ratherdashing
Kablamminator
Let me preface this by explaining the "sort of". The m13 is a very, very, very powerful device with 72 effects models, a 30 second looper, and massive configurability. This review is not thorough in the sense that I have not tried every single model, nor have I used the looper much or tried it in every possible way it can be hooked into my rig. Honestly, I am content to use the m13 the way I am using it without getting too deep into what it can do.
That said, I have now done three rehearsals and one gig with the thing, and I think I'm experienced enough with the m13 to give it a good review.
The Basics
- Effects ONLY, no amp or cab models.
- Contains all the models from the DL-4, DM-4, MM-4, and Verbzilla.
- Four "strips" with three foot-switchable effects each for a total of 12 effects presets available with one click.
- One effect per strip can be on at a time; in other words, up to four effects at a time.
- Any effect model can be set to run on any strip. You can have a board full of delays if you want, or put an overdrive, a chorus, and a reverb on one strip, or any combination you can think of.
- There are also "scenes" which are similar to banks on other multi-effects units. Each scene can have a completely different set of effects on it, which means a total of 144 possible effect presets.
- It has a built-in looper which can record up to 30 seconds of sound. You can insert the loop at any point in the effects chain.
- The master tap tempo switch sets the tempo for any time-based effect you want.
- True relay bypass is available (more on that later).
- It has a tuner, an effects loop (more on that later), and so many options.
Controls and Setup
Line 6 could not have made the m13 more intuitive and logical if they tried. Each effect "strip" is kind of like a mini-multi-effects unit that can store three presets and run one effect at a time. The knobs at the top of the strip are the effect's controls, and the LCD screen indicates what each control does and where it is set. The screen is color-coded to indicate the type of effect you are running, and it's very readable in both dark and bright conditions.
Here's what really sets it apart from programming on other multis. After you switch an effect off, or switch to a different one, your knob settings persist (i.e. the m13 remembers how you set it) without you having to hit Save or anything. Basically, it's just like having an actual pedal, except you have three of them magically squeezed into one box, and you have four of those boxes bolted together. If you really hate yourself and want to have to hit Save every time you make a change, there is an option in the system settings that allows the m13 to work that way, but I personally LOVE the setting persistence option. It is one of the things that makes the m13 feel like a "real" pedal board.
The other thing that makes the m13 feel "real" is the fact that almost anything you want to do is either foot-controlled, or set with a knob. Switching effects on and off works just like a pedal. Changing parameters works just like a pedal. No menus, no scrolling, no click buttons, none of the usual trappings of multi-effects units. Even the looper can be controlled entirely with the feet. There is a setup mode, but it is activated by holding down the tap tempo switch, and each option is controlled with ... you guessed it: a knob. It's the best of both worlds: you get the intuitive look and feel of a pedal board and the versatility and power of a rack unit.
(continued ...)
That said, I have now done three rehearsals and one gig with the thing, and I think I'm experienced enough with the m13 to give it a good review.
The Basics
- Effects ONLY, no amp or cab models.
- Contains all the models from the DL-4, DM-4, MM-4, and Verbzilla.
- Four "strips" with three foot-switchable effects each for a total of 12 effects presets available with one click.
- One effect per strip can be on at a time; in other words, up to four effects at a time.
- Any effect model can be set to run on any strip. You can have a board full of delays if you want, or put an overdrive, a chorus, and a reverb on one strip, or any combination you can think of.
- There are also "scenes" which are similar to banks on other multi-effects units. Each scene can have a completely different set of effects on it, which means a total of 144 possible effect presets.
- It has a built-in looper which can record up to 30 seconds of sound. You can insert the loop at any point in the effects chain.
- The master tap tempo switch sets the tempo for any time-based effect you want.
- True relay bypass is available (more on that later).
- It has a tuner, an effects loop (more on that later), and so many options.
Controls and Setup
Line 6 could not have made the m13 more intuitive and logical if they tried. Each effect "strip" is kind of like a mini-multi-effects unit that can store three presets and run one effect at a time. The knobs at the top of the strip are the effect's controls, and the LCD screen indicates what each control does and where it is set. The screen is color-coded to indicate the type of effect you are running, and it's very readable in both dark and bright conditions.
Here's what really sets it apart from programming on other multis. After you switch an effect off, or switch to a different one, your knob settings persist (i.e. the m13 remembers how you set it) without you having to hit Save or anything. Basically, it's just like having an actual pedal, except you have three of them magically squeezed into one box, and you have four of those boxes bolted together. If you really hate yourself and want to have to hit Save every time you make a change, there is an option in the system settings that allows the m13 to work that way, but I personally LOVE the setting persistence option. It is one of the things that makes the m13 feel like a "real" pedal board.
The other thing that makes the m13 feel "real" is the fact that almost anything you want to do is either foot-controlled, or set with a knob. Switching effects on and off works just like a pedal. Changing parameters works just like a pedal. No menus, no scrolling, no click buttons, none of the usual trappings of multi-effects units. Even the looper can be controlled entirely with the feet. There is a setup mode, but it is activated by holding down the tap tempo switch, and each option is controlled with ... you guessed it: a knob. It's the best of both worlds: you get the intuitive look and feel of a pedal board and the versatility and power of a rack unit.
(continued ...)
