TC Electronic Nova System vs Line 6 M13
Both discontinued but still excellent: TC Nova System has the superior reverb quality, M13 wins on sheer effects variety with 100+ models. Both run best in front of or in the loop of real amps.
TC Electronic Nova System
TC Electronic effects-only processor — high-quality modulation, delay and reverb without amp modelling. Designed for players using real amps who want top-tier TC effects in a floor unit.
Players with real amps who want premium TC effects in a floor unit
Line 6 M13
Effects-only stompbox modeller — 100+ effects across four simultaneous blocks with true bypass per scene. No amp modelling, designed for players who love effects variety.
Players who want a large effects library for use with real amps — the effects-only floor multi-FX approach
Tone Character
TC Electronic Nova System
- ✓ Exceptional TC reverb quality
- ✓ Stereo true bypass
- ✓ High-quality effects algorithms
- ✓ Designed for real amp use
- ✓ Reliable build
- ✗ Discontinued — used market only
- ✗ No amp modelling
- ✗ Limited compared to modern alternatives
Line 6 M13
- ✓ 100+ effect models
- ✓ Four simultaneous effects blocks
- ✓ Looper included
- ✓ Solid build
- ✓ Wide variety
- ✗ Discontinued — used market only
- ✗ No amp modelling
- ✗ Interface dated by modern standards
When To Choose Each
Players with quality tube amps who want the finest TC Electronic effects — particularly reverb and delay — in a floor unit
Players who want the widest possible effects selection in an effects-only floor processor for use with real amps
Final Verdict — TC Electronic Nova System vs Line 6 M13
Best for beginners
Line 6 M13
Line 6 M13 scores higher on versatility (82/100) and lower on gain (30/100) — a more forgiving starting point than TC Electronic Nova System.
Best for metal tones
Line 6 M13
Line 6 M13 leads on gain (30/100) and bass response (58/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
Line 6 M13
At £349 vs £399, Line 6 M13 delivers 13% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is meaningful.
Specification Summary
| TC Electronic Nova System | Line 6 M13 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £399 | £349 |
| Category | Multi-FX | Multi-FX |
| Gain | 20/100 | 30/100 |
| Warmth | 65/100 | 60/100 |
| Treble | 60/100 | 60/100 |
| Bass | 60/100 | 58/100 |
| Versatility | 70/100 | 82/100 |
| Best for | Players with real amps who want premium TC effects in a floor unit | Players who want a large effects library for use with real amps |
Not sure which to choose?
Use the Rig Builder — tell it your genre, budget and playing style and it will recommend the right gear for you.
Build My Rig →FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are discontinued but widely available used. Their effects quality holds up.
TC Nova System — TC's reverb algorithms are exceptional.
Neither — both are effects-only processors, designed to run in front of or in the loop of real amps.
TC Nova System at the right price — TC's quality is very high and the unit is reliable.