#1 · Apr 13, 2009 03:02 UTC
I like my ME-50, but now that I'm in a cover band once again, it just doesn't cover the tonal variance I need. Nor does it have the amount of programmable user presets I need.
I looked hard at the new Digitech RP1000, but decided I didn't need the recording and looping stuff it has. So I went with an RP500, which is the same thing without those 2 thingys. And it was $200 less ($299 instead of $499).
Anyhoo...It is a new generation amp/cab modeler with stompboxes and effects. Pretty much Digitech's version of the Line 6 POD XT Live.
I took it home last night and spent a few hours with it. I re-learned quickly that Digitech still works with amp/effects chains. A pain in the ass, but can be overcome with patience. I was able to eventually dial in some pretty decent tones. But I wasn't sold on it.
So tonight I took the next step and downloaded the software that came with it, which included Cubase LE4 and Digitech X-Edit.
And my tonal world changed....
The Digitech X-Edit zaps uploaded user presets from the Digitech website, and shoots them straight to my RP500. I choose a preset on the site, and 5 seconds later I am playing that preset through my own floorboard. If I like it, I can save it. If I don't, I just move to the next one.
Goody for me (and anyone else now using these), there are a couple of guys who have really dove into these things and have come up with some really incredible tones. Everything from chimy VoxAC30 tones to crisp Matchless tones to Solid JCM 900 tones to impressive 5150 tones. Just to name a VERY few. And they have come up with very nice sounding stompbox settings in conjunction with these amp models that are VERY impressive.
Long story short....the RP500 and 1000 are AMAZING. The tones are good, and the combinations are endless. Don't just take my advice.....go see the Harmony Central reviews on these.
If you don't have the $ for an Axe-Effects.....this is your next best bet :)
I looked hard at the new Digitech RP1000, but decided I didn't need the recording and looping stuff it has. So I went with an RP500, which is the same thing without those 2 thingys. And it was $200 less ($299 instead of $499).
Anyhoo...It is a new generation amp/cab modeler with stompboxes and effects. Pretty much Digitech's version of the Line 6 POD XT Live.
I took it home last night and spent a few hours with it. I re-learned quickly that Digitech still works with amp/effects chains. A pain in the ass, but can be overcome with patience. I was able to eventually dial in some pretty decent tones. But I wasn't sold on it.
So tonight I took the next step and downloaded the software that came with it, which included Cubase LE4 and Digitech X-Edit.
And my tonal world changed....
The Digitech X-Edit zaps uploaded user presets from the Digitech website, and shoots them straight to my RP500. I choose a preset on the site, and 5 seconds later I am playing that preset through my own floorboard. If I like it, I can save it. If I don't, I just move to the next one.
Goody for me (and anyone else now using these), there are a couple of guys who have really dove into these things and have come up with some really incredible tones. Everything from chimy VoxAC30 tones to crisp Matchless tones to Solid JCM 900 tones to impressive 5150 tones. Just to name a VERY few. And they have come up with very nice sounding stompbox settings in conjunction with these amp models that are VERY impressive.
Long story short....the RP500 and 1000 are AMAZING. The tones are good, and the combinations are endless. Don't just take my advice.....go see the Harmony Central reviews on these.
If you don't have the $ for an Axe-Effects.....this is your next best bet :)