LINE 6 DL4 MKII

A
revelation when it fi rst
appeared 23 years ago,
the DL4 gave guitarists
instant onstage access
to three diff erent delays
with tap tempo. Now, Line 6 has
introduced a new version that’s
smaller than the original but keeps
its features while adding more.
Anyone who’s used a DL4 will
be instantly at home with the MkII
as the layout hasn’t changed.
What has changed is that there’s
15 new models direct from the HX
family of eff ects to add to the 15
originals. Pressing the ‘Legacy’
button determines whether the
new or old are called up by the
rotary model selector switch and
all 30 can now have added reverb.
The pedal is now standard 9V
powered so can run from a high-
current pedalboard power unit if
you don’t want to use the supplied
adapter and features a new XLR
microphone input, MIDI for
parameter control and preset
selection, plus provision for
an expression pedal or extra
footswitches. There’s also an
improved looper that can have
its recording time expanded to
several hours with a microSD card.
A whole range of delay types are
onboard, covering classic tonal
territory and beyond. Besides
straight digital delay, there’s
a fi ne selection of models based on
vintage analogue gear – Echoplex,
Binson Echorec, EHX DMM etc.
There’s also plenty of the more
off -the-wall stuff like reverse,
pitched and stereo ping-pong
delays. The 15 new delays have
been chosen to complement
what’s already there. Some are
brand-new, like ADT (automatic
double tracking) for a cool
doubling eff ect, and some are
related to the legacy eff ects, like a
tweaked Boss DM-2 model with
added modulation and extended
max. delay time of 1.8 seconds,
plus a new Space Echo model – the
more familiar RE-201 to
accompany the previous RE-101.
The more esoteric side of things has
been sympathetically expanded too
with the likes of harmonised delays
and patterned repeats based on
Euclidean rhythm algorithms, while
the eclectic range of 15 reverb types
massively extends the unit’s sonic
capability.
Creating your eff ects remains the
same as before with standard Time,
Repeats and Mix controls plus Tweak
and Tweez knobs that each adjust a
specifi c parameter for each delay type.
Operation is the same, too, with three
instantly accessible presets. You can,
though, change the Tap footswitch to
operate like a bank selector for three
extra presets, plus a full 128 presets
can be accessed via MIDI.
A worthy successor to the original,
the MkII off ers an excellent range
of sounds and features to rival the
contemporary competition while
retaining an easy familiarity that
will tempt long-time DL4 users
to upgrade.
Trevor Curwen
1
MODEL
SELECTOR
Choose your delay
model here; new ones
are legended in white,
the originals in green
and accessed by
engaging the
Legacy switch.
2
TWEAK AND
TWEEZ KNOBS
These each adjust
a parameter specific
to the selected delay
type – or reverb type
if the Legacy switch
is held down.
3
TIME/SUBDIV
KNOB
Turn this to adjust
the delay time or
alternatively hold
down the Alt/Legacy
button while turning
to choose a tap tempo
note subdivision
value.
ORIGIN: China
TYPE: Delay pedal
FEATURES: Switchable
true, buffered, or DSP
bypass, 128 presets
(6 available from the
front panel), 30 delays,
15 reverbs, looper,
Micro SD card slot,
Trails on/off
CONTROLS: Model
Selector, Alt/Legacy
button, Time/
Subdivision, Repeats,
Tweak, Tweez, Mix, A,
B and C footswitches,
Tap footswitch, Mic
level knob
CONNECTIONS:
Standard inputs L
(mono) and R, standard
outputs L (mono) and
R, XLR mic. input, MIDI
In, MIDI Out/Thru,
USB-C, EXP pedal
/ FS 5/6 input
POWER: Supplied 9V
DC adaptor 500 mA
DIMENSIONS: 235 (w)
x 114 (d) x 51 mm (h)
AT A GLANCE
THE DL-4 MKII IS A WORTHY
SUCCESSOR TO THE ORIGINAL
FEATURES
SOUND QUALITY
VALUE FOR MONEY
BUILD QUALITY
USABILITY
OVERALL RATING
SUMMARY
Photography Phil Barker
LINE 6 DL4 MKII
A new, updated version of the classic multi-footswitch delay pedal
3
1
2
£279
REVIEW
91
JULY 2022 TOTAL GUITAR
TGR359.gear_line6.indd 91TGR359.gear_line6.indd 91 18/05/2022 15:0218/05/2022 15:02