Line 6 HX One is a new compact digital stereo multi-effects pedal with 250 creative algorithms, hands-on control, and more.
Effects allow musicians to craft new sounds or refine them. If you work a lot with hardware, avoiding guitar pedals is hard. Even though these are designed for guitars, they are just as popular with synths.
A new exciting one comes from Line 6, a Yamaha company. Sweetwater leaked this last night.
Line 6 HX One
HX One is a new stereo multi-effects pedal based on Line 6’s HX technology, which can be found in other pedals from the company. It’s looks like an updated version of its M5 pedal. It’s stereo signal path makes this also attractive for synth players. Unlike the previous “pedalboard-style” HX pedals, this has stereo I/O.
The concept is strongly reminiscent of the Eventide H9: an FX slot but a massive selection of algorithms. One effect available at a time to keep things simple and efficient onstage and in the studio, says Line 6.
It boasts over 250 high-quality effects from the HX ecosystem. It contains classic stompbox effects, studio classics, and Line 6 originals. So you get reverbs, delays, distortions, and more.
Once you select your algorithm, the pedal gives you three dedicated knobs, making it easy to adjust the parameters. It also has adjustable input impedance to accommodate pickups of all styles and designs perfectly.
There is also an easy-to-navigate OLED screen that gives you instant visual feedback on the parameters. HX One features 128 onboard presets that can also be modified.
Furthermore, HX One’s distinctive “Flux” function gives you the power to automate parameter changes with the tap of a switch. A bit like Eventide’s morphing function.
Connectivity
The I/O also looks like a good match for Synthesizer players. HX One has stereo input and output on 6.35mm mono sockets, a USB port for firmware and the preset librarian, and a full 5-pin MIDI interface (In-Out/Thru). A big plus for the classic 5-pins and not TRS MIDI.
A switchable true/buffered DSP bypass is also available.
First Impression
At first glance, it is an exciting multi-algorithm stereo pedal. I like the immediate design without much menu diving. Now the algorithms still have to convince with synth sounds.
Line 6 HX One is available soon for $299,99.
More information here: Line 6
Available at my partner
A tad more than I was hoping but if the algorithms are great then it’s a fair price.
Devo would be proud