Line 6 | Mod Pro Rack

Following on from the Echo Pro come two more modelling rack processors from Line 6, the Mod Pro and Filter Pro, again based on enhanced versions of their stomp box equivalents. Both feature the same clear user interface, MIDI compatibility (In and Out/Thru) and, in addition to 99 factory presets, each unit can store 99 user programs based on variations of their 16 effect algorithms.

The balanced stereo I/O is on both jacks and XLRs and there’s a rear-panel jack for an analogue expression pedal. Furthermore, virtually any parameter can be mapped to any MIDI controller and relevant modulation parameters may be sync’ed to MIDI Clock. Programs can be mapped to specific MIDI program changes for live performance.

In true Line 6 tradition, the effect algorithms are largely modelled on classic pedals and other vintage devices. The control interface includes input-level metering, status LEDs around the algorithm select knob and further status LEDs next to the now-familiar Tweak and Tweez knobs to tell you what they are controlling in the selected program. A two-digit read-out displays the current patch number, while a second four-digit display (in the oval window) shows context-dependent information including tempo details and parameter names/values. Three buttons below the display access Hertz, Note and Bpm for setting up tempo-related functions, while pressing Bpm and the Global button together accesses the pedal setup mode. The remaining buttons cover loading and saving programs, bypassing the effects, accessing MIDI/Setup details and entering tap tempo values.

Programming is quite straightforward insomuch as you select an algorithm, then adjust the settings using the two modulation controls plus the Tweak and Tweez Knobs until you hear something you like. Mix determines the wet/dry effect balance and tempo-related effects, which can be given different note values, can be set up using manually entered bpm, tap tempo or incoming MIDI Clock. The optional expression pedal can be used to morph between two different front-panel control settings within a patch, making it easy to control speed and depth at the same time, or to change a filter frequency to create a manual wah-wah effect, for example.

Mod Pro

The Modulation Modeller effects include algorithms modeled after the characteristics of the Fender Deluxe Opto Tremolo, the Vox ‘bias’ tremolo, numerous phasers and flangers (mimicking pedals by the likes of MXR, Mu-tron and Ibanez), the Uni-Vibe (made famous by Jimi Hendrix) and, of course, rotary speakers with user-tweakable drive, horn depth and drum depth. The Choruses include emulations of the Boss CE1 and the Roland Dimension D, then there’s vibrato, ring modulation and auto-panning. As always, Line 6 acknowledge the owners of any trademarks and emphasize that the use of these names does not imply any connection between the companies or any endorsement by those companies.

Tonally, the Modulation Modeller manages to be authentic sounding in most instances, especially the modulated delay pedal effects, and despite the simplicity of the controls there’s a great deal of flexibility. There’s also the option of controlling parameters via MIDI or of locking some modulation rates to MIDI Clock, but you can have so much fun treating the unit like a rackmount stomp box that I guess a lot of people will never take it further than that. The Leslie effect, while not entirely authentic, is better than you get in most effect units and the Roland Dimension D emulation (the original unit cost much more than this entire effects box) includes the panel switch options of the original and retains the same tonal subtlety.