RP250 Review

Introducing modeling guitar processors that Rock the Planet with tone that has to heard to be believed. Tone that deserves to be heard on stage and in the studio.

Ease of Use:	8
Sound:	9.4
Reliability:	8.1
Impression:	9.3
Overall rating:	8.7
Users rating:	7.8
Comments:	24

overall: 9

Featured review by: dankhus, on july 02, 2007

Price paid: 240

Purchased from: Guitarshop.ro

Ease of Use: My version of the DigiTech RP250 came with the 1.9 firmware update included, so I cannot refer to earlier versions in my review. It is pretty easy to use and you'll the hang of it in 10 minutes maximum, the manual being very helpful. Now, I've had problems with connecting this model to my PC, and I haven't succeeded in doing so yet. The drivers refuse to work and my PC cannot recognize the attached device. I think the problem lies in the fact that I don't have SP2 installed on my version of Windows XP (as specified in the Minimum Requirements), but that's really not an excuse for DigiTech. If it weren't for this problem, it would have probably received a 10 from me. All in all, just a 7. // 7

Sound: I am using this effects processor with a Stagg L400 (great guitar) and a Roland Cube 15x (probably the best practice amp ever) and I am quite satisfied with the sound I can get out of this setup. First of all, the DigiTech RP250 comes with 30 tones presets and 30 effects chains, but it would be a good idea to take the time to fine tune the sound you get out of it. For example, just adjusting the tone you use with a preset can greatly change the sound and deliver different results. Secondly, do NOT rely on this baby for all your distortion needs. I mean it. Although some effects are decent and some even more than satisfying, most of the time you'll end up with a terrible distortion effect (the DigiTech RP250 has the tendency of using too much gain with the distortion), but that doesn't affect me very much, since my amp can supply all the distortion I need. Finally, you must know that regardless of your musical style, this unit can produce the sound you are looking for with a little effort and that makes it probably the best choice for its price. // 10

Reliability & Durability: If it's that great, why not 10? What made me give it just a 9? Well, let's just say that it's rather tricky to bypass this processor (since you must push the both footswitches at once) and if your first attempt at doing so fails, then you are probably going to mess up because the selected preset will be random. Other than that. The expression pedal is great, although when you push it a little harder it sometimes activates the wah effect, which can be quite frustrating. All things considered, it's both reliable and durable (it's made out of metal). // 9

Impression: I've been playing seriously for about 9 months or so and I mostly stick to punk and Grunge and alternative and I really don't want to try anything else, because I enjoy what I play and this DigiTech RP250 has been really helpful (the whammy effect allowed me to play some Tom Morello solos, the acoustic guitar emulator has really made me dump my old acoustic guitar). If it were to be stolen/lost I would probably jump off a bridge. And if I survive, then I'll save money for it but it again. I was thinking of buying either this DigiTech RP250 or a Zoom G2.1u, but I'm happy with my decision. Overall, this is the best thing you can buy in this price range! // 10

overall: 9.8

Reviewed by: davidarkzero, on march 29, 2008

Price paid: 200

Purchased from: Peru

Ease of Use: Get the sound that you want, maybe dissapointed, I recommend to read the manual first, and understand all the parameters before start to play. Despite that the pach edit was very easy, just move the knobs to get de sound that you want. The manual explains every function well, I don't think anyone has problems. The firmware version it's 1.9 and I hope that DigiTech release later versions. // 9

Sound: I have been waiting for this pedal for a long time, and I gonna say that the wait is worth it! this pedal sounds amazing, if you compare with my old Zoom5005II, the sound make a great jump of energy and cleaning. This pedal also includes a large variety of sounds that will be set using the X-EDIT software that you must download from DigiTech.com. I play mostly Metal, hardrock, progresive metal, alternative, etc, through an Ibanez GRG270, and sound nice for now, I'm planing to change this guitar in a future, but sound great for recording using the USB connection. The wah isn't very accurate, but I don't need so much. The distortions sounds great and you can eliminate the noisy while you aren't playing using the noise gate, the delays, chorus, etc are awesome too. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I haven't tried Live, but in the rehershals sound powerfull using a Marshall MG100, and till now, I think to use on a future gigs. The metal chasis, looks strong and it's a great feature, if you compare other pedals. I haven't tried Live, but in the rehershals sound powerfull using a Marshall MG100, and till now, I think to use on a future gigs. The metal chasis, looks strong and it's a great feature, if you compare other pedals. // 10

Impression: This pedal suits my style perfectly, the metal patches that I can edit, makes RP250 great for distortions. I have been playing for 5 years and I haven't change it for a long time. I love the size, the metal chasis, the construction of the wah pedal, the distortions, the FX, etc. Great pedal for 200 dolars. // 10

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: cam_sampbell, on april 09, 2008

Price paid: 0

Purchased from: www.Gear4music.com

Ease of Use: The DigiTech RP250 looks pretty confusing when you first look at it, but 10 minutes and a quick look in the manual and you know all you need to know. Editing patches is made extremely easy as there is a double for each of the 60 presets so you can edit them and still have the original preset left if you decide to use it. The manual just basically tells you all you need to know which is useful but personally I worked it out mostly myself. But overall it is relatively easy to use as everything is in 1 place and it's easy to remember, also a bonus is to active the wah, you just have to press down on the pedal like an actual wah pedal. // 9

Sound: I use an Epiphone Gothic SG (I'm not a goth, it just looks cool) and a 65 watt Laney (I can't remember the actual name) and with tha it sounds brilliant. It has a noise reducer setting so even with the heaviest distortion from the different distortion pedals you can choose there is no feedback at all. This pedal is brilliant for getting sounds of artists as there are presets for AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Satriani, the sound on 'Enter Sandman' and 'Woman' and probably more that I've forgot, even if there isn't a preset for your chosen artist then it's pretty simple to make one with plenty of choices of amps, distortion pedals and even a choice between humbuckers or single-coil Pick-ups. There is a different choices of effects including flange, chorus, phaser, envelope filter, reverb etc so it is hundreds of pounds/whatever currency you use saved. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This pedal is very reliable as nothing has gone wrong yet and probably never will, even though I've never gigged (I'm 13 so yeah) but if I did I would solely rely on this as my main equipment as it is built with a hard metal case which according to the review in Total Guitar (I didn't copy by the way, you can check) is 'Boot Proof' as it will withstand a lot as many a time I've dropped it and atill it remains undamaged. // 9

Impression: I play classic rock/blues and it fits it perfectly as it would any genre including Death Metal, Indie, jazz and more as it has many different sounds. I have been playing since the start of 2006 and I bought this 7 months ago and it has been in my setup ever since. If it was stolen/lost I would definately save up and buy it again or even buy the more expensive model which has more features. The only thing I wish it had was more drum Machine options as the ones now have a lacking in cymbals and also a recording option would improve my already great liking for this piece of equipment. Overall a brilliant piece of my setup which has more things than I actually need which is a good thing. // 9

overall: 7.8

Reviewed by: Mr.LeadGuitar, on march 10, 2008

Price paid: 149.79

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Ease of Use: After 4 months, I believe that it's relatively easy to get a good sound out of the RP250 if you know what you are doing. It's somewhat complicated editing the presets without the X-Edit program (which you can download from the DigiTech website). Without X-Edit, you can't really use the pedal to it's fullest extent. The manual is okay, but does not really elaborate on the whole troubleshooting aspect of the pedal. I'm not even sure if you can update the firmware, or if mine has been updated. Overall, I do not recommend this pedal to beginners. // 6

Sound: I use the pedal with my Washburn Lyon Practice guitar, an Ibanez Tube Screamer 909 Overdrive, and a DigiTech DigiVerb Digital Reverb Pedal. I think that the distortion settings have a good volume, but the clean tones are quiet. The flanger effect can seem either too powerful or too weak at times. it is easy to get the sounds of artists like Van Halen and Ray Toro of My Chemical Romance. a lot of the settings used by artists are factory presets. One drawback I saw was that you can't use more than one major effect at a time, like if you wanted chorus and flanger at the same time. // 9

Reliability & Durability: I can't really depend on it, because after a long period of use, it will normally freeze up upon starting it up again, Displaying random letters upon the screen. I would not use it without a gig bag, and probably wouldn't go without one anyway due to it's limited number off effects at a time. // 7

Impression: I tend to play hard rock and alternative music, and must admit it does work well if it's working right. I've been playing for 3 years now, and it does work well. I kinda wish I had waited and saved more money, so I could get the next step up (RP350). If it were stolen, I wouldn't get a different pedal, because though there sre several drawbacks to this pedal, it still works for me (also, the insurance won't pay for a different pedal). I hate the limitation of effects at a time, like if you want chorus and IPS (a digital Harmony simulator) at the same time, you'd need a different pedal for one of those effects. I chose this pedal 'cause it fit my price range and seemed like the coolest shit at that time. I wish that it had more effect capabilities and less of a limitation on them. // 9

overall: 8.8

Reviewed by: spartan 118, on january 05, 2008

Price paid: 0

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Ease of Use: I can say with confidence that this is the beastliest little pedal I have ever set my hands on. The interface is quite user friendly and doesn't take long at all to get the hang of. The manual can help you get acquainted really fast if you don't understand how to use it by just looking at it. There are many types of distortion to Pick from, effects, drums patterns, it's all here! // 9

Sound: I am running this bad boy through my Ibanez GAX70 and my Behringer GM-108. This thing produces no unwanted noise unless you have the pedal distortion over the amp distortion or the built-in noise gate is off. The effects are some of the best I've ever heard, and with the flick of a button or the turn of a knob, you can be at those effects, set the levels, the depth, regeneration; But it all depends what effect you use. There are over thirty built-in effects, my favorite being the Whammy. You can use the expression pedal on the side of the unit to control your Whammy dives and returns, or if diving doesn't float your boat, you can do reverse dives and go up to two octaves higher! It also has a nice Wah feature, and volume swelling, and if you really wanted to, you can turn effects on and off with your pedal. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This is where I started running into some trouble-spots. The expression pedal on the side broke after one week of use. Probably something with the electronics though. That's okay, I believe it's covered with DigiTech's warranty! I wouldn't gig without a backup, but I'm sure I wouldn't use anything without a backup. // 7

Impression: I play metal, and this thing really gives me the high gain I need to bust out some killer riffs. It also provides shimmering clean tones, crunchy blues tones, and whatever other sound you could be looking for. You can seriously get any sound out of this. If it were lost/stolen, I would go cry in a corner for a few days. Then I would go buy a new one. I can seriously say that this pedal was a step in the right direction from those guys down at Salt Lake City. DigiTech's got another customer for life. // 9

overall: 7

Reviewed by: Shredmaster42, on may 08, 2007

Price paid: 0

Purchased from: Long & McQuade

Ease of Use: The RP250 can produce nice sounds ranging from rectified high-gain tones to warm jazzy sounds. The RP250 comes with 60 user presets that can be customized to your liking, using the X Editor program that can be downloaded off the DigiTech website. The effects are pretty good for the price, and harmonics scream out of the amp regardless of what pickups you have! Although the instruction manual can be a good Tool to have sometimes. // 7

Sound: I run this into a Line 6 amp with a Jackson 7 string and the amp's celestion speaker produces a very warm but kinda tingy tone. There is a built in adjustable noise gate which takes all the noise out, and half of your sound! The clean settings become distorted at high volumes, so I would recommend this device for recording applications. A speaker emulator or mixer button is for direct recording without using a guitar amp, a nice feature to have. The effects sound pretty crazy (a good crazy) and produce all kinds of sounds that you would never think a guitar could do, there is even a bass guitar simulator! // 7

Reliability & Durability: I would not use this device for a show, but I would definately use it for recording. The die cast construction could survive a drop or two, but not a singer stepping on it. I don't like the way it turns on and off, there is no Switch, just pull the adapter out and it's off. // 6

Impression: This is a very versitile effect processor, but with experience, is best suited for it's wicked classic rock and clean tones. The high-gain settings seem to be good only for solos (which I am not too much of a fan of) than heavy riffage. I love the compression models which can dramatically improve your pickup capabilities, and there are a ton of amp models to choose from which means a variety of sounds are availiable. I also love the warm clean tones for jazz which sound amazing at low volumes. I would not buy it again if it were stolen, I would rather spend the 100 bucks more and get a Line 6 Floor POD, but I am still impressed by DigiTech's new products. // 8

overall: 9.5

Reviewed by: jackson guitars, on may 07, 2007

Price paid: 197.5

Purchased from: 53rd street music

Ease of Use: Very easy to a good sound out of it, took me 10 seconds to set up and play. I havn't explored the editing features becouse you don't need to, the presents gets you started just fine. The manual is easy to follow. Explains everything in detail. If you loose oyur manual you can down load one at DigiTech.com, which is a great feature. My unit is stock out of the box. It is easy to get simple presents, but gets complicated when trying to use different amp and pedal models. // 9

Sound: I use a Jackson DX6 and a Ibanez RG470 guitars, plugged into a Peavey 212 transtube effect amp. The amp is silent. No buzzing or humming. Just the sounds I want to hear. The effects are strong and full of great tone. I can get the sound of my favorite artists easyliy. Ex. Audioslave, velvet revovler, RATM, Staind, and Finger Eleven. There are presents for songs like Metalica- enter sandman and Wolfmother Woman. Both those presents of perfect. Both songs sound like the real version. Distortion is great, you have the choice of using different pedels built into the system. // 10

Reliability & Durability: 60 presents, drum machine, distortion pedal options, amp models options, effects, delay reverb. you can use this system to test out some of it's built in pedal and amps. You can test out an amp before you buy it, or use it if you want to change to he sound of your own unit. // 9

Impression: Greatest investment I have ever bought. Works great with my set up. Makes any amp or guitar sound top notch. Makes you sound professional. This system can play any style of musci. You can change settings and mix around effects to get the sound you want. This unit is compact, you wont need to buy another pedal ever. In one click you can from accustic to thrash metal. The greatest feature is the ability to change from humbucker pickups to single coil and single coil to humbucker with changing guitars, all in the machine. // 10

Comments

[TeddyRamone]

Damn your English sucks big time

[triviumjunkie]

its awsome
i got a dragonforce sound off of it

[Zoso518]

This is an awesome effects pedal. I bought it a couple months ago, and I use it every time I play. But one of the pedals that switches through the settings broke but i fixed it by taping it down and it still works. its a great investment.

[Shredmaster42]

Well I just figured oot that my Line 6 amp is designed not to work with effects processors and thats why it sounds bad on my amp. Sorry for talkin smack about Digitech for all you Digitech fans out there.

[01meliac]

The woman preset is not for WOLFMOTHER, its for for Claptons famous 'Woman TONE'!

[tpot06]

presents?

....PRESETS!!!!!

[Big Light]

This is a great multi-effect pedal. Some of the presets sound too synthesized and high-tech, but some of them are really cool.

[mwill309]

hey dankhus, i had the same problem with my ZOOM g2.1 and the cubase recording software. if you have a recording programe go into the "devices" tab and look around in there till you find something that says USB system bus (or similar) and tick that box, that is what happened when my foot pedal wasn't recognised by the computer!

[Santiii]

does anyone know any website with presets of famous artists and songs?? i would appreciate it if you could tell [e-mail] thankss!

[bucketbots]

i want one

[vishwamdev]

dissapointed a bit... the store and edit buttons don't seem to function smoothly.. no real good distortion either too distorted like metal or just weird sounding... more band presets should have been given, sandman effect is the noisest effect ive ever heard n its no where close to the actual song my metallica.

[wmx428]

pairing a new multieffect with a rusted pickup, old guitars will definitely cause you sound problem.... traditionally the thin digital sound. Solution? Use the x-edit software. Furthermore, dunno why some amp will sound weird if you use multieffects...

[bucketslasher34]

i recently purchased the rp250 and i love it. i'm an instrumental player, largely influenced by players like steve vai,rustey cooley and dave mustaine, with some occasional slash-like blues thrown in the mix, and i have to say that this pedal can pull anything off. i love the ya effect, as it allows me to finally cover yai yai by steve vai.

[elcooper]

I got mine yesterday from Musician's Friend. Head and shoulders above the cheap Behringer that I returned before it. Solid construction, great presets, easy user settings, oh and bonus, a nice simple drum machine. I'll be keeping this one.

[jarett]

i had problems with my pedal too.the expression pedalnever change sound.but u can fix it tells u in the manuel towards the back.

[stevevaifan]

the pedals great but the ac adaptors suck for digitech pedals.

[stevevaifan]

but you really can't make really hevy distortions with this pedal. maybe you can but i can't if you can write how and post it.

[teknotard]

but you really can't make really hevy distortions with this pedal. maybe you can but i can't if you can write how and post it.

Its really easy!!!! THere are some good amp models and there are then there is the metal zone and the death metal pedal... just find a combination of amp/dist pedal

[TheDisturbed78]

teknotard wrote:

but you really can't make really hevy distortions with this pedal. maybe you can but i can't if you can write how and post it.


Its really easy!!!! THere are some good amp models and there are then there is the metal zone and the death metal pedal... just find a combination of amp/dist pedal

you can also add different amp models along with those distortion models so u can make it heavier

[Distortion360]

This pedal is great for me. I can get all kinds of sounds out of it. Rock, Metal, Blues, Country, and more. One major thing to do when you have this pedal, is to take care of it. It'll last for a long long time.

[cowboyt]

i just want to say that i've experienced alot of fx pedals i have one of the orginal digi and recently new and i strongly recomend to spend the cash and get a bigger pedal trust me, i've played one very similar, must of been a little older and man i've had alot of problems with it, the pedal quit working completely and in result of that i lost most of presets, i got rid of that thing quick. i now have a GNX 1, and for 250.00 thats a big a** bang for every dam buck. so i recomend that spend that extra dollar and please yourself. i swear you'll thank me

[Spiritweaver]

cowboyt wrote:

i just want to say that i've experienced alot of fx pedals i have one of the orginal digi and recently new and i strongly recomend to spend the cash and get a bigger pedal trust me, i've played one very similar, must of been a little older and man i've had alot of problems with it, the pedal quit working completely and in result of that i lost most of presets, i got rid of that thing quick. i now have a GNX 1, and for 250.00 thats a big a** bang for every dam buck. so i recomend that spend that extra dollar and please yourself. i swear you'll thank me

I've had mine for six months, and it just quit on me today, I'm so pissed. It simply won't turn on. And my expression pedal quit about 3 months ago. It's poorly made, and I agree, go with the GNX 1, my buddy has it and it's awesome.

[cowboyt]

when my pedal went out i took the back off, pluged it up and took a screwdriver and ran it all over the circuit board and that fix the pedal. but i don't recommend that, it might not work EVER AGAIN. but i was on my way to get a new one anyways

[Rob007]

I've had my rp250 about 4 months now and realy enjoy it. I use mainly a prs custom 24 and a marshall stack for practise and the rp250 sounds ok with this set up. I have had to tweak presets because they sounded a bit flat but this is easy to do. I have'nt used it live because I use a gnx 4 through a complex pa system but would use it if I needed to. I have reccomended the rp250 to a pupil and for the money it is a great entry level bit of kit. Ive given it some stick and its not broken yet!!!. The direct x option is good and it was easy to download the drivers etc, this is worth while as you get more options for tweaking. I rate it 7/10