DigiTech RP-1 Guitar Effects Processor/Controller and Preamp

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the DigiTech RP-1 multi-effects processor / MIDI foot controller. The RP-1 packs the power of a rack unit into a convenient floor controller, offering professional quality effects.

Key Features:

• 24 effects, up to 9 at a time.
• Advanced Speaker Simulator.
• Full MIDI input and output mapping.
• Programmable local and global continuous controller assignments.
• Programmable effects loop for outboard gear.
• Stereo headphone output.
• Infinite repeat.

The RP-1 can also serve as a remote MIDI foot controller for other MIDI devices.

About This Manual

This manual guides you through the RP-1's four basic operating modes: Performance Mode, Edit Mode, Title, and Utility. It is recommended to read through it carefully and then experiment with the unit's extensive possibilities.

Section 1 - Startup

Power and Grounding Information

The RP-1, like any piece of computer hardware, is sensitive to voltage drops, spikes, and surges. Interference such as lightning or power "brownouts" can seriously, and in extreme cases, permanently damage the circuitry inside the unit. Here are some steps to help avoid this type of damage:

• Spike/Surge Suppressors: An inexpensive solution to all but the severest of AC line conditions. Surge protected power strips offer worthy investment for protection.
• AC Line Conditioners: The best way for total protection from improper line voltages, albeit more expensive. They monitor and adjust for high or low voltages, delivering consistent power.

Rear Panel Connections

MIDI and Audio Routing Setups

Several diagrams illustrate possible MIDI and Audio routing setups using the RP-1:

Section 2 - Basic Operations

The Foot Controller

The main control panel buttons function as follows:

• Program <UP>/<DOWN>: Scroll numerically through available Programs.
• <COMPARE>: Compare the modified sound with the original.
• <STORE>: Store a selected Program into a memory location.
• Parameter <LEFT>/<RIGHT>: Scroll to the parameter you want to edit.
• Parameter <UP>/<DOWN>: Change the value of the displayed parameter.
• <TITLE>: Name Programs (up to 16 characters).
• <UTILITY>: Access the Utility Menu, which includes Speaker Simulator Setup, MIDI Setup, Footswitch Setup, and Factory Preset Restore.

About Modes and Menus

The RP-1's menu architecture can be thought of as a series of levels. The primary operating mode is Performance Mode.

Performance Mode: The vehicle for accessing all Programs, Patches, and Sets. When powering up, the RP-1 defaults to Performance Mode.

Edit Mode: Accessed by pressing the <LEFT> or <RIGHT> parameter buttons from Performance Mode. Used for editing program parameters.

5 and 10 Patch Modes

These modes determine the function of the footswitches:

• 5 Patch Mode: Switches 1-5 act as Patch select switches (or effect on/off). Switches 6-0 act as individual effect on/off switches.
• 10 Patch Mode: Switches 0-9 act as Patch select switches (or effect on/off).

The switch mode is controlled from the RP-1 Footswitch Setup Menu within the Utility Menu.

Section 2 - Basic Operations (Continued)

Changing Programs and Sets

Programs and Sets can be changed independently.

Changing Programs:

• Method 1 (Control Panel): In Performance Mode, use the Program <UP>/<DOWN> buttons.
• Method 2 (Foot Controller): In Performance Mode, press the <PROGRAM #>/<SET NUMBER> switch, enter the Program number (1-150) using the numbered footswitches, and press <PROGRAM #>/<SET NUMBER> again if the number has fewer than three digits.
• Method 3: Select a footswitch within a Set that has the desired Program number assigned.

Changing Sets:

• Press the <PROGRAM #>/<SET NUMBER> switch twice.
• Enter the Set number (0-9) using the numbered switches.
• Access the selected Set by pressing the Patch switches on the foot controller.

<BYPASS> Footswitch: Acts as a unit bypass switch, disabling all effects and continuous controllers. The Bypass LED indicates when the unit is bypassed. Incoming Program Change messages are recognized but not heard until Bypass is deactivated.

Section 3 - Programming the RP-1

About Programs

Programs define your guitar's sound, including effects configuration, parameters, and title.

Program Algorithms

An algorithm is an effects chain, forming the basis of RP-1 processing. Selecting an algorithm determines the types of digital effects available.

Analog Effects:

• Compression
• Rock Tube Distortion
• Metal Tube Distortion
• Overdrive Distortion
• Heavy Sustain Distortion
• 7-band Graphic Equalizer
• Noise Gate
• Speaker Simulator

Digital Effects:

• Stereo Chorus
• Stereo Flange
• Stereo Delay
• Ping-Pong Delay
• Slapback Delay
• Multi-Tap Delay
• Delay Modulation
• Large Room Reverb
• Small Room Reverb
• Gated Reverb
• Reverse Reverb
• Ultimate Reverb
• Comb Filter
• Digital Effects Mixer
• Stereo Imaging

NOTE: Not all digital effects appear in all algorithms.

Changing Configurations

To change the Program algorithm (effect configuration):

1. From Performance Mode, press the <RIGHT> parameter button. The display shows the current algorithm.
2. Use the <UP> or <DOWN> parameter buttons to scroll to the desired algorithm.

NOTE: If the RP-1 is set to 5 Patch Mode, the effect bypass switch LEDs will change to match the default settings of each algorithm.

Once an algorithm is selected, you can scroll through its parameters using <LEFT>/<RIGHT> and modify values with <UP>/<DOWN>.

Effects And Their Parameters

The RP-1 offers a wide range of effects with adjustable parameters. Detailed descriptions of each effect and its parameters can be found on pages 11-14 of the original manual. Key effects include:

• Compressor: Adjusts dynamic range. Parameters: Amount, Level.
• Distortion: Adds overdrive and distortion. Types: Rock Tube, Metal Tube, Overdrive, Heavy Sustain. Parameters: Distortion, Distortion Type, Distortion Balls.
• Graphic Equalizer: 7-band EQ for tonal shaping (+/- 12 dB per band). Parameters: On/Off, individual frequency bands, Master Volume.
• Noise Gate: Eliminates noise when not playing. Parameters: Noise Gate, Threshold.
• Effects Loop: Allows integration of external effects. Parameter: Effects Loop (In/Out).
• Chorus: Simulates multiple instruments. Parameters: Chorus, Delay, LFO Rate, LFO Sweep Depth, LFO Waveform.
• Reverb: Various reverb types (Ultimate, Reverb 1, Reverb 2, Reverse, Gated). Parameters include Digital Reverb, Early Reflection Level, Subsequent Level, Room Volume, Damping Factor, Envelopment, Delay times, Diffusion, Decay, and Dry Level.
• Digital Mixer: Allows individual effect mixing levels for stereo outputs.

Basic Program Editing

The first 75 memory locations (Programs 1-75) are user-programmable. Locations 76-150 contain factory presets and cannot be overwritten.

• User-modified Programs must be stored in locations 1-75.
• In Performance Mode, the display shows the Program title and active effects (uppercase) or inactive effects (lowercase).
• An effect must be turned ON to edit its parameters.
• The MASTER VOLUME parameter controls the overall output level and is useful for matching levels between Programs.

To customize a Program:

1. Select a memory location (1-75). It's often helpful to start with a program similar to your desired sound.
2. In Performance Mode, press <RIGHT> to select the algorithm using <UP>/<DOWN>.
3. Use <LEFT>/<RIGHT> to scroll to the desired parameter.
4. Use <UP>/<DOWN> to change the parameter value. Values in parentheses () indicate the currently stored value.
5. Repeat steps 3-4 for other parameters.

Program Titling

Use the <TITLE> button to assign a custom name (up to 16 characters) to a Program. Use <UP>/<DOWN> to change characters and <LEFT>/<RIGHT> to move the cursor.

Comparing Programs

Press the <COMPARE> button to temporarily switch to the original Program settings to compare with your edited version. Press <COMPARE> again to return to the edited version.

Storing/Copying Programs

To save your modified Program, press the <STORE> button. The display shows "SAVE CHANGES TO PROGRAM". Use <UP>/<DOWN> to select the Program number to store it to, then press <STORE> again. To abort, press <COMPARE>.

The <STORE> button can also be used to copy Programs. If no changes have been made, "COPY TO PROGRAM" will appear. Select the destination location and press <STORE>.

The Utility Menu

The Utility Menu provides access to several functions, including the Speaker Simulator Setup Menu, MIDI Setup Menu, RP-1 Footswitch Setup Menu, and the Factory Preset Restore Menu. Access by pressing the <UTILITY> button.

Section 3 - Programming the RP-1 (Continued)

Choosing A Speaker Simulator

The Speaker Simulator section optimizes performance for various guitar/amp combinations. The first Utility menu screen allows selection from four factory programs:

• Simulator 1: Gtr Pwr Amp & Cab - For extension guitar cabinets with a guitar power amp.
• Simulator 2: Ref Pwr Amp & Cab - For reference power amps (studio control rooms) with extension cabinets.
• Simulator 3: Combo Amp w/10"< - Optimized for combo amps with 10-inch or smaller speakers.
• Simulator 4: Combo Amp w/12"> - Optimized for combo amps with 12-inch or larger speakers.

There are also five user-programmable Speaker Simulators. To select a Speaker Simulator:

1. Press the <UTILITY> button.
2. Use <LEFT>/<RIGHT> to scroll to the Speaker Simulator selection screen.
3. Use <UP>/<DOWN> to select the desired program.

Exit the Utility Menu by pressing <UTILITY> again.

IMPORTANT: Changing the Speaker Simulator program affects the timbre of all programs.

The Speaker Simulator Setup Menu

This menu allows setup of user Speaker Simulator programs. Each has a six-band graphic equalizer (100 Hz, 160 Hz, 400 Hz, 1.0kHz, 2.5kHz, 6.3kHz, with +/- 12 dB boost/cut in 2 dB steps).

To create a user Speaker Simulator program:

1. After selecting a Speaker Simulator program, press <UTILITY> and scroll to SPEAKER SIMULATOR SETUP MENU.
2. Press <DOWN> to access the menu (display reads SPEAKRSIM UI).
3. Use <UP>/<DOWN> to select the user program number to edit.
4. Use <RIGHT> to select the frequency band to edit.
5. Use <UP>/<DOWN> to modify the boost/cut values.
6. Use <LEFT>/<RIGHT> to scroll until "RETURN TO MAIN UTILITY MENU" appears.
7. Press <UP> to return to the main Utility menu.

To exit the Utility menu, press <UTILITY>.

Section 3 - Programming the RP-1 (Continued)

The MIDI Setup Menu

The MIDI Setup Menu is the control center for RP-1 interaction with MIDI devices. It includes functions for MIDI input/output mapping, continuous controller linkages, and MIDI data dumping.

To access: Press <UTILITY> and scroll to MIDI SETUP MENU, then press <DOWN>.

Submenus include: RP-1 MIDI Channel, Program Receive (mapping), External Device (mapping), Front Panel PC (Program Change), Continuous Controller assignments, MIDI Data Dump, and MIDI Program Dump.

RP-1 MIDI Channel

Select the MIDI channel (1-16, ALL CHANNELS, or DISABLED) on which the RP-1 receives MIDI data.

• Scroll to RP-1 MIDI CHANNEL in the MIDI Setup Menu.
• Use <UP>/<DOWN> to select the desired channel.

Prg Receive Map

Maps incoming Program Changes to RP-1 Programs. This allows using MIDI Program Change numbers outside the RP-1's native range (1-128). For example, map MIDI PC #26 to trigger RP-1 Program #131.

• Scroll to PRG RECEIVE MAP.
• The display shows "MIDI 1 -> RP1 1" (MIDI PC #1 activates RP-1 Program #1).
• Use <RIGHT> to scroll to the RP1 number.
• Change the RP1 number to the desired program (e.g., 131) using <UP>.
• Press <UTILITY>.

Device Mapping

Allows control and naming of up to four external devices via MIDI, sending independent Program Changes on individual MIDI channels. This is done by changing Patches on the RP-1.

To assign devices:

1. Scroll to the DEVICE screen in the MIDI Setup Menu. Display reads "DEVICE 1 MIDI CHANNEL 1".
2. Use <UP>/<DOWN> to select the device number (1-4).
3. Press <TITLE> to edit the device name. Use <UP>/<DOWN> for characters, <RIGHT> to move cursor. Press <TITLE> again when finished.
4. Move cursor to MIDI CHANNEL using <RIGHT>.
5. Use <UP>/<DOWN> to select the MIDI channel (1-16 or DISABLED). Press <RIGHT>.
6. Display reads "DEVICE 1 PRG 1 SENDS 1". Select the device number (1-4) using <UP>/<DOWN>. Press <RIGHT>.
7. Cursor appears under PRG 1. Select the RP-1 Program number (1-75) that will send the mapped Program Change using <UP>/<DOWN>. Press <RIGHT>.
8. Cursor appears under DISABLED. Select the Program Change number to be sent to the external device (1-128 or DISABLED) using <UP>/<DOWN>.

Mappings are stored automatically and remain active.

Front Panel PC (Program Change)

Determines whether Program Changes are sent when scrolling through Programs using the Program <UP>/<DOWN> buttons. Parameter is ENABLED or DISABLED.

Section 3 - Programming the RP-1 (Continued)

Assigning Continuous Controllers

The RP-1 can respond to and send Continuous Controller (CC) messages for controlling remote effects or parameters.

CC SEND: Turn remote MIDI effects on or off.

1. Scroll to the desired effect (e.g., COMPRESSOR) in the MIDI Setup Menu.
2. Select the effect parameter to control using <UP>/<DOWN>. Press <RIGHT>.
3. The cursor is under NOT LINKED. Select the CC number (1-16, ALL, or DISABLED) to control the effect.

NOTE: RP-1 MIDI CHANNEL setting must match incoming CC messages.

Incoming CCs: The RP-1 can assign incoming CC messages to control various parameters. These include Global CC and Local CC assignments.

Parameters available for control by incoming CC messages include (but are not limited to): Accent Delay, Bypass, Compression Amount, Compression Level, Chorus, Chorus Delay, Damping Factor, Delay Diffusion, Delay Feedback, Delay In: Chorus, Delay Time, Delay Time Tap1, Delay Time Tap2, Delay Time Tap3, Delay Time Tap4, Digital Delay (On/Off), Distortion Balls, Distortion Type, Distortion (On/Off), Dry Level, Early Delay Time, Early Rflct Level, Envelopment, EQ 1.0 kHz, EQ 2.5 kHz, EQ 63 Hz, EQ 160 Hz, EQ 6.3 kHz, EQ 2.5 kHz, Effects Loop, Flange (On/Off), Flange Delay, Flange Feedback, Flange Feedback Phase, Gate Decay Time, Gate Envelope, Graphic EQ (On/Off), LFO Sweep Depth, LFO Sweep Rate, LFO Waveform, Master Volume, MIDI Mixer (Dry Level, Chorus R/L Level, Delay R/L Level, Flange R/L Level, Reverb R/L Level, Tap 1-4 R/L Level), Noise Gate (On/Off), Noise Gate Threshold, Norm Reflectivity, Norm Room Volume, Reverb Decay, Reverb Filter, Reverb In: Chorus, Reverb In: Dry, Reverb In: Delay, Reverb In: Flange, Reverb Predelay, Reverb (On/Off), Reverse Reverb, Reverse Time, Subsequent Delay, Subsequent Diffusion, Subsequent Level, Subsequent Diffusion, Subsequent Level, Tap 1-4 L/R Level, etc.

MIDI Data Dump

Dumps the entire RP-1 memory contents to the MIDI port for backup or copying to another RP-1.

• Connect RP-1 MIDI Out to another device's MIDI In.
• Scroll to "DUMP MIDI DATA?" in the MIDI Setup Menu.
• Press <DOWN> (display reads "PRESS (down) FOR YES").
• Display reads "MIDI DATA DUMP ....COMPLETE....".

MIDI Program Dump

Dumps an individual Program from the RP-1 to another device, optionally to a different Program number.

• Scroll to "DUMP PROGRAM" in the MIDI Setup Menu.
• Select the RP-1 Program to dump using <UP>/<DOWN>. Press <RIGHT>.
• Select the destination Program number using <UP>/<DOWN>. Press <RIGHT>.
• Press <DOWN> to begin the dump.
• Display reads "PROGRAM DUMP ....COMPLETE.....".

The Footswitch Setup Menu

This utility allows assigning Program numbers to Patch switches, setting the operating mode (5 or 10 Patch), and defining Programs within Sets.

Footswitch Mode

Selects between 5 Patch/FX Bypass Mode and 10 Patch Mode.

• Scroll to FOOTSWITCH MODE in the Footswitch Setup Menu.
• Use <UP>/<DOWN> to select the mode.

Assigning Programs to Patches

Links a Program number to a specific Patch switch within a Set.

• Scroll to "SET 0 PATCH 1 IS PROGRAM 1" (or similar) in the Footswitch Setup Menu.
• The cursor appears under SET. Use <UP>/<DOWN> to select the Set, then press <RIGHT>.
• The cursor appears under PATCH 1. Select the Patch switch number using <UP>/<DOWN>, then press <RIGHT>.
• The cursor appears under PROGRAM 1. Select the Program number using <UP>/<DOWN> to assign to that Patch switch.

This procedure can be repeated for any number of Sets, Patch switches, and Program numbers.

Footswitches can also be assigned as effect on/off switches for various effects (compressor, distortion, EQ, noise gate, effects loop, delay, reverb, Repeat Hold).

Repeat Hold Mode: An infinite repeat function where the delay repeats indefinitely without volume decay.

Footswitch LEDs

Allows reversing the indicator status of switch LEDs, useful in low-light environments (LED OFF means function is active).

Restoring Factory Presets

WARNING: Performing this function will destroy all user-programmed data!

To restore factory presets:

1. Scroll to FACTORY PRESET RESTORE in the Utility menu.
2. Press <DOWN>.
3. The display reads "ARE YOU SURE? PRESS (up) FOR YES". Press <UP> to confirm or any other key to abort.

Appendix A

Effects Configurations

There are eleven algorithms (effect configurations) available for editing. Each includes analog effects and selectable digital effects. The configurations are listed by their component effects:

• Cmp+Dst+EQ+NG+L+SS
• Cmp+Dst+EQ+NG+L+UltRv+SS
• Cmp+Dst+EQ+NG+L+GtRv+Mx+SS
• Cmp+Dst+EQ+NG+L+RvRv+Mx+SS
• Cmp+Dst+EQ+NG+L+Ch+D+Rv1+Mx+SS
• Cmp+Dst+EQ+NG+L+Fl+D+Rv1+Mx+SS
• Cmp+Dst+EQ+NG+L+Ch+D+Rv1+Mx+SS (long reverb variant)
• Cmp+Dst+EQ+NG+L+Fl+D+Rv1+Mx+SS (long reverb variant)
• Cmp+Dst+EQ+NG+L+Ch+4TD+Mx+SS
• Cmp+Dst+EQ+NG+L+Fl+4TD+Mx+SS
• Cmp+Dst+EQ+NG+L+ModDly+Mx+SS

Any effect within an algorithm can be turned on/off, adjusted, or tweaked.

User Program Sheets

Photocopy these sheets to record your Program parameters.

Appendix B

Program List

Following is a list of the factory Program numbers and titles available on the RP-1:

1. Silk Stockings
2. Rippin' Solo
3. Blue Scream
4. THUNDER MUG
5. Star Lifter
6. Sequence Delay
7. Symphony Steel
8. The Ruffy
9. Layered Echoes
10. Crystalline
11. Straight Cab
12. Mad Reversal
13. What Mess ?
14. 4-12 Rhythm
15. New Jazz
16. West Coast Pan
17. Clean Room
18. Texas Rock
19. Neck Pickup Blue
20. BIG COUNTRY
21. Country Time!!
22. Kinda Country
23. That Strat
24. Rhythm No Hero
25. DryRite/Wet Left
26. Buxx Crunch
27. Figure it 8!
28. Stratin Sheets
29. MIRROR*RORRIM
30. Metal Mash
31. 4 Quick Taps
32. Meditation
33. HAN SOLO
34. 60's Clean
35. Heeeerr's Flangy
36. Chorus Verb
37. Soft Pickin'
38. LK Powell Canyon
39. AnotherCrunch
40. Witch Lead
41. Fat Funk Chorus
42. FAT WIGGY
43. Aquele Abraco
44. Slite Flange
45. Pink Zebra
46. Crunch Rhythm
47. Clean Rhythm
48. Bathtub Solo
49. Chunk n' Snap
50. Cranked Tank
51. Grindin' Rhythm
52. Crunchenstein
53. Keep It Simple
54. Tapped Balls
55. Rockergate
56. Whammy Monster
57. Lead In Yer Face
58. Stealth Solo
59. Ain't It Sweet
60. No Wanks!
61. Picker Grinder
62. Clean Reversal
63. Over The Top
64. Single Coil Funk
65. Black Shack
66. ODYSSEY X
67. "TUBE" Steak
68. Sweet&Sour Solo
69. Biff "Crunchy"
70. Sludge Nymph
71. Marrow Escape
72. Aku Aku
73. Brass Monkee
74. Shred Head
75. JUST SQUEEZE IT

Programs 76-150 are duplicates of Programs 1-75. Programs 1-75 are user programs; 76-150 are factory sounds that cannot be overwritten.

MIDI Implementation Chart

Mode 1: OMNI ON, POLY
Mode 2: OMNI ON, MONO
Mode 3: OMNI OFF, POLY
Mode 4: OMNI OFF, MONO

Appendix C

System Exclusive Format

The DOD/DigiTech Electronics System Exclusive Format facilitates use and control of various signal processing devices manufactured by DOD DigiTech Electronics. The format allows different types of data transfer with capability for future expansion.

Currently, a DOD/DigiTech digital signal processor can receive machine-dependent microcode, and user-programmed parameters can be received from and dumped to external devices.

For further information, write:

Attention: Software Engineering
DOD Electronics
5639 South Riley Lane
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84107
U.S.A.

DigiTech Warranty

1. The warranty registration card must be mailed within ten days after purchase date to validate this 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 liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing defective materials that show evidence of defect, provided the product is returned through the original dealer, where all parts and labor will be covered up to a period of one year. DigiTech shall not be liable for any consequential damage as a result of the product's use in any circuit or assembly.
4. Proof-of-purchase is considered to be the burden of the consumer.
5. DigiTech reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this product without incurring any obligation to install the same on PRODUCTS PREVIOUSLY MANUFACTURED.
6. The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and DigiTech neither assumes nor authorizes any person to assume for it any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this product. In no event shall DigiTech or its dealers be liable for special or consequential damages or from any delay in the performance of this warranty due to causes beyond their control.

DigiTech is a registered trademark of DOD Electronics Corporation.