Modeling Guitar Processor Owner’s Manual
Safety Information WARNING FOR YOUR PROTECTION READ THE FOLLOWING: KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS The symbols shown above are internationally accepted symbols that warn of potential hazards with electrical products. The lightning flash with arrowpoint in an equilateral triangle means that there are dangerous voltages present within the unit. The exclamation point in an equilateral triangle indicates that it is necessary for the user to refer to the owner’s manual.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Manufacturer’s Name: Manufacturer’s Address: DigiTech 8760 S. Sandy Parkway Sandy, Utah 84070, USA declares that the product: Product name: RP 255 Product option: all (requires Class II power adapter that conforms to the requirements of EN60065, EN60742, or equivalent.
Table of Contents Section One - Introduction Getting Acquainted........................................................... 1 Included Items................................................................... 1 About the RP255.............................................................. 2 Performance Mode........................................................ 2 Bypass Mode................................................................... 2 Tuner Mode......................................................
Section Four - Other Functions Phrase Looper.................................................................38 Drum Machine.................................................................39 Aux Input..........................................................................40 Expression Pedal.............................................................40 Factory Reset...................................................................41 Expression Pedal Calibration.......................................
Warranty We at DigiTech® are very proud of our products and back up each one we sell with the following 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.
Section 1 - Introduction Getting Acquainted Congratulations on your purchase of the RP255. You now have an incredibly advanced modeling guitar processor that can keep up with your creative impulses and even increase them. Armed with DigiTech®’s patented AudioDNA2® custom audio DSP chip, the RP255 gives you a huge selection of tones and effects, right at your fingertips.
About the RP255 Performance Mode When you first apply power to the RP255, it powers up in Performance mode. Performance mode provides access to all of the presets within the RP255 via the Up and Down Footswitches. Knob 1 selects a tone from the Tone Library, Knob 2 selects an effect from the Effects Library, Knob 3 adjusts the Effects Level, and Knob 4 adjusts the Master Level (volume). Bypass Mode The RP255 presets can be bypassed via a true analog bypass circuit for a clean, unprocessed guitar signal.
Display shows note played Top LEDs indicate note is sharp Green LED indicates note is in tune Bottom LEDs indicate note is flat In Tuner mode, you can change your tuning reference. The default factory setting is A=440 Hz (displayed as A=440). Rotating Knob 1 selects alternate dropped tunings. Alternate tunings are A = Ab, A = G, and A = Gb. The display window briefly flashes the current tuning reference.
Tone Library (Knob 1) In Performance mode, this knob selects a variety of genre-based amp tone defaults ranging from Blues to Metal to Country. Behind the scenes, the Compressor, Distortion, Amp/Cabinet model, and EQ are configured to create a specified tone with a single click of this knob. You can further refine the sound by editing the preset (see Editing/Creating Presets on page 16).
Presets Presets are named and numbered locations of programmed sounds which reside in the RP255. Presets are recalled with the Footswitches. The active effects in each preset are indicated by lighted LEDs in the Effect Matrix. The RP255 comes with 60 User presets (1-60) and 60 Factory presets (61-120). The User presets are locations where your creations may be stored. The Factory presets do not allow you to store any changes to them.
A Guided Tour of the RP255 Front Panel 5 6 4 3 7 2 8 6 1
1. Footswitches These two Footswitches are used to select presets, access the Tuner, enable the Phrase Looper, and Bypass the RP255. The Footswitch on the right will select the next preset up, and the Footswitch on the left will select the next preset down. Pressing both Footswitches together will bypass the currently selected preset. Pressing and holding the Left Footswitch will enable and disable the Phrase Looper. Pressing and holding both Footswitches for 2 seconds will access the Tuner.
Effects Level (Knob 3) 1. In Performance mode, this knob adjusts the overall level of post amp model effects (Cho- rus/Mod, Delay, and Reverb). 2. When editing a preset, this knob modifies the parameter listed in the column directly above it for the selected Effect row. 3. When the Drums row is selected, this knob adjusts the playback Tempo of the drum machine. 4. When the Expression row is selected, this knob selects the heel value for the Expression Pedal Master Level (Knob 4) 1.
5. Display The Display provides information for different functions depending on the mode that has been selected. In Performance mode, the Display will show the currently selected preset name and number. In Edit mode, the Display will show the name and value of the parameter being adjusted. In Tuner mode, the Display will show the note played. 6. Drums The Drums button is used to turn on and off the RP255’s built-in drum machine.
Rear Panel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1. Input Connect your instrument to this high-impedance TS input. 2. Amp / Mixer This button optimizes the RP255’s outputs for use when plugged into a guitar amp or a mixer/ recording device. When set to Mixer (“In” position), speaker compensation is turned on and the outputs are optimized for connecting to a mixer, recording device or headphones. When set to Amp (“Out” position), the outputs are optimized for running directly in to the input of a guitar amp. 10 3.
4. Headphones Connect a pair of stereo headphones to this 1/8" jack. For proper frequency response, the Amp/ Mixer switch should be set to Mixer (“In” position) when using headphones. Note: The Headphones output can have either a mono or stereo signal, depending on what 1/4" outputs are connected. If neither (or both) 1/4" outputs are connected, the Headphones output will be in stereo. If a cable is connected to the Left (Mono) 1/4" output only, the Headphones output will be in mono. 5.
Getting Started Making Connections There are several different connection options available with the RP255. Before connecting the RP255, make sure that the power to your amplifier and the RP255 is turned off. There is no power switch on the RP255. To turn the RP255 on or off, connect or disconnect the included PS0913B power supply from the Power Input jack. Mono Operation - Amplifier Connect your guitar to the Input of the RP255.
Stereo Operation For stereo operation connect the guitar to the Input of the RP255. Connect one cable to the RP255’s Left (Mono) output, and another cable to the RP255’s Right output. Connect one cable to the input of one amplifier, channel of a mixer, or power amp. Connect the second cable to a second amplifier, second channel of a mixer, or power amp. If connecting to a mixing console, set the pan controls of the mixer channels hard left and right in order to retain stereo separation.
Stereo Mixer Setup Outputs Instrument Input Mixer 4 6 4 2 6 4 8 2 0 0 6 2 0 0 +1 0 0 +1 -2 Pan 4 0 0 +1 8 0 Pan +3 +10 +10 +5 +5 +5 0 0 -5 0 -5 -10 0 -20 -30 - 4 0 -10 -20 -30 - 3 -5 -10 -20 -30 - 2 -5 -10 -20 -30 - 0 -5 -10 -20 -30 - 5 +5 L/R +10 +5 1 Pan Mute +10 +5 0 +2 +4 -5 +5 +10 +5 -5 0 +1 -2 +3 -3 L/R +10 +5 -30 - Aux 2 10 -1 +2 +4 -4 -5 Mute +10 +5 -20 6 8 2 0 +1 -2 +3 -3 +5 +10 -10 Aux 1 10 4 Aux
Applying Power Before applying power to anything, set your amp(s) to a clean tone and set the tone controls to a flat EQ response (on most amps, this would be 0 or 5 on the tone controls). Then follow the steps listed below. 1. Turn the amp volume all the way down. 2. Connect the plug of the PS0913B power supply to the power jack on the rear panel of the RP255. 3. Connect the other end of the PS0913B power supply to an AC outlet. Turn the RP255’s Master Level knob (Knob 4) down to “0”. 4.
Section Two - Editing Functions Editing/Creating Presets The RP255 is designed to make preset editing and creation easy and intuitive. When creating your own sound, you must first start with an existing preset. Note that the preset you begin with doesn’t have to be in the memory location you intend to have it reside, since you can store it to any User preset location during the store procedure. The easiest way to start is by using the Tone Library and Effects Library knobs.
Anytime a stored value within a preset is changed, the Store button LED lights up. This indicates that you need to store the changes. Changing presets, or turning the power off before storing any changes, erases any changes made and the RP255 will revert to the stored values for the preset. Storing/Copying/Naming a Preset Once the preset has been modified to your liking, you may store your settings to any of the 60 User preset locations (presets 1-60).
4. Select the User preset location where your new sound will reside using the Up and Down Footswitches. The display alternates between showing the preset name and User preset number about to be overwritten. 3. Press Store again; Preset number flashes 4. Select destination with Footswitches 5. Press the Store button again to save the changes. The procedure for copying one preset to another preset location is the same.
Section Three - Models and Parameters About the Models The RP255 can be thought of as several different “virtual” amplifiers and individual, high-tech stompboxes in a single programmable package. With stompboxes, the order in which they are connected affects the overall sound. The RP255 has placed the Amp and Effect models in an order for optimum results. The following diagram shows the order in which they are connected.
Model Definitions Each Amp and Effect model within the RP255 can be programmed to suit your personal taste and application. Understanding how these components alter the sound, and how each parameter alters the effect, will help you achieve the sound you are looking for. The following overview of the RP255’s effects outlines what each effect and parameter does.
Wah Level - Knob 4 adjusts the Wah Level. Ranges from 0dB to +12dB. Compressor A Compressor is used to increase sustain, tighten up guitars, and prevent the signal from clipping the input of other effects. It sets a maximum boundary for the strength of a signal. Comp Model - Knob 1 selects one of two Compressor models: DIGCMP (DigiTech® Compressor) or CSCOMP (Based on a Boss® CS-2 Compressor/Sustainer). Press this knob to turn the Compressor on and off. Sustain - Knob 2 adjusts the amount of sustain.
scream - Based on an Ibanez® TS-9 808 - Based on an Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer oddriv - Based on a Guyatone® Overdrive OD-2 dod250 - Based on a DOD® 250 Overdrive/Preamp rodent - Based on a Pro Co RATTM mxdist - Based on an MXR® Distortion + DSDist - Based on a Boss® DS-1TM Distortion grunge - DigiTech® Grunge zone - Based on a Boss MT-2 Metal Zone® death - DigiTech Death Metal gonklt - Based on a DOD Gonkulator Ring Mod fuzz - Based on an Arbiter® Fuzz FaceTM big pi - Based on an El
Dist.
57chmp - Based on a ‘57 Fender® Tweed Champ® 57dlux - Based on a ‘57 Fender Tweed Deluxe 59BMAN - Based on a ‘59 Fender Tweed Bassman® 65twin - Based on a ‘65 Fender Blackface Twin Reverb® 65dlxr - Based on a ‘65 Fender Blackface Deluxe Reverb® 68plex - Based on a ‘68 Marshall® 100 Watt Super Lead (plexi) 45 jtm - Marshall® ‘65 JTM-45 head jmppnl - Marshall Super Lead (“jumped” channels) 77mstr - Based on a ‘77 Marshall Master Volume 800jcm - Based on an ‘83 Marshall JCM800 900jcm - Base
Cabinet - Knob 2 selects the speaker Cabinet model.
EQ The RP255’s EQ helps further shape your tone with Bass, Midrange, and Treble controls. To help get you started, there are four preset EQ curves: Mid Boost (midbst), Scoop (ScooP), Bright (BRight), and Warm (WarM) that can be selected using Knob 1. Bass, Midrange, and Treble parameters range from -12dB to +12dB. EQ Model - Knob 1 selects between 4 different EQ modes (Mid Boost, Scoop, Bright, and Warm), each with different frequency centers for Mid and Treble. Pressing this knob turns the EQ on and off.
range from 0 (opens easily/high sensitivity) to 99 (requiring strong signals to open/high sensitivity). Attack Time - Knob 3 sets the attack time. Ranges from 0 (shorter attack time) to 99 (longer attack time). Release - Knob 4 sets the Release parameter. Ranges from 0 to 99. Attenuation (X-EditTM only) - Sets the Attenuation parameter. Ranges from 0 to 99.
Waveform (X-EditTM only for DigiTech Chorus models) - Selects a waveform: triang, Sine, or Square. Flanger A Flanger uses the same principle as a Chorus but uses a shorter delay time and adds regeneration (or repeats) to the modulating delay. This results in an exaggerated up and down sweeping motion to the effect. The RP255 includes the following Flanger Effect models: fLangr (the DigiTech Flanger), and mxFLgr (based on an MXR® Flanger).
Depth - Knob 3 adjusts the Depth of the modulation. Ranges from 0 to 99. Regeneration - Knob 4 controls the regeneration of the effect. Ranges from 0 to 99. Waveform (X-EditTM only) - Selects a waveform: triang, Sine, or Square. Level (X-Edit only) - Controls the level of the effect. Ranges from 0 to 99. Vibrato (viBRaT) A Vibrato effect modulates the pitch of the incoming signal at an even rate. Speed - Knob 2 adjusts the rate (Speed) at which the pitch modulates. Ranges from 0 to 99.
VibroPan (vibpan) A vibrato is an effect that modulates the pitch of the incoming signal. This will take the whole signal slightly in and out of tune at a steady pace. The VibroPan also incorporates an automatic panner with the vibrato effect that creates a lush chorus-like sound. Speed - Knob 2 adjusts how fast the signal is being modulated. Depth - Knob 3 adjusts the amount of pitch change. Vibrato/Pan- Knob 4 adjusts the amount of panning incorporated with the vibrato effect.
Depth - Knob 3 adjusts the intensity (Depth) of the changing pan. Ranges from 0 to 99. Waveform - Knob 4 selects a waveform: triang, Sine, or Square. Envelope Filter (eNvlOp) The Envelope Filter is a dynamic Wah effect that alters your sound based upon how hard you play. Sensitivity - Knob 2 adjusts the sensitivity or the input signal required to trigger the Wah effect. Ranges from 0 to 99. Range - Knob 3 controls the range of the Envelope effect. Ranges from 0 to 99.
Range - Knob 4 adjusts the throaty quality of the YaYa effect. Ranges from 0 to 49. Step Filter (stpflt) The Step Filter is like an automatic “random wah” with a square waveform. Speed - Knob 2 adjusts the speed of the Wah effect. Ranges from 0 to 99. Intensity - Knob 3 controls the intensity of the Wah effect. Ranges from 0 to 99.
Pedal Position - Knob 3 provides a manual control of the Whammy pedal position. Ranges from 0 to 99. Mix - Knob 4 adjusts the Whammy mix. Ranges from 0 to 99. Pitch Shift (PitCH) A Pitch Shifter copies the incoming signal, then shifts the pitch of the copy to a different note. The shifted note is then mixed back with the original signal, sounding as if two guitars were playing different notes. Shift Amount - Knob 2 selects the interval of the shifted pitch.
Harmony Pitch Shifting Harmony Pitch Shifting makes a copy of the incoming signal, and then changes the pitch of the copied note to a diatonically correct interval specified by the Amount parameter. A Harmony Pitch Shifter sharpens or flattens the shifted pitch in order to keep the specified interval within the selected key and scale creating a true harmony. Shift - Knob 2 selects the amount or harmony interval for the Intelligent Pitch Shifter.
Delay Delay is an effect that will record a portion of the incoming signal, and then play it back a short time later. The recording can repeat just once or several times. Delay Model - Knob 1 selects one of the 5 different Delay models. Values include: algdly (DigiTech® Analog Delay), digdly (DigiTech Digital Delay), moddly (DigiTech Modulated Delay), pngdly (DigiTech Pong Delay), and tapdly (DigiTech Tape Delay). Press this knob to turn the Delay models on and off.
Duck Thresh (X-EditTM only) - Adjusts the level the input signal must reach before the delayed signal is attenuated. Ranges from 0 to 99. Depth (X-Edit only) - Adjusts the intensity of the modulation (chorusing) in the delay repeats. Ranges from 0 to 99. Wow (X-Edit only) - Adjusts low frequency modulation (below about 6 Hz) that would be caused by tape speed variation. Ranges from 0 to 99. Duck Level (X-Edit only) - Adjusts the amount of attenuation applied to the delayed signal. Ranges from 0 to 99.
Reverb Model Knob 2 (Decay) Knob 3 (Liveliness) Knob 4 (Reverb Level) P4 (X-EditTM only) twinrv -- -- Reverb -- lexamb Decay Liveliness Reverb Level Predelay lexstd Decay Liveliness Reverb Level Predelay lexrom Decay Liveliness Reverb Level Predelay lexhal Decay Liveliness Reverb Level Predelay emtplt Decay Liveliness Reverb Level Predelay Decay - Knob 2 adjusts the length of time the reverb is audible. Ranges from 0 to 99.
Section Four - Other Functions Phrase Looper The RP255 features a built-in 20 second Phrase Looper for creating on the fly performance loops of the music you play. The Phrase Looper can be accessed any time during performance and used with any of the RP’s presets. To use the Phrase Looper, follow these steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 38 Press and hold the left Down Footswitch for 2 seconds until LOOPER appears in the display.
To exit the Phrase Looper mode, press and hold left Down Footswitch for 4 seconds until the display reads LPEXIT. While the Phrase Looper is active, the left Down Footswitch cannot be used to select presets. The right Up Footswitch can still be used navigate through all of the RP’s presets. To select the next preset up, press the right Up Footswitch quickly to advance to the next preset.
hRock metal blues 1-8 Met 4/4 1-8 Met 3/4 1-8 Met 5/8 7/8 groov 1-4 Met cntry 1-4 met mtrnom Aux Input The Aux Input allows you to connect an MP3 or CD player to the RP255 and jam with your favorite artists. The signal from your MP3 or CD player is output through the left, right, and headphone outputs of the RP255.
1. Press either Edit button until the Expression row has been selected (indicated by the LED lighting on the Expression row). EXP appears in the display. 2. Rotate Knob 2 until the desired parameter appears in the Display. See page 45 for a complete list of parameters that can be linked to the Expression Pedal. 3. Rotate Knob 3 to select the minimum (heel) value the assigned parameter will reach with the Expression Pedal in the toe up position. 4.
Expression Pedal Calibration The Expression Pedal on the RP255 needs to be recalibrated for use after a factory reset has been performed. This calibration procedure is automatically entered after a factory reset procedure. (You can also initiate the calibration procedure by pressing and holding both Footswitches for approximately 5 seconds.) In the event the Pedal’s calibration fails, or if the Pedal does not function properly, it can be re-calibrated using the Pedal Calibration procedure.
Section 5 - Appendix Specifications General Specifications A/D/A Converter: 24-bit high performance audio Sampling Frequency: 44.1 kHz DSP Section: AudioDNA2™ DSP Processor Simultaneous Effects: 11 Preset Memory: 60 User Presets (1-60) / 60 Factory Presets (61-120) Phrase Looper: 20 seconds of record time Drum Machine: 60 Patterns Dimensions: 14.5” Length x 8.75” Width x 2.5” Height Unit Weight: 4.9 lbs.
Power Requirements: US and Canada: 120 VAC, 60 Hz Adapter: PS0913B-120 Japan: 100 VAC, 50/60 Hz Adapter: PS0913B -100 Europe: 230 VAC, 50 Hz Adapter: PS0913B -230 UK: 240 VAC, 50 Hz Adapter: PS0913B -240 Windows® Software Requirements Vista Home/Premium, XP Home/Professional (SP2 installed, .NET 2.0 installed*) Pentium®/Athlon™ 1.4GHz or later 512MB RAM (1GB RAM recommended) 180MB hard disk space for application DVD-ROM drive USB Port Internet connection required for Cubase activation *.NET 2.
Expression Pedal - Assignable Parameters Disclaimer: DigiTech, Lexicon, Whammy,YaYa, AutoYa, and Johnson Amplification are trademarks of Harman International Industries, Inc. Other product names modeled in this product are trademarks of their respective companies that do not endorse and are not associated or affiliated with DigiTech or Harman International Industries, Inc.
46
Tone Library 47
Effects Library 48
49
DigiTech® 8760 South Sandy Parkway Sandy, Utah 84070 PH (801) 566-8800 FAX (801) 566-7005 http://www.digitech.com DigiTech® is a registered trademark of Harman Copyright - Harman Printed in China RP255 Owner’s Manual 18-6411V-B DigiTech, Production Modeling, Grunge, Death Metal, DOD, DigiTech Whammy, Multi-Chorus,Ya Ya, Johnson Amplification and AudioDNA2 are trademarks of Harman.