The Line 6 ToneCore Dr. Distorto is a distortion pedal with two extras most dirt boxes do not carry: a built-in harmonic feedback circuit that can sustain or octave-shift a held note, and a switchable noise gate. MusicRadar described it as a pedal that, as well as simulating the sound of high-gain valve stacks, "can also replicate the sustain and feedback you get" from pushing an amp hard1. Line 6 lists it as a legacy product and states that the Dr. Distorto is no longer made2, so it is a used-market item now.
What it does to your sound
As a distortion, MusicRadar judged that the Dr. Distorto "does a perfectly good job," describing its aim as "somewhere among the classic Marshall tones with plenty of upper mid-range bite"1. The ToneCore pedals are housed in tough powder-coated steel casings that take up a relatively small amount of floor or pedalboard space, though they are quite thick from top to bottom1.
The feedbacker is the pedal's distinguishing feature. MusicRadar described it as able to replicate the sustain and feedback of a cranked amp, and the reviewer's overall verdict was that it is an impressive bit of kit, though quite specific in its function, adding that "the second batch of ToneCores is even more impressive than the first"1.
The controls
At the top of the panel sit the level, tone and drive knobs typical of most distortion pedals1. The Tone knob in particular lets you "smoothly morph from a fuzz distortion tone to a classic drive tone using only one dial," according to Line 62.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level, Tone, Drive | The standard distortion controls at the top of the panel1 |
| Tone | Morphs smoothly from a fuzz distortion tone to a classic drive tone2 |
| Rise | Sets how long the feedbacker takes to begin sustaining a tone2 |
| Fall | With Rise, governs the speed with which the feedback appears and disappears1 |
| Blend | Adjusts the volume of the feedbacker's sustained tone, balancing it against the basic distortion tone21 |
Two three-position switches sit alongside the knobs:
- FDBK switch: configures the harmonic sustainer circuit. Sustain provides a sustained tone in unison with any single note played; MusicRadar adds that the switch can also generate a note an octave above the original; Off disables the feedback portion of the pedal, leaving Rise, Fall and Blend non-functional, for using the Dr. Distorto as a distortion box only21.
- Gate switch: Mild is a soft gate for when minimal noise attenuation is needed; Clamp is a hard, clamping gate with a quick response that cuts out all noise between notes; Off disables the gate function completely. In both gate modes the threshold is linked to the Drive knob for best results at any setting2.
With the FDBK switch off, the Rise, Fall and Blend knobs do nothing. If a held note refuses to fade, check that switch first.
Power and the battery
The Dr. Distorto is a digital pedal, and MusicRadar cautioned that "you'll need to keep an eye on the battery life" for that reason1. The battery is housed under the footswitch: depress the switch all the way, then squeeze both sides of its hinge to get at it1.
Dr. Distorto in the wider field
Players comparing it with other dirt pedals should read it as a distortion with a sustain-and-feedback function bolted on, closer in spirit to a high-gain drive than to a fuzz or an overdrive, though the Tone knob sweeps from fuzz-flavored to classic drive voicings2. Its gate covers the same ground as a dedicated noise gate pedal in mild or clamp form1. MusicRadar's caveat was that it is quite specific in its function1, which is worth weighing against how often a player actually wants controlled, switchable feedback.
Videos
Line 6
리마인드
Manual of Alternative Music
Questions
Is the Line 6 ToneCore Dr. Distorto still made?
No. Line 6 lists the Dr. Distorto on its legacy product pages and states plainly that it is no longer made. It was part of the ToneCore line of pedals, and it turns up secondhand rather than in current dealer stock. Anyone looking for its combination of distortion, harmonic sustain and a noise gate today will be shopping the used market.
Is the Dr. Distorto analog or digital?
The Dr. Distorto is a digital pedal. MusicRadar's review of the ToneCore line notes that the pedals are digital and cautions players to keep an eye on battery life as a result, since digital circuitry draws more power than a simple analog dirt box.
How do you change the battery in a Dr. Distorto?
The battery sits under the footswitch. MusicRadar describes the access: depress the footswitch all the way down, then squeeze both sides of its hinge to open it and reach the battery compartment. Because the pedal is digital, battery life is worth watching even though external power is the usual arrangement.
What does the FDBK switch do on the Dr. Distorto?
The FDBK switch configures the pedal's harmonic sustainer circuit. In the Sustain position it provides a sustained tone in unison with any single note played. In the Off position it disables the feedback portion of the pedal entirely, leaving the Rise, Fall and Blend knobs non-functional so the Dr. Distorto works as a distortion box only.
How big is the Line 6 Dr. Distorto?
Line 6 gives the Dr. Distorto's dimensions as 3.375 inches wide, 2.875 inches high and 5.625 inches deep. MusicRadar notes that the ToneCore pedals take up relatively little floor or pedalboard space but are quite thick from top to bottom, which is worth bearing in mind for tight boards.
Sources (2)
- Line 6 ToneCore Pedal Dr Distorto review, MusicRadar, 2008-01-04
- Line 6 | Legacy Products, Line 6