Line 6 HX One Owner's Manual

Introduction and Compliance

Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (47 CFR § 2.1077 Compliance Information)

Unique Identifier: Line 6® HX® One

Responsible Party - U.S. Contact Information:
Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc.
26580 Agoura Road
Calabasas, CA 91302-1921
(818) 575-3600
https://line6.com/

FCC Compliance Statement: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

© 2023 Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

Trademarks: Line 6, the Line 6 logo, Helix, HX, HX Effects, M13, M9, M5, DL4, DM4, MM4, and FM4 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. Apple, Mac, macOS, iPad, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple, Inc. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

The Model and Serial numbers can be found on the product label. Please record these numbers below and retain this document for your records.

Model Number: ________________________________

Serial Number: ________________________________

Welcome

"Another Manual?"

The Line 6® HX® One is designed for simplicity, but this manual provides comprehensive details. Online videos are available at line6.com/meet-hx-one.

"Alrighty then..."

The HX One features a vast collection of effects models. It is recommended to read the included HX One Cheat Sheet and the "Quick Start" chapter. Additional video tutorials are available at line6.com/videos.

What's In the Box?

• Line 6® HX® One effects device
• HX One Cheat Sheet
• 9VDC, 500mA power adapter
• Adhesive rubber feet
• Registration, Safety & Compliance, and Warranty documentation

Common Terminology

Model: Refers to each effect that can be loaded. HX One includes over 250 effects models.

Preset: Consists of the currently loaded model, its title, parameter settings, and footswitch & controller assignments.

Controller: Used for real-time parameter adjustment (e.g., expression pedal, MIDI keyboard).

Send/Return Jacks: Used to insert other stompboxes or connect to an amplifier via the "4-Cable Method".

Installing Adhesive Rubber Feet

1. Clean the surface with a mild solvent (e.g., isopropyl alcohol).
2. Apply when chassis and environment are at room temperature (approx. 70°F / 21°C).
3. Peel from backing and press firmly for several seconds. Allow up to 72 hours for adhesive to fully bond.

Updating HX One Firmware

It is recommended to check for and install firmware updates using the free Line 6 Central application, available at line6.com/software. Connect HX One via USB, launch Line 6 Central, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Manage, Backup, & Restore HX One

The free Line 6 HX One Librarian app (line6.com/software) is an indispensable tool for managing, backing up, and restoring presets, settings, and user model defaults.

Top Panel

The top panel features a display screen, three control knobs (Knobs 1-3) above the screen, an EFFECT knob, and two footswitches (HOME | SAVE and ON | TAP | FLUX).

1. Display: Shows the current effect, parameters, and other views.
2. Knobs 1-3: Adjust the three parameters shown on the display. Press to reset to default. Use < and PAGE buttons to navigate parameter pages.
3. EFFECT Knob: Scrolls through and loads effects models. Push and hold to select categories. Press and hold to enter Settings View.
4. < PAGE / PAGE >: Navigate parameter pages. Press both to access Reset Factory Defaults and User Defaults.
5. HOME | SAVE: Returns to Home View. Press and hold to enter Preset Save View.
6. ON: Toggles the current effect enabled or bypassed. The ON LED indicates status.
7. TAP | FLUX: Sets BPM for tempo-based effects. Press and hold to engage FLUX Mode. Press and hold both ON and TAP|FLUX for 2 seconds to access the Tuner.

Preset Mode Switching

Press and release both ON and TAP|FLUX switches to enter Preset Mode. Use ON or TAP|FLUX to load presets, or turn the EFFECT knob to scroll through the list.

Rear Panel

The rear panel features IN L/MONO, RIGHT (RETURN) jacks, OUT L/MONO, RIGHT (SEND) jacks, a DC IN power connector, and a USB port.

• NOTE: Default I/O Config is Stereo. "Insert" mode allows OUT-RIGHT/IN-RIGHT for a mono effects loop.
• 8. INPUT L/MONO, RIGHT: Connect guitar, bass, or mono/stereo pedals.
• 9. OUTPUT L/MONO, RIGHT: Connect to amp or other pedals. L/MONO for mono output.
• 10. DC In: Connect the included 9VDC, 500mA power adapter.
• 11. USB: Connect to computer for HX One Librarian and Line 6 Central software. Also supports USB MIDI.

Left Panel

The left panel features MIDI IN and OUT/THRU jacks.

• 12. MIDI IN, OUT/THRU: Connect to MIDI gear for program changes, controllers, and MIDI Clock. Also supports USB MIDI.

Right Panel

The right panel features an EXP PEDAL | FS 3/4 jack.

• 13. EXP PEDAL | FS 3/4: Connect an expression pedal or dual footswitch.

Quick Start

Setup Examples

In Front of Your Amp

Diagram description: Guitar connects to HX One's IN L/MONO. HX One's OUT L/MONO connects to Amp's Input. Optional stereo output connects to a second amp. Optional pedals can be placed before or after HX One.

1. Enter Settings View (hold EFFECT knob), set I/O Config to "Stereo".
2. Connect guitar to HX One's IN - L/MONO.
3. Connect HX One's OUT - L/MONO to amp's input. (Using OUT-RIGHT provides stereo).

In Your Amp's Effects Loop

Diagram description: Guitar connects to Amp's Input. Amp's FX SEND connects to HX One's IN L/MONO. HX One's OUT L/MONO connects to Amp's FX RETURN. Optional pedals can be placed before or after HX One.

1. Enter Settings View, set I/O Config to "Stereo".
2. Connect guitar to amp's input.
3. Connect amp's FX SEND to HX One's IN - L/MONO.
4. Connect HX One's OUT - L/MONO to amp's FX RETURN.

4-Cable Method

Diagram description: Guitar connects to HX One's IN L/MONO. HX One's OUT RIGHT (SEND) connects to Amp's Guitar Input. Amp's FX SEND connects to HX One's IN RIGHT (RETURN). HX One's OUT L/MONO connects to Amp's FX Loop Return.

1. Enter Settings View, set I/O Config to "Insert".
2. Connect guitar to HX One's IN - L/MONO.
3. Connect HX One's OUT - RIGHT (SEND) to amp's Guitar Input.
4. Connect amp's FX SEND to HX One's IN - RIGHT (RETURN).
5. Connect HX One's OUT - L/MONO to amp's FX Loop Return.
6. In Settings View, configure "Insert Position" (Pre/Post) for the current preset.

Enabling and Bypassing HX One

Press the ON switch to toggle the effect. The ON LED indicates status (bright when enabled, dim when bypassed). HX One offers Buffered DSP Bypass (default) and True Bypass.

ON LED Colors

The ON LED color indicates the effect category:

• Orange: Distortion
• Yellow: Dynamic, EQ
• Blue: Modulation
• Green: Delay
• Dark Orange: Reverb
• Purple: Pitch, Filter/Wah
• White: Looper

Choosing an Effect

To select a model within the current category, turn the EFFECT knob. To browse categories, push and hold the EFFECT knob while turning.

1. Push and hold EFFECT knob to browse categories. Release to select a category.
2. Within the category's list, turn EFFECT knob to choose an effect and press to load it.
3. From Home View, press EFFECT knob to show the Category List.
4. Use the < PAGE button to return to the Category list.

Editing the Current Effect

1. Press HOME to display the effect and its parameters. Use Knobs 1-3 to edit the three shown parameters.

2. Use < or PAGE buttons to access other parameter pages.

3. Save settings as a preset to retain them.

SHORTCUTS: Press knobs to toggle ms/Hz or note divisions for time-based parameters. Press knobs to reset to default.

Note: HX One restores the last bypass state and edited parameters upon power-up (if powered off for 3+ seconds).

Saving a Model's User Default Settings

To save custom settings for a model:

1. Load an effect and tweak its parameters.
2. Press both < and PAGE buttons, then press Knob 3 to set User Default.
3. To restore factory defaults, go to the User Default screen and press Knob 2.

Preset Mode

Access HX One's 128 preset locations by entering Preset Mode.

1. Press and release ON and TAP|FLUX switches to enter Preset Mode.
2. Use TAP|FLUX or ON to load next/previous presets. Turn EFFECT knob to scroll.

TIP: Presets can also be recalled via MIDI.

Saving/Naming a Preset

1. Press and hold HOME for 1 second to enter Save Preset View.
2. To save without renaming, skip to Step 5.
3. To rename: Use < and PAGE to move cursor, EFFECT knob to cycle characters (A, a, 0, SPACE). Knob 2 deletes characters.
4. To save to a different location: Turn Knob 1 (Destination).
5. Press Knob 3 (Save) or hold HOME to save and overwrite.

Setting a TAP Tempo

The TAP|FLUX switch can be configured for TAP Tempo (red LED) or FLUX (white LED).

Press the TAP switch repeatedly to set BPM. The TAP LED flashes red.

Parameters like Delay Time can sync to TAP Tempo note values.

TIP: Settings View allows configuring TAP Tempo as Per Preset or Global, and syncing to MIDI Clock.

Using the Tuner

Access the chromatic tuner by pressing and holding both ON and TAP|FLUX switches for two seconds.

1. Pluck a string. The tuner displays the target note and indicates if flat or sharp.
2. Tune until the "needle" is centered and both ON and TAP|FLUX LEDs are green.
3. Press HOME or either footswitch to exit.

Note: Output is muted by default. Reference pitch is 440Hz, adjustable in Settings View.

Effects

The HX One includes over 250 effects models from Line 6's HX Effects, DL4, DM4, MM4, FM4, M13, M9, and M5 devices. Effects are organized by category.

Most HX One effects are stereo, except for polyphonic pitch models and mono Loopers. Stereo operation requires both IN and OUT jacks to be used (unless I/O Config is set to "Insert").

TIP: Connecting only L-MONO OUT results in mono output.

Turn EFFECT knob to load models, or push and hold to select categories.

Effects Models - Reference Tables

The following tables list effects models by category:

Distortion

Dynamics

EQ

Modulation

Delay

Reverb

Looper

HX One offers two looper types: Simple and Shuffling, available in Mono or Stereo.

For full stereo Looper operation: Select a stereo looper, set I/O Config to "Stereo", connect stereo inputs to IN - L/MONO and RIGHT, and connect stereo outputs from OUT - L/MONO and RIGHT.

Note: When I/O Config is set to "Insert", Looper recording and playback are mono. Recorded loops are discarded when changing presets or powering off.

TIP: Simple Looper can sync to MIDI for Full-Speed/Half-Speed control.

Using the Simple Looper

The Simple Looper is designed for quick idea capture or jam tracks.

1. Press and turn the EFFECT knob, select the Looper category, and choose the Simple Looper (mono or stereo) from the Effect list.
2. To start recording, press and release the ON switch (LED turns red).
3. Press ON again to stop recording and start playback (LED turns green).
4. Press ON again to enter Overdub mode (LED turns amber).
5. Press and hold ON for 1 second to Undo the most recent recording. Hold again to Redo.
6. Quickly double-press ON to stop playback/recording (LED bright white).
7. Press and hold ON for 1 second to delete the recording (LED dim white).

Using the Shuffling Looper

The Shuffling Looper chops, randomizes, and reorders loop slices.

1. Select the Shuffling Looper (mono or stereo) from the Looper category.
2. Turn knob 1 (Slices) to set the number of slices.
3. Press ON to begin recording (LED red).
4. Press ON again to stop recording and start playback (LED green).
5. Adjust Shuffling Looper parameters (Slices, SeqLength, Shuffle, Octave, Reverse, Repeat, Smooth, Drift, Playback, Low Cut, Hi Cut) or assign them to Expression/FLUX controllers.
6. While playing, press ON to randomize the slice sequence.
7. Quickly double-press ON to stop playback/recording (LED white).
8. Press and hold ON to delete the recording (LED dim white).

U.S. Registered Trademarks

All product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Line 6 and Yamaha Guitar Group are not affiliated with them. These trademarks identify products whose tones and sounds were studied by Line 6.

Key Trademarks Mentioned: Arbiter, Ashly, Binson, BOSS, Roland, Carvin, Colorsound, Cry Baby, Dunlop, Fuzz Face, MXR, Uni-Vibe, Darkglass, Microtubes, Digitech Whammy, DOD, EarthQuaker Devices, EBS, EchoRec, Electrix, Electro-Harmonix, Eventide, Fender, Fulltone, Gibson, Maestro, Heil Sound, Ibanez, Klon, Korg, Leslie, MAXON, Mesa/Boogie, Moog, Moogerfooger, Musitronics, Mu-Tron, RMC, TC Electronic, Tech21, Timmy, Tube Screamer, Tycobrahe, Vox, Way Huge, Xotic, Yamaha.

Expression Pedal, FLUX Mode, & Footswitch Setup

HX One supports external controllers for added performance control. Use an expression pedal (e.g., for Wah or Pitch Wham), or configure a footswitch for FLUX Mode to "ramp" between parameter values.

TIP: HX One also supports MIDI control for many parameters.

"So what is this Expression and FLUX Mode stuff all about?"

The concept is to assign a parameter (e.g., Delay's Feedback) a Min and Max value, which can be remotely controlled by an expression pedal or the TAP|FLUX switch (or assigned external footswitches).

Using an expression pedal: Min value at heel position, Max at toe position, allowing real-time sweeping.

Using the FLUX switch: Press-hold TAP|FLUX to enter FLUX Mode (LED white). Toggling the switch recalls Min/Max values. Configure "OnTime" and "OffTime" to set ramp duration and shape.

• The first toggle ramps from Min to Max. Adjust "OnTime" and "OnCurv" for duration and curve shape.
• The next toggle ramps from Max to Min. Adjust "OffTime" and "OffCurv" for duration and curve shape.
• External footswitches can be configured for "Ramp" to toggle assigned parameters.
• Multiple parameters can be controlled simultaneously. Assignments are saved per preset.

Connecting an Expression Pedal and Footswitches

Choose your setup: expression pedal only, pedal + single footswitch, or two footswitches. Configure HX One's Settings View options accordingly.

NOTE: Expression pedals and footswitches are sold separately. Momentary (non-latching) footswitches are recommended.

TS versus TRS Cable Types

TS (Tip-Sleeve): Two conductors (Tip, Sleeve).

TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve): Three conductors (Tip, Ring, Sleeve).

The EXP PEDAL jack is TRS. It accepts a TS cable for a single expression pedal or a TRS cable for a dual-footswitch. A TS cable for an expression pedal and a TS cable for a footswitch can be connected simultaneously using a dual TS-to-TRS splitter.

Connecting an Expression Pedal

Use a TS instrument cable. Set "Settings View" - Pedal Jack option to "ExpFS4" for proper operation.

Connecting an Expression Pedal and a Footswitch

Use a dual TS-to-TRS splitter. Connect the expression pedal to the "Tip" and the footswitch to the "Ring" leads.

Connecting Two Footswitches

Use either a dual-footswitch (TRS cable) or two individual footswitches (TS cables).

For dual-footswitch (TRS-TRS): Connect to the EXP FS 3/4 jack.

For two individual footswitches (dual TS-to-TRS splitter): Connect to the EXP FS 3/4 jack.

Configure "Settings View" - Pedal Jack to "Fs3/4". Use "FS3 Func" and "FS4 Func" options to choose functions like "TAP", "FLUX", or "Prev/Next".

Creating Expression/FLUX Assignments

Customize pedal/footswitch assignments for each preset.

TIP: Wah, Pitch Wham, and Poly Wham models default to assigning their Position parameter to Expression/FLUX.

1. To create an assignment: Press and hold the parameter's Knob for 1 second. Min/Max indicator nodes will appear.
2. To customize Min/Max values: Press-hold TAP|FLUX to enter FLUX Mode (LED white). Adjust Min value (LED dim white) and Max value (LED bright white) by turning the parameter knob.
3. Move the expression pedal or toggle FLUX switch to test the assignment. The display shows the Min-Max movement.
4. Customize control options: Use PAGE buttons to access FLUX parameters (OnTime, OnCurv, OffTime, OffCurv) for ramp duration and slope.
5. SAVE your preset to retain assignments and settings.

Tips for Creative Controller Assignment

• Set FLUX "OnTime" and "OffTime" to 0 ms for instant toggling (e.g., solo boost).
• Use longer durations for dramatic ramping effects (e.g., modulation speed, filter sweep).
• Toggle "OnTime" and "OffTime" knobs between ms and note division values to sync timing to TAP tempo.
• Pressing FLUX before a ramp completes reverses direction.
• For psychedelic delay effects, assign Expression/FLUX to increase Delay Feedback and decrease Time.
• Assign Expression/FLUX to Looper parameters for control over playback, overdub volumes, EQ, etc.

Settings View

The Settings View offers "Per Preset" and "Global" options for device configuration.

To access the Settings View:

1. Press and hold the EFFECT knob for 1 second.
2. Use < or PAGE buttons to navigate pages. Use Knobs 1-3 to edit parameters.
3. Press HOME to exit.

Restoring Global Settings

Resetting Global Settings returns all global options to their factory defaults. This does not affect Per Preset settings or saved presets.

1. Enter Settings View (hold EFFECT knob).
2. Press and hold both < and PAGE buttons for one second.
3. Press Knob 3 (OK) to restore, or Knob 1 (Cancel) to exit without restoring.

Setting Proper Levels

Set input and output levels to match your instrument, amp, and pedals for optimal tone and noise performance.

1. In Settings View, go to page 3 for Input Level and Output Level parameters.
2. Set levels according to the following table:

*TIP: Experiment with the "Input Z" parameter (page 2 of Settings View) to optimize tone and feel.

Settings View Options

MIDI

HX One receives MIDI messages via 5-pin MIDI In and USB, enabling control of presets, parameters, Looper, and MIDI Clock tempo sync. USB MIDI is compatible with Mac & Windows computers.

• Connect MIDI OUT from your controller to HX One's MIDI IN for response to PC, Note On, MIDI CC, and MIDI Clock messages.
• Connect HX One's MIDI OUT/THRU to other MIDI gear to pass messages through.
• HX One does not transmit MIDI for its own actions but passes through incoming MIDI control and Clock.
• All MIDI control is global.
• HX One uses MIDI Channel 1 by default, adjustable via "Settings View" - MIDI Channel.

Preset Recall via MIDI Program Change

NOTE: HX One is configured to receive Program Change (PC) messages by default. Set "Settings View" - MIDI PC Rx to "Off" to ignore them.

To recall a preset, send a MIDI Program Change (PC) message (000-127) to HX One.

Using MIDI Clock for Tempo Sync

HX One can receive MIDI Clock via MIDI IN or USB MIDI to sync time-based effects.

• Off: HX One ignores incoming MIDI Clock; TAP tempo is manual.
• Auto: HX One syncs to incoming MIDI Clock (default). TAP LED flashes blue. Tempo can optionally be set manually via TAP switch.

To sync HX One to a source MIDI Clock device:

1. Connect source MIDI Clock device's MIDI OUT to HX One's MIDI IN, or USB-connect HX One to your computer and select the HX One USB MIDI port.
2. On the source device, set tempo and start MIDI Clock send.
3. HX One's TAP LED will flash blue, indicating it is following the received MIDI Clock tempo.

NOTE: Looper playback does not sync to tempo or MIDI Clock.

Controlling HX One Parameters via MIDI

HX One offers pre-configured MIDI CC commands for various functions.

Exp Pedal & Footswitch Emulation - MIDI CC

Effect Parameter Control - MIDI CC

Effect Parameter Control - MIDI Note On

NOTE: Line 6 follows Yamaha's MIDI note spec, where middle C is "C3".

Controlling the Simple Looper via MIDI

Control various aspects of the HX One Simple Looper using MIDI CC or MIDI Note On messages.

NOTE: These options are available for the Mono and Stereo Simple Looper.

Simple Looper Control - MIDI CC Messages

Simple Looper Control - MIDI Note On Messages

NOTE: Line 6 follows Yamaha's MIDI note spec, where middle C is "C3".