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Average Price: $195
Standard/Professional
$100
$251+
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Description
Unleash your creativity with the Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler, a must-have masterpiece for every dedicated guitarist. This exceptional stompbox offers 16 distinct delay modes and an integrated looper, gifting musicians with a myriad of sonic possibilities. It's like having an entire universe of effects at your feet, ready to color your sound in every shade of awesome. Compact yet robust, this pedal is designed to endure the rigors of on-stage use while delivering the high-quality effects Line 6 is renowned for.
Key Features:
- 16 unique and versatile delay modes
- Built-in looper for creating layers of sound
- Sturdy construction for long-lasting durability
- High-quality sound modeling from Line 6
- User-friendly interface for easy tweaking of effects
- Compact design for easy integration into any pedalboard.
Product specs
| Brand | Line 6 |
| Model | DL4 Delay Modeler |
| Finish | Green |
| Year | 1999 - 2021 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Delay Pedals, Loop Pedals and Samplers |
| Pedal Format | Floor Unit |
FAQs
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What types of delay effects does the Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler offer?
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The Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler provides a variety of delay effects, including digital, analog, tape echo, and reverse delay, among others, allowing for versatile sound experimentation.
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Does the Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler include a looper function?
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Yes, the Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler features a built-in looper with up to 14 seconds of loop time, perfect for creating layered soundscapes and practicing solos.
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Is the Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler suitable for live performances?
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The Line 6 DL4 is highly regarded for live use due to its robust construction and intuitive footswitch layout, making it easy to switch between effects on stage.
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How does the Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler handle stereo output?
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The Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler supports true stereo output, allowing for rich, expansive soundscapes in both live and studio settings.
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What are the power requirements for the Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler?
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The Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler requires a 9V DC power supply, which is typically included, but it can also run on four C-cell batteries for portable use.
Videos
Reverb
Line 6 DL4 Delay Pedal | Reverb Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Wide range of delay effects, very versatile
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Models classic delays (Space Echo, Memory Man) accurately
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Functional as both delay and looper
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Used by both amateur and professional musicians
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Allows for hands-on, real-time adjustments to sound
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Can switch independently between 3 presets
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Tap tempo feature for on-the-fly adjustments
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Durable build, despite some design issues
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Expression pedal input adds further sound manipulation
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Some find it indispensable for creating unique sounds
CONS
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Prone to breaking and reliability issues
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Requires frequent cleaning and maintenance
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Some units have a slight volume drop-off
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Large size can be inconvenient for pedalboard space
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Looper functionality limited compared to dedicated loopers
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Power supply issues reported by some users
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Some early production units compromise guitar tone
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Footswitches can be fragile and may need replacing
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Cannot use delay and looper simultaneously
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Some find newer alternatives offer better features and reliability
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler.
Features and functionality
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The DL4 MK1's 14-second looper can be extended to 28 seconds using the 1/2 speed function, though with reduced audio quality.
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The DL4 Delay Modeler includes stereo delay and rhythmic delay, offering versatile options for different playing styles.
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The DL4 MKII allows simultaneous use of delay and reverb, with the ability to choose the signal order or play them in parallel.
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The DL4 MKII's looper can be reprogrammed so tap tempo triggers the looper directly, allowing looping in any delay mode without switching settings.
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The DL4 MKII includes modern delays alongside legacy modes, ensuring it doesn't sound dated and offering a wide range of delay effects.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Andrew Bird reportedly uses two DL4 units, one for pizzicato loops and another for legato loops, showcasing its versatility in live setups.
Source
Comparisons
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Some prefer the EHX Canyon for digital delay and MXR Carbon Copy for analog due to their sound quality and reliability.
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The Boss DD-200 is noted for better sound and reliability compared to the DL4, though the DL4 is favored for its looper functionalities.
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Some users found the Source Audio Nemesis too complex and the delay sounds too similar, preferring the DL4 MKII's ease of use and distinct sound variety.
Source
Mods and upgrades
Build quality
User experience
Setup and maintenance
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Dust and grime can corrode the enclosure; using Deoxit and storing the pedal in a ziplock bag can prevent damage.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 56 Reviews and 339 Ratings
Wonderful!!
What I really love about this pedal is how much you can experiment with it while using the expression pedal. The way the sound reacts simultaneosly with the pedal action turning the knobs is simply awesome! The crazy feedback madness that can happen when you turn its knob to maximum drives me wild and this pedal seems to me like a magical beast you can never fully understand. On top of that the variety of effects plus the looper are just way too much. This pedal spoils the owner. And I keep on thinking if I could I would have more units and some that I could keep in an underground bunker in case of apocalypse.
137
the delay of delays
These delays are classic, not much tops it. Enough different modes to keep everyone happy and trust me theres tons of room to experiment with. The looper on this board is a very nice bonus, plus everyone should play with a loop pedal at least once. If you have a little bit of money for a decent delay then look no farther, this pedal can and will delay it all
44626
Time got over it
It's a classic from a past where it came to set its concept as a standard for then on, but then time came with alternatives that can just put this unit into shame. Today there's no much to think about between this and TC's Flashback X4 in the same price range: the X4 gives longer loop time, better sounds, MIDI capabilities, more presets, more tempo flexibility (dotted eights!), TonePrints, updates, and all of that in an even much clearer interface and streamlined design.
Great creative tool
My first delay pedal, and still a mainstay on my pedal board. I cant get any other pedal to do the spesific sounds I rely on it for. It has its quirks, but that only gives it caracter and makes me tweak out sounds only I have a use for. I can't imagine ever letting it go.
319
Great delay and looper
No wonder why lot of artists still use this 10+ year old model. Sounds very analog and the swell function makes it exceptional.
1822
Nice delays and looping.
I would have given it 5 stars but some earlier production runs were little vampires. They'd suck tone from your instrument from the moment you plug in. Other than that this is a great delay pedal with several mods available out there. The loop function is fun.
41029
all the ones I've tried were tonesuckers and the delays have a plastic quality I cannot get next to
1822
Ya know I felt the same about it not sounding quite right at first. I got a pretty good deal on it and I liked the looping and reverse features on it. The delays eventually grew on me. I think it sounds best in stereo. It can sound a bit muddy in mono for sure IMHO.
41029
I am a bi-amp guy so I've never really used one in mono except for that tweaky resonant filter delay on a recording one time... its better in stereo, still weird sounding compared to TC stuff of the same era like the delays in the old G sharp rack
182
That's the sound of your mind being blown.
This pedal was my intro into delay. I rocked it for ten years until it gave up and once a Line6 pedal is done, it is done. The sounds just blew my mind. I used the Tape Echo, Tube Echo, Lo Res and Analog at all times. Four stars because of their short life.
Great buy!
The Line 6 DL4 has many good options for any artist. It has the precision options I like and a great 14 second looper. The good thing about the looper is that it has many effects, with a half time (which can be used to double your loops speed when used craftily) and a reverse looper effect it can be handy, I use it in tandem with my Ditto Looper.
41029
you sold it because they break so easily? Line6 invented the 4 button delay pedal but they also make the least roadworthy pedal in this style, no wonder they discontinued it in favor of those M series all in 1 pedals. The filter delay is where this guy shines... otherwise I prefer TC stuff, but I used to always find uses for the filter delay and I can't reproduce those exact sounds with ANYTHING else w/o chaining up gobs of effects or resorting to post processing with plugins.
5455
I just miss goofing around with this guy. My tech put in all these mods & better switches. Community rules!
41029
I've seen people add little toggles allover these.... no idea what they did. I broke mine so fast on the road that I abandoned the whole thing and went back to my Yamaha SPX90 and a rack for a time...
5455
Can't blame ya & I never took mine on the road + mine was basically a tweaked Rolls-Royce version. That and my tech then, had the most magical & creative guy ever. He's offered tons of mods I'd never have thought of that were always fuckin' awesome.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this user-uploaded photo from a 2011 show, Dave Grohl is seen using the Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler.
In this scanned article from Guitarist magazine, June 2003 edition, Frusciante's pedalboard can be seen. In the top row of the pedalboard, the green Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeling Pedal can be seen.
In a user-uploaded Instagram photo, James Hetfield is pictured using a Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler.
Billie Joe's guitar tech points out his Line 6 DL4 at 1:46 in this rig rundown video.
A Line 6 DL4 can be seen on each of Thom Yorke's two pedalboards in this photo, from this article detailing their gear when they played Austin City Limits in 2010.
Before switching to the rack-mounted Line 6 Echo Pro, Bellamy used the Line 6 DL4 as his main delay pedal for the Showbiz and Origin of Symmetry Tours.
According to Metallica's 2010 tour gear list, Kirk Hammett uses Line 6 DL4 Delay pedals.
This interview with Marr for Premier Guitar magazine, regarding the recording of his 2018 album Call the Comet, includes a list of gear currently he used during the sessions. The DL-4 pedal is among the effects on the list.
Noel's most recent (documented) guitar effects pedal setup includes (from right to left, followingthe signal chain): Ibanez TS-808 Tubescreamer, MXR Dyna Comp, ProCo Rat Distortion, Boss RV Reverb/Delay, MXR Micro Amp, Boss Digital Delay, Boss TR-2 Tremolo, Boss Tuner Pedal, Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler. Pedalboard by Mike Hill Services.
Album Usage
The Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler has been featured on the following albums:
One Step Ahead
Jack Johnson (2022)
Meet The Moonlight
Jack Johnson (2022)
Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part I
Foals (2019)
Samsara
Venom Prison & Venom Prison (2019)
Call The Comet
Johnny Marr (2018)
Fatherland (Original Music From The Stage Show)
Karl Hyde & Matthew Herbert (2017)
Love What Survives
Mount Kimbie (2017)
Delta
Mount Kimbie (2017)
Ciano (Ao Vivo)
Fresno (2016)
Hasta la Raíz (Edición Especial)
Natalia Lafourcade (2015)
Captain Of None
Colleen (2015)
Stitches
Califone (2013)
Made To Stray
Mount Kimbie (2013)
Fade
Cloudkicker (2012)
The Parallax II: Future Sequence
Between the Buried and Me (2012)
Vultures
Kensington (2012)
Spirits EP
Jamie Woon (2011)
The Path of Totality
Korn (2011)
Meridional
Norma Jean (2010)
A Town Called Obsolete
Andreya Triana (2010)
Lucky Shiner
Gold Panda (2010)
Masks
We Be The Echo (2009)
Red Socks Pugie
Foals (2008)
Tonto+
Battles (2007)
Live Friday The 13th
Maroon 5 (2007)
Mirrored
Battles (2007)
All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone
Explosions in the Sky (2007)
Atlas
Battles (2007)
Eyes Open
Snow Patrol (2006)
Ciano
Fresno (2006)
Live at Stubb's, 7/2000
Ween (2003)
Through the Ashes of Empires
Machine Head (2003)
Imperial
Robin Guthrie (2003)
Animals Should Not Try To Act Like People: Promo de Fromage
Primus (2003)
Worship And Tribute (U.S. Version)
Glassjaw (2002)
Origin of Symmetry
Muse (2001)
Showbiz
Muse (1999)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation12 alternative and related items for Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler, curated by the Equipboard community.
$209.00 - $249.99
Line 6 has re-issued an newer version that is cheaper than a second hand original.
$164.45
It serves a similar purpose and took inspiration from the DL4.
$123.99 - $169.22
Similar pedal, but more compact and has no looper. The looper in DL4 is not the best, so not a big a deal.
$111.00
The DD-20 has 4 presets, plus a 5th for whatever the delay mode knob is currently turned to. It's got a screen which is helpful when tweaking parameters, and legendary Boss build quality. The DD-20 is also a bit smaller so you'll have room for another pedal :)
$88.00
A great DL-4 alternative, and in many ways superior. No volume drop issues, "Seamless Bypass," and it sounds at least as good as the DL-4. The looper is great as well.
$799.99
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