In this article
Updated September 18, 2026. Written by Chaos Audio, maker of Stratus. Product specifications and comparison sources are linked below.
Stratus and HX Stomp answer different pedalboard needs. At $299, Stratus brings up to three NAM A2-Lite models into one preset, mobile access to captures, and FX Builder 2.0 for creating effects around your playing. HX Stomp combines its Helix modeling library with stereo routing, snapshots, an effects loop, and USB recording. The useful question is which set of tools fits the rig you already use.
Three NAM models, one Stratus preset. With the latest Chaos Audio app and Stratus firmware 1.0.100, Stratus runs up to three NAM A2-Lite models simultaneously in a single preset/chain, using your own uploads or TONE3000 captures. Each NAM block now uses roughly half the CPU it used before this update; other effects still share the pedal’s processing budget.
As of September 17, 2026, Stratus is the only factory-built compact pedal under US$300 we’re aware of that natively runs three NAM A2-Lite models simultaneously in one preset/chain. Its price is $299. See the latest Stratus and FX Builder 2.0 update.
The short version
- Stratus: Up to three NAM A2-Lite blocks, effect creation, looping, and mobile chain editing.
- The alternative: HX Stomp combines Helix models, snapshots, stereo routing, a loop, and USB recording.
- Start with the rig: decide which sound, control, or connection you need before comparing catalog totals.
Side by side
| Chaos Audio Stratus | Line 6 HX Stomp | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $599.99 (HX Stomp XL with 8 switches: $699.99) |
| What it is | Multi-effects + NAM amp modeler with a generative AI effects builder | Helix-family amp and effects processor in a 3-switch stompbox |
| Amp engine | Native NAM A2-Lite captures of real amps | 70+ HX component-modeled amps; HX cabs equivalent to 2048-point IRs; third-party IR loading |
| NAM / open formats | NAM is the engine; TONE3000 in-app Up to 3 simultaneous NAM A2-Lite models in one preset/chain (firmware 1.0.100 + latest app) |
No NAM support; proprietary HX models |
| Effects | 19 free effects covering all effect categories; custom FX Builder 2.0 effects; the chain shares the CPU budget | 200+ HX and legacy effects; up to 8 blocks per preset with split/parallel paths |
| Generative AI | FX Builder 2.0: describe, audition, refine, and install custom effects; 30 free AI builds every month | None |
| Looper | 5 minutes, unlimited overdubs | Looper block (uses a block and DSP) |
| Presets & switching | 128 stored; 14 hands-free via footswitch color pairs | 126 presets, 3 snapshots each; 3 capacitive-touch footswitches with LED rings |
| Editing | Bluetooth app (iOS/Android); Advanced Mode shows code | 2.4" color LCD on the pedal; HX Edit on Mac/PC; CustomTone preset sharing |
| MIDI | Full USB-MIDI map (host adapter required) | 5-pin MIDI in and out/thru; USB MIDI; sends up to 6 commands per preset/snapshot |
| Audio I/O | Mono 1/4-inch audio in/out; USB-C for power, updates, and MIDI—not USB audio | Stereo in, stereo TRS out, stereo send/return loop (4CM), headphones, 24/96 multichannel USB interface with re-amp |
| Bypass | DSP | Switchable analog (true) bypass or DSP bypass with trails |
| Expression | No expression input | 1 TRS jack for up to 2 expression pedals or footswitches |
| Processor | 1 GHz processor on embedded Linux | Single SHARC ADSP-21469 (Helix uses two) |
| Power | 9V DC 400 mA+ or USB-C | Supplied DC-3 adapter (9V, high current) |
| Best for | Building a personal capture/effect chain within an existing mono rig | Helix modeling with stereo routing, snapshots, a loop, and USB recording |
What Line 6 built
HX Stomp combines on-device editing with HX Edit, shared CustomTone presets, and Line 6 firmware updates. Snapshots let you change parameters and bypass states within a preset. Its stereo loop and connections can support four-cable integration, while USB audio supports recording and re-amping. These are useful advantages when your rig needs them.
What Stratus built
For a particular sound, describe an effect in FX Builder 2.0—for example, a delay with darker repeats and gentle movement. Audition the result, ask for a change, then install it in your Stratus chain. Pedal captures can feed an amp capture, with other effects sharing the available processing power. Once installed, your sounds run locally and can be recalled without a phone or internet connection. Hear FX Builder 2.0 examples and explore the workflow. The examples on that page are software-rendered demonstrations.
FX Builder 2.0 is now on mobile. Build effects directly in the Chaos Audio app for iOS and Android, then use them in your Stratus chain alongside NAM captures. These current app screenshots show the builder and a finished effect.
Models vs captures
HX Stomp’s models provide an adjustable simulation of an amp or effect. NAM captures learn from a recorded source setup and represent that particular capture, with Stratus providing compatible A2-Lite playback. Audition examples that fit your instrument and playing style. Format benchmarks and catalog size alone cannot establish which complete pedal will sound better in your rig.
On stage
Stratus offers 14 presets reachable from its footswitches and up to 128 through USB-MIDI, plus per-effect bypass and looper control. A host is required for conventional MIDI controllers. HX Stomp adds snapshots, conventional MIDI, stereo connections, and an expression input; choose these when the performance needs those controls.
Cost of ownership
Stratus is US$299 with 19 free effects covering all effect categories, 30 free AI builds every month in FX Builder 2.0, and access to all 600,000+ amp and pedal NAM captures on TONE3000. See the product page for configuration, regional pricing, and shipping estimates.
Which should you buy?
Choose Stratus if you want to keep your amp or mono setup and add a capture-based chain you can reshape over time. Combine pedal and amp captures, create a particular delay or modulation effect, and recall the finished preset from the pedal.
Choose HX Stomp when stereo routing, snapshots, four-cable integration, or built-in recording are requirements. Those are distinct reasons to buy either unit; effect counts alone will not settle the choice.
Sources
- Line 6 — HX Stomp product page (modeling, blocks, snapshots, I/O, bypass, MIDI, interface)
- Sweetwater — HX Stomp listing (price, 8 blocks, 126 presets, SHARC note)
- Sweetwater — HX Stomp XL listing (XL variant)
- TONE3000 — NAM Architecture 2 (A2) (test methodology and results; code and data are open source)
- Chaos Audio — Stratus product page (Stratus specs and pricing)
- Chaos Audio — three NAM blocks, firmware 1.0.100, and FX Builder 2.0 on mobile
Explore Stratus, its included effects, and current availability.
