REVIEWED
Line 6 M5 Stompbox Modeler LINE 6 M5 Stombox Modeler
The new Line 6 M5 is an ambitious attempt to bridge the gap between a compact multi-effects unit and a stomp
box. Does it succeed? Words: Tim Slater
With over 100 different effects squeezed into it’s compact frame, the Line6 M5 looks like an ingenious way of introducing a wealth of new sounds into your rig without having to shell out for either a set of several individual stomp boxes or take on the hassle of having to learn your way around a complicated multi-effects unit. Like it’s larger stable-mates the M13 and M9 the M5 isn’t an amp modeler. This is a dedicated effects unit whose sounds comprise several of the most popular tones from Line6’ inestimable collection of stomp boxes: delays, distortions and modulation effects,
M5 Stompbox LINE 6 SRP £169.99
All prices include VAT CONT
ACT
Line 6 T:
W: 38 3pickup
01327 302700
www.line6.com
plus it also throws in a few weird and wonderful treated reverbs and synth-type sounds. Complex menus are eschewed in favour of a far more hands-on features set, just twist the model select knob to call up the type of sound you want, step on the footswitch to activate the effect and you’re in business. In common with many contemporary stomp boxes this pedal also features true bypass, meaning that the original signal is routed away from the tone-shaping circuitry whilst the pedal is inactive. With its rugged stage-worthy construction and a choice of great sounds the M5 seems like a no-brainer, combing the apparent simplicity of a stomp box with the optional mode of operating as a rather nifty little multi-effects unit. The only question arises regarding whether in their eagerness to deliver a compact comprehensive unit that nevertheless brims with sounds and features, has Line6 made the rare mistake of trying to squeeze a quart into a pint pot?
Construction and features In terms of build quality the M5 leave little to be desired. The squat steel shell features non-slip rubber
feet and overall the feel is very convincing; the M5 feels ideally fit for purpose when it comes to shrugging off the tender mercies of being stamped on several times a night: two heavy duty footswitches allow hands-free scrolling between the separate effects patches and a rail protects the parameter knobs from being accidentally disturbed by flying toecaps! The M5 is purely mains powered and the 9volt mains PSU is included, with the mains input socket located on the pedal’s front alongside stereo i/o and an expression pedal jack. Midi in and out sockets are also included on the left hand side of the chassis.
Our only major issue with the M5 is that it doesn’t feel as immediately intuitive as most of its contemporaries in the Line6 range. Used as a virtual stomp box – i.e. one effect at a time – the M5 operates seamlessly. In preset (multi-effects) mode we struggled to toggle smoothly between presets, which did raise doubts about the M5’s suitability for stage use. However, once we bothered to read the manual (doh!) we eventually discovered that the M5
has two different ways of selecting between presets: ‘Load’ is the pedal’s default setting and as such requires the user to step on both footswitches to activate the selected preset, which still feels somewhat clunky (probably as a deliberate way to allow the player to load a preset in advance without inadvertently activating it). Instant Preset mode is the more user-friendly option and in this instance the two footswitches scroll up and down smoothly between presets, which feels more akin to using a multi-effects unit because you can choose virtually limitless combinations of effects. The factory presets can also be changed and stored as custom patches in whatever sequence the player likes. Nevertheless, despite our initial confusion it has to be said that this pedal sounds great; we had no issue with either the choice or quality of the effects. You can add the M5 to your pedal board and it will happily function as your go-to distortion pedal, chorus, delay, phaser or a spectacular sounding multi-effects patch to kick-in when you need something a special: in all sonic respects the M5 delivers. PM
SHOULD I BUY ONE?
Our first encounter with the M5 induced a fair bit of head scratching due to the confusion regarding the difference between the two preset modes. However, once the player has adjusted to it’s features set and operating system this pedal is a little gem! As with all Line6 products the sounds are absolutely spot on with regard to emulating their target effects units and with no amp modeling options to get in the way, all you need do is balance the M5 effects against your existing rig and it’s Game On, basically. We would strongly recommend that you refer to the manual to avoid the confusion that we struggled with during our first initial encounter but once mastered, the M5 delivers an arsenal of world-class effects right at your feet.
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