Line 6 DM4 User Manual
DM4 Distortion Modeler
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DISTORTION MODELER DETAILS
The following pages introduce the 16 models of the Distortion Modeler. As the pages describe,
these models were created as the result of our in-depth studies of a dream collection of classic
effect stomp boxes. The models of your Distortion Modeler are designed to capture the sonic
spirit of these classics, and bring it to you with the powerful new advantages of programmability
and versatility. We’ve provided you with a sample setting for each model, plus the history on
each unit we studied and its place in guitar tone history.
Using the Optional Noise Gate
While developing the models for your Distortion Modeler, we thought, ‘wouldn’t it be cool
and oh-so-21st century to add a noise gate to tame any annoying single-coil hum, and/or
unwanted non-fuzz noise?’ So we did, and we've given you the option of turning the noise gate
on or off for each of the four preset memories. Follow these steps to set the gate for each preset:
DM4 Distortion Modeler
1. It's important you start from bypass mode (all lights must be OFF). Now, choose one of the
four preset stomp switches, and press and hold it to turn the preset on and enter the noise
gate select mode.
2. While still holding down the preset switch turn the Volume knob to set the status of the
noise gate on the preset. (Above 12 o’clock is On, below 12 o’clock is Off).
3. The LED of the currently selected preset indicates the status of the noise gate:
• LED lit = noise gate on
• LED unlit = noise gate off
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Boost/Comp – based on a MXR Micro Amp.
From phasers to flangers, and from the friendly Dyna Comp to the
mysterious Blue Box, vintage MXR effects continue to influence
the modern generation of retro tone. While many of these effects
add obvious swirl and swoosh, you may have missed the humble
effect of the Micro Amp. This box was used by many a guitar god
to “push” the front-end of their non-master volume tube amp,
helping them to achieve that cranked sound at a somewhat-less
than stadium level.
Our model delivers the same “goose the input of the amp”
experience and serves up a little secret sauce on the side. You see,
the Micro Amp had only one knob. That left us with four other
knobs ready and willing to serve. Careful tweaking of these knobs
will allow you to season your tone with EQ, and then add some
compression strangely reminiscent of a Dyna Comp. Bon Appetit.
DM4 Distortion Modeler
COLOR DRIVE
HEAVY DISTORTION
CLASSIC DISTORTION
OVERDRIVE
SCREAMER
TUBE DRIVE
BUZZ SAW
FACIAL FUZZ
JUMBO FUZZ
OCTAVE FUZZ
BOOST/COMP
FUZZ PI
JET FUZZ
LINE 6 DRIVE
LINE 6 DISTORTION
SUB OCTAVE FUZZ
DM4 Distortion Modeler
DRIVE VOLUMEBASS MID TREBLE
P
ROGRAMMABLE OVERDRIVE & DISTORTION
sub
jet
fdbk
comp
/
jet
rate
This image is provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific product that was studied
during Line 6's sound model development, and does not imply any cooperation or endorsement.
gate
54
MID adjusts the amount of compression.
Tube Drive – based on the Chandler Tube Driver.
Designed by keyboardist Brent Butler, the first Tube Driver
was born to add grind and girth to his Farfisa. Brent was also
the father of one of the rarest overdrive boxes called the
Mini Matrix (aka Mini Boogee). But it’s his Tube Driver that
drives us crazy.
Utilizing a single 12AX7 preamp tube, the Tube Driver
delivers the sweet singing sustain craved by guitarists
worldwide, and has been a staple of Eric Johnson’s rig since
the mid ’80s.
Our model of this classic offers sweet tone with Hi and
Lo EQ controls like the original. And as with many of the
DM4 models, we’ve added an optional Mid control that
allows you to boost or cut the mids to tailor the tone for you
and your guitar.
COLOR DRIVE
HEAVY DISTORTION
CLASSIC DISTORTION
OVERDRIVE
SCREAMER
TUBE DRIVE
BUZZ SAW
FACIAL FUZZ
JUMBO FUZZ
OCTAVE FUZZ
BOOST/COMP
FUZZ PI
JET FUZZ
LINE 6 DRIVE
LINE 6 DISTORTION
SUB OCTAVE FUZZ
DM4 Distortion Modeler
DRIVE VOLUMEBASS MID TREBLE
Set Bass and Treble to 12 o’clock
P
ROGRAMMABLE OVERDRIVE & DISTORTION
sub
jet
fdbk
comp
/
for the classic sound.
during Line 6's sound model development, and does not imply any cooperation or endorsement.
jet
rate
gate
This image is provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific product that was studied
DM4 Distortion Modeler
MID in the 12 o’clock position has no effect.
(Below 12 o’clock is cut, above is boost.)
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Screamer –
Based on the Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer.
From Stevie Ray Vaughan to Michael Landau, the simple
Tube Screamer is the overdrive heard ’round the world. This
medium-gain pedal was introduced in the early ’80s, and
in many blues circles, you’re not allowed to solo without
Over the years, Ibanez issued several variations of the
venerable Tube Screamer, but none have reached the fabled
status of the TS-808. Of course, we obsessed over which
of our vintage 808s to model, and in the end we think
you’ll agree that this green jewel makes a precious addition
to the DM4.
True to the original, the MID knob on the DM4 acts
like the Tube Screamer’s tone knob. In addition, you can
shape your tone using the Bass and Treble controls.
(Or leave these in the 12 o’clock position, and they’ll
have no effect).
DM4 Distortion Modeler
COLOR DRIVE
HEAVY DISTORTION
CLASSIC DISTORTION
OVERDRIVE
SCREAMER
TUBE DRIVE
BUZZ SAW
FACIAL FUZZ
JUMBO FUZZ
OCTAVE FUZZ
BOOST/COMP
FUZZ PI
JET FUZZ
LINE 6 DRIVE
LINE 6 DISTORTION
SUB OCTAVE FUZZ
DM4 Distortion Modeler
DRIVE VOLUMEBASS MID TREBLE
one.
P
ROGRAMMABLE OVERDRIVE & DISTORTION
sub
jet
fdbk
comp
/
jet
rate
This image is provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific product that was studied
during Line 6's sound model development, and does not imply any cooperation or endorsement.
gate
56
Overdrive –
MID funtions like the original 808 tone control.
Based on the DOD Overdrive/Preamp 250
Similar to the MXR Micro Amp, the DOD Overdrive
Preamp is designed to slam the input of a tube guitar amp
as well as add distortion. This increase of input level causes
the amp to distort in such a way that guarantees a visit
from your mom, who obviously does not share your
enthusiasm for distortion!
For several guitarists, including Yngwie Malmsteen,
the Overdrive Preamp became an integral part of their
signature sound.
Once again the original had only gain and level
controls, so your DM4 has knobs to spare. Fear not! You
may now approach the EQ. When used tastefully, you’ll
bring a tear to your momma’s one good eye. Or, you can
go for the extremes and start looking for a new place to
sleep. We’ll trust you on this one.
COLOR DRIVE
HEAVY DISTORTION
CLASSIC DISTORTION
OVERDRIVE
SCREAMER
TUBE DRIVE
BUZZ SAW
FACIAL FUZZ
JUMBO FUZZ
OCTAVE FUZZ
BOOST/COMP
FUZZ PI
JET FUZZ
LINE 6 DRIVE
LINE 6 DISTORTION
SUB OCTAVE FUZZ
DM4 Distortion Modeler
DRIVE VOLUMEBASS MID TREBLE
Set Bass and Treble to 12 o’clock
.
P
ROGRAMMABLE OVERDRIVE & DISTORTION
sub
jet
fdbk
comp
/
for the classic sound.
during Line 6's sound model development, and does not imply any cooperation or endorsement.
jet
rate
gate
This image is provided for the sole purpose of identifying the specific product that was studied
DM4 Distortion Modeler
Set Bass, Mid and Treble to 12 o’clock for the classic sound.
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