Guide for using the Line 6 HX Stomp XL device library in MMD files. Use when the user mentions HX Stomp XL, Stomp XL processor, or needs help with 4-snapshot control, 8 footswitch control, USB MIDI setup, All Bypass, Mode switching, or comparison with HX Stomp and full Helix.
Expert guidance for using the HX Stomp XL device library in MIDI Markdown files.
Invoke this skill when working with:
@import "devices/hx_stomp_xl.mmd"
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# Load preset 5 (direct PC, no bank select)
- hxstompxl_preset 1 5
# Load preset and switch to snapshot
- hxstompxl_load_snapshot 1 5 2 # Preset 5, Snapshot 3
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# Named snapshots (1-4)
- hxstompxl_snap_1 1
- hxstompxl_snap_2 1
- hxstompxl_snap_3 1
- hxstompxl_snap_4 1
# Parameterized (0-3)
- hxstompxl_snapshot 1 3 # Snapshot 4
HX Stomp XL strikes a balance between:
Key Position:
HX Stomp XL has 4 snapshots (0-3).
Better than: HX Stomp (3 snapshots) ✅ Less than: Full Helix (8 snapshots) ⚠️ Same as: HX Effects (4 snapshots)
Why 4 is good:
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# Named snapshots
- hxstompxl_snap_1 1 # Snapshot 1
- hxstompxl_snap_2 1 # Snapshot 2
- hxstompxl_snap_3 1 # Snapshot 3
- hxstompxl_snap_4 1 # Snapshot 4
# Parameterized
- hxstompxl_snapshot 1 2 # Snapshot 3
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# Load song preset
- hxstompxl_preset 1 10
# Snapshot 1: Verse (clean/mild)
- hxstompxl_snap_1 1
# Snapshot 2: Chorus (driven/wet)
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- hxstompxl_snap_2 1
# Snapshot 3: Bridge (ambient/different)
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- hxstompxl_snap_3 1
# Snapshot 4: Solo (lead tone)
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- hxstompxl_snap_4 1
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# Gain-based preset organization
- hxstompxl_gain_stages 1 15
# This demonstrates 4 gain stages:
# Snapshot 1: Clean
# Snapshot 2: Light crunch
# Snapshot 3: Medium drive
# Snapshot 4: High gain lead
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- hxstompxl_preset 1 20
# Dry
- hxstompxl_snap_1 1
# Add delay
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- hxstompxl_snap_2 1
# Add reverb
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- hxstompxl_snap_3 1
# Full ambient (delay + reverb + modulation)
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- hxstompxl_snap_4 1
HX Stomp XL has 8 footswitches (FS1-8).
Comparison:
Why 8 is good:
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# Toggle footswitches (ALWAYS toggle)
- line6_fs1 1
- line6_fs2 1
- line6_fs3 1
- line6_fs4 1
- line6_fs5 1
- line6_fs6 1
- line6_fs7 1
- line6_fs8 1
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# Start with basic tone
- hxstompxl_all_bypass_off 1
# Add compression
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- line6_fs1 1 # Toggle FS1 (compressor)
# Add delay
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- line6_fs2 1 # Toggle FS2 (delay)
# Add reverb
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- line6_fs3 1 # Toggle FS3 (reverb)
# Add modulation
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- line6_fs4 1 # Toggle FS4 (chorus/phaser)
# Add drive
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- line6_fs5 1 # Toggle FS5 (overdrive)
Same as HX Stomp (not on full Helix).
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# Bypass all effects (global mute)
- hxstompxl_all_bypass_on 1
# Un-bypass all
- hxstompxl_all_bypass_off 1
# Parameterized
- hxstompxl_all_bypass 1 127 # On
- hxstompxl_all_bypass 1 0 # Off
Use cases:
Same as HX Stomp (not on full Helix).
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# Switch modes
- hxstompxl_mode_stomp 1 # Stomp mode
- hxstompxl_mode_scroll 1 # Scroll mode
- hxstompxl_mode_preset 1 # Preset mode
- hxstompxl_mode_snapshot 1 # Snapshot mode
# Cycle modes
- hxstompxl_mode_next 1 # Next mode
- hxstompxl_mode_prev 1 # Previous mode
NO Bank Select needed! Same as HX Stomp.
HX Stomp XL uses direct PC 0-127 addressing (simpler than full Helix).
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# Load preset 10
- hxstompxl_preset 1 10
# Load preset 127
- hxstompxl_preset 1 127
# Load with snapshot
- hxstompxl_load_snapshot 1 10 2 # Preset 10, Snapshot 3
Preset capacity: 128 presets total (PC 0-127)
HX Stomp XL has 2 expression pedals (EXP1, EXP2). No EXP3.
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# Direct MIDI values
- line6_exp1 1 64
- line6_exp2 1 100
# With modulation
- line6_exp_swell 1 1 0 127 # Smooth swell
- line6_exp_vibrato 1 1 64 3.0 20 # Vibrato effect
- line6_exp_envelope 1 1 # ADSR envelope
- line6_exp_ar 1 1 0.5 1.0 # AR envelope
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# Full looper workflow
- line6_looper_start_recording 1
[+8s]
- line6_looper_playback 1
[+16s]
- line6_looper_stop_exit 1
All standard Helix looper functions available (from common library).
HX Stomp XL has enhanced Command Center vs regular HX Stomp.
More footswitch assignments available due to 8 footswitches.
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# Load preset and control external amp
- hxstompxl_preset_with_amp 1 10 2
# Params: ch, preset, amp_channel
# Snapshot + external gear control
- hxstompxl_snapshot_with_external 1 2 71 127
# Params: ch, snapshot, ext_cc, ext_value
Same limitation as HX Stomp (USB MIDI only).
Implications:
Recommended solutions:
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# Standard 4-part song with HX Stomp XL
# Load song preset
- hxstompxl_preset 1 5
# INTRO - Clean
- hxstompxl_snap_1 1
# VERSE - Rhythm
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- hxstompxl_snap_2 1
# Pre-chorus build (use footswitch)
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- line6_fs2 1 # Add delay
# CHORUS - Drive + reverb
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- hxstompxl_snap_3 1
# BRIDGE - Ambient
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- hxstompxl_snap_4 1
# SOLO - Lead tone (back to snapshot 3 with modifications)
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- hxstompxl_snap_3 1
- line6_fs5 1 # Engage boost
# FINAL CHORUS
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- hxstompxl_snap_3 1
Firmware 3.5x: 350ms delay after PC Firmware 3.10+: CC69 buffered, can reduce to 50ms Firmware 3.80: Stable
See Helix skill for detailed timing guidance.
# ❌ WRONG - Only snapshots 0-3 available
- hxstompxl_snapshot 1 4 # ERROR!
# ✅ CORRECT - Use preset changes for more sections
- hxstompxl_preset 1 11
# ❌ WRONG (firmware 3.5x)
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- hxstompxl_preset 1 10
- hxstompxl_snapshot 1 2 # Ignored!
# ✅ CORRECT - Use helper
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- hxstompxl_load_snapshot 1 10 2
USB MIDI has jitter issues for clock sync.
Consider external MIDI interface with 5-pin DIN if clock sync is critical.
Best for: Ultra-compact setups, simple songs
Best for: Most live performers, good balance of size vs capabilities
Best for: Effects with external amps, 5-pin DIN ecosystem
Best for: Professional touring, complex songs, maximum flexibility
Advantages:
Trade-offs:
Conclusion: Best choice for most guitarists who want:
CC69 - Snapshot select (0-3)
CC70 - All Bypass
CC71 - Mode Switch
All other CCs available for MIDI Learn.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| 4 snapshots not enough | Consider full Helix (8) or use preset changes |
| Can't connect MIDI controller | Requires USB-C or USB MIDI Host (no 5-pin DIN) |
| Preset changes have gaps | Use All Bypass to mute during changes |
| MIDI timing is sloppy | USB has jitter - use quality cable, avoid hubs |
| Need more footswitches | Consider full Helix (11 footswitches) |
devices/hx_stomp_xl.mmddevices/line6_common.mmd (imported automatically)Official Manual: https://line6.com/support/manuals/hxstompxl
3.80 (current as of library version)