Boss GT 1000 Core vs Hx stomp vs Mod dwarf

[cucumis]

Hello Talkbass,

for the last few years I have been using a Boss GT-001 processor for a bunch of stuff, from effects to amp-less practice to amateur recording. The unit works well for guitar but it is not that great on bass for a number of reasons.
Given that my only pedals asides from the GT-001 are a tc polytune and a source audio C4, I'd like to upgrade while keeping my setup small.

Both the Boss GT 1000 Core and Hx stomp seem like a good pick for what I want to do with them (the effect send/return is one of the things I am also missing), what is the general consensus on both of them for bass?

Edit: I have also noticed the mod dwarf, which seems less popular than both of them, but also cheaper. It's support for software modding (something that I am a fan of in general) seems promising. Does anyone here use this unit?

 

[gtirard]

Hello Talkbass,

for the last few years I have been using a Boss GT-001 processor for a bunch of stuff, from effects to amp-less practice to amateur recording. The unit works well for guitar but it is not that great on bass for a number of reasons.
Given that my only pedals asides from the GT-001 are a tc polytune and a source audio C4, I'd like to upgrade while keeping my setup small.

Both the Boss GT 1000 Core and Hx stomp seem like a good pick for what I want to do with them (the effect send/return is one of the things I am also missing), what is the general consensus on both of them for bass?

Edit: I have also noticed the mod dwarf, which seems less popular than both of them, but also cheaper. It's support for software modding (something that I am a fan of in general) seems promising. Does anyone here use this unit?

I have the HX Stomp, it's a great unit. It's now 8 years old I think, and Line 6 have released many free software updates to expand the features, amp models and effects. But I suppose a successor should be released soon - the hardware feels a little bit dated now compared to the competition (small screen, lack of touch screen, old USB port, etc.)

I don't know the Boss GT 1000 Core, it's more recent, I'm sure it's great.

I was interested by the Mod Dwarf when it was released, for the same reasons as you (an open product). But it wasn't very user friendly, it didn't really sell well, and now I believe the processor is a little bit anemic.

I'm still happy with my HX Stomp, no reason to change, but if I had to buy a multi-effect now I wouldn't buy it, and to be honnest I don't know what I would buy. I would probably wait for the successor of the HX Stomp, or try other alternatives.

If you're interested in software modding, there are new interesting stuff:

- NAM (Neural Amp Modeler) is a open source amp modeling platform. It lets you capture amp models, or download and use models from the community. There's a NAM Player pedal. It's much more powerful than the Mod Dwarf.



- Computer Effects CE1 is a Windows computer in a guitar pedal, you can install and run any audio software on it

 

[odrive]

I have had the HX Stomp for years and just got the Boss Core, which I prefer. Since you're familiar with Boss, it should be an easy transition. Just be sure to put each patch you use in bass mode. This is important for proper tuner function, among other things. The Core is my favorite rig in ages. Great sound, great feel. The monochrome interface might seem antiquated, but I prefer it over color or anything with a touch screen. The HX Stomp is also fantastic. I just prefer the sounds and flexibility of the Boss.

 

[Averell]

I'm still happy with my HX Stomp, no reason to change, but if I had to buy a multi-effect now I wouldn't buy it, and to be honnest I don't know what I would buy. I would probably wait for the successor of the HX Stomp, or try other alternatives.

I have an HX Stomp and I’m pretty happy. If I would buy another multi FX now, I would buy the HX Stomp eyes closed : it is the multiFX that have the most bass specific stuff, and it works pretty well. UX is pretty good too (OTOH I’m accustomed to it).

If they release a newer version, what will it have ?
. more power ? Certainly, but I’ve plenty enough with the Stomp ;
. Capture ? will I use that ?
. new UX ? I like the actual one.
. new touchscreen ? I prefer the old one, a large touchscreen is fragile.

As long as we don’t know if they will release a new Helix (and will they do ? When ? We don’t know !), I see no reason not to buy the actual one if it meets needs.

 

[gtirard]

I have an HX Stomp and I’m pretty happy. If I would buy another multi FX now, I would buy the HX Stomp eyes closed : it is the multiFX that have the most bass specific stuff, and it works pretty well. UX is pretty good too (OTOH I’m accustomed to it).

If they release a newer version, what will it have ?
. more power ? Certainly, but I’ve plenty enough with the Stomp ;
. Capture ? will I use that ?
. new UX ? I like the actual one.
. new touchscreen ? I prefer the old one, a large touchscreen is fragile.

As long as we don’t know if they will release a new Helix (and will they do ? When ? We don’t know !), I see no reason not to buy the actual one if it meets needs.

Good points, I agree that the current HX Stomp has more processing power than most of us bassists will ever need, and tons of bass specifics models and effects.

 

[BEADist]

What I like about the Boss Core is you can make an effects block behave GLOBAL. This is potentially a powerful tool to maintain consistency over multiple presets.

Also you can set up the rotaries to control your favorite parameters, which is really powerful for live situations where you want to be able to make essential changes real quick (e.g. a mids EQ on the 'to-amp-output'). You do not have to menu dive, those parameters are always right in front of you (in play mode).

Something to consider with the Boss Core is you can not set foot-switches 1 2 & 3 to switch between preset 1 2 & 3 (you can only scroll up/down).

 

[gillento]

I had the HX and still have the Core.
The Core just sounds clearer which is an advantage for bass.
The only advantage od the HX is the editor.

 

[MrDinsdale]

I’ve had all 3 and they’re all great.

The Boss Core is the ultimate utility pedal, loads of routing options and handy features albeit not always the most exciting at times. Best build quality and powered off a single Cioks output, I loved the UI and simplicity but it’s a little polarising.

The HX had some awesome fx in there, loved the Nobel emulation. Had some cool delays and reverbs which were a little out there but usable. Awesome pitch shifting features. Just didn’t really click with me though. Found the interface off putting and found the amps and effects were a real mixed bag.

The MOD Dwarf is amazing if you want to create something a little further off the beaten track. You can get some really cool sounds and the routing is pretty much unlimited. Be prepared to sink some time into sifting through the plugins, there’s some gold in there but you have to wade through an intimidating collection of stuff. There are some great drives in there, the Rude in particular (separate purchase) is one of the best I’ve heard.

They’re having a hard time though and despite having a pretty passionate fan base, I do worry about the future official support. Solid build but very limited without being connected to a computer unless you’ve built your patch carefully.