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Average Price: $174
Standard/Professional
$150
$601+
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Description
Dive into the sonic universe with the DigiTech RP500, a powerhouse multi-effects pedal that transforms any guitar setup into an expansive canvas for musical exploration. Perfect for the guitarist who craves versatility without the bulk, this unit packs over 100 presets across 20 banks, seamlessly emulating a plethora of stompbox effects. With its built-in expression/volume pedal, the RP500 offers nuanced control, making it an indispensable tool for both studio recordings and live performances. Whether you're looking to streamline your rig or expand your sound palette, the DigiTech RP500 stands as a beacon of innovation and versatility in the world of guitar effects.
Key Features:
- Over 100 presets spread across 20 banks for a wide range of soundscapes
- Five dedicated footswitches for stompbox emulation, offering tactile control over effects
- Built-in expression/volume pedal for dynamic performance adjustments
- Streamlines setups by encapsulating the effects of an entire rig in a compact unit
- Ideal for both studio recording and live performance scenarios
Product specs
| Brand | DigiTech |
| Model | RP500 Multi-Effect Switching System |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2000s |
| Categories | Multi-Effects Pedals and Processors |
FAQs
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What types of effects are included in the DigiTech RP500?
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The DigiTech RP500 offers a wide range of effects, including overdrive, distortion, modulation, delay, and reverb, making it suitable for various musical styles and performances.
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Can the DigiTech RP500 be used as an amp modeler?
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Yes, the DigiTech RP500 features amp modeling capabilities, allowing you to simulate different amplifier sounds directly through the pedal.
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Does the DigiTech RP500 have a built-in tuner?
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Yes, the DigiTech RP500 includes a built-in chromatic tuner, which is convenient for keeping your instrument in tune during performances.
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How does the RP500 handle live performance switching?
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The DigiTech RP500 is designed with integrated effects switching, enabling seamless transitions between presets and effects during live performances.
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What power supply does the DigiTech RP500 require?
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The DigiTech RP500 requires a 9V DC power supply, which is typically included with the unit, ensuring it is ready for use right out of the box.
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Is the DigiTech RP500 suitable for beginners?
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While the DigiTech RP500 offers advanced features, its intuitive interface makes it accessible for beginners who want to explore a variety of effects and amp modeling options.
Videos
Premier Guitar
DigiTech RP500 Demo
DigiTech RP500 Demo
Premier Guitar
Digitech RP500 Guitar Effects System
Coleman's Music
Digitech RP500 demo - Sounds first, tutorial after
Gearfacts
Digitech RP-500
arkada
Digitech RP-500 multi effects, revisited. Still great.
Gearfacts
DigiTech RP-500: The Most Professional RP Series Multi-Effects Processor Yet
gearwire
Digitech RP500 Incredible sounds
Deb WhiteHeartPinoy
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional sound quality with versatile tones
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Durable build, designed to withstand heavy use
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Built-in direct out eliminates need for additional direct box
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Acts as audio interface and amp sim with USB out port
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Offers a wide range of effects and amp/cabinet simulations
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Presets cover a broad spectrum from jazz to metal
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Affordable, offering great value for beginners and pros alike
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User-friendly, even for those with no prior experience
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Downloadable software for easy preset management
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Reliable for both studio and live performances
CONS
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Foot pedal can be overly sensitive, complicating live wah use
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Presets may sound outdated to some users
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Noise gate can be overly aggressive
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Fragile power supply, prone to wear over time
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Some settings may be unnecessary or confusing
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Limited online community for sharing new patches
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DigiTech RP500.
Comparisons
Features and functionality
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Owners find the RP500 adapts well across various amps like 5150, Vox AC30, and Genz Benz Diablo, maintaining realistic, analog-sounding tones.
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The RP500's ability to toggle between banks of preset sounds and a traditional pedalboard setup offers flexibility, allowing for customized sound configurations tailored to specific songs or styles.
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The RP500 is an updatable platform, enhancing its longevity and versatility with software updates.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Some users recommend placing overdrive pedals like Wampler and Gladio in front of the RP500 to enhance its tonal personality.
Source
User experience
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Despite noted issues with older models like RP250, the RP500 is still appreciated for its versatility and sound quality, even after many years.
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Owners find the RP500 reliable over the years, successfully using it in cover bands and recording scenarios, demonstrating its durability and consistent performance.
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Some users prefer the RP500 for its versatility and fun factor over simpler multi-effects units like the Boss ME-70.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The RP500 can be effectively used with the '4 cable method' through an amp like the 6505, enhancing its versatility and output.
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Running the RP500 through an amp's effects loop, rather than directly into the amp input, is recommended for better sound integration and maximized tonal control.
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For those using amp simulations on the RP500, a powered PA speaker or FRFR cab is suggested, providing a modeling amp experience and additional amplification options for other instruments.
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The ME-70 is noted for having a high-quality built-in compressor, which some users find superior to the compressors in DigiTech products.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 6 Reviews and 21 Ratings
61
It gets the job done
I picked it up for about the same price of a single decent analog pedal which says a lot because there is so much it offers. Personally, I would prefer analog to digital but if you are on a budget the RP500 is not a bad choice. I've seen them on craigslist for super cheap and if you're just starting out there is a ton of great stuff here. The 100 presets are all over the board from jazz to metal and all can be changed easily with the downloadable software. The software doesn't suck and it's easy to use, unfortunately, the user base isn't active much anymore so finding new patches for sounds is a bit difficult. That doesn't mean you can't experiment and make your own. I would suggest this to anyone starting out or on a budget because it's cheap enough, gives you a great selection of sounds, and might inspire you to play more.
296
Great value and reliable workhorse.
Had one as my gig and studio workhorse for both guitar and bass since 2011, great value and reliable, save for some knocks and half of the control knobs falling off recently.
I would wholly recommend taking the time to configure your own tones as a lot of the presets sound like they're from the early to mid 2000's "sikk high gain tone dude" era of guitar tone, and the noise gate is a little too enthusiastic sometimes, but all this said it's done the job and still does after all these years.
Keeping hold of mine until I have the funds to put a proper pedalboard together, and/or start gigging on a regular basis as I've very much locked in the sounds I use for what I play these days. Side note: The power supply can be somewhat fragile, as it's got older I've almost pulled it in half when unplugging it from a socket, so have a backup.
273
Superb effects, just good distortions
Has so many great settings for every effect that it can drives you crazy. I just have one complain, that have fm settings and some things like that, that i dont get it and i dont care get it. And that problem gave me issues on stage one time. Overall, read the manual very well.
135
Basically my energy box right now.
Cheap. Great Tones. Been using it for months now till I complete my dream pedalboard.
176
Awsome!
I have this since 2007 and I can tell you, this thing rocks! A cool multi effects for begginers or pros! Great for small and medium gigs...and very easy to use...
Artist usage
Add artist
So I got a DigiTech RP500, which is a multi-effects unit. This has the Whammy in it, along with every other effect that’s known to man—fuzz tones, delay, backwards chorus—you know, everything in one place. I won’t be bending over wriggling any cords, and I can pre-program it for the set I’m playing. And I’m using it now on the road.
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James Kennedy shares a photo of his pedalboard on Instagram, featuring the DigiTech RP500 among other effects pedals.
During the 2008 reunion concert, Marcus Adoro used a DigiTech RP500 multi-effects pedal, as discussed on PinoyExchange.com.
Carlos Cueva (PH) uses the DigiTech RP500 multi-effects pedal, as seen on the "Ginji Guitar" YouTube channel.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use DigiTech RP500, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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