I've bought this to record output from HX Stomp when I'm practicing, with backing tracks, getting lessons so I have everything recorded or just saving some ideas right there..
For backing tracks, I play from iPad (connected to HX) to two tracks (stereo linking them), then bouncing, and then playing just the guitar. This way I have two separate tracks. I know I can use HX Stomp and iPad with Garage Band or equivalent, but since I'm using Quantiloop, I can't record like I want to on iPad, so it's easier with this device.
It's also cool that it can serve as a practice headphone amp. The headphones output is really clean, really sounds good. It has enough effects for practice, plus metronome/drums.
I like that it's got a screw for putting it on a stand, so it's always in the same place.
I've tested the microphone shortly against t.bone MB85 Beta, and can say that both sound good (to my ears, I'm not a singer btw). The built in one picks up much more from the room.
Next things I have in mind is to put MB85 in HX return (but I need an adapter for that) so I can loop vocals (like beatbox) and send looped signal in zoom.
Cons:
- Built in microphone doesn't play well with buttons because they're clicky, so you might get that recorded as well.
- It doesn't come with any protective bag for transport, which would be helpful. I know it's not on the product description, just what would be nice to have.
- For some reason, outputting TS cable (like a patch cable for pedals) from HX to output B on Zoom produces some kind of weird electronics sound. Good thing I have TRS->XLR so I run it like that from HX to Zoom without any problems.
Overall I didn't give negative points, all 5 stars for what you get. For anything bigger I already have a computer and 4 input Focusrite, if I need more I'll just get bigger sound card. But for simple plug and play recordings, this is awesome.
Edit:
I have one more thing to add, which is a tip, since I'm no audio engineer. Since this is using 32bit float, you might see that it's clipping. Now you might also see what's that about on pages 8 and 9 of the full manual (the one with 103 pages). Since it's clipping digitally, you need to lower volume and it won't clip. But then I contacted support and they told me to use Normalize feature, and it works better than lowering volume because, while you get the same "effect", you can see the waveform much better and not still peaked.
)
)
)
)
