|
|
Failed to execute CGI : Win32 Error Code = 3 |
| Free from a music retailer near you. |
 |
Digitech RP80 Guitar Effects Processor |
When asked to review a pedal I usually worry about what I will find to write beyond a paragraph or two, but it wouldn't surprise me if the editor had made good use of the big red pen on this one prior to print, as the Digitech RP 80 has such a wide range of effects on offer, I'm sure I exceeded my word limit! (Bic ballpoint actually!-ed)
The Digitech RP 80 is an amp modeling guitar effects processor that features:
-11 Amp models
-22 studio - quality effects
-Expression pedal for real-time control
-Built in Drum machine
-40 user presets
-24 bit A-D-A converters
-Chromatic Tuner
-1/4 in. left & right outputs
-Headphone jacks
Straight up I need to mention how user friendly this unit is, and it comes with a manual that is detailed and easy to understand. It is so straightforward that I suspect that frequent users of digital effects may not even need to refer to the manual. Each time I have considered straying from analogue myself I have been put off by either the complexity of initial programming, the inability as a singer/guitarist to access functions easily during a live performance and the obvious digitised tone. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Digitech RP 80 has alleviated the first two problems to a great degree and as for tone well it isn't analogue but if you are looking for digital effects then you have already accepted that.
The RP80's most apparent strength is its ability to emulate 11 different 'virtual'amplifiers based on both classic vintage and modern amps. I thought most of the amp models were quite close in resemblance and captured each essential quality Some that particularly stood out to me were: The British Stack was particularly impressive, possibly because this was one sound I was quite sceptical of the RP 80 achieving but it did have a classic vintage sound, fat and tubey which I was able to eq to my satisfaction. Any of the Marshall simulations were good. The Fender Twin model also surprised me with its accuracy and both Mesa models impressed me as well.
In addition to the 11 amp models another nice bonus is the flat top acoustic guitar model. I wouldn't recommend leaving the acoustic at home for the evening if you had an unplugged solo or duo performance in an ambient setting but for that small acoustic piece you want to incorporate in your electric gig this should work fine.
Overall the effects are good, some appealed to me more than others, we are talking personal choice here so its really a case of spending some time with the unit to develop your presets and find out which effects you can tailor to your own needs. There is great scope here as you can apply up to nine effects with any amp model simultaneously. As you craft your patches one of the important things to remember is to apply variance to the amount of each effect in the patch.
The Expression pedal can be assigned to certain effects to control the parameters. It can also be assigned as purely a volume pedal. One small design flaw here is that the expression pedal is too close to the up footswitch and you may find you have scrolled to a new patch: mid piece. Caution here but once you are familiar with the unit it shouldn't be a problem. Another small glitch is that it can be tricky when trying to hit both switches to bypass and if held just a moment too long it goes to tuner mode
Global cabinet modeling can be enabled on all presets when running straight into a mixer, headphones or recording device. Each amp model is complimented by a predesignated cabinet model that has been chosen for optimal sound.
The noise gate is as effective as one you would find in a much more expensive model.
The Drum Machine is a real bonus for practice and easy to use and with benefit of an onboard chromatic tuner.
I imagine that some people would be concerned that the Digitech RP 80 is not metal but the plastic housing is really quite sturdy and only an inexperienced stomper should have trouble with it. Also worth bearing in mind that the retail price has been held at such an affordable level so there has to be some compromise.
Overall I think the RP80 represents the absolute best value I am aware of in a multi effects unit, any glitches are only minor and it really is a complete and compact digital rig within itself. As the price at $249 so negligible, even a staunch analogue purist could carry it with their rig as a backup in the event of blowing up an amp.