DigiTech RP50 Modeling Guitar Processor

Safety and Warnings

CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR

WARNING: To Reduce the risk of Fire OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

These symbols are internationally accepted symbols that warn of potential hazards with electrical products. The lightning flash indicates dangerous voltages within the unit. The exclamation point indicates the need to refer to the owner's manual.

The unit contains no user-serviceable parts. Do not open or attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Opening the chassis voids the warranty. Do not expose the unit to moisture. If liquid is spilled, turn off immediately and take to a dealer. Disconnect the unit during storms.

Electromagnetic Compatibility

Operation is subject to the following conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
• Use only shielded interconnecting cables.
• Operation of this unit within significant electromagnetic fields should be avoided.

General Warnings

• Water and Moisture: Do not use near water (e.g., bathtub, sink, laundry tub, wet basement, swimming pool). Prevent objects from falling and liquids from spilling into the enclosure.
• Power Sources: Connect only to the power supply type described in the operating instructions or marked on the appliance.
• Grounding or Polarization: Ensure grounding or polarization means are not defeated.
• Power Cord Protection: Route cords to prevent them from being walked on or pinched, paying attention to plugs and exit points.
• Servicing: Do not attempt to service beyond operating instructions. Refer all other servicing to qualified personnel.
• Fuse Replacement: For units with accessible fuse receptacles, replace fuse with the same type and rating only.

Declaration of Conformity

Manufacturer's Name: DigiTech

Manufacturer's Address: 8760 South Sandy Parkway, Sandy, Utah 84070 USA

Product: RP50 (requires Class II power adapter conforming to EN60065, EN60742, or equivalent.)

Product Specifications:

• Safety: EN 60065 (1998)
• EMC: EN 55013 (1990), EN 55020 (1991)

Supplementary Information: The product complies with the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC as amended by Directive 93/68/EEC.

Engineering Contact: Vice-President of Engineering, 8760 S. Sandy Parkway, Sandy, Utah 84070, USA. Date: September 30, 2002

European Contact: Your local DigiTech Sales and Service Office or Harman Music Group, 8760 South Sandy Parkway, Sandy, Utah 84070 USA. Ph: (801) 566-8800, Fax: (801) 568-7583

Warranty

DigiTech provides the following warranty for its products:

1. Warranty registration card must be mailed within ten days of purchase to validate the warranty.
2. 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.
3. DigiTech's liability is limited to repairing or replacing defective materials, provided the product is returned to DigiTech with a Return Authorization number obtained by telephone. All parts and labor are covered for one year. DigiTech is not liable for consequential damage resulting from product use.
4. Proof-of-purchase is the consumer's responsibility.
5. DigiTech reserves the right to make design changes or improvements without obligation to install them on previously manufactured products.
6. The consumer forfeits warranty benefits if the product is opened or tampered with by unauthorized personnel, or if used with AC voltages outside the suggested range.
7. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied. DigiTech does not assume or authorize any person to assume any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this product. DigiTech or its dealers are not liable for special or consequential damages or delays due to causes beyond their control.

Note: Information in this manual is subject to change without notification. Some information may be inaccurate due to undocumented product or operating system changes. This version supersedes all previous versions.

Introduction

The RP50 offers flexibility, power, and capability for producing sonic creations, thanks to advances in musical technology. This User's Guide will help you become acquainted with its potential.

Included Items

Before getting started, ensure the following items are included:

• RP50
• Warranty Card

The RP50 was manufactured with utmost care. If anything is missing or not in working order, contact the factory. Completing the warranty card or registering online at www.digitech.com helps DigiTech understand your needs.

This guide serves as your safeguard should a problem arise with your RP50.

The Front Panel

A diagram shows the front panel of the RP50 with controls labeled 1 through 7.

1. Footswitches: Two footswitches are used to select presets, access the Tuner, or bypass the RP50. The Up Footswitch increments presets, and the Down Footswitch decrements them. Pressing both simultaneously bypasses the selected preset. Pressing and holding both accesses the Tuner.
2. Value Buttons: These buttons perform various functions based on the selected mode. In Play mode, they control the RP50's Master Level. In Edit mode, they adjust the selected effect. When the Drum Machine is active, they change the Pattern, Tempo, and Level. When the Tuner is enabled, they select the tuning reference.
3. Effect/Edit Buttons: Pressing either Edit button enters Edit mode and selects individual effects for editing. The left and right Edit buttons cycle through effects. Each effect LED lights up to indicate the effect being edited.
4. Drums Button: Turns the RP50's drum machine on and off. When active, the Drums LED lights, and the selected drum pattern plays continuously.
5. Effect LEDs: Provide information about the current preset. In Edit mode, they indicate the effect being edited. In Tuner mode, they show if the note is sharp, flat, or in tune.
6. Display: Shows information for different functions depending on the mode. In Play mode, it displays the selected preset number. In Edit mode, it shows the parameter value being adjusted. When the Tuner is enabled, it displays the note played.
7. Store Button: Saves custom edits to user presets.

Rear Panel

A diagram shows the rear panel of the RP50 with jacks labeled 1 through 4.

1. Input: Connect your instrument to this jack.
2. Output: A stereo TRS jack. Connect to a single amplifier for mono applications, or use a TRS stereo "Y" cord for stereo applications with two amplifiers. Can also be used as a headphone jack.
3. Note: When using the RP50 direct into a mixer or recording device, or with headphones, enable the Global Cabinet Modeling feature to emulate speaker simulation for each preset. (See Page 20 for details.)
4. Control In: Connect a passive volume pedal to this jack to control Volume, Wah, and Whammy™ parameters on the RP50.
5. Power Input: Connect only the optional DigiTech PS200R power supply to this jack.

Making Connections

Several connection options are available for the RP50. Ensure the amplifier power is off and the RP50 is disconnected before making connections. The RP50 does not have a power switch; power is controlled by connecting/disconnecting the instrument from the Input Jack (for battery power) or disconnecting the PS200R power supply.

Mono Operation

Connect your guitar to the RP50's Input. Use a single mono instrument cable from the RP50's Stereo Output to your amplifier's instrument input.

Diagram Description: A guitar is shown connected to the RP50's input. The RP50's output is connected via a cable to an amplifier's input.

Stereo Operation

For stereo operation, connect your guitar to the RP50's Input. Connect a TRS stereo "Y" cord or stereo headphones to the RP50's Output. If using a "Y" cord, connect one end to one amplifier or mixer channel, and the second end to another amplifier or mixer channel. For mixers, set pan controls hard left and right for stereo separation. To emulate guitar cabinet sound with a mixer or headphones, enable Global Cabinet Modeling (see page 20).

Diagram Description: A guitar is shown connected to the RP50's input. A "Y" cable connects the RP50's output to two amplifier inputs, or to headphones.

Applying Power

The RP50 can be powered by 6 AA batteries or the optional PS200R DC power supply. Before powering on, set your amplifier(s) to a clean tone and flat EQ response (typically 0 or 5 on tone controls).

Battery Power

The RP50 runs for over 15 hours on 6 AA batteries. The battery compartment is on the bottom of the unit. Ensure correct battery polarity when installing, as it changes for each pair.

Diagram Description: A diagram illustrates the insertion of 6 AA batteries into the RP50's battery compartment, showing the correct orientation for each pair.

Connecting a cable to the Input applies power. Disconnecting your instrument from the Input disconnects battery power. Turn on your amplifier(s) and adjust volume to a normal playing level. To prolong battery life, disconnect your instrument from the RP50's Input when not in use.

AC Power

Connect the PS200R power supply plug to the RP50's rear power jack and the other end to an AC outlet. Turn on your amplifier(s) and adjust volume to a normal playing level.

About the RP50

The Presets

Presets are numbered locations of programmed sounds, recalled via the Footswitches. The RP50 has 40 User Presets (1-40) and 40 Factory Presets (41-80). User Presets are where you can store your own creations. Factory Presets cannot be overwritten. Initially, User Presets are duplicates of Factory Presets, allowing you to create your own sounds without losing original presets.

Play Mode

Upon powering on, the RP50 enters Play mode, indicated by the leftmost LED. In Play mode, use the Up and Down Footswitches to access presets.

Tuner

The RP50's Tuner allows quick tuning or checking of guitar tuning. Enter Tuner mode by pressing and holding both Footswitches simultaneously. The display briefly shows "TU". Play a note (neck pickup recommended) to begin tuning. The display shows the note played. Effect LEDs indicate sharpness or flatness: the right 6 red LEDs indicate the note is sharp (tune down), the left 6 red LEDs indicate the note is flat (tune up), and the center Green LED indicates the note is in tune. Output is muted in Tuner mode.

Diagram Description: The RP50 front panel display and LEDs are shown. Text indicates that LEDs to the left of the EQ LED show a flat note, LEDs to the right show a sharp note, and when the EQ LED is lit, the note is in tune.

You can change the tuning reference. The default is A=440 Hz (displayed as 40). Use the Value Buttons to select alternate tunings like A = Ab (displayed as Ab), A = G (displayed as G), and A = Gb (displayed as Gb). The display briefly flashes the selected preference. Exit Tuner mode by pressing either Footswitch. The tuning reference is retained when the unit is turned off.

Bypass

Bypass the RP50 presets for a clean, unprocessed guitar tone by pressing both footswitches simultaneously. The display reads "BYP" when bypassed. Press either footswitch to exit Bypass and return to the last selected preset.

Editing/Creating Presets

Creating your own sounds with the RP50 is intuitive. You can create new presets or fine-tune existing ones. You must start with a User or Factory Preset; an empty preset cannot be created. You can save your preset to any User Preset location.

To Edit or Create a Preset:

1. Press the FOOTSWITCHES to select a preset.
2. Press the EDIT buttons in conjunction with the Effect LEDs to choose the effect to edit.
3. Press the VALUE Buttons to change parameter values.

The Effect LEDs

When editing a preset, the Effect LEDs indicate which effect is selected. The Edit buttons navigate through Effect modules, and the LEDs light up to show the selected effect group. Each effect has multiple settings accessible via the Value buttons, which change the value or status shown in the display.

Diagram Description: The RP50 front panel is shown. Text indicates that the EDIT/EFFECT buttons select which effect to edit, and the VALUE/MASTER VOLUME buttons edit the selected effect.

When an effect's stored value is changed, the lower right decimal point in the display lights up, indicating changes need to be stored. Changing presets or powering off before storing will erase unsaved changes.

Storing/Copying a Preset

After modifying a preset, you can store your settings to one of the 40 User Preset locations (1-40) or copy it to a different location.

1. Press the STORE button once. The current preset location flashes in the display.
2. Use the footswitches to select the desired User Preset location.
3. Press the STORE button again to save your changes.

Effect Definitions

The RP50 offers "virtual" amplifiers and hi-tech effects that can be programmed for personal application. Understanding how these effects alter sound helps achieve desired tones.

Diagram Description: A block diagram shows the signal flow of effects: Pickup Sim / Wah -> Compressor -> Amp Modeling -> Cabinet Modeling -> Noise Gate. A separate path shows EQ -> Chorus / Mod -> Delay -> Reverb.

Preset Level

Controls the individual level for each preset. This setting allows volume adjustment when using louder or softer amp models.

Pickup/Wah

The Pickup Simulator provides the tone of a humbucker pickup for single-coil guitars, or the bright sound of a single-coil pickup for humbucker guitars. Wah is an effect controlled by an expression pedal, creating a "wah" sound.

Pickup/Wah Type:

The Value buttons select the Pickup or Wah type simulated:

• OF: Turns the Pickup Simulator / Wah module off.
• SH: Gives a single coil pickup the warm tone of a humbucker.
• H5: Gives a humbucker the unique sound of a single coil.
• Cr: Cry Wah is a traditional sounding Wah.
• bo: Boutique Wah is a wider sweeping Wah with a more modern sound.
• Fr: Full Range Wah sweeps the entire spectrum of audible frequencies.

Compressor

A Compressor limits the dynamic level of the guitar signal. Values 1-15 control the amount of compression (ratio and sustain), ranging from slight compression to maximum sustain, or turns the effect off.

Amp/Cabinet Modeling

Amp Modeling applies tones from popular modern and vintage amps, plus acoustic guitar simulation. Values 1-9 increase the amp's gain and level.

• b1-b9: Based on a Blackface
• o1-o9: Based on Boutique
• r1-r9: Based on a Rectifier
• H1-h9: Based on a Hot Rod
• t1-t9: Based on a Classic Tweed
• C1-C9: Based on a British Combo
• c1-c9: Based on a Clean Tube amp
• s1-s9: Based on a British Stack
• U1-U9: A nice crunchy tube combo
• G1-g9: Based on High Gain tube amp
• F1-f9: A vintage fuzz distortion
• AC: A flat top acoustic guitar

Trademarks are the property of their respective companies and not associated with DigiTech.

EQ

Equalization shapes the tonal response of your guitar signal, similar to amplifier tone knobs. Values 1-4 cut the level of each band, 5 is flat (no cut or boost), and values 6-9 boost the level of each band.

• Bass (b1-b9): Adjusts the amount of low end enhancement.
• Mid (d1-d9): Adjusts the amount of mid range enhancement.
• Treble (t1-t9): Adjusts the amount of high end enhancement.

Noise Gate

A Noise Gate eliminates noise when not playing. The AutoSwell setting creates a volume pedal effect with varying attack times. Different guitars and pickups require different threshold settings to fully mute the sound when not playing.

• OF: Turns the gate effect off.
• G1-G9: Selects the Silencer™ Noise Gate. Settings 1-9 select the threshold.
• s1-s9: Selects the Auto Swell volume swell effect. Settings 1-9 select the attack time.

Chorus/Mod

The Chorus/Mod module offers multiple effects: Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, Panner, Vibrato, Rotary Speaker, AutoYa™, Envelope, Detune, Pitch Shift, and Whammy™. The Value buttons select the effect type. Only one effect from this row can be used at a time.

Chorus (C1-C9)

Adds a short, modulated delay to the signal, mixed with the original signal for a thicker sound and stereo image. Use Value buttons to select one of nine Chorus settings.

Flange (F1-f9)

Similar to Chorus but with shorter delay and regeneration, creating an exaggerated sweeping motion. Use Value buttons to select one of nine Flanger settings.

Phaser (P1-p9)

Splits the incoming signal, changing its phasing. As phasing changes, frequencies cancel, creating a warm, twisting sound. Use Value buttons to select one of nine Phaser settings.

Tremolo (t1-t9)

Modulates the signal's volume at an even rate. Use Value buttons to select one of nine settings.

Panner (n1-n9)

An Auto Panner modulates sound from left to right at an even rate. Use Value buttons to select one of nine Panner settings.

Other Chorus/Mod Effects

Vibrato (b1-b9)

Modulates the pitch of the incoming signal at an even rate. Use Value buttons to select one of nine Vibrato settings.

Rotary Speaker (r1-r9)

Emulates a spinning horn and woofer, producing sound panning and slight pitch changes. Use Value buttons to select one of nine Rotary Speaker settings.

AutoYa™ (a1-a9)

Combines Wah and Flanger characteristics, creating an almost human vowel sound based on string attack. Use Value buttons to select one of nine AutoYa™ settings.

Envelope Filter (E1-e9)

A dynamic Wah effect that alters sound based on playing intensity. Use Value buttons to select one of nine Envelope Filter settings.

Detune (d1-d9)

Creates a doubled sound by mixing a slightly detuned copy of the incoming signal with the original. Use Value buttons to select one of nine Detuner settings.

Pitch Shift and Whammy™

Pitch Shift (H1-H9)

Copies the incoming signal and shifts its pitch, mixing it with the original to sound like two guitars playing different notes. Use Value buttons to select one of nine Pitch Shift settings:

• H1: -12 semitones
• H2: -7 semitones
• H3: -5 semitones
• H4: -4 semitones
• H5: +3 semitones
• H6: +4 semitones
• H7: +5 semitones
• H8: +7 semitones
• H9: +12 semitones

Whammy™ (Y1-y9)

Uses an Expression Pedal to bend the pitch of the incoming signal or add bendable harmony. As the pedal moves, the note bends up or down. Use Value buttons to select one of nine Whammy™ settings. 'W' denotes Whammy bends, 'H' denotes harmony bends:

• Y1=W Octave Up
• Y2=W 2 Octaves Up
• Y3=W Octave Down
• Y4=W 2 Octaves Down
• Y5=H m3rd/Maj 3rd Up
• Y6=H 2nd/Maj 3rd Up
• Y7=H 3rd/4th Up
• Y8=H Octave Up
• Y9=H Octave Down

Delay

The RP50 offers 3 delay types: Mono (D), Analog (A), and Ping Pong (P), each with up to 2 seconds of delay time. Parameters include Delay Type/Variation (feedback/level) and Delay Time (1-99 for 10ms-990ms, 1.0 and 2.0 for 1 and 2 seconds). The Delay LED indicates when it is lit.

Delay Settings:

• d, a, p1: 5% fback, level 15
• d, a, p2: 25% fback, level 15
• d, a, p3: 50% fback, level 15
• d, a, p4: 5% fback, level 30
• d, a, p5: 25% fback, level 30
• d, a, p6: 50% fback, level 30
• d, a, p7: 5% fback, level 50
• d, a, p8: 25% fback, level 50
• d, a, p9: 50% fback, level 50

Reverb

Reverb adds a sense of acoustic space to recorded material, simulating rooms or halls. Use Value buttons to select one of nine settings; higher numbers indicate more reverb level.

Reverb Settings:

• r1-f9: Room
• H1-H9: Hall
• P1-p9: Plate
• C1-C9: Church
• A1-a9: Arena
• S1-s9: Spring

Other Functions

Expression Pedal

The rear panel has an input for a passive volume pedal to act as an expression pedal. It controls the RP50's Volume, Wah, or Whammy™ parameters. If Wah and Whammy are disabled, it functions as a volume pedal.

Drum Machine

The RP50 includes sampled drum patterns for timing development. Press the Drums button to enter Drums mode and start playback (except in Store or Bypass mode). Edit buttons select Pattern, Tempo, and Level. Press the Drums button again to stop playback.

Global Cabinet Modeling

This feature can be enabled on all presets when connecting to a mixer, recording device, or using headphones. It emulates a speaker cabinet for each amp model. To enable Cabinet Modeling:

1. Press and hold the Drums button while applying power to the RP50.
2. Wait until the display reads "CAb nEt On".
3. Release the Drums button.

Cabinet Modeling is now enabled for all amp models in all presets. The following lists cabinet pairings:

• b1-b9: Blackface - 2x12 Cabinet
• o1-o9: Boutique - Vintage 4x12 Cabinet
• r1-r9: Rectifier - Vintage 4x12 Cabinet
• H1-H9: Hot Rod - British 4x12 Cabinet
• t1-t9: Classic Tweed - 2x12 Cabinet
• C1-C9: British Combo – 2x12 Cabinet
• c1-c9: Clean Tube – British 4x12 Cabinet
• s1-s9: British Stack – British 4x12 Cabinet
• U1-U9: Crunch – Vintage 4x12 Cabinet
• G1-G9: High Gain Tube – British 4x12 Cabinet
• F1-f9: Fuzz – British 4x12 Cabinet

Factory Reset

This function resets the RP50 to its original factory settings, erasing all custom user presets and programmed data permanently.

Procedure for Factory Reset:

1. Disconnect the power supply (AC Power) or unplug the guitar from the input jack (battery power).
2. Press and hold the left EDIT button while re-connecting power or plugging the guitar into the RP50's input.
3. When the display reads "--", release the button and press the STORE button. The display will read "rE". The RP50 is now restored to factory settings.

Appendix: Specifications

• Input: 1/4" input
• Output: 1/4" Stereo TRS (can be used as a headphone output)
• Control In: 1/4" input (Use a passive volume pedal as an expression controller)
• A/D/A: 24 bit Delta Sigma
• Power Supply: 6 AA Batteries or DigiTech PS200R (9VDC) power supply
• Power Consumption: 5 Watts Maximum (with optional PS200R power supply)
• Battery Life: >15 hours with continuous use
• Memory: 40 User/40 Factory Presets
• Effects: Pickup Simulator, Wah, Compressor, 11 Amp Models, Acoustic Guitar Simulator, 3 band EQ, Noise Gate, Cabinet Modeling, Chorus, Flange, Phaser, Tremolo, Panner, Vibrato, Rotary Speaker, AutoYa™, Envelope Filter, Pitch Shift, Detune, Whammy™, Delay, and Reverb
• Drum Machine: 30 Patterns
• Simultaneous Effects: Up to 8
• Dimensions: 6" L x 5" W x 2.125" H
• Weight: 0.85 lbs (1.85 lbs. with power supply)

Preset List (User/Factory)

Contact Information

DigiTech

8760 South Sandy Parkway

Sandy, Utah 84070

PH: (801) 566-8800

FAX: (801) 566-7005

DigiTech® is a registered trademark of Harman Music Group Inc.

Copyright - Harman Music Group

Printed 10/2002

Manufactured in the USA

RP50 Modeling Guitar Processor User's Guide 18-1396-A

Please visit DigiTech on the World Wide Web at: www.digitech.com

A Harman International Company