The Line 6 MM4 Modulation Modeler is a digital modeling pedal that puts a whole range of modulation effects underfoot, based on some vintage classics. It launched in 2000 alongside its much-loved green delay sibling, the DL4, though Guitar World dates the Modeler series introduction to 1999, when the MM4 arrived along with the DL4 Delay Modeler123. Line 6 lists the MM4 among its legacy products and states that the MM4 is no longer made4.
The 16 effects
Vintage Guitar magazine's review lists the MM4's modes as 16 vintage and new effects, including Univibe, tri-chorus, rotary drum and horn (Leslie), phasors, tremolos, flangers, and a ring modulator. "Other effects include phasors, tremolos, flangers, and even a ring modulator!" the reviewer wrote3.
The rotary drum and horn setting is the pedal's Leslie simulation, a model of the rotating speaker associated with organ rigs. Vintage Guitar also noted that the "U-vibe" (Univibe) setting, when used with the optional Expression Pedal, gave the same control as the original3.
Knobs and footswitches
MusicRadar's reviewer Trevor Curwen found the MM4 easy to use: "simply dial in the sound with five large knobs and hold down a footswitch to store it." With four assignable footswitches, you can have four effects ready for use at any time1.
"It's easy to use, too: simply dial in the sound with five large knobs and hold down a footswitch to store it."
Volume drop in stock form
JHS Pedals, which offers modification work on the Modeler series, is blunt about the stock pedal: "In stock form they suffer from a volume drop when they're engaged as well as some clarity and noise issues on certain settings." For players using the MM4 as it came from the factory, that volume drop when switching the effect on is the known issue5.
Where it sits in the Line 6 range
The MM4 was one of four Modeler stompboxes that, in MusicRadar's words, "put a range of delay, modulation, distortion and filter effects underfoot," alongside the DL4, the DM4 and the FM46. JHS's Nick, demonstrating the pedal, called it "the Line 6 MM4 Modulation Modeler" and picked it out among pedals that have crossed into synth territory; he noted the pedal's enclosure is blue76. Guitar World's history piece records that while the MM4 was eventually discontinued, the DL4 remained in continuous production until 2022, so the MM4 left the lineup first2.
Line 6 still hosts the MM4 Quick Start Pilot's Handbook as a PDF on its legacy product page4. Players looking for the same idea in current hardware will find modulation effects folded into modern Line 6 multi-effects such as the HX One, HX Effects and M13 Stompbox Modeler, and the broader field is covered on the multi-effects pedals page.
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Questions
Is the Line 6 MM4 discontinued?
Yes. Line 6 lists the MM4 among its legacy products and states plainly that the MM4 is no longer made. Guitar World's history of the Modeler series notes that while the MM4 was eventually discontinued, its green delay sibling, the DL4, stayed in continuous production until 2022, so the MM4 left the lineup before the DL4 did.
What effects does the Line 6 MM4 model?
The MM4 carries 16 vintage and new modulation effects. Vintage Guitar's review lists Univibe-style vibrato, tri-chorus, rotary drum and horn (a Leslie simulation), phasors, tremolos, flangers and a ring modulator among them. MusicRadar describes the range as being based on some vintage classics.
How do you save a preset on the Line 6 MM4?
MusicRadar's reviewer describes the process as simple: dial in the sound with the five large knobs, then hold down a footswitch to store it. With four assignable footswitches, you can have four effects ready for use at any time.
Does the Line 6 MM4 have a Leslie simulation?
Yes. Vintage Guitar's review lists rotary drum and horn among the MM4's 16 effects, a model of the Leslie rotating speaker. The same review notes that the U-vibe setting, used with the optional Expression Pedal, gave the same control as the original Univibe.
Does the Line 6 MM4 lose volume when engaged?
JHS Pedals, which offers modification services for the Modeler series, says that in stock form these pedals suffer from a volume drop when engaged, along with some clarity and noise issues on certain settings. That applies to the MM4 as it comes from the factory.
Sources (7)
- Line 6 MM4 review, MusicRadar, 2014-08-07
- How the Line 6 DL4 changed the game for digital modeling effects pedals, Guitar World (www.guitarworld.com), 2022-05-10
- Line 6 DM4, DL4, and MM4, Vintage Guitar magazine, 2001-12-14
- Line 6 | Legacy Products, Line 6
- LINE6 DL4 MOD, JHS Pedals
- Line 6 M5 Stompbox Modeller review, MusicRadar, 2011-06-21
- GUITAR PEDALS FOR SYNTH, JHS Pedals
