Line 6 DL4 VS Strymon Timeline (comparison)
Our Pick: The Strymon Timeline
While we're big fans of both these pedals, the Strymon Timeline is significantly more flexible and better-sounding than the DL4. Unless it's simply an issue of wanting the cheaper option, we'd recommend springing for the Timeline to get more presets and better-sounding algorithms.
We've tested both the Strymon Timeline and the DL4 and they're both great pedals for the asking price. And while the DL4 is significantly cheaper than the Timeline, it's the Timeline that we think gives you the better value with a ton of presets and a better-sounding bank of algorithms that's more flexible.
Again, it's important to point out that we like both pedals, but the Timeline is just a more advanced and more finely tuned digital delay when compared to the DL4.
If you want a bargain, and you don't mind working with only three presets, go with the DL4.
But if you want the latest and greatest, the Timeline is worth the upgraded price.
Line 6 DL4 VS Strymon Timeline: Quick Comparison
This comparison table shows you the price of each pedal and basic features. Keep in mind, we support our site with the orange Sweetwater buttons, which cost you nothing extra. If you plan to do some gear shopping and you want to help us out, consider doing so through these links so we can keep making comparisons.
Pedal | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strymon Timeline | n/a | |
 | Line 6 DL4 | n/a |
Demo Comparison of both Delay Pedals
While the DL4 sounds good, the Timeline is just more flexible and versatile, offering you more ways to tweak and adjust the sound. We also thought the algorithms in the Timeline were cleaner and more pristine, though that's certainly a subjective assessment on our part. We'd encourage you to listen to both and make your own judgements.
Watch the Comparison with Bullet Points
Detailed Comparison Table
One of the single biggest differences between these pedals is the number of presets, with only three in the DL4 compared to 200 in the Timeline. This is because the DL4 is setup with three static footswitches, and a forth that controls tap tempo. The switches on the Timeline allow you to cycle through the bank of effects and store up to 200 of them.
And while there are actually fewer algorithms in the Timeline, the control scheme gives you more flexibility and more variety than what we're able to pull out of the DL4.
Header | Timeline | DL4 |
|---|---|---|
Pedal Type | Ambient (delay) | Ambient (delay) |
Presets | 200 | Three |
Algorithms | 12 | 15 |
Looper | Yes, stereo looper | Yes, 14 seconds |
Knobs | Value, Time, Repeats, Mix, Filter, Grit, Speed, and Depth | Algorithm Selection, Delay Time, Repeats, Tweak, Tweez, and Mix |
Inputs | 2 x 1/4" stereo | 2 x 1/4" stereo |
Outputs | 2 x 1/4" stereo | 2 x 1/4" stereo |
MIDI | Yes | No |
Power Draw | 9V DC 300mA | 12V DC power supply (sold separately) |
Height | Not listed | 2.4" |
Width | 6.75" | 10" |
Depth | 5.1" | 6" |
Weight | Not listed | 3.1 lbs. |
Which one do we recommend?
Both are solid values at their allotted price point. But barring budgetary restrictions, we'd recommend going with the Timeline as it's just a far more advanced compared to the DL4.
In its day, the DL4 was a great pedal and it still is.
But Strymon has taken what Line 6 used to do with the modeler pedal series and has significantly expanded on it, giving you a higher-value option, even at a higher price tag.
We'll take the Timeline, and leave the DL4 for those prioritizing a cheaper option.
If you have questions about our Timeline VS DL4 comparison, drop them in the comments section below. Disagreements with our choices are also fairly common, so we encourage you to leave those as well and we can chat about it.
See you there.
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