Line 6 has officially launched the HX Stomp XL, an expanded version of its acclaimed pedalboard effects processor. The launch follows rumours, speculation and a leak of product images, and an intrigued reaction from some fans of the original, noting that the main addition over the regular HX Stomp seemed to be just extra footswitches.

In a press release, Line 6 has addressed this reaction – saying that it’s “not going to pretend it’s the most innovative product” it offers but “for some customers, it’s the goldilocks form factor.” The introduction of the five extra switches, according to the brand, follows users asking for the change or finding their own ways to integrate their own extra footswitches.

At the core of the HX Stomp XL is, of course, the HX modelling engine. There’s the ability to run six ‘effect blocks’ at a time, out of a library of 300 effects, amp models and cabinet simulations.

Like the original, the HX Stomp XL has the ability to operate as a multi-channel audio interface once connected via a USB cable. The extensive I/O options have been moved, and are all now found on the back of the pedal (the original had jacks on the side as well as the back). These include TRS balanced outputs, MIDI ins-and-outs, a stereo effects loop, a two-channel expansion jack for external expression and more.

Joining the I/O on the back panel is the volume knob, moved from the face of the unit to save space. This can be pushed into the back panel to stop it from being accidentally turned.

There are a few updates over the original HX Stomp aside from the footswitches: the hands-free pedal edit mode, allowing you to tweak presets with your feet, support for 128 presets in total rather than 126 and four snapshots per preset vs. three. The extra footswitches allow access to the six-switch looper without needing an external MIDI controller.

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