M13 Stompbox Questions

WhisperAPrayer · #1 06-07-2009, 02:21 AM

Alrighty,
In my search for a pedal board I wen to a local music shop.

Saw the M13 Stompbox though it was pretty awesome, so some questions:

How does it handle on bass?
Can you plug straight into a recorder?
Is it good value for the money?
Is there any other ones with the similar kinda deal that would better?

Thanks,

warwick.hoy · #2 06-07-2009, 03:56 AM

This one has been discussed a little bit on these boards. Try a search of the FX subforum and see what you come up with (use the google search in the blue bar at the top of the page).

I will give you my opinion on your 3rd question. The M13 seems to contain all 4 of the Line6 modeling units DL4, MM4, FM4 and the DM4. I think it also has some of the features of the Line6 looper. That's all contain in one unit. It's ~$500 while an individual modeling unit is ~$250. Seems almost like a buy one get one free to me. I'd consider that a good value.

René_Julien · #3 06-07-2009, 04:38 AM

Quote:

How does it handle on bass?

Apparently very well. A couple of satisfied users so far. Justin Meldal-Johnsen uses one.

Quote:

Can you plug straight into a recorder?

Depends on your recorder. Output is instrument level. Most digital recorders designed for guitarists and bassists can handle instrument level. I know my BOSS BR can handle it.

Quote:

Is it good value for the money?

Up to you. Isn't that expensive for what you get IMO.

Quote:

Is there any other ones with the similar kinda deal that would better?

I think not.

Although I would personally still favor the BOSS GT-6B (as floor unit) or POD X3 (because of the amp modelling). If you desire more complicated effect chains and more effects to choos from then the M13 is better.

further reading:

The things I wanted to know about the Line 6 M13 thread

WhisperAPrayer · #4 06-07-2009, 04:40 AM

Ok thanks.

That's what I thought, if I'm gonna get pedals, I'm gonna get them all at once.

I think it seems like an option.

René_Julien · #5 06-07-2009, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhisperAPrayer

Ok thanks.

That's what I thought, if I'm gonna get pedals, I'm gonna get them all at once.

I think it seems like an option.

Do you already have experience with effects?

If not then a Zoom B2 or Korg Pandora (maybe find one used), or a used BOSS ME-50B or BOSS GT-6B, would be better to try stuff out. To figure out wich effects you could use, or just really really like.
M13 can be hard to tweak, especially if you have no experience with effects.

If your budget allows an M13 and you think it can make you happy: go for it.

WhisperAPrayer · #6 06-07-2009, 05:17 AM

Not yet,

I'd like:

Flanger,
Phase Shifter,
Wah,
Synth,
Delay
And Maybe:
Distortion/Overdrive,
Tremolo,
and Rotary.

With the most available at once.

cheapbasslovin · #7 06-07-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C'thulhu

If not then a Zoom B2 or Korg Pandora (maybe find one used), or a used BOSS ME-50B or BOSS GT-6B, would be better to try stuff out. To figure out wich effects you could use, or just really really like.
M13 can be hard to tweak, especially if you have no experience with effects.

I really disagree with this statement. If you want to get a multi to try stuff out on the cheap, then I can see going for the Zoom. If you want a multi with amp modeling, then I could see the GT-6B. I wouldn't get either of those because they are easier to use than the M13. There is nothing easier than the M13 for dialing up sounds and making them happen. Getting into some of the more complicated functions of the M13 may be a bit of a task, but for finding an effect, tweaking to taste and then playing through it NOTHING is as intuitive as an M13 IMO.

cybersnyder · #8 06-07-2009, 09:49 AM

The M13 is great but I found that it was missing a few effects that I really like for bass, so it went back to GC. There are rumors of possible model packs. If that happens and there is one for bass, I'll probably buy one again. I like the interface and the looper is a cool touch.

René_Julien · #9 06-07-2009, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheapbasslovin

I really disagree with this statement. If you want to get a multi to try stuff out on the cheap, then I can see going for the Zoom. If you want a multi with amp modeling, then I could see the GT-6B. I wouldn't get either of those because they are easier to use than the M13. There is nothing easier than the M13 for dialing up sounds and making them happen. Getting into some of the more complicated functions of the M13 may be a bit of a task, but for finding an effect, tweaking to taste and then playing through it NOTHING is as intuitive as an M13 IMO.

Fair enough. I only tested the M13 for a minute or so.

I am used to the Zoom and GT-6B.

seaKamp · #10 06-07-2009, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybersnyder

The M13 is great but I found that it was missing a few effects that I really like for bass, so it went back to GC. There are rumors of possible model packs. If that happens and there is one for bass, I'll probably buy one again. I like the interface and the looper is a cool touch.

What did you find it to be lacking?

cybersnyder · #11 06-07-2009, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seaKamp

What did you find it to be lacking?

A para EQ or graphic EQ, the Bass Driver model, OC-2, and a more bass-friendly comp. There's a lot to like about the unit. If I didn't have a bunch of pedals already, I would have probably kept it. I really liked the layout and the looper.

WhisperAPrayer · #12 06-08-2009, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybersnyder

The M13 is great but I found that it was missing a few effects that I really like for bass, so it went back to GC. There are rumors of possible model packs. If that happens and there is one for bass, I'll probably buy one again. I like the interface and the looper is a cool touch.

What else do you know about the modeling pack?

That'd be awesome.

Yeah the looper seems like an awesome feature.

TaySte_2000 · #13 06-08-2009, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheapbasslovin

I really disagree with this statement. If you want to get a multi to try stuff out on the cheap, then I can see going for the Zoom. If you want a multi with amp modeling, then I could see the GT-6B. I wouldn't get either of those because they are easier to use than the M13. There is nothing easier than the M13 for dialing up sounds and making them happen. Getting into some of the more complicated functions of the M13 may be a bit of a task, but for finding an effect, tweaking to taste and then playing through it NOTHING is as intuitive as an M13 IMO.

Agreed I set up my band board on it in 10 minutes to recreate a board I've been using for 2 years and I didn't even read the manual.

I once tried setting up a couple of patches on the GT6b without the manual and could not do anything with it.

René_Julien · #14 06-08-2009, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TaySte_2000

Agreed I set up my band board on it in 10 minutes to recreate a board I've been using for 2 years and I didn't even read the manual.

I once tried setting up a couple of patches on the GT6b without the manual and could not do anything with it.

Strange... I found the GT-6B easy to use. YMMV
Might be because I don't need extensive and complicated effects chains.

I'll try the M13 out longer next time I am in the music store.

The foot print of the M13 scares me.

The price screams: "BUY ME, BUY ME, BUY ME".