KHE + Line 6 HX Stomp in 4-Cable-Method
This guide explains how to use the Line 6 HX Stomp as a multi-effects unit with the KHE amp switcher in a 4-Cable-Method (4CM). This enables to:
Use the HX’s Pedals (Boost, Overdrive, Gate and such) in front of the amps (like normal pedals).
Use the HX’s Effects (Delay, Reverb and such) in the fx-loop of the tube amplifiers (post-preamp).
Use the HX’s MIDI to remotely control the KHE presets during patch changes (PC). ?
Use the KHE’s Master-FX-Loop Bypass Switching to remove the effects-chain from the fx-loop.
In this setup, the HX Stomp functions as a mono multi-effect unit. Only the stompbox- and effect blocks are active. All amp- and speaker-modelling blocks are disabled. A Mono Loop Block is inserted to create the insert point for the amp fx-loops.
In combination with the FX-Loop Switching function of the ACS 4x4FX (or ACS 8x4 / ASX 8 with the AFX 8), it enables to use the Line 6 HX Stomp as a multi-effect unit in 4-CM with all connected amps.
Connection & Setup
Connect the Guitar to the HX Stomp’s Guitar Input L/MONO
Connect the HX Stomp’s SEND to the KHE GUITAR INPUT jack. This sends the guitar signal after stompbox section to the guitar input of the amp switcher.
Connect the HX Stomp’s RETURN L/MONO to the KHE FX INPUT jack. This connects the master-fx-send of the amps/KHE to the input to the Helix’s effect section (post-distortion).
Connect the HX Stomp’s OUTPUT L/MONO to the KHE FX OUTPUT jack. This sends the signal after the Helix’s effect section back the master-fx-return of the KHE and back to the power amp of the activated amplifier.
Check the HX Stomp’s User Manual for all details on how to setup the preset and routing. In this example, Loop 1 is used to create the insert point for the pre-effects post-effects section. Make sure to deactivate all amp- & cab-models on the preset. Use shielded instrument cables (TS) for all HX Stomp connections.
On the KHE, press the small FX Button to activate the fx-loop. The FX light turns fully on. If the FX light is dark or dimmed, the entire effects chain is true-bypassed. The on/off state of the master-fx-loop is individually saved for each amp and gets recalled automatically when switching amps.
Make sure the amp fx-loops are all set to serial or parallel with 100% mix setting. In case an amp has a bad fx-loop design that still passes some dry signal, it will be mixed with the HX’s signal which causes a bad phasing or chorusing sound due to the latency of the AD/DA conversion.
In case of hum or digital noise, experiment with the HX Stomp’s and the KHE’s Ground Lift switches and see which combination results in the least noise.
To build this 4-CM amp switching setup, you need a KHE amp switcher with the Master-FX-Loop Switching feature. For up to four amplifiers, check the KHE ACS 4x4FX which has the fx-loop switching feature built-in. For the KHE ACS 8x4 or ASX 8, the fx-loop switching can be added by the KHE AFX 8 extension unit. All KHE units can be fully linked and daisy-chained to expand the switching channels.
Links:
Return Home: KHE ACS Help Center
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