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.

[5] 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.

[10] In light of increased market competition from companies like Fractal Audio and Neural DSP, Line 6 launched its flagship modeling effects unit, the Helix, in 2015.

[1] 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.

[11] The POD, released in 1998, was Line 6's breakthrough product, a red, kidney bean-shaped desktop processor that emulated 15 classic amplifier models and offered onboard effects.

[12] It models 16 vintage delay effects, including the Echoplex, Space Echo, and the Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man, and featured a looping function.

[13] Premier Guitar credited the DL4 for expanding on the capabilities of a typical delay pedal and creating its own niche that influenced indie and experimental music.