GASsing for a RP1000

[Rock Johnson]

I have a PodXT Live that I'm getting really good tones out of, but I'm gassin' for a RP1000. I've got all the model packs (except bass) on the XTL, so there's a really wide selection of amps and effects to choose from.

I'd power it with a Crate Powerblock into a Lopoline 2x12 with Warehouse Speakers Classic Lead 80 clones.

Educate me! Convince me one way or the other! I've read a lot about the RP1000 on here, but now's your chance to really let me know what you think about it.

[HEAVENandHELL]

I just got my RP1000 about a week ago. The only other modeller I've had is a Behringer piece so I've not a lot of experience to draw from. I think the RP1000 sounds terrific and is very flexible with the pedalboard mode. I'll try it out at my next live show on Nov 19th. Then I'll know if it is more than a back up plan!

[Lt_Core]

I would love to try the 4 cable method with my Rivera Chubster combo to see how well the RP1000 swaps out the Rivera pre-amp for modeled amps/cabs. I like the Proguitarshop demo that I've seen. Not many demo's showing that.

[lenster]

DO IT !!!! It totally blows the XTLIVE away. u won't be dissapointed.

[huutevar]

I'm really impressed with my RP1000. I have previously owned a POD2 and a L6 Flextone, as well as a Vox Tonelab. I like the RP1000 for its great sound and its flexibility. I tried the 4-cable method through my Traynor YCV80 and it was way cool to be able to switch amp models and still have the nice power tube sound of my amp to warm things up. You might as well try it out, you can always return it if you don't like it.

[peridot1]

I love mine but I hear rumors of the RP2000 coming out. Can't remember where I heard that. If it has upgraded models... oh man.

[Rock Johnson]

I would love to try the 4 cable method with my Rivera Chubster combo to see how well the RP1000 swaps out the Rivera pre-amp for modeled amps/cabs. I like the Proguitarshop demo that I've seen. Not many demo's showing that.

Well, that's one of my questions. I won't be using it through a "real" amp, but through a Crate powerblock. Does it stand up on its own in that usage?

[pitseleh]

I think the effects are probably gonna be better on the RP. The amp modeling, to my ears, is about the same (neither being particularly satisfying). I'm not sure it's really worth crossgrading, although feature-wise, the RP1000 has that stomp loop thing, and is apparently more geared towards being used just as a preamp into the power amp of your choice than the POD XT is. Plus it's got a looper. I think I'd probably go for the RP.

[Lt_Core]

I used to have a PODxt Live as a backup to my Rivera Chubster and pedalboard when gigging. I couldn't stand it, too fake sounding direct to the PA. I also had a Crate Powerblock before the PODxt Live that I run my pedalboard through. Same thing, didn't sound right.

On paper, the RP1000's ability to change the pre-amp of an amp is the key. That also might make the difference with the Crate Powerblock.

Cheaper than buying an Axe-FX but not as good :)

[CitizenCain]

Well, that's one of my questions. I won't be using it through a "real" amp, but through a Crate powerblock. Does it stand up on its own in that usage?

I have exactly half your proposed combination, an RP500/Power Block/1x12 cab

It sounds friggin' great! I setup an A/B test with a friend's DRRI. I programmed a DR patch on the RP500 and when switching between the two using an A/B pedal, there was not much difference at all. The most noticble difference was that the RP500 patch sounded like a cranked DR because I had the gain set around 7 (amp knob scale) compared to the real DR's vol setting of 2.

YMMV, I'm a low gain user, didn't try or have a hi gain setup to compare with. The RP500/PB held its own against the DRRI, that's for sure.

[pitseleh]

Yeah, I definitely didn't feel that the Blackface settings were particularly realistic, personally! But, I would say, if you like the modeling on the POD XT, I think the RP will be up your alley too. If you feel like it's missing something, the RP won't be any huge improvement.

[Bikedude]

I used my RP500 just like you want to. I ran the stereo outs to our FOH, then ran the mono out to my PB into a Lopoline 1X12 closed back cab for stage monitoring. At sound check I got my FOH sound dialed in, then just used the PB for my monitor. At first I was plugged into the effect loop of the PB, but i didn't have enough volume. I then just went into the front end for more volume. This combination sounded ok, but I still missed my tube amp and anolog pedalboard,, although the guys in the band thought it sounded fine. The drummer is using Roland V drums, and the keys, go direct with an FRTR for stage volume.

[Lt_Core]

Does anybody have any experience with using an RP1000 with a tube amp, especially when swapping out the pre-amp? Thanks!

[dk123123dk]

I have the RP500, and use it as a pedalboard directly into my Peavey Classic 50 VT. It sounds great direct too, but I don't have trust in soundguy's at most of the venues I play. I have been eying keyboard amps to use the amp sims, they sound great!

dk

[egkor]

RP1000: You can do 4CM (can't w/ the XT/L).

RP1000: You can run stereo out to power amp (using 1/4" cables) and send stereo out to FOH (using XLRs) (can't w/ the XT/L).

Personally I like the sound of the amp sims better on the RP1000 than the XT/L.

I had a XT/L for several years, sold it and got the RP1000.

-Gary K

[guittguy1]

The RP2000 came out years ago. It was Digitech's second unit to use amp modeling rather than just distortion and overdrive sounds.

[Lt_Core]

I have the RP500, and use it as a pedalboard directly into my Peavey Classic 50 VT. It sounds great direct too, but I don't have trust in soundguy's at most of the venues I play. I have been eying keyboard amps to use the amp sims, they sound great!

dk

Cool! Is it easy to balance out the amp/cab settings by adjusting an overall volume knob? Any loss in feel/sound if you balance your presets to unity?

We use 2 professional sound companies who know our songs/tone/cues inside and out so if it sounds good coming out of my combo then I would be all good. Thanks for your post!

[dk123123dk]

Cool! Is it easy to balance out the amp/cab settings by adjusting an overall volume knob? Any loss in feel/sound if you balance your presets to unity?

We use 2 professional sound companies who know our songs/tone/cues inside and out so if it sounds good coming out of my combo then I would be all good. Thanks for your post!

I use a tube amp with the eq set flat. You plug into the RP500's input, then run a plug from the 1/4" out to the front end of my tube amp. I then turn the amp on standby, plug in the RP and bring the master volume of the RP up to about 30 percent, and turn the amp back on. Then I bring the master volume of my amp up to a normal playing level. I will then bypass the RP500 with the bypass switch and "A/B" between the bypass level and the RP500 with all the effects and amps bypassed. I get the two levels to around the same levels.

I use the RP as a pedalboard, and have 5 basic presets for the songs I cover with my band. I setup the COMP as a boost, use various OD's, various FX, and I keep the same Delay settings for all presets. I use the spring reverb model on 30 percent, and then have one preset with the reverb all the way up.

Lately I have been messing around with the amp models and forgoing the amp altogether. There are pluses and minuses to this setup. I think the tubes warm things up a bit, but I cannot get a good compromise between built in models, and my amp (not really an issue with RP1000). If I could guarantee I could get a basic monitor mix independent from the rest of the band, I would go direct for sure. The sounds are close enough for me.

I like the versatility of this setup. I can get a decent bass tone with a guitar (not perfect, but close enough to make my bass player nervous!), a usable acoustic sim, it sounds good with my Acoustic/Electric guitar, and I would even run a bass through it.

The tuner is a bit weak, and some of the effects are over the top or useless for me, but there are plenty of tweaking options. Almost too many options really! Its easy to work with though, there are just endless possibilities. I would keep it simple at first, and spend a lot of time working with your rig to dial it in.

dk

[buddaman71]

Does anybody have any experience with using an RP1000 with a tube amp, especially when swapping out the pre-amp? Thanks!

Once you get your levels evened out, GSP/RP1000 in 4CM with a tube amp is incredible. The ability to instantly switch, preset to preset, between your amp's tones and the modeled tones is really amazing.

The most important thing to do when setting it up is to make sure your basic patches PRESET LEVEL (NOT the master volume on the amp model) is around 50-60. This leaves you headroom to balance between INT and EXT preamps and to have room to make LEAD patches louder. Since the PRESET LEVEL parameter is right before the return to your amp's FX return, you can even make lead patches louder when using just your amp's own preamp. I also recommend creating ONE master preset template, copying it 10-15 times and then tweaking it to create all your custom patches. Really helps to keep preset tone and volume continuity.

It's an incredibly effective, seamless system that allows you radically change your amp/model/fx tones on stage instantly with one button press.

I can't imagine gigging without it at this point.

[Bikedude]

One thing I've found out about my 500 is the Noise Gate. If running cab/spkr.. syms to an amp, the noise gate kind of decays the sound and it doesnt sound very good comming thru my amps. I've turned off most of the noise gates when running amp/cab sims to my amps.

[Rock Johnson]

RP1000: You can do 4CM (can't w/ the XT/L).

RP1000: You can run stereo out to power amp (using 1/4" cables) and send stereo out to FOH (using XLRs) (can't w/ the XT/L).

Personally I like the sound of the amp sims better on the RP1000 than the XT/L.

I had a XT/L for several years, sold it and got the RP1000.

-Gary K

Interesting, but what's 4CM?

[Rock Johnson]

*Sigh*


You guys are not good for my bank account. I was hoping you'd tell me to save my shekels...but that's not really why we come to TGP, is it?

[Lt_Core]

Once you get your levels evened out, GSP/RP1000 in 4CM with a tube amp is incredible. The ability to instantly switch, preset to preset, between your amp's tones and the modeled tones is really amazing.

The most important thing to do when setting it up is to make sure your basic patches PRESET LEVEL (NOT the master volume on the amp model) is around 50-60. This leaves you headroom to balance between INT and EXT preamps and to have room to make LEAD patches louder. Since the PRESET LEVEL parameter is right before the return to your amp's FX return, you can even make lead patches louder when using just your amp's own preamp. I also recommend creating ONE master preset template, copying it 10-15 times and then tweaking it to create all your custom patches. Really helps to keep preset tone and volume continuity.

It's an incredibly effective, seamless system that allows you radically change your amp/model/fx tones on stage instantly with one button press.

I can't imagine gigging without it at this point.

Very interesting...thanks for the advice. What do you set your master volume on the amp model at then? Is that how you make your lead patches by turning up the master volume on the amp model? Of course you can use a compressor to boost solos, as well, but I prefer a pure volume boost. Currently, I use an MI Audio Boost N' Buff in my Rivera's effects loop for pure volume boosting.

What I'm worried about is just this, all of the various volume adjustments on the RP1000 (preset, amp model, overall RP1000 master volume if there is one). Back in the day before I had a tube amp I was using a PODxt into an Atomic amp and always fought volume unity/tone loss.

[Lt_Core]

Interesting, but what's 4CM?

4CM stands for "4 cable method", where four (4) cables are run into and out of the RP1000 to connect to an amp with an effects loop. By using this method various modelers (including the RP1000 but not the RP500) allow the user to swap out the pre-amp of their amp so a modeled amp can take its place.

I'm sure someone else can expand on this. In layman's terms, I want the RP1000 to turn my Rivera Chubster into a Mesa Boogie/Vox/Marshall/etc. without a ton of pedals, which I'm currently doing now and getting tired of using.

In a perfect world, I would want to amp/cab sims to go direct to our monitor board in stereo for our PA/in-ear system, then use the 4CM method to my amp for more onstage volume. Not sure if this is possible or not. Might be redundant so I would just keep mic'ing my combo, not sure what the better sound would be.

Picture from RP1000 manual showing 4CM set-up. I added the red numbers :)

http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/620395/4cm.png

[buddaman71]

Very interesting...thanks for the advice. What do you set your master volume on the amp model at then? Is that how you make your lead patches by turning up the master volume on the amp model?

I use a combination of both. I try to keep all my lead patch amp model master volumes between 75-90 so I have room, in the heat of a live tune to reach over a adjust it a bit if necessary. Some gigs are a little louder than others! Occasionally if I realize that I need a bit more punch on a lead preset and the amp model master volume is already cranked, I will back it off to like 85 or so, then turn up the master preset level on that patch to compensate. It's really not tricky at all, once you just pay out with it a few times.

If you use the TEMPLATE patch method and copy from it every time, it will greatly reduce any volume matching issues. I personally don't really have to tweak it as much as I did back when I was using multiple pedals and boosts and all that crap. Good luck!!


PS: the cool thing about the 4CM is that when you select an GSP/RP amp patch, the tube amp input is bypassed and the GSP/RP model amp output is fed directly into the power amp in (FX Return) of the tube amp. Also, it allows you to place the compressor and overdrive/distortion effects in front of the amp.s input (pre-preamp) and the time-based effects (delay/chorus/verb, etc.) after the preamp and before the power amp input (in the effects loop). Really, really slick and it all happens instantly and transparently to the user and audience. Got a killer AC30 CC2 with a killer clean tone? Use its preamp and use the GSP/RP1000 for stomp box models and effects only. Need it to sound like a raging 5150? No problem; select the INT option, select the 5150 amp model and save it. Done. Works really well.

[Lt_Core]

I use a combination of both. I try to keep all my lead patch amp model master volumes between 75-90 so I have room, in the heat of a live tune to reach over a adjust it a bit if necessary. Some gigs are a little louder than others! Occasionally if I realize that I need a bit more punch on a lead preset and the amp model master volume is already cranked, I will back it off to like 85 or so, then turn up the master preset level on that patch to compensate. It's really not tricky at all, once you just pay out with it a few times.

If you use the TEMPLATE patch method and copy from it every time, it will greatly reduce any volume matching issues. I personally don't really have to tweak it as much as I did back when I was using multiple pedals and boosts and all that crap. Good luck!!


PS: the cool thing about the 4CM is that when you select an GSP/RP amp patch, the tube amp input is bypassed and the GSP/RP model amp output is fed directly into the power amp in (FX Return) of the tube amp. Really, really slick and it all happens instantly and transparently to the user and audience. Got a killer AC30 CC2 with a killer clean tone? Use its preamp and use the GSP/RP1000 for stomp box models and effects only. Need it to sound like a raging 5150? No problem; select the INT option, select the 5150 amp model and save it. Done. Works really well.

If your patches are close to unity, wouldn't it be easier to just turn up the tube amp's master volume if a gig demands it or are you just talking about going direct, where you would have to turn up preset volumes, etc.?

Is there an OVERALL volume for the ENTIRE RP1000 or just individual preset & amp levels?

When using the 4CM method, is the cabinet bypassed on the RP1000 automatically so just the pre-amp is replaced by the RP1000's amp modeling and the tube amp's regular speaker/cab sound is used or is the amp/cab sim always on or always off? Thanks!

[buddaman71]

Yes. The amp's master volume handles the overall master output.

Not sure if the RP1000 has an overall master level knob, but YES on the GSP1101.

RP1000 has an AMP/MIXER switch on the 1/4" outs that defeats the Cab Sims when using with an amp. The XLR outs will pass the signal WITH the cab sims though, so that it sounds right if you are sending your tone direct to the PA and monitoring on stage via an amp. This is how I use my GSP and it's righteous.

[Lt_Core]

Yes. The amp's master volume handles the overall master output.

Not sure if the RP1000 has an overall master level knob, but YES on the GSP1101.

RP1000 has an AMP/MIXER switch on the 1/4" outs that defeats the Cab Sims when using with an amp. The XLR outs will pass the signal WITH the cab sims though, so that it sounds right if you are sending your tone direct to the PA and monitoring on stage via an amp. This is how I use my GSP and it's righteous.

That's a brilliant idea. Just push the switch in and it defeats the cab sims. Awesome!

Sorry for all the questions but this is a big decision for me...dumping most of my pedalboard in favor of the RP1000.

Which sounds better to your ears and the sound guy: direct to PA or 4CM to amp on-stage? I'm assuming there would be some big changes in the tone depending on the type of tube amp/cabinet that is onstage.

Is there a way to share presets on the RP1000 like Line 6's products?

[buddaman71]

I use my GSP1101 to a tube power amp to a stereo 412 onstage and also send the XLR outs to the mixer in lieu of micing the cab.
Click the weblink in my sig and you can hear some country/rock live clips that are 100% GSP1101 direct to the board.

I DO find it sounds better to me choosing ONE master cab sim, rather than having separate cab sims for every preset. I think I use the 412 ALT or something. One of the best things I have ever done to get a good tone out front is setting up your PA, taking your modeler back to the mixer position, plug it in direct, listen for the best sounding speaker sim and then dial in the mixer EQ to where it sounds best out front.

You can then tailor your onstage tone using your amp's controls and still have that great front of house tone happening out front.

http://www.digitech.com/soundcomm/guitar_product_start.asp?productid=252

Share away...

[egkor]

That's a brilliant idea. Just push the switch in and it defeats the cab sims. Awesome!

Sorry for all the questions but this is a big decision for me...dumping most of my pedalboard in favor of the RP1000.

Which sounds better to your ears and the sound guy: direct to PA or 4CM to amp on-stage? I'm assuming there would be some big changes in the tone depending on the type of tube amp/cabinet that is onstage.

Is there a way to share presets on the RP1000 like Line 6's products?

1. RP1000 has a pedalboard loop, so you can use your stomps with it if you want.

2. Why not do both, go 4CM to your amp (as a "monitor" system), and send stereo out from RP1000 to FOH/mixer (via XLRs)?

3. Yes you can back up, save, restore, download, and share patches with the RP1000 community.

-Gary K

[Lt_Core]

1. RP1000 has a pedalboard loop, so you can use your stomps with it if you want.

2. Why not do both, go 4CM to your amp (as a "monitor" system), and send stereo out from RP1000 to FOH/mixer (via XLRs)?

3. Yes you can back up, save, restore, download, and share patches with the RP1000 community.

-Gary K

Any issues with stompbox loop? How does it affect the tone of your stompboxes by running through the RP1000? I'm sure it's not the most "true bypass/pedal-friendly" device out there...hahaha.

[HCarlH]

I would love to try the 4 cable method with my Rivera Chubster combo to see how well the RP1000 swaps out the Rivera pre-amp for modeled amps/cabs. I like the Proguitarshop demo that I've seen. Not many demo's showing that.

I do the 4CM with my Rivera Fandango. It works great. I use the Rectifier tones on the RP (with cab modeling turned off) and use the Fandango for everything else (Marshall and Fender tones).

It was also the ProGuitarShop video that sold me on the RP1000.

[HCarlH]

Does anybody have any experience with using an RP1000 with a tube amp, especially when swapping out the pre-amp? Thanks!

I do this with my other amp, my Seymour Duncan Convertible. It's a 1X12, tube (EL34) combo amp. I use that amp in smoking allowed bars when I don't want to use the Rivera. I don't even use the Duncan's preamp as it's not that great.

I use the amp modeling only with the cab models turned off (using the amps effects return jack) and it sounds really good...especially using the tube power amp. I was going to sell that amp but not now that I have a new preamp for it.

I've never had a piece of gear that sounded this good and was this flexible.

[peridot1]

Not sure if the RP1000 has an overall master level knob, but YES on the GSP1101.

It does. It's the last knob on the right when you're not in editing mode.

The RP2000 came out years ago. It was Digitech's second unit to use amp modeling rather than just distortion and overdrive sounds.

Didn't know that but you're right. Saw the discontinued pic. So much for rumors I hear.

[Lt_Core]

Went to Guitar Center after work. Of course they really discouraged me from hooking it up to a tube amp using 4CM. It was in a box, high on a shelf. They didn't seem to interested in helping me out. They had an RP500 on a display stand that was not plugged in. The guy didn't know why it didn't work. Real nice, GC :(

The good news is they have them on sale for $349 until the end of October ($349 in-store only, $399 on the web). The bad news is that I'm not sure I can pull the trigger that fast and sell some gear. Too bad :(

One more thing: they had a Line 6 M13 hooked up to small (and crappy) reference monitors. Horrible sound! Do idiots run that place? Not sure how they sell gear that way.

[egkor]

Went to Guitar Center after work. [...]
The good news is they have them on sale for $349 until the end of October ($349 in-store only, $399 on the web).

What is it on sale in-store for $349? RP1000, RP500?

Thanks,
-Gary K

[Axe-Man]

One more thing: they had a Line 6 M13 hooked up to small (and crappy) reference monitors. Horrible sound! Do idiots run that place? Not sure how they sell gear that way.

M13 into reference monitors??

Like M13>active monitors?

:horse

No wonder it sounded horrible.

Into a modeler then PA/ref montiors or M13>tube amp...:cool: - very cool

Amazingly good in fact.

[Lt_Core]

What is it on sale in-store for $349? RP1000, RP500?

Thanks,
-Gary K

RP1000, definitely. In-store through October 31 to celebrate Rock-tober. I just wish GC wanted to help me set one up using the 4CM into a real amp. They're too busy selling Line 6 Spider II's to 15 year-old goths...LOL!!!