® 1.0 OWNER’S MANUAL Rev A (For use with DL4 MkII Firmware 1.00) © 2022 Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Contents Welcome to DL4 MkII ��������������������������������������������������������������4 Effects Models ����������������������������������������������������������������������25 What’s In the Box? ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 4 Features ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4 Updating DL4 MkII Firmware �����������������������������������������������������������
Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity 47 CFR § 2.1077 Compliance Information Unique Identifier: Line 6® DL4™ MkII Responsible Party - U.S. Contact Information: Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. 26580 Agoura Road Calabasas, CA 91302-1921 (818) 575-3600 https://line6.com/ FCC Compliance Statement: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Welcome to DL4 MkII What’s In the Box? “I never read manuals!” Yeah, we’ve heard that. Yet, despite our hurt feelings, we’ve tirelessly persisted to document all the glorious features, tips, and tricks for the Line 6® DL4™ MkII effects pedal. There are plenty of pictures, and even a "Quick Start" section to get you up and running (and don’t forget to read the printed Cheat Sheet that came with your device).
Top Panel 5
1. Model Selector Turn to choose the desired delay, Classic Looper, or reverb 6. TWEEZ Turn to adjust the assigned delay model’s parameter. See "Effects Models" model. on page 25 for the lists of TWEEZ-assigned parameters per delay model). Toggle the ALT/LEGACY button to MkII (LED is not lit) and turn the knob to choose any MkII delay. The MkII delays are those labeled in white text. See "MkII Delays" on page 29.
Rear Panel 1. EXP PEDAL - FS 5/6 Connect an expression pedal here to adjust a wide 6. MIDI IN, OUT/THRU Connect your MIDI gear to here to receive program variety of parameters. With a Y-cable adapter, you can connect an expression pedal plus a footswitch, or connect two footswitches, for even greater control! When purchasing external footswitches, you’ll want to get the momentary (unlatched) type. See "Setting up an Expression Pedal and Footswitches" on page 14 for details.
Quick Start Into Your Amp’s Effects Loop When using an amplifier that includes an effects loop, it is often preferred to connect some effects (most often drives, distortions, wahs, and compressors) into the amp’s front input (which places them before your amp’s preamp), and time-based effects (like delays and reverbs) in the amp’s effects loop. Placing DL4 MkII in your amp’s effects loop can provide a smoother tone to the delay and reverb tails, especially with distorted tones.
DI into Mixer, Audio Interface, or Other Outboard Gear Using with a Modeler There is no sense relegating DL4 MkII to your pedalboard! You can also put it into your signal chain when running D.I. into a mixer, audio interface, or other outboard gear to wreak havoc in other sonic domains. Connect your guitar, bass, or keyboard into the L/MONO IN. Or, connect your dynamic microphone into the XLR MIC IN.
Basic Operation The Presets D, E, and F Bank You can optionally re-purpose the TAP switch by choosing the Presets DEF Global Settings option–see "TAP Footswitch Assign" on page 44.* This allows you to toggle the device’s A, B, and C labelled footswitches to access the default, first Presets ABC Bank (TAP is lit dim yellow) versus the second Presets DEF Bank (TAP is lit bright yellow). We’ve also pre-loaded the D, E, and F locations with factory presets, which you can optionally modify.
Saving a Preset Hit the Trails? One rather important consideration is how to configure the behavior for Trails (the repeats of your delay and decay of your reverb) when you bypass your preset. This option can be changed within the Global Settings—see "Bypass Trails" on page 47. When you see current preset footswitch’s LED flashing approximately once every two seconds, this tells you that your loaded preset is edited from its last-saved state.
Restoring Factory Presets Fortunately, no calculators or math are required with DL4 MkII. By default, all delay models are configured so that you’ll see the TAP switch’s LED flashing at 1/4 note subdivisions of the current Tap Tempo. If you stomp several times on the TAP switch, counting in 1/4 notes, this changes the current Tap Tempo and your repeats dutifully follow.
Configuring Delay and Reverb Routing Stereo vs. Mono Output Maybe this has kept you up at night pondering—is it better to "delay" your reverbs, “reverb” your delays, or neither? If delay follows reverb, the reverb’s tail will have distinct echoes applied. If reverb follows delay, the delay’s echoes will have a schmear of reverb administered. Conversely, if the reverb and delay are on separate parallel paths, they won’t affect one another, resulting in cleaner, more defined notes.
Setting up an Expression Pedal and Footswitches IMPORTANT! To avoid potentially triggering signals that could get loud through your amplifier or monitoring system, please reduce your volume before connecting anything into the DL4 MkII EXP PEDAL jack, and be sure to configure the Global Settings > "Pedal Jack Functionality" to the settings recommended in the following examples to match your specific setup.
Connecting an Expression Pedal and Footswitch For this setup, use a dual TS-to-TRS splitter and plug into the EXP PEDAL jack. Your expression pedal should connect to the "Tip" and the footswitch to the "Ring" leads of the splitter. Connecting two individual footswitches (dual TS-to-TRS splitter connection) For either of these footswitch connections, you’ll need to configure Global Settings > "Pedal Jack Functionality" to the Two Footswitches option.
Factory Presets - Existing Expression Pedal Assignments 5. Turn the MIX knob to a very low setting. This new MIX knob setting is stored for the pedal’s minimum, heel-down value. The following expression pedal assignments are already configured within factory presets A~F. Just connect your pedal and give them a try! NOTE: Optionally, you can adjust other parameters for the current delay to the pedal as well before proceeding to the next step.
Configuring Footswitch Control Options Controlling The Classic Looper Parameters Your footswitches can be set up to each control the desired function by managing their Global Settings, as follows. There is even more control to be had with your expression pedal and footswitches—you can also configure them to control the Classic Looper mode parameters.
Using a Microphone Yet another new addition to the DL4 MkII incarnation is the inclusion of a Mic input. This opens up a new world of possibilities for your new little green box! Not only can you now embellish your verses, choruses, and poetry readings, but imagine the potential looping creations with acoustic instruments and other mic’d up sources. Connect your dynamic microphone into the XLR MIC IN jack and use the LEVEL trim knob to adjust the built-in preamp’s input gain to optimize your signal.
Using the Looper Classic Looper Turn the device’s Selector knob to LOOPER. (Note that the ALT/LEGACY button always remains unlit when the LOOPER is selected.) This essentially places all the devices’ knobs and footswitches over to a dedicated Looper mode, where they control Looper-specific functions and parameters. You’ll see the LED for the Play/Stop / switch appear lit dim green to indicate when a loop is in memory.
Using a microSD Card To remove the microSD card, push the card inward to trigger the spring-loaded mechanism and the card will be ejected from the slot. When no microSD card is present in the DL4 MkII device, the internal memory is utilized for loop recording and playback.
Using the Classic Looper / Play/Stop Once you’ve recorded a loop you like, you can start and stop playback any time by toggling the Play/Stop switch—you’ll see it light solid, bright green when playback is active. From Stop, playback starts from the beginning of the loop.
TWEAK (Mod Depth) Reverse Double-tap the switch to activate/deactivate Reverse. You’ll see the switch’s LED flash slowly when Reverse is active. Use to add some swirly modulation to the echo repeats, from none to enough pitchy warble to make you dizzy. If you double-tap the switch while your loop is playing, it reverses playback. If you double-tap this the switch again, playback is returned to forward (normal).
6. Press / to start your loop’s playback. Once you’re ready for your big moment, hit / DUB as the loop plays to enter Overdub mode and go wild for four bars. 1. Configure the Global Setting > TAP switch so that it controls the 1 Switch Looper (see "TAP Footswitch Assign" on page 44). Once the TAP switch is configured, you’ll see its LED lit dim white, indicating the switch is assigned to control the 1 Switch Looper and no loop is yet recorded.
More Tasty Looping Tidbits The fun doesn’t stop yet—here are more things to explore when using either the Classic or 1 Switch Looper: • Record some rhythmic muted strums or hits on your guitar to lay down a percussion “track,” over which you can record some overdubs. • Try recording “volume swells” of guitar chords on an overdub or two for ambient pad backgrounds. • Use the Mic In for vocals, acoustic instruments, or various bodily functions for some multifarious, layered compositions.
Effects Models To follow we’ve listed all the MkII and Legacy delay models, as well as all the "secret" reverb models, along with what the TWEAK and TWEEZ knobs control for each, within handsome tables for quick reference. For more illustrious model and parameter details, please be sure to also see the "Model Gallery" on page 29.
Legacy Delays List Legacy Delay Models To choose one of the Legacy delays as your active delay model, toggle the ALT/LEGACY button so that it is lit green, then turn the Selector knob to the desired delay model name that appears in green text.
Secret Reverbs List and Controls The fifteen exquisite reverb models are not labeled on the Selector knob of your DL4 MkII (hence the “secret” nomenclature) but be assured, they are there, lurking within the depths of your device just waiting to be unleashed.
Common Delay and Reverb Parameters As you’ll see in the above tables, many delays and reverbs include several common parameters via the TWEAK and TWEEZ knobs. To follow are descriptions for these. See the "Model Gallery" on page 29 for more about specific delay and reverb models’ options. NOTE: The parameters controlled via the TWEAK and TWEEZ knobs typically affect only the sound of the delay’s repeats or reverb’s decay, and do not affect your dry input signal.
Model Gallery Here we’ve posted all the delay and reverb models on display, including some historic tidbits covering what classic machines some of these are based on, as well as helpful details for each model’s settings and abilities. You can tour the collection by category: "MkII Delays", "Legacy Delays", and "Secret Reverbs" MkII Delays This section includes all the MkII delay models included in DL4 MkII, as listed with white labels on your device’s Selector knob. VINTAGE DIGITAL A Line 6 original.
EUCLIDEAN Steps: 8 Fill: 3 Steps: 8 Fill: 5 A Line 6 original. Not just for the geeks in the room, this one is based on Euclidean rhythm algorithms which result in eight-step sequence patterns, as we’ve attempted to illustrate at the left. Full understanding requires complex diagrams, charts, and whatnot, but feel free to ignore all that and just dive in for some truly unique delay patterns. REPEATS controls the overall number of repeats heard for the entire sequence.
ADT A Line 6 original. That stands for “Auto Double-Tracker” (or sometimes referred to as “Artificial Double Tracker”) in studio-speak. Early on, savvy recording engineers discovered they could "double-track" vocals and other instruments to fatten up the sound. Shortly after, some other clever studio cats figured out they could use two recording decks simultaneously to capture and playback the same part to "automatically” double-track.
TRANSISTOR Based on* the Maestro® EP-3. After introducing the tube-based EP-1 and EP-2 tape echo marvels, Maestro introduced the solid-state EP-3, with transistors instead of tubes for the sound electronics. The EP-3 uses the same basic mechanical design as the original Echoplex, including the looped 1/4" tape, but does not have the tube distortion sound of the EP-1. EP-3s contributed to many classic recordings of the 70s. Eddie Van Halen and Jimmy Page were both avid EP-3 users.
ADRIATIC Based on* the Boss® DM-2 Analog Delay, special Ben Adrian-modded version. This one is a re-do of the original DL4’s DM-2 Analog Delay, this time personally modified by Line 6’s own audio architect, Ben Adrian. It features an increased delay time of up to 1.8 seconds, and some sweet modulation added for even more kicks. You’ll find this one to be a warm and friendly example of a classic analog delay that really sits comfortably in the mix. TWEAK adjusts the Modulation Rate.
Legacy Delays This section includes all the Legacy DL4 delay models included in DL4 MkII, as listed with green labels on your device’s Selector knob. DIGITAL A Line 6 original. This model is a straight-forward digital delay with bass and treble tone controls. The excellent processing quality and true stereo audio path of the DL4 MkII make it one of the best digital delays you’ll find. TWEAK adjusts Bass from -15.2dB to +8.8dB. TWEEZ adjusts Treble from -15.2dB to +8.8dB. DIGITAL w/ MOD A Line 6 original.
STEREO A Line 6 original. Stereo delays, my friend... It’s one of the secrets of the “Big L.A. Solo” sound of the late 80s. Set one side as a fast echo with many repeats, and the other as a slow delay with just a few repeats. Voila, you’re famous! This model highlights one of the features of your DL4 MkII—the true stereo nature of both the direct path and the delay processing.
DYNAMIC Based on* the TC Electronic 2290 Dynamic Digital Delay. This is a sort of “smart” volume control for your delay effect’s echoes, which automatically sets the loudness of the delay repeats based on how hard you play. While you’re playing, the Dynamic Delay keeps the volume of the repeats turned down, so that they don’t overwhelm what you’re doing. Then, when you stop playing for a moment, the volume level of the repeats turns up to allow the repeats to be heard.
TAPE ECHO Based on* the Maestro EP-3. After the tube-based EP-1 and EP-2, Maestro introduced the solid-state EP-3, with transistors instead of tubes for its preamp electronics. The EP-3 uses the same basic mechanical design as the original Echoplex, including the looped 1/4" tape, but does not have the tube distortion sound of the EP-1. EP-3s contributed to many classic recordings of the 70s. Eddie Van Halen and Jimmy Page were both avid EP-3 users.
ANALOG Based on* the Boss DM-2 Delay. Analog units like the DM-2 Delay were designed as "improvements" over the tape echoes that preceded them, using “bucket brigade” electronics to give guitarists echo units that were more reliable than the tape-based delays, with the added advantage of a low-power circuit that could be run on batteries. Analog delays are treasured for the warm, distorted tones they produce, and are also great for creating more experimental sounds.
Secret Reverbs This section includes all the reverb models included on the device, which are accessed by pressing and holding the ALT/LEGACY button while turning the Selector knob. Remember to press and hold the ALT/LEGACY button while turning the REPEATS, TWEAK, TWEEZ, and MIX knobs to adjust the Reverb parameters. ROOM A Line 6 original. This reverb is a more subtle one. As its name suggests, it adds a bit of ambience and the feel of a reflective small room space.
TILE ‘ A Line 6 original. Way back in the day, some recording studios went to the expense of building a tiled room for capturing natural sound reflections to add some liveliness to the instruments. Now you can add a bright, reflective reverb effect with just the twist of the Selector knob. TWEAK sets Predelay from 0 to 200 milliseconds. DUCKING A Line 6 original. If you’ve ever wished that big reverb tail wold just get out of the way while you’re picking, this one is for you.
PLATE A Line 6 original. As described for the "PLATEAUX" model, plate reverbs are regarded as the most smooth and versatile types around. Use the REPEATS (for decay) and MIX to add a little or a lot as needed to burnish just about any type of signal. TWEAK sets Predelay from 0 to 200 milliseconds. GANYMEDE A Line 6 original. Yet another fine plate-style reverb. This one goes deeper than the Plate model above, with added richness and modulation on tap to really expand your senses.
GLITZ A Line 6 original. In attempts by some sound engineers to soften reverb tails, diffusers were added to reduce reflections. This sometimes also resulted in a “blooming” effect, where the reverberations would feedback on themselves and expand in a unique way. The Glitz reverb has bloom generation built right in—increase the MIX knob to get more of the bloom, and use the TWEAK knob to add modulation for some murky swirl. TWEAK sets Modulation Depth from 0% to 100%. U.S.
Global Settings 3. Consult the table once again, this time referring to the "Values - ALT/ LEGACY LED Color" column for the Global Setting you selected in the previous step. Push and release the ALT/LEGACY button repeatedly to cycle through the colored LED options to choose the one you prefer. The DL4 MkII Global Settings include parameters that apply to all presets, such as input and output levels, pedal and footswitch behaviors, MIDI options, and more.
Global Settings Table Global Settings Setting Selector Knob Position Values ALT/LEGACY LED Color Description Indicates the factory default value for each global setting. Set the behavior for the device’s Tap Tempo to be either per preset or global: Tempo Preset/Global VINTAGE DIGITAL DIGITAL Per Preset (red) — Tempo is saved and recalled individually, per preset. Global (white) — Tempo is applied globally to all presets.
Global Settings Setting Selector Knob Position Values ALT/LEGACY LED Color Description Indicates the factory default value for each global setting. Configure the desired function for optional Footswitch 6: Footswitch 6 Assign N/A DUAL DELAY STEREO Tap Tempo (red) — Stomp the switch several times to “tap” in a tempo. Looper On/Off (white) — Use the switch to toggle between the currently-loaded preset and the Classic Looper.
Global Settings Setting Selector Knob Position Values ALT/LEGACY LED Color Description Indicates the factory default value for each global setting. Configure the Looper as mono or stereo.* This setting applies to both the classic and 1 Switch Looper: Mono (red) — The Looper records in mono. Stereo (white) — The Looper records in stereo.
Global Settings Setting Selector Knob Position Values ALT/LEGACY LED Color Description Indicates the factory default value for each global setting. Set whether the "trails" of your current delay and reverb effects are heard when you bypass DL4 MkII: Bypass Trails TAPE ECHO TRANSISTOR Off (red) — The delay and/or reverb’s trails are abruptly muted when you press the active A, B, or C preset footswitch to bypass DL4 MkII.
Global Settings Setting Selector Knob Position Values ALT/LEGACY LED Color Description Indicates the factory default value for each global setting. Choose whether DL4 MkII receives and syncs to incoming MIDI Clock messages. See "Using MIDI Clock for Tempo Sync" on page 49. Receive MIDI Clock ANALOG MOD ELEPHANT MAN Off (red) — DL4 MkII uses only its internal tempo and ignores any incoming MIDI Clock messages. Note that incoming MIDI Clock is still routed to MIDI THRU.
MIDI Using MIDI Clock for Tempo Sync DL4 MkII can receive MIDI Clock via its MIDI IN, as well as via USB MIDI, to allow you to sync the tempo from other effects devices and computer applications. Use the Global Settings - "Receive MIDI Clock" option to set the desired MIDI clock option: With great power comes great responsibility—therefore, we did the responsible thing and provided robust MIDI external control for you to take command of your DL4 MkII’s presets, parameters, looping, tempo, and more.
Accessing all 128 Presets As covered on page 10, you can recall the first six presets (A~F) via the devices onboard footswitches. But with the power of MIDI Program Change (PC) messages, you can individually access any of the 128 preset locations that reside within your device. Configure your MIDI controller to send PC messages as shown in the following table. Please also see "Loading Presets 1 - 128 via MIDI" on page 10.
Controlling Parameters If you really want to get into some serious real-time, remote control, MIDI CCs are the ticket! Configure your MIDI controller device to send the following CCs to DL4 MkII, and the corresponding parameters will respond accordingly. As indicated in the following table’s Device Responds In: titled column, the device will respond to some MIDI commands only while in Preset Mode, only in Classic Looper mode, or in both modes.
Parameter Control - MIDI CC Messages Parameter or Function CC Value Device Responds In: Delay Time 0-127 = 0-100% Preset and Classic Looper modes CC12 Time Subdivisions - Note Values 0 = 1/8 Triplet 1 = 1/8 2 = 1/8 Dotted 3 = 1/4 Triplet 4 = 1/4 5 = 1/4 Dotted 6 = 1/2 Triplet 7 = 1/2 8 = 1/2 Dotted Preset mode CC13 Delay Repeats (Feedback) 0-127 Preset and Classic Looper modes CC14 Delay Tweak 0-127 Preset and Classic Looper modes CC15 Delay Tweez 0-127 Preset and Classic Looper modes
Controlling the Looper Looper Control - MIDI CC Messages CC With the use of either MIDI Note On or MIDI CC messages, you can control all aspects of the Looper. Be sure to read through "Using the Looper" on page 19 to get familiar with all functions, then try sending the following MIDI messages to DL4 MkII for your looping performance. Incidentally, Line 6 follows Yamaha’s MIDI note spec, where middle C is “C3” (unlike some other gear manufacturers that prefer to say middle C is “C4”).
Additional Resources Product Specifications DL4 MkII Specifications Delays 30 Reverbs 15 Looper Yes, with both a 4-Switch and 1-Switch Looper user interface Mono/Stereo Mono or stereo input and output USB USB-C port - for potential future firmware updates and USB MIDI control via computer SD Card 1 x microSD card slot - for expanded Looper memory Audio Inputs 2 x 1/4" unbalanced Left (mono) and Right, Instrument level, Impedance = 1 MΩ, Max input level = +11.
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