Multi-effects pedals can be tricky to write reviews about, as there is so much going on, and so many different options to choose from that it makes it hard to narrow the writing down and focus on a few things to discuss in detail. Such is the case with today’s featured pedal, the M5 Stompbox Modeler from Line 6 – and if the regular functionality of this pedal wasn’t overwhelming enough, this model has been modded by JHV3, who specialize in making the M-Series pedals from Line 6 even better than they were to begin with. Let’s see how well we can explain this pedal (or you can just watch the video if you prefer).
Let’s just cut to the basics of the M5, and we’ll discuss the mods a little later on, ok? This big beast features over ONE HUNDRED (that’s right, 100) incredible effects, from gain-defying distortions, lush choruses, scintillating reverbs and more, with the ability to scroll through 24 Customized Presets on the fly as well. This multi-effect unit has got virtually every effect you could want covered, as well as a few that you might not have even known existed yet. Run it in Stereo for a sweet twin-amp setup and really harness the power of the reverb and delay sections, or add an Expression Pedal via the top-mounted jacks to open up endless sonic possibilities, controlling up to 5 parameters per effect! Featuring an on-board tuner and MIDI capabilities, it’ll be hard to find such an effect-filled box that sounds as good as this for the astonishingly low cost that comes along with the M5.
All that said, Jack over at JHV3 takes it all one step further, adding in a bunch of improvements and customizations that will really showcase the true power of the M5. We’ll just run down the list, then you can check out the video to see it all in action: first up, the Audio Upgrade. This mod reduces background noise, adds an increase in fidelity and clarity, making the effects more profound and detailed, while also boosting the clarity of your clean signal, too. An analog master volume control is added for fine level adjustment when the effects are active or in DSP bypass mode. Another huge improvement are the replacement switches – all factory PCB-mounted switches and plungers are replaced with new, self-contained smooth action components, and the stock red LEDs are swapped for blue ones.
A Remote Tap Jack is another upgradable option for you, where you can input the tempo remotely using a normally open type switch, or sync with other time-based effects that have an isolated remote tap jack via an MTPro. Perhaps the most useful of all the upgrades is the Dedicated Scene Select Footswitch, which lets you access the preset scroll function, avoiding the awkwardness of having to use the two-switch combination on the stock units, making effects selection an absolute breeze. All of these improvements really do unleash what the M5 is capable of, along with making navigation of a complex pedal that much easier, and hence more fun to experiment with.
Like so many of these intricate and intense multi-effects pedals, the Line 6 M5 has a bit of a learning curve, as well as needing to be cradled and coddled to figure out all the effects and what they can do for your sound. The fact that JHV3 has come up with such a vast array of modifications to help both harness and boost the potential of all the M-Series pedals just makes them that much more desirable, and once you sit down with this built to last tank of a pedal, you’ll understand exactly what we’re talking about. Thanks to Jack at JHV3 for doing some great mods and getting this thing in tip-top shape, and of course thanks to Line 6 for creating such a unique design in the first place. For a tiny glimpse into what this pedal can bring to the table, please check out the demo below – Cheers!
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