From rack mounts to floorboards: the evolution of the pedalboard – Line 6 HX Series

Back in the 70s and 80s, digital effects weren't something you’d see on a stage floor. They were mostly massive, rack-mounted processors tucked away in studios. While a few digital pedals did pop up here and there, most guitarists stayed away from them. Analog was king, and both players and critics weren't ready to give up that classic feel for early digital tech.

That all started to shift in the 90s and early 2000s. We moved away from the "one pedal, one sound" setup toward gear that could model dozens of different tones at once. These new digital units were lighter, cheaper than building a massive analog board, and most importantly allowed us to save our favorite settings as presets. For gigging musicians, it was a total game-changer.

Even so, a lot of them still felt like something was missing. That "digital" sound was hard to shake, and many players clung to their old-school analog gear for the character and response. But Line 6 was on a mission to figure out how to bridge that gap, finding a way to mix digital convenience with the soul of an analog rig.

After researching and developing many amazing digital pedals, they dropped the Helix about ten years ago. It hit the scene and completely took over. So, the big question remains: does it actually sound like the real thing?

To find out, we will look at the Line 6 HX family, which has quickly become a top preference for the modern-day guitarist. But why the HX series specifically? It is because the HX series takes that same heavy-duty DNA and packs it into smaller, board-friendly pedals.

Here is the lineage of HX pedals that has something for every type of player:

HX Stomp: The ‘Swiss Army Knife’

HX Stomp is that secret weapon you keep on your board "just in case"-until it eventually takes over your whole sound. It packs the same processing punch as the big units but is roughly the size of a double-wide boutique pedal.

The best part about the Stomp is its flexibility. You can use it as a complete standalone rig for a fly-date, or just drop it at the end of your analog board to handle all your delays, reverbs, and amp sims. And it actually feels right; when you roll back the volume on your guitar, the "amps" inside the Stomp react just like the real thing.

Why it’s worth the board space

•          No compromise: You get the full HX engine. No ‘lite’ versions or stripped-down sounds.
•          Boutique library: Loaded with everything from vintage tweed amps to rare delays that would cost a fortune even on the used    market.
•          Compact power: Run up to 8 blocks simultaneously. That’s plenty for a drive, amp, cab, and your "wet" effects.
•          The perfect neighbor: It fits on almost any board and features a stereo loop, so you can keep your favorite analog drive     pedals in the mix.
•          Studio ready: Plug the USB into your laptop and it becomes a high-end interface for recording professional tracks at home.

HX Effects: the ultimate board upgrade

If you’re the kind of player who already has a favorite tube amp and a collection of drive pedals you’ll never part with, the HX Effects was made specifically for you. Unlike the Stomp models, this unit ditches the amp and cab modeling to focus entirely on being the world’s most powerful dedicated effects box.

It’s designed to be the "brain" of your pedalboard. You get the full library of Helix distortions, delays, reverbs, and modulations, but it’s built to sit right alongside your analog gear. Because it features two dedicated effects loops, you can actually "sandwich" your favorite hardware pedals right into the middle of the HX signal chain. It keeps your tone pure while giving you access to hundreds of studio-grade sounds.

Why it’s the pro choice for your board 

• Pure effects power: You get over 200 Helix effects and the classic Legacy library from pedals like the DL4 without the unneeded amp modeling

• Pro routing: Two stereo effects loops let you plug in your favorite analog fuzz or boutique drives anywhere in your signal chain.

• The rig brain: Use full MIDI capabilities to switch your amp channels or control other digital pedals with one press.

• Touch control: The 8 capacitive switches let you jump into editing menus just by touching them. No more bending over to turn knobs.

• Scribble strips: Each switch has its own LCD screen. You can name your effects and see exactly what is active on a dark stage.

• Tone protection: Selectable True Bypass ensures your signal stays completely pure when the pedal is not in use.

HX One: The power of one

 

Sometimes you don't need a massive rig. You just need that one perfect sound to fill a gap on your board. That is where the HX One comes in. As the most compact member of the family, it acts as a powerful stereo utility pedal that handles one effect at a time with incredible quality.

Think of it as a shapeshifter. You might need a studio compressor for one track, a pitch shifter for the next, and a boutique delay after that. Instead of buying ten different pedals, the HX One gives you the entire Helix library in a standard compact footprint. It is the ultimate solution for any minimalist who still wants maximum sonic options.

Why it belongs on your board        

• The full library: Access over 250 Helix effects including premium modulations, delays, and reverbs.

• Simple layout: The OLED screen and dedicated knobs make it feel like a traditional stompbox with zero menu diving.

• Flux controller: This unique feature lets you ramp multiple settings at once with one switch press.

• Adjustable impedance: The pedal actually changes its electrical behavior to match the effect you choose for a more authentic feel.

• Clear signal: High quality electronics and True Bypass options keep your dry tone untouched when the pedal is off.

• Compact power: It runs on standard 9V power and fits anywhere while being the most versatile tool you own. 

Tech meets tradition

Analog gear will likely always have a place on our boards, but we shouldn't miss out on the precision that modern engineering brings to the table. Mixing old-school soul with new-school tech doesn't make you any less of a "purist." It just gives you better tools to get the job done. If it sounds good and helps you perform, that is all that matters.

So let’s get back on that question, does it actually sound like the real thing?

Now that we have looked at why this gear is considered best-in-class, answering that question really boils down to one thing: trying it out for yourself. You can do exactly that by visiting any of our music outlets listed below. However, if you are already convinced and want the convenience of having it delivered, you can head straight over to thomsunmusic.com to get started.

Store Locations:
• Business Bay
• Ibn Battuta Mall
• Wafi Mall
• Fish Roundabout, Deira
• Salahuddin Street
• Sahara Centre, Sharjah
• Abu Dhabi
• Shop-in-shop locations at selected Virgin Megastores