How many effects can I run at once on the HX One?

The HX One is designed to run one high-quality effect at a time. It acts as a flexible slot on your pedalboard that can be changed to any of the 250+ available models.

What is the Flux controller?

Flux is a unique feature that allows you to automate parameter changes. By pressing a footswitch, you can ramp multiple settings from one value to another at a specific speed for expressive transitions.

How many presets can the HX One store?

The device can store and recall up to 128 presets. These can be easily navigated using the onboard controls or via MIDI program changes.

Does it support stereo signals?

Yes, the HX One features full stereo inputs and outputs. This makes it suitable for complex signal chains and for use with keyboards or stereo rig setups.

Can I use an expression pedal with the HX One?

Yes, there is a dedicated input for an expression pedal or an external footswitch. A Yamaha FC7 or similar expression pedal can be used to control parameters in real time.

Does the HX One have MIDI connectivity?

It includes standard 5-pin MIDI In and Out/Thru ports. This allows for automated preset switching and synchronisation with other MIDI-capable gear.

What kind of screen does it have?

The pedal features a bright, high-contrast OLED screen. It displays the current effect name, parameter values, and system settings clearly even in dark stage environments.

Are the effects the same as the ones in the Helix Floor?

Yes, the HX One uses the same HX modelling technology found in the flagship Helix and HX Stomp processors. It provides the same professional-grade sound quality in a smaller format.

Is the HX One suitable for small pedalboards?

Absolutely, it was specifically designed with a compact footprint to save space. It is ideal for musicians who need access to many different sounds without adding multiple bulky pedals.

Can the HX One do pitch shifting?

Yes, it includes a variety of pitch-shifting and polyphonic effects. These are comparable to dedicated units like the Digitech Whammy Ricochet.

Does it include a noise gate?

While it features many effects, it is often used alongside dedicated utility pedals like the Boss NS-2 for specific noise suppression needs. However, the HX library does include various dynamics processors.

How do I update the firmware on the HX One?

The HX One features a USB port for connecting to a computer. Users can use Line 6 software to update the device and manage their presets.

Gear article

Line 6 HX One

The Line 6 HX One is a compact, stereo multi-effect pedal that provides access to over 250 effects from the acclaimed HX family of processors. Designed to fit easily onto crowded pedalboards, it features an intuitive interface with an OLED screen and a unique 'Flux' controller for expressive parameter automation.

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Overview and Design

The Line 6 HX One is a versatile single-effect processor intended for guitarists and bassists who require the high-fidelity sounds of the Helix family without the footprint of a large multi-effects floorboard. It operates as a single-effect-at-a-time device, allowing it to function as a 'chameleon' pedal that can replace almost any single unit on a board, from drives and delays to modulations and pitch shifters.

Despite its small size, the unit supports full stereo signal paths and features a bright OLED display for clear parameter monitoring. It is designed for ease of use, employing a straightforward knob-per-function style interface for adjusting settings on the fly.

The Flux Controller

A standout feature of the HX One is the 'Flux' controller. This unique system allows users to automate changes to multiple effect parameters simultaneously. By engaging the Tap/Flux footswitch, the pedal can transition between two different states of the same effect at a predetermined rate. This adds a layer of expression similar to using an expression pedal, but with the precision of automated control.

Sound Character and FX Library

The pedal contains over 250 effects derived from the HX library, which includes recreations of classic vintage gear as well as modern Line 6 originals. The library covers several categories:

Distortion and Overdrive: Classic dirt boxes and modern high-gain stages.
Modulation: Choruses, flangers, and phasers.
Delay and Reverb: From analogue-style echoes to expansive ambient spaces.
Pitch and Synth: Polyphonic tracking for shifters and synth textures.
Dynamics and EQ: Compressors and tone-shaping tools.

Connectivity and Integration

The HX One is built for professional integration. It includes standard 5-pin MIDI In and Out/Thru ports, enabling preset changes and parameter syncing within a larger MIDI-controlled rig. Additionally, it features a dedicated input for an expression pedal or an external footswitch, providing further real-time control options. The pedal supports 128 internal presets, which can be recalled via the interface or MIDI.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to dedicated single-effect pedals like the Boss DD-3T or the Electro Harmonix Big Muff, the HX One offers significantly more versatility but at the cost of being able to run only one effect at a time. While the Digitech Whammy Ricochet provides specific pitch-shifting functionality, the HX One includes similar pitch algorithms alongside hundreds of other options. For users who need a specific 'set and forget' sound, a Fender Hammertone Flanger or Behringer UC200 may be simpler, but for those with limited board space needing multiple high-quality sounds, the HX One is the more flexible solution.

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Frequently asked questions

How many effects can I run at once on the HX One?: The HX One is designed to run one high-quality effect at a time. It acts as a flexible slot on your pedalboard that can be changed to any of the 250+ available models.
What is the Flux controller?: Flux is a unique feature that allows you to automate parameter changes. By pressing a footswitch, you can ramp multiple settings from one value to another at a specific speed for expressive transitions.
How many presets can the HX One store?: The device can store and recall up to 128 presets. These can be easily navigated using the onboard controls or via MIDI program changes.
Does it support stereo signals?: Yes, the HX One features full stereo inputs and outputs. This makes it suitable for complex signal chains and for use with keyboards or stereo rig setups.
Can I use an expression pedal with the HX One?: Yes, there is a dedicated input for an expression pedal or an external footswitch. A Yamaha FC7 or similar expression pedal can be used to control parameters in real time.
Does the HX One have MIDI connectivity?: It includes standard 5-pin MIDI In and Out/Thru ports. This allows for automated preset switching and synchronisation with other MIDI-capable gear.
What kind of screen does it have?: The pedal features a bright, high-contrast OLED screen. It displays the current effect name, parameter values, and system settings clearly even in dark stage environments.
Are the effects the same as the ones in the Helix Floor?: Yes, the HX One uses the same HX modelling technology found in the flagship Helix and HX Stomp processors. It provides the same professional-grade sound quality in a smaller format.
Is the HX One suitable for small pedalboards?: Absolutely, it was specifically designed with a compact footprint to save space. It is ideal for musicians who need access to many different sounds without adding multiple bulky pedals.
Can the HX One do pitch shifting?: Yes, it includes a variety of pitch-shifting and polyphonic effects. These are comparable to dedicated units like the Digitech Whammy Ricochet.
Does it include a noise gate?: While it features many effects, it is often used alongside dedicated utility pedals like the Boss NS-2 for specific noise suppression needs. However, the HX library does include various dynamics processors.
How do I update the firmware on the HX One?: The HX One features a USB port for connecting to a computer. Users can use Line 6 software to update the device and manage their presets.