We are happy to present to you our Line 6 M13 Stompbox Modeler review today. What makes the M13 so unique and awesome is the fact that Line 6 have gone and given you access to every one of their stomp boxes. This includes their delays, filters, distortions, compressors etc. – all of which are combined into one pedalboard.
Features:
- Over 75 stompbox effects
- Ability to use 4 effects at once
- Tone knobs to configure the parameters of each effect
- 4 bright LED displays
- Two expression pedal jacks
- Built-in chromatic tuner
- 28-second looper
- 12 separate scenes
- True bypass
SPECIFICATIONS
Here are a list of specifications for the Line 6 M13:
|
Pedal type |
Multi-FX |
|
Number of effects |
75 |
|
Analog inputs |
2 x 1/4″ (stereo in), 2 x 1/4″ (FX Return) |
|
Analog outputs |
2 x 1/4″ (stereo out), 2 x 1/4″ (FX Send) |
|
MIDI I/O |
In/Out |
|
Expression control |
2 x 1/4″ (pedal 1, pedal 2) |
|
Power source |
9V AC 2000mA power supply (included) |
|
Dimensions |
3 (H) x 15 (W) x 11.5 (D) inches |
|
Weight |
10 lbs. |
|
Manufacturer part no. |
99-040-3005 |
LINE 6 M13 STOMPBOX MODELER REVIEW
I became interested in the M13 after checking out a video online showing off its capabilities. That’s when I knew I had to check it out for myself, and had one shipped off immediately.
Let’s start off by talking about how the unit works. There are four vertical FX Unit blocks that are divided into columns spread out across the front of the Line 6 M13.
The FX Unit blocks give you the ability to run up to four effects at once – one for each of the FX Unit blocks. Furthermore, each FX Unit block has three memories that correspond to A, B, and C. These are used for storing and saving whatever presets you fancy.
In case you missed it YOU CAN ONLY USE ONE EFFECT FROM EACH UNIT BLOCK. This is important to consider when planning which effects are going where on each block.
*You can have twelve different stomp box settings saved on the pedalboard. But you can only use up to four of them at the same time.*
What’s truly awesome is that you can have up to twelve different scenes. The scenes can be toggled by holding down the SCENES button for several seconds. This just gives you even more freedom to customise what effects you have access to.
Turning each of the effects off puts the Line 6 M13 into bypass mode, so all you will be able to hear is your original sound. The front LED displays located on the front of the pedal are bright and light up in different colors. These are used to display the parameter names and values.
A great addition to the stompbox modeler is the built-in looper. It gives you up to 28 seconds of looping, and can be controlled using the decicated footswitches: Play/Stop, Undo/Redo, Rec/Overdub, Half Speed, Reverse, Play Once, and Pre/Post. You are also able to edit and adjust your sounds while looping or overdubbing.
The common thing for owners of the Line 6 M13 stompbox modeler is to stick masking tape on the pedal next to the switches – so you can down write what each effect corresponds to. This saves you from having to read the LED screen, which can be quite difficult while playing up on-stage.
DURABILITY
There is one massive concern involving the M13, and I really hope Line 6 knows they screwed up here. The switches are absolutely terrible. They just are. I would hardly even call them switches to begin with anyway. All they are is plastic plungers with a spring. Many people online have complained about this feature so I’m sure their voices were heard over at Line 6.
In saying that though, the rest of the pedal is incredibly sturdy. It’s got a tough, all-metal construction. It feels strong, and is reasonably heavy (10 lbs.) – so it’s not going to move around on the floor while you’re playing on stage or at home.
REAR CONNECTIONS
1. Cable Retainer
You can wrap your power supply cable around the cable retainer to prevent it from accidently disconnecting.
2. Power Input
The power input is where you connect your Line 6 Power Supply (included).
3. Power
The switch is used to toggle the unit on/off.
4. MIDI In/Out
Allows you to remote control scene changes, FX unit memory selection, looper operation, expression pedals, and tap tempo.
5. Expression Pedal 1 & 2
Allows you to control the FX parameters in real time using your expression pedal.
6. Stereo Input
The L(MONO) input is used when connecting your guitar or other mono source.
7. FX Loop
This loop is assignable anywhere in the chain of the M13 Stompbox Modeler’s FX Units.
8. Stereo Output
The L(MONO) output is pretty self-explanatory. Plug your amp into this jack.
INCLUDED MODELS
I think it’s important to provide a list of the models that come with the M13. So here is the list of the included stompbox effects to choose from:
DELAYS (15)
- Tube Echo
- Tape Echo
- Multi-Head
- Sweep Echo
- Analog Echo
- Analog w/Mod
- Lo Res Delay
- Digital Delay
- Digital w/Mod
- Stereo Delays
- Ping Pong
- Reverse
- Dynamic Delay
- Auto Volume Echo
- Echo Platter
MODULATIONS (16)
- Opto Tremolo
- Bias Tremolo
- Phaser
- Dual Phaser
- Panned Phaser
- U-Vibe
- Rotary Drum
- Rotary Drum & Horn
- Analog Flanger
- Jet Flanger
- Analog Chorus
- Dimension
- Tri Chorus
- Pitch Vibrato
- Ring Modulator
- Panning
DISTORTIONS (16)
- Tube Drive
- Screamer
- Overdrive
- Classic Distortion
- Heavy Distortion
- Color Drive
- Buzz Saw
- Facial Fuzz
- Jumbo Fuzz
- Fuzz Pi
- Jet Fuzz
- Line 6 Drive
- Line 6 Distortion
- Sub Octave Fuzz
- Octave Fuzz
- Boost/Comp/EQ
- Volume Pedal
FILTERS (15)
- Tron Down
- Tron Up
- Seeker
- Obi Wah
- Voice Box
- V-Tron
- Throbber
- Spin Cycle
- Comet Trails
- Slow Filter
- Octisynth
- Synth-O-Matic
- Attack Synth
- Synth String
- Growler
- Q Filter
REVERBS (11)
- ’63 Spring
- Spring
- Plate
- Room
- Chamber
- Hall
- Ducking
- Octo
- Cave
- Tile
- Echo
FINAL VERDICT
Hopefully we have provided a lot of insight into what the Line 6 M13 Stompbox Modeler has to offer. If you’re looking to not go out and spend a huge amount of money on separate guitar effects pedals then the M13 is a pretty good choice. There is a large variety of stompbox effects to choose from, and the included chromatic tuner and looper are great additions to have. The only major concern I have on the Line 6 M13 would be the quality of footswitches used. They were really a poor choice to have.
In conclusion, I would recommend the Line 6 M13 Stompbox Modeler to guitarists who are looking to have access to the huge variety of Line 6 stompboxes in one convenient effects pedal.
Agree or disagree with our review? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Alex is a man of many talents. He’s been playing music since he was young, and has been the main content writer at Tone Start for the past few years. Alex loves to play around with different styles of music and enjoys listening to anything from country to classical.