A Hands-On Review Of The Line6 M5 Stompbox Modeler

I Wrote, not to long ago, a glowing review about the M5 Stompbox Modeler. Looking into the M5 made me realize that It would fill a lot of hole in my pedalboard. So, I got one. I like the pedal, but getting to know the pedal has taken some time. Here is what I learned:

It Does Most of What It Claims To Do.

Unlike many effect that promises the moon and deliver less than that, The M5 is pretty solid. It make the sounds that we've come to expect from Line6. The Delays are all useful and flexible. The filters are fun and creative. The reverbs sound good, and the mods are ones that I can see my self using. I wanted something that made weird sounds and I got that, plus a ton of other things.

It Doesn't Try To Do Everything

Yes it is a multi-effect processor, but it doesn't try to do everything. The best thing is that it doesn't try to emulate an amp or cab. This is good, because I am of the opinion that they just can't recreate good amp tone in a digital processor. It knows that It's a part of a larger thing and it plays its part. That's an important distinction for something like this to make.

It's Not Perfect

There are work-a-rounds, but the effect selecting process is a little contrived. You have to double-tap the switches, select the preset, and then double-tap again. Not a big deal but it does not lend its self to live play. Between songs is doable, but switching within a song is practically out of the question. The work-a-round being that it has midi capabilities.

In Conclusion

I like it. It has a home on my pedal board. It will have a home there until I can find something that does everything that it does and better. I would go as far as to say I'd trade in my pedals for the M9 or M13 boards, but this make a great addition to what I have.