Line 6 MM4 DL4 Volume Fix (Documented)

[drgonzoguitar]

I have read on this board how to fix the volume drop on the Line 6 MM4/DL4 Modeler pedals. I finally decided to crack mine open and do it. I documented (with pictures) the procedure here:

http://royfinley.com/?page_id=1262

Hope this helps the quest for tone...

 

[Angle Loss]

I don't have a DL-4 anymore (gone to Eventide), but I wanted to congratulate you on the excellent tutorial on this project. I believe many people can benefit from it. I wish that I had been able to do the volume drop mod when I had it. The TL072 (in my opinion) would not need to be replaced--in fact, I like the sound of them better than the Burr Brown opamps. Those RF caps and gain resistors would be a must! Again, great photo essay (and funny too!).

 

[clothwiring]

When I had my DL-4 I just switched it so that it decayed the delay after turning it off and that seemed to "fix" the volume issue. Plus being in that mode always made more sense to me. I forget what it's called but we've talked about it here before.

 

[drgonzoguitar]

I might have to pick up a DL4. I love my BOSS DD-20, so I have not felt a need to get the DL4. I use my MM4 in my pedal board for 99% of the gigs I play, so something had to be done.

I always hated the volume drop you get when using a distortion in the MM4. If you turn the effect all the ways up, you would get massive flange/chorus/vibe stuff---but no volume drop. I like to use my MM4 in my effects loop. I also like flange and phase effects to be subtle. Now I can get subtle without a 6dB drop in volume.

Thanks for the comments.

 

[WarofGhosts]

Glad you documented it since it seems like every time I have posted these instructions nobody has seemed to pay attention.

 

[mild]

Is this the same as the "Keeley/Tripps Mods"?

 

[drgonzoguitar]

Glad you documented it since it seems like every time I have posted these instructions nobody has seemed to pay attention.

I had to dig through the archives to get them. Some people on a effect mod board were curious how to fix this. I had saved it somewhere and finally decided to do the mod. I will eventually change the LEDs to make the MM4 uber-hip.

 

[drgonzoguitar]

Is this the same as the "Keeley/Tripps Mods"?

I believe so. I am not 100% for sure. I do know that the volume drop problem is now gone.

 

[bduguay]

I did this mod for a guy. The results were as if someone removed the heavy wool blanket that draped over the amp. The owner was certainly happy.
B.

 

[WarofGhosts]

Its the Tripps designed mods.

 

[Mincer]

I had to dig through the archives to get them. Some people on a effect mod board were curious how to fix this. I had saved it somewhere and finally decided to do the mod. I will eventually change the LEDs to make the MM4 uber-hip.

Is there a part number for the LEDs? I have to replace a few switches in my DL4, so I might as well geek it out.

 

[drgonzoguitar]

Is there a part number for the LEDs? I have to replace a few switches in my DL4, so I might as well geek it out.

I get a lot of my pedal parts from:

http://www.smallbearelec.com

I like these 3mm LEDs for BOSS mods as well:

http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=338

 

[Mincer]

I get a lot of my pedal parts from:

http://www.smallbearelec.com

I like these 3mm LEDs for BOSS mods as well:

http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=338

Thanks! Are the one in the DL-4 3mm? I seem to remember them being bigger, but my pedal is packed away, so I can't compare it to a Boss.

 

[drgonzoguitar]

Thanks! Are the one in the DL-4 3mm? I seem to remember them being bigger, but my pedal is packed away, so I can't compare it to a Boss.

I know the MM4 LEDs are 3mm. I am not for sure about the DL4 (I do not own it).

 

[WarofGhosts]

I'm pretty sure all of the line 6 4 stompswitch modelers are 5mm leds.

 

[Mincer]

They are definately bigger than the Boss LEDs. When choosing LEDs, are there any specs to consider?

 

[drgonzoguitar]

I'm pretty sure all of the line 6 4 stompswitch modelers are 5mm leds.

No...they are 3mm. See the comparison photo with a 5mm in my hand. I think a 5mm would fit!

 

[drgonzoguitar]

They are definately bigger than the Boss LEDs. When choosing LEDs, are there any specs to consider?

Your forward voltage should be over 3.2V and reverse current less than 30mA, but most LEDs fit this description. It is how bright you want it.

Luminous Intensity(mcd) : 4000(Typical) ~ 5000(Max) [...or bright to "blind me"]

 

[WarofGhosts]

Yep you are right. Just looked at my DL-4 and damn if it ain't 3mm. I swear I thought they were 5mm....

 

[Mincer]

3mm they are!! Now, what color to pick?