Sound:
Took delivery of this a couple of weeks ago with a lot of reservations. I'm not a "digital" fan, having been burnt last year (From a local music store) on an alleged "modeling amplifier" and some other equipment that sounded like crap in a frying pan no matter what I did with it. Another person in my band has the GX4 and that worked well for him, but they've discontinued that product. I was concerned that this thing wouldn't "keep up" with the other product.
The RP1000 has done fine so far. Despite my initial intimidation with it - I was up and playing quickly. I run it through a Marshall MA100 1/2 stack in pedalboard mode - the sound is amazing. It didn't "kidnap" the sound of my amp, so I'm happy with that. Doesn't sound good running on amp-modeling unless I bypass my amp head, but that's how this is designed to work. Amp-modeling through just plain speakers or straight into a mixer sounds great. Did some recording at a local studio last night and it did great.(Disclaimer: I was playing on a lot of "clean" and "echo" settings, so I didn't get to test distortion a whole lot, but the little I did sounded fine) Most of all it didn't interrupt me (Dealing with it) during the recording although I was switching between several settings. (If you read the owner's manual, it explains how to avoid volume swells and drops)
In gigs, I've used this run through my amp head's effects loop AND through Line OUT. I actually PREFER it through the Line OUT because it does bypass cleanly and tones are good enough to run it on pedalboard mode straight through my amp head. With other devices, I've been "burnt" on line OUT before, but the RP1000 has performed flawlessly in 3 gigs and a recording session thus far.
Bottom Line: You wanna spend 2 to 3 grand building a pedal farm or spend around $400 dollars on this? It just depends upon how picky you want to get with the sound and how much you want to spend I spent a fortune building a pedal-farm only to experience ground loops, interference and a bunch of stupid problems (Most of this "true bypass" advertising is bull) - the pedal board has been sold to the next victim and I'm running the RP1000 with just a couple of other effects. My floor space is cleaner, more organized & I don't have to worry about hitting the wrong switch or getting "tied up" in the thing and falling over on a darkened stage.
If you don't mind reading a manual and spending the time to LEARN your equipment, then you'll love this thing! If all you want is a push-button simple toy then I'd go with something else.
Feature:
I was pleasantly shocked to open the box to find that Digitech supplied ALL the necessary cabling. There were at least 4 15 foot long hi-quality braided cables and 3 or 4 shorter cables. These cables are very good about NOT getting tangled and I will now buy Digitech cables when I need replacements or additional ones. I didn't have to use any cabling other than what came in the box.
I really like having the ability to choose between so MANY brands of effects within each effect setting AND be able to adjust each effect independently.
The only thing I'd like to see improved? Possibly the tuner, which needs to be set up like the Korg Pitchblack. (But that's a personal preference and it IS very similar to the Pitchblack)
Note: I haven't downloaded the new firmware yet, which I plan to do very soon before I start editing too much.
Ease of Use:
I found the interface a little confusing for the first 20 minutes or so. Now I DID cheat and go on Digitech's site and read most of the manual while waiting for my unit to arrive, so I was a little ahead of the game when the thing came in. Within minutes, I was playing. and creating my own presets. Last night, all I did was read up on the looping process in the supplied manual and our recording session went off without the RP1000 interfering other than producing a good sound, which is EXACTLY what you want. (Nothing's worse than guitarists fiddling with a bunch of switches during a recording session instead of playing) I just set up my guitar, plugged the RP1000 into a rack system and really didn't touch it for the next 4 hours other than to kick on/off pedal effects when needed - it performed flawlessly. So it lives up to its promise during recording, because it produced NO issues at all during this session other than to do what it's supposed to do.
Quality:
The product is built out of metal and seems pretty solid. I'm not a "masher" or "lummox" around my equipment and I keep the fools away, so I might not be the best reliability-tester out there. (If you're rough on equipment, then you'll break anything) I like the switches because they have the "click on/click off" true feel and are solid metal.
Value:
If you're looking for "bang for the buck" then this is your product. It does a lot, especially for this price. zzSounds had the best price on this thing and they are great to deal with. They said it'd be delivered in 3-5 business days and it arrived in 4 days. During the process zzSounds kept me updated of the status via email. (Which I elected when ordering)
I not only came out of this happy with the product, but I'll be ordering more from zzSounds because you order it, and WHAT you ordered shows up WHEN it's supposed to. (And also because I have a friend who recently ordered a large-ticket item had some issues that were the shipper's fault and zzSounds stepped in and took care of him quickly instead of waiting on the shipper to address it)
Manufacturer Support:
Like with any product, I often call the customer-support number BEFORE I buy anything. At DigiTech an actual HUMAN answered the phone and was knowledgeable about the product. If you're looking for someone to take care of an issue, it appears that they'll be there.
The Wow Factor:
Yeah, it looks good down there on the floor in the dark - kind of like a missile-launch console. I can clearly see what setting its on and it kicks out enough light to see the pedal switches.
Overall:
The only way I'd consider replacing/upgrading this product is when I wear it out.
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Sound:
I play in a rock cover band playing everything from The Stones to Alice in Chains. I'm using this in conjunction with a PV 1x12 Valveking combo utilizing the amp loop feature.
SOUND QUALITY-Very clear and low noise from high gain models. Noise gate eliminates any unwanted noise but I had to tweak it to my playing style. You can get some very nice tones from this unit, but it is not a plug and play. You have to have the patience to go into it and tweak and find your sound, which I found to be entertaining in itself. Some of the sounds are not that great. I did not like the harmonizer. It sounds fake. Best cabinet models are the classic, vintage and rectifier 4x12's. Some of the amp models sound very good while others not so much. It's alot easier to model a distorted tube amp than all the subtle nuances of a clean one. So I use my amp's clean channel in the amp loop for my clean tone. You can set this up in a preset. Some of the distortion pedals sound great while others not so much. The tube screamer and sparkle drive sounded best to my ears. The responds to touch very well and cleans up when you turn down the guitar volume. VERY IMPORTANT to my playing style.
Feature:
Too many too use! I use this unit in pedalboard mode. I found the best clean tone using my amp's clean channel in the amp loop. All my other main tones utilze the unit's modeling. They sound realistic enough for me and I have receieved many compliments on my tone. I have my classic rock tone(Plexi Model)80's rock(JCM800)modern rock(Dual Rectifier and 5150)and set up a solo/delay pacth with the Soldano model. I have the option to add FX with switches 6-10. The acoustic sim. is OK. Not great but it does the job without the hassle of dragging an acoustic to the gig. I put my amp in standby and just use the PA and monitors to amplify that signal. The tap tempo is also a nice feature for delay times. I used to have to reach down and make an adjustment 20 times a night. The 20 second looper works great for practing solos over a rythym part. I do wish you could change amp channels within the presets but that's just a little thing.
Ease of Use:
Ease of use and being able to switch individual FX on/off within a preset is what sold me on this unit. Any decent guitarist with half a brain should be able to figure this unit out and get some good tones. Compared to other switching systems I have used this thing is a breeze. I had a good basic sound going in about 10 minutes when I 1st started tweaking and programming presets.I did familiarize myself with the user manual online before mine arrived. Some of the factory presets are decent through headphones but when you bring your amp inline things change and you have to tweak the tones and FX. I play in a rock cover band and having the option of so many different tones at the click of 1 switch is what sold me on this unit. In live situations you can adjust FX level, amp gain and volume levels on the fly with the twist of a knob. Expression pedal acts as a volume pedal and switches to wah at soft touch of the toe(almost too soft). You can asign different things too it but I haven't dove that far into it. The display and edit grid are fantastic. I don't need my glasses to tweak and editand it is very visible on a dark stage. Tuner will adjust to drop tunings and just hold down the swich of whatever patch you are in and you go into silent tuning. Awesome. This thing has reduced my setup time, cleaned up and organized my rig and improved my live performance. In short I am a much more versatile and better player with this unit.
Quality:
This thing is built like a tank and looks cool as hell on stage. Knobs are plastic but are well recessed. The FX edit grid is recessed and would form a pool for any liquid spilled on it so BE CAREFUL! I did purchase an SKB pedal case to carry it in for another $50. Senseless to spend $400 on a pedalboard system and not have a case to protect it. I have forbidden anyone from coming within 5 ft. of it with any liquids :)and I keep it covered with a heavy towel in the bandroom when not in use to keep the dust off it.
Value:
I did an enormous amount of reasearch before I bought this. This seemed to have the most features and best overall quality as compared to some other units in this price range. Ease of use is simple.
Manufacturer Support:
I haven't had to deal with support for any other reason than original purchase. The 4 payment option made it easy for me to buy this with my debit card. I don't think there's another music supplier offering that which is the reason I bought this from ZZ Sounds. My 1st experience with this company. So far so good.
The Wow Factor:
Looks sexy on stage. People come up and check it out. Lots of switches and pretty lights.
Overall:
If someone stole it I'd buy another. I plan to use this until it breaks. That shouldn't be a problem anytime soon. I'm an older player and I expect this will be the last FX processor I ever buy.
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Sound:
Tried 'em all-Line 6, Vox and Boss. This one beats them all hands down. I use it in pedalboard mode along with my amp's clean tone in the amp loop. The overdrives and distortion pedal models are very good and touch responsive. Distortion cleans up when you back off on the guitar's volume and sustain is there in spades if you have a good guitar. The unit is very quiet. I have only fooled around with the amp/cab models thru the headphones. Some are very good. I like the JCM900 mod the best. Dual Rectifer is pretty good too tho a little muddy. Live, I use several different preset overdrive and distortion pedal models for everything from SRV to AIC. The choruses are rich and syrupy. I like the Clone setting best. Delays and reverbs are also very high quality and useful. I sound better than I ever have and this unit has taken me out of a rut and makes me want to play all the time now.
Feature:
You can blow an entire day before you realize it experimenting with this unit. Distortions start with Tube Screamer and go to Death Metal and cover everything in between. There are so many modulation FX and other FX like the talk box sims. There is every effect I know of or will ever use in this unit. It has several different configurations for hooking up to a sound source. The amp loop feature will place your amp's pre amp in between your distortions and modulation/delay FX and negate the amp/cab sims. It has stereo XLR's out to the main mix so you don't have to mike your amp. It sends the same signal that's going to your amp's speaker to the PA and my soundman loves it. Silent tuning is accessible by pressing and holding down preset you are on. 20 second looper is nice to create short passages to practice soloing over, although I find it a little clumsy to use live. Digitech sent 4 brand new high quality 15' braided cables and 2 shorter ones. I wish the power adapter had a longer cable but that's not that big a deal. This unit has everything I will ever need without having to haul and dance around a stage full of pedals and cables.
Ease of Use:
When I 1st got it I was impatient and just plugged in some headphones and started cycling thru the presets and found some cool sounds. Being eager to putz with it, I read the manual, hooked up to my amp, and dove in. This unit is way easier to program than Boss units. The display and edit controls are very user friendly and easier to read than Line 6. The displays and switch LED's are very bright and easy to see on a dark stage. The knobs allow you to adjust FX blend and volume on the fly. Editing is easy to do on the fly also if you need to make a quick adjustment, once you have familiarized yourself with how it works. It doesn't require a technical degree to use it and one should have no problem finding a good sound. You just have to be patient and tweak it. I found this process to be fun and entertaining and once I got dialed in, I was off to the races. Having all those editable presets and the convienance of being able to turn on/off FX within each preset has made my stage life better and easier.
Quality:
This unit is built like a tank. My only concern with this unit is the recessed cavity for the FX edit matrix display. If something was spilled on it, it would pool up here and I'm sure it would destroy it, so keep the drink toting fans off the stage! The knobs are plastic and kinda flimsy but are recessed into the FX matrix. Expression pedal seems to have a sturdier feel than other brand units I tried.
Value:
It's pricey but it's 1000's cheaper than buying all those pedals separately, making it a 10 for me.
Manufacturer Support:
I haven't needed it yet. I like the payment plan option tho and I got my stuff fast.
The Wow Factor:
It looks cool on the stage. The display is bright and it looks very technical. Fans come up and check it out and compliment me on my tone. If it got lost, stolen or destroyed I'd replace it. I insure all my gear tho.
Overall:
This is my 1st multi FX processor and hopefully my last. The only things I would change are:
Having 2 tones/channels to switch back and forth between on any given preset would be nice.
Making the looper a little more user friendly and accessible for live performance WITHOUT having to buy an external footcontroller would be nice. I gave it a 9 on features because of that.
Other than that I can't complain about anything with this unit
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Sound:
I have been a tube snob for all my 30 years of playing and I was not happy with this unit at 1st using it with an amp, but I was tired of lugging around 2 diffent amps to get the sounds I needed. After countless hours of tweaking it still sounded muddy and lackluster when played at gig volume live with an amp. I started just using the PA and this was better but not ideal. If you have this unit or want one, do yourself a favor and get the Tech 21 Power Engine 60 to run it thru and your life will change. All my presets now sparkle and shine as well or better than ANY tube amp I have ever owned, and that includes Fender Hotrod, Marshall Plexi 1/2 stack, Marshall MKII Master Volume combo and Mesa DC50. I can already hear the sneers and yeah rights, but the amp models in this unit are INCREDIBLY realistic when played thru the right amp. The Tech 21 is not an amp per se', (no preamp section), but rather a clean power source for an existing preamp or modeling device and made just for guitar. I base my cleans and gritty blues on a Fender Twin 2x12 model. Sounds just like a Twin. My buddy has the reissue twin and side by side you cannot tell the difference. His Twin is 60+ lbs. My rig is less than 30. I have some cool Hendrix tones based on Marshall Plexi with a Fuzz Face. Again a side by side comparison with my 1/2 stack was dead on. Granted the Marshall moves more air but the tone is dead on. Moving on to Mesa territory these amp models sound very convincing. Another great model is the 5150. Want Van Halen brown sound? It's right there. Some of the FX are better than others, some downright suck. Choruses and delays are OK. Distortions are pretty good. (Tube Screamers) Some of them suck. (High Gain) Reverb is very good. I use the Twin Spring. Compresser works very well to tighten up and fatten the tone.
Feature:
First off Digitech sends you 4 15' brand new braided cables and 2 shorter ones. It has several in and out options with both 1/4" and XLR. Has an FX loop for connecting external FX and an amp loop to run your amp's preamp in line. It has every effect I'll ever use and some I'll never use.
The looper is pretty cool but awkward to use on the fly. The best feature to me is the pedalboard mode. In each bank you can have 5 different pedal boards with a differnet amp and FX chain in each one, and the ability to switch FX on and off. Exp. pedal works as your wah and volume unless assinged to something else like the Whammy effect (awesome). I'll be digging into this thing for years to come to unlock it's true potential.
Ease of Use:
Once you get past the learning curve, it's a really simple unit to program and operate. Much easier than the competition. The display and editing section is very well laid out and the text is large and easy to read. Lots of bright LEDS make it easy to navigate onstage if you need to. Dedicated knobs make on the fly tweaks easy for amp gain, FX level, amp volume and master volume.
Quality:
Built like a tank. The knobs seem to be a little on the flimsy side. Be careful with that beer...The editing grid is recessed about an inch to protect the knobs. Anything spilled on this thing would pool up there and you would be $CREWED!
Value:
Having a fleet of realistic sounding amps, cabs and FX in a compact and versatile unit is an amazing value. The best value for me is it has cut my live setup time in 1/2.
Manufacturer Support:
I sent Digitech a couple of questions via email and got a prompt response. Haven't needed them other than that.
The Wow Factor:
I hated the sound of it 1st til I found the right amp to run it thru. I could still make good music without it, but it would be more hassle. It looks very cool on stage when it's all lit up. .
Overall:
I expect this last me a long time. I have all my gear insured and would definetely repalce it if it was stolen or destroyed. Be prepared to do some tweaking and experimenting, but this was half the fun for me, It took me a new amp and hours of tweaking but I can say this is the best sounding rig I have ever owned. I use to haul a Marshall 2x12 and a Fender 2x12 as well as a huge pedalboard to every gig. This paired with the Tech 21 Power Engine has made my rig much easier and simple to haul and operate.
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Sound:
The sound quality is very good. I have found that you need to tweak it to your on taste and sound.I am playing through a Fender Prosonic tube amp with 2x10 and it sounds great.I find you can get any sound for any style of music. There is some patches that sound better than others. I have used it in both recording and live situations and find they both sound very good. I like the amp modeling a lot. Try using different cabs with different amps .
Feature:
I really like the amp modeling. Very real sounds and I like being able to use different cabs with different amp models. Using the effects alone is another great feature. Very easy to create your on patches. The expression pedal is difficult to use the wah without turning it off. I haven"t contacted digitech about this yet. Not sure if you can adjust the sensitivity of the on/off switch.
Ease of Use:
I find it very easy to use and to program user presets. I read the manual online at didgtech before buying and was pretty familar with the pedal .
Quality:
The product is made like a tank. I have only had it for about a month now . I think it can take the road abuse and will still be working for years to come.
Value:
In comparison to other products I think you get your moneys worth. Very happy.
Manufacturer Support:
I haven't needed to contact support yet. Dont know.
The Wow Factor:
The design and looks draw you to the pedal.
Overall:
I see myself using this processor for many years. I think for the money its the best on the market. I chose this product after reading lots of reviews and the most important thing that made me purchase this product was the videos on youtube and other sites with live demos. That helped more than anything. The amp modeling is my favorite and least favorite is the wah pedal.
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Sound:
I have had this for 2 weeks now and this is my 2nd reveiw. I was using this with a PV Valveking and it sounded pretty good. Well I just got a Tech 21 Powerengine 60. The difference is amazing. This is my 1st processor beieng a tube snob but back probs turned me in this direction. This unit sounds it's best plugged into a sterile power source like a PA or powered monitor which is exactly what the Tech 21 is and it's made for guitar. All the amp models shine their true colors now and my tone is so good to me now I play until my arms hurt. Dirty tones will clean up when you roll off the volume which is VERY important to my style. The distortions and amp models are dead on. The reverbs are great. The choruses are Ok but not the best. All the modulation FX are crammed into one section instead of a dedicated chorus, but is does the job. The unit is quiet and would do great in the studio. It excels in live performance. I go straight to the PA for the house and my T-21 for my monitor. I'm up and running in 5 minutes and the soundguy loves me. I've used it twice at gigs since I got it and I rocked the house with it. It has definetely lifted me to another level of tone and performance.
Feature:
I went a nine on features. I wish you could change amp channels within a preset, but it's not that big of a deal. I would have made a dedicated bypass switch too. To bypass you step on the preset you are on for bypass and hold for tuner, which is silent and adjustable to different keys. Has all the ins and outs you'll ever need. You'll get 4 brand new 15' braided cables and 2 shorter ones. Very cool. I use it in pedalboard mode which gives you 5 completely editable presets on the switches 1-5 and 6-10 turn each FX on and off. The knobs make on the fly live adjustments a breeze and gives the unit a stompbox feel. Again the models are very realistic sounding to my ears and having all those different amp tones to experiment with is great.
Ease of Use:
I was up and running in 10 minutes after I got it. I just plugged in and just started running through the factory presets thru my PV's clean channel. Some are good, some not so good. The FX editing grid is large and easy to read and navigate. I did read the manual online while I was waiting to get it so I had an idea where to start. Editing is a breeze and you don't have to be a genious to figure it out(thank GOD). This where you are gonna find your sound. Just expect to spend a lot of time with it and be patient. Remeber the sterile sound source.
Quality:
It seems to be very well made except for the knobs. They are very flimsy plastic. Metal and hard plastic construction for the frame. Knobs are recessed into unit and FX grid. If something got spilled on it it would pool there. I'm careful with my gear and I got an SKB pedal case to carry it in.
Value:
I tried them all at local Guitar Center. This was the best to me. I bought from ZZ for the installment plan which I deeply thank them for. I will buy from them again.
Manufacturer Support:
Haven't needed it. I did send a question to Digitech tech support and got an answer within 24 hrs.
The Wow Factor:
Itz gawt alawt uf purdy swiches 'n litez. I like it alawt. For real this thing looks sexy as hell on stage. If it had the proper ins I'd make love to it :p!
Overall:
If it was lost or stolen I'd buy another. I insure my stuff. I expect this to be the last processor I'll ever need.
Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?
"All I can say for the Price,You will be Amazed as I was as I opened it and saw the Quality of this Product,But Just be Patient b" submitted February 22, 2010
Sound:
All I can say is I have owned this Now fro about 3 weeks,and I t is Flawless I have some much to learn about this,My Last unit was the RP1 and it had Editing and about 160 or 170 Effects on it.I never dod Fully Figure it out in 15 years But it was in it's Last legs,So I bought this and I Love itand will have it for many years to come!!!!!!!!!!!!!I will say to Anyone who wants to purchase a Guitar Effects Unit ,This is the One to have it has it all!!!!!!!!!!Thank Chad M. Bedwell
Feature:
So many Features it will take me awhile to learn what all this has to offer!
Ease of Use:
I would Rate it 10 the Best ,But I am still working on the Editing part of this unit at the moment and there is so much to do,I will be at this for awhile to get the Sounds I really Like!!!!!!
Quality:
Great Quality Made Strong and Durable,I would Suggest the Road Runner Pedalboard all in 1 Gig Bag with this It fits Perfect!!!!!!!1
Value:
The Value of this unit is Worth More than what anyone is asking it's Really Worth the Retail Price ,But hey I am Glad to have Gotten it for a Little over $400 Plus Tax and I have the 2 Year Gold Warranty on it Plus Manu. Warranty. Great Price!!!!!
Manufacturer Support:
I have Been a Digitech MAN for over 25 years Now and I Love there Products,I wouldn't Have Nothing else...
The Wow Factor:
I have it and will Have it For Many Many Years to come Hopefully as Long or Longer than My RP1. I Plan to get the Digitech Time Bender to Add with this.Ihave watched a Demo and it is my Next Digitech Purchase!!!!!!!!!
12 of 13 people
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Sound:
The reverbs are excellent and there is a good selection of different types of reverb. I particularly like the Lexicon models, but that is mainly because I am familiar with those reverbs from years of studio sessions. This also has several popular "low-fi" reverbs like "spring" which is appropriate for Surf Style twang and boing.
The wahs are also good, if you like wah. If I have to use wah, (say, for a Hendrix-style) this has the classic "cry Baby" sound nailed. There are smoother more musical wahs in here too, if you can say that any wah is "musical."
Pitch bend and whammy effects are unique to Digitech, as they literally own those.
The Roto-Vibe is a good emulation but cannot sound like a leslie, even in stereo. The best anyone can possibly offer for that is a good emulation of a recorded Leslie, simply because the psycho-acoustic effect of a rotating speaker and horn in an acoustic space is too complex to recreate even with a 5.1 surround speaker system.
Although some of the drive models ( like tube Screamer ) are dead-on, I have yet to get great cabinet modeling from this or its predecessor, and I have tried it through various combinations of speakers, amps and systems. To their credit, Digtech was smart enough to include a cab-sim defeat button, which makes removing that part of the sound as easy as pressing a button.
For live performance, the cab-sims work best through good powered speakers or a flat PA speaker. ( QSC, Mackie, or Eon all work well.) For recording, the best cab-sim in here is the classic four x 12". For rock sounds, it is fairly convincing. Most players might think these are A-OK, but because I have spent decades as a pro-studio guitarist with some of the world's most famous producers, I can definitely hear the artificiality of these sims. Digitech's co-processing design does not introduce any latency when the sims are engaged, so I have used these occasionally in dense rock mixes with acceptable results.
With the exception of the distortions (which are obviously geared to younger metal-heads) and most of the cab-simulations, ALL the main musical effects are very good. The reverbs are studio-quality.
Feature:
For a floor based system, this has the best feature set I have seen, simply because it allows you to defeat cab sims and use only the effects section, AND it allows you to save various set-ups with your pet sounds in five convenient "presets." This way you can instantly change from one entire group of preset-sounds to another without tedious time-consuming scrolling through "banks." It also has a single effects loop, so you can include your favorite outboard pedal-effect. The marketing hype from one magazine claims this is almost like having a Bradshaw system. I disagree, simply because I have a Bradshaw system. ( Actually three) This is NOTHING like a Bradshaw system. It's good... but it ain't all that.
I just which ALL the mutli-effects designers would get this through there thick skulls:
Professional guitarists DO NOT want to bend over to adjust ANYTHING. We ONLY want foot-switches to engage, disengage or select effects. The BEST place for adjustment-controls ( knobs ) is up high, near eye level; that means in a rack or a conveniently sized box that would sit atop an amp.
Also, It is stupid to route signal through extra lengths of cable, even if you do have balanced-outs. Less cable equals better tone; no matter how pristine the cable, how clean the signal, or no matter what the impedance. This is a simple LAW of physics.
Obviously, most guitarists do not understand physics or electronic engineering. That's why they go for these floor pedal- routing schemes. Just because something is the status-quo does NOT mean it is the best way to do it.
If enough of us wise up and DEMAND a better design, we could all save our backs, eyesight and professional images. Even if you have a great posterior, the audience does not want to see you bend over to twiddle knobs. Besides, your butt looks better when your standing.
PUT THE CONTROLS WHERE THEY BELONG... UP HIGH.
Keep the switches where they belong... ON THE FLOOR AND OUT OF THE SIGNAL PATH.
Ease of Use:
The more complete the device, the more complex it becomes. Digitech has done a good job of organizing the effects and control knobs though. They use a simple "grid" method of organization.
The left column chooses the effect with the "edit" up-down buttons. Then each 'row" has a defined set of parameters you can tweak. The parameters are all clearly marked, although you must have good eyesight to read them. (can you tell I'm an old fart?) But even when I was young and my eyesight was keen, a dim stage would make these labels difficult to read. If a person was drunk or high, that goes double.
This is easier than most pedals of its ilk to tweak.
You still have to save those tweaks in banks. Two button presses gets that job done fairly easily. Labeling is done with the knobs by scrolling. Because this has several knobs, it is easier than most, but still a nuisance.
Here is another suggestion that ALL multi-effect designers should heed:
Place a complete miniature qwerty-keyboard somewhere on the unit or at least allow us to plug one in. You geniuses could easily accomplish this with standard cell-phone pads, like those used for texting. Given the ridiculous popularity of cell-texting, I should think this would be an obvious feature. Not only that, you could make a little extra profit by offering this as an add-on feature or upgrade. For that matter, we should be able to link our text-capable cell phones directly to any effects unit for editing preset-names.
If every cell phone in the world can do it, why are you geniuses at Digitech, roland, Zoom, Digidesign, Rocktron, Fractal-Audio etc etc, ALL MISSING THE BOAT?
Quality:
I have used the previous RP 500 for over two years with no breakdowns or glitches. I must assume this is of similar quality. The reason I rate a 9 instead of 10 is that ALL multi-effect units have compromises somewhere in their design. This manifests as reduced fidelity or excess noise.
Here again though, this Digitech design is one of the best BECAUSE:
You can defeat unwanted cab-simulation and use JUST the effects.
The selection of effects is wide and some of them are very good.
This RP 1000 allows you to instantly access five complete preset groups, once you have them dialed-in.
Value:
This deserves a nearly perfect score in the value category, simply because they pack so many effects of sufficiently professional quality into this little box and don't charge crazy inflation-fearing prices in a post-bailout economy. Harmon has diversified so much that they should not be afraid of Federal Reserve insanity. This MAP price is mostly fair considering the depleted value of our fictional fiat currency.
Manufacturer Support:
Before I buy any digital-doohicky, I always call the maker's support lines first. During business hours, you can actually get a person on the phone at Digtech. I make it a habit to call several times at different times on different days.
On two out of three attempts, I got knowledgeable staff who answered fairly detailed technical questions. I could not subtract more than two point for the one time I stumped someone their, as my question was particularly arcane and esoteric, far outside of the standard script of "normal" questions. So, I rate Digitech's support as an "A", but not quite "A Plus." Still, that's MUCH better than other companies. The only two companies I have gotten better support from are Traynor ( Yorkville) and Tech 21 ( Sansamp.) Digidesign ( not to be confused with Digitech) absolutely sucks. Roland sucks. Fractal? ... sucks. Zoom... eh, OK for the easy stuff, average for difficult questions.
So, compared to most other OEMs, that makes Digitech one of the best, though still not as great as I might want.
The Wow Factor:
IF:
You need a all-in-one effects unit and don't mind the floor-based format, this is certainly one of the best.
An IDEAL multi-effects unit would allows users to:
Physically separate the control knobs and editing functions from the foot-switches to allow real-time modifications AT EYE LEVEL, either in a rack or in a amp-top unit. That would reduce the cabling issues including the power-supply nuisance of floor-based units.
An IDEAL design would have ONLY ONE cable ( like a midi cable ) that supplies power and communicates with the foot-switches. That would make the foot-switch box smaller and MUCH easier to set-up. (cheaper and MORE PROFITABLE TOO... are you listening Digitech? It would also reduce stage-clutter and positioning hassles.
Finally, AN IDEAL system would offer all the features of this good product, AND a qwerty-keyboard for name-editing ease. Why no one has done this yet is a tribute to the retarded evolution of copy-cat musicians and manufacturers.
Get all those things right, and this would be a platinum-selling hit design. Digitech is uniquely positioned to dominate this market because this ground-breaking design is SO CLOSE to perfection. Not only that they could keep the reasonable price-point and garner extra profit by offering the qwerty-keypad option, or cellphone keypad interface. They are already bundling cubase software with these. Why not give us something we need and want that makes this easier to use WITHOUT a F'n computer?
Geeks have brains, but little common sense. Tweaky dweebs can't see the forest for the trees. It's up to us musicians to DEMAND a better design with simple features.
Overall:
Compared to other systems I have used or owned, Digitech stuff is near the top of the heap. Considering the low price points, they are a top contender, and this is their flagship model. For convenience on small gigs, I'll keep using this until they (or someone) gets smart and includes the extra design features discussed herein. Until then, this is the best of its kind for live performance. It's ALMOST perfect.
22 of 24 people
(91.67%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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Sound:
I've been using Digitech effects for a long time.I'm nothing without them actually & the new rp 1000 is the best pedalboard I've heard anywhere!I'd like to give it 9 & ahalf stars but I can't. The amp models & all effects sound just incredible & real. I got this factory resealed & lucked out!Thru my Roland vs2400 it sounds great too & I love the new reverse delay effect.One minor flaw I found is that when you turn on disortion in nearly every bank, it's much quieter then the preset it's on which means you'll have top pre program patches before a gig which is no major back skin off. Also Digitech still doesn't have a seperate chourus block like Roland so lots of effects are crammed in the mod block...HOWEVER for the price & the way this bad boy sounds, it's still well worth it & I think it smokes the new roland silver GT? out of the water!
Feature:
guitars
Ease of Use:
Quite easy
Quality:
made very well
Value:
A killer steal!
Manufacturer Support:
Very well
The Wow Factor:
Like someone else said, if I wanted to cop a piece off this product I'd seek immediate help! It looks great though.
Overall:
I'd stick with the rp1000 till hell freezes over!
9 of 10 people
(90%) found this review helpful. Did you?
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Sound:
Any sound you want...You got it with this thing!
Feature:
Came with guitar cables and everything you need to plug in and play.
Ease of Use:
Extremely easy to use...I've just started playing and I was able to figure it out with no problems...And if I can do it then anyone can do it
Quality:
Top of the line...Very durable
Value:
Worth every penny! And zzounds was having a special so I got it for $100 off!
Manufacturer Support:
Did not need to contact anyone.
The Wow Factor:
It's set up is very "clean."
Overall:
I'll use this thing for a very very long time!
Sound:
The sound quality is pretty good. The unit is quiet and surprisingly for a multi-fx type unit quite a few/most of the patches are actually usable. I tend to play prog/hard rock with and dabble with both heavier and softer genres. This pedal can cover them and generally do a pretty good job of it. The amp/cab sims are particularly impressive. I use the unit for direct inject to mixer/desk as well as with headphones and into my Marshall Vs102. A good sound is achievable with all of the above.
Units of this type will never be exact replicas/as good as the pedals/amps etc that they model but this unit does a FAR better job of it all round when compared to my aging Gt3.
Feature:
The unit has a plethora of outputs and more types of effects than you could shake a stick at. I'd be hard pressed to name something which I wish it had and doesn't.
I've delved briefly into the manual that came with the pedal and I'm sure there are still plenty of options I haven't fully explored
Ease of Use:
Patches are easy to modify. I haven't used the bundled/downloadable software yet but the settings and controls make sense. Using the manual will likely help but diving straight in to using the pedal without experience was easy enough for me.
Quality:
This is unfortunately where this pedal falls down. To my mind the quality is only as good as the weakest part. While the bulk of the pedal appears to be well made (if somehow curiously light) with the majority of the controls being metal, the knobs/pots used for editing patches are plastic - and pretty flimsy plastic at that. The intention for this device is to be used as a pedalboard which to my mind means a fair amount of stomping and a little foot based abuse.
2 weeks after buying the unit I stumbled on it (barefoot) and in the process completely demolished 2 of the little plastic pots. No more manually editing patches for me! Keep in mind that an accident like this is likely to happen especially if you plan on using this pedal for gigs where your own clumsiness is probably the least of your worries. These knobs should be properly recessed or covered (or just a lot stronger).
I can't recommend this product to anyone who plans on gigging with this unit (or intends leaving it on the ground for extended periods). If you do get one - see if you insert some bars or something around the plastic knobs to protect them.
Value:
Good sounds and with the feature range this unit has it would have a high rating if not for the quality issues.
Manufacturer Support:
I filled in customer comment form regarding my incident with the broken knobs. 3 weeks later and I have yet to receive a response (or even an acknowledgment). I'm not holding my breath.
I resorted to finding a third party repairer who is luckily able to fix it (at a cost amounting to about 15% of the original purchase price - fun). I'll have to see about coming up with some way of protecting the knobs - without any help from digitech.
The Wow Factor:
I wanted it. Now I'd wished I'd gone with something more reliable/sturdier.
Overall:
The unit would have got an 8 or 9 from me if not for the reliability issues. I'm surprised that this not been brought up on most reviews before. It may have changed mind if it had as was the main reason I didn't go for the POD equivalent. I did however subsequently notice that the RP500 appears to have a similar flaw.
After using my Boss GT3 for nearly 10 years without a hitch (and despite it getting pushed off stages, crushed under other gear, falling out cars, stomped on by big booted bass players) it was a real disappointment to have this thing need repairs after only owning it for 2 weeks.
1 of 4 people
(25%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Sound:
The sound blows me away for a DigiTech piece. They have really changed in the last year. I originally looked at this because of the stompbox mode but ended up liking everything.
Feature:
stompbox mode and looper - who could ask for more?
Ease of Use:
I didn't like the look of the programing panel at first but quickly figured it out. The number of footswitches is what made me look at it.
Quality:
No complaints but have not bought it - yet....
Value:
Best value out there. Close to the M13.
Manufacturer Support:
don't know, they used to be good.
The Wow Factor:
This thing is better in person. It's heavy.
Overall:
I can't wait to buy this and to use this live.
9 of 26 people
(34.62%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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