hippietim
Axe-Master
I run AFB and a multi-effect box from a battery pack for a grab and go rig. After really thinking this over as a replacement....to the point of installing the Helix Native demo and seeing what can be done with 6 blocks....I've given HX Stomp a thumbs down.
This thing is a technological marvel, but I'm hard pressed to figure out what it's good at. Jack of all trades, master of none applies perfectly. If you just want effects, the HX Effects is better at the same price. If you want the amp models, it's not an an all-in-one solution because of the block limit. Adding external units negates the portability since HX Stomp requires a big and rather seriously awkward power supply. Apparently you might get it to run from some other power units, but no guarantees. I'm also concerned about heat since they seem to have just scaled down their full architecture into this amazingly tiny enclosure. My guess: it'll sell like crazy at first, but wind down quick when people figure out the inherent limits.
Dammit, Atomic better fix the AFB because (at least for now) there is no substitute for it.
I do wish Fractal would decide to compete in this space....
It's funny. I looked at what I could do with 6 blocks and sold my AFB before the HX Stomp arrived. The AFB was cool but the whole model for dual channels was goofy at best and you do need another effects unit to be somewhat full featured. My main rig is the AX8 and I have patches with more than 6 blocks but I can only think of one song I play live that uses more than 6 blocks. Obviously, if I were to try and replicate all of the capabilities of my live rig with the HX Stomp I will need more patches than I use on the AX8.