Outsourcing a task is a good way of putting it. More buttons, more knobs to tweak in real time are always helpful even more so if you're trying out new material and arrangements. Outsourcing detailed echo or reverb functions on an FX loop can give more control in this area as well as freeing up enough DSP for fancy Dual amp setups. I'm getting to like my HX Stomp more every time I use it !
About a year ago I decided to use only external drives on my Stomp. It opened up a lot more capability for other things. To me the drives in the Stomp are ok but the delays, reverbs, EQs and Modulations are superb. Obviously the amp models are the core of the tone. It's worked out really well.
We need to see another version of this. I've DMd you on this possibility. It's about fronting up the Helix with a couple of preamps/always-on pedals that can be used as an escape route if all goes to mush in the Helix.
You are my favorite RUclips-based guitarist, sir, thank you so much for helping me learn to use my HX Stomp live. I think I am going to get a second one and A/B them, one with a looper at the end of the effects loop, both with the drive pedal in front.
The limited number of buttons on the HX Stomp can be challenging. I use mine as a desktop unit, but still made some changes so I'd get more buttons. I made my own inexpensive two button external pedal Controller to get access to FS4/5 which I use to change Snapshots Up/down - This is tremendously helpful, and could not live without it. I removed Tap/Tuner from FS3 and replaced it with "Stomp 3" as the setting. I can access the Tuner by simultaneously pressing Page > and Action, which works fine in my scenario. I've contemplated getting a MIDI Control floor unit many times, but I usually find that I can program my unit to do just about everything I need. There is an INCREDIBLY USEFUL video on RUclips by Alex Price called "Best Tips for Using the HX Stomp as Your ENTIRE Guitar Rig" in which he demonstrates how to "get up to 27 different combinations" on the HX Stomp using a 5-Button Method in "Footswitch Mode" with a 3 unit + 2-button External Controller versus Snapshot Mode which you only get 5" which he says at about 9 minutes into the video. And, who knows what other other things can be achieved now with the more powerful, updated Command Center.
I've been using a Gravity dual OD in front of my Stomp for a while now. It's made me enjoy the stomp so much more. Love having tactile knobs for my drive settings, and the stomp can focus on being my amp / cab + anything else -- delay / reverb, chorus, etc
I just started doing this - thanks 5 watt world - I love it. Helps me get the sound in my head faster. I use a cachalote console preamp. It can mimic a mixing console, or just boost/light drive
Since a month ago I've been working with an Xotic BB Preamp as the way to go. If all else goes wrong that one pedal has overdrive and clean boost options I could live with on stage. The RC Boost is a clean-up / brighten-up pedal IMO - I know I could use it to kick up the volume on one click - but the BB can do that. So for me, it's the BB. It could have been my Maxon 808, but that's a one-trick pony. It does TS very well, that's all, and that mid bump when on.
So I bought a Stomp in late 2019 to replace my (vintage) amps. I took my DD500 delay off my board to make space and stuck it on the end, so it replaced my amp and delay. I swapped a few bits but basically it's a version of what I've used for years: TC Polytune Mini Retro-Sonic Compressor Retro-Sonic Chorus Mojo Hand Odessa (modded Bluesbreaker and modded TS808) Frederic Effects Klone Carl Martin Panama Zvex Box Of Rock HX Stomp I've added a Jet Micro HX to allow me a bit more switching flexibility and I'm using an expression pedal for a few things. I've bought an Eventide H9 Max, I'm going to have to lose a drive and maybe the tuner to make room but it'll follow the Stomp via MIDI with command centre and I can put it in the Stomp's loop - gives me a lot of very high quality effects. I still basically play it like pedals into an amp (for now) but I have more options, and it makes losing my amps (I really do have some lovely amps) a bit easier to swallow. Board is still quite small, if not super mini (Warwick Rockboard Tres 3,1). I think a lot of players could do something similar - replace their big delay and amp, stick it on the end of the regular board and play more or less how they used to.
What a timing, John... Got a Protein last week to put in front of my Stomp. I have been blown away by the combinations and possibilities. I run my Stomp with 3 gain based snapshots which usually just change drive character of the amp while keeping the volume kind of steady and then add a double footswitch which switches two pedal-blocks (or the looper) inside of the Stomp which are not influenced by the snapshots. That way I have all the tones I would ever need right in front of me. Well, a nice fuzz in front would be the only thing I miss...
@@johnnathancordy The Protein is a dual overdrive from Browne Amplification..The Blue Side is based on the classic OD used by the likes of John Mayer on the "Continuum" album. The Green Side was inspired by the classic "Nashville" overdrive.... (Browne Amplification has The Carbon as single overdrive, which is the Blue Side of the Protein)
@@johnnathancordy Exactly. BB + Nobels. I wasn‘t sure I was interested in the Nobels until I tried it. It just works wonderfully with everything I throw at it and the dynamics are impressive. (Also tge white Protein sits really well next to a white Stomp. 😏)
I think what you said about adjusting gain on the fly is a really important reason a drive pedal is overall more convenient. It can be a pain in a gig to dive into the menus despite how generally intuitive they are. A drive pedal allows me to just bend over and tweak things in a second.
I run fuzz before the stomp, then drive and boost in the fx loop. I also use a midi foot switch for snapshots. Board is super small 18x6 and gets it all done. Tone King Mini Fuzz v2 / Browne Protein / EP Boost / Jet Micro
I put a SunFace RCA Germanium fuzz in front of my Stomp XL. It paired perfectly with the "Princess" (Princeton) amp model and a Strat. Roll back the volume on the Strat to clean up the tone, and enjoy the touch-sensitive creamy fuzz when you dig into the strings. I haven't tried to duplicate it with the Stomp alone, but I doubt it is possible. Besides, it frees up a block.
I’ve been doing this since day 1 with my HX Stomp, using a tc electronics mojomojo as a booster/OD and it is very helpful. Having a couple of pedals going in and out Helps out getting a bit extra dsp
Good video. For me, I have a loop switcher with a fuzz, comp, and three types of drive that I always run in front of the Stomp. Rarely use the dirt in the stomp.
I too find value in external drive; I have my Tim v2 and my Solidgoldfx Fuzz Face clone which I think adds some more realistic harmonics. For the first time I also tried using my Keeley c4 outside as well and I was really pleasantly surprised. I too agree with commenters that all modulation in the HX is at least good enough, and the Cab Sim and IR function is core.
This was my thought process behind designing my pedalboard. I use a tonex, but it’s a similar idea. Tonex is basically amp and cab sims even though it has the ability to add all the effects I need. I like being able to turn knobs and adjust on the fly
The legato sound gets really old for me even as well as you play it but when you couple it with a sick beat it’s a whole new thing. Loved the intro jam
I use drive pedals in front of a Neural DSP Tone King Imperial MKii plugin but for some reason it never occurred to me to try a pedal in front of the Stomp. I’ll definitely be doing that from now on. Thanks John.
I have a wemper dual fusion, so clean boost on a side and ts on the other, and a Dunlop octavio fuzz in front of my HX stomp. Really opens up a load of possibilities combined with the 3 snapshots.
im runing an almost identical setup for almost 3 years now. dual fusion into a pro co rat, into the hx stomp. im suprised by how versatile and tiny this setup is!
Also have you ever tried the HX Midi controller by Jet Micro? Unlocks the stomp a ton more, the programming can all be done by the HX "learn" function and it doesn't take up the expression pedal jack.
I have a series of dirt before my hx stomp xl and I have delays and looper in the send return of the hx stomp. This frees up a lot of dsp and the pedals are generally better. As you pointed out analog controls and more combinations are a thing. I'd really recommend a flashback x4 in the loop.
I’m doing this too. A couple choice gain stages then a few mods on a bypass looper into the stomp, then a couple different flavors delays and verb on the loop... this gives me lots of free DSP for dual amps and lots of options for analog or modeled FX to mix and match with. I’m loving the tones I’m getting.
I just run my reverb/delay stereo out of the stomp and into whatever platform I’m using. Sounds alot better than the FX Loop, which for me almost always sounded boxy. Never found another solution for that.
@@CMHobbies I have a MXR carbon copy deluxe (mono in/out)> boss DD5 (mono in/stereo pan out)>stereo fx loop in on HXstomp and it sounds huge. I can either go stereo directly into FOH, mono out into an analog amp and just use the left of the FX return block to keep it from phasing, or stereo out to 2 analog amps. All sound good and all have their uses.
@@JoelCaseyJonesMusic Yeah, just never could figure out why sometimes it sounded good and other times it had boxy filter. Could’ve been something to do with different input and output settings in different s patches or something else that I haven’t learned yet.
I have been running the Jackson audio Golden boy in the effects Loop of my stomp XL. It has a beautiful tone and I love being able to control it on the fly
I run two drives before my Hx Stomp. First, the Tonewave Fx Preset pedal as an always on pre-amp and low gain overdrive. Then I have the Smallsoungbigsound Mini pedal for clean boosts, transparent OD and almost fuzzy tones. I love those combinations
It's only about transients. There is something about analog signal flow that can't be recreated digitally. There are physical explanations but that would lead wildly into the world of theory. I don't play any modeler without initial analog breakup via some overdrive. Maybe except for the new UAFX Lion...
After your badonk vid ive been using that and assign the drive and channel volume to a Dunlop mini X (exp) so I have all the inbetween sounds of gain level. I've noticed just before the toe down it's a bit louder before the channel volume comes down all the way on high gain. Before I used a drive block, usually the L6 Drive legacy with drive and volume assigned to expression, with the litigator. Having come back to the L6 drive, I haven't liked it as much, but I'm sure on another day I will again. (My favourite clean model is the archon and favourite high gain amp is the Engl fireball (the midboost changes it quite a lot) but I save that for the Helix). The other dsp savers sound great anyway I just prefer some others. I have a mi audio super crunch box v2 (Marshall in a box,), a nano sized pedal. It's very versatile going from clean boost to super cranked metal Marshall. 4 band eq, gain and volume 2x tri switches. 1 is gain level and the other is clipping level (headroom) which changes the gain characteristic. Haven't paired it with the hx stomp but have used it on a pedal setup and it's great as you can get all the tones in no time
I've been using a Tumnus in front of the HX stomp XL for a while now, and it feels just right especially given the Tumnus versatility. Sometimes I just feel like I'd want another higher gain drive, but I sincerely have no idea what to look for !
My favourite thing about the HX/Helix is that it plays nice with others. I use two midi drive pedals that get switched on/off as needed through the HX/Helix.
I've been using Ceriatone's Horsebreaker in front of my stomp. Could I get by with just the stomp? Definitely, but the easy controls and added functionalities is quite helpful. Have used a Timmy and rat in the past as well with equal success. Hell of a run at 1:37!
I have used stand-alone drives with all of the modelers I've owned: various Fractals, HX Stomp and now with my Kemper. I'd like to add that tube-based OD's have more 'body' to them and give your tone (sorry in advance for the trite descriptions) a more 'organic and amp-like' quality (hey, I warned you). I have run a Kingsley Page TS Custom and a Vahlbruch Kaluna in front of my Kemper - with excellent results. The new Shawn Tubbs Revv Tilt works well as does my Timmy V3 and even something as simple as an OCD. No modeler - IMO - has figured a way to include a drive that sounds as good as an actual drive pedal. Great video - and playing - as always.
I have managed to match The Dude on one setting but it takes a few blocks, and then, what if I needed to tweak in the middle of a gig etc... Timmy!!!!!
I use an MXR Timmy and a Nux 2 button footswitch. Adding a volume / wah pedal. That's it. I like your presets btw... And, oh yes, please drop this preset JC Gig 2022 into the folder.
This is a gamechanger. I have tried it with a Jetter GS124 and a Blackstone Appliance. Another thing I have tried is using the RC Boost in a unity gain, always on for a little tone shaping. The problem now is too many options...
Been using a Smallsound Bigsound Mini in front of my Stomp for a long time. External drives are a great way to save a DSP block, too. I also use an external reverb pedal. That gives me plenty of space to run dual amp patches
I found that the internal drive blocks in the HX Stomp are basically just avg or not very useful. I lean towards the 'Boost' block, so just on the edge of still clean but nice full punch or slight growl. Most of the internal drive blocks give me sort of a fizzy tone that I really dislike. So thinking of adding an external drive block such as the new Keeley noble screamer.
The Keeley Toneworkstation is the best partner for the HX stomp. Keeley comp, Keeley Katana, A modded bluesbreaker, and a modded Tubescreamer. Literally all you need in front of an HX.
I usually use the hx stomp as a multieffect on my pedalboard between my other pedals and my tube amp to get all these possibilities of getting ambiant tones or Snapshots for lead tones. I use a footswitch to go up and down with my presets. I recently tried to gig with only the hx stomp and amp modeller and used an eq to sort of simulate the low frequencies of a real tube amp. But when I pluged into the PA system instead of what I expected I had a really thin and compressed tone. How do you deal with the hx to keep the feel of a real amp on a live situation? Keep up the good work, love your videos. Cheers !
Hey John, coincidently i grabbed a Dude (well that just sounded wrong ;-) to run with my HX stomp, cause i still find tweaking drive / gain levels with actual controls much easer than diving into the menus. Yes please drop this one in the folder, would love to have a run with it. Cheers
I’ve been putting old stomp boxes before and after my HXFX since I got it. Partially to make use of the other effects that I love... and partly because of advice I heard from Five Watt World when he was talking about his Stomp, and he said you could get a warmer, more organic tone by using analog pedals around it. Plus: you get to free up blocks and DSP for other effects. It’s kind of win/win/win. The only downside is that you have a bit more gear to carry and set up... but if the alternative to that is a full on pedalboard with all the bells and whistles... then a Stomp with a drive or 2 before it, and an EQ or something behind it is still less gear than a standard pedalboard and amp rig.
Dig your videos and patches. I often use pedals in front of the HX Stomp. You must try a Kingsley Page DS in a loop within an HX. Adds another nice gain stage to many amps in the little box. Can achieve ODS like tones easily. Cheers!
This is how I use my stomp - real ocd 2.0 and ryra klone in front of it, and the modeling stuff, space and time is in the proc. It just works in any situation. I mean any. =)
Have you considered getting something like a Hotone Control One? .. 4 Programmable buttons which could allow a lot more stuff to be done on the HX Stomp for very little area or cost outlay (costs the same as a reasonably-priced drive pedal) ..
I run an OCD, 805 overdrive, and a compressor through the front, along with a phaser and the Walrus Audio Descent, Im working on adding in the Dark Sun Delay into the loop but I think im going to need to add a midi switching pedal of some kind to handle changes to it. I typically run it all through the matchless with matchless 2x12. So Far I love it. I don't use scenes but this video is making me rethink that
Now I use the Origin Effects RD Compact and the Browne Amplification The Carbon before the HX Stomp. Two pedals that aren't on the Stomp that sound great!
And here I am considering an Origin Effects RD Compact Hot Rod for my HX Stomp XL (although might trade it for a regular HX Stomp for more pedalboard space). Perfect timing.
My favorite way to run the HX Stomp is using the Keeley D&M Drive. The Minotaur and Obsessive Drive in the HX are already great, but an external analog pedal gives me a little more freedom and control.
Great video as always! Do you find that you needed to change the input impedance settings on the Stomp when you went with the Dude first? Also, curious - when gigging with the Stomp do you go straight to PA or do you carry a cab? Cheers!
Nope - impedance settings are bypassed altogether by having the Dude in front of the stomp. I took a Henriksen Bud to yesterdays gig - and also straight to PA - sometimes I've been using the return of a Mesa Nomad 45 which works nicely too!
I am currently using gain pedals in front of my SansAmp original (before the Classic was a thing), and In future, I am looking to swap the SansAmp with a NUX Amp Academy, and planning to use (fewer) gain pedals in front of that. I dig certain things I can do with the compressor and morning glory clone I have currently, and rather than try to recreate them in the NUX, I can tack them onto a clean amp model that I know will play nice, or now, have the option of more than one amp model and drive a dirty DIFFERENT amp model (the SansAmp is a single channel pedal platform compromise like a real fender deluxe or Princeton would be, and I have to really choose drive pedals that are voiced just right to try to get marshall sounding tones and or boogie etc) I think that combo will carry me for quite a while, so I can save up for something ridiculous and overpowered for my bedroom use like the Fractal FM9 instead of biting at something in the 600 dollar range right now.
I just figured you wanted to carry the Somp and nothing else. But if you are willing to put the Stomp on a small baord, the possibilities are endless. Between your Dude, and maybe a small MIDI controller, you can simulate even more snaps, and control more paramaters (like revber and delay params).
This right here! My hx stomp is on the pedaltrain nano with a radial DI as well as the Jet Micro HX and the sonic research tuner. Got the Cioks power underneath and it all fits in the mono tick bag and attaches to the mono guitar case! Bonus: counts as one piece of luggage.
Yeh in the past I've wanted to keep it uber simple - so maybe the stomp and an expression pedal - also the HX Stomp XL is enough, but I think if I could add just one pedal - the drive gets me a bunch of useful stuff without too much hassle!
Function stuff - so everything from motown to rock etc - that's why it has been so useful to add a drive pedal up front to get some more "in-between" gain ranges...
@@johnnathancordy Gotcha, I do a lot of gigs similar to that but I can't get on board with Litigator amp model. I usually use Mesa Clean model with OD pedals like Teemeh, Heir Apparent, or Minotaur in front. For some high gain songs that don't have cleans I sometime switch presets to a gained up amp but mostly try to like in one or two presets in stompbox mode, using jet micro hx edit for more functionality.
How do you do that? Using two switches and still has access on all three snapshots?
11 месяцев назад
I am trying to wrap my head around how to setup the Stomp to switch Snapshots when not in Snapshot mode as you are doing in the video? And renaming them as well? Basically your FS1 is switching between Lead and Rythim while FS2 is for Lead and Clean. How to achive that?!?!
You could literally with the 2 stomps that you have. Have one loaded with your Grammatico presets, and the other Stomp with your Derailed Ingrid, and you would have double what you have with one pedal. And or you have a Tonex pedal you could use the Joe Dumble on that, the World is JOHN CORDY's oyster. And you have the FRACTAL, yikes.
I've got 3 OD's that I swap in to pair with my Stomp depending on the character I need. (1) Vertex SSS SRV edition: I really like the way it changes the natural tone of the guitar and adds a bit of bite when I'm dealing with loud keyboard players. (2) The Dude: you already know why, it's just a wonderful gain stage. (3) The Wampler Tumnus Deluxe: Instead of a Klon and better than the Line 6 emulation. Thanks for another great video.
I do exactly this with the helix and find it works well. I was inspired by what Steve Lukather had years ago on his board. Basically a button labelled “J!zz” which gave him just a bit “more”. I run a wampler tumnus before the helix and it has a small gain and volume boost. Works great when you just want to push a setting slightly on the fly.
I've been running my analog board into boss gt1 processor and into power amp in on katana mk2 50...carefully dialing in gains and volumes just opens up the universe sonically..I can use or turn off nearly every parameter imaginable between my board and the gt1...tweakers dream..lol..zoom CDR 70 multi effects right dead center out of board into gt1as well... serious power... thinking 🤔 now though about putting zoom CDR 70 multi after the gt1 going into amp...all modulation so kinda makes better sense..
If the guitar input on the HX Stomp is being driven by the output of a fuzz pedal, then the input impedance on the HX Stomp will not matter to the fuzz. I run a Germanium SunFace as my first pedal and the HX Stomp as the last one, and the SunFace works great, just like it does with a tube amp. Some fuzz circuits (e.g. Fuzzface) won't work well in the FX loop though.
Do you need the tuner on all three snapshots? How about just having it in one and assigning the extra button on the other two snapshots to a drive? Gives you 5 settings without a pedal.
You can't change the overall utility of the pedal per snapshot can you? Like it can be a snapshot based function, and then you can change what the snapshot behaviour will be, but not jump to a totally different function?
@@johnnathancordy you are, of course, correct. I’m not a Stomp purist so I have a tiny $20 dual footswitch that solves this for me so I hadn’t tried it. I tried to implement it and I couldn’t. A good cheap drive choice for this role may be the TC Mojo Mojo. Very dynamic and with quite a bit of EQ. Perfect to layer on top or correct the sound.
I only play live with my stopm at church. I use a Timmy and a TS mini for overdrives, before buying the timmy I used once the overdrvies on the stomp, but it was a problem for me for the way I use gain stages, using snapshots without real drives was not an option. But now, it is amazing, the feel is much better now and also more practical, the sound, Ive compared the TS and Teemah to the real ones and the y sound pretty close so soundwise it is not day and night difference
Man I tried this today with a blues driver and didn't like the results, have some sort of fizz always in the background of the notes, tried different presets and still didn't work for me. I got the HX stomp to try to replace my kemper, but I don't know if I'm too used to the sound of the Kemper but I don't like the HX stomp. On this subject, have you used the FX loop of the HX stomp for delays, reverb or modulation? I tried it today and it sounds awful, even with only one pedal in the loop. Am I doing something wrong?
Actually disregard, I managed to make the BD2 work with the HX stomp, started a new patch instead of working with the ones I already had. Still the FX loop is a problem tho.
Hello friend watching your videos you have several equipment, currently I have an HX stomp + Pedalboard (overdrives, compressor, reverb) I don't know if it's a good idea to change it for an Ampero 2, in terms of the realism of the sound of the Amps + Cabs. I appreciate your honest opinion. I only use delays on the HX stomp + Amp IRs.
Please never change the way you do your vids. Best guitar channel on youtube right now. By far. Far. Very far.
I concur, all the other shills are not even close
He is HyPnOtiZinG. !!!!!!
Outsourcing a task is a good way of putting it. More buttons, more knobs to tweak in real time are always helpful even more so if you're trying out new material and arrangements. Outsourcing detailed echo or reverb functions on an FX loop can give more control in this area as well as freeing up enough DSP for fancy Dual amp setups.
I'm getting to like my HX Stomp more every time I use it !
arent you guys kind of admitting that these things dont actually sound good by themself ?
About a year ago I decided to use only external drives on my Stomp. It opened up a lot more capability for other things. To me the drives in the Stomp are ok but the delays, reverbs, EQs and Modulations are superb. Obviously the amp models are the core of the tone. It's worked out really well.
We need to see another version of this. I've DMd you on this possibility. It's about fronting up the Helix with a couple of preamps/always-on pedals that can be used as an escape route if all goes to mush in the Helix.
You are my favorite RUclips-based guitarist, sir, thank you so much for helping me learn to use my HX Stomp live. I think I am going to get a second one and A/B them, one with a looper at the end of the effects loop, both with the drive pedal in front.
The limited number of buttons on the HX Stomp can be challenging. I use mine as a desktop unit, but still made some changes so I'd get more buttons. I made my own inexpensive two button external pedal Controller to get access to FS4/5 which I use to change Snapshots Up/down - This is tremendously helpful, and could not live without it. I removed Tap/Tuner from FS3 and replaced it with "Stomp 3" as the setting. I can access the Tuner by simultaneously pressing Page > and Action, which works fine in my scenario.
I've contemplated getting a MIDI Control floor unit many times, but I usually find that I can program my unit to do just about everything I need. There is an INCREDIBLY USEFUL video on RUclips by Alex Price called "Best Tips for Using the HX Stomp as Your ENTIRE Guitar Rig" in which he demonstrates how to "get up to 27 different combinations" on the HX Stomp using a 5-Button Method in "Footswitch Mode" with a 3 unit + 2-button External Controller versus Snapshot Mode which you only get 5" which he says at about 9 minutes into the video. And, who knows what other other things can be achieved now with the more powerful, updated Command Center.
Absolutely love the hx stomp I put mine last in my chain for wet effects fell in love with it instantly
I've been using a Gravity dual OD in front of my Stomp for a while now. It's made me enjoy the stomp so much more. Love having tactile knobs for my drive settings, and the stomp can focus on being my amp / cab + anything else -- delay / reverb, chorus, etc
Scorching bit of Dorian(?)! John, everyone always want your patches - just put everything in ‘The Folder’
British people say "Dude" is awesome. I love you videos. Low-fi but so informative. Thanks Dude!
I just started doing this - thanks 5 watt world - I love it. Helps me get the sound in my head faster. I use a cachalote console preamp. It can mimic a mixing console, or just boost/light drive
I have the Tumnus in front of mine. I like the ease in ability to adjust the gain and tone to my liking at the moment.
Since a month ago I've been working with an Xotic BB Preamp as the way to go. If all else goes wrong that one pedal has overdrive and clean boost options I could live with on stage. The RC Boost is a clean-up / brighten-up pedal IMO - I know I could use it to kick up the volume on one click - but the BB can do that. So for me, it's the BB. It could have been my Maxon 808, but that's a one-trick pony. It does TS very well, that's all, and that mid bump when on.
Your channel is, by far, my favorite! Thank you!
So I bought a Stomp in late 2019 to replace my (vintage) amps. I took my DD500 delay off my board to make space and stuck it on the end, so it replaced my amp and delay. I swapped a few bits but basically it's a version of what I've used for years:
TC Polytune Mini
Retro-Sonic Compressor
Retro-Sonic Chorus
Mojo Hand Odessa (modded Bluesbreaker and modded TS808)
Frederic Effects Klone
Carl Martin Panama
Zvex Box Of Rock
HX Stomp
I've added a Jet Micro HX to allow me a bit more switching flexibility and I'm using an expression pedal for a few things.
I've bought an Eventide H9 Max, I'm going to have to lose a drive and maybe the tuner to make room but it'll follow the Stomp via MIDI with command centre and I can put it in the Stomp's loop - gives me a lot of very high quality effects.
I still basically play it like pedals into an amp (for now) but I have more options, and it makes losing my amps (I really do have some lovely amps) a bit easier to swallow. Board is still quite small, if not super mini (Warwick Rockboard Tres 3,1).
I think a lot of players could do something similar - replace their big delay and amp, stick it on the end of the regular board and play more or less how they used to.
What a timing, John... Got a Protein last week to put in front of my Stomp. I have been blown away by the combinations and possibilities. I run my Stomp with 3 gain based snapshots which usually just change drive character of the amp while keeping the volume kind of steady and then add a double footswitch which switches two pedal-blocks (or the looper) inside of the Stomp which are not influenced by the snapshots. That way I have all the tones I would ever need right in front of me. Well, a nice fuzz in front would be the only thing I miss...
Nice - what's the protein based on again? Bluesbreaker and a Nobels or something?
@@johnnathancordy The Protein is a dual overdrive from Browne Amplification..The Blue Side is based on the classic OD used by the likes of John Mayer on the "Continuum" album. The Green Side was inspired by the classic "Nashville" overdrive.... (Browne Amplification has The Carbon as single overdrive, which is the Blue Side of the Protein)
@@cvgbbc so yeh a Bluesbreaker and Nobels ODR right?
@@johnnathancordy it is not a Bluesbreaker but a green overdrive but it is not a tubescreamer... and a Nobel ODR, yes.
@@johnnathancordy Exactly. BB + Nobels. I wasn‘t sure I was interested in the Nobels until I tried it. It just works wonderfully with everything I throw at it and the dynamics are impressive. (Also tge white Protein sits really well next to a white Stomp. 😏)
Great idea, thanks for sharing, we are all trying to figure stuff out. There are more than one way to do things and your ideas are very helpful!
I think what you said about adjusting gain on the fly is a really important reason a drive pedal is overall more convenient. It can be a pain in a gig to dive into the menus despite how generally intuitive they are. A drive pedal allows me to just bend over and tweak things in a second.
Ive had either Morning Glory or Golden Boy in front of my Stomp for 3.5 yrs now. Insane tones. Especially with GB’s midi, its incredibly useful live.
I run fuzz before the stomp, then drive and boost in the fx loop. I also use a midi foot switch for snapshots. Board is super small 18x6 and gets it all done.
Tone King Mini Fuzz v2 / Browne Protein / EP Boost / Jet Micro
Just wanted to say i find your playing very inspiring. Thanks
I put a SunFace RCA Germanium fuzz in front of my Stomp XL. It paired perfectly with the "Princess" (Princeton) amp model and a Strat. Roll back the volume on the Strat to clean up the tone, and enjoy the touch-sensitive creamy fuzz when you dig into the strings. I haven't tried to duplicate it with the Stomp alone, but I doubt it is possible. Besides, it frees up a block.
Wow, the guitar playing dude!
I’ve been doing this since day 1 with my HX Stomp, using a tc electronics mojomojo as a booster/OD and it is very helpful. Having a couple of pedals going in and out Helps out getting a bit extra dsp
Good video. For me, I have a loop switcher with a fuzz, comp, and three types of drive that I always run in front of the Stomp. Rarely use the dirt in the stomp.
I too find value in external drive; I have my Tim v2 and my Solidgoldfx Fuzz Face clone which I think adds some more realistic harmonics. For the first time I also tried using my Keeley c4 outside as well and I was really pleasantly surprised. I too agree with commenters that all modulation in the HX is at least good enough, and the Cab Sim and IR function is core.
This was my thought process behind designing my pedalboard. I use a tonex, but it’s a similar idea. Tonex is basically amp and cab sims even though it has the ability to add all the effects I need. I like being able to turn knobs and adjust on the fly
The legato sound gets really old for me even as well as you play it but when you couple it with a sick beat it’s a whole new thing. Loved the intro jam
I use drive pedals in front of a Neural DSP Tone King Imperial MKii plugin but for some reason it never occurred to me to try a pedal in front of the Stomp. I’ll definitely be doing that from now on. Thanks John.
I have a wemper dual fusion, so clean boost on a side and ts on the other, and a Dunlop octavio fuzz in front of my HX stomp. Really opens up a load of possibilities combined with the 3 snapshots.
im runing an almost identical setup for almost 3 years now. dual fusion into a pro co rat, into the hx stomp. im suprised by how versatile and tiny this setup is!
Also have you ever tried the HX Midi controller by Jet Micro? Unlocks the stomp a ton more, the programming can all be done by the HX "learn" function and it doesn't take up the expression pedal jack.
LOL at the end ‘Why am i late to every party’
I have a series of dirt before my hx stomp xl and I have delays and looper in the send return of the hx stomp. This frees up a lot of dsp and the pedals are generally better. As you pointed out analog controls and more combinations are a thing. I'd really recommend a flashback x4 in the loop.
I’m doing this too. A couple choice gain stages then a few mods on a bypass looper into the stomp, then a couple different flavors delays and verb on the loop... this gives me lots of free DSP for dual amps and lots of options for analog or modeled FX to mix and match with. I’m loving the tones I’m getting.
@@JoelCaseyJonesMusic yeah, smart idea
I just run my reverb/delay stereo out of the stomp and into whatever platform I’m using. Sounds alot better than the FX Loop, which for me almost always sounded boxy. Never found another solution for that.
@@CMHobbies I have a MXR carbon copy deluxe (mono in/out)> boss DD5 (mono in/stereo pan out)>stereo fx loop in on HXstomp and it sounds huge. I can either go stereo directly into FOH, mono out into an analog amp and just use the left of the FX return block to keep it from phasing, or stereo out to 2 analog amps. All sound good and all have their uses.
@@JoelCaseyJonesMusic Yeah, just never could figure out why sometimes it sounded good and other times it had boxy filter. Could’ve been something to do with different input and output settings in different s patches or something else that I haven’t learned yet.
I have been running the Jackson audio Golden boy in the effects Loop of my stomp XL. It has a beautiful tone and I love being able to control it on the fly
I've only ever used mine with drive pedals. 3 of them in fact. Great demo, Jonathan!
Ooh - which drives Michael?
@@johnnathancordy Wampler Belle, Wampler Tumnus and OCD
I run two drives before my Hx Stomp. First, the Tonewave Fx Preset pedal as an always on pre-amp and low gain overdrive. Then I have the Smallsoungbigsound Mini pedal for clean boosts, transparent OD and almost fuzzy tones. I love those combinations
It's only about transients. There is something about analog signal flow that can't be recreated digitally. There are physical explanations but that would lead wildly into the world of theory. I don't play any modeler without initial analog breakup via some overdrive. Maybe except for the new UAFX Lion...
A real drive and a real fuzz are essential, IMO. Blues Driver as a boost, SD-1 and EQD Hoof Fuzz in front of that for leads (for me).
After your badonk vid ive been using that and assign the drive and channel volume to a Dunlop mini X (exp) so I have all the inbetween sounds of gain level. I've noticed just before the toe down it's a bit louder before the channel volume comes down all the way on high gain.
Before I used a drive block, usually the L6 Drive legacy with drive and volume assigned to expression, with the litigator. Having come back to the L6 drive, I haven't liked it as much, but I'm sure on another day I will again. (My favourite clean model is the archon and favourite high gain amp is the Engl fireball (the midboost changes it quite a lot) but I save that for the Helix). The other dsp savers sound great anyway I just prefer some others.
I have a mi audio super crunch box v2 (Marshall in a box,), a nano sized pedal. It's very versatile going from clean boost to super cranked metal Marshall. 4 band eq, gain and volume 2x tri switches. 1 is gain level and the other is clipping level (headroom) which changes the gain characteristic. Haven't paired it with the hx stomp but have used it on a pedal setup and it's great as you can get all the tones in no time
I really like the way that preset switches between 3 snapshots using only 2 switches! Did you do a video on that?
I have done ruclips.net/video/xYnI7ORvZvg/видео.html at the end of this I think?
Thanks!
I've been using a Tumnus in front of the HX stomp XL for a while now, and it feels just right especially given the Tumnus versatility. Sometimes I just feel like I'd want another higher gain drive, but I sincerely have no idea what to look for !
I love the dude for medium / high gain stuff. Very amp like.
I'd side with Joseph - a J Rockett Dude or HRM can do a pretty musical range of tones!!
I use Wampler EGO compressor and Tumnus Deluxe in front of my HX. Very happy.
My favourite thing about the HX/Helix is that it plays nice with others. I use two midi drive pedals that get switched on/off as needed through the HX/Helix.
I've been using Ceriatone's Horsebreaker in front of my stomp. Could I get by with just the stomp? Definitely, but the easy controls and added functionalities is quite helpful. Have used a Timmy and rat in the past as well with equal success.
Hell of a run at 1:37!
I have used stand-alone drives with all of the modelers I've owned: various Fractals, HX Stomp and now with my Kemper. I'd like to add that tube-based OD's have more 'body' to them and give your tone (sorry in advance for the trite descriptions) a more 'organic and amp-like' quality (hey, I warned you). I have run a Kingsley Page TS Custom and a Vahlbruch Kaluna in front of my Kemper - with excellent results. The new Shawn Tubbs Revv Tilt works well as does my Timmy V3 and even something as simple as an OCD. No modeler - IMO - has figured a way to include a drive that sounds as good as an actual drive pedal. Great video - and playing - as always.
I have managed to match The Dude on one setting but it takes a few blocks, and then, what if I needed to tweak in the middle of a gig etc...
Timmy!!!!!
I use an MXR Timmy and a Nux 2 button footswitch. Adding a volume / wah pedal. That's it. I like your presets btw... And, oh yes, please drop this preset JC Gig 2022 into the folder.
This is a gamechanger. I have tried it with a Jetter GS124 and a Blackstone Appliance. Another thing I have tried is using the RC Boost in a unity gain, always on for a little tone shaping. The problem now is too many options...
Been using a Smallsound Bigsound Mini in front of my Stomp for a long time. External drives are a great way to save a DSP block, too. I also use an external reverb pedal. That gives me plenty of space to run dual amp patches
I found that the internal drive blocks in the HX Stomp are basically just avg or not very useful. I lean towards the 'Boost' block, so just on the edge of still clean but nice full punch or slight growl. Most of the internal drive blocks give me sort of a fizzy tone that I really dislike. So thinking of adding an external drive block such as the new Keeley noble screamer.
This is one of my favorite things to do, even with the Helix.
The Keeley Toneworkstation is the best partner for the HX stomp. Keeley comp, Keeley Katana, A modded bluesbreaker, and a modded Tubescreamer. Literally all you need in front of an HX.
I used to have one of those!
I usually use the hx stomp as a multieffect on my pedalboard between my other pedals and my tube amp to get all these possibilities of getting ambiant tones or Snapshots for lead tones. I use a footswitch to go up and down with my presets. I recently tried to gig with only the hx stomp and amp modeller and used an eq to sort of simulate the low frequencies of a real tube amp. But when I pluged into the PA system instead of what I expected I had a really thin and compressed tone.
How do you deal with the hx to keep the feel of a real amp on a live situation?
Keep up the good work, love your videos.
Cheers !
Any luck in solving the issue?
Hey John, coincidently i grabbed a Dude (well that just sounded wrong ;-) to run with my HX stomp, cause i still find tweaking drive / gain levels with actual controls much easer than diving into the menus. Yes please drop this one in the folder, would love to have a run with it. Cheers
I’ve been putting old stomp boxes before and after my HXFX since I got it.
Partially to make use of the other effects that I love... and partly because of advice I heard from Five Watt World when he was talking about his Stomp, and he said you could get a warmer, more organic tone by using analog pedals around it.
Plus: you get to free up blocks and DSP for other effects.
It’s kind of win/win/win.
The only downside is that you have a bit more gear to carry and set up... but if the alternative to that is a full on pedalboard with all the bells and whistles... then a Stomp with a drive or 2 before it, and an EQ or something behind it is still less gear than a standard pedalboard and amp rig.
but using a drive before your comp. does'nt change your 'sound'? (I know you really like the comp>drive combination)
I've been running various drives in the front of the modeler every since the PODxt Pro. It's always sounded great.
Dig your videos and patches. I often use pedals in front of the HX Stomp. You must try a Kingsley Page DS in a loop within an HX. Adds another nice gain stage to many amps in the little box. Can achieve ODS like tones easily. Cheers!
This is how I use my stomp - real ocd 2.0 and ryra klone in front of it, and the modeling stuff, space and time is in the proc. It just works in any situation. I mean any. =)
Everyday I wake up, watch some of your videos and contemplate buying an HX stomp. I know I'll like it but I'm just top scared to jump
Have you considered getting something like a Hotone Control One? .. 4 Programmable buttons which could allow a lot more stuff to be done on the HX Stomp for very little area or cost outlay (costs the same as a reasonably-priced drive pedal) ..
I run an OCD, 805 overdrive, and a compressor through the front, along with a phaser and the Walrus Audio Descent, Im working on adding in the Dark Sun Delay into the loop but I think im going to need to add a midi switching pedal of some kind to handle changes to it. I typically run it all through the matchless with matchless 2x12. So Far I love it. I don't use scenes but this video is making me rethink that
Now I use the Origin Effects RD Compact and the Browne Amplification The Carbon before the HX Stomp. Two pedals that aren't on the Stomp that sound great!
And here I am considering an Origin Effects RD Compact Hot Rod for my HX Stomp XL (although might trade it for a regular HX Stomp for more pedalboard space). Perfect timing.
Can confirm, I traded in my XL for a regular HX Stomp and the latested update does wonders.
My favorite way to run the HX Stomp is using the Keeley D&M Drive. The Minotaur and Obsessive Drive in the HX are already great, but an external analog pedal gives me a little more freedom and control.
apart from freedom and control, does it sound better this way? If so, how much more?
Great video as always! Do you find that you needed to change the input impedance settings on the Stomp when you went with the Dude first? Also, curious - when gigging with the Stomp do you go straight to PA or do you carry a cab? Cheers!
Nope - impedance settings are bypassed altogether by having the Dude in front of the stomp.
I took a Henriksen Bud to yesterdays gig - and also straight to PA - sometimes I've been using the return of a Mesa Nomad 45 which works nicely too!
I've been considering getting the Surfy Industries Blossom Point to put in front of the HX Stomp
I am currently using gain pedals in front of my SansAmp original (before the Classic was a thing), and In future, I am looking to swap the SansAmp with a NUX Amp Academy, and planning to use (fewer) gain pedals in front of that. I dig certain things I can do with the compressor and morning glory clone I have currently, and rather than try to recreate them in the NUX, I can tack them onto a clean amp model that I know will play nice, or now, have the option of more than one amp model and drive a dirty DIFFERENT amp model (the SansAmp is a single channel pedal platform compromise like a real fender deluxe or Princeton would be, and I have to really choose drive pedals that are voiced just right to try to get marshall sounding tones and or boogie etc) I think that combo will carry me for quite a while, so I can save up for something ridiculous and overpowered for my bedroom use like the Fractal FM9 instead of biting at something in the 600 dollar range right now.
I’ve been using an ep booster into a fulldrive into the stomp since I got it. The ep booster gives it a much more realistic feel.
I just figured you wanted to carry the Somp and nothing else. But if you are willing to put the Stomp on a small baord, the possibilities are endless. Between your Dude, and maybe a small MIDI controller, you can simulate even more snaps, and control more paramaters (like revber and delay params).
This right here! My hx stomp is on the pedaltrain nano with a radial DI as well as the Jet Micro HX and the sonic research tuner. Got the Cioks power underneath and it all fits in the mono tick bag and attaches to the mono guitar case! Bonus: counts as one piece of luggage.
Yeh in the past I've wanted to keep it uber simple - so maybe the stomp and an expression pedal - also the HX Stomp XL is enough, but I think if I could add just one pedal - the drive gets me a bunch of useful stuff without too much hassle!
Very nice.
I use a Maxon OD808 in front of my Boss Katana head. It works.
I’ve been using the alpha haunt and glove with the helix, it’s been great. Might get the boss of 200
What kinds of gigs (styles of music) are you playing where you're using this snapshot based preset?
Function stuff - so everything from motown to rock etc - that's why it has been so useful to add a drive pedal up front to get some more "in-between" gain ranges...
@@johnnathancordy Gotcha, I do a lot of gigs similar to that but I can't get on board with Litigator amp model. I usually use Mesa Clean model with OD pedals like Teemeh, Heir Apparent, or Minotaur in front. For some high gain songs that don't have cleans I sometime switch presets to a gained up amp but mostly try to like in one or two presets in stompbox mode, using jet micro hx edit for more functionality.
How do you do that? Using two switches and still has access on all three snapshots?
I am trying to wrap my head around how to setup the Stomp to switch Snapshots when not in Snapshot mode as you are doing in the video? And renaming them as well? Basically your FS1 is switching between Lead and Rythim while FS2 is for Lead and Clean. How to achive that?!?!
I was considered pairing a HX Stomp with a Chase Bliss Autamatone? 9 drive presets + Midi + Stomp I think gives a lot of options.
Good idea!
Sounds logical. I will try with my morning glory
Ive been using a mesa throttle box eq with my hx stomp and hx effects
I’d rather be late to the party and have those chops under my belt first…like you. The rest is just a plus! My thoughts!
I like the effects in the helix but never really liked the amps or drives. I use a Greer Organic Lghtspeed as it does transparent light overdrive
Hallo John would you be zo nice to put JC Gig 2022 in your folder? i love that sound.
My needs are limited, so my solution to the "extra drive" was to put the stomp XL in front of my iridium, lol.
You could literally with the 2 stomps that you have. Have one loaded with your Grammatico presets, and the other Stomp with your Derailed Ingrid, and you would have double what you have with one pedal. And or you have a Tonex pedal you could use the Joe Dumble on that, the World is JOHN CORDY's oyster. And you have the FRACTAL, yikes.
I've got 3 OD's that I swap in to pair with my Stomp depending on the character I need. (1) Vertex SSS SRV edition: I really like the way it changes the natural tone of the guitar and adds a bit of bite when I'm dealing with loud keyboard players. (2) The Dude: you already know why, it's just a wonderful gain stage. (3) The Wampler Tumnus Deluxe: Instead of a Klon and better than the Line 6 emulation. Thanks for another great video.
hi John may i ask how did you setup your footswitches for the snapshots?
I want to learn thjat lick @ 1:35 any tips?
what kind of speakers do you play the hx stomp through? Would it sound good through studio monitors or better through like a fender tube amp?
I always run a few of my drives infront of the stomp. I’m surprised at how well the hx stomp takes pedals as opposed to the kemper.
Which other pedals just out of interest sir?
@@johnnathancordy usually run mythos Golden Fleece fuzz, into a thorpy fx Dane and Nordvang No 1 signature.
@@johnnathancordy Riverside Drive with MIDI is insane with the Stomp and I have a Specular Tempus and Gravitas in the Loop.
I do exactly this with the helix and find it works well. I was inspired by what Steve Lukather had years ago on his board. Basically a button labelled “J!zz” which gave him just a bit “more”.
I run a wampler tumnus before the helix and it has a small gain and volume boost. Works great when you just want to push a setting slightly on the fly.
Whoa, do you have online lessons?
The Dude Abides
How is it that you're switching between 3 snap shots with two buttons on the same preset?
I read that intern drives works better with the hx stomp
What's that stand you use for the Stomp?
I've been running my analog board into boss gt1 processor and into power amp in on katana mk2 50...carefully dialing in gains and volumes just opens up the universe sonically..I can use or turn off nearly every parameter imaginable between my board and the gt1...tweakers dream..lol..zoom CDR 70 multi effects right dead center out of board into gt1as well... serious power... thinking 🤔 now though about putting zoom CDR 70 multi after the gt1 going into amp...all modulation so kinda makes better sense..
Any experience doing this with fuzzes? Does the HX stomp contain buffers that choke the fuzzes?
If the guitar input on the HX Stomp is being driven by the output of a fuzz pedal, then the input impedance on the HX Stomp will not matter to the fuzz. I run a Germanium SunFace as my first pedal and the HX Stomp as the last one, and the SunFace works great, just like it does with a tube amp. Some fuzz circuits (e.g. Fuzzface) won't work well in the FX loop though.
Do you need the tuner on all three snapshots? How about just having it in one and assigning the extra button on the other two snapshots to a drive? Gives you 5 settings without a pedal.
You can't change the overall utility of the pedal per snapshot can you? Like it can be a snapshot based function, and then you can change what the snapshot behaviour will be, but not jump to a totally different function?
@@johnnathancordy you are, of course, correct. I’m not a Stomp purist so I have a tiny $20 dual footswitch that solves this for me so I hadn’t tried it. I tried to implement it and I couldn’t.
A good cheap drive choice for this role may be the TC Mojo Mojo. Very dynamic and with quite a bit of EQ. Perfect to layer on top or correct the sound.
I only play live with my stopm at church. I use a Timmy and a TS mini for overdrives, before buying the timmy I used once the overdrvies on the stomp, but it was a problem for me for the way I use gain stages, using snapshots without real drives was not an option. But now, it is amazing, the feel is much better now and also more practical, the sound, Ive compared the TS and Teemah to the real ones and the y sound pretty close so soundwise it is not day and night difference
Yeh I've done a comparison with the Timmy too, and the Prince of Tone and Klon, all really close!
Man I tried this today with a blues driver and didn't like the results, have some sort of fizz always in the background of the notes, tried different presets and still didn't work for me. I got the HX stomp to try to replace my kemper, but I don't know if I'm too used to the sound of the Kemper but I don't like the HX stomp. On this subject, have you used the FX loop of the HX stomp for delays, reverb or modulation? I tried it today and it sounds awful, even with only one pedal in the loop. Am I doing something wrong?
Actually disregard, I managed to make the BD2 work with the HX stomp, started a new patch instead of working with the ones I already had. Still the FX loop is a problem tho.
Hello friend watching your videos you have several equipment, currently I have an HX stomp + Pedalboard (overdrives, compressor, reverb) I don't know if it's a good idea to change it for an Ampero 2, in terms of the realism of the sound of the Amps + Cabs. I appreciate your honest opinion.
I only use delays on the HX stomp + Amp IRs.
Honestly if you're unhappy with the Stomp, maybe, but I personally wouldn't