The HX One is the smallest size ever in the Line6 HX family, known for its highest sound quality. It is equipped with the same 250+ types of effects but does not include an amp or cabinet simulator. Despite its small size, it has sufficient expandability with MIDI and EXP. However, only one effect can be used at a time. If you want to use multiple effects simultaneously, the ZOOM MultiStomp, Ampero Mini, or HX Stomp would be your options. It is recommended to leave the effects that are rarely used but necessary to the HX One.
For those who:
- Want to assemble a board with the smallest size possible
- Feel their board is overwhelmed by effect pedals that are only used for a few seconds
- Wonder if the HX One can replace the ZOOM MultiStomp
Yosh (@Yosh_Guitar), a former music store clerk, provides a thorough explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of the HX One, from its review to who it’s recommended for and who might regret buying it.
Pros of the HX One
Over 250 Effects of the Highest Sound Quality from LINE6
The effects included in the HX One are of the same quality as those in the Helix Floor, which costs over $1,500. This means they are of professional, top-notch quality. The HX One comes with over 250 types of effects, including standard ones like distortion and ambient effects, as well as more unique effects like filters and synths. It also includes a looper. The footswitch can be held down to switch to the tuner.
Controls that are as Easy to Set as a Compact Pedal
Though it is a multi-effects processor, it can be operated as simply and quickly as a compact pedal. Three knobs adjust the parameters, and if there are many parameters, you can switch between them with the PAGE button. The current values are also displayed on the screen, making it easy to understand. Adjusting sounds during rehearsals, which can be quite difficult with multi-effects, is possible with the HX One. Patch editing can also be done via a USB connection with an application.
Real-time Operation with Flux Control
The right footswitch can control various effects. The first is a TAP switch that controls the tempo for delays and modulations. The second is the Flux controller, which smoothly changes the specified parameters while the switch is pressed. It is also possible to control multiple parameters. It’s easier to understand if you see it in a video.
Pressing both footswitches simultaneously switches to preset mode, where you can change presets up and down with the device’s footswitch.
Equipped with MIDI and EXP Pedal Terminals for Easy Integration into Systems
Despite its compact size, it supports external control. If you use a MIDI-compatible controller, you can switch effects. An expression pedal allows you to control any parameter with your foot, just like the FLUX control. Up to two footswitches can be set using a stereo cable. The footswitches can be used like the right switch on the device for TAP or Flux, or to switch between presets.
2in/2 out for Various Connections
There are two mono terminals for both input and output. It can be used with stereo-compatible effects or keyboard synths. It also supports the 4-cable method.
Bypass Switching Tailored to the Board
When the effect is off, you can choose between true bypass and buffered bypass. You can change it according to the connection order of the HX One.
Compact Size Helps Save Space on the Board
The size is quite compact at 2.4” x 3.8” x 4.9”, weighing 0.99 lbs. It can also be used as a buffer and tuner, which greatly contributes to saving space on the board. Let this one device take care of the effects you only use in certain parts of a song.
Can be Powered by a Power Supply with 500mA
The power supply is a center-negative 500mA, which can be used with a general AC adapter. Nowadays, a decent power supply can handle effects that require 500mA. The higher-end HX Stomp requires more than 1000mA, so a doubler cable is necessary even with a power supply. The HX One is well thought out for use on an effects board.
Cons of the HX One
Modeling Amps and IR are not included
The HX family is known for its rich amp modeling, but the HX One does not include modeling amps or cabinet simulators. It is strictly a device that allows you to use various types of effects in one unit.
Only One Effect Can Be Used at a Time
This is the most disappointing downside for users both in Japan and overseas. You cannot use multiple built-in effects simultaneously. You would have to rely on the HX One for effects you only use in one song or switch them using a MIDI switcher. If you want to use multiple effects at the same time, you would need something like the HX Stomp.
Connection Order Can Be Confusing
When switching to different effects for different songs or sections, you need to carefully consider where to place the HX One on your effects board. For example, if you use it for compression sometimes and delay at other times, it can be tricky to decide the best placement. One solution might be to use a switcher like the BOSS ES-8 or MS-3, which allows for changing loop connections. Alternatively, you could use traditional compact effects for the front end (like compression) and reserve the HX One for effects that are better suited for the end of the signal chain (like delay or reverb).
Comparison with LINE6 M5
| Feature | HX One | M5 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | December 2023 | May 2011 |
| Market Price | $299.99 | $169.99 |
| Number of Effects | 268 | 103 |
| Simultaneous Effects | 1 | 1 |
| Presets | 128 | 24 |
| Footswitches | 2 | 2 |
| Looper | Available | Not available |
| I/O Terminals | 2in/2out | 2in/2out |
| MIDI Terminals | In, Out/Thru + USB | In, Out/Thru |
| External Control Terminals | Expression or Footswitch | Expression |
| Power Supply | 500mA Center Negative | 500mA Center Negative |
| Size/Weight | 2.4” x 3.8” x 4.9” (62 x 96 x 125 mm) / 0.99 lbs. (450g) | 2.4” x 6” x 6.5” (568 x 152 x 165 mm) / 2.5 lbs. (1130g) |
The HX One can be considered an updated version of the M5, which is also made by Line6. Over a decade has passed since the M5’s release, and the HX One is a complete upgrade in both sound quality and functionality. Moreover, it is significantly more compact, making it easier to fit on a pedalboard. However, there is about a twofold difference in price.
Comparison with ZOOM MultiStomp MS-50G+
| Feature | HX One | ZOOM MS-50G+ |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | December 2023 | November 2023 |
| Market Price | $299.99 | $129.99 |
| Number of Effects | 268 | 100 |
| Amp Modeling | None | Available |
| Simultaneous Effects | 1 | 6 |
| Presets | 128 | 100 |
| Footswitches | 2 | 1 + Cursor |
| Looper | Available | Not available |
| I/O Terminals | 2in/2out | 1in/2out |
| MIDI Terminals | In, Out/Thru + USB | None |
| External Control Terminals | Expression or Footswitch | None |
| Power Supply | 500mA Center Negative | 500mA Center Negative / AA Batteries / USB-C |
| Size/Weight | 2.4” x 3.8” x 4.9” (62 x 96 x 125 mm) / 0.99 lbs. (450g) | 2.4” x 3.11” x 5.23” (133 x 79 x 61 mm) / 0.77 lbs. ( 353g) |
When the HX One was posted on X before the official announcement, it received many positive comments. However, many were disappointed to learn that it could not use multiple effects simultaneously, like a ZOOM multi-stomp pedal. There is a considerable demand for multi-effects in a compact pedal size. A few days later, the MS-50G+ was announced and has been well-received.
The strengths of the MultiStomp include the number of effects that can be used simultaneously, built-in amp modeling, and the ability to be powered by AA batteries. If you want to use multiple effects in a compact pedal size, the MultiStomp seems to be a good choice.
People Who Might Regret Buying It and Those Who It’s Recommended For
The HX One offers over 250 types of top-quality Line6 effects in a size that has never been available before. It also includes a looper, tuner, and the ability to switch the buffer on/off, all while being powered by 500mA, making it a highly effective space-saver on your pedalboard. However, the inability to use multiple effects simultaneously is a significant drawback.
The HX One might lead to buyer’s remorse for people who:
- Want to use multiple effects simultaneously in a compact size.
- Want to combine front-end optimal effects and back-end optimal effects in one unit.
For those who do not have a strong preference for sound quality, the ZOOM MS-50G+ might be sufficient. If you are looking for Line6 sound quality, then the Line6 HX Stomp or Hotone Ampero Mini would be the current best solution.
The HX One is recommended for people who:
- Have several effects that are only used in specific parts of a song.
- Want a compact multi-effect pedal that can switch effects using a MIDI controller.
- Want to reduce the number of effects at the very beginning of their signal chain by using it as a tuner + buffer + one other effect.
- Want to build the most compact effect board possible.
