DIGITECH RP250 MODELING GUITAR PROCESSOR

[Jon Chappell]

The RP series is the latest in the line of multi-effects processors from DigiTech (http://digitech.com). At the core of the three new units – the RP150 (list/street: $159.95/$100), RP250 ($229.95/$150), and RP350 ($309.95/$200) – is the new sound-generating technology, dubbed AudioDNA2.

This is a newer version of the engine used in the GNX series of processors, and it's used in the less-expensive and more-portable RPx50 series. If you’re new to DigiTech technology, the company describes AudioDNA2 as a “proprietary audio ASIC that provides more accuracy in the tone and dynamic response of the RP models than its predecessor.”

The included drum machine has over 60 patterns, and the units are housed in a rugged, heavy-duty (and heavy - which is a good thing!) metal chassis. All run in either mono or stereo and include a back-panel switch for amp or mixer operation. An outlet-hogging wall-wart power supply drives the unit.

The advantages of the RPx50 line are the easy access to the tone and effects libraries. It’s a quick, three-step process (model, effect, level) to choose any sound. You can have up to 11 effects simultaneously, and you select initial sounds by genre – a nifty concept for dialing up a base sound from which to perform with or edit.

If you’re a recording or computer-using guitarist, you’ll appreciate the USB interface for editing, archiving, and downloading of new presets. The A/D converter is 24-bit, 44.1 kHz, and allows 2-in/2-out recording on multi-track recording software. You can play back a mix or mp3 files recorded directly from the unit.

The three versions of this RP series are all related in that they all have the same architecture, but the different models have more or less available models and effects to them, as well as some physical attributes (included expression pedal, back-panel jacks, display quality, etc.).

All three feature two programmable pedals that advance the presets or bypass the unit, and two (the RP250 and RP350) feature an expression pedal (for volume, wah, effect intensity, etc.) My review unit is the RP250, the subject of this Pro Review, which falls in the middle of the line, but in the next post, there's a chart listing the parameters of all three pedals.

[Jon Chappell]

Here's a chart listing the features of the three models in the new RP line of Modeling Guitar Processors from DigiTech:

http://jonchappell.com/ComparisonChart.gif

[Jon Chappell]

From here on out (unless otherwise noted), I’ll limit my comments to the RP250, though many observations will apply to the other two units as well.

I’ve asked David Rohrer, DigiTech’s Guitar Market Manager, to contribute to this Pro Review, so feel free to ask him questions directly, and Dave, jump in with your own comments!

Before we power up and step through some presets, check out a few photos. Attached is a shot of the RP250’s front panel. The charcoal and brushed silver materials used for the left side of the unit and the pedal, respectively, are all metal.

http://jonchappell.com/RP250front.jpg

[Jon Chappell]

Here’s a close-up of the front panel that allows you to read the parameter labeling.

This matrix-style scheme makes it very easy to edit; you just move up and down the effect rows with the triangular Edit switches on the bottom left. Then you turn the encoder knob in the parameter column to adjust the sound. (Once out of edit mode, the knobs revert to their function of Tone Library, Effects Library, Effects Level, and Master Level.)

http://jonchappell.com/RP250FrontClose.jpg

[Jon Chappell]

Here’s a shot of the back panel. The jack are (L-R): Input, Amp/Mixer switch, Left (mono) output, Right output, 1/8" Headphone output, Aux input, USB I/O, Power input. Note the Lexicon logo, from which DigiTech licensed some of the reverb sounds.

http://jonchappell.com/RP250rear.jpg

[Jon Chappell]

Cruisin’ Around the RP250’s Presets

When you plug in the RP250, it powers up in Performance mode, which lets you play and step through the presets. Before checking out the various programming features, I just wanted to get a feel for the existing sounds, so I plugged in, set my amp for a clean, neutral sound, and started playing and stomping away.

The presets really show off the versatility and power of the RP250’s preamp and amp modeling engine (more on the effects in a bit). A very impressive and realistic variety of different setups occur right within the first 20 or so presets, with the more dramatic, specialty, and atmospheric sounds occurring later.

Check These Sounds
Right off the bat, I was comparing Plexidrv (#1) with Rectified (#6) and Classic Stack (#7), as these were all names I have clear and long-standing impressions. The RP250’s modeling of these classic amps is quite realistic, and the way the sound “moves” when you play power chords, riffs, and lead lines is dynamic and musical. Different pickup settings produce different sounds – just as it would on a real amp, so experimentation is revealing and satisfying here.

I like playing the blues (and I just wrote a book on the subject), so I particularly enjoyed the blues-oriented presets Boogie Man (#4) with its just slightly broken-up sound (which you can control through your own articulation) and the decidedly crunchier Stevie Ray (#12), which gave me a great sound for the comping and lead licks to "Pride and Joy."

I can already tell this is one clever little box – the way the expression pedal is programmed for each preset (wah on some, volume on others, effect depth/speed on still others), but it’s the sounds that keep me from doing my duties and getting to the editing and programming. I’m having too much fun.

Or more accurately, the sounds are inspiring me to play. Also very useful and impressive is the acoustic modeling setting in Acoustic (#28). It’s got that piezo bite and crispness, the open sound of wood-resonating steel strings, and a realistic string decay that adds to the unplugged illusion.

Tip: The 60 preset sounds are not arranged in any particular musical scheme, so if you’re looking for a few particular sounds, print the attached image here and take it to the music store with you when you audition the RP250. It will help you access your priority sounds quickly.


http://jonchappell.com/RP250presets.jpg

[Jake West]

I'm interested in the new RP series, but I can't find any sound clips. Would you happen to have a link to any? Thanks!

[rsowden]

Here's a very rough demo I made stepping through the RP250's presets using a PRS McCarty. I recorded it via USB into Tracktion.

RP250 Presets Demo (http://www.rsowden.com/musicstuff/rp250res.mp3)

[Jake West]

Originally posted by rsowden
Here's a very rough demo I made stepping through the RP250's presets using a PRS McCarty. I recorded it via USB into Tracktion.

RP250 Presets Demo (http://www.rsowden.com/musicstuff/rp250res.mp3)

Mighty kind of you rsowden. I love it! Thanks brother.

[Jon Chappell]

rsowden wrote:Here's a very rough demo I made stepping through the RP250's presets using a PRS McCarty. I recorded it via USB into Tracktion.Another thanks for taking the time to contribute this "sonic smorgasbord," rsowden.

Fellow Forumites: What rsowden has done is to step through all 60 of the RP250 presets, playing a short passage appropriate to the style of each individual preset. (And there's some good playing, too!)

What I suggest is that you download the graphic I posted previously (rp250presets.jpg), print it out, and follow along. This way, by reading the preset name while listening along, rsowden's playing will be more meaningful and memorable. (Or you can download the owner's manual from the digitech website digitech.com (http://digitech.com).)

Highlights from rsowden's demo:

Preset# / Name / Comments
33 / "Blues Delay" / Nice solo here!
38 / "Chimey" / Tasteful arpeggios.
39 / "Brit 45" / You made this into a fave for me, which I had not fully appreciated when *I* played it.
42 / "Flangtastic" / You show off this preset well just with your long-tone chord playing.
43 / "Hendrix" / Some good effects programming along with the modeling.
44 / "Brit Combo" / Good use of the ambient effects and EQ to simulate a small-cab combo. Veddy British.
47 / "Taped Out" / Like your blues-rock vintage-style soloing here, rs (may I call you rs? :)).
59 / "Woman" / Good solo work.

Hey, rs, what did you think of the acoustic modeling? I find I'm digging that more and more (even though the distortion modeling pays the bills :D!).

[rsowden]

Thanks for the comments. Yes, you can call me rs - just don't call me bs. Anyway, I thought the acoustic model sounded pretty good also although some people don't like the piezo sound in general.

I'm also looking forward to the X-Edit software which allows some hidden parameters to be tweaked. For example, in the EQ section you can move the mid and treble frequency range similar to a parametric EQ. You can also adjust the "Butt" parameter in the Grunge Distortion if need be :D

[br26]

How long is the power supply cord and is it possible to change the order of the presets(group the cleans together, then the OD's,distortions,etc) other than copying the parameters of preset 82(Mr Clean) to preset 61? Also, how authentic is the "tube" sound? I quit playing about 10 years ago, sold everything 'cept my '71 Gibson LP goldtop and am now getting the itch to play again. Funds are dictating either effects or tone... an RP350>Crate Powerblock>12" enclosures, or one of the Crate all tube amps. Will my LP still sound like a Gibson or just another humbucker? All the patch/powersupply cords seem like a pain, but having all kinds of effects to play with doesn't. Sorry for all the scrutiny, but whatever I decide, I'm going to have to stick with. Help me spend $600!!! Many thanks!

[rsowden]

The cord is about 6 feet long. You can copy presets from one location to another to rearrange the order or reprogram the patch using the quick set tone and effects libraries. I imagine the X-Edit software would let you rearrage the sounds as well.

As far as the tube sound, I'd suggest trying one out and comparing it to other modelers. My personal opinion would be to get a tube amp or get a tube amp and an RP150 for $100. I also think the new RP's retain the guitar tone especially Strat vs. Humbucker. I have an older modeler and it just homgenized the tone so everything sounded the same and killed my Strat position 2 and 4 out of phase sound.

Bob

[Jon Chappell]

br26 wrote:.... and is it possible to change the order of the presets(group the cleans together, then the OD's,distortions,etc) other than copying the parameters of preset 82(Mr Clean) to preset 61? The short answer is no, you can't.

Rsowden doesn't address the second part of your question that begins with "other than copying..." but he's right: it's a fairly quick operation to copy all 60 factory presets into the 60 user locations but in another organizational scheme (style, performance order, etc.).

But you knew that. ;)

[Jon Chappell]

rsowden wrote:As far as the tube sound, I'd suggest trying one out and comparing it to other modelers. My personal opinion would be to get a tube amp or get a tube amp and an RP150 for $100.This is what I'd recommend, too, for those who can relate to br26's dilemma. You can't really take an economical multi-effects processor like the RP250 -- or any modeler -- and ask, "Is it as good as a tube amp?" That's just simply too loaded and too personal a question.

If it's a tube amp you want, buy a tube amp (like Bob says). But the RP250 does very convincing emulations of different "amp & effect productions," some of them employing sonic building blocks reminiscent of tube technology, some that emulate solid-state distortion, and some that focus on pickup response (I agree again with Bob that the humbucker vs. single-coil sounds are cannily rendered). Those models are then combined with EQ, effects, and appropriate expression parameters.

If you consider the entry-level RP150, just know you're giving up the built-in pedal (though you can plug a pedal into the RP150's control input) and some memory, etc.

I like the attached pedal; it keeps my stage setup neater, and I really like the feel. When the pedal's in volume mode (which is for most of the presets), you can just pull back on the pedal to cut sound to the amp. That way, you can leave the amp on and still unplug your guitar. No tocuhing either the amp or the guitar's controls.

A better way to employ "standy mode," though, is to invoke the tuner when you leave the stage. Doing this also cuts off the sound, but when you take the stage after the break, you're in tuning mode (with no sound coming through), reminding you to tune and then exit tuning mode before making sound. Very important for good stage manners!

But back to the RP250. Here's what I like:
&#8226The variety of sounds that are quite good -- more subtle and dynamic than previous modeling technology (including DigiTech's first generation of AudioDNA)
&#8226The small footprint, the rugged, weighty chassis (no skidding around on a polished wood floor)
&#8226The built-in expression pedal, the acoustic simulation, which sits side-by-side with the Rectified (#6), Brit Combo (#44), and Classic Stack (#7) sounds
&#8226The easy-to-grok, matrix-style interface that lets me see which effects are active and allows me quick access to their parameters for editingYou can also plug it into a computer for direct recording.

What's not to like? There's no on/off switch, the power supply is a generic wall-wart (break out the Sharpie and masking tape), and the drum machine is a little limited (stopping the drum machine cuts the sound off to dead, sonic silence -- not realistic if you're trying to end on a crash cymbal with ring-out). But then again, at least it has a drum machine.

Keep in mind that aside from the modeling component, you can always use the RP250 just for its stereo digital effects. And the advantages of a digitally controlled expression pedal include the famed DigiTech Whammy (continuous pitch shift) and YaYa (talkbox) effects, and the programmable heel/toe parameters and wah min/max settings.

Stay tuned for talks about editing and recording with the RP250.

[Anderton]

Hey Jon, how it with external MIDI control, like from a sequencer? I'm going to be checking that out soon and will post here with what I find, but I wonder if there's anything you've found of which I should be aware.

[Jon Chappell]

For this series of RP processors, DigiTech has chosen not to include MIDI control. For you guitarists looking for realtime MIDI control, and other MIDI features, check out DigiTech's GNX Guitar Workstations.

Also, I'm investigating when the new RP editor/librarian, X-Edit 2.0, will be available for the RP150, RP250, and RP350.

[Jon Chappell]

I just got off the phone with DigiTech's David Rohrer, who told me that X-Edit 2.0, the editor/librarian for the RP250, is now online at Digitech.com/software_downloads (http://digitech.com/software_downloads).

There is a firmware update for the RP250 and RP150 and a driver for the RP250. The software is for Windows only, but the Mac versions will follow in about a week.

Also, David reports, the RP350 will be hitting the stores sometime in November. We'll keep you apprised.

[rsowden]

I just installed X-Edit 2.0 and it looks pretty nice. Here's a screenshot:


http://www.rsowden.com/musicstuff/xedit2.jpg



Bob

[Jon Chappell]

Thanks for posting that, Bob. Here's my own screen shot, showing the drop-down menus for the amp models. This lets you see all your choices at once, rather than having to scroll through them, as you would on the unit's front panel.

For forumites not used to working with an editor/librarian, the physical unit and the onscreen panel work together -- tweaking a knob on the unit shows up on the screen, and vice versa. This makes it very easy to tweak parameters at will, from the computer or the unit, whichever's closer and/or handier for the way you like to work.

Of course, you can store your results on the computer, and load the unit with previously stored sounds.

Using the computer makes it much more convenient to organize vast quantities of sounds (and eyeball them at a glance), even if you prefer to edit from the unit's front panel.

http://jonchappell.com/X-Edit 2.0.jpg

[Jon Chappell]

rsowden wrote:I'm also looking forward to the X-Edit software which allows some hidden parameters to be tweaked. For example, in the EQ section you can move the mid and treble frequency range similar to a parametric EQ. You can also adjust the "Butt" parameter in the Grunge Distortion if need be.

X-Edit 2.0 reveals even more adjustable parameters than are available from the front panel.

Below are two screen shots:

Top: A drop-down menu listing the overall effect, which sets the specific parameters below it accordingly.

Bottom: Red circles showing the individual parameters not available through the RP250's front panel.

So you must use X-Edit 2.0 to appreciate the full extent of the RP250's tone-shaping powers. Remember, X-Edit is free and downloadable.


http://jonchappell.com/RP250EQParameters.jpg

[Jon Chappell]

Oh, and Bob wasn't kidding about adjusting the "Butt" parameter in the Grunge distortion model. Only Grunge, Face, and Loud are accessible via the RP250's front panel. To crank up the backside portion of your sound, you need to make a bootie-call through X-Edit.


http://jonchappell.com/RP250GrungeParameters.jpg

[Anderton]

Jon -- great news abot X-Edit. I use the editing software all the time with my trusty GNX-4, it makes it so much easier to arrange custom patch sets and such.

I wonder how many guitarists actually get "down and dirty" with editing software...thoughts?

[Jon Chappell]

Anderton wrote:I wonder how many guitarists actually get "down and dirty" with editing software...thoughts?
I've been wondering that myself. My own experience, before coming to the Harmony Central Forums, is that guitarists into stompboxes and floor-based multi-effects processors don't really work with or know all that much about editor/librarians. (But HC forumites have a higher gear-literacy rate compared to most other fourm frequenters, which has got me thinking.)

Under many circumstances, it's okay not to use an editor to create sounds, as knob-tweaking guitarists can get around a front panel pretty dang quickly, and nothing is lost except some efficiency. Why convert a knob-twiddler to a computer user, all things being equal? It reminds me of the pointless battles I have with my wife about using keystrokes instead of the mouse. (She uses a mouse for everything -- to Save, Print, even for the highlighted OK in a dialog box. Don't get me started. :)) I don't bother to fight it anymore, because if it gets the job done, why argue? Different strokes, and all that.

But that's not the case with the RP250 and X-Edit 2.0.

If you don't use X-Edit, you're missing out on editable parameters, hidden features, and the true sound-shaping powers that the unit holds in its brain. That's just plain stoopid. I think DigiTech should supply an RP250 workstation outfitted with a PC and X-Edit 2.0 to every Guitar Center in the country!

So what about it, fellow fretmeisters? Do you use an editor/librarian for your effects? Do real guitarists have to resort to computers to get their sound? Do you think it's right for DigiTech and others to make some features of their effects accessible only through a computer? Do you think computers steal your soul?

Let me hear about it.

[patchcon]

Speaking of computers.....can you re-amp via USB on this unit? :wave:

In addition, if the editor is able to act as a DAW plug-in, then it becomes a nice package. :idea:

[Jon Chappell]

patchcon wrote:Speaking of computers.....can you re-amp via USB on this unit?

In addition, if the editor is able to act as a DAW plug-in, then it becomes a nice package. Any time you re-amp, you assume you're using some sort of front-end to get your signal into the recorder -- typically a guitar and a direct box. So, if you set up a clean, neutral sound on the RP250, then, sure, you can use this neutral setting as your front end, and the USB functionality is a neat and clean way to get into your computer. Guitar [audio]--> RP250 [USB]--> Computer. Two cords (three, if you count the power cord to the RP250). Monitor the output of your DAW in the usual way, through your existing monitors. (Or route it back through the RP250 and listen through headphones.)

What you can't do is use the Bypass and USB together. In other words, you can record your signal using a clean treatment, with flat or minimal EQ (and no distortion or ambient effects), but once you kick the unit into "Bypass," the USB recording stops.

So the best thing is to use the RP250's sound-shaping tools not for a processed effect, but to set up your guitar to be as close as possible to your "guitar into a D.I.," "reamp template" sound.

X-Edit works only as a stand-alone app., not as a plug-in.

[Anderton]

Hey Jon -- I need to check out the RP features, but the GNX4 has an option to send dry guitar to one channel and processed to another. You can then select REAMP VIA USB as an input, and send the dry signal from the GNX4 into an open channel on your multitrack.

It wouldn't suprise me if this feature was unique to the Workstation product line, as the GNX4 is pretty advanced. But some variation of that may have "trickled down" into the RP. I'll check it out when I get a chance..........

[Jon Chappell]

Anderton wrote:
You can then select REAMP VIA USB as an input, and send the dry signal from the GNX4 into an open channel on your multitrack.Wow, that is a really cool feature, and knowing this may have prompted patchcon's question.

But no such feature exists in the RP250, at least in the present firmware version. I should remind everyone that although the RP250 is the beneficiary of the AudioDNA2 technology, shared by higher-end DigiTech processors, we are talking about a $150 box, so some of these more esoteric and high-end recording features may have been scrapped to keep the price down.

But keep in mind that in addition to interfacing with a computer via USB for DAW recording, the the RP250 makes excellent use of the X-Edit 2.0 editor/librarian. That should make most computer-using guitarists (myself included) happy.

Also, remember that sound goes both ways as far as the USB connection in the RP250. You can work on a multitrack project using just your laptop (loaded with virtual instruments and effect plug-ins), guitar, and RP250. Just route the multitrack audio back through the RP250 and monitor off of headphones. You can jam along live this way, too.

This is especially handy if you're traveling and want to minimize the gear you must tote to record.

[patchcon]

Hi guys

I believe the term is "hardware plug-in"

Take a look at the Lexicon MX400.....

Thanks

[µnominal]

It reminds me of the pointless battles I have with my wife about using keystrokes instead of the mouse. (She uses a mouse for everything -- to Save, Print, even for the highlighted OK in a dialog box. Don't get me started. ) I don't bother to fight it anymore, because if it gets the job done, why argue? Different strokes, and all that.

Off topic but....

Your wife is most likely right. The mouse is almost always faster than using keyboard shortcuts or even a trackball. Using your mouse may not 'feel' faster, but it usually is faster. I've read through most of the Ask Tog (http://www.asktog.com/) website, which is run by a former Apple UI design guy. He's done a lot of research in this area and talks quite a bit about it if you take to time to read through most of his site.

On topic...

So the GNX1-4 units also have the AudioDNA2 chips? So these new units are just lower priced versions? Or have they improved on the GNX's? How well doyou think they compare to the Pod Xt?

[Jon Chappell]

patchcon wrote:I believe the term is "hardware plug-in" It is indeed a great concept, patchcon! Wish I'd thought of it (and copyrighted it, and licensed it, and collected royalties on it :)).

USB control over hardware devices is definitely a trend I want to see continue. But the Lexicon MX400 is $500 (and the MX200, which also offers this feature, is $200); the RP250 costs a buck and a half.

And remember, in the spirit of comparing apples to apples, the MX is a rack unit, and doesn't provide an expression pedal, whereas the RP250 is a performance-based guitar processor with some computer goodies tossed in for good measure.

[Jon Chappell]

DigiTech has posted their demo of the RP250 in a neat presentation:

http://www.digitech.com/RP250Demo

You can select either the Pedal View or the X-Edit View to step through all 60 presets, but I suggest the X-Edit View.

This allows you to see the parameters, and is much more revealing as to how a sound is built. Remember, there are adjustable parameters in X-Edit that you can't accesss from the processor's front panel, and this shows the parameters and their settings.

There's some nice guitar work going on here! Some of my faves:

01 PLXDRV
03 SOLDLY
06 RECTFD
07 STACK
09 PRIDE
14 BASMAN
20 CHKPKN
23 GREASR
28 ACOUST
31 SWELL
40 KILLER
41 OCTDVD
57 LEDZEP
60 SATCH

[Jon Chappell]

µnominal wrote:So the GNX1-4 units also have the AudioDNA2 chips? So these new units are just lower priced versions? Or have they improved on the GNX's?The GNX series uses the AudioDNA chips and the RPx50 series uses the improved AudioDNA2 chips.

[BrewBuck72]

Hello everyone,

I'm currently looking for a mfx unit and the RP250 (or possibly RP350) and the zoom G7 are on my short list. This review thread has been a great source of information.

I've gone to the Digitech web site and checked out the preset demo and, like most preset patches, the it seems that the gains are cranked and the sounds are dripping wet with effects.

My question is to those of you who have worked with the RP250 for a while. Just how good (or bad) does this thing sound when you dial in your own patches? Can you get a nice, warm, smooth overdrive sound from the 250?

Thanks in advance,

BrewBuck72

[Jon Chappell]

I tend to agree with BrewBuck72 that most presets are tweazed out to show their stuff in a crowded, noisy music store showroom with a bunch of attention-deficit-afflicted tire-kickers pawing their product.

But I think in this case, the RP250 has two things going for it:

1. The new AudioDNA2 chip, which is faster, more efficient, and just better than previous technology.

2. The additional tone-shaping power that editing through X-Edit 2.0 gives you.

What BrewBuck72 is asking for is still a personal, subjective call. So check out the Zoom and the RP250, but since this is a forum on the RP250, make sure you consider the two points above when you audition the units. I don't know that you'll have the benefit of trying out the RP250 with the editor (you'd need a laptop hooked up to it), but if you're going to be living with this thing, X-Edit 2.0 is indispensable and might just tip the scales for you.

But to answer the question, Does the RP250 give you nice, smooth, warm overdrive? I say yes. And subtle and nuanced and dynamically responsive, too.

[keelin]

i have a gnx4 - will my patches work on a rp250? is there an adaptor? is there a warp function on the x edit for the 250? i have protracks (came with gnx4) for recording - can that be used for recording with the rp250?

[BrewBuck72]

Jon,

Thanks for the response. I agree, the concept of a good tone is very subjective. Maybe I should have phrased my question differently. I know that when I go try one of these things out, I probably won't have the time to dial in the tone I want so I was looking for feedback from users who have had a chance to really do some tweaking.

With respect to the "artist" patches in the preset demo, I was dissapointed with the Hendrix (too much fuzz), Clapton (sounds like he was playing in the next room), and Zeppelin (just plain weak) sounds. Has anyone been able to dial in artist tones they consider to be better than the presets?

[drmathprog]

Are these units true-bypass, or is your signal always A/D'ed and D/A'ed?

[Jon Chappell]

Are these units true-bypass, or is your signal always A/D'ed and D/A'ed?
Yes, the RP250 employs a true bypass. Page 2 of the manual states, "The presets can be bypassed via a true analog bypass circuit for a clean, unprocessed guitar signal."

(See a related discussion begun by Anderton on 10/30/06, subject "Reamp via USB.")

Forumites: The pdf of the RP250 manual is online at DigiTech's website, so if you have specific questions, download the manual and use the word-search function (the binoculars icon) in Adobe Acrobat to find the desired subject.

http://www.digitech.com/products/RP_newpgs/rp250.htm

[drmathprog]

With the search feature disabled it's a bit difficult to find the referenced discussion. Can you provide a link to Anderton's "Reamp via USB."

[Jon Chappell]

drmathprog wrote: With the search feature disabled it's a bit difficult to find the referenced discussion. Can you provide a link to Anderton's "Reamp via USB."It's in this thread, 7 posts down: http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1407901&perpage=20&highlight=&pagenumber=2

[Jon Chappell]

keelin wrote:
1. i have a gnx4 - will my patches work on a rp250? 2. is there an adaptor? 3. is there a warp function on the x edit for the 250? 4. i have protracks (came with gnx4) for recording - can that be used for recording with the rp250?
1. No, the RP250 uses an entirely different DSP architecture (as well as newly designed amp and effects models) that prevents converting presets directly between the two devices.

2. Yes, a power adapter is included with the RP250.

3. No, the warp feature is only available in the GNX products.

4. Yes, you can download and install the ASIO driver and use the RP250 with Pro Tracks as well as any other ASIO-compatible recording software.

[JEFF2EARTH]

Originally posted by BrewBuck72
Jon,

Thanks for the response. I agree, the concept of a good tone is very subjective. Maybe I should have phrased my question differently. I know that when I go try one of these things out, I probably won't have the time to dial in the tone I want so I was looking for feedback from users who have had a chance to really do some tweaking.

With respect to the "artist" patches in the preset demo, I was dissapointed with the Hendrix (too much fuzz), Clapton (sounds like he was playing in the next room), and Zeppelin (just plain weak) sounds. Has anyone been able to dial in artist tones they consider to be better than the presets?


Just to echo your observation and Jon's sentiment here, I agree that much of the patches are overdone. I have a MIM Fat Strat I installed Lone Star Strat Pickups (PGPlus in bridge). They are pretty hot. I find the EQ too high or tinny on many patches. I used Xedit 2.0 (free download - Digitech), and developed my own sound that I feel shows off my original tone better with a just a little bite. I don't see a good rhythm/country preset among them all. Adjusting this myself convinced me that for a DIGITAL effects system, I don't think you can get better!!!
I must admit, though, Jon's PRS McCarty sounds GREAT under the #4 Blues setting.. better than the one used on Digitech's site. THAT is the sound I'm looking for... Gonna go tweak that one tonight for my guitar..


I had considered the Zoom G7.1 'ut' version because of the tube preamp.. The demo available is too muddled to hear the guitar alone, but everyone I've seen posts it sounds great.. Too expensive for me though. At half the price, (and a better size IMO), I think you get much more for your money from the RP250.
The TRUE bypass is fantastic as well, since you can compare before & after, and balance the overall volume better. I bought the Line6 Floor Pod, but returned it a few days later. It's $50.00 more, too simple (not much for the money), and doesn't sound as good as the RP250.

Thank you so much Jon, for the time you spent and careful descriptions of the functions and sounds that you get out of the RP250. You've painted an accurate picture with your words (and of course sounds) of what this beauty can do. After the RP200, I didn't think I would buy another Digitech product. My mind has beend changed and I'm a happy customer.

Later -Jeff

Here's a patch I created for a Strat #2 position...

http://www.digitech.com/soundcomm/guitar_view_patch.asp?productid=226&patch_id=10547

[mikesr1963]

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k9/MikeSr63/NewPedalBoard.jpg

Here's my current board setup with my RP 200. I'm never going to connect it to my PC to record etc. I love the way I use it now and it sounds great through both my Crate XT120R and my Valve Junior Head with Crate 412 cab. I have had my RP 200 going on 6 years now and am thrilled with it. My question is with the new upgrades of the RP250, if I were to upgrade would I notice a great deal of difference in the sound quality.

[Jon Chappell]

First, to JEFF2EARTH:

Nice job on the patch! I downloaded it, and really like what you've done with the compression, EQ, and judicious application of ambient effects. Good documentation, too!

If you record a segment using this, please post it here. I play country rock, too, and your patch immediately made sense when I put my Strat in the #2 position.

A word of explanation: JEFF2EARTH has contributed a preset to DigiTech's online community, which is a forum where guitarists can swap presets and discuss their findings. JEFF2EARTH provides a direct link to his preset, but you can get there this way, too:

Digitech.com/soundcomm

Guitar Products --> RP Products --> RP250.

* * *

To mikesr1963:

Nice pedalboard! Thanks for posting the photo (a bit out of focus to these eyes, but I can make out most of it).

In answer to your question: Even if you never hook up your RP250 to a computer, you might consider upgrading. First of all, the footprint and layout match your existing RP200, so no board or brain modifications are required.

Also, consider we ARE talking about electronic technology, and a company as smart and progressive and hardworking as DigiTech will certainly have availed themselves of faster and more powerful processors in the six years since you've been using the RP200. But this is how it is with any technology -- computers, cars, cellphones, etc.

My advice: Write down the parameters of a couple of your favorite presets on the RP200. Go to your local music store and try to tweak the RP250 to match your existing sound. You'll have to make some decisions, as the sound architecture is not identical, but you should be able to get close. Decide if the new sounds you're hearing are enough of an improvement to consider upgrading. As I said, the fact that the RP200 and RP250 are similar in form factor and navigation may be an advantage in your case.

[JEFF2EARTH]

Thanks for the reply. I backed off the verb a bit and reposted on Digitech's site.. Here is a before & after (using the RP250's bypass for the 'before') of a short strum & then riff.. I've been strumming my Gibson EC10 Acoustic Electric so long just playing rhythm & chords, I'm starting to see how sloppy I've become here.. This pedal inspires me to keep playing my Fender Strat!!
I've found that putting this FatStrat 'voice' next to the RP250's factory SOLDLY (solo-delay) in succession works great when toggling from rhythm to solo riffs all within the same song. The nice gritty feel from the solo preset is nicely compatible with the EQ settings of my FatStrat - inasmuch as keeping the shrillness of the highs down anyway..

Here's my little sample..

Oooops, Size limitations here not working. Just posting the 'riff'..

Not sure why, but this saves as a *.php file. You must rename it 'riff.mp3' file to get it to work. . -Jeff

[Jon Chappell]

You must rename it 'riff.mp3' file to get it to work. Actually, you just have to rename the extension (the 3 letters after the dot) to "mp3." Then the mp3 icon is restored, and you can open it with the mp3 player of your choice (iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc.).

I like your riff, Jeff -- crunchy-clean, with just a touch of "hair." What's interesting is that I recorded a riff with the same settings (mine is wetter than yours, because I left your original ambient settings intact), and came up with the slightly more gnarly sounding riff here:

Jeff's Fat Strat Preset.mp3 (http://jonchappell.com/FatStrat.mp3)

Since we're both recording direct, it must be the difference in our pickups. Weird how the same setting in the multi-effects processor can sound so different, depending on the guitar -- even we're both using an HSS-configured Strat in the #2 position.

Different strokes for different folks! This preset would sound good with some single-note riffs, too, or a mix of chordal playing and single-note passages.

[JEFF2EARTH]

Yes, even though Seymour Duncan's website says the PSPlus pickup is not available for 'retail', I ordered a new one off Ebay.. They describe the difference with the original here from their website..


Q.What's the difference between your Pearly Gates pickup and the Pearly Gates Plus on a Lone Star Strat®?
The Pearly Gates is rather different than the "Pearly Gates Plus" that is on the Lone Star StratTM. The Pearly Gates Plus is only available on that guitar and not made for retail sales. The main difference in these pickups is that a Pearly Gates has Alnico II magnets, while the Pearly Gates Plus has Alnico V magnets. Alnico V magnets tend to give a brighter, glassier tone, while Alnico II magnets tend to have a warmer, rounder, more mid-rangier tone. The closest pickup available in our regular line to a Pearly Gates Plus is a '59 Model with 4-conductor cable. The '59 is an Alnico V pickup with a wind very close to that of the Pearly Gates Plus. The '59 usually comes in single conductor cable, but it can be ordered with the 4-Conductor wiring option.

What are the specs on the Pearly Gates Plus?
We do not list the specifications of the Pearly Gates Plus in our Tone Chart because this pickup is not sold retail and can only be found in the Lone Star Strat®. For comparison purposes, here are the specs:
Hum canceling: Yes
DC Resistance: 8.65k
Magnets: Alnico 5 bar
Resonant Peak: 6.62khz
4-conductor wiring

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I guess the name sold me. There is no recorded comparison on Seymour's site to compare as all the other pickups have because they don't sell it retail.. The fact is you can't have everything in one guitar. .. but if I have only one choice (as I do presently), the HSS is the most versatile and I love the setup.. It is amazing how really different and unique each guitars pickups can bring to the table of sound! Thanks for your mp3. Great sound!

"This preset would sound good with some single-note riffs, too, or a mix of chordal playing and single-note passages"

Good observation. That's really what I was looking for because I play in a small band at church with just one other guitarist, and don't really have a good enough rhythm foundation to be 'solo-only'. Now, hopefully, I won't lose any tone running it through the P.A. system. Yet ANOTHER variable in tone nuances.. I'll find out tomorrow.

P.S. Hey Jon, I just listened again to your 'boogie' cut and wanted to clarify how you used the AMP/MIXER switch on your recording. Mine was set to mixer. (I'm secretly hoping your's was set to amp, so I won't be as jealous about the sound difference ;).

[wader2k]

Originally posted by Jon Chappell
I've been wondering that myself. My own experience, before coming to the Harmony Central Forums, is that guitarists into stompboxes and floor-based multi-effects processors don't really work with or know all that much about editor/librarians. (But HC forumites have a higher gear-literacy rate compared to most other fourm frequenters, which has got me thinking.)

Under many circumstances, it's okay not to use an editor to create sounds, as knob-tweaking guitarists can get around a front panel pretty dang quickly, and nothing is lost except some efficiency. Why convert a knob-twiddler to a computer user, all things being equal? It reminds me of the pointless battles I have with my wife about using keystrokes instead of the mouse. (She uses a mouse for everything -- to Save, Print, even for the highlighted OK in a dialog box. Don't get me started. :)) I don't bother to fight it anymore, because if it gets the job done, why argue? Different strokes, and all that.

But that's not the case with the RP250 and X-Edit 2.0.

If you don't use X-Edit, you're missing out on editable parameters, hidden features, and the true sound-shaping powers that the unit holds in its brain. That's just plain stoopid. I think DigiTech should supply an RP250 workstation outfitted with a PC and X-Edit 2.0 to every Guitar Center in the country!

So what about it, fellow fretmeisters? Do you use an editor/librarian for your effects? Do real guitarists have to resort to computers to get their sound? Do you think it's right for DigiTech and others to make some features of their effects accessible only through a computer? Do you think computers steal your soul?

Let me hear about it.


I won't consider a multifx unit if it doesn't have a decent editor/librarian......which brings up the question........both my zoom g7 and my old Johnson j station's editors interfaced thru a midi cable. Th Zoom uses a usb port for recording.....X-Edit must interface thru the USB connection, can you also record while using the editor?

[Jon Chappell]

JEFF2EARTH originally posted:
P.S. Hey Jon, I just listened again to your 'boogie' cut and wanted to clarify how you used the AMP/MIXER switch on your recording. Mine was set to mixer. (I'm secretly hoping your's was set to amp, so I won't be as jealous about the sound difference.

I did check the back of the unit, and the Mixer setting is selected -- scout's honor! :)

But don't be jealous; I just bought the pickups. You wrote the preset. :D

[Jon Chappell]

wander2koriginally posted:
Th Zoom uses a usb port for recording.....X-Edit must interface thru the USB connection, can you also record while using the editor?

Yes, you can record while using X-Edit, but X-Edit is a stand-alone application, not a VST plug-in. I just keep both my multi-track recorder (lately Cubase 4) and X-Edit open at the same time and switch back and forth.

USB is a great improvement over MIDI for those wanting to use an editor in an audio-only environment.

USB uses one cable (it's bi-directional, unlike MIDI, which requires two cables for in and out signals), the cables are cheap and readily available (they sell them at my local pharmacy), and every computer comes with USB ports. (With MIDI, you have to connect a peripheral.)

Heck, if you're really cheap, you don't even need a dedicated USB cable; you can cannibalize one from your printer while you record.

[telemike]

I am hoping for the RP350 around Christmas. The clean tones sold me. Hope it work well with my amp which is Roland bluescube30 2x10 combo where the "clean" channel is not pristine clean like a JC120, more like a blonde fender or marshall jtm45 clean, always some warmth and grit.

[Jake West]

Hi Jon. Is the RP250 compatible with MAC intel? Thanks.

[santos]

Hey, thanks for all the info, everyone. I own several Digitech stompboxes, and in general I think they're great (the Bad Monkey especially).

I like the aesthetic redesign on this series, I think they now look more "pro" and less like toys. But, in listening to the clips posted in this thread, I think the thing sounds GREAT. As already mentioned, yes, many of the presets seem overdone, but the base tone is there. I was really impressed by the warmth on the cleaner settings.

How is the sweep on the pedal and how does the wah sound? Is it comfortable enough to use to ditch, say, my Crybaby?

These are some intriguing units, for sure. I'll have to make a point of checking them out. So many players go into instant snob mode when they hear the term "modeller', however I really feel we're getting to the point where the capabilities of these boxes are so good that few can legitimately tell the difference. That fat strat clip posted above sounds killer, what's not to like?

[Jon Chappell]

To Jake West:
The Mac version of X-Edit 2.0 isn't out yet, but an editor/librarian is fairly high-level stuff, as far CPU ops go, and should run fine on either an Intel or PPC Mac. I'll let you know what the boys from DigiTech say as soon as I hear, though.

To santos:
I'd just like to point out that the Cry Baby -- or any dedicated wah unit -- isn't just about treadle travel, response, and sweep. There's the tone generating circuitry to think of, too!

Easiest thing would be to take your CB and a jumper cable down to the local music emporium (check in with the guy guarding the door and tell him your plans) and run the two side by side.

In fact, I'm ordering you to do it and to report back to the breathless masses of forumites pondering the same question!

Seriously, I think people would be curious. And at least I'm not asking you to take down your Marshall stack and compare it to the 250's modeling version of it. :)

[Jake West]

Thanks Jon!

[Jon Chappell]

A question came up on whether the RP250 would record with Pro Tools.

Turns out you can't record with Pro Tools using the USB connection to your computer. (Of course, if you have Pro Tools, it means you're also using one of their hardware devices, so just go through the audio connections.)

This of course, is the choice of Pro Tools not to work with hardware other than their own, rather than a shortcoming of the RP250.

For those of you working with a Mac, the RP250 does work with the Mac Core Audio technology, which means you can record with GarageBand, BIAS Peak/Deck, MOTU's Digital Performer, Cubase, and Apple's Logic or Logic Express.

[docrock55]

John, Thanks so much for a great review. I have been using a RP-200 since 2000, and really like it. The 250 is on my xmas list
:D

[tuco]

I have used my RP 200 for 3 years now. I have enjoyed some
of the sounds that I could produce--others, not so much.
The main problem i've had with this system is the power supply.
I have yet to have one last for over4-6 months without burning out. And this was just from moderate home usage---no gigs, and no abuse at all----it never left my house.
I am not the first person to complain about this problem---read the HC reviews on the RP 200. It is a major flaw---no power, no play. I have had to wait for weeks for new power supplies, and
Digitech is the only one who sells the one that will work.
AND they are not cheap. I felt that i got a good deal when I bought this unit, but I have now spent more on replacement power supplies than I have on the RP 200.
The only reason I mention this is because I am hoping that Digitech has resolved this issue with their new products. I
enjoyed using the unit when I could.

[icepulse]

My wife just got this pedal, and we're trying to use the built-in drum machine to create a "click track" as she plays, and run it into a 4-track. The idea is to pan the Git hard left, and the drum hard right, then send them to separate tracks, thereby creating one Git track and one drum track, so that I may add a third (drum) track while playing back the drum machine track. Ultimately, we ditch the machine track, once I have used it as a "metronome" to keep the live drum track in time with her git.

In short, is there any way to seperate drum machine from guitar from within the unit (pan hard L & hard R)?

TIA for any tips.

[NateofCA]

Hi. If you take one of the new RP150,250,350's out in sunlight will the display washout and be difficult to see? If it does this is a major problem as far as I'm concerned because I do gigs outside sometimes. The other thing that bothers me are the back panel jacks. Since they don't have jack nuts the electrical connections to the internal printed circuit board can be broken easily if someone steps on the plug of a cable plugged into the unit, something falls on it or it is dropped. This can be possibly prevented if they have used some hot glue or RTV compound on the jacks when they manufacture the units but I have repaired a lot of music products over the years and most manufacturers don't implement additional protection like this. Of course jack nuts and RTV cost extra money and would drive the price up but the problems I mentioned do occur in the real world. Thanks.

[quicksilver544]

Hey Jon, do you know if the Digitech folks read the forum on thier web site? I'm refering to the RP250 forum. The reason I'm asking is now that I'v had my 250 for a couple of weeks I thought of a couple of things that would "nice to haves". For instance, being able to have the tuner on one of the memory locations. I'm just a klutz I guess and have found it difficult to hit both of the foot switches at the same time. I'd also like the have the ability to have the expression pedal enable more than one thing at a time, like distortion level and gain or volume pedal and amp gain. Just some thoughts.

[j_db69]

How does it sound in distortion palm muted? Is it a nice deep sound or "scratchy"? Would it be a good choice for someone that is looking to try out overdriven to distortion sounds? I don't have a chance to try it out in person due to my location, thanks.

[BuleriaChk]

I''m getting very bad latency using the ASIO drivers on the RP250 . To be precise, I am getting 35 ms even on the highest computer use setting in the panel (I am also surprised that the resolution is only 16 bit, 44.1 Khz, but I can live with that).

As comparison, I get 3 ms on my VM3100Pro/RPC-1 and never above 5 ms with my other interfaces (GS-10, Toneport, Zoom H4)

My computer is:

Core 2 Duo E6700 (2.2 Ghz), Asus P5B Deluxe, 2 Gb Corsair memory, WinXP Pro, SATA 10K drives.....

My GNX4 latency was also bad (10 ms.), but not THIS bad...:-)

[j_db69]

why don't you just take your rp250 straight into another interface, bypassing the usb route?

[BuleriaChk]

Well, uh, actually I was trying to recommend the RP250 to a friend without a digital interface......

Originally posted by j_db69
why don't you just take your rp250 straight into another interface, bypassing the usb route?

[telemike]

How are the distortion stomp boxes on the RP2520? I am thinking of using it mainly for using the 808 and other stomps with reverb into my amp. Then other presets for chorus and rotary/.

[JohnnyX]

NA! I'm diggin my GNX4 big time, my only regret is they didnt make a pedal just for the bass feature like in the gnx4. because i could care less about all the other stuff, only the fact when i use the gtr>2bass i dont have to change to a bass, i just play bass on my gtr...

being a gtr/bass/keyboard player its a bliss... how they figured out how to take the gtr out of the octaver i'll never know but am so glad they did ... i just wish they had a pedal without all the bells and whistles like the gnx4 has that i could just kick in the bass feature... for way less than the gnx4.

i sold my bass and no longer have to lug it around thanks to this feature...

[TheTenaciousOne]

Im about to buy one of these, but im wondering if i should trade my pedal in for it. Ive got a boss PW10 wah pedal but i mostly use it for distortion. Are the distortions better for this pedal?

[telemike]

Originally posted by JohnnyX
NA! I'm diggin my GNX4 big time, my only regret is they didnt make a pedal just for the bass feature like in the gnx4. because i could care less about all the other stuff, only the fact when i use the gtr>2bass i dont have to change to a bass, i just play bass on my gtr...

being a gtr/bass/keyboard player its a bliss... how they figured out how to take the gtr out of the octaver i'll never know but am so glad they did ... i just wish they had a pedal without all the bells and whistles like the gnx4 has that i could just kick in the bass feature... for way less than the gnx4.

i sold my bass and no longer have to lug it around thanks to this feature...

THe RP250 demo has a preset that mimics playing a bass guitar.

[j_db69]

Would be cool if someone could compare the RP250 to the new zoom G2.1U...

[JEFF2EARTH]

Yes, I would like to see a side by side review on the Zoom G7.1 UT (the tube version).

As to the RP250's bass simulation, here's the demo preset I snagged off Digitech's website below..

As to the online demos & mp3's available for the G7.1UT OR the G2.1 U, I am NOT IMPRESSED! The demo's are pretty sloppy in my opinion, and the guitar sound is muddled by the drum's and all the other instruments.. I thought it was a GUITAR multi effects box, NOT a recording studio!?

[telemike]

The Zoom G7 is $299 wheras the RP250 is $149. Two different price points, the GNX3000 would be the model to compare with the G7.

I am seriously trying to decide between the RP250/350 or a Roland Cube30 amp.

I am worried the RP series won't work as well with my Roland bluescube amp since my 'clean' channel goes into overdrive like a tube amp and I don't have a lot of clean headroom. I think the RP series would work well with an amp that has a clean channel that stays clean instead of starting to overdrive at loud volumes.

[BuleriaChk]

Has anyone tried the Alesis Transactive 50 amp as a clean PA for multieffects/amp/cabinet modelers? I have one that is arriving tomorrow to check out - hopefully, it will act like a studio speaker without coloring the sound. (50 watts in a very compact form factor; haven't seen any reviews on it, and it has been out for awhile, so I'm taking a chance...... well, ok, Musician's Friend has a 45 day return...:-).

But I've tried the RP250 direct in to my BX5a's, with excellent results....... (for my purposes)


Originally posted by telemike
The Zoom G7 is $299 wheras the RP250 is $149. Two different price points, the GNX3000 would be the model to compare with the G7.

I am seriously trying to decide between the RP250/350 or a Roland Cube30 amp.

I am worried the RP series won't work as well with my Roland bluescube amp since my 'clean' channel goes into overdrive like a tube amp and I don't have a lot of clean headroom. I think the RP series would work well with an amp that has a clean channel that stays clean instead of starting to overdrive at loud volumes.

[bondi]

Hi there.
Count me in the list of happy and satisfied
customers. I just bought an RP250 last night
at B St Music at San Mateo,CA. I love editing the preset
with my laptop, and save it via USB. I use a Martin acoustic,
000cxe, with fishman prefix pro pickup and a bassman
150 amp. I needed a vol.pedal,chorus,reverb,delay and
EQ. The RP250 just answered my need. :thu:

[bdonalds]

I just got my RP350 yesterday... Does anyone have any inside scoop on when X-Edit will be available for this model?

thanks,

Bryan

[wlmatl]

Try the free utility ASIO4ALL. I installed this utility so that I could record thru the RP250 and while monitoring on my main ASIO interface. With the ASIO4ALL I could lower the latency to under 128 samples, the max I can stand for live guitar.

Regards,
William
--------------------------------
Originally posted by BuleriaChk
I''m getting very bad latency using the ASIO drivers on the RP250 . To be precise, I am getting 35 ms even on the highest computer use setting in the panel (I am also surprised that the resolution is only 16 bit, 44.1 Khz, but I can live with that).

As comparison, I get 3 ms on my VM3100Pro/RPC-1 and never above 5 ms with my other interfaces (GS-10, Toneport, Zoom H4)

My computer is:

Core 2 Duo E6700 (2.2 Ghz), Asus P5B Deluxe, 2 Gb Corsair memory, WinXP Pro, SATA 10K drives.....

My GNX4 latency was also bad (10 ms.), but not THIS bad...:-)

[JEFF2EARTH]

On the sound I created below for my Fat Strat for the Bridge/Middle combination, I got some great feedback from a music minister/ fellow guitarist visiting our Church. He was very curious as to HOW I got that sound and said, 'it was very reverent, but with just the right 'bite' ". Well, that's exactly what I was looking for, and have got to say again how pleased I am with my RP250. I still am very pleased with the price/value of this unit and think it's an absolute steal for $149.95.

The only thing that puzzles me is running through our PA system loses some 'bite' if I go to 'mixer' mode. I've GOT to switch to 'AMP' mode for the best sound, but I don't know why. I don't even know technically what it does to switch that button. Anyway..



I encourage anyone here to create your own and share it with the site I'm linking below (digitech's sound community).. I really haven't found much on their so far that is worth a flip... but then again, the beauty of sound is in the ears of the behearer ;).


http://www.digitech.com/soundcomm/guitar_view_patch.asp?productid=226&patch_id=10547

[dengen]

Since a bunch of people were asking about the differences between the Zoom and the Digitech, I registered to give you my opinion. Like many of you, I too am afflicted by a serious case of G.A.S.

So recently I decided to "upgrade" my effects processor from the VAMP2. The VAMP2 actually sounds pretty killer for the tones I go for (mostly hi gain), but doesn't have a wah pedal nor USB. I mostly do home recording and jamming and was looking for a USB enabled device.

First I got a Zoom G2.1 U since I am a pretty big fan of the Zoom recording boxes (I've still got a PS02, PS04, and MRS-8 and I use the MRS-8 more than any other piece of gear I've ever had). I really liked the USB direct recording, and the patch change is indeed *very* fast. I was however, unable to get a decent hi gain sound out of it. The cleans were good, but not better than the RP250. I found myself back to using the sounds on the MRS8, so the G2.1 U got ebayed.

Next I got a a Toneport UX2. This has the best sounds among the three IMHO. Keep in mind that I use more hi gain sounds than cleans, and Line6's distorted sounds are just a bit better than the RP250's. The cleans are passable, but not as good as those on the RP250. So why did I get rid of the Toneport and go on to get an RP250? A couple of factors: While the Toneport's guitar tones sounded great to me, I found the latency unacceptable. It's not really that bad mind you, but I could detect it, and if I can tell its there, its too much. Also I was hoping that tracking vocals through it would help me simplify my setup, but I couldn't really get a vocal chain that sounded right to me (I'm now using a VTB1 preamp which I highly recommend). Having to use the computer for guitar effects is also a pain for jamming, so the Toneport went too.

Next up I got the Digitech RP250. IMO it sounds better than the Zoom G2.1U in both cleans and hi gain, and *way* better in low-gain/overdriven sounds. The patch editor is nice. It's patch change is darn fast too, which means you can line up several patches for a song and have no problems switching to them for different parts. Too me, the RP250's high gain sounds aren't as good as the Line6 stuff, but the low gain/overdriven sounds are just as good. I've spent a lot of time tweaking and have some hi gain patches that are pretty good, but I think the cabs are coloring the sound just a little too much. I guess to me the cabs all effect the sound very similiarly, and I just haven't found one that sounds quite as good as what I can get on my MRS8 or with the Line6 stuff. On the other hand, it is easily the best sounding Digitech I've ever had (and I've owned a bunch! RP14D, RP7, RP2000 etc...), and I could live with just the stomp models if I had to. The effects and reverbs are top notch.

I guess in the end I may end up getting a PODxt Live, which is a good bit larger and more expensive simply because the Floor POD doesn't have a USB out. Really, the only way to know which suits you best is to go and try them all out, and even then you don't *really* know until you've spent a few weeks with them trying to get *your* sound out of em. Good Luck to everyone!

[Will Chen]

Originally posted by telemike
How are the distortion stomp boxes on the RP2520? I am thinking of using it mainly for using the 808 and other stomps with reverb into my amp. Then other presets for chorus and rotary/.

Based on this thread, I decided to go to the local GC and try one out as I have an infant son in the room next to "the studio" and I need a small portable headphone capable system for downstairs.

Using a Mexican Strat, the unit was plugged into a Marshall Solid State half stack with all tone controls set to 12 o'clock and the clean channel gain at 10 o'clock. I can confirm that the bypass in this unit is very good as I did a bypass vs. guitar straight to amp test and I did not notice any difference in tone (granted GC is not the best lab for such tests). All other effects on the unit were bypassed.

Stomp box model impressions are as follows:

TS9 - I have a TS9 reissue I bought a few years back and am very familiar with its tone and this is a darn good emulation. I think there is slightly more gain than available in the actual pedal. Very smooth with that signature mid range bump. Considering TS9's are around $100 dollars, you've already almost justified the price of the unit.

RAT - Had one for many years and have missed it since I sold it. This really brought back some memories. Another very nice emulation. With the gain pegged, total 80's shred. Backed down to 60%, nice smooth and singing. Very nice. Coupled with the TS9 model, the unit's price is already justified.

DS1 - Never really liked this pedal, always seemed harsh and I couldn't ever get it dialed to a usable sound. The model sounds a little tighter in the lows than the original and the highs sound smoother to me, but overall I probably wouldn't use this setting. Would have preferred one of the Boss OD's or the BD2 instead of this model.

Big Muff - Another pedal I couldn't ever get into. Same flabby low end and harsh highs that I remember. Good emulation, just not my bag.

Fuzz - I've had a couple different fuzzes over the years including an Arbiter reissue. This has much more gain on tap than what I remember and less definition. Not a bad fuzz tone, but I've heard better.

I'm not familiar with the rest of the OD/Dist boxes so I can't comment on their accuracy, but most of them sound pretty good. Overall, the unit did sound a bit thin on the "heavy" settings but those would get the least usage (if any) from me and there is EQ on tap which might beef the tone up considerably. Also, remember I was using a strat and can't comment on the "warmth" of the amp I was using.

From a modulation standpoint, it's pretty stanard of Digitech's quality which is very high in my opinion. The Chorus, Detune, Rotary, and Trem all sounded great. Also of note, the digital tracking for octave stuff is good, much better than the Boss Octave pedal I have with less artifacts.

I'm going to go back with a pair of headphones and test the unit further to see what the amp modeling has to offer.

[odo]

Hey Does anyone know if digitech sells a longer cord
thx

[quicksilver544]

Originally posted by odo
Hey Does anyone know if digitech sells a longer cord
thx

What kind of cord?

[odo]

Sorry power cord

[TheTenaciousOne]

Dou you have 2 use the power cord that digitech give u or can u just use any 9 volt adaptor?

[odo]

i dont really know:bor: I just use the one they gave me:D

[Jon Chappell]

You can use any 9-volt adapter as long as it matches the requirements: 1.3A output, and the proper polarity and size of the plug (the polarity is not shown, either on the power supply, the unit, or the manual). Or you could splice an extension wire in between, which is inelegant but does the job. Just make sure you use the same gauge as the existing cord.

[bdonalds]

Just an FYI...

X-Edit and USB drivers for the RP-350 (windows) was released today

[quicksilver544]

Originally posted by odo
Hey Does anyone know if digitech sells a longer cord
thx

I was wondering if maybe an octopus cord like the kind One Spot sells would work as an extension?

[Jake West]

I picked up my RP350 on the 21st, and I've been enjoying experimenting with it since. I thought I'd share some of my impressions with y'all.

Here are some things I really like about it:

1) Folks, the sound and feel of the effects, the amp and cab models, the reverb, even the drum machine, are to my ears, phenomenal! Seriously, since I’ve had this thing, I’ve been thinking, “I can’t believe I’ve spent all that money on those pedals!”

2) Yes, through headphones, the sounds of the RP350 are incredible. But how about when those sounds are amplified? I’ve been running it through my Roland BC-60 with great results. I love that I can tweak the unit using X-Edit, while listening to the result of those changes through the BC-60. It just makes tailoring the sound to suit my particular amplifier so easy!

3) The different kinds of functions I can choose from to assign to the expression pedal are so cool. For example, I can use the expression pedal to increase or decrease the depth of the chorus. Or I can choose to turn the distortion on or off with it. Great idea!


Here are some things I don’t like about it:

1) Effect combinations do have limitations. For example, you can have 1 distortion +1 chorus + 1 delay; but you can’t have, for example, 1 chorus + 1 phaser + 1 tremolo or 1 uni-vibe + 1 rotary. This is because phaser, univibe, rotary, ect, fall under the “Chorus/Fx” row, of which you can choose only 1 per “effect chain”.

2) In order to enter “bypass” mode or activate the tuner, you have to press the up and down footswitches simultaneously. Believe you me, this is difficult to do even with your fingers. More often than not, I end up flipping back or ahead through the presets when I attempt to do either one. Good luck trying to do that on the fly!

3) The RP350 has an Amp A/B footswitch, which is like changing amp channels. Cool! The problem I have with this feature is that, while you can assign one amp + cab model to A, and a different amp + cab model to B, you can’t assign, for example, one distortion or overdrive to A, and a different distortion or overdrive to B; your choice of effects for A, carries over to B, and vice versa.


I paid about $250 Canadian for the RP350. Considering I paid that much for my retired DD-20... !

[quicksilver544]

I've been 'hinting' around on the Digitech RP250 forum myself for some enhancements I'd like to see, like the ability to assign more than one thing at a time with the expression pedal. I know the Digitech folks read it so you may want to express some of those fine suggestions yourself.

[machine gunner]

Great thread!! I have an older RP200 and while I like some things about it- effects and very easy to use interface are excellent- the amp tones are pretty cold and sterile, especially the OD models. Also, the unit robs my guits of their overall character, which is not a good thing. However, I'm really intrigued by the newer RP's- if the tones are as good as advertised, I'll be picking one up.

[chiro972]

I have what may be a stupid question, if so forgive me and answer anyway please. Can this thing replace my guitar port? In other words, can I plug this into my computer, without plugging in an amp and still play and have the different sounds come out of my computer speakers?

I play mostly at home and this seems much more versatile than my guitar port and I would rather not get out my amp every time I want to play.

Would I need special editing software or hardware?

Thanks!

[rsowden]

The short answer is yes, you could replace the Guitarport with the RP250.

The long answer involves how you get the sound to your computer speakers - either using USB which may have too much of a delay, or plugging the RP250 analog line outs into your sound card line input.

I don't have a Guitarport but I vaguely remember it working the same way. You can record via USB and monitor via the line outs to avoid the USB latency.

[chiro972]

Cool, thank you for the answer. My daughter really likes the guitar port, so I'll probably just give it to her and I can justify the cost of the RP 250 to the wife.

[bimbolercio]

Originally posted by Jake West
Here are some things I don’t like about it:

1) Effect combinations do have limitations. For example, you can have 1 distortion +1 chorus + 1 delay; but you can’t have, for example, 1 chorus + 1 phaser + 1 tremolo or 1 uni-vibe + 1 rotary. This is because phaser, univibe, rotary, ect, fall under the “Chorus/Fx” row, of which you can choose only 1 per “effect chain”.



Hi, i'm italian. I would buy the rp350 but here (in Italy) it will be in the shop only from 10 January 2007.

I would know from the experts if the quoted part written by Jake West is true. Is it true that i can't use, for example, 2 distortion at the same time OR , for example, 1 chorus + 1 octaver at the same time??

This is a very bad thing, in my opinion.
I wait your answer. Thank you.

[Jon Chappell]

Originally posted by bimbolercio
I would know from the experts if the quoted part written by Jake West is true. Is it true that i can't use, for example, 2 distortion at the same time OR , for example, 1 chorus + 1 octaver at the same time??
That's true. Look again at the interface on the first page of this thread, and you'll see that you can only have 1 distortion or 1 modulation effect (chorus, octaver, flanger, etc.) per stage, or module. So you can't have 2 distortions, but you could have octaver/delay/reverb, but not octaver + chorus, because they occupy the same stage.

But for the price, and considering you get USB recording, a drum machine, and a built-in expression pedal, it's still a pretty good deal.

Caio e in bocca al lupo!

[jqworle]

Where can i find a list of what the presets are supposed to be emulating.
I know some are obvious but to me others are just baffling about who or what they are trying to be.

[jqworle]

found it.
RTFM

-- [edit] Or you can go to the first page of this post! :) --Jon C.

[chiro972]

Well I bought one based on this review and I am pretty happy with it. However I wonder if someone here could tell me if I have a problem with mine. When I plug it in to the computer via the USB I cannot get any output to my computer speakers, not even from movies, mp3's, anything.

Once the PR250 is plugged in, all sound output on the computer can be heard from the headphones plugged into the RP, but nothing from my computer speakers.

Is this how it is designed? I guess I'll have to try to find a way to direct connect some computer speakers to the line outs of the RP250. I wonder if the speaker line outputs from the PR250 are compatable with computer powered speakers? (obviously I will need a 1/4 adapter at the least)

The unit is really a lot of fun to play with and the sounds (at least through my headphones) are really, really good.

[quicksilver544]

Yeah, I noticed that too. The sound output is directed to the RP250. You have to manually change it in the volume control settings to re-direct it while the RP is plugged in.

[chiro972]

How did you redirect it? I can't seem to access any volume or sound controls when the RP250 is plugged in. All the menu choices are grayed out when it is plugged in.

[gorno]

When the RP is plugged in, some computers automatically set it as the default sound card. To change this after it is plugged in:
Go to "Control Panel".
Go to "Sounds and Audio Devices".
Select the "Audio" tab.
Under "Sound playback" select the soundcard you want to route the audio to as the default device.
Click OK.

This should route audio output to your soundcard and you should be able to hear the audio through your monitors.

[Jon Chappell]

Hey, gorno:

Thanks for the good, instructive advice. Your first post? It's so well thought-out and helpful. Most people have to work up to that! :)

Welcome to HC and the Pro Review forum!

[Namco]

Hello,

I'm a complete newbie in every sense of the word. I just wanted to say that this thread by far has the best information on the RP250. I researched it before I bought one this December with my first electric guitar. I knew I needed one because I'm a tech head on a budget and knew that a good multi-effects pedal would give me countless hours of fun and entertainment as well as would save a ton of money on effects pedals.

After reading this thread, I decided to download X-edit, update my RP250, and play with the computer interface a bit. I was amazed at the number of controls this pedal has to offer. I spent an hour playing with the noisegate settings alone. I know you can do this with the dials of the RP250 directly, but it's hidden in the matrix and hard to figure out. With X-edit, every setting is right there looking at you and it's very easy to figure out the differences between all the presets.

One note about updating, I applied the update and upgraded the RP250 from ver 1.5 to 1.7. I followed the directions and ended up with frozen device even after power cycling numerous times. To get it unfrozen, I had to do a factory reset by turning the device on with the STORE button held down. When it says FACTREST (or something to that effect), you let go of the STORE button and it'll start flashing. Then you press and hold the STORE button again and the redout will say "RESTORED", and you'll have a reset RP250 with it's factory settings restored.

Just wanted to let you guys know because you have to update before running X-Edit2, and it may result in you having to loose all your custom presets or "patches". So update before you do too much to it.

Anyway, thanks for such an informative thread, I now know that I made the right choice :)

[quicksilver544]

Yes, a factory reset is required after performing the 1.7 upgrade. Hopefully you backed up your custom setting first, than all you have to do is restore them. Works straight away. It's in the instructions on how to perform the upgrade.

BTW, you a member of the RP250 forum on the Digitech site? Could always use some fresh blood over there -

[BuleriaChk]

I updated my rp250 and didn't have to factory reset.

However, I did it wrong; I updated the hardware before updating the USB drivers. It seemed to update the hardware fine; it exhibits 1.7 after recycling.

I then installed the USB drivers, and then X-edit 2.1.9.

Xedit would not recognize the device, so I disconnected the RP250, uninstalled the drivers, rebooted my computer, then ran the USB installer again. I recycled the RP250 again, and everything runs fine, with all my old presets still installed.

I'm not recommending this, mind you, YMMV, but everything seems to be working now as it is supposed to....

[Namco]

Originally posted by quicksilver544
Yes, a factory reset is required after performing the 1.7 upgrade. Hopefully you backed up your custom setting first, than all you have to do is restore them. Works straight away. It's in the instructions on how to perform the upgrade.

BTW, you a member of the RP250 forum on the Digitech site? Could always use some fresh blood over there -

No sir. Whenever I went over there I just got lost. The forum is very difficult to find and when you find it, it isn't very functional. I'm used to Invision/phpbb/vBulletin boards like this one. I wouldn't have anything to contribute anyway. I'm here mostly to lurk and learn as much as I can.

I didn't lose anything in the update. I don't know tone from a hole in the ground. :D

[BuleriaChk]

Does anyone know what was changed from firmware 1.6 to 1.7 and XEdit from 1.2 to 2.1?

[Namco]

Originally posted by quicksilver544
Yes, a factory reset is required after performing the 1.7 upgrade. Hopefully you backed up your custom setting first, than all you have to do is restore them. Works straight away. It's in the instructions on how to perform the upgrade.


Shoot, you're right, it's right there:

"Once the update is complete, you will then want to perform a Factory Reset. Note: a Factory Reset will erase all User presets."

But then... if you need to upgrade before you can run X-edit2, then how do you backup your settings before running the update?

[Jon Chappell]

Originally posted by Namco
After reading this thread, I decided to download X-edit, update my RP250, and play with the computer interface a bit. I was amazed at the number of controls this pedal has to offer. I spent an hour playing with the noisegate settings alone. I know you can do this with the dials of the RP250 directly, but it's hidden in the matrix and hard to figure out. With X-edit, every setting is right there looking at you and it's very easy to figure out the differences between all the presets.
Not only is it easier to edit on X-Edit, but there are parameters available in the editor that aren't accessible from the front panel, no matter how much you squint at that matrix.

Recording aside, if you're not using a computer and X-Edit with the RP250, you're missing out on editable parameters -- and aren't using the RP250 to its fullest potential.

[quicksilver544]

Originally posted by Namco
Shoot, you're right, it's right there:

"Once the update is complete, you will then want to perform a Factory Reset. Note: a Factory Reset will erase all User presets."

But then... if you need to upgrade before you can run X-edit2, then how do you backup your settings before running the update?

There are backup & restore functions under the device tab in x-edit.

[quicksilver544]

Originally posted by BuleriaChk
Does anyone know what was changed from firmware 1.6 to 1.7 and XEdit from 1.2 to 2.1?

From the RP250 forum -


The new version 1.7 corrects 3 issues:
1) Predelay parameter for Reverb was not being saved correctly.
2) Threshold for Swell Gate was not being saved correctly.
3) USB Record level parameter was not always being initialized correctly.
Even if you did a full backup or saved individual presets using the previous operating system and X-Edit these may not load back into the RP250 correctly depending upon the settings for Predelay and Swell Threshold as discussed above. That is why we are recommending that you notate your custom presets.

After you update the operating system a new preset table is generated that is necessary for fast preset changes.

[quicksilver544]

Originally posted by Namco
No sir. Whenever I went over there I just got lost. The forum is very difficult to find and when you find it, it isn't very functional. I'm used to Invision/phpbb/vBulletin boards like this one. I wouldn't have anything to contribute anyway. I'm here mostly to lurk and learn as much as I can.

I didn't lose anything in the update. I don't know tone from a hole in the ground. :D

Oh, but you will ;)

Not as lively as this forum but then again, nothing is!. Good place to pick up info, tips, patches, etc.

[Reactor1024]

Wow there's some really great information in this thread. I have been thinking about getting an RP250 for quite awhile. I just have one other question.

I have just recently started playing around with the Propellerheads Reason 3.0 software. This was my first attempt at recording so I'm still learning. I got some guitar samples in just by using the mic in on my sound card to record a .wav from a really crappy mic. I can then import that .wav into reason, add drums, synth samples etc. As you can imagine the sound quality isn't quite there, but it works. Would I be able to get better results with this unit using the USB interface or would I need a midi controller as well? What I would really want to do is setup a drum sequence in Reason then play over it and have reason record the guitar part.

Thanks in Advance.

[BuleriaChk]

I stand corrected; I had the old presets, but there was actually no sound coming through until I did a factory reset. So back up any changes made before you do the upgrade.....

Sorry about that, my bad.....:-)

Chuck

Originally posted by quicksilver544
From the RP250 forum -


The new version 1.7 corrects 3 issues:
1) Predelay parameter for Reverb was not being saved correctly.
2) Threshold for Swell Gate was not being saved correctly.
3) USB Record level parameter was not always being initialized correctly.
Even if you did a full backup or saved individual presets using the previous operating system and X-Edit these may not load back into the RP250 correctly depending upon the settings for Predelay and Swell Threshold as discussed above. That is why we are recommending that you notate your custom presets.

After you update the operating system a new preset table is generated that is necessary for fast preset changes.

[chiro972]

Originally posted by gorno
When the RP is plugged in, some computers automatically set it as the default sound card. To change this after it is plugged in:
Go to "Control Panel".
Go to "Sounds and Audio Devices".
Select the "Audio" tab.
Under "Sound playback" select the soundcard you want to route the audio to as the default device.
Click OK.

This should route audio output to your soundcard and you should be able to hear the audio through your monitors.

Thank you for the assist there. I will try your suggestions this evening and get back to you.

[quicksilver544]

On Thursday I hear the doorbell ring, I go look and I find a box on the porch addressed to me. Funny, I didn't order anything ... So I open the box and WOW! Look at this! Digitech sent me a RP carry bag! I'm checking out the carry bag and inside I find a cloth covered guitar cable, a set of D'addario XL's and some picks. Way cool!

The reason they sent this to me according to the accompanying letter is for being a loyal Digitech customer and because they used a photo I sent in of me holding my RP50 and Tone Driver. The photo was used in a national sale campaign a few months ago. I saw it in Guitar Player (August issue I believe). Even found myself amongst a few hundred others with their Digitech pedals. That was cool enough but they sent me a nice t-shirt for submitting the photo. That was cool too and I thought we were square but today's little gift pack just takes the cake. Couldn't have come at a better time either as I have been contemplating getting a new gig bag.

Oh, and they would also like me to step up to an RP350. Gave me a rebate coupon worth $25. Very, very tempting.

Also gave me another coupon for a $25 rebate for a friend (anyone want to be my 'friend') ;-)

[meda peja]

Is that bypass of RP250 REALLY, i mean R E A L L Y a true bypass..?
Anyone tried it..?
I would use it in the effect loop of my Randall..for delays and modulation effects only..
BUT, its completely useles if it is eating my so hardly achieved tone!

Also, i am not sure in 2 more things:

1. i have tried an older rp200 in the effect loop of my amp..my signal from the amps distortion channel was loosing slight of its grease..and that was BAD..
So, tell me, even if the rp250 has a true bypass, i guess that using a "blank patch" (a patch with ALL effect off) would still cause the signal loss?
i woudl have to use "a blank patch" because of all the inconviniance of changing to the bypass..
2. when i tried any distorted patch from the Digitech rp200, also through the loop, the very loud hiss would appear..(in that situation, i was using my guitars signal, through clean channel of my amp, through send, to the input of the RP, then RP patch *lets say distorted WAH) then output of the RP to the return of the my amps effect loop..)
i generally wouldn't do this, but i was thinking of using a RP as a distortion source only in using a wah wah patches..since, to get a wah sound(a proper one) wah should be placed before the preamp, which is impossible, if digitech is in the effects loop..


Please answer me guys, it is REALLY important!
Thank You all...

[gtar_bahr]

Hello all
I've been researching the rp250 and I think I'm sold!
I do have a question for all you owners.
Right now I'm recording on my computer using Acid 4.0. I use several Boss pedals and run them through a beringer mixer and then to the mic input on the PC. I live in an older duplex with ungrounded 2 prong outlets. I'm not sure if it's the outlets or what but I'm getting a very loud hum when I use my pedals. If I cut my pedals out of the set-up there is no hum.
So anyway my question is if anyone has had this problem and if it continued to be a problem after using the rp250. I don't want to spend that much money and still have poor sound due to grounding issues.
PLEASE HELP!!

[odo]

I had this problem with some boss pedals it ended up being the power supply I was using, check your cables (if your using a power supply), try using batteries in them. Also, it is probrobly that you’re connecting your mixer through your mic port. I got hum from my boss pedals. I sold them and bought some digitech single pedals and had no hum. Also you can record through the RP 250 via USB cable (NOT INCLUNDED), but you can buy one. I get no hum from mine. Also, the RP 250 uses a 3 prong power supply.

Good luck
odo
:D

[meda peja]

Can anyone, please, give me any input?
I know that in the manual it says that it has a true analogue bypass, but what about the sound that goes through it to be processed..?
For example, if i add a delay, will it actually sound like my original sound, just with added delay, or it will be different?

[quicksilver544]

Originally posted by meda peja
Can anyone, please, give me any input?
I know that in the manual it says that it has a true analogue bypass, but what about the sound that goes through it to be processed..?
For example, if i add a delay, will it actually sound like my original sound, just with added delay, or it will be different?

I notice that the non by-passed sound is colored by it, but I don't know if it's because of the emulated effect or not. I use it for maybe one or two effects at time and even with the eq off I hear a difference. On the other hand, it's been my experience that all effect pedals color the sound when in use.

[quicksilver544]

Originally posted by meda peja
Is that bypass of RP250 REALLY, i mean R E A L L Y a true bypass..?
Anyone tried it..?
I would use it in the effect loop of my Randall..for delays and modulation effects only..
BUT, its completely useles if it is eating my so hardly achieved tone!

Also, i am not sure in 2 more things:

1. i have tried an older rp200 in the effect loop of my amp..my signal from the amps distortion channel was loosing slight of its grease..and that was BAD..
So, tell me, even if the rp250 has a true bypass, i guess that using a "blank patch" (a patch with ALL effect off) would still cause the signal loss?
i woudl have to use "a blank patch" because of all the inconviniance of changing to the bypass..
2. when i tried any distorted patch from the Digitech rp200, also through the loop, the very loud hiss would appear..(in that situation, i was using my guitars signal, through clean channel of my amp, through send, to the input of the RP, then RP patch *lets say distorted WAH) then output of the RP to the return of the my amps effect loop..)
i generally wouldn't do this, but i was thinking of using a RP as a distortion source only in using a wah wah patches..since, to get a wah sound(a proper one) wah should be placed before the preamp, which is impossible, if digitech is in the effects loop..


Please answer me guys, it is REALLY important!
Thank You all...

Did you try using the noise suppressor on your RP200 to elemintate the hiss? I used it with my RP50 but I must say, the noise suppressor on my RP250 works much better. As far as output signal is concerend there are several way to increase or decrease the output signal level.

I've also used my RP250 in the effects loop of my amp but I didn't notice any issue with getting a proper WAH sound so this may not be an issue for you either. Give it a try :thu:

[odo]

The Bypass is what it is a bypass (its like the 250 is not there) but you also cannot add a sound in bypass if you want a delay or something tweek your settings via a pc when playing with my friends i use my laptop to edit on the spot.
Good luck
odo

[chiro972]

My report is that I still can't get any sounds from my rp250 to the computer. I still like this device, but since I bought it for my practice room, I would like to be able to hear the great tones coming out of my speakers.

Any other suggestions?

[Will Chen]

Originally posted by meda peja

1. So, tell me, even if the rp250 has a true bypass, i guess that using a "blank patch" (a patch with ALL effect off) would still cause the signal loss?
i woudl have to use "a blank patch" because of all the inconviniance of changing to the bypass..

If I were you, I would bypass the loop when not in use. The cables alone to run out to front of the stage and back to the loop (likely 40 feet in cables) might slightly alter your signal. There is a huge difference between signal loss and coloration of signal. The output level can be adjusted to meet the signal level you desire when the unit is not in bypass mode. Signal loss is not an issue. When used in front of an amp, the load of the cables used will slightly darken your tone but this happens with pretty much all effects when using a long cable run (actually is more apparent in a true bypass situation). You loop should be sending a line level signal which is less subject to cable load. You may just have to take a listen for yourself ans see if it works for you...

Originally posted by meda peja

2. when i tried any distorted patch from the Digitech rp200, also through the loop, the very loud hiss would appear..(in that situation, i was using my guitars signal, through clean channel of my amp, through send, to the input of the RP, then RP patch *lets say distorted WAH) then output of the RP to the return of the my amps effect loop..)...


This is not the way the unit is intended to work. You're basically adding a clean boost (your amps clean channel) into the another preamp. You would likely get the same loud hiss with any overdrive/distortion set to high gain and placed in the loop.

[meda peja]

Thank You for all input very much..I was thinkinig too that i am wrongly usind effects loop, when i tried to use distorted wah from rp200 from the loop..

Still, my main consideration is, HOW COLOURED/CHANGED I S THE SOUND WHEN ITS PROCESSED THROUGH RP250? (lets say added delay, since i am mostly oing to use it for that)
How noticable is that, in what way (volume, less drive, muddier, bassier, treblier..?)

Please, can any of You rp250 owners help me with this?
THANK YOU !!!

[quicksilver544]

I don't know that anyone can answer that authoratatively for you since everyone's set up will be different. Best bet will be to try it for yourself. Have fun!

[Will Chen]

Originally posted by chiro972
My report is that I still can't get any sounds from my rp250 to the computer. I still like this device, but since I bought it for my practice room, I would like to be able to hear the great tones coming out of my speakers.

Any other suggestions?

Windows will typically default your soundcard to a USB or firwire sound device when it's plugged in. If you want to hear audio from your PC follow follow this path: Control Panel>Sound and Audio Devices and select the "Audio" tab. Under Sound playback Default device select your computers stock sound card.

It's much easier if you're using a DAW however as routing between the 2 devices will be simplified to assigning inputs and outputs per track.

On a side note, there is significant latency when monitoring via USB so you'll likely be fairly dissapointed if that is your main goal with the unit. You can eliminate the latency by either monitoring from your RP or running the line or headphone out into your soundcard's line in.

[quicksilver544]

Someone on the RP forum suggested taking the headphones out and connecting it to the input of the sound card. That way you'll eliminate all the computer's beeps and boops from coming through the RP.

[fxf]

Originally posted by quicksilver544
I notice that the non by-passed sound is colored by it, but I don't know if it's because of the emulated effect or not. I use it for maybe one or two effects at time and even with the eq off I hear a difference. On the other hand, it's been my experience that all effect pedals color the sound when in use.

I tried to create empty effect setting. I wanted to use just the expression pedal as the volume pedal, but the sound was colored. What I had to do to get uncolored sound was to turn on the equalizer and set everything to maximum I think (I don't have RP250 with me and it was several weeks ago). Could someone confirm that this is the correct way to get just A/D and D/A conversions with no effects inbetween?

[meda peja]

Well, i have contacted digitech support..
They have told me not to turn off amp modeler, but to set it to direct..
That should minimise the coloration..
I bought the unit..
I think of it as a expanded volume/whamy pedal with a tuner..and only for use like that, it justifies its price..and still, i use the delay and reverb..also mod effects..
Everything but its dist/amp models..cause i use mine Randall..
I still havent tested it to see EXACTLY how big coloration is, but i have tried it, and it was very very subtle..then agaim, almost every delay pedal (except true bypass-expensive ones) would give similar coloration..and it would be probably much greater if all these padals would be in use (whammy, delay, reverb, chorus..).so i think that it sounds pretty much ok for this..

Considering amp models and their distortion, i have tried them just for couriosity, and although i havent actually played all of these original amps, all distorted sounds sound like a crapp..really..terrible..(just for the record, i have tried it using return input of my ss amp..).i tried both, using output set to amp and mixer..it really sounds like hell..not in a good way! although i thout that i could use it for recording on my pc, just for recording some ideas, i think that it wont serve that purpose..

I am away now, so i will test it a bit more in a 2 days..

But, to summ all, i use it in effect loop, for effects delays and reverbs..volume pedal and whammy..and its doing really ok with that..!

[meda peja]

So, people, what are your thoughts..?

[fxf]

I tried setting direct in the amp modelling section and it indeed seems to work. For me, the coloration is non-issue in this case. I didn't know that you shouldn't turn off the amp modelling so this is really valuable piece of info.

I am quite satisfied with reverbs, delays and modulation effects. As for the amp models and distortions (both amps and pedals), I found that they are extremely sensitive to the other components of sound chain (guitar, pickups and guitar amp/sound monitor). Some setups sound quite well at home to my headphones and they are terrible when used for loud live playing and vice versa.

I think RP250 is very cool for home playing, experimenting and practicing.
On the other hand I'm having some problems with RP250 when playing live. It is easy to accidentally hit bad pedal when using expression pedal or when trying to hit both pedals at once (to bypass the box). Also switching delay is quite large and limits use of RP250 in many cases. But I can't expect that everything will be perfect for a such compact sized and low priced unit.

[meda peja]

I am really glad if i helped you..
Today i was playing a bit with it..using it in a non standard way..in front of the amp, and not in effect loop as i actually use it..I have found some useful sound for practice, but the problem is that most of the distortionds sound very very similar..and they have no mass at all..i will try to use my boss sd-1 in conjuction with its distortions, just for fun.to see if i can get some nicer dist..
Delays, reverbs and mods are also ok for me..it would be nicer that not all of the fx take the same effect, so that i could use chorus and some of the other effects, or something like that..but, still, its pretty much covering my needs..and i really like the whammy..really good sounding..stil, i have to find a apropriate moment in a song to use it..ips seems to work ok..although i think that it would be better if i reduce the level of the harmony, which is available through x edit..which i still haven't downloaded..
And a drum machine is really great for practice..lot more fun that simple metronome, which is also available..many nice rhytms..if patterns were programmable, that would be perfect..but i guess a touch too much for the price..
Considering the switching latency, i think its pretty ok..i dont mind it..
BUt, i think that it is absolutely impossible to use the bypass mode when needed..it is so hard to go to bypass when you want to, and so easy when you don't..and thats terrible..! so that i use a blank patch with amp to direct and cab to direct for that purpose..
These are just some random thoughts ..i will let you know what else comes to mi mind about this unit..!

[meda peja]

I played arround with this little thing, and i am starting really to love it..although i still think that all distortions are pretty same, i have found nice tone with slight subtle delay.and it sounds awesome-even on mine Teisco amp from 1966:) with blown speaker..i am even thinking now that i can use it for some not so important gigs alone, just the rp250..without my Randall for distortion..the solo sound works its purpose nicely..and i still have to fiddle arround to find good rhytm tone for my 7 string..
and, just for record, i am using Ibanez rg7620 (w/dimarzios)..
when i set nice drum pattern, i simply cant stop playing!:)

[wheresgrant3]

Well, i have contacted digitech support..
They have told me not to turn off amp modeler, but to set it to direct..
That should minimise the coloration..
I bought the unit..
I think of it as a expanded volume/whamy pedal with a tuner..and only for use like that, it justifies its price..and still, i use the delay and reverb..also mod effects..
Everything but its dist/amp models..cause i use mine Randall..
I still havent tested it to see EXACTLY how big coloration is, but i have tried it, and it was very very subtle..then agaim, almost every delay pedal (except true bypass-expensive ones) would give similar coloration..and it would be probably much greater if all these padals would be in use (whammy, delay, reverb, chorus..).so i think that it sounds pretty much ok for this..

Considering amp models and their distortion, i have tried them just for couriosity, and although i havent actually played all of these original amps, all distorted sounds sound like a crapp..really..terrible..(just for the record, i have tried it using return input of my ss amp..).i tried both, using output set to amp and mixer..it really sounds like hell..not in a good way! although i thout that i could use it for recording on my pc, just for recording some ideas, i think that it wont serve that purpose..

I am away now, so i will test it a bit more in a 2 days..

But, to summ all, i use it in effect loop, for effects delays and reverbs..volume pedal and whammy..and its doing really ok with that..!


So is the Whammy effect easy to set and use? What about the modulation effects and reverb? I'm in the same boat. I have a XXX head and GB 2x12. I need plug and play.... easy onstage, at my feet tweaking. I bought an XTL with an interest in using just the effects live. Instead it's way more than what I need. I just want to use this for FX. If the Whammy is good (2 Octave) I'll ditch my Whammy and replace it with this.

[meda peja]

Well, i have never used the real whammy..but, actually, i am not sure how much better it could be..but probably is..i dunno..but why would they sell it separatelly if not?
Considering the whammy efect on the rp250 it would be probably the best to read about it from the manual from digitech.com
But, in short, you have 2 modes with whammy:
1)Whammy (no dry signal)..
options in this mode are 1 octave above, 2 octaves above, a second below, a second below reversed pedal action, a fourth below, an octave below, 2 octaves below, dive bomb

2) Harmony bends (dry signal added)
minor 3rd to major 3rd, 2nd above to major 3rd above, a 3rd above to 4th above, a 4th to a 5th above, a 5th to an octave above, an octave above, octave down, octave up/down

You also can adjust interval and direction of teh pitch band, manual control of the pedal position, and adjust the mix level..

Considering the mods and reverbs, i like them, but for details, check the manual..
And, i am not sure what you ment buy saying tweakable on foot..?
XXX head, huh? WOW..! I wish i have something like that..!

[wheresgrant3]

Well, i have never used the real whammy..but, actually, i am not sure how much better it could be..but probably is..i dunno..but why would they sell it separatelly if not?
Considering the whammy efect on the rp250 it would be probably the best to read about it from the manual from digitech.com
But, in short, you have 2 modes with whammy:
1)Whammy (no dry signal)..
options in this mode are 1 octave above, 2 octaves above, a second below, a second below reversed pedal action, a fourth below, an octave below, 2 octaves below, dive bomb

2) Harmony bends (dry signal added)
minor 3rd to major 3rd, 2nd above to major 3rd above, a 3rd above to 4th above, a 4th to a 5th above, a 5th to an octave above, an octave above, octave down, octave up/down

You also can adjust interval and direction of teh pitch band, manual control of the pedal position, and adjust the mix level..

Considering the mods and reverbs, i like them, but for details, check the manual..
And, i am not sure what you ment buy saying tweakable on foot..?
XXX head, huh? WOW..! I wish i have something like that..!


I just meant with a few knob turns I would be able to tweak an effect in real time. Actually that really isn't so important. I really just want to be able to to edit, set, access a few effects presets easily with the amp models turned completely off. I want a small footprint. I want easy access to the Whammy Effect. This is for 100% live use.

[meda peja]

i guess that it would be fine..but, if i were you, i would compared the real whamm, if you already have it, and rp250s whammy..
Also, the whammy effect requires to be in front of the preamp..when you use it in conjuction with the distortion from the processor, it says that it automaticly places whammy in the front, but i am not sure what is the situation when you use dist from the amp..cause, i guess, cause you asked about delays, that you want to use it in effects loop..?
Although, i remember i tryed rp250s whammy in the loop, while using the dist from Randalls preamp, and it sounded well..
I would try thist to tell you is it working, but my amps is not at my place till weekend..
Hope taht i helped you a bit

[Will Chen]

I just meant with a few knob turns I would be able to tweak an effect in real time. Actually that really isn't so important. I really just want to be able to to edit, set, access a few effects presets easily with the amp models turned completely off. I want a small footprint. I want easy access to the Whammy Effect. This is for 100% live use.

I actually have the RP350, which is a step up from the model this post is based on. I used to have a Whammy 2 when they first came out years ago and the Whammy model included here sounds every bit as good to my ears with the added benefit of storing multiple presets of the Whammy (the Whammy 2 only offered 2 memory slots). Actually, the bypass in this unit is a ton better than the bybass of the Whammy 2 which dramatically colored the guitar signal. All other effect can be bypassed (or set to direct in the case of the amp sims) to use the effects section only. However, you can not use the Whammy with another modulation effect. You can combine the Whammy with both the delay and reverb however.

As far as easy to program, that's very subjective. I feel the unit is extremely intuative but I've owned several different multi-fx units in the past. On the RP250, there are quite a few parameters which can not be accessed without a computer. With the RP350, it's not quite as bad.

Altering parameters in real time? Not an issue, just assign it to the expression pedal and go.

GC stocks them, however that is a poor test environment. With the low cost, I recommend getting one and trying it out with your rig. If you don't like it, take advantage of the 30 day money back guarantee.

[book_of_lies777]

wow - this sounds sooo much better than the Floor POD

[HKSblade1]

Tried a 250. Bypass or amp models off (direct) still colored the amp. Seems processing was still on even when not active. My POD XTL does the same thing. I asked the sales guy and he said it's the processing of signals that cause the lack of "true" direct sound. I tried the 250 along side the new Foot POD. Same results.

[Will Chen]

Tried a 250. Bypass or amp models off (direct) still colored the amp. Seems processing was still on even when not active. My POD XTL does the same thing. I asked the sales guy and he said it's the processing of signals that cause the lack of "true" direct sound. I tried the 250 along side the new Foot POD. Same results.

The Digi units will color the signal slightly when engaged even when everything is turned off. However whenthe unit is actually bypassed, I believe most of the color you're hearing is the loading of cables. Try any true bypass pedal (Digitech manual claims a true analog bypass) and you'll hear what I'm talking about. If you're using it as effect only in the loop of an amp, the issue is easily remedied by bypassing the loop. Any effect you're using is coloring your guitar signal anyway.

If using it in front for Wah, Whammy, and stomps then you have to ask yourself whether the units benefits out weigh the slight coloration. Honestly, I think in this price range with the features offered I think worrying about slight signal coloration is a little nit picky.

[quicksilver544]

If using it in front for Wah, Whammy, and stomps then you have to ask yourself whether the units benefits out weigh the slight coloration. Honestly, I think in this price range with the features offered I think worrying about slight signal coloration is a little nit picky.

+1 on dat! :thu:

[Namco]

My report is that I still can't get any sounds from my rp250 to the computer. I still like this device, but since I bought it for my practice room, I would like to be able to hear the great tones coming out of my speakers.

Any other suggestions?

For me, I connect the USB cable from the RP250 to the computer. It makes the Da-Donk sound that you've connected it to the computer and it shows up as an audio device. Go into the control panel (switch to classic view) and double-click "Sounds and Audio Devices". If you click on the Audio tab, you may notice that the RP250 is now both the Sound Playback device and the Sound Recording Device. This means all sound that your computer makes, will pipe down into the RP250 from now on. Make sure you're plugged into the headphone jack on the RP250. If I recall correctly, no sound comes out of the desktop speakers. To get the guitar sound to your desktop speakers, run a male-to-male stereo cable from the headphone jack of the RP250, to the blue Sound-In jack on your sound card.

It may be possible to do it through USB and adjusting the Audio Playback settings, but I'm not sure. I just thought it was really cool how my computer sound comes out through the RP250. Makes using Guitar Pro and the RP 250 together easy.

When recording on a program like Audacity, recording is easy. When the RP250 is set as the Sound Recording device, the only recording option shows up as "Microphone" and is selected by default in programs like this.

Unfortunately I don't think you can just digitally pipe the RP250 sound through the desktop speakers in Windows, because you only select one audio playback device at a time. You can't get the digital output of the RP250 into the sound card because you have to select the RP250 to get the sound in, and when you select it, it essentially turns off your sound card. Just do it analog style by going headphone out to Aux-in on the soundcard and you're in business.

[gtar_bahr]

To all owners,
I live in a old THIN walled duplex. Can I plug my guitar into the pedal and plug into the headphone jack and jam, with no-one to hear me.
This forum is awesome. I'm sorry if my questions are mondaine and stupid, but I have little funds and would like to find a FXs pedal that will please me and incorperate into my recording.

[gtar_bahr]

Hey,
Has anyone tried recording their vocals though this. Let me know if the FXs work.

[Sennin]

A couple of questions....hope I'm not repeating any....

1. What comes in the box?

2. Can you program the foot switches for your favorite settings? ie; Left pedal = preset 8, and right pedal = preset 22.

Thanks!

This unit looks to be just what I'm looking for.

[meda peja]

I have tried it today using in front of an amp..it was actually a Marshall jcm800 half stack..
The dist actually sounded pretty much ok..but it was a rehearsal so i had no time to play with it and tweak its best... but i will try that in the near future for sure..
Now i am even more certain that i can use it alone for everything, dist and fx, for some not so important gigs, directly to the PA..so that i don't need to lug my amp..

[odo]

gtar_bahr:
Yes you can plug in your guitar and use headphones with no amp:D i use this when mom and dad is sleeping
and

Sennin:
#1: the rp250 power supply and instructions NO USbCABLE!!! i found this out lol.
#2 no

Good luck
odo

[Sennin]

gtar_bahr:
Yes you can plug in your guitar and use headphones with no amp:D i use this when mom and dad is sleeping
and

Sennin:
#1: the rp250 power supply and instructions NO USbCABLE!!! i found this out lol.
#2 no

Good luck
odo

Thanks!

[gtar_bahr]

Odo:
Thank You!!!!

[ejendres]

all i knows is i LOVES MINE. makes my little amp sing like no other.

[MightyGerbil]

Wow...
Lots of info here.....

Anyone tried the Bass man setting with a bass??



I am looking for a pedal mostly for guitar but I occasionally play bass and would like to have a pedal with a decent bass sound.....


If the Bass man setting worked OK I could set up a patch for my bass and lug only 1 box.....


Thanks...

[Jon Chappell]

For me, I connect the USB cable from the RP250 to the computer. It makes the Da-Donk sound that you've connected it to the computer and it shows up as an audio device. Go into the control panel (switch to classic view) and double-click "Sounds and Audio Devices". If you click on the Audio tab, you may notice that the RP250 is now both the Sound Playback device and the Sound Recording Device. This means all sound that your computer makes, will pipe down into the RP250 from now on. Make sure you're plugged into the headphone jack on the RP250. If I recall correctly, no sound comes out of the desktop speakers. To get the guitar sound to your desktop speakers, run a male-to-male stereo cable from the headphone jack of the RP250, to the blue Sound-In jack on your sound card.

This is a good, succinct explanation of how to get your RP250 working digitally. Of course, you can set recording and playback independently, with all sounds (RP250 and computer) coming out of the speakers, but that takes a little more finesse. I like to record my guitar music with headphones anyway (and not trust my dinky computer speakers), so just do it this way and be done with it. When you're more comfortable with changing the settings in your hardware setup, you can experiment with sound going into the computer via the RP250 and out via the speakers. Do this by going to Start -> Control Panel -> Sounds and Audio Devices -> Audio.

One small correction to Namco's excellent instructions above: the sound of a USB device being connected successfully goes Donk-Da. When it's disconnected, it goes Da-Donk. The order of the tones changes depending on whether you're connecting (low high) or disconnecting (high low) a device. This is helpful to know when you're on your hands and knees under the table looking for a problem, and you make a cable change, but can't see the yellow announcement balloons on your screen.

And for you music-school types who care about such things, the musical interval of the connection tones is a perfect 5th. Though sometimes, especially when dealing with audio problems on the PC, I wonder why they didn't use diabolus in musica -- the tritone!

[bugly]

To clarify the power requirements for the RP250 - the input is 9V AC 1.3 amps, dont plug in std 9 V DC unit or you may make the blue smoke that makes electronic devices work escape :-).

Seriously only use 9V AC powersupplies with this (and related) units.

Robert

[bugly]

A couple of questions....hope I'm not repeating
2. Can you program the foot switches for your favorite settings? ie; Left pedal = preset 8, and right pedal = preset 22.


No you cant BUT you can place them in adjacent user slots and cycle them with the left/right pedals.

[HKSblade1]

Alrighty! I've had a few days with a RP350. Good deal from GC @179.00 I like it for jam/recording.

some things it does well. For the price I dont expect too much. It does do well for recording. In my amp, my friends amp, and a few others at the store it was very colored. One of my friends has a Vetta so his bias is a bit strong and dumb to compare. What I did like was through our PA it sounded nice. Powerd PA speaker is the way to go but not practical for our band.

We tried through amp's loops and it sounds good low. When you bust the vol at band levels its just not cutting it. Direct model or not, it wasn't good when running through any amp input or effects loop. At least my bandmates said NO. They like my lead guitarist sound with analog effects since the amp sound is not changed they said. My mates were cool and we spent an entire rehearsal attempting things to correct losses.

I'll use this for recording, but a powered speaker is not practical for me.

[Jon Chappell]

At least my bandmates said NO. They like my lead guitarist sound with analog effects since the amp sound is not changed they said. I'll use this for recording, but a powered speaker is not practical for me.

Sounds like you (and your band) put in a fair degree of work, and I respect your judgment. Just pointing out in the above statement that whether the effect is analog OR digital, the amp sound is not changed. It's just a question of how much of the digital modeling effect you want to take you through the signal chain (all the way through amps and cabinets, or limiting it just to stompboxes).

Just a thought: When you were going back and forth between the loop and the input of the amp, did you remember to engage/disengage the Amp/Mixer switch in the back of the RP accordingly?

And also, remember that when you use X-Edit 2.0 (the computer-based editor/librarian), you are provided parameters that you CAN'T get from the front panel. So I'd recommend that a serious evening of tone scultping with an RP350 include a laptop (especially for the increased EQ parameters).

Since you'll be using the RP350 for recording, check out the X-Edit, and let us know what you think.

[Will Chen]

...We tried through amp's loops and it sounds good low. When you bust the vol at band levels its just not cutting it. Direct model or not, it wasn't good when running through any amp input or effects loop...

Of course "sounds good" is very subjective. However, my experience is with any gear, especially with eq and ambience settings, adjustments must be made from bedroom to stage volume. Even when I used to gig with a guitar to wah to amp, I had to make adjustments every gig to ensure I was getting the best sound for the room. In a deader space you might want that verb up a little, in a room lined with ceramic plates (Flying Saucer Addison, TX) you cut the verb, gain, and highs.

This has to do with the efficiency of the speaker playback at a higher spl and the resonant frequencies of the speaker enclosure and the room in which the speaker is projecting. At low volumes, you will tend to need more highs and lows to get a full sound with good definition and might want a good deal of reverb to add ambience. Turn that up loud and suddenly the speaker is breaking up due to the huge amount of bass being fed and the highs are piercing. Coupled with the way the room (small untreated bedroom/rehearsal space versus wide open club) resonates and reflects sound and you could have a real mess on your hands.

This is kinda the love/hate situation I have with multifx amp modeling in a gigging situation. Sure you have the flexibility to create 50 cool presets, but having to make minor adjustments based on how your gear sounds in a room you've never played before is a big pain.

As far as it being "colored", well I think that is exactly the point when the unit is engaged. It should impart it's own character (or rather the character of the modeled unit) as it's trying to cover vastly different sonic territory from effect to effect. I still contend that the bypass is perfectly acceptable.

[HKSblade1]

Thanks. I tried the changing modes and I can get the modeler to sound okay. Its more the amp color. Turn up the amp and it gets worse. Even with cabinet direct. Too much to convince a Marshall and Vetta guy opposite me. Odd comparison but that's their pov. :rolleyes:

I can say my bandmates were cool to try some things. It's a headache to them so I'll stick with what works for now. I see too many posts in many forums that have the "honeymoon" to then be ebayed or sold elsewhere in another post. Its a battle with multieffects and live users from what I see. I brought the Blade to our rehearsal last night and the Love from them and our soundtech was revived.

I'll keep the RP for recording. Modelers have improved. I'll give it that. :D

[Shodan]

Anyone know how the RP250 or the RP350 sounds just plugged straight into an amp?
I've read that the amp modelling in other MF units isnt too good but the effects are fine.
I'm thinking of getting either of them so any help would be much appreciated

[gorno]

Thanks. I tried the changing modes and I can get the modeler to sound okay. Its more the amp color. Turn up the amp and it gets worse. Even with cabinet direct. Too much to convince a Marshall and Vetta guy opposite me. Odd comparison but that's their pov. :rolleyes:


Here is one thing you can try if you want to use your RP during practice with an amp. Instead of plugging your RP into your amp's input, plug it directly in to the amp's effects loop "return" jack. There will be nothing plugged into your amp's input or effects loop "send" jack. The signal chain is guitar->effects loop "return". Set the switch on the back of the RP to "amp" mode, set the amp model to any amplifier you want and set the cabinet to "direct". When I do this with my amp it sounds great. I don't like the sound when I plug the RP directly into the amp's "input" jack. The downpoint with this method is that you are bypassing your amp's preamp section and only using the power amp. The preamp is resposible for shaping/filtering your sound and for adding overdrive. When you use the setup I've described above, you are using the preamp model in the RP to shape the sound instead of your amp's preamp. The problem with this is that you probably bought your amp because you like the way it colors your sound. This isn't the ideal setup, but it's probably the best way to set up this type of multi-fx pedal with an amp to keep all of the effects sounding their best.

DigiTech just announced a new rack processor called the GSP1101 which will alleviate this problem because it has an effects loop built in. If you think it through, with the GSP you can route all of the effects before you're preamp that need to go there and all of the effects between your preamp and power amp that need to go there by routing guitar->GSP input->GSP fx loop send->amp input->amp fx loop send->GSP fx loop return->GSP output->amp fx loop return.
I hope that makes sense. It does require a little thought and some extra cables. You would just turn off the amp and cab model in the GSP and everything should sound great! I hope this helps.

[HKSblade1]

yes, I've seen the GSP! looks cool :thu:

glad to see them chumming a rack unit again. Not sure how the sound will be if it's based on ADNA2 I may look at the Fractal Audio's AXE FX unit. You gotta hear those clips but the thing is pricey, like $1200

[thefuryone]

Anyone know how the RP250 or the RP350 sounds just plugged straight into an amp?
I've read that the amp modelling in other MF units isnt too good but the effects are fine.
I'm thinking of getting either of them so any help would be much appreciated

I just bought this and ran it through my Epiphone Valve Junior straight. No effects loop, so it's not optimum, but I thought it sounded really really good. I don't know how "authentic" the models sound, but I'm really happy with the purchase.

[Shodan]

After much thought and looking up reviews I just came home 5 mins ago from Glasgow with a Digitech GNX3000!!!!
I thought since life is too short I decided to put the extra to it. Oh and I got it for a great price! :thu:
It sounded great in the shop so now am off to get it out of the box and spend some proper time with it! woo hoo!:D :D :D

[boogiesurfer]

I've been using the RP350 for about a month now, and have barely left the presets! (they're that good)

Use my 100w heads, and double stacks for "real tone", but use the GP350 for practice into a Vox DA15 and a Line6 Spider II 112. BTW the Vox DA15 (with its 8" speaker) blows away the Spider II IMO, but using both on clean settings with the RP350 makes for some great tones/spaciousness, at tolerable levels, so my neighbors aren't too concerned:eek:

In this "practice" setup, I am quite surprised at how enjoyable it is to play through, and makes me want to play more:cool:

Previous reviews of the DA15 seem to discredit it, next to say, the AD15VT, but from my experience, it is an excellent practice amp for very good tone at low volumes (I don't use the "heavier" models, but everything from clean (two modes), blues (3 modes), and crunch1 models are excellent). With the RP350 I simply use the Vox's "manual" mode on clean1.

Very happy with the Vox DA15/RP350 combo:wave:

[Jay 74]

My new bedroom practice rig is
Guitar-->RP350-->Crate Powerblock-->Peavey212MC Cab with 2G12K-85 Celestions


It meets my needs wonderfully.

[MDLMUSIC]

I bought an RP250 two weeks ago. I have used it on two gigs so far and have been very pleased with the sounds directly into the PA (which is why I bought it). I also love using it as a practice tool with headphones.

I have not tried hooking it up to the computer yet, and quite frankly, am not sure why I need to do so. Programming is very easy and intuitive. What advantage is there to the computer program?

If somebody can explain it so even my 53 year old Luddite mind can comprehend, I might give it a try.

[RG450]

I bought an RP250 two weeks ago. I have used it on two gigs so far and have been very pleased with the sounds directly into the PA (which is why I bought it). I also love using it as a practice tool with headphones.

I have not tried hooking it up to the computer yet, and quite frankly, am not sure why I need to do so. Programming is very easy and intuitive. What advantage is there to the computer program?

If somebody can explain it so even my 53 year old Luddite mind can comprehend, I might give it a try.
There are a few features that you can access through the PC hookup that might be useful.
I believe you can change the order of your programs around, and also adjust parameters that aren't available on the unit.
There may be others as well, but these are the only ones I've heard of.

[Brew]

Hi. I'm looking for advice on recording with the RP250. Using Cubasis VST 5, I set up the RP250 via USB. After a few attempts the RP250 ASIO driver was identified, and I was able to record some guitar. When I then recorded another track on top, there was a serious delay between the two. Is this caused by playing the backing track through USB, or is it some set-up issue on the software? When setting recording levels, I raised the USB level on the X-Edit audio set-up as the master volume on the RP250 was getting too loud for my headphones. There doesn't seem to be any guide on recording in the RP250 booklet or on the Digitech site. I've read about bypassing the USB but that's one of the main selling points of the RP250 in the first place. Will using ASIO4ALL solve the issue? It also seems crazy to use another audio interface when the RP250 is sold as one. So,how best can you deal with latency problems on the RP 250? On the plus side, the sounds and their variety are great - it's just getting the sounds recorded. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Will Chen]

...When I then recorded another track on top, there was a serious delay between the two. Is this caused by playing the backing track through USB, or is it some set-up issue on the software? When setting recording levels, I raised the USB level on the X-Edit audio set-up as the master volume on the RP250 was getting too loud for my headphones.

When you say "serious delay" between the two. Are you referring to playing back the the 2 tracks together or when you're tracking the 2nd track? If the USB versus RP balance is set even, you should experience 0 latency monitoring of your input signal. Wouldn't you just adjust the master level to control the headphone volume?

If you're reffering to an offset after you've recorded the track, then the version of Cubase you're using doesn't understand how to automatically offset for the latent playback which allows a "0 latency" situation when recording.


There doesn't seem to be any guide on recording in the RP250 booklet or on the Digitech site. I've read about bypassing the USB but that's one of the main selling points of the RP250 in the first place. Will using ASIO4ALL solve the issue? It also seems crazy to use another audio interface when the RP250 is sold as one. So,how best can you deal with latency problems on the RP 250? On the plus side, the sounds and their variety are great - it's just getting the sounds recorded. Any advice would be appreciated.

I use SONAR 5 and haven't had any latency issues. The units drivers work perfectly for me. I have to reset a few settings when switching between the RP and my main interface however that is a SONAR issue, not an RP driver issue. Honestly, the RP USB interface is extremely uncomplicated. Issues you are experiencing are more likely with a setting within your DAW rather than with the unit. Not very familiar with VST versions, is 5 new or fairly old?

[Will Chen]

I bought an RP250 two weeks ago. I have used it on two gigs so far and have been very pleased with the sounds directly into the PA (which is why I bought it). I also love using it as a practice tool with headphones.

I have not tried hooking it up to the computer yet, and quite frankly, am not sure why I need to do so. Programming is very easy and intuitive. What advantage is there to the computer program?

If somebody can explain it so even my 53 year old Luddite mind can comprehend, I might give it a try.

Take a look at the manual. There are a good deal of parameters which you can't access from the panel and are only available via X-Edit. A few examples are Mid and Treb Freq on the eq, regeneration for flange, waveform for pretty much all modulation effects which support it, delay duck threshhold, reverb predelay, etc. This was a deciding factor in my choice of the 350 over the 250.

On the other hand, if you're liking the tones you're getting then play away. It's probably more productive (and fun) to hit the strings than twiddle knobs. :D

[kensmith]

a few questions for the RP350 experts:

#1- I am considering getting a RP350 (previous owner of RP200A and GNX3) and want to use one XLR to go to soundboard and one XLR to go to my amp for use as guitar only monitor. Is there a setting to set the XLR outputs as MONO (same signal to both)?


#2- Has anyone used this with both electric and acoustic guitars? I have a primary setup for my acoustic/elctric (Taylor 314ce with ES) but may want to try some light chorus/reverb effects only...no amp models.

#3- how is the accuracy of the tuner? will it be as good as my Fender PT-100 and the internal tuner on my Vox Valvetronix AD60VTX?

thanks!

[Blueraven]

How do the effects compare quality wise to the GNX4? Trying to decide which to get?

[js1]

I picked up an RP350 yesterday on impulse.

I have a POD XT already, along with a not bad selection of tube amps, other amp sims (both hardware and software) and analog pedals.

My take, FWIW...

The RP350 does the least amount of damage to the raw guitar signal of any digital processor I've run into. If you turn of all the effects but still run through the RP350 (i.e not bypass), it sounds fine. The A/D-D/A is definitely a cut above the POD XT, for example.

The amps sims and the distortions are OK, but not particularly inspiring. I find the character of the distortions have a sameness about them, and not a lot of dimension. I wouldn't keep the unit for these as I have better options.

The compressor, likewise, doesn't do it for me. Made things sound smaller.

But it has the best modulation effects and reverb that I've come across in an emulation pedal. Plugged into an amp, they sounded great. I did a comparison against the same models in the XT, and there was no contest. The POD versions sound lifeless and fake, the RP350 were fun to play.

So, I think I'll keep it.

Again, just one guy's opinion.

js

[Give it a pull]

I'm on my second RP350 so this thread caught my eye.I bought the 1st one about 4-5 years ago and about yr 2 I started having trouble with the footswitches not working.I figured out how to shim the switches so they would work,but it did,nt last and I was opening the unit too often to correct this problem.I liked all the features it offered but got fed up with the "cheap" microswitch/foot switch assembly..the mnfg should really upgrade those switches !!!
I finally basically got rid of the unit for 50 bucks and showed the guy how to reshim the footswitches..he was happy with it for the money.
Afew weeks later I found another one on ebay-NIB unopened and won it for 100.00 :eek: I got the newer "Artist" version and so far it's been reliable,but I wonder if anyone else has had any problems with the footswitches on these things?

great info thread btw !!

[Blueraven]

Well im in the market for a sys to just lay down bass, guitar and vocals and thght the gnx4 wld be great for that. After listening to a complete review of the effects, online source, i heard only abt 2 or 3 i liked. So the rest is waste of $ for me anyway. I do like the sound the mesas markII-c gives and not sure this pedal/effects deal is for me..

All the input is interesting to read and its amazing how much time and effort and $ is being spent by us and the manuf to keep us buzzing and buying..

[crisis]

I'm on my second RP350 so this thread caught my eye.I bought the 1st one about 4-5 years ago and about yr 2 I started having trouble with the footswitches not working.I figured out how to shim the switches so they would work,but it did,nt last and I was opening the unit too often to correct this problem.I liked all the features it offered but got fed up with the "cheap" microswitch/foot switch assembly..the mnfg should really upgrade those switches !!!
I finally basically got rid of the unit for 50 bucks and showed the guy how to reshim the footswitches..he was happy with it for the money.
Afew weeks later I found another one on ebay-NIB unopened and won it for 100.00 :eek: I got the newer "Artist" version and so far it's been reliable,but I wonder if anyone else has had any problems with the footswitches on these things?

great info thread btw !!

Yep. I got a RP50. It stopped working after about 13 months hence not covered by warranty. I contacted Digitech and they effectively said too bad. I pulled it to bits myself as it was a throw away anyway and reassembled it and it worked. Whatever. The footswitches have now started to play up. I have always hated the fact that you need to stomp on two simultaneously to turn off an effect which is problematical when you are trying to hit it cleanly and quickly. I actually use it through a Boss loop pedal to switch in and out. I do want a new unit but am unsure what to go for. I am not really interested in the amp modelling side, just the delay, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser and I use an auto wah for one song.

[RG450]

a few questions for the RP350 experts:

#1- I am considering getting a RP350 (previous owner of RP200A and GNX3) and want to use one XLR to go to soundboard and one XLR to go to my amp for use as guitar only monitor. Is there a setting to set the XLR outputs as MONO (same signal to both)?


#2- Has anyone used this with both electric and acoustic guitars? I have a primary setup for my acoustic/elctric (Taylor 314ce with ES) but may want to try some light chorus/reverb effects only...no amp models.

#3- how is the accuracy of the tuner? will it be as good as my Fender PT-100 and the internal tuner on my Vox Valvetronix AD60VTX?

thanks!

To answer question #2, I have used the RP100 with an Alvarez PJ85, and with some tweaking, I was able to get a pretty decent sound. I have a short clip recorded; PM me if you want to hear it. I'll post it on my soundclick or something.

[jimbeamer]

Hey Jon, how it with external MIDI control, like from a sequencer? I'm going to be checking that out soon and will post here with what I find, but I wonder if there's anything you've found of which I should be aware.

For this series of RP processors, DigiTech has chosen not to include MIDI control. For you guitarists looking for realtime MIDI control, and other MIDI features, check out DigiTech's GNX Guitar Workstations.

I downloaded the latest x-edit 2.1 and it appears there is midi after all!

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/3643/untitled2uw0.jpg


looking closer at the RP-150 usb driver inf ( DigiUsb.inf )
;
; DIGIUSB.INF
;
; Copyright (c) 2003 CEntrance, Inc.
;
; For DigiTech RPX400/Vx400

...............

String Definitions
;------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Strings]
Provider = "DigiTech"
USBMfg = "DigiTech"
CEUSBAUDIO.DeviceDesc = "DigiTech USB Audio Device"
CEUSBMIDI1.DeviceDesc = "DigiTech USB MIDI Device (Port 1)"
CEUSBMIDI2.DeviceDesc = "DigiTech USB MIDI Device (Port 2)"
CEUSBAUDIO.Desc = "DigiTech USB Audio"
CEUSBMIDI1.Desc = "DigiTech USB X-Edit"
CEUSBMIDI2.Desc = "DigiTech USB Control"
CEUSBAUDIO.SvcDesc = "DigiTech USB Audio Driver"
CEUSBMIDI1.SvcDesc = "DigiTech USB MIDI Driver"
CEUSBMIDI2.SvcDesc = "DigiTech USB MIDI Driver"


The usb driver is clearly Audio and midi.


Also

The X-Edit Help.chm (help file) states

" Try opening a preset, then grab a knob on your unit and twist it. You’ll see the corresponding control in X-Edit change immediately. The same goes for storing presets, changing global settings, etc. This ensures that no matter how you prefer to work, your editor and your Lexicon device are always in sync. "

If is not midi then what is it? So what is the implementation?


Well the obvious thing to do is to connect a Vst host or midox and monitor midi sysex messages.... (not to mention what could be don with borgs midi translator)
can someone do this please .... !


Real-time adjustment of effects or settings is an important feature that i'm looking, when considering buying a unit like this, especially when thinking about reamping ....

The pod 2.0 has this feature, someone even made a vst plugin for it though sending midi cc's from any vst plugin works fine too.

However from what i've heard the Rp150 / 250 /350 sound better than the pod.




The other point i want to make is that if this thing is really just an external sound card with DSP software built in why shouldn't it be just as configurable
as say an old creative sound blaster or sound blaster live ( see the KX project - alternative drivers for Sb-live with user programmable dsp fx's including amp emulators !)


Well if its meant to be a stompbox / preamp / fx unit why can it not also be controlled by midi ast this facility has been around for years now.how about decoding sysex .... using a uno chip modded Behringer FCB 1010 floorboard controller to woork with it for advanced live setup. (even though a modded behringer may still have issues).





Don't get me wrong, i understand digitech's approach , low entry product , don't want to confuse or take the fun out of it with too many options etc give people what will work easiest and best, with out the hype .... sorry line 6 pod manual makes me sick ...:blah: :blah:


it seems like a great product... if only the RP-150 control pedal was assignable ,unlike that built in with the 250 then i'd probably just buy one straight away... and try figure out the rest.
Anyway ...i'm sure i might cop some flack for this for having unrealistic expectations or for shimmering the clear outline of the Rp-250 line as simple and easy to use.



Really though if i plug it in to my (non effect loop) amp valve amp with the amps controls set to flat will it sound any good.:thu:


If i only end up using next to a pc then why not just use free vst amp modelers KVR has a big list.

Anyway

Big Jim Beamer



P.s

Please some informative comments ...

[Will Chen]

The other point i want to make is that if this thing is really just an external sound card with DSP software built in why shouldn't it be just as configurable
as say an old creative sound blaster or sound blaster live ( see the KX project - alternative drivers for Sb-live with user programmable dsp fx's including amp emulators !)...If i only end up using next to a pc then why not just use free vst amp modelers KVR has a big list.

Pretty sure the unit is intended for use similar to that of a stompbox, that is into an amp/PA system. The USB interface and recording features are the "icing", if you will. Yes, indeed there is a MIDI (esque) CC messages which allow transfer between the unit and PC when connected, however the implementation is nominal (as you have seen). However, I'm really hoping they take advantage of this ability by eventually offering additional features/effects via downloadable upgrade.

The expression pedal is absolutely assignable, but only to a single parameter at a time (but that can be any parameter) in addition to switching to wah when extra pressure is applied.

As far as hacking the device, I'm not entirely sure I understand your post. Anyone can hack any digital device given the time and knowledge, but why? If you're smart enough to hack the DSP, why not just develop a VST plug which would do what you desire?

And if you enjoy all the free VST emulators out there, why not just use them? Are you asking us to convince you otherwise...because I'm all about free when free fulfills a need This device has a value and I believe the price justifies that value.

[jimbeamer]

Pretty sure the unit is intended for use similiar to that of a stompbox, that is into an amp/PA system. The USB interface and recording features are the "icing", if you will.

I figure the presets sound best through headphones or small amp at low volumes in the store.


Yes, indeed there is a MIDI (esque) CC messages which allow transfer betwwen the unit and PC when connected, however the implementation is nominal (as you have seen).

Can you send me some data using midiox, so i can take a look. cheers

However, I'm really hoping they take advantage of this ability by eventually offering additional features/effects via down loadable upgrade.

If i get on me too, but more likely bug fixes. I guess it won't happen until way down the track or unless people ask for it.

The expression pedal is absolutely assignable, but only to a single parameter at a time (but that can be any parameter) in addition to switching to wah when extra pressure is applied.

Ok can you tell me that for sure about the RP-150, i had a look at the demo on their site ... theres no 'expression' tab on the x-edit shown. The RP-250 demo shows an expression tab at the bottom of the screen. What happens if you plug a control pedal into the RP-150 does a expression tab suddenly appear dynamically?in x-edit will it disappear if you remove it while using x-edit. One parameter per patch may well be enough......


As far as hacking the device, I'm not entirely sure I understand your post. Anyone can hack any digital device given the time and knowledge, but why? If you're smart enough to hack the DSP, why not just develop a VST plug which would do what you desire?


What i was saying about 'hacking' is that people will do this to make something more useful ... i'm not suggesting hacking the DSP of the digitech, simply looking at the communication between it and a PC / Mac so as to use it to its full capacities with currently available music applications & tools.


And if you enjoy all the free VST emulators out there, why not just use them? Are you asking us to convince you otherwise...because I'm all about free when free fullfills a need. This device has a value and I believe the price justifies that value.

The fact that you can stream music back from the computer gave me the impression that its more akin to a USB sound card.In fact the promo Pdf doesn't even show the pedal, just a kid with a laptop and an amp.

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/6010/150uc3.jpg



It could be good with a laptop , as most laptops have crappy sound cards. I have a good pc sound card already!



For live use it really needs to stack up... cause i cant take a free amp vst and stomp on it without really messing up the laptop:lol:



The valve it's worth is the price people will pay for it.... its true value is in how they can use it.






Anyway


Big Jim Beamer

[MudFlaps-1]

I was just wondering if anyone has compared the RP250/RP350 with the effects in the EX-7 Expression Factory? The RP350 and EX-7 both go for $200 at MF and other etailers. But the RP350 has so many more effects PLUS presets PLUS the AudioDNA2 chip PLUS USB and X-edit while the EX-7 uses the previous generation chip and you can't preset your favourite settings per pedal model. With the exception of the univibe I think the RP250 has all the EX-7 effects - the RP350 includes the univibe too. I can see how Digitech is pricing the EX-7 as compared to wah pedals out there - 'hey, it's a wah PLUS these other cool effects' - but as compared to their RP350 the price is way high to me. But the proof is in the sounds, ain't it?

[lhueckel]

Here is one thing you can try ...snip...
DigiTech just announced a new rack processor called the GSP1101 which will alleviate this problem because it has an effects loop built in. If you think it through, with the GSP you can route all of the effects before you're preamp that need to go there and all of the effects between your preamp and power amp that need to go there by routing guitar->GSP input->GSP fx loop send->amp input->amp fx loop send->GSP fx loop return->GSP output->amp fx loop return.
I hope that makes sense. It does require a little thought and some extra cables. You would just turn off the amp and cab model in the GSP and everything should sound great! I hope this helps.


Gorno,
Have you actually tried the routing you suggest? I would like to know how well this actually works. If you have tried this what modeling/effect unit did you use and how well did it work? I am returning to playing after a very long hiatus and have so far got an American Deluxe HSS Strat and a Peavey ValveKing 112. I currently have no effects or modeling units so I am trying to investigate all my options. If what you suggest works well it would be an ideal way to switch between the combos preamp and a modeling unit.

- thanks

[chiro972]

I have a question that I haven't seen asked yet. My RP250 when played through either of my amps has a serious loss of sustain. In other words, the sound just cuts off way early on the B and E strings in particular. I can tell the string is still vibrating strongly, but the sound cuts out.

I have only used the presets so far. has anyone else noticed this? Is there some kind of noise reduction going on? I don't really want to introduce any more hiss than there already is, but playing any kind of solo that has a long ringing note doesn't work on this thing so far.

Any suggestions?

[gorno]

I have a question that I haven't seen asked yet. My RP250 when played through either of my amps has a serious loss of sustain. In other words, the sound just cuts off way early on the B and E strings in particular. I can tell the string is still vibrating strongly, but the sound cuts out.

I have only used the presets so far. has anyone else noticed this? Is there some kind of noise reduction going on? I don't really want to introduce any more hiss than there already is, but playing any kind of solo that has a long ringing note doesn't work on this thing so far.

Any suggestions?

From what you describe it sounds like the noise gate is on and the threshold parameter may be set too high. Try decreasing the threshold on your noise gate and see if that helps.

[shihku]

just a quick question,
Can I bypass the amp and cab modeling with the RP x50 ?
I need an effects unit on my pedal board, I'm looking to just use the delay reverb chrous filter etc. I play jazz, funk and blues, don't really need any drives.

I'm also thinking about the Zoom G2, which would be a better choice ?

[js1]

just a quick question,
Can I bypass the amp and cab modeling with the RP x50 ?
I need an effects unit on my pedal board, I'm looking to just use the delay reverb chrous filter etc. I play jazz, funk and blues, don't really need any drives.


Yes, you can bypass the amp/cab modeling. Each section can be individually bypassed. I'm using it the same way as you want to (as an effects unit into a tube amp).

js

[nickt]

wow, what a great informative thread!
I've come to this thread in a bit of a strange way...
I bought an RP200A a month or so ago, as it was on a great discontinued model price (£64.99). I use a Hughes and Kettner Switchblade live, so have inbuilt FX, and realyy wanted the RP as a multiple tuner/wah/volume pedal.

Anyway down at rehearsal I put it in front of the amp, and found that even in bypass, the hiss it generated was completely intolerable. Took it out of the equation, and all silent again. Digitech support could not shed any light, so I asked the retailer to take it back, and agreed to pay the extra £20 for a 300A.

Courier comes on Friday, and inside, I find a 250, (extra £80).

My question to you experienced RP guys is, is the 250 worth the extra for me? I like the idea of the IPS occasionally, and mainly am looking to put it in front of the amp for tuning/wah/volume. (I don't think the the old series had a V-switch to kick the wah on?)

Is the bypass more sophisticated on the x50 series?

thanks in advance guys

[TexasRocks]

Great site! Kudos to the administrator. I am an average player in an above average classic rock cover band. I recently received the RP 250 as a gift and am slightly overwhelmed, as well as more than a little impressed. I wonder if I might get some help. I have been playing for several years , but am not a gear-head and know little about classic stomboxes or amps. Have run through all the factory presets and wonder where I should start in terms of getting a close approximation to a Billy Gibbons sound (Tush, La Grange), an Eric Clapton sound (Cocaine, I Shot the Sheriff), and a Skynyrd sound
(Sweet Home Alabama, Call Me the Breeze). Can I start with one of the presets or should I go from scratch? Are people happy with the Stevie Ray preset, or would you make some edits?
Lastly, I have gleaned from this forum tha most people are wary of playing this live unless it is directly through the PA. Is that the consensus?
I play a '79 American Strat with DiMarzio Vintage Area '58 pickups, as well as a Paul Stanley model Silvertone with Duncan Humbuckers (inexpensive, but kinda cool looking and not a bad tone). I am playing through a 100W Laney (British tube amp).
Any help is greatly appreciated.

[jpleong]

Hi folks, I'm actually a Genesis 3 user (and former J-Station user -because someone stole it!) but I'd like to help if I can.

nickt:
Are you saying your retailer is asking for more sterling because he sent you the wrong box? Regarding the bypass: The RP series (and most multi-effect units) actually convert your guitar signal into a digital one and processes it from there. The noise you hear, therefore, is inherent in the electronics of the unit and unavoidable unless you hardwire bypass the unit completely (otherwise, you're just turning effects off). I've experienced the same hiss/noise issue with my Genesis 3 when using it as an effect processor for my amps. The best way to deal with this is to turn the output level up on the Digitech unit and turn the input level on the amp down or to try using it in the effect send/return of your amp (if it has one).

TexasRocks:
This is from the Roger Linn Design website and is a great answer for your last question:

(insert RP250 wherever "Adrenalinn" appears)
Q: What guitar amp do you recommend I play my AdrenaLinn through when I play live?

A: If you’re only using AdrenaLinn’s effects and not the amp models, then I’d recommend you use the amp you like best because it’s really personal taste. Filters effects are similar to wah pedal effects, so if you like a certain amp with wah pedal, chances are you’ll like the same amp with AdrenaLinn’s filter effects.

However, if you’re using AdrenaLinn’s amp models, then the best amp is a full-range powered monitor because it faithfully reproduces the intended sound of the amp modeling product, just like recording direct. This is true for any amp modeler—POD, AmpliTube, etc. Running an amp modeler through an amp is akin to running a Fender amp through a Marshall; you might like how it sounds but it’s not very predictable. The trouble is that guitar amps always color the sound and never faithfully reproduce the guitar’s sound, which is a good thing and the reason you bought the amp. And every great-sounding guitar amp colors the sound in a different and uniquely good way. AdrenaLinn, POD and other modelers have an “amp” mode which attempts to compensate for this coloring, but it’s really impossible to compensate for the unique coloration of each guitar amp you might be running your modeler into.

The bottom line is this: If running your guitar through any amp modeler before your guitar amp sounds good to you, don’t change a thing. However, if you want to hear an amp modeler’s sound as it was intended to be heard, plug directly from the modeler’s output into your console for recording or into a flat-response powered monitor for live. For live play, I (Roger) run my AdrenaLinn II directly into a Mackie SRM450 powered PA monitor and it sounds great.

Hope that helps...
JP

[guitarplayer]

Hey guys. I use the RP200A in front of my amp. Honestly after minimal tweaking it sounds huge. I use about 5 presets.

So, I thought since my 200A sounds so good I though I would try the improved 250. When plugged into the front of my amp it sounds like it's being played thru an 8 inch transister radio. I've tried tweaking and tweaking. I ended up taking it back. Was there something I was doing wrong?

[santos]

For my birthday I recently got a Pandora PDX4-D (or whatever the number is, the new, grey one) and I'm really happy with it. I wanted something for headphone practice, etc. But that's another story.

Given that I really like the variety of sounds I can get from the Korg, it's piqued my interest in a mfx to replace my pedalboard - I think I have 7 pedals on there now. I really like the sound of the new Digitech RP - as heard in this thread and on their site.

My question is, how are they for live use? I'd primarily be interested in the RP350 because I like the idea of the A/B switch. I'm new to mfx units, so I'm just curious as to whether they're a pain to use live, etc.

My band primarily plays funk, reggae, rock, whatever. I mainly want good clean and OD sounds, with the ability to add various flavors, as needed. Does the A/B switch on the RP350 prove to be worth the extra $$? I guess the other main concern I have is balancing the volume of the various patches I might use live - in general is that a pain? Any general input would be helpful, thanks.

Oh, and BTW, John, you ordered me (:)) to go to my local shop to compare my crybaby vs the wahs in the RP units - unfortunately my "local" shop is 45 minutes away, and they do not have the new units in stock yet. I plan to do the comparison as soon as possible.

[kensmith]

My question is, how are they for live use? I'd primarily be interested in the RP350 because I like the idea of the A/B switch. I'm new to mfx units, so I'm just curious as to whether they're a pain to use live, etc.

Does the A/B switch on the RP350 prove to be worth the extra $$?

I guess the other main concern I have is balancing the volume of the various patches I might use live - in general is that a pain? Any general input would be helpful, thanks.

I used mine live yesterday for first time (I use in praise band at church). Not the same as full on gigging as we only do about 6 songs for a service. But I used with three different tones, one clean, one high gain, and one acoustic guitar.
In my mind, the A/B switching is a necessity. If you combine that with the ability to assign the pedal to any parameter (both variable parameters as well as on/off for given effect)....it is a must have. Very simple to use.

As to the different volumes for different patches (this is critical at church where you need them all to be about the same level. It is very easy to acheive this for various patches as well as A-amp and B-amp. Just adjust the amp gain, volume, and EQ sets where you want them and you can get a consistant level. This is one area that the RP350 outshines my Vox AD60VTX setup.

If you are looking to replace a pedal board with this, it WILL have all the nice tones and adjustability that you need. Where I find it falls short is in the ease of knob tweaking while performing. With all knobs available at all times on your pedals, you may find the menu surfing a hassle at first.

I may have mine up for sale soon since another guitarist at our church has a spare Utopia for me to try out, but I recommend the RP350 for sound.

[santos]

Thanks for the info kensmith - that's exactly what I wanted to know. I know that onstage tweaking might be a bit of a hassle, but once the interface is learned well enough, it will probably be fine. Part of what's got me thinking about this is that I want to add a fuzz pedal and a tuner to my board at some point, and those 2 pedals by themselves would equal the price of the RP350 - or more, depending on which fuzz pedal.

[jpleong]

Santos, if you really like the Pandora tones you're getting then it's worth checking out the multi-effects offerings from Korg and Vox (same company). Some of the models I've used on the Tonelab and on (cheaper) Korg stuff sounds better to me than my Digitech (the mdoels of the Vox, Fender, and Marshall amps, for example). I still prefer the Triple Rectifier on the Digitech.

Every multi-modeler will require you to balance out patches before you first play live. I don't think any unit gets that annoying change right. Once you get that tweaked, I don't think any one of the units on the market is bad for live use!

JP

[santos]

JPLEONG: thanks for the advice. I'm not sure why I wasn't considering the Korg mfx units - I'll have to take a look. I know that the big Korg unit is only $50 more than the RP350 right now, and it has more footswitches, which probably would give it more flexibility in a live situation.

I kind of had a feeling that getting the patch levels right was just a trial and error process.

[dwerlin]

So, as I’m in the market for a multi-effects unit for my rig (budget mandates this as opposed to individual pedals, and I like the availability of amp/cab sims for recording and/or going straight to a PA). At lunch today I went to Guitar Center and demoed both the Line 6 Floor POD and the DigiTech RP350. My test was with a Fender Standard Stratocaster into each unit respectively, and then I used headphones to evaluate each unit (I didn’t plug either of them into an amp).

I wasn’t blown away by either of these units. Neither of them really had a “tube” sound/feel to me…however, for $200 each, I wasn’t totally expecting to (though it would certainly have been nice if I was).

Line 6 Floor POD:

Pros:

The tone is bold and in your face – by this, I mean that the tone feels full and robust, not thin.
Ease of use – I found it very easy to rotate through the amp models and control gain, output volume, and tone. Changing the effects parameters was very easy as well. This unit is pretty much idiot proof.
FX Control – excellent feature, lets you turn off and on individual effects without changing preset banks, and add a touch of volume and overdrive for lead
All metal construction – at least as far as I could tell, the entire unit was metal construction (the knobs may be plastic, but they have a metal feel to them).

Cons:

The tone is harsh[er] – this unit sounded a bit more “digital” than the DigiTech RP350. I didn’t get enough time to really sit down and tweak settings, so I don’t know if that can be tweaked out.
No tuner foot access – you need to bend down and hold the “tuner” button in order to get into tuning mode. With that said, the tuner in this unit is excellent.
No foot tap tempo – you need to bend down and tap the “tap tempo” button in order to set tempo for delay.
No USB – no USB output for computer editing/updating/recording. Not a huge deal, but it would certainly have been nice.
Very limited number of effects – there are only 4 effect types per the 2 effect banks, and you can only use 1 type per effect bank at any given time.
Limited effects options - there really aren't many different effects available, but the major ones are there.

DigiTech RP350

Pros:

The tone is smooth[er] – I found the tone of this unit to be smoother than the Line 6 Floor POD. However, it wasn’t as in your face…it seemed much flatter (however, I didn’t play with any EQ settings). It’s less digital sounding without having to do any tweaks, however it didn’t really portray any “tube” essence.
Tuner foot access – it’s very nice to be able to access the tuner via footswitches, however, see my comment on that in the “Cons” section.
Stomp box models for overdrive/distortion – quite a nice feature, which the Line 6 Floor POD does not have. This essentially allows you to not have to use any amp models if you’re playing into your amp, which I think is a great feature.
Tons of amp models/effects – with this unit you get a multitude of effects and amp models, many more than with the Line 6 Floor POD.
USB – a USB connection on this unit makes it possible to connect it to a PC for patch editing and direct recording. This is certainly a nice feature to have.

Cons:

Flat[er] sound – like I mentioned above, the default settings for this unit give the output a flat sound. It’s not bold, and in your face like the Line 6 Floor POD.
Bypass/Tuner operation – this is one of my biggest gripes with this unit. In order to either put the unit in bypass mode or into tuner mode, you need to step on the up/down pedals (both at the same time). While this might seem like an easy task, if you don’t hit them both exactly at the same time, you won’t get into the bypass/tuner mode. Instead, you’ll start scrolling madly through all the presets. This was a HUGE disappointment for me. I’d rather have to bend down and push the button on the front of the Line 6 Floor POD to tune than dealing with trying to get into DigiTech’s tuner mode.
Not full metal construction – most of the unit is constructed of heavy duty metal, except for the foot switches! The foot switches are just plastic. They seem like they wouldn’t hold up to every day abuse nearly as well as the Line 6 Floor POD pedals.
No tap tempo? – I couldn’t for the life of me find any tap tempo mode on this unit…I apologize if it’s there and I missed it.
Still somewhat limited on types of effects you can use simultaneously - unfortunately, as with every multi-effects unit I've ever used, you can't use 2 stomp box distortion/overdrives together, etc.

Overall, I’m not really sure if I would choose either unit, since they both have their flaws. However, for $200 I really shouldn’t expect either one of them to be perfect.

Choosing the Line 6 Floor POD would leave me possibly (depending on if it can get tweaked out) a harsher, more “digital” sound.

Choosing the DigiTech RP350 would leave me possibly (depending on if it can get tweaked in) a flatter, less in your face sound. I would probably also hate the bypass/tuner operation.

With that said, if I had to choose one of these two units right now, I would choose the Line 6 Floor POD for its construction quality, fuller tone, and easier (although theoretically less user friendly) tuner/tap tempo access.

[hallowed1]

Thanks for the review/comparison dwerlin.

You'll never have a "tube sound/feel" out of a unit that does not have any tubes, that's impossible.

Where the RP350 really shines in my opinion, is through a real tube amp (direct or effects loop). I run it through a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe and can tell you that the sound and response of the RP350 is simply amazing.

I've owned several Digitech multi-effect through the years and this one is by far the best sounding, even over the GNX units IMHO.

I agree accessing the tuner/bypass mode is a pain. As you've mentioned for $200 the RP350 offers incredible value, even as a backup unit in case your main rig goes down. Or just to have fun and play through headphones at 2am.

[TexasRocks]

I am thinking of connecting one output of the RP250 to the PA and the other output to my Laney stage amp when playing live. If I do this, do I put the RP setting as "Amp" or "Mixer"?

[hallowed1]

Oh I'm not sure what the right answer would be with the RP250? If you find yourself running this type of setup very frequently, I'd consider upgrading to the RP350. That way you could run the XLR out "mixer" setting to the PA, then run the 1/4" out "amp" setting to you Laney.

[arfarf]

So, I was thinking...

The RP250 has some sort of MIDI control/feedback... since it shows up as an available MIDI device in "Sound and Audio Device Properties" on my XP-based desktop (via the USB).

I've also got a MIDI keyboard connected to that system, via the old joystick/MIDI connector.

So, I can use the keyboard to control or playback lots of cool stuff including drums and bass lines, along with the 100+ other sounds banks, and I can use software to trigger changes in the keyboard at times via the MIDI (or vice versa, change a drum pattern/add a fill).

I'm wondering if anyone has done any MIDI tinkering (or if Digitech is reading), does the RP250 accept MIDI commands? For example, I have a MIDI track I'm jamming along with and at the right time the RP250 changes effect settings to handle something different at the appropriate time in the performace based on the MIDI playback.

I could design a MIDI performance with the keyboard and PC software, flag control points in MIDI software and have those MIDI triggers change the RP250 at opportune times during play, I wouldn't have to fiddle with the RP250 in real-time to change the sounds that I need at the right places.

For example, at a chorus, I might need to kick on some funky effect, the turn it off when I get back to the verse. I know I could program the RP250 to have the two settings side by side, and stomp it on, stomp it off.

But it seems as long as MIDI is involved there are more options.

Anyone? Anyone? Bueler? Anyone?

[jimbeamer]

Hi, arfarf

just got my hands on an rp-150 and hooked it up to the pc via usb.

yes there is midi but it's not midi cc's or note values or program changes ...

its all system exclusive!


So unless your want to do a lot! (stacks heaps etc) of work then its no go.

Using Midiox for example the following is returned

TIMESTAMP IN PORT STATUS DATA1 DATA2 CHAN NOTE EVENT
Opened MIDI Output
Closed MIDI Output
Opened MIDI Input
Opened MIDI Output
00002701 10 1 F0 Buffer: 15 Bytes System Exclusive
SYSX: F0 00 00 10 00 5E 01 41 20 03 45 0E 63 05 F7

(disconnect input port from output port & run x-edit first , then quit it)

Sending these commands back to the Rp-150 makes the display change but does not end up changing the settings , don't know why?

Any i've kicked the ball off .... but there may not be much point anyhow.


A vst plugin to control the rp 150 / 250 / 350 would be fun though.


Overall my impression of the unit is good sounding .... clarity not foggy
but the high gain sounds mainly are terrible or at least the presets are.

very usable clean and slightly overdriven sounds good reverbs and chorus
some of the amp models and cabs are ok too.

very easy to use though , and recording is exactly as required.....

now how does that compare to Line6 Podxt ? can anyone tell me

i read somewhere that the korg / vox units are quit good too.

Alright

Big Jimbeamer

[mikews99]

Overall my impression of the unit is good sounding .... clarity not foggy
but the high gain sounds mainly are terrible or at least the presets are.

very usable clean and slightly overdriven sounds good reverbs and chorus
some of the amp models and cabs are ok too.

I just got my RP250 today. After an initial listen, I have to agree with your assessment: the clean channels are quite good -- musical, open, and very clean. The moderate overdrives are good, better IMHO than Line6 units, although the cabinets aren't as well defined. And yes, the high gain patches are kind of flat sounding, not as full bodied as Line6. The one thing where this unit shines is the extremely neutral A/D D/A converters. Most other pods skimp on this part (I'm looking at you Line6 -- you and your grungy converters) and you can tell the difference in quality with this Digitech processor.

I'll have some more opinions as I start to use this unit in depth. One thing I noticed right away is that the factory overdrive patches don't really invite me to play with them. When I go to a music store and plug into an amp, the really good amps make me want to play them more and experiment with sounds. There aren't any current guitar processors that urge me to play them, and the only VST plugin I ever felt that way about is the FreeAmp2 VST, but it really only has one type of overdrive sound despite the multitude of patches. This Digitech sounds nice, is rather musical, and the clean patches make me want to mess around with sounds and try new tunes, the moderate overdrives not so much, and the heavy overdrives not at all.

I bought this unit based on the review here, and especially because of rsowden's (http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/showpost.php?p=18944658&postcount=8) MP3 (thanks bro!). I think this is the best choice for me based on what I want to do (recording). Since I wanted to get away from having to hook up my guitar to my computer, fiddle around with various plugins to get a certain sound, then deal with the latency (and pops and clicks as the track count increased), this unit represented the best compromise. And yes, this processor, like all guitar processors, is a compromise. Fortunately it has enough features and sound quality for me to feel it was a good purchase. Even the built in drum machine, which I thought would be too rinky-dink, actually has some feel to it and does help with practicing, so it's a useful feature.

One final note: I bought this from American Musical Supply because of the free shipping (from Nevada to California, only 2 days). The Digitech box, which is about 14x9x3, came wrapped in two layers of bubble wrap and was dropped (and I use that word intentionally) inside a box of 16x16x16 proportions with no other padding!, not even peanuts. Fortunately the Digitech box is rather sturdy and my unit survived in spite of one crushed corner. Needless to say I won't be ordering from them next time!

[mikews99]

Is anyone hearing low level clicks coming out of their RP250 when playing nothing?

I thought it might be from the processing, but listening over headphones with everything disconnected except for power and headphones AND turning off all effects and processing, I could still hear clicks happening at random times. I even changed the power adapter to a different household circuit in hopes that it was just power line noise coming through. Is my unit defective or is anyone else experiencing this? BTW, I'm at firmware version 1.7.
:(

03/30/2007: See message below.

[jqworle]

I get the odd click coming through it and i am inclined to believe it is mains related as my amp when plugged in on its own has done the same thing.

[mikews99]

Okay, I put together a DIY power line conditioner (two back-to-back isolation transformers with a 12dB 60 Hz filter in between) and the clicks almost completely went away -- just a tiny, rare click here and there. Looks line I'll have to get a line conditioner for my studio.

**********

03/29/2007: An update -- even with a big fat power line conditioner providing power for just the RP250, I'm still getting random low level clicks. This unit is going back for an exchange. Hopefully this is not something endemic to the units.

**********

03/30/2007: My Bad. I just couldn't believe that Digitech would cost-cut something as essential as an RF filter on the unit, so I tried one more time before sending it back. I left the unit on for hours with no input. After a while I noticed that when I was still, the clicks would disappear, and when I'd move or shift in my chair they'd come back. After trying out a few things, I discovered that static buildup was causing the random clicks when the unit was on the floor, even though I'm on a static mat. Keeping the RP250 off the floor stopped the clicks entirely!

So I'm keeping the unit, but now I have to find a way to suppress static buildup in my studio/office.

[dwerlin]

So, I ended up getting the RP350 today instead of the Floor POD (I was totally put off by the Floor POD's "feature" where when you exit the tuner no matter if you have the expression pedal heel down, it will output the current patch at full volume...I'll learn to deal with the bypass/tuner mode in the RP350), incase anyone's interested, here's a little clip I put together mic'ing my Fender Blues Junior (tube amp) playing through the neck pickup of my Fender Standard Strat.

I merged 3 recordings into this clip, one with just the guitar straight into the amp, one with the guitar into the RP350 in "Bypass" mode into the amp, and one with the guitar into the RP350 not in bypass mode, but with everything turned off (no EQ, Amp, Cab, etc.) into the amp.

Can you tell where the splits are? :) (though I think it might be pretty obvious, not sure if it's an effect of the Normalize feature in Audacity, or the fact that I played the tune 3 different times to record each segment so there's some human variance in there...it didn't sound quite as obvious when I was playing them though)

Clip (http://www.tornadobox.com/bypass.mp3)

This was recorded using a Marhall MXL2001 condenser mic into an M-Audio MobilePre USB using Audacity.

The MP3 is 128kbps 44 kHz mono

[Jon Chappell]

Hey, dwerlin, pretty funky rhythm playing there! I like it!

I couldn't tell where the splits were, and certainly wouldn't notice if you hadn't told me to watch out for them. I listened for breaks in the obvious musical places, and upon repeated listenings, maybe it sounds a little different, but like you say, that could be chalked up to human variance.

Now, are you going to tell me there are no splits -- like one of those optical illusions where both lines are really the same length? :)

So I'm guessing you're pretty happy with the RP350's bypass mode(s)?

[dwerlin]

Jon,

Thanks for the comments :) I'm actually glad you couldn't really tell where the splits were...since I put the clip together I'm totally biased and know exactly where to listen for the changes.

I'm not going to tell you there are no splits...I was honest from the get go :) There's 3 different recordings (of the same rhythm part).

I am very pleased with the RP350's bypass mode, and even more pleased with the unit not in the actual bypass mode, but just with no sims/effects on (so I guess that would be analog to digital to analog in the signal path).

I also started playing with the drum machine tonight through headphones. whoa boy is that fun to play with!

I'll put up some clips of the RP350 using the amp/cab sims both through the Fender Blues Junior, and also direct through USB in the next day or so.

I have some older clips (unforutnately they're recorded with a Les Paul which I no longer have, not the Strat which I currently have) recorded via USB with a Line 6 PodXT Live that I'll throw up there too so people can make some tone quality comparisons.

With that said, I feel that the RP350 (to my ears so far) is just as good as the Line 6 PodXT Live that I used to have. And considering the RP350 is 1/2 the cost of the XT Live, I think that's saying something!

[Jon Chappell]

I am very pleased with the RP350's bypass mode, and even more pleased with the unit not in the actual bypass mode, but just with no sims/effects on (so I guess that would be analog to digital to analog in the signal path).
...
With that said, I feel that the RP350 (to my ears so far) is just as good as the Line 6 PodXT Live that I used to have. And considering the RP350 is 1/2 the cost of the XT Live, I think that's saying something!

The neutrality of a unit's analog/digital/analog path seems to be an important issue, as you know, dwerlin, from other other posts in multi-effects discussions. It's almost more of a testament to a processor's quality when the "neutral" setting is so good. (I mean, anybody can do a transparent hardwire bypass, right?)

Glad that the RP350 measures up in that regard. Since this is an RP250 forum, I'll point out that the 250 and 350 are similar, but that the 350 offers additional models, as well as XLR outs. Here's the chart comparing the 150, 250, and 350.

http://jonchappell.com/hc/250v350chart.jpg

[santos]

Hey dwerlin, nice playing - I listened several times, couldn't hear the difference. I've got an RP350 on the way from MF (couldn't get it locally), so I'll post my first impressions sometime next week.

[mikews99]

Since I've been trying to come up with a recording configuration that works between my current sound card and the RP250, I've done some latency measurements on the RP250 to try to correctly configure it with my sequencer. The Centrance utility wouldn't work on the RP250, so I created a single pulse output WAV file to measure with. I'm running an AMD Opteron 170 system at stock speeds, an nVidia 7900GT, using Sonar with all visual indicators (meters, popups, etc.) turned off, recording at 24 bits, 44.1KHz stereo.

First off, latency of the RP250 itself, input to output, no effects, NOT in bypass mode, between a Y-split input, one to the RP250, the other direct in (this is the A/D-D/A conversion latency):

0.72 ms

Next, the latency round trip between USB input to output using the Digitech ASIO drivers at 100 samples and Sonar set to 0 compensation for the sound card:

27 ms (round trip)

Whoa, that was pretty excessive! I next tried the ASIO4All driver which wraps the Digitech USB WDM driver in an ASIO shell and sets the buffer to 104 samples (the closest I could set it without going under the 100 samples of the Digitech ASIO driver), and 0 compensation:

14 ms (round trip)

Somewhat better, but still too much. I did uninstall the Digitech drivers and reinstalled the generic Microsoft USB WDM sound drivers to try with ASIO4All, however when opening any ASIO app the output port became disabled, so I couldn't test it.

Just to give you an idea of how bad this latency is, my ancient Aardvark Aark 20/20 with the 7.13 drivers can be set to 128 samples in the ASIO driver and get 6 ms round trip latency. And using the wave accelerated driver (essentially they wrap their kernel driver with a standard Windows wave driver) set to 88 samples, I get 3 ms round trip latency!

In conclusion, to effectively record with the RP250, I have to either record a take directly from the RP250 to my sound card, or route my guitar through my mixer and into my sound card to get a clean signal, then do a send to the RP250 and a return back into the mixer for the processed signal. If I record through the RP250's ASIO drivers, I have to change the drivers in Sonar, restart, turn off the track patch-thru in my sequencer and also set the monitor knob in Digitech's X-Edit 2 program to 50% (note: the knob is backwards in the current version, 2.1.9.0. -- turning to USB increases the RP250 output and turning to RP increases the USB output), then try to calculate the output latency and set it in the Sonar sound card settings, THEN switch everything back when I'm done. That's way too much effort just to record a guitar track.

[sos]

Here is one thing you can try if you want to use your RP during practice with an amp. Instead of plugging your RP into your amp's input, plug it directly in to the amp's effects loop "return" jack. There will be nothing plugged into your amp's input or effects loop "send" jack. The signal chain is guitar->effects loop "return". Set the switch on the back of the RP to "amp" mode, set the amp model to any amplifier you want and set the cabinet to "direct". When I do this with my amp it sounds great. I don't like the sound when I plug the RP directly into the amp's "input" jack. The downpoint with this method is that you are bypassing your amp's preamp section and only using the power amp. The preamp is resposible for shaping/filtering your sound and for adding overdrive. When you use the setup I've described above, you are using the preamp model in the RP to shape the sound instead of your amp's preamp. The problem with this is that you probably bought your amp because you like the way it colors your sound. This isn't the ideal setup, but it's probably the best way to set up this type of multi-fx pedal with an amp to keep all of the effects sounding their best.



Anyone try it with the "return" method as stated above by gorno. If so, how were the results?

[santos]

SOS: my RP350 came on Saturday (thanks Fedex), and I didn't have an amp at home to try it through, but that will be one of my first tests.

My initial impressions of the unit after about 3 hrs of play over the weekend - as you can see from above, through headphones only - are very positive. I have a Korg Pandora Px4D - granted, a mfx with a very different agenda, but it's my only point of reference. The overall quality of the sounds is much better on the RP350 - more lively and "realistic", for lack of a better term. Not surprising, but I thought I'd mention it. I still love my Pandora, though. :)

Once you become familiar with the basic editing process, it's a pretty simple matter to make adjustments and tweaks. I can see where, on the fly at a gig, making a small change to a patch might not be as easy as twisting knobs on a stompbox, but it's really not too much more complicated. With familiarity it should be almost as quick to make changes.

The various amp and cab models are fun to play around with. This thing has excellent clean sounds, IMO. The mild to mid-dirty sounds seem very good, as well, but I'll wait until I hear them at volume through an amp to judge.

I'm very impressed by the effects. The stompbox models are fun, and very very useful. The compressors, reverbs and delays are great, and the rest of the effects (which I use much less) are highly tweakable and sound as good as I would expect.

The wah sounds are good, but lack the depth and vocal quality of a real pedal - they're maybe 70% there. Good enough for percussive rhythm work, but they lack a bit of oomph for soloing. The feel of the expression pedal is excellent, and the mechanism for activating the wah feels very much like stepping on a real wah. It's useable, but not as good as a dedicated wah pedal. It would be good enough to gig with, for me, because I don't use a wah for much more than funk rhythm stuff.

Overall I'm very happy with the RP350. It feels very solid all around, and it seems like it has limitless possibilities. I'm looking forward to using it at a rehearsal to see how it sounds through an amp at volume.

[Eric Jimi]

Has anyone had any luck (or tried) offline installation of the editor? I'm not really that phobic, but I don't have (or desire) an internet connection on my "studio" PC. Among other things, I don't run any antivirus or other background junk on that machine. I could disconnect everything & haul it up to the house, I suppose, and hook up just long enough to install the software but what a pain. Digitech wasn't any help on this...

[dwerlin]

hey all, here's the [long overdue] clips of just amp sims through my Fender Blues Junior and direct via USB.

like before, I did 3 takes for each amp, changing something each time. the first take is with the amp model and cab sim only (EQ, noisgate, etc. all turned off), with the default settings mic'd through the Blues Junior. the second take is with the amp model only (no cab sim this time), with the default settings mic'd through the Blues Junior. the third take is with the amp model and cab sim only, with default settings...but this time recorded direct via USB.

the two amp models i used for this were the AC30 and the 68 Plexi.

AC30 (http://www.tornadobox.com/AC30.mp3)

68 Plexi (http://www.tornadobox.com/68plexi.mp3)

quite evident is an entirely different tone when going direct. this might be caused by the voicing of the amp (i had all the eq knobs on the blues junior set to 7, which is essentially "noon" on this amp). however, i don't actually know what each model is supposed to sound like, so i don't know if through the blues junior sounds more like the actual amps the models are of, or if the direct via USB recordings are more accurate.

here's a picture of the waveforms of each separate track. there are a few variations due to varrying attack for each take (sorry about that), but you can certainly see that the direct via USB (bottom track) looks to have a much smaller dynamic range than the mic'd recordings through the blues junior.

track 1 is the mic'd blues junior with the amp and cab model, track 2 is the mic'd blues junior with the amp model only, and track 3 is the direct USB recording.

all recordings were done using the neck pickup of my fender standard strat.

http://www.tornadobox.com/waveform.jpg

i would certainly need to do some major tweaking to get either the direct USB recorded sound to match the mic'd amp sound, or vice-versa.

with all that said, i do like the tone of the mic'd amp the best...and i'm having a hard time deciding if i like the amp + cab or just the amp model through the blues junior (which i guess is a good thing).

[dwerlin]

Has anyone had any luck (or tried) offline installation of the editor? I'm not really that phobic, but I don't have (or desire) an internet connection on my "studio" PC. Among other things, I don't run any antivirus or other background junk on that machine. I could disconnect everything & haul it up to the house, I suppose, and hook up just long enough to install the software but what a pain. Digitech wasn't any help on this...

there's 3 files (unless you already have v1.1 of the firmware...in which case there'd be 2 files) that you download from digitech.com and install on the target computer.

there's a little walkthrough while you're connected to the web with instructions.

you could download the files to a computer you don't mind connected to the internet, then burn the files to CD and install them from there on your studio pc to avoid connecting it to the internet. if you wanted, you could also print out the directions (you'd have to step through all of them and print each page at a time).

[Eric Jimi]

Thanks for the reply Dwerlin. I'll check my versions, it's been a few months & maybe something changed. The firmware & driver were no problem: Cubase is happy, but Xedit tries to get to the Microsoft website, I forget what for. It does tell you what it's looking for, and I downloaded & sucessfully installed the target .exe from MS, but Xedit installer still keeps trying to connect...

[Deadite99]

Hello all...I just bought the RP-250 about a month ago and its great.Ive already made quite a few of my own patches and the X.Edit software rocks.My question is ,I want to try to do some recording so can you recomend me some good,cheap,and easy to use recording software.

[dwerlin]

Hello all...I just bought the RP-250 about a month ago and its great.Ive already made quite a few of my own patches and the X.Edit software rocks.My question is ,I want to try to do some recording so can you recomend me some good,cheap,and easy to use recording software.

try Audacity. it's easy to use and it's free.

[santos]

Hey all,

Just a quick update. I posted my initial impressions of the RP350 yesterday and made some comments about the wah sounds. Well, in fooling around with the unit last night I found that the "wah level" parameter affects not the volume of the wah sound (as I'd assumed), but the depth of the wah sound. The default is zero and it goes up to 12 (it probably goes into the negatives, as well). I found that somewhere between 6 and 8 improved the wah depth tremendously. It still isn't exactly like a real wah, but much, much closer.

[Deadite99]

try Audacity. it's easy to use and it's free.

Ok...Igot Audasity But Heres my problem...I hookedup my RP-250 and went to my audasity but theres no sound,I hit record to see what would happen and it records so its geting a signal but no sound so I tryed to play some music files and there was no sound at all from my computer.So I unpluged the Rp-250 and I have sound again.What am I doing wrong.

[Deadite99]

Oops!...My bad....I forgot I have to hook up my amp too,everythings cool now.By the way that Audasity Is Pretty nice,You just saved me the $99 I was going to spend on one of those Tascam tape recorders,and Im gueseing this is way better.....Oh and sorry for the double post,dont know what happened there.

[dwerlin]

Deadite99:

glad you like Audacity!

for your audio issue...when you plug the RP250 into your computer via USB, it takes over as the default sound card. so, instead of the sound going through your computer speakers, it now goes through the RP250 (if you hook up headphones to the RP250, you'll hear all the sounds it's generating, plus all of your computer beeps and whatnot).

you can go into a menu in Audacity and change the default playback sound card (you would want to set it to your computer's normal sound card). that way you can record using the RP250 as your input sound card, but use your computer speakers to hear everything by using your regular computer sound card as the output sound card.

if you do that, the only issue you may run in to is latency for monitoring what you're currently recording.

i hope that made sense!

[Deadite99]

Ok... I have one more question about Audacity.when I got it last night it said at the bottom "Disk space remains for recording 20 hours 49 minutes" and earlyer tody I was messing with it and it says "Disk spase remains for recording 10 hours 49 minutes" But I havent saved any thing,so what does it mean.

[dwerlin]

Audacity uses a temp folder, so if you've done a lot of messing around even though you haven't actually saved anything, you could have a huge audacity temp folder that you just need to delete.

Open Audacity, go to Edit, then Preferences, then choose the Directories tab and you'll see where the default temp folder is. You can then go in and delete that folder using windows explorer, and if you want, you can change the location of the temporary folder so that you can delete the stuff you never intended to save more easily.

Hope that helps!

[Deadite99]

Audacity uses a temp folder, so if you've done a lot of messing around even though you haven't actually saved anything, you could have a huge audacity temp folder that you just need to delete.

Open Audacity, go to Edit, then Preferences, then choose the Directories tab and you'll see where the default temp folder is. You can then go in and delete that folder using windows explorer, and if you want, you can change the location of the temporary folder so that you can delete the stuff you never intended to save more easily.

Hope that helps!

Well...Im not sure if it helped or not.I went to derectories and found the folder and it s empty,and now the mesage says "Disk spase for recording 10 hours 53 Minutes " so Ill just keep going with it and see what happens.
.

[dwerlin]

Well...Im not sure if it helped or not.I went to derectories and found the folder and it s empty,and now the mesage says "Disk spase for recording 10 hours 53 Minutes " so Ill just keep going with it and see what happens.
.

have you installed any new programs or loaded in a bunch of new MP3's or videos? Audacity is basically reading your remaining hard drive space, so if you just installed or downloaded a bunch of stuff then your remaining hard drive space has shrunk and would explain the difference in recording space displayed in Audacity.

[Deadite99]

have you installed any new programs or loaded in a bunch of new MP3's or videos? Audacity is basically reading your remaining hard drive space, so if you just installed or downloaded a bunch of stuff then your remaining hard drive space has shrunk and would explain the difference in recording space displayed in Audacity.

Thats most likely the case then.I havent down loaded anything recently but I do have a lot of junk on my computer,most of wich I could get rid of .Thanks for all the help.:thu:

[jimbeamer]

Hi, having played more with the RP-150 i find its quite easy to program ... and have started making patches with the cabs on DI to use with a valve head and 2x12 open-back speaker box with eminence Beta 12's .

Got my hands on a Boss ME-50 to play with and while the distortion sounds on the unit are terrible .... the reverb, delay and modulation sound are quite good.

The unit sounds much more present than the RP-150 , which sounded more present than a line 6 pod 2.0 i tried befor the Digitech.

Got to say the the Rp-150 sounds great but far less transparent than Boss....
this is regardless of whether every thing is off ...ie no amp model , cab off or di etc.

However the Me-50 is less flexible even though it has all those knobs...
no usb etc

with out regard to price difference ... or the fact that the ME-50 is 4 years old what would be great is the rp-250 flexibility / package with the me-50 'transparency'

in that regard has anyone tried a Boss gs-10 ....

[telemike]

Regarding the RP350:

Do you find it easy to tweak patches using the matrix and knobs?

[santos]

Regarding the RP350:

Do you find it easy to tweak patches using the matrix and knobs?

Yes, it's actually pretty easy, and it makes sense once you get used to the layout. One thing I will say is that the text on the matrix is very small, and is pretty much useless unless the thing is on your lap. However, I've found that I've gotten used to which knob does what pretty quickly. Also, if you turn a knob that doesn't have an assigned function the display just changes to lines, so it's pretty easy to just fumble around to find what you want.

Making small tweaks at a gig would obviously not be as easy as stompboxes, but not really that much more difficult.

[TexasRocks]

I was fairly happy with many of the factory presets and stored about thirty of them for easy access. When I switch from a distorted preset (ie SoloDelay) to a clean preset (ie Cool Chorus) there is a significant drop in volume even though the master levels are set to the same number. When I tried to turn up the master level on a clean preset (from say 70 to 85)and try to store it, I found that the master level on all the presets went up. If I go "Edit" and tweak knob #4 the "Level " reading goes up and down but doesn't effect the volume of the preset. What am I doing wrong?

[Deadite99]

I was fairly happy with many of the factory presets and stored about thirty of them for easy access. When I switch from a distorted preset (ie SoloDelay) to a clean preset (ie Cool Chorus) there is a significant drop in volume even though the master levels are set to the same number. When I tried to turn up the master level on a clean preset (from say 70 to 85)and try to store it, I found that the master level on all the presets went up. If I go "Edit" and tweak knob #4 the "Level " reading goes up and down but doesn't effect the volume of the preset. What am I doing wrong?

The way I do this is to set the clean sound to your desired level with the overall master volume Then set your distortion volume by editing your amp setting and turning down the amp level.

[eeone]

Hello everyone!

Has anyone tried recording through RP350's XLR outputs?

And how does RP350 compare with PODxt in recording?

Thanks in advance!

[cokekolev]

What I'm wondering is: does the rp250 sound anything like the rp200? I own a rp200a and while I loved it first when I played through a shitty amp, now when playing with better gear it sounds like plastic, has a lot of hiss, doesn't have true bypass... It's still a lot of fun, but I just can't imagine using it in a band situation anymore. Is the rp250 better?

[HKSblade1]

no its not the same as the RP200

no its not true bypass. none really are and will color the amp you use

best sounds are recording and through a board or pa powerd speaks

[eeone]

Hello everyone!

Has anyone tried recording through RP350's XLR outputs?

And how does RP350 compare with PODxt in recording?

Thanks in advance!

Anyone?

[Deadite99]

Does any one out there have one of those video game chairs? If so I strongly suggest hooking your RP-250 into it,Its bad ass.

[TexasRocks]

Any suggestions on getting a good Billy Gibbons sound through the RP 250?

[TexasRocks]

Whenever I try to download and open a patch from this site or the Digitech Community site a window comes up that says "Windows does not recognize this file". What can I do?

[Hagbard]

You can use any 9-volt adapter as long as it matches the requirements: 1.3A output, and the proper polarity and size of the plug (the polarity is not shown, either on the power supply, the unit, or the manual). Or you could splice an extension wire in between, which is inelegant but does the job. Just make sure you use the same gauge as the existing cord.

Hi
From what I understand there is no polarity issue since it gives AC out, correct me if I'm wrong. I want to buy it from the States where they are available for $200 and here in Sweden they are $385. Some European sites have them for $300.

If I can use a cheap generic adapter I'll have a friend send me a RP350 from the States.

[Jon Chappell]

From what I understand there is no polarity issue since it gives AC out, correct me if I'm wrong. I want to buy it from the States where they are available for $200 and here in Sweden they are $385. Some European sites have them for $300.

If I can use a cheap generic adapter I'll have a friend send me a RP350 from the States.

Yes, there's no polarity issue if it's AC out. On the label of the adapter, it doesn't say if the output is AC or DC (nor does it say in the manual), but you're right, it's AC, so any generic power supply should do.

Thanks for pointing that out.

[mikews99]

On the label of the adapter, it doesn't say if the output is AC or DC
It doesn't have the letters "AC", but it has the symbol: ~ which is the electrical symbol for AC power.

The DC symbol looks like:
____
- - -

[Eric Jimi]

I finally broke down and hooked my studio PC up to the internet long enough to install xedit, which is very nice & worth the effort :thu: . Only thing is, even though everything else still goes out through my Presonus Firepod (specifically media players), Xedit still wants to use the RP as the soundcard; in fact the RP in general no longer seems to go to the windows default sound card.

Anyone else run into this? What am I missing? BTW, I haven't tried running it through Cubase or Audacity, but I didn't have to before...

[Jon Chappell]

Xedit still wants to use the RP as the soundcard; in fact the RP in general no longer seems to go to the windows default sound card.

When I first hook up the RP to the computer, and the USB-device-launch does its thing, the RP resets my Control Panel settings with the RP as the "Sound recording" and "Sound playback" devices. So I manually switch them back.

But after I do that, I can open X-Edit, and my settings stay put. I can edit in both directions (either onscreen or with the RP's front panel). Is this what you're describing?

X-Edit works with your ToneLab independent of how your DAW is set. They're two different operations here, so I'm not sure I understand the issue. Just use the headphone out of the RP to hear your editing changes, and leave whatever audio connections you've made with your DAW or computer's Control Panel for your desired I/O.

[Eric Jimi]

Jon, everything works like you say, editing in both directions and all that. I already had changed the "sound playback" back to my presonus firepod/firewire connection. Only thing is, I still only hear the RP through the headphone out on the RP, the audio doesn't route to the presonus like everything else. It does however route into other applications, Cubase, G-tune, etc., then it goes wherever I want. I guess that keeps me from hearing both the Cubase and "direct" signals on my monitors at the same time when I record, which is good. That was probably the Digi thought process, but makes it a little harder to just jam to an MP3.