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DigiTech RDS 4000 Time Machine

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Page last updated May 23, 2026

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Price

Average Price: $400

Standard/Professional

$100

$501+

Price Tier

In the Effects Processors category, DigiTech RDS 4000 Time Machine is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Step into the world of vintage delay with the DigiTech RDS 4000 Time Machine, a revered relic in the realm of analog-to-digital signal processing. This effects processor is perfect for musicians and studio engineers seeking to add authentic 1980s delay effects to their soundscapes. Known for its bucket brigade device (BBD) delay line, the RDS 4000 offers a wide range of delay times from 0.5ms to 4 seconds, allowing users to craft anything from subtle slap-back echoes to cavernous, atmospheric delays.

Its intuitive interface and sturdy construction make it a reliable choice for both live performances and studio recordings. The RDS 4000 features a modulation section with controls for rate and depth, enabling the creation of lush, chorus-like textures. It's also equipped with a feedback loop and mix control, giving you precise command over the intensity and presence of the effect in your mix.

Whether you're looking to recreate the sounds of the past or innovate with new sonic textures, the DigiTech RDS 4000 Time Machine's combination of classic analog warmth and digital flexibility makes it a timeless tool for any musician's arsenal.

Key Features:

Analog-to-digital delay processor with a range from 0.5ms to 4 seconds
Bucket Brigade Device (BBD) delay line for authentic vintage sound
Modulation section with rate and depth controls
Feedback loop and mix control for precise effect management
Durable construction suitable for live and studio use

Product specs

Brand	DigiTech
Model	RDS 4000 Time Machine
Finish	Black
Year	2010s
Categories	Delay Pedals

FAQs

What type of delay effects can the DigiTech RDS 4000 Time Machine produce?: The DigiTech RDS 4000 Time Machine is capable of producing a range of delay effects, from short slapback echoes to long, ambient delay trails, making it versatile for various musical styles.
Is the DigiTech RDS 4000 Time Machine suitable for live performances?: Yes, the DigiTech RDS 4000 Time Machine is designed for both studio use and live performances, offering reliable delay processing with intuitive controls for on-the-fly adjustments.
What are the input and output options on the DigiTech RDS 4000 Time Machine?: The DigiTech RDS 4000 Time Machine features standard 1/4" input and output jacks, making it easy to integrate into any pedalboard or studio setup.
How does the DigiTech RDS 4000 Time Machine compare to other delay pedals in terms of sound quality?: The DigiTech RDS 4000 Time Machine is known for its clear and warm delay tones, which are favored by many musicians for their rich, analog-like quality.
Can the DigiTech RDS 4000 Time Machine be used with both guitar and bass?: Yes, the DigiTech RDS 4000 Time Machine is compatible with both guitar and bass, providing versatile delay effects for a wide range of instruments.

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DigiTech RDS 4000 Time Machine.

Setup and maintenance

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The RDS 4000 requires a step-down transformer to operate in regions with 230V power unless the internal transformer is modified for dual-voltage capability.
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Features and functionality

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The power input wattage is marked as 25W, essential information for selecting an appropriate step-down transformer.
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This model's circuit differs from others in the series, with a unique giant processor chip and specific trimmers labeled Bias, Repeat, and P8.
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Mods and upgrades

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An internal transformer replacement is suggested for converting the unit to 230V, but it requires technical expertise to execute safely.
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The RDS 4000 features a 15k trimpot labeled P8, which can be swapped for a 25k pot to adjust the clock speed for unique sound manipulation.
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Original CV inputs were replaced by a trigger-in for sampling, but older schematics show a switch jack that disconnects the Delay Time pot for modding possibilities.
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User experience

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Owners who frequently travel between the US and UK often rely on IEC power connections and multi-voltage transformers to simplify power compatibility.
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Adjusting the Repeat trimmer just below self-oscillation avoids unwanted digital shrieking, providing a more controlled sound for users not interested in extreme effects.
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Use cases and applications

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The delay clock generator functions as a VCO, allowing modulation with external sources for expanded creative sound design options.
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Bootsy Collins

Singer, Bassist

Funkadelic

Verified

Listed among Collins' gear in the May 1991 Musician interview "Bootsy Collins Effects the Funk" by Gene Santoro.

MUFFS 'N' MUTES

BOOTSY'S RIG is far from simple. "On the pedalboard I've got all the old stuff: three Mutrons, one Big Muff, a Yamaha distortion, an old rackmount digital MXR, the small Boss DD-3. I've got a few new Digi-Techs for rackmount: the Time Machine 4000, the Smartshift Bass Harmonizer, a stereo Rat, an FX-500B. I'm using Roland Space Echo — of course. I've only got two Electro-Harmonix Bass-micro synths left, and I can't find no more. At least I've got a million Mutrons and Big Muffs!

"My amps are the QSC 4000: They run my two sets of subwoofers, which are four 18"s in each cabinet. On the mids I've got four cabinets, each with two 15"s, two 12"s and a horn; the highs are four 12"s and a horn. All my speakers are Celestions. The amps running the mids and highs are two Yamaha 2000As and one QSC 4000. I'm still going with three old Alembic preamps, which gives me that warm, clean sound; they're running my highs, mids and lows. I use that for the Bootsy Rubber Band; for Deee-Lite I lighten up. Oh yeah — always the Space Bass. But I'm starting to get into five- and six-string basses, and even fretless, since I've been working with Bill Laswell."