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			{{Short description\|American audio equipment manufacturer}}
	]
			{{Infobox company
			\| name = Line 6
			\| logo = Line 6 logo.svg
			\| logo_size = 250px
			\| type = ]
			\| genre =
			\| foundation = {{Start date and age\|1996}}
			\| founder = Susan Wolf, Marcus Ryle and Michel Doidic
			\| location_city = ]
			\| location_country = United States
			\| area_served = ], ], ]
			\| key_people =
			\| industry = ], ]s
			\| products = ], ], ], ], ]
			\| services =
			\| market cap =
			\| revenue =
			\| operating_income =
			\| net_income =
			\| assets =
			\| equity =
			\| owner =
			\| num_employees =
			\| parent = ]
			\| divisions =
			\| subsid =
			\| homepage = {{url\|https://line6.com/}}
			\| footnotes =
			\| intl =
			}}
			'''Line 6''' is a ] and ] manufacturer, best known as a pioneer in ].<ref name="HandleyJ">{{cite web \|last=Handley \|first=Joel \|title=6 Years of the Line 6 Helix \|url=https://reverb.com/news/6-years-of-the-line-6-helix \|website=reverb.com \|publisher=Reverb \|date=11 June 2021\|access-date=17 May 2023}}</ref><ref name="Analog">{{cite web \|last= \|first= \|title=Line 6 Case Study \|url=https://www.analog.com/en/education/education-library/line6-dials-new-vintage-tones-guitarists-sharc.html \|website=analog.com \|publisher=Analog Devices \|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> The company's products include ], ], ], ], and ]. Line 6 has an active user community, and provides software that allows users to easily download and share ] or device settings for many of the company's products. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in ], the company has been a subsidiary of ] since 2014.

			==History==
	]
			===Origin===
			Marcus Ryle and Michel Doidic (two former ] designers) co-founded Fast-Forward Designs, where they helped develop several notable pro audio products such as the ] ], Quadraverbs and QuadraSynth, and ] SampleCell. As ] (DSP) became more powerful and affordable during the 1980s, they began developing DSP-based products which would emulate the tones of classic ], ], and effects. According to Ryle, the name "Line 6" came about because the phone system at Fast-Forward Designs only had 5 lines. Because the new guitar-related products were developed in secrecy, the receptionist used "Line 6" as a code word of sorts, and paging them for a call on Line 6 meant to stop any guitar or amp-related sounds so that they would not be overheard by other Fast-Forward clients or callers.<ref name="WhiteP">{{cite web\|last=White\|first=Paul\|title=Line 6: Inside the Tone Modelling Factory\|url=https://www.soundonsound.com/people/line-6-inside-tone-modelling-factory\|website=Sound On Sound\|publisher=SOS Publications Group\|date=March 2006\|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>

			===Launch and success===
	'''Line 6''', founded in ] and based in ], ], is a manufacturer of ] modelling ], ] and ].
			]]]
			Line 6 launched in 1996 with their first digital modeling amplifier, the AxSys 212, a combo amp using two 12" speakers.<ref name="WhiteP"/> This was followed in 1997 by the ] modeling combo amp<ref>{{Cite web\|last= \|first= \|url=https://uk.line6.com/timeline/\|title=Line 6 Timeline\|website=line6.com\|publisher=Line 6\|access-date=10 November 2019}}</ref> and in 1998 by the modeling software Amp Farm, which became popular among music producers and professional guitarists using ].<ref name="Moore">{{cite web \|last1=Moore \|first1=Adam \|title=10 Years of the POD \|url=https://www.premierguitar.com/gear/10-years-of-the-pod \|website=premierguitar.com \|publisher=Premier Guitar \|date=12 October 2008\|access-date=16 May 2023}}</ref>

			Fearing digital modeling was beyond the reach of ordinary guitarists, Line 6 sought to design an affordable, simple, standalone guitar amp and effects modeler with a unique look.<ref name="Moore"/> This led to the company's breakthrough product, the 1998 ], a famously red, kidney bean-shaped desktop processor that emulated 15 classic amplifier models with multiple speaker cabinet options and onboard effects. '']'' described the original POD as instigating "a long-overdue liberation" from cheap practice amps and expensive vintage amps. Line 6 subsequently expanded the POD into a family of products, with later additions increasing the line's amp choices and processing power.<ref name="Moore"/>
	The company underwent a rapid expansion in the early ] due to the success of their '']'' branded product, which imitates the sound of various classic and modern guitar amplifiers, effects pedals, amplifier cabinets and some microphones, with a good deal of accuracy. The '']'' product is a recent development,
	and extends the features of the original ''POD'' with more simulations and effects in a ] package.

			]
	Line 6 currently has several other product lines in production:
			The following year, Line 6 launched the Spider series of modeling amps with the Spider 112 and Spider 210,<ref name="PW">{{cite web\|last=White\|first=Paul\|title=Line 6 Spider\|url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/line-6-spider\|website=Sound On Sound\|publisher=SOS Publications Group\|date=November 1999\|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref><ref name="KobylenskyP">{{cite web\|last=Kobylensky\|first=Paul\|title=Line 6 Spider V 120 Review\|url=https://www.premierguitar.com/gear/line-6-spider-v-120-review\|website=PremierGuitar.com\|publisher=Premier Guitar\|date=20 March 2017\|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> as well as their "Stompbox Modeler" series of modeling effects pedals with the DL4 Delay Modeler and MM4 Modulation Modeler.<ref name="GillC">{{cite web\|last=Gill\|first=Chris\|title=How the Line 6 DL4 changed the game for digital modeling effect pedals\|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/line6-dl4-delay-modeler\|publisher=Future Publishing Limited\|date=10 May 2022\|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>

			] performing with a Line 6 Variax acoustic guitar.]]
	Their current flagship amplifier is the ''']''', which can model two amplifiers at once, plus multiple effects and effects chains, both pre and post ]. The unit is software upgradable, so as new amplifier and effects models become available they can be added to the device. The ''Vetta I'' can be upgraded to a ''Vetta II'' with a software upgrade and the addition of a hardware interface. This interface provides a digital signal path for the Line 6 '']'' brand of guitars. The interface takes the form of a standard ] connector, which provides not only the signal path, but power to the ''Variax'' as well.
			In 2002, Line 6 introduced the ] line of ], acoustic, and bass guitars.<ref>{{cite web\|last=White\|first=Paul\|title=Line 6 Variax\|url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/line-6-variax\|website=Sound On Sound\|publisher=SOS Publications Group\|date=June 2003\|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>

			In early 2008, Line 6 acquired X2 Digital Wireless, who had introduced digital wireless systems for guitar. Further developing this technology, Line 6 developed and introduced a family of digital wireless microphone systems in 2010.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Stroud\|first=Peter\|title=Gone Wireless\|url=https://www.premierguitar.com/gone-wireless\|website=Premier Guitar\|publisher=Premier Guitar\|date=14 August 2008\|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>
	Line 6 has an active user community, and provides software that allows users to easily download and share ] or device settings. This software covers all of Line 6's existing flagship products.

			In light of increased market competition from companies like ] and ], Line 6 began developing a next-generation flagship modeling effects unit, the Helix, which it introduced in 2015. Utilizing a newly-developed HX engine, Helix featured 72 amp models, 37 speaker cabinets, 16 microphone models, and 194 effects. The Helix has since expanded into a successful family of products, including the smaller HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL, and the Helix LT, with the diminutive Stomp consistently ranking as the top seller among all amp modelers and effects processors on ].<ref name="HandleyJ"/>
	Their products are used and endorsed by artists such as ] of ], ] of ], ] of ], and ] of ].

	==~~Line~~ 6 ~~Products~~==		===Change in ownership===
			In December 2013, it was confirmed that Line 6 was to be bought by ], to operate as a wholly owned ] with the internal management remaining the same. In 2017, Line 6 became part of Yamaha's first-ever guitar division, which became Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. the following year.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Yamaha Guitar Group: Our Story\|url=https://yamahaguitargroup.com/company/\|website=Yamaha Guitar Group\|publisher=Yamaha Guitar Group\|access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref>

			== References ==
	<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: ] -->
			{{Reflist\|colwidth=35em}}
	* '''AxSys''' - The original flagship ] from Line 6. Released in ] in the form of a 2x12 combo powered by 100 Watts. It featured many different types of amp models that appeared original, as well as common effects such as tremolo, chorus, distortion, reverb, and delay. The amp could be controlled using an external Line 6 floorboard (either FB or FB4) or MIDI controller. In addition, the amp also shipped with inputs to control expression pedal settings.

			==External links==
	* '''AX2''' - An updated version of the original '''AxSys''', was released in 1997. The new amp featured upgrades in tone and a larger amount of amp models. Owners of the original '''AxSys''' could upgrade to the new version.
			{{Commons category\|Line 6}}
			*
			*
			* at ] (2007)
			* at NAMM Oral History Collection (2011)

			{{Yamaha Corporation}}
	* '''Constrictor''' is a ] from the '''Tonecore''' series of effect pedals. This pedal models ]s used in the 60s 70s and 80s, using a switch on the pedal labeled ''Compressor Dynamics''. 2 knobs control features on the compressor. The ''Sustain'' knob controls how long is notes are extended, which also evens out quiter volumes and louder volumes. The level knob controls the maximum output level of the compressor. In addition, this stompbox also features a noise gate, controlled by the coresponding knob.
			{{Guitar brands}}
			{{Authority control}}

			{{DEFAULTSORT:Line 6 (Company)}}
	* '''Variax''' is a line of ] developed and marketed by Line 6. The first series of Variax guitars can accurately model around 25 different types of guitars, including ]s, ]s, ]s and a banjo, an ], and about ten acoustic models. Another model was later introduced specializing in modeling acoustic instruments ranging from guitars to instruments from non-Western cultures. A series of modeling bass guitars followed.
			]

			]
	* '''Variax Workbench''' is a software application that can interface a home computer with a Variax guitar to create new types of virtual guitar, allowing the user to change the body type, neck, the type, number of and position of pickups and even allows specifying alternate tunings.

	* '''Pod 2.0''' is an effects processor with 32 amp models and an array effects such as delay, chorus, reverb, flanger, etc.

	* '''Pod XT (Live) (Pro)''' is the updated version of the Pod 2.0, with an LCD screen, and deeper editing of parameters. It comes in both the "kidney bean"-shaped version, the "live" version and rack-mountable Pro version. The Live version includes a floorboard and expression pedal. Its DSP Models are expandable throught the activation of additional "Packs" when the latest firmware is installed.

	* '''Toneport UX1 and UX2''' are recording and modelling interfaces, giving the user access to tones available from the PODxt and Bass PODxt and more, for vocals guitar or bass, on a home computer. Comes with recording software, so the user can dial in their own sound, or use a preset tone with the software to create quality recordings that can be manipulated using the software.

	* '''Spider II''' is a line of guitar amplifiers improving on the original spider I model. The Spider II does not use valved (tube) or chipped (solid state) preamplifiers, instead using a hybrid not found in other designs. Having built-in effects, the smaller combos (15 & 30watt) are favored by learners, whereas the larger, more powerful units (including a high-powered stereo "head" and 4x12" cabinet) are used by musicians such as U2's ] and Muse's ].

	* Line 6 offers various digital effects modelling pedals. For example, the popular DL4 delay stompbox includes stereo delay effects, a loop sampler, and 3 footswitchable memory settings.

	==External links==
	*
	*
	*
	* by Jim Miller

	]
	]
	]		]
	]		]
			]

			]
	{{company-stub}}
			]

			]
	]
			]
	]
			]

Latest revision as of 07:20, 13 November 2024

American audio equipment manufacturer

Line 6

Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Amplification, Musical instruments
Founded	1996; 29 years ago (1996)
Founder	Susan Wolf, Marcus Ryle and Michel Doidic
Headquarters	Calabasas, California, United States
Area served	United States, Europe, Japan
Products	Guitar effects, guitar amplifiers, Software, Electric guitars, Wireless systems
Parent	Yamaha Corporation
Website	line6.com

Line 6 is a musical instrument and audio equipment manufacturer, best known as a pioneer in guitar amplifier and effect modeling. The company's products include guitar effects, modeling guitar amplifiers, software, electric guitars, and wireless systems. Line 6 has an active user community, and provides software that allows users to easily download and share patches or device settings for many of the company's products. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Calabasas, California, the company has been a subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation since 2014.

History

Origin

Marcus Ryle and Michel Doidic (two former Oberheim designers) co-founded Fast-Forward Designs, where they helped develop several notable pro audio products such as the Alesis ADAT, Quadraverbs and QuadraSynth, and Digidesign SampleCell. As digital signal processing (DSP) became more powerful and affordable during the 1980s, they began developing DSP-based products which would emulate the tones of classic guitar amplifiers, cabinets, and effects. According to Ryle, the name "Line 6" came about because the phone system at Fast-Forward Designs only had 5 lines. Because the new guitar-related products were developed in secrecy, the receptionist used "Line 6" as a code word of sorts, and paging them for a call on Line 6 meant to stop any guitar or amp-related sounds so that they would not be overheard by other Fast-Forward clients or callers.

Launch and success

Line 6 launched in 1996 with their first digital modeling amplifier, the AxSys 212, a combo amp using two 12" speakers. This was followed in 1997 by the Flextone modeling combo amp and in 1998 by the modeling software Amp Farm, which became popular among music producers and professional guitarists using Pro Tools.

Fearing digital modeling was beyond the reach of ordinary guitarists, Line 6 sought to design an affordable, simple, standalone guitar amp and effects modeler with a unique look. This led to the company's breakthrough product, the 1998 POD, a famously red, kidney bean-shaped desktop processor that emulated 15 classic amplifier models with multiple speaker cabinet options and onboard effects. Premier Guitar described the original POD as instigating "a long-overdue liberation" from cheap practice amps and expensive vintage amps. Line 6 subsequently expanded the POD into a family of products, with later additions increasing the line's amp choices and processing power.

The following year, Line 6 launched the Spider series of modeling amps with the Spider 112 and Spider 210, as well as their "Stompbox Modeler" series of modeling effects pedals with the DL4 Delay Modeler and MM4 Modulation Modeler.

In 2002, Line 6 introduced the Variax line of electric, acoustic, and bass guitars.

In early 2008, Line 6 acquired X2 Digital Wireless, who had introduced digital wireless systems for guitar. Further developing this technology, Line 6 developed and introduced a family of digital wireless microphone systems in 2010.

In light of increased market competition from companies like Fractal Audio and Neural DSP, Line 6 began developing a next-generation flagship modeling effects unit, the Helix, which it introduced in 2015. Utilizing a newly-developed HX engine, Helix featured 72 amp models, 37 speaker cabinets, 16 microphone models, and 194 effects. The Helix has since expanded into a successful family of products, including the smaller HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL, and the Helix LT, with the diminutive Stomp consistently ranking as the top seller among all amp modelers and effects processors on Reverb.com.

Change in ownership

In December 2013, it was confirmed that Line 6 was to be bought by Yamaha Corporation, to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary with the internal management remaining the same. In 2017, Line 6 became part of Yamaha's first-ever guitar division, which became Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. the following year.

References

^ Handley, Joel (11 June 2021). "6 Years of the Line 6 Helix". reverb.com. Reverb. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
"Line 6 Case Study". analog.com. Analog Devices. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
^ White, Paul (March 2006). "Line 6: Inside the Tone Modelling Factory". Sound On Sound. SOS Publications Group. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
"Line 6 Timeline". line6.com. Line 6. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
^ Moore, Adam (12 October 2008). "10 Years of the POD". premierguitar.com. Premier Guitar. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
White, Paul (November 1999). "Line 6 Spider". Sound On Sound. SOS Publications Group. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
Kobylensky, Paul (20 March 2017). "Line 6 Spider V 120 Review". PremierGuitar.com. Premier Guitar. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
Gill, Chris (10 May 2022). "How the Line 6 DL4 changed the game for digital modeling effect pedals". Future Publishing Limited. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
White, Paul (June 2003). "Line 6 Variax". Sound On Sound. SOS Publications Group. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
Stroud, Peter (14 August 2008). "Gone Wireless". Premier Guitar. Premier Guitar. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
"Yamaha Guitar Group: Our Story". Yamaha Guitar Group. Yamaha Guitar Group. Retrieved 1 December 2023.

External links

Official website
Audio interview with Line 6 founder Marcus Ryle
Marcus Ryle Interview at NAMM Oral History Collection (2007)
Michel Doidic Interview at NAMM Oral History Collection (2011)

Yamaha Corporation

Products

Divisions

Subsidiaries

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