DigiTech RP-6 Guitar Signal Processor/Foot Controller and Preamp

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the DigiTech RP-6 Guitar Signal Processor/Preamp. The RP-6 offers a fresh approach to guitar sound creation, featuring DigiTech's revolutionary S-DISC™ processor. Its compact size provides full-bandwidth effects (20-20kHz), stereo signal processing, quick access to modules and parameters, a CC pedal for real-time control, programmable cabinet emulation for direct mixing console output, and a front panel Presence control with headphone output.

This owner's manual is your guide to understanding the RP-6. Read it carefully and experiment with different settings to achieve unique sounds.

Safety Precautions

• Do not open the unit. Service should only be performed by qualified personnel. Opening the chassis will void the warranty.
• Do not expose the unit to liquid. If liquid is spilled, immediately shut off the unit and take it to a dealer for service.
• Disconnect the equipment during storms to prevent damage.
• U.K. ONLY: A moulded mains plug cut from the cord is unsafe. Discard it properly. Never insert a damaged or cut mains plug into a 13 AMP power socket. Ensure the fuse cover is in place. Replacement fuses are 13 amps and must be ASTA approved to BS1362.

Lithium Battery Warning

CAUTION: This product contains a lithium battery. There is a danger of explosion if the battery is replaced incorrectly. Replace only with an Eveready CR 2032 or equivalent. Ensure correct polarity. Discard used batteries according to manufacturer's instructions.

Finnish Warning: Paristo voi räjähtää, jos se on virheellisesti asennettu. Vaihda paristo ainoastaan laitevalmistajan suosittelemaan tyyppiin. Hävitä käytetty paristo valmistajan ohjeiden mukaisesti.

Swedish Warning: Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte. Använd samma batterityp eller en ekvivalent typ som rekommenderas av apparattillverkaren. Kassera använt batteri enligt fabrikantens instruktion.

Warranty

The warranty registration card must be mailed within ten days after purchase to validate the warranty.

DigiTech warrants this product, when used solely within the U.S., to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of one year. Liability is limited to repairing or replacing defective materials. A Return Authorization number must be obtained from DigiTech by telephone. DigiTech is not liable for consequential damage.

Proof-of-purchase is the consumer's responsibility. DigiTech reserves the right to make design changes without obligation to install them on previously manufactured products.

DigiTech™, S-DISC™, Whammy™, and Silencer™ are registered trademarks of DOD Electronics Corporation.

Information in this manual is subject to change without notification and may contain inaccuracies due to undocumented product changes. This version supersedes all previous versions.

Section 1: Startup

Supplying Power & Line Conditioning

The RP-6, like computer hardware, is sensitive to voltage drops, spikes, and surges. Lightning or power "brownouts" can cause serious damage.

• Spike/Surge Suppressors: An inexpensive solution for most AC line conditions. Surge-protected power strips offer protection for your gear.
• AC Line Conditioners: Provide total protection from improper line voltages by monitoring and adjusting voltage levels for consistent power.

Front Panel Controls

The front panel controls and functions are as follows:

Control Descriptions:

1. Pedalboard: Six footswitches. Two mode footswitches (UP/DOWN) switch between Program and Bank modes. Footswitches 1-4 act as On/Off toggles for effects (Distortion, Modulation, Delay, Reverb). Pressing footswitches 1 & 2 simultaneously activates Tuner Mode. Pressing 3 & 4 simultaneously activates Bypass Mode.
2. Parameter Matrix: Displays Effect LEDs (Compressor, Distortion, Silencer, EQ, Speaker Cab, Wah, Mod/Pitch, Dual Delay, Reverb) and Parameter LEDs, showing active effects and parameters.
3. Display Window: Shows operating and programming information. Includes seven-segment LED displays for bank and program numbers, and indicator LEDs for Signal, Clip, and Store status.
4. Value, Store, and Edit Keys: Used for scrolling through programs, changing parameter values, storing changes, and entering Edit mode.
5. Parameter Select Keys: Navigate the Parameter Matrix (horizontal Effect LEDs and vertical Parameter LEDs). Active only in Edit mode.
6. Output Level: Controls overall output and headphone volume.
7. Presence: Enhances high-frequency content, affecting all presets.
8. Continuous Control Pedal: A volume-type pedal for real-time parameter control.

Rear Panel Connections

The RP-6 rear panel features the following connectors:

1. Input: 1/4" unbalanced TRS audio input for your guitar.
2. Headphone Output: 1/4" stereo plug for headphones. Level controlled by the main output knob.
3. Left/Mono Main Output: 1/4" output for mono signals.
4. Right Main Output: 1/4" output for stereo effects.
5. AC Line Input: Receptacle for the AC adapter.

Setup Diagrams

Section 2: Basic Operations

About the RP-6 Modes

The RP-6 offers five modes for operation:

• Program Mode: Scroll through 40 Programs using UP/DOWN Value keys and footswitches. Enter by pressing UP & DOWN footswitches simultaneously. Footswitches 1-4 control effect On/Off.
• Bank Mode: Scroll through Banks quickly. Enter by pressing UP & DOWN footswitches simultaneously until the Bank LED lights. Use UP/DOWN Value keys to scroll through Programs and Banks.
• Edit Mode: Change Effects and Parameters. Enter by pressing the EDIT key. Use Parameter Select keys to navigate the matrix and Value keys to change parameter values.
• Store Mode: Save modified Parameters and Effects to a user Program location. Press STORE, select Bank/Program, press STORE again.
• Bypass Mode: Bypass all effects. Enter by pressing footswitches 3 & 4 simultaneously. BYP appears in the display.
• Tuner Mode: Tune your guitar. Enter by pressing footswitches 1 & 2 simultaneously. TUN appears. The display shows the note and tuning status. Tuning reference can be adjusted (default 440 Hz). Exit by pressing any footswitch.

Section 3: Effects and Parameters

About the Parameter Matrix

The Parameter Matrix displays all Effects and Parameters, arranged in rows and columns. Use Parameter Select keys to navigate. Effects and their parameters are detailed below.

Compression

Description: Used to increase sustain and tighten guitar sounds, especially on clean tones. Parameters include On/Off and Amount (controls compression level, 1-78).

CC Pedal

Description: Allows control of various effect parameters using a continuous control pedal. 'Type' indicates which of the eight parameters is controlled.

Max Value: Sets the maximum parameter value reached when the pedal is forward.

Min Value: Sets the minimum parameter value reached when the pedal is back.

Distortion

Description: Offers two distortion types: Overdrive (odr) for low-medium gain and Grunge (Gru) for high gain. Parameters control On/Off, Type, Gain, On Level, and Off Level.

Silencer

Description: Provides digital noise reduction. Parameters include On/Off, Threshold (gate open level), Attenuation (noise floor reduction), and Attack Time (gate opening speed).

Master Volume

Description: Controls the overall volume level of the selected program, adjustable via CC pedal or Value keys. Useful for balancing levels or reducing digital effects clipping.

Equalization

Description: A three-band parametric EQ with adjustable center frequencies and gain (boost/cut). High Q settings affect narrow bandwidths; low Q settings affect wider bandwidths.

Speaker Cab

Description: Programmable Speaker Cabinet simulation for recording or live use without physical cabinets. Allows customization of sound. 'Type' selects from 10 different cabinet simulations (warm, medium, bright, full bandwidth).

Wah Wah

Description: Classic wah wah effect, controllable via CC Pedal. Parameters include On/Off, Type, and Position (pedal setting).

Mod/Pitch

This multi-function module includes Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, Auto Panning, Pitch Shifting, and Whammy effects.

Description: Controls effect On/Off, Type, Level, and specific values for each effect (e.g., Speed, Depth, Delay for Chorus).

Chorus (CHO)

Description: Dual chorus for rich chorusing with multiple voices and phasing characteristics. Parameters: Speed, Depth, Delay.

Flanger (FLA)

Description: Rich studio-quiet flanging. Parameters: Speed, Depth (+Delay), Regeneration.

Phaser (PHA)

Description: Classic phase shifting effect reminiscent of 70's sounds. Parameters: Speed, Depth, Regeneration.

Tremolo (trE)

Description: Classic effect providing transparent volume modulation. Parameters: Speed, Depth.

Auto Panning (PAn)

Description: Modulates sound from left to right. Parameters: Speed, Depth.

Pitch Shifting (Pch)

Description: Shifts the pitch of the input signal by 0 to 24 semitones. Parameters: Shift (interval), Detune (amount of detuning).

Pitch Bending/Whammy (bnd)

Description: Smoothly shifts between two preset pitch intervals using the CC Pedal. 'Type' selects one of 16 functions. 'Position' reflects the CC pedal setting.

Dual Delay

Description: Provides delay effects. On/Off, Type, Level, and Feedback apply to both delays. Parameters: On/Off, Type (mono/stereo tap), Level, Delay 1/2 times (0-800ms), Feedback.

Reverb

Description: Adds ambience and reverberation to the sound. Parameters: On/Off, Type (10 settings like Spring, Plate, Studio, Hall, etc.), Level, EQ Frequency, EQ Gain, Decay Time.

Section 4: Appendix

Reinitializing the RP-6

Restores the RP-6's memory to original factory condition. WARNING: This function will destroy all user-programmed data.

Procedure: Plug in the RP-6 while holding the Parameter Select UP key. When rSt appears, press the Value UP key.

Specifications

A/D Converter: 16 bit PCM

D/A Converter: 16 bit PCM

Sampling Frequency: 40 kHz

DSP Section:

• Architecture: Static-Dynamic Instruction Set Computer (S-DISC™)
• Digital Signal Path Width: 24 bits
• Internal Data Path Width: 48 bits
• Dynamic Delay Memory: 64k x 24 bits (1.68 seconds)
• Static Delay Memory: 256 24-bit registers (6.55 ms)
• Data ALU Processing: 10.0 MIPS
• Address ALU Processing: 15.0 MIPS
• Multiplier Size: 24 bits x 24 bits

Input Section:

• Connector: 1/4" Unbalanced TRS
• Nominal Level: -8 dBu
• Maximum Level: +10 dBu
• Impedance: 470 kohms

Output Section:

• Connector: 1/4" TRS
• Nominal Level: +4 dBu
• Maximum Level: +18 dBu
• Impedance: 50 ohms

General:

• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +0, -3 dB
• S/N ratio: > 90 dB (ref = max signal, 22 kHz bandwidth)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.04% (1 kHz)
• Memory Capacity: Factory: 40 Programs, User: 40 Programs
• Power Requirements: US/Canada: 120V AC, 60Hz; Japan: 100V AC, 50/60Hz; Europe: 230V AC, 50Hz; UK: 240V AC, 50Hz
• Power Consumption: 12 watts
• Dimensions: Length 18", Width 8.75", Height 2.75"

Block Diagram

Preset List

A list of factory Programs available in the RP-6: