In this article
Updated September 18, 2026. Written by Chaos Audio, maker of Stratus.
Stratus is an option for players who want captured amp and pedal sounds, custom effects, and mobile editing in a compact mono rig. It now supports up to three simultaneous NAM A2-Lite blocks and FX Builder 2.0. HX Stomp pairs its Helix library with stereo routing, snapshots, an effects loop, and recording. This comparison is about the workflow your board needs, not a universal winner for tone or authenticity.
At a Glance: Stratus® vs HX Stomp
| Feature | Stratus® | HX Stomp |
|---|---|---|
| Street Price | US$299; power supply sold separately | See current regional offer |
| Size | Standard pedal size | Slightly larger |
| Effects | 19 free effects covering all effect categories; 30 free AI builds every month with FX Builder 2.0 | 300+ built-in models |
| Amp Modeling | Up to 3 simultaneous native NAM A2-Lite blocks; shared CPU budget | Built-in HX amp models |
| App Control | Yes (Bluetooth) | Yes (HX Edit, USB only) |
| Looper | 5 minutes; unlimited overdubs | Looper block uses available DSP |
| MIDI | USB MIDI (via host) | MIDI In/Out built-in |
| IR Support | Supported mono IRs, 1024 samples; storage limits apply | Yes (128 slots) |
| Open Platform | Compatible third-party effects and FX Builder 2.0 | Helix model library; Line 6 firmware updates |
| Wireless Control | Bluetooth | No |
| Plugin Marketplace | Free community presets and FX Builder 2.0 | None |
Sound Quality
HX Stomp offers the Helix family of modeled amps, cabinets, and effects. Its built-in selection and adjustable model parameters suit players who want that modeling workflow; the catalog alone does not establish a sound-quality winner.
Stratus combines 19 free effects covering all effect categories with all 600,000+ amp and pedal NAM captures on TONE3000. Every capture has been retrained to A2, with both Lite and Full modes included; Stratus uses Lite. A capture represents the source setup used to make it, while the surrounding chain lets you shape how it works in your rig.
With the latest Chaos Audio app and Stratus firmware 1.0.100, use up to three native NAM A2-Lite blocks simultaneously in one preset/chain. The entire chain shares the CPU budget, so the effects you add determine the remaining capacity. Choose from all 600,000+ amp and pedal NAM captures on TONE3000, or load your own supported uploads. See the current Stratus update and installation guidance.
Expanding Your Sound
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.
Line 6 supplies firmware updates and a supported model library for HX Stomp, alongside HX Edit and shared CustomTone presets. It does not load Stratus effects or NAM models.
Stratus supports compatible downloads and effect creation through FX Builder 2.0. You can develop a sound around a particular musical idea instead of waiting for an exact effect to appear in a preset catalog.
Many amp and pedal requests now use Chaos Audio’s verified capture library. Custom effect requests use the effect-building workflow; every prompt should not be described as a new algorithm.
Both offer ways to develop sounds. Compare the available workflow and compatibility today rather than assuming either product is guaranteed to gain particular features.
User Experience
The HX Stomp uses a small color display and three footswitches for on-device editing. Deeper editing happens through the HX Edit desktop app (USB connection required).
The Stratus® uses a Bluetooth companion app for building your pedalboard. Drag and drop effects, adjust knobs, save presets—all from your phone, wirelessly. No cables, no computer required.
The phone workflow is useful when you want to edit the chain from where you are playing. Once installed, Stratus presets run on the pedal and the phone is not required for performance.
Choose the editing surface you prefer: mobile editing for Stratus or the HX Stomp hardware and HX Edit workflow.
Price
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.
HX Stomp pricing varies by region and offer. See the current detailed comparison for the specification table and current price context.
Who Should Choose What?
Choose Stratus® If You:
- Want compatible captures and custom effects inside one saved mono chain
- Prefer mobile editing, followed by hands-free preset recall
- Want to keep the amp, interface, and pedals you already use
Choose HX Stomp If You:
- Need stereo routing, an effects loop, or snapshots
- Want conventional MIDI connections and built-in USB audio
- Prefer the Helix model library and HX Edit workflow
The Bottom Line
Choose Stratus when your existing rig already has the connections you need and you want more control over the sound you build inside one pedal. Captures, effect creation, and saved chains are reasons to choose it on their own.
Choose HX Stomp when its routing, snapshots, or recording functions are essential. Read the current Stratus versus HX Stomp comparison for the latest specification table and firmware context.
