FM9 vs Helix HX Stomp XL - What is the Best Floor Amp Modeler in 2024?
Today, we’re diving into a comparison between two popular amp modelers: the Line 6 HX Stomp XL and the Fractal Audio FM9. These two units come at significantly different price points, which makes this comparison particularly interesting. Can you achieve similar tones on the HX Stomp XL, which is $1,000 cheaper than the FM9? Let's find out.
The Experiment
Recently, I was live reamping some tracks and decided to see if I could make the HX Stomp XL and the FM9 sound the same or at least very similar. I recorded three DI tracks: one with a clean guitar amplifier, one with a crunchy tone, and one with a lead guitar solo tone. For full transparency, I used the FM9 to direct record the DIs, which might not make a difference but is worth noting.
For this experiment, I used the Soldano Clean, Crunch, and Lead channels on both the FM9 and HX Stomp XL. Although technically the same amp, I used three different channels to give us a comprehensive look at the two modelers.
Blind Shootout
To keep things fair, this will be a blind shootout. The amp modelers will be labeled as A and B, and I won’t reveal which is which until the end. Each modeler will be consistent through all three tests. Let me know in the comments which one you think sounds better and which amp modeler you believe is which.
Clean Tone Comparison
First up is the clean tone using the Soldano channel on both the FM9 and the HX Stomp XL. Here’s the first comparison with clean Soldano amp, the song is Sample in a Jar by Phish.
My Impressions
Wow, the clean tones are incredibly similar. It’s almost indistinguishable, especially within a mix. You might notice slight differences when soloed out, but within a full mix, it’s really hard to tell them apart.
Crunch Tone Comparison
Next, let's move to the crunch tone. Here’s the second comparison with the Crunchy Soldano amp, the song is Down with Disease by Phish.
My Impressions
There’s a slight difference here. The distorted guitars reveal more of a distinction between the two modelers. However, it’s not necessarily a matter of one being better or worse, but rather a difference in EQ. I set both amplifiers to virtually the same parameters, so this variation is intriguing.
Lead Tone Comparison
Finally, let’s check out the lead guitar tone. Here’s the third comparison with the Lead Soldano amp, the song is Bathtub Gin by Phish.
My Impressions
In the mix, can you hear a $1,000 difference? The crunch and lead tones sound different when isolated. The reverb and delay effects on the HX Stomp XL don’t quite match the clarity of the FM9, likely due to the HX Stomp XL's single processor handling both amp modeling and effects, while the FM9 uses separate processors.
Conclusion
So, can you really hear a $1,000 difference? The HX Stomp XL is $700, while the FM9 is $1,700. I own both and appreciate the features of the FM9, but for $1,000 less, the HX Stomp XL is impressive.
Now, to reveal the blind test: Modeler A was the FM9, and Modeler B was the HX Stomp XL. Surprised? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
If you want to dive deeper, check out my FM9 playlist or HX Stomp playlist. My name is Ryan, and I cover amp modelers on this channel. See you in the next video, and until then, let the music play!