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Average Price: $197

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$150

$601+

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Description

Introducing the Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler, a multi-faceted beast that brings you the rich history of distortion in a single stompbox. Capturing the essence of 16 classic distortions, this pedal treats you to a diverse sonic palette, from the warm tube overdrive of yesteryears to the aggressive buzz saw tones of modern rock. With a three-band EQ and four programmable presets, the DM4 is not just a pedal - it's a time machine that transports you through the eras of rock, offering unparalleled versatility to your pedalboard.

Key Features:

  • 16 separate distortion settings emulating classic pedals
  • Three-band EQ control for precise sound shaping
  • Four programmable presets for instant recall of your favorite tones
  • Immensely versatile, suitable for a variety of music genres and playing styles

Product specs

Brand Line 6
Model DM4 Distortion Modeler
Finish Gold
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Distortion Pedals
Pedal Format Floor Unit

FAQs

What types of distortion effects are available on the Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler?

The Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler offers a wide range of distortion effects, including overdrive, fuzz, and metal tones, allowing guitarists to access classic and modern distortion sounds.

Can the Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler save custom presets?

Yes, the DM4 Distortion Modeler allows you to save up to 4 custom presets, enabling quick access to your favorite settings during live performances or recording sessions.

Is the Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler compatible with both guitar and bass?

While primarily designed for electric guitars, the Line 6 DM4 can also be used with bass guitars, though tonal results may vary depending on personal preference and setup.

Does the Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler require a specific power supply?

The Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler requires a 9V DC power supply, and it is recommended to use the official Line 6 adapter for optimal performance.

How does the Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler compare to individual distortion pedals?

The DM4 offers versatility by providing multiple distortion types in one unit, making it a space-saving and cost-effective alternative to purchasing individual pedals for each effect.

Line 6

Line 6

DM4 Distortion Modeler Overview | Line 6

Video thumbnail for DM4 Distortion Modeler Overview | Line 6 by Line 6

DM4 Distortion Modeler Overview | Line 6

Line 6

Line 6

Video thumbnail for Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler by shnobel

Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for EPIC DEALS - The Legendary Line6 DM4 Now £129 - Andertons Music Co. by Andertons Music Co

EPIC DEALS - The Legendary Line6 DM4 Now £129 - Andertons Music Co.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for The Legendary Line 6 - DM4 🎧 (Distortion Modeler) 🎧 Demo Test by Alberto Martinez Del Rio Guitar

The Legendary Line 6 - DM4 🎧 (Distortion Modeler) 🎧 Demo Test

Alberto Martinez Del Rio Guitar

Alberto Martinez Del Rio Guitar

Video thumbnail for Line 6 DM4 - ALL THE TONESSSSSS by Dave Simpson

Line 6 DM4 - ALL THE TONESSSSSS

Dave Simpson

Dave Simpson

Video thumbnail for Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler // Deep Dive by Collin Littlejohn

Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler // Deep Dive

Collin Littlejohn

Collin Littlejohn

Video thumbnail for Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler by Pedal Sessions

Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler

Pedal Sessions

Pedal Sessions

Video thumbnail for Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler.. 20 Years old and STILL excellent!!! by Guitar Talk *unedited

Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler.. 20 Years old and STILL excellent!!!

Guitar Talk *unedited

Guitar Talk *unedited

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile, offering a wide range of tones suitable for different music styles

  • Designed by Jorge Tripps, ensuring high-quality sound

  • Favored by many famous artists for its unique sound

  • Easy to learn and set up even without a manual

  • Provides a cost-effective way to experiment with various distortions

  • Compatible with a variety of guitars and amplifiers

  • Encourages creativity with both natural and unique sound options

  • Durable, with users reporting long-term satisfaction over many years

  • Aesthetically pleasing design enhances pedalboard appearance

CONS

  • Requires specific power supply, which can be a hassle if not known in advance

  • Initial setup and exploration may require time and effort to find desired effects

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler.

Features and functionality

  • Owners appreciate its quiet operation, even without noise suppression, highlighting its effective internal noise reduction.

    Source
  • Users find the fuzz models to be particularly strong, standing out among the included distortion options.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users often favor the Rat model for its distinct distortion, considering it a standout among the various emulations available.

    Source
  • The Line 6 M5 is suggested as an alternative, offering similar models with additional effects like reverbs, delays, and modulations.

    Source
  • Consider SansAmp for a digitally controlled analog circuit alternative, praised for flexibility and easy repair, suitable for various instruments.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The pedal serves as a valuable tool for exploring different "dirt" sounds to identify personal preferences before investing in individual pedals.

    Source
  • Sawao Yamanaka from the pillows uses the DM4 exclusively for rhythm tones, achieving notable sounds that fans of his music might recognize.

    Source

User experience

  • Many are impressed by the pedal's ability to exceed expectations, noting its impressive range of overdrive and fuzz options.

    Source
  • Owners recommend checking YouTube for video reviews and demonstrations to understand the DM4's capabilities before purchasing.

    Source
  • Flicking through the distortion selector with all dials at 12 o'clock impresses owners, suggesting this setting as a starting point for exploring sounds.

    Source

Other

  • A Peavey Pacer 100 and Fender 112 Deluxe setup pairs well with the DM4, accommodating both Strat and LP guitars interchangeably.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Line 6 DM4 Distortion

soundonsound.com

The Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler excels in delivering authentic emulations of classic distortion pedals, ranging from warm to abrasive tones. Its build is robust and user-friendly, with footswitches for quick preset access. While its faithfulness to original pedal limitations may not satisfy those seeking extreme overdrive, its versatility and cost-effectiveness make it appealing for diverse sound exploration. The lack of a speaker simulator may require pairing with the right amp for optimal results. Overall, the DM4 offers a compelling blend of nostalgia and innovation for guitarists.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 18 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
E
euan

287

Favourite Pedal

There's too much you can do with this pedal!

I use this pedal for gigging, the distortion is great, you can explore tones and just generally have fun. Great for any types of music and is a lot of fun to play around with.

I fully recommend this pedal.

skylinerr

.

along with the delay its in the fractals loop

Genres:
mviscrazy

Variety

Distortion with various settings that fits many different styles.

yanikofcym

Polyvalent

This pedal is very polyvalent, I like the Tube Screamer and the Octavers

Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Hetfield uses Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler

James Hetfield

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

This image of Hetfield's rig is from a November 2011 article found on mesaboogie.com. His Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler can be seen in a slide-out drawer, above his Triaxis preamps (original source: http://mesaboogie.com/news/2011/11/metallica-live-rigs/).

See how Kirk Hammett uses Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler

Kirk Hammett

Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via Guitar-Rigs.com

According to Guitar-Rigs.com, Hammet used the Line 6 DM4.

See how The Edge uses Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler

The Edge

Guitarist

U2

...
Verified via Photo

In this interview with MusicRadar, The Edge's tech, Dallas Schoo, discusses The Edge's rig during the 360 tour. The Edge uses both the pedal version of the Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler, on his outboard, and two custom DM4 Pro rack devices.

See how Robert Smith uses Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler

Robert Smith

Singer, Guitarist

The Cure

...
Verified via Photo

In this image from a studio session, Smith sits surrounded by effects pedals. Behind him (on the left side of the picture) we can see his DM4 pedal.

See how Joe Satriani uses Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler

Joe Satriani

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

Listed for $125.00 on Bananas at Large’s website on July 22, 2024.

Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler Pedal (Pre-Owned) (Joe Satriani Private Collection)

See how Les Claypool uses Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler

Les Claypool

Singer, Bassist

Primus

...
Verified via YouTube

On this vídeo there is a quick shot of Les Claypool's pedalboard from 0:27 to 0:34. It is possible to see clearly the Line 6 DL4 and DM4 and the Roland PK-5.

See how Daron Malakian uses Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler

Daron Malakian

Singer, Guitarist

System of a Down

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video you can see that the sound off the guitar off daron it's similar to that of line 6 DM4 , ecxactly the heavy distortion mode

See how Buzz Osborne (aka King Buzzo) uses Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler

Buzz Osborne (aka King Buzzo)

Singer, Guitarist

Melvins

...
Verified via Photo

Buzz Osborne used the Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler as his distortion pedal briefly in 2001, as evidenced by the image provided on Equipboard.

See how Adam Clayton uses Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler

Adam Clayton

Bassist

U2

...
Verified via Photo

In this scan of an article from the January 2006 issue of Bass Player magazine, the "Signal Chain" section lists the DM4 Distortion Modeler among Adam's gear.

See how Matt Skiba uses Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler

Matt Skiba

Singer, Guitarist

Blink-182

...
Verified via YouTube

this can be seen at 2:01though Skiba's dirty tone is based heavily on his Bogner and Diezel heads he also uses a line 6 DM4 which I would guess is to give more options than just overdrive.

See how Nick Reinhart uses Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler

Nick Reinhart

Singer, Guitarist

Death Grips

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Nick Reinhart, the Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler is visibly present on his desk, identifiable by its unique golden color, which sets it apart from other Line 6 pedals.

See how Steve Hackett uses Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler

Steve Hackett

Guitarist

Genesis

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Analysis: Genesis video at 5:30, Steve Hackett discusses his Line 6 DM4 Distortion Modeler.

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 DM4 Distortion Modeler, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
tu_tran

tu_tran

Gear IQ 172

bijannorouz

bijannorouz

Gear IQ 194

bijannorouz

bijannorouz

Gear IQ 194

bijannorouz

bijannorouz

Gear IQ 194

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