The Line 6 HX Stomp XL is an amp and effects processor that delivers HX modeling in a performance-ready pedal with eight capacitive-touch footswitches1. It uses the same SHARC DSP chip found in Line 6's Helix products, which enables it to run up to eight processing blocks simultaneously1. Where the original HX Stomp put Helix sounds into an ultra-compact format with three footswitches, the XL widens the chassis and adds the switching a gigging player needs to use it as a complete rig.
Line 6 positions it as a flexible tool rather than one fixed thing: in the launch announcement the company described using it as a "super stompbox," a backup or travel rig, an add-on tone expander with other modelers, a professional-quality audio interface, or a complete guitar or bass rig23. It carries more than 300 effects and models drawn from Helix, M-Series and legacy Line 6 products, including more than 80 amps4.
What the HX Stomp XL does
The HX Stomp XL is built around the same HX models found in Helix products, running on the same SHARC DSP chip as the flagship processors1. Guitar World's reviewer described it as carrying all the same effects, amps, cabs and IR loading as the flagship Helix processor, with the same 24-bit/192kHz converters and guitar inputs offering 123dB of dynamic range4.
A preset can hold up to eight blocks (DSP permitting) in a serial signal chain with parallel routing possibilities4. Internal routing includes parallel stereo signal paths, while the inputs and outputs include stereo-linkable effects loops7. Guitar World counted in excess of 300 models to fill those blocks, including more than 80 amps4. The unit ships with 25 banks of factory-written presets, which the reviewer said reflect that flexibility4.
For players who already own a bigger modeler, the XL also works as an add-on tone expander, and its Command Center functionality, MIDI capabilities and external expression pedal jack make it usable as a controller for the rest of a rig2.
The controls and the eight touch footswitches
The defining feature of the XL is its eight capacitive-touch footswitches1. Footswitches 1 through 6 are capacitive-touch with color LED rings that convey footswitch assignments and status at a glance7. Guitar World's reviewer found front-panel editing straightforward, helped by block selection through brushing the cap of the relevant footswitch, with the HX Edit software accessible via USB for deeper editing4.
The footswitches behave differently depending on the mode:
| Mode | What the footswitches do |
|---|---|
| Stomp mode | Six blocks from the preset are assigned to the main array of six footswitches, all with color-coded LED rings4 |
| Preset mode | Two bank switches move through banks, four footswitches select the four presets in each bank10 |
| Looper mode | Looper controls are assigned across six footswitches, so the looper is built right into the unit410 |
The front panel also carries a 2.4" (6cm) color LCD, a Page button pair, an Action button, a Mode button that toggles between Stomp and Preset footswitch modes (hold for Pedal Edit mode), a Tap/Tuner button for tapping in BPM or opening the tuner, and a Home/View button that returns to the Home screen and toggles between Play and Edit views7. The Volume knob is spring-loaded: you can set your volume and push the knob back into the chassis so it cannot be accidentally knocked during a gig, and it has migrated to the back panel4.
One change over the smaller unit is snapshots: Guitar World's review notes you now get four snapshots per preset instead of three4. The expression pedal jack is set by default for a Mission SP1-L6H Line 6 expression pedal with a toe switch toggling between EXP 1 (Wah/Pitch Wham) and EXP 2 (Volume/Pan), and a "Y" cable can connect two expression pedals or two footswitches14.
Power and connections
The HX Stomp XL runs on 9V DC, center negative, from the supplied DC-3 power supply7. RockBoard's listing for the White version gives a current draw of 1000mA8, while its listing for the Silver version gives 1500mA9; a power supply that covers the higher figure will handle either version.
At a listed draw of 1000mA to 1500mA, the HX Stomp XL is well beyond what a standard 9V battery or a typical daisy-chain output can supply. Use the supplied DC-3 adapter or an isolated power supply with a high-current output.
Unlike the smaller HX Stomp, which had socketry on its sides as well as the rear, the XL puts all its sockets on the rear panel4. As Sweetwater's Mitch Gallagher put it in the demo video, "the hx stomp xl on the other hand has all of its connections here on the back panel"10. The rear panel carries:
- Inputs L/Mono and Right: mono instruments or pedals on L/Mono; stereo pedals, keyboards, synths or modelers across both7
- Sends/Returns L/R: 1/4" jacks usable as standard effects loops for inserting pedals, or as additional I/O for 4-Cable Method and alternative routing7
- Outputs L/Mono and Right: unbalanced (TS) 1/4" cables to pedals, an amplifier or FRFR speakers; balanced (TRS) 1/4" cables to mixers and studio speakers7
- Phones Out: stereo headphone output with the Volume knob7
- EXP 1/2, FS 7/8 jack: optional expression pedal assignable to nearly any parameter7
- MIDI In and Out/Thru: sends and receives Program Change, Continuous Controller and other MIDI messages7
- USB: multi-channel 24-bit/96kHz audio interface for Mac and PC, with DI, re-amping and MIDI capabilities; can record to an Apple iPad with the optional Apple Camera Connection Kit7
MIDI messages can be sent manually via footswitches or an optional expression pedal, and up to six commands can be sent automatically at preset or snapshot recall, with QWERTY hotkey commands available over USB7.
History and versions: from HX Stomp to XL
The original HX Stomp arrived in 2018 as a compact amp and effects processor delivering the sound of Helix amps, cabs and effects in an ultra-compact pedal111213. It ran on the same DSP and HX Modeling technology as the bigger Helix units, with three capacitive-sensing footswitches and color-coded LED rings12.
The HX Stomp XL was officially released on 2 March 20215. Premier Guitar's announcement described it as the latest addition to the HX family of pedalboard-friendly products, literally expanding the popular HX Stomp processor2. It launched at $1,049.99 USD MSRP and available worldwide, with a UK SRP of £817214. By December 2021, Gearnews listed a Thomann street price of $639.00 / £579.00 / 679.00€15, and Guitar World's review gives a current price of $749 / £5994.
The XL is a little over 130mm (five inches) wider than the smaller HX Stomp, but still less than the size of two Boss 500 series pedals side by side4. Sweetwater's Mitch Gallagher was clear about what did not change: "they have exactly the same processing power," "exactly the same software running inside them," and "the two hx stops are sonically identical"10.
The family has also appeared in other finishes. A "Stomptrooper White" version of the original HX Stomp was available in July 2020 for $64916. In March 2024, Line 6 introduced the HX Stomp XL Limited Edition White, identical to the traditional black HX Stomp XL except in color, with true stereo, 2 effects loops, an 8-in/6-out USB audio interface, and presets compatible with the Helix Native plugin3. RockBoard's PedalPedia also lists an HX Stomp XL Silver finish variant9.
What reviewers said
Guitar World's review covered the XL's practical strengths: the rear-panel socket layout, the spring-loaded volume knob, the four snapshots per preset, and the flexibility of the 25 factory preset banks4. The review noted the XL's price tag might be around $149/£200 more than its smaller sibling4.
MusicRadar's review team called it "a sensible, practical and ultimately exhilarating take on the Helix Stomp format," finding the extra footswitches make it more naturally suited to live performances, and calling it a triumph overall17. Their spec listing also noted the selectable buffered or true bypass and 128 preset locations (32 banks of 4)6.
In Sweetwater's demo video, Mitch Gallagher compared the two units directly:
"the presets are compatible between the two exactly the same sounds exactly the same preset lineups"10
He concluded that "they're both incredible processors they can provide great tones for you and serve as a centerpiece for a rig"10.
Videos
Andertons Music Co
Line 6
Line6Support
Questions
What is the difference between the HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL?
The XL is sonically identical to the HX Stomp, with the same processing power, software and connections. The differences are physical: eight capacitive-touch footswitches instead of three, four snapshots per preset instead of three, all sockets moved to the rear panel, and a built-in looper controlled from six footswitches. It costs around $149 more than the smaller unit.
Are HX Stomp presets compatible with the HX Stomp XL?
Yes. In Sweetwater's demo video, Mitch Gallagher confirmed the presets are compatible between the two units, with exactly the same sounds and preset lineups. The XL also has presets compatible with the Helix Native plugin.
Can the HX Stomp XL be used as an audio interface?
Yes. Line 6 describes it as a multi-channel 24-bit/96kHz audio interface for Mac and PC, with DI, re-amping and MIDI capabilities built in. It can also record to an Apple iPad with the optional Apple Camera Connection Kit.
Does the HX Stomp XL have analog bypass?
Yes. Line 6's product page states that a switchable analog bypass routes signals at the input or inputs directly to the outputs without undergoing A/D/A conversion. MusicRadar's review also lists selectable buffered or true bypass.
How many snapshots does the HX Stomp XL have per preset?
Four. Guitar World's review notes you get four snapshots per preset on the XL, up from three on the original HX Stomp. Snapshots let you switch multiple parameter changes within a single preset.
Sources (17)
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- Introducing HX Stomp XL Limited Edition White, Bass Gear Magazine, 2024-03-27
- Line 6 HX Stomp XL review, Guitar World, 2021-06-25
- Line 6 HX Stomp XL: It's official at last!, gearnews.com, 2021-03-02
- Line 6 HX Stomp XL review, MusicRadar, 2021-08-05
- Line 6 | HX Stomp XL | Amp & Effects Processor, Line 6
- HX Stomp XL (White) by LINE 6, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Line 6 HX Stomp XL Silver by LINE 6, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Which Line 6 HX Is Right for You: HX Stomp or HX Stomp XL?, Sweetwater, 2021-03-03
- Fractal AM4 review, guitarworld.com, 2026-02-02
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- Line 6 HX Stomp Multieffect Processor, Delicious Audio, 2024-12-11
- The Line 6 Helix Stomp XL pedal offers 8 footswitches for even more potential, MusicRadar, 2021-03-02
- Best Effect Pedals 2021: Did your favourite make our Top 10?, Gearnews (www.gearnews.com), 2021-12-26
- Line 6 Debuts New "Stomptrooper White" HX Stomp, GuitarPlayer, 2020-07-10
- Line 6 Pod Go Wireless review, MusicRadar, 2021-10-11
