DigiTech RP200 Modeling Guitar Processor
Brand: DigiTech
Product Type: Modeling Guitar Processor
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the RP200. You now have the flexibility and power to produce sonic creations never before thought possible. Although the RP200 is user-friendly, we recommend you become better acquainted with its features by going through this User's Guide with your RP200 in front of you. It is your key to unlocking the potential within the RP200.
Included Items
Before you get started, please ensure the following items have been included:
- RP200 Unit
- PS0913B Power Supply
- User's Guide
- Warranty Card
The utmost care was taken during the manufacturing of your RP200. Everything should be included and in perfect working order. If anything is missing, contact the factory immediately. Completing your warranty card helps DigiTech become acquainted with your needs and serves as your safeguard should a problem arise with your RP200.
A Guided Tour
The Front Panel
A diagram shows the front of the DigiTech RP200 modeling guitar processor. It features a display screen at the top, labeled controls including two footswitches (labeled BYP and DigiTech logos), three parameter knobs, a select button, a rhythm button, and a matrix of LEDs. The expression pedal is located to the right of the main control panel.
- Footswitches: These two footswitches are used to select Presets, access the Tuner, or bypass the RP200. The right footswitch increases the selected Preset, and the left footswitch decreases it. Pressing both simultaneously bypasses the currently selected Preset. Pressing and holding both footswitches accesses the Tuner.
- Parameter Knobs: These knobs perform various functions depending on the active mode. In Performance mode, they control Amp Type, Gain, and Master Level. In Edit mode, they adjust parameter values for the selected effect. In Rhythm Trainer mode, they control Pattern, Tempo, and Level. In Tuner mode, they select the desired tuning reference.
- Select Button: This button enters Edit mode and selects individual effects to be edited. Successive presses advance through all available effects.
- Rhythm Button: This button turns the Rhythm Trainer drum loop on and off. When active, the Rhythm LED lights, and the selected drum pattern plays continuously.
- Matrix: This provides information regarding the current Preset and parameter edit functions. In Performance mode, LEDs on the left indicate active effects. In Edit mode, LEDs indicate the selected effect for editing. In Tuner mode, LEDs indicate if the note played is sharp, flat, or in tune.
- Display: This screen shows information for different functions depending on the selected mode. In Performance mode, it shows the selected Preset name and number. In Edit mode, it shows the parameter name and value. In Tuner mode, it shows the note played.
- Store Button: This button is used to save your custom edits to user Presets.
- Expression Pedal: This pedal adjusts the RP200's Volume or an assigned Effect Parameter in real time. Almost every parameter is available for expression pedal control.
The Rear Panel
A diagram shows the rear panel of the DigiTech RP200. It has several jacks labeled: 1. INPUT, 2. JAM-ALONG, 3. OUTPUT, 4. HEADPHONES, and 5. POWER INPUT (9VAC 1300mA). A CE mark is also visible.
- Input: Connect your instrument to this jack.
- Jam-A-Long: Connect the stereo output of a tape or CD player to this 1/8" stereo TRS jack for rehearsing with pre-recorded material.
- Output: This is a stereo TRS jack. Connect to the input of a single amplifier for mono applications, or use a TRS stereo "Y" cord to connect to the inputs of two amplifiers for stereo applications.
- Headphones: Connect a pair of stereo headphones to this 1/8" jack.
- Power Input: Connect only the DigiTech PS0913B power supply to this jack.
Getting Started
Making Connections
There are several connection options available with the RP200. Before connecting, ensure the power to your amplifier and the RP200 is turned off. The RP200 has no power switch; to turn it on or off, simply connect or disconnect the included PS0913B power supply from the Power Jack to an AC outlet.
Mono Operation
Connect your guitar to the Input of the RP200. Connect a single mono instrument cable from the Stereo Output of the RP200 to the instrument input or effect return on your amplifier, or to the line input of a power amp.
[Diagram illustrating a mono connection: Guitar -> RP200 Input; RP200 Output -> Amplifier Input/Effect Return]
Stereo Operation
For stereo operation, connect your guitar to the Input of the RP200. Connect a TRS stereo "Y" cord to the RP200's Stereo Output. Connect one end of the "Y" cord to the input of one amplifier, mixer channel, or power amp. Connect the second end to a second amplifier, mixer channel, or power amp. If connecting to a mixing console, set the pan controls hard left and right for stereo separation. Refer to page 18 for selecting the Cabinet Emulator.
[Diagram illustrating a stereo connection: Guitar -> RP200 Input; RP200 Stereo Output -> "Y" Cable -> Two Amplifiers/Mixer Channels]
Note: When using a guitar amp, it may be best to connect the guitar to the RP200's input and the RP200's output to the amplifier's effect return.
Applying Power
Before applying power, set your amp(s) to a clean tone with flat EQ response (typically 0 or 5 on tone controls). Then follow these steps:
- Turn the amplifier volume all the way down.
- Connect the plug of the PS0913B power supply to the power jack on the rear panel of the RP200.
- Connect the other end of the PS0913B power supply to an AC outlet.
- Turn on your amplifier(s) and adjust the volume to a normal playing level.
- Gradually increase the RP200's Master Level to achieve the desired volume.
[Diagram illustrating power application steps: 1. Turn Amp Volume Down, 2. Connect PS0913B to Power Jack, 3. Connect PS0913B to AC Outlet, 4. Turn Amp Volume Up, 5. Turn RP200 Volume Up]
About the RP200
The Presets
Presets are named and numbered locations of programmed sounds within the RP200, recalled using the Footswitches. Active effects in each Preset are indicated by LEDs in the Effect Matrix. The RP200 includes 40 User Presets (1-40) and 40 Factory Presets (41-80). User Presets are where your custom creations can be stored. Factory Presets cannot be modified. Initially, the 40 User Presets are duplicates of the Factory Presets, allowing you to create your own sounds without losing the original ones.
Performance Mode
Upon powering up, the RP200 enters Performance mode, providing access to all Presets via the Up and Down Footswitches. Parameter 1 (left knob) adjusts Amp Type, Parameter 2 (middle knob) selects Amp Gain (distortion), and Parameter 3 (right knob) adjusts Master Level (volume).
Bypass Mode
The RP200 Presets can be bypassed for a clean, unprocessed guitar tone by pressing both Footswitches simultaneously. The Display will show "BYPASS". Pressing either Footswitch exits Bypass mode and returns to the last used Preset.
Tuner Mode
The RP200 allows you to quickly tune or check your guitar's tuning. Enter Tuner mode by pressing and holding both Footswitches simultaneously. The Display will show "TUNER". To tune, play a note (a 12th fret harmonic is recommended). The Display shows the note played. Matrix LEDs indicate tuning status: top 4 Red LEDs for sharp (tune down), bottom 4 Red LEDs for flat (tune up), and the center Green LED for in tune. The output is muted in Tuner mode; the Expression Pedal unmutes it. Exit Tuner mode by pressing either Footswitch.
[Diagram explaining Tuner Mode display and LEDs: Top LEDs indicate Note is Sharp, Green LED indicates Note is In Tune, Bottom LEDs indicate Note is Flat. Display shows Note Played.]
In Tuner mode, you can change the tuning reference. The default is A=440 Hz. Rotating Parameter 1 knob selects alternate dropped tunings: A=Ab, A=G, and A=Gb.
Editing Functions
Editing/Creating Presets
Creating your own signature sound with the RP200 is intuitive. You can create new Presets or fine-tune existing ones. Start with a User or Factory Preset; you cannot start with an empty Preset. The Preset number doesn't need to be the final location; you can save your creation to any User Preset location.
To edit or create a Preset:
- Use the Footswitches to select a starting Preset.
- Press the Select button once to enter Editing mode.
- Use the Select button and the Matrix to choose the effect you wish to edit.
- Use the 3 Parameter Knobs to change parameter values for the desired sound.
The Matrix
The Matrix is where Effects and Parameters are selected for editing. In Edit mode, pressing Select advances to the next Effect row, lighting an LED to indicate the selected group. Each group has up to 3 modifiable Parameters. Knobs under each parameter column adjust the value. Rotating a knob displays the Parameter name and value in the Display.
[Diagram showing the RP200's control matrix layout, with rows for effects and columns for parameters adjusted by Parameter 1, Parameter 2, and Parameter 3 knobs. An arrow indicates using the Select button to choose an effect.]
When a stored parameter value is changed, the Store LED lights, indicating changes need to be saved. Changing Presets or powering off before saving will revert to the original stored values.
Storing/Copying/Naming a Preset
Once a Preset is modified, you can store it to any of the 40 User Preset locations (1-40). The following steps outline storing changes or copying a Preset:
- Press the Store button once. The Store LED blinks, and the first character in the Display flashes, allowing you to name your creation.
- Use Parameter 1 Knob to select characters and Parameter 2 Knob to select the next character location.
- Once the name is displayed, press the Store button again to enter the second stage of storing.
- Select the User Preset location using the Up and Down Footswitches. The display alternates between the Preset name and number to be overwritten.
[Diagram illustrating the store procedure: 1. Press Store, Characters in Display Flash Individually; 2. Use Knobs to Name Preset; 3. Press Store Again, Preset Number Flashes; 4. Select Destination with Footswitches.]
Press the Store button again to save the changes. Copying a Preset to another location follows the same procedure. Press Select at any time to abort the Store process.
Effects and Parameters
About the Effects
The RP200 functions as multiple "virtual" amplifiers and stomp boxes. The order of effects can significantly impact sound quality. The RP200's effects are arranged for optimum sound.
[Block diagram showing the signal flow of effects: Pickup Simulator -> Compressor -> Wah -> Whammy -> Amp Modeling -> EQ -> Cabinet/Mic Emulator -> Noise Gate -> Volume Pedal Pre -> Effects -> Delay -> Reverb -> Volume Pedal Post.]
Effect Definitions
Each effect can be programmed to suit your needs. Understanding how effects and their parameters alter sound helps achieve desired tones.
Pickup/Wah
The Pickup Simulator provides humbucker tone for single-coil guitars or bright single-coil tone for humbucker guitars. Wah is controlled by the Expression Pedal, creating a "Wah" sound.
- Pickup Type: Parameter 1 knob selects simulated pickup type (PCK OF, SC>HUM, HUM>SC).
- Wah Type: Parameter 2 knob selects Wah type (WAH OF, CRY, BOUTIQ, FULRNG).
- Wah Position: Parameter 3 knob adjusts Wah pedal position (1=toe up, 99=toe down).
Compressor
A Compressor increases sustain, tightens guitar tone, and prevents signal clipping. It sets a signal strength boundary.
- Comp Type: Parameter 1 adjusts response time to exceeding boundary (CMP OF, FAST, MEDIUM, SLOW).
- Amount: Parameter 2 adjusts compression amount (ratio and sustain) from 1 (slight) to 20 (maximum).
- Gain: Parameter 3 adjusts output gain from the Compressor (0 to 6).
Amp Modeling
Amp Modeling applies tones of popular modern and vintage amps, including acoustic guitar simulation.
- Amp Type: Parameter 1 knob selects from 12 Amp Models (AMP OF, BLKFAC, BOUTIQ, RECTIF, HOTROD, TWEED, CLEAN1, CLEAN2, STACK, CRUNCH, HIGAIN, FUZZ, ACOUST).
- Amp Gain: Parameter 2 knob adjusts gain (distortion) for the selected Amp Model (0 to 99, not available for Acoustic).
- Amp Level: Parameter 3 knob adjusts volume of the selected Amp Model (0 to 99).
Marshall®, Vox®, Fender, Matchless, and Mesa Boogie are trademarks of their respective companies.
EQ
Equalization shapes tonal response, similar to amplifier tone knobs. All EQ parameters range from -12dB to +12 dB.
- Bass: Parameter 1 knob adjusts low-end enhancement.
- Mid: Parameter 2 knob adjusts mid-range enhancement.
- Treb: Parameter 3 knob adjusts high-end enhancement.
Cabinet/Gate
Cabinet Modeling simulates miked speaker cabinets (3 types, 4 mic placements). A Noise Gate eliminates noise when not playing.
- Cabinet/Mic: Parameter 1 knob selects simulated speaker cabinet and mic placement (CAB OF, DARK 1-4, WARM 1-4, BRIT 1-4).
- Gate Type: Parameter 2 knob selects between Silencer™ Noise Gate (SILNER) or Auto Swell volume swell effect (SWEL1-9).
- Gate Thresh: Parameter 3 knob sets signal strength threshold for the Noise Gate (1=opens easily, 40=requires strong signals).
Effects List
The Effects row allows selection of Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, Panner, Vibrato, Rotary Speaker, YaYa™, AutoYa™, SynthTalk™, Envelope Filter, Detune, Pitch Shift, and Whammy™ effects. Only one effect from this row can be active at a time. Parameter 1 selects the effect type, while Parameters 2 and 3 adjust specific settings.
- Chorus: Adds a short, modulated delay to thicken sound. Amount: Rate/intensity (1-99). Level: Mix level (0-99).
- Flange: Similar to Chorus but with shorter delay and regeneration for a sweeping motion. Amount: Rate/intensity (1-99). Level: Mix level (0-99).
- Phaser: Splits and modulates signal phasing for a twisting sound. Amount: Rate/intensity (1-99). Level: Mix level (0-99).
- Tremolo: Modulates signal volume at an even rate. Amount: Rate (1-99). Level: Intensity (0-99).
- Panner: Modulates sound from left to right at an even rate. Amount: Rate (1-99). Level: Intensity (0-99).
- Vibrato: Modulates signal pitch at an even rate. Amount: Rate (1-99). Level: Intensity (0-99).
- Rotary Speaker: Emulates a spinning horn and woofer for panning and pitch effects. Amount: Rate (1-99). Level: Mix level (0-99).
- YaYa™: Combines Wah and Flanger for a talk box effect, controlled by Expression Pedal. Amount: Intensity (1-99). Level: Throaty quality (0-99).
- AutoYa™: Creates a human vowel "Yah" sound by combining Wah and Flanger. Amount: Sweep rate (1-99). Level: Mix level (0-99).
- SynthTalk™: Makes guitar sound like speech based on playing attack. Amount: Selects synth voice (1-10). Level: Sensitivity (0-99).
- Envelope Filter: Dynamic Wah effect altered by playing dynamics. Amount: Sensitivity (1-99). Level: Mix (0-99).
- Detune: Creates a doubling effect by slightly detuning a copy of the signal. Amount: Pitch difference (-12 to 12). Level: Mix of detuned note (0-99).
- Pitch Shift: Copies signal and shifts its pitch. Amount: Shift interval (-12 to 24 semitones). Level: Mix level (0-99).
- Whammy™: Uses Expression Pedal to bend pitch or add harmony. Amount: Interval and direction (e.g., 1OCTUP, M3>MA3). Level: Volume (0-99).
- Delay: Records and plays back signal with repeats. Type/Level: Selects delay type and volume (DLY OF, MONO 1-9, ANLG 1-9, PONG 1-9). Delay Time: Time duration (1-99 ms, 1.0-2.0 sec). Delay Feedback: Number of repeats (0-99, R-HOLD).
- Reverb: Simulates acoustic spaces. Reverb Type: Selects space (REV OF, PLATE, HALL, AMPTHE, GARAGE, ARENA, SPRING, STUDIO, ROOM, CHURCH, CLUB). Decay: Audible time (1-99). Reverb Level: Volume (0-99).
Other Functions
Rhythm Trainer
Includes sampled drum patterns for timing development. Press Rhythm button to enable/start playback. Parameter 1 selects Pattern, Parameter 2 adjusts Tempo, Parameter 3 adjusts Level. Press Rhythm again to stop.
Jam-A-Long
Allows connecting a Tape or CD player for jamming. Connect headphone output of the player to the RP200's Jam-A-Long Input using a 1/8" stereo cable and play the source material. Output is available on RP200's left, right, and headphone outputs.
Expression Pedal
The Expression Pedal can control Volume, Wah, Whammy™, YaYa™, or other parameters in real time. Programmable minimum and maximum values can be assigned.
To assign a parameter:
- Press Select until the Expression row LED is lit.
- Rotate Parameter 1 knob until the desired parameter appears in the Display. Choices include: WAH, A GAIN, AMPLVL, AMOUNT, EFFLVL, YAYA, WHAMMY, FBACK, DLYLVL, DECAY, REVLVL, VOLPRE, VOLPST.
- Rotate Parameter 2 knob to select the minimum value for the toe-up position (not applicable for volume).
- Rotate Parameter 3 knob to select the maximum value for the toe-down position (not applicable for volume).
- Store the Expression Pedal assignment to your Preset (see page 13 for storing procedure).
Factory Reset
This function resets the RP200 to original factory settings, erasing all custom user Presets and recalibrating the Expression Pedal. ATTENTION: This procedure erases all user-programmed data permanently. Ensure you wish to proceed.
To perform a Factory Reset:
- Disconnect the RP200 power supply.
- Press and hold the Select button while reconnecting power.
- When the display shows "RST ?", release Select and press Store. The display will briefly read "RESET".
The RP200 will automatically advance to the Expression Pedal calibration menu. Follow steps 4-7 of the Expression Pedal calibration section.
Expression Pedal Calibration
The Expression Pedal needs recalibration after a factory reset or if it malfunctions. This procedure does not erase User Presets.
To calibrate the Expression Pedal:
- Disconnect the PS0913B power supply.
- Press and hold the Up Footswitch while reconnecting power.
- Continue holding Up Footswitch until the Display reads "TOE DN".
- Rock the Expression Pedal forward to the toe-down position.
- Press either Footswitch; the Display will show "TOE UP".
- Rock the Expression Pedal back to the toe-up position.
- Press either Footswitch. The RP200 returns to the last selected Preset, and the Expression Pedal is calibrated.
Note: If the Display shows "ERROR", repeat steps 4 through 7.
Appendix
Specifications
- Input: 1/4" TS
- Jam-A-Long: 1 - 1/8" Stereo TRS
- Output: 1 - 1/4" Stereo TRS
- Headphone: 1/8" Stereo TRS
- A/D/A: 24 bit Delta Sigma
- Power Supply: 9 VAC, 1.3A (PS0913B)
- Power Consumption: 6.8 Watts
- Memory: 40 User/40 Factory
- Effects: Pickup Simulator, Wah, Compressor, 12 Amp/Guitar Models, 3 band EQ, Noise Gate, Cabinet Modeling, Mic Placement, Chorus, Flange, Phaser, Tremolo, Panner, Vibrato, Rotary Speaker, AutoYa™, YaYa™, SynthTalk™, Enveloped Filter, Pitch Shift, Detune, Whammy™, Delay, and Reverb.
- Rhythm Trainer: 30 Patterns
- Simultaneous Effects: up to 12
- Dimensions: 8.5" L x 10" W x 2.25" H
- Weight: 3 lbs.
Preset List (User/Factory)
A table lists User/Factory Presets with their corresponding names and abbreviations. The list includes presets like SOLO, CLASSIC CLEAN, CHUNKY, PEDAL YA, SCOOP, OCTA SUB, WAHS UP, LIMPY, COWPIE, VIBRO THANG, 3RDS, WHAM ME, BOOGIE, RECTIFY, TU BE, SYNTH TALK, CRUNCH, AUTO SWELL, STUDIO CLEAN, ROCKIN, TWEEDY, MATCH THIS, VOX PHASE, STACKED, JAZZY CLEAN, FUSION, ROTARY CLUB, CLEAN 5THS, PEDAL BEND, MUDDY ACOUSTIC, SLIDER, TEXAS BLUES, CLEAN FUNK, GAIN UP, BE BAD, AUTO WAH, SURFIN', FOXY MAMA, ANGUS, TRIPLETS.