Line 6 HX Effects vs BOSS GT-1000

[Chad]

Yes. Unfortunately, it's computer only. No mobile. The BOSS will have a mobile app that can make adjustments via bluetooth.

I’m fine with that. I think using my phone would be a bigger pain in the ass than interface on the unit.

 

[Help!I'maRock!]

I’m fine with that. I think using my phone would be a bigger pain in the ass than interface on the unit.

I'd like an iPad app.

 

[Chad]

I'd like an iPad app.

I’d need an iPad first

 

[Help!I'maRock!]

HXFX manual:
https://line6.com/data/6/0a020a3d3f.../HX Effects 2.50 Owners Manual - English .pdf

BOSS manual is probably a few weeks away. Seems they announced the unit for the show but they're still working on some things.

 

[Help!I'maRock!]

Played the BOSS today at GC through a Roland JC40. Sounded awful, but that’s factory presets for you.

 

[micwalt]

You gotta tweak to know for sure.

 

[Help!I'maRock!]

You gotta tweak to know for sure.

Definitely. I’m just not sure I have the patience.

 

[BlockInlay]

I'm not interested in the LT.

Why not? Aside from being the size of an aircraft carrier, it does everything the HX does but better. And costs the same as the Boss

 

[Help!I'maRock!]

Why not? Aside from being the size of an aircraft carrier, it does everything the HX does but better. And costs the same as the Boss

It’s the size of an aircraft carrier.

 

[BlockInlay]

The Helix/HX presets and default settings are really harsh to my ear as well. Loads of tweaking. I haven’t spent more than a few minutes with the factory presets. They just sound thin and way too piercing.

I tweaked the loaner LT I have a lot the past few days (just effects, no amp or cab sims) and I’m still not where I want to be.

I’m still waffling, HX or standard pedal board

 

[BlockInlay]

LT taking up the front seat of my (filthy) car. I should have strapped it in.

 

[GilmourD]

Boss makes solid stuff but I have never, EVER been impressed by the tone of a Boss product until the Katana. It's almost like a whole different company makes it.

 

[OGG]

Boss makes solid stuff but I have never, EVER been impressed by the tone of a Boss product until the Katana. It's almost like a whole different company makes it.

Here's the thing with the big three multi-fx companies:

BOSS does "most" things "better" than the others, but their distortion is almost universally hated.

DIGITECH does distortion WAY "better" than BOSS, but their modulation effects are atrocious.

Line 6 does almost everything pretty well. Very usable Distortion types, pretty good modulation effects, really nice verbs and delays, and their amp/cab sims are mostly excellent.

However:

Line 6 build quality is unforgivable given the price point.

DIGITECH has slid slowly under the RADAR and further out of the picture over the past several years. Their more recent stuff has been very cheaply built and hardly gig-worthy because they're too fragile. My old RP-3 was the last of the "bulletproof" made of steel by men... Brawny men...

BOSS products are still built like tanks regardless of country of origin. You are rarely going to have to worry about a BOSS unit shitting the bed unexpectedly.

When you get into the Kempler, AXE FX or even some TC stuff, of course they're well built and usually have great sounds, but they're a whole other category due to the big step up in cost.

So, if you're on a budget... Buy a BOSS and a dirt pedal that suits you. All set. Wham bam thank you mam!

 

[GilmourD]

Here's the thing with the big three multi-fx companies:

BOSS does "most" things "better" than the others, but their distortion is almost universally hated.

DIGITECH does distortion WAY "better" than BOSS, but their modulation effects are atrocious.

Line 6 does almost everything pretty well. Very usable Distortion types, pretty good modulation effects, really nice verbs and delays, and their amp/cab sims are mostly excellent.

However:

Line 6 build quality is unforgivable given the price point.

DIGITECH has slid slowly under the RADAR and further out of the picture over the past several years. Their more recent stuff has been very cheaply built and hardly gig-worthy because they're too fragile. My old RP-3 was the last of the "bulletproof" made of steel by men... Brawny men...

BOSS products are still built like tanks regardless of country of origin. You are rarely going to have to worry about a BOSS unit shitting the bed unexpectedly.

When you get into the Kempler, AXE FX or even some TC stuff, of course they're well built and usually have great sounds, but they're a whole other category due to the big step up in cost.

So, if you're on a budget... Buy a BOSS and a dirt pedal that suits you. All set. Wham bam thank you mam!

I've heard that the newer Digitech stomps are pretty decent, but I probably haven't touched one of their multi-effect jobs since 2003.

 

[OGG]

I've heard that the newer Digitech stomps are pretty decent, but I probably haven't touched one of their multi-effect jobs since 2003.

I can't speak to their individual stompboxes, as I haven't touched one made in at least ten years. The only DIGITECH stompbox I currently own is my Hot Head Distortion, which ironically... Isn't a very good Distortion at all. However, it does a killer job as a clean boost or for subtle break up stuff. I understand Vai used one as a clean boost for some time.

My more recent DIGITECH multi-fx floor units were plastic crap. The RP-350(?) sounded pretty good, but I didn't trust it for gigging so... I got that Gawddammed HD-500. Out of the frying pan and into the fire!