Line 6 - M9 and M13 Questions......

1. How do you like these boxes overall?

2. Can you get an OK TS9/BBE Greensceamer/Bad Monkey overdrive where the guitar sparkle and tone come through in the distortion?

3. Are the boxes intuative? Easy to monkey with?

4. How is the looper? Can you do much with 28 seconds? I have a Boss RC-2 which holds 16 minutes and I never store songs or patterns. I layer 3 parts and jam over the top to amuse myself.

5. Do you have any strong opinions about the M9 vs. the M13??

If I sell my Sparkle Drive and my RC-2 I'm half way to affording the M9.

The thing that draws me to the M9 is simplicity and the fact that I know two guys who have M13's and won't stop praising the box. One of these guys has a Timmy pedal and he has a great ear (in my opinion).

I would appreciate some input.

John

Look at the pedals that this thing is supposed to cover......

http://line6.com/m9/models.html

1. I LOVE mine! And I'm a complete tube snob that used to have a pile of awesome pedals. Pedals gone now.
2. The overdrive is very tubescreamer-like. There is no "sparkle drive" type of effect (one where the clean signal can be mixed in).
3. I think it's very easy. Updating the firmware isn't too hard on the M13 if you're semi-computer literate. On the M9, it uses the monkey software so that's easier.
4. Looper is a blast. You can actually double the loop length by starting it at 1/2 speed. It sounds fine. For jamming as you've described, it's fine....but there's no way to save the loops.
5. The M9 does have a nice advantage of being able to drop into your gig bag. I can't say how the interface is with only one display. I like the M13 a lot...having seperate displays is very nice. I transport mine in a Laptop case - It's still half the weight of my old pedal board.

I seriously think it's a game changing box for guitar players. It's not like the other Line 6 stuff that has the amp modeling that I never really liked. If you like your amp, an M9 or M13 is a no-brainer.

Yeah, the M13 is overkill for me. But, that M9. Wow. However, there is no USB connector on it? My Jamman has a USB that allows me to load/unload files to it. I think that would be great for the M9.
Scotty.

Yeah, the M13 is overkill for me. But, that M9. Wow. However, there is no USB connector on it? My Jamman has a USB that allows me to load/unload files to it. I think that would be great for the M9.
Scotty.

The M13 and M9 have exactly the same models....the M13 will do 4 simultaneous and the M9 will do 3. Both are updated via the MIDI interface (not as easy as a USB - but it works).

I was initially very impressed with the m13. I've heard complaints about its dirt box effects but I actually thought they where pretty good (with the exception of the fuzz). I especially liked the classic distortion, screamer, and Comp Boost (MXR micro amp). The delays where also very excellent. Tweeking the controlls was fairly intuitive (and improved with the software update) but looking down at all the small screens was more of a challenge than looking down at floor of pedals and seeing the knob positions. The looper was also very fun and usable. The only thought I have where I think it was lacking was in some of the modulation effects. The update finally improved the phaser but I still wasn't happy with the flanger selections or the univibe. Overall, I think it was a great value, especially for someone who want to just get to try out a lot of effects that are hard to obtain. I ended up just sending mine back a couple of days ago for a couple of reasons. I think I would have kept it if not for the fact that the one I got, the bottom left switch (which controls the loop start and stop among other things) was occasionally intermitent. Every now and then, it just wouldn't trigger when I hit it, and my loop was blown. Also, I already own a lot of the pedals that this thing tries to model and I am familiar with them and how they work with all their settings. The pedals work and sound better for me. However, if I was just starting out buying pedals or a regular gigging guitarist and didn't want to take a pedal board with 1K worth of pedals to each gig, I think this is a great devise. Finally, the convenience of the size of the m9 really looks good and is tempting, but I would think if you can deal with the bigger size, the m13 is a lot more flexible and user friendly.

I'm trying to think of when I use four effects at once.

Stuff that I use together (reality check)

I use reverb all the time but that comes from my amp.

Compressor & Tremolo
Compressor & Delay
OD & Tremolo
OD & Delay
OD & Delay & slight modulation

I don't know when I would use 4 pedals at once.

I made a pile of pedals that I rarely use or dislike with the new DRRI.

I'm thinking about the M9.

Could be a heck of a recording toy. Could be a lot easier to move around than 4 pedals and a tuner and a One Spot.

I'm trying to think of when I use four effects at once.


Just a thought from an M13 user....

I'll agree that I rarely have a third effect on, however....

- You may want to add a Wah or an EQ to that list of regular effects.
- I've never been a huge fan of compressors, but on the M13, they really make the tone nice.
- if you ever want to do the U2 stuff - that's all two delays with different length repeats.

So - having that forth slot is nice - makes things a bit more flexible.

I'm stopping at Guitar Center this afternoon....they have both brand new in the boxes.

This will sound dumb but I have my big amp in the basement (the man cave) and some smaller stuff upstairs. Moving my one spot and several pedals upstairs/downstairs/upstairs etc....is driving me nuts. I only gig acoustic guitar now. Setting up an acoustic "scene" with hall reverbs, slight delay or slight compression could be really handy.

You don't realize how much cash you've tied up in pedals (until you start adding it up)......$70 here....$110 there.....etc. You can get to $500 pretty fast.

The built in looper really helps cost justify the M13 or the M9. A guy can spend $250 on a stand-alone looper in a hurry.

I looked through a bunch of deleted email last night trying to find a Guitar Center 10 or 15% off coupon. Can't find one. Dang! I also looked everywhere on line trying to find an M13 on line for less than $499 (I could ask GC to price match) and no one is selling M13's below $499. The price seems to be sticking at $499.

Thanks for the help.

John

Doesn't musician's friend have a 20 percent off sale on one item through Oct? I think I have seen some threads suggesting it if you call in. Worth a shot.

I just incorporated an M9 into my board and I think these have a lot to offer. First off, it let me downsize toe a PT Jr. Secondly, it expanded the range of effects I have available and most of the stuff in there sounds pretty darned good, especially in a mix. Board I set up:

Clyde Deluxe > Jetter Jetdrive > M9 > Tech 21 Blonde

Here's where this gets even more versatile. Since the Blonde is last in the chain, I can run into a Radial JDI then to the board and run the other out from the M9 to a tube amp. This gives me a way to greatly increase the spread and girth of my tone without getting louder. I can also just run out of the Blonde to a tube amp and use the Blonde as a clean boost, or just run direct.

Awful lot of function out of such a small board.

I bought the M9.

1. I use the reverb and trem that are in my Fender amps. The chances of me playing 4 effects plus the 2 is rare to never.

2. I wanted to get away from the daunting job of carting my big pedalboard everywhere. The M13 is so big that I fear that I would hesitate to take it to a quick jam or recording afternoon at a friends house. Seeing the 13 and the 9 side by side was eye opening. The 13 is three times the size of the 9. I respect everyone who loves their 13 but I'm trying to get a bunch of function with tiny form. That's just me......my priority.

I can plug my iPhone into my car stereo and play YouTube videos really loud and clear. While I was parked outside of a few appointments today I listened to many demos and tutorials on both units. It seemed like a lot of the 13 demos involving 4 effects at once were crazy or silly sound effects that a guy could not really use in a song. I dig Adrian Belew but I don't sit at home and make up bird calls and elephant roars with my pedals and my strat.

M9 is tiny and powerful.....just right for me.

I got my m9 yesterday.... I'm gonna fire it up...
you can connect your m9 to your computer via midi... make folders blah blah, it works... I bought a midi to usb cable for 3 bucks on the intermess.

So I thought I was going to downsize from M13 to M9 to save space and move to a smaller board. (Right now, my pedal board is the same dimensions as my Tele's case.) But, since the 2.0 update to the M13, I'm using all 4 effects at once quite a bit more often. It's strange though... I'm using either 4 effects or 1, depending on the song. But my common 4-effect sound I'm using is the graphic EQ (just to boost upper-mids and highs by 2 dB for a little extra shimmer), a Univibe on super low mix, then 2 delays.

I plugged it in.

Simple. Just plain simple.

I'm wondering if the M13 might be better. The sounds are good and there are so many.

I have to keep the foot print in mind. The tiny footprint of the M9 is really nice.

I like Dyna Comps. The Dyna Comp (Red Comp) makes for clean Tele spankin heaven without ANY noise.

The TS9 (Screamer) is really nice.

The delays and the trem are very nice.

I tend to get a little hyper and I gush when I like a new toy (I should really shut up until I've played with it some more).

I don't want to get ahead of myself but I sold 4 pedals in the last 24 hours and covered the $350 for the M9.

I have a laundry basket half full of old pedals in the basement and I'm already thinking.....wow.....won't need that one anymore.....won't need that other one anymore.

Spooky new toy. Good spooky. The first thing I dialed was the Dyna Comp and I freaked.

John

For just about anyone who uses effects, the value cannot be underestimated.

I actually find myself using settings that I never imagined:shock:. Wait until you try the expression pedal for some wah/rotovibe goodness!

Ultimately, it could have a million features, and if none were good it would still not be worth a dime. The quality of the effects still has me stunned.

I noticed NO sonic loss when I replaced pedals that spanned from Boutique (Analongman Mini BiComp) to "Good" (EvH Phaser and wah). The M13 sounds good through a $3000 amp, and substantially sweetens a $200 (Gretsch 5222)amp. Just magical.

If SIZE if the big concern, you'll be fine with the M9. You saved yourself a headache not having to do the 2.0 software upgrade because it tests the patience to say the least for those who didn't attend MIT:wink:

Enjoy!

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x266/oasis02/pedtim.jpg

Looks like this:

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p215/teledad/IMG_1023.jpg

How are the on-board overdrives, compared to really good "boutique" (Barber, Timmy, KOT, OCD, etc.) ones?
All the modulation effects are usually quite OK on those multi-effect units, but I've yet to find one that had good ODs, especially at low-gain settings - how does the M9 fare there?

It's not the strongsuit of the unit, but it's also not awful.

If you have them in front of you, and some time you can dial-in something pretty close to Timmy,OCD and certainly Rat sounds. Tube Screamer is certainly very close to any repro made today.

You get several parameters to adjust to your liking:
http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x266/oasis02/set3.jpg

just ordered one from mf for $319
(thanks for the tip on the 20% off coupon, too!)

How are the on-board overdrives, compared to really good "boutique" (Barber, Timmy, KOT, OCD, etc.) ones?
All the modulation effects are usually quite OK on those multi-effect units, but I've yet to find one that had good ODs, especially at low-gain settings - how does the M9 fare there?

I think the Tubescreamer model is outstanding.

My favorite OD pedals (I won't sell them...love 'em)....

BBE Green Screamer
Bad Monkey
Maxon OD9

....and I'm very happy with the M9 OD's

John

How are the on-board overdrives, compared to really good "boutique" (Barber, Timmy, KOT, OCD, etc.) ones?


The M13 screamer model works as a TS or Klon replacement but you'll need to adjust it. By the default the model settings are too hot. Turn the drive completely OFF. Or - what I do.....have the expression pedal (EP) control the drive between zero and 10% for leads. Is it a Klon replacement? Probably not but it's certainly close enough. If you're running your amp at a breakup level, then I'd do the same EP thing except have it push the output level up a bit instead. (I've found that I keep my amp pretty clean though)

So, I sold my Klon and don't miss it. I also had an OCD (great pedal!) but hadn't tried to recreate the sound - and it'll be pretty much impossible since I sold it too.....and the Rat......wellllll, pretty much everything. Even my wonderful Eventide Timefactor.

I set up my M13 like a wired pedal board with certain effects dedicated to specific "columns". So, compressors, OD, distortions first...and delays and modulations last. Just like you'd wire a regular board.

I've settled on 3 different models as my "first column" on the M13.
- Tube Compressor set almost flat so that it's barely doing anything when the EP is off...with a lightly compressed clean boost with the EP full on.
- The screamer OD set as above.
- The Line 6 Drive using a similar technique as the OD. With the EP off, it's a cruchy rhythm tone, EP on is screaming lead sound.

Of course, Line 6 messed with my first column effect concept when they added the wahs - as I'd want the wah as the first effect. Buuuut.....I hadly would ever mess with a wah. My solution was to copy my entire main scene over to another scene. Then, I basically shifted all of the effects to the right, getting rid of what I had in the last column (mostly swirly stuff anyway). In that scene, the first column effect is a Fassel wah and a univibe for two of the models. I'm not quite sure what my third effect will be....maybe an EQ.

I love the screamer and the tube drive models. My main overdrive comes from a homemade, slightly modified Shredmaster that I run on fairly low gain. But I ended up not using it at all last weekend. I set up one tube drive model with really low gain to get a little bit of what I call a "hot clean" and another with more drive that sounds pretty much like my Shredmaster.

The overdrive models are responsive to your guitar's volume and tone, just like you'd expect. An added bonus on the drive models is that if the original model (such as a tube screamer) just had a single tone knob, the model provides that as well as an additional bass and treble parameter. Very nice.

The one thing I haven't been happy with is the compressors, but apparently many people here are finding settings they really love. To be fair, I messed with the compressors for only a few minutes after I got the unit before I decided I didn't like them. But I didn't care much to try further since I use an external BYOC 5-knob compressor that I built. I keep it on all the time with very little compression and low mix.

I'm pleasantly surprised by the gain settings. I think the Tube Drive is my favorite, followed closely by the TS. I agree 100% about the settings - everything sounds a lot better with the gain turned down. I still like running a gain pedal with the M9 - just allows me more options. And that Jetdrive...

The Tube Comp can sound pretty cool, some of the other comps don't do it for me, but I like very few compressors anyway. The EQ's are really useful for boosts or changing the sound of a gain setting.