
The I/O section covers most of what you’d expect: stereo in and out, MIDI in and out, an expression pedal jack, and USB for both audio and preset management. It can act as a multi-channel audio interface, so you can re-amp, split wet/dry paths, or record directly into a DAW. It also connects to the Helix Edit software, which makes editing faster and more visual. If you’re using Helix Native, it’s possible to move presets between hardware and plugin, which can be useful in hybrid setups. One drawback worth noting is the lack of XLR outputs, which may be a limitation for some live or studio configurations. We covered some of these workflow ideas in previous posts, especially in the context of hybrid pedalboard + plugin setups.
At Noise Harmony, we use both the standard and XL versions when designing presets, and we’re still impressed by how much you can fit into a unit this size. One thing worth mentioning is how Line 6 continues to update the firmware. New amps and effects have been added steadily over the years, and many of those updates come from user feedback. It’s not just about polishing the interface — they’re actively improving what the unit can do, long after release.
HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL aren’t meant to replace every rig, and that’s fine — they’re designed to do a lot within a compact footprint, and they do that well. The two versions share the same core features, but there are a few key differences that can matter depending on how you plan to use them.
Here’s a quick comparison to make it easier to see what’s what:
Feature | HX Stomp | HX Stomp XL |
Footswitches | 3 | 8 |
Max blocks per preset | 6 | 8 |
DSP power | Same | Same |
Audio interface | Yes (USB, multi-channel) | Yes (USB, multi-channel) |
MIDI | In/Out | In/Out |
Expression pedal input | 1 | 1 |
Dimensions | Smaller | Slightly larger |
Ideal for | Minimal setups, small boards | Snapshot-heavy live rigs |
But where does the difference in block count come from?
HX Stomp (firmware 3.0+): 6 blocks per preset by default
HX Stomp XL (firmware 3.0+): 8 blocks per preset
This isn’t due to the XL having more DSP power — both units use the same processor. The difference comes from a software limit that Line 6 introduced intentionally to take advantage of the larger user interface (mainly the additional footswitches). In practice, they have the same processing capabilities, but the XL lets you make better use of them.
Both versions run on the same modeling platform, sound identical, and support the same firmware. It just comes down to how much control you want under your feet, and how much room you’ve got on your board.
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