Line 6 has introduced the DL4 MkII – a renewed iteration of its iconic DL4 delay pedal, which draws the 1999-dated original into the modern era using some nice aesthetic and tonal modifications.
When the original device debuted over two decades ago, it marked a significant leap forward in the power world and was one of the very first multifunctional digital power processors to be released.
It developed something of a cult fan base, and it’s been a pedalboard resistor for entire legions of players ever since it first broke onto the stage.
Now Line 6 has released a timely reboot, which using its famous HX technology equips the much-loved device with some seriously impressive updates.
In terms of what goes on under the bonnet, the DL4 MkII has 15 new delay types, all taken from the HX family of power processors, as well as the 15 original delay models that can be found on the flagship DL4: there are 30 delay types in all.
Such delays include Harmony Delay, Pitch Echo, Glitch Delay, Euclidian Delay, and ADT tape delay, all of which line up along with 15 unmarked “secret” reverbs that you can access by holding down the new Legacy button.
Examples of reverberations include Room, Double Tank, Plateaux, Plate, Cave, Ganymede and Glitz.
In practice, the model selector rotary switch is responsible for selecting the delay type, while the remaining five buttons – Time, Repeats, Tweak, Tweez and Mix – are responsible for adjusting the delay to your liking. So far, it is identical to the original DL4.
However, the presence of the Alt / Legacy button means that users can access all the classic DL4 delays, as well as a number of other alternative features. These include selecting specific subdivisions via the Time / Subdivision button, setting the mix of the reverberating signal via Mix and adjusting the reverberation times.
Other updates include an enhanced looper, which now offers either a four- or one-switch looper option that can record up to 240 seconds of mono or 120 seconds of stereo time. This can be further expanded with an additional microSD.
The flea works instead of the four footswitches, three of which also act as preset recall buttons. There is also the Tap Tempo feature, which was again found on the original.
In terms of connectivity, the DL4 MkII has an XLR dynamic microphone input and MIDI functions, as well as a Y-cable adapter-compatible external footswitch input for “increased creative control”.
About the new and improved DL4 MkII, line 6 chief product design architect Eric Klein said: “Certain circles have hailed the DL4 as without a doubt the most important pedal of the last 20 years, and even after 23 years – an eternity in this industry – we could not imagine that mess with a good thing.
“So,” he continued, “despite its new delays, modern capabilities, and increased fidelity, a single push of a button literally transforms the DL4 MkII into a DL4 – so you can still party as if it were 1999.”
Line 6 DL4 MkII is available now for $ 419.
For more information, go to line 6.