DigiTech GSP1101 -- First Impressions and Short Review

[Deuterium]

Confusion --> Frustration --> Panic --> Revelation --> Inspiration --> Happiness & Satisfaction --> Anticipation of further and future tonal wonders

I went thru each of these successive stages during my first 4-hours with my new GSP1101. The first hour and half was taken up mostly with the physical hook-up and connections with my existing rig, initial power on, initial programming set-up, and initial MAJOR PANIC and Bewilderment...due to the crappy sound I was getting. YIKES!!!!

How could this state-of-the art, next-gen, pro-class rack mount preamp/modeler/MultiFX system, designed with 2 of the newest, high powered audio/DSP processors (Harman's Audio DNA2 chips), and including a feature-rich set of digitally modeled stomp box pedals, point-to-point topology amp models, and high-end Chorus/FX, Delays and Lexicon Reverbs...sound so terrible, muddy, and down-right fugally ???

Quite easily, actually...If It HASN'T BEEN SET-UP PROPERLY by the Owner/User.

Indeed, despite an extensive pre-study of the GSP1101's User Manual, and carefully following the step-by-step instructions in the automated User Setup/configuration menu...somehow I still managed to screw this up somehow. :freak: Of course, I didn't realize this until after I had completed the initial setup procedures, and began sampling the first pre-set. As soon as I turned up my guitar, and played a couple of notes, I realized something was terribly wrong. And my only hope was that it wasn't a poor choice in new products on my part. And, as it turns out, this fortunately is not the case.

On the contrary. After figuring out what was going wrong, and making the appropriate corrections...I am convinced that DigiTech has developed and delivered a fantastic product, in the GSP1101.

Now, in my defense...and despite of the well thought out, automated set-up menu (which walks the User thru the different configuration modes, and fine tunes the processor algorithms so as to sound the best with your unique gear and method of sound reproduction), there still remains sources of confusion. And, it is rather easy to over-look a key parameter or two, which can make all the difference in the world.

In my particular case, I had made the correct physical connections, as well as correctly "telling" the GSP1101 how I wanted it to be configured, during the automated set-up procedure. What I had overlooked, is a parameter in the main "Edit Effects/Preset menu. Even though I had correctly answered the set-up questions, and had clearly programmed the GSP1101 to configure itself for "Amp Input/Preamp Loop"...for some NON-intuitive reason, I still had to manually re-configure two settings;

1) In the Global Functions menu, I had to get into the "I/O" Setup, and set the "Type of Loop" to ==> "Into/Ext Preamp". This configures the GSP1101 so as to allow the use of EITHER your existing stomp box pedals and main amp, OR to bypass your external amp & stomp box pedals, and instead utilize the GSP1101's internal preamp/amp modeling. << Note that this pre-supposes that you; a) have an amp which has built-in FX loop, and b) that you have physically hooked up your amp and GSP1101 in the 4-cable method, as depicted on page 12 of the USER MANUAL (and designated as Set-up configuration #7 -- "Amp Input/Preamp Loop" >>.
2) Next, I had to return to the pre-programmed factory preset, enter the Edit mode, and select the menu "FX loop" and manually set and program it for either "external" or "internal" preamp.

BERFORE I HAD DISCOVERED THIS..I SOMEHOW HAD THE INTERNAL AMP MODELS ACTIVITACTED, AS WELL AS MY EXTERNAL PREAMP OF MY VALVEKING 100. SO, WHAT WAS HAPPENNING WAS THAT, EFFECTIVELY, I WAS GOING THRU TWO PREAMPS IN SERIES. In other words, my signal included both the internal GSP1101 preamp as well as my ValveKing's preamp. No wonder it sounded like complete and utter crap.

Once I found the error, I re-set the programming so that it was either one or the other...not both.

Once corrected, I set the GSP1101 to have my external Valveking' preamp in the loop (with the GSP1101's internal preamp/amp bypassed)...now I had my standard wonderful tone from the Peavey...yet I still could include the GSP1101's post-Amp FXs, such as chorus, delays and reverbs.

Alternatively, I set the GSP1101 to turn off the "External Loop" (thereby bypassing my ValveKing's preamp) and enabled the GSP1101's internal preamp modeling. Again, great results! The GSP1101's internal preamp, in combination with my Peavey ValveKing's 6L6-based power section, is an excellent match.

In fact, I very quickly was able to program and save my first User pre-set, in which I have selected the GSP1101's "DigiTech Blues" preamp/amp model. I also programmed in the GSP1101's model of the MXR DynaComp compressor, and TS-808 Tube Screamer Overdrive. Finally, I added a bit of tasty and warm plate reverb. These took me all of 5-minutes to program and tweak some parameters, and then save. Keep in mind that this is just my first pass at making my own patch from scratch. Nevertheless, the results were FANTASTASTIC. I was getting a wonderful overdriven tone, that has a nice mid-range...and perfect for single-note Lead / Solo lines. This sounded like the real deal. It had none of the fake, digital sounding harshness of the Line 6 POD series. It was alive, it breathed, and sounded wonderfully 3-dimensional!

So, to make a long story long... I haven't even scratched the surface of the GSP1101's sonic landscape. Nor have I yet had a chance to listen to all the different amp models the GSP1101 has to offer...probably because I had so much fun playing with this first program/patch I made.

I did, however, spend a few minutes audtioning a few select amp models. These are based on the Solano SLO 100, and Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier. I have never heard, first-hand, the sound from a SLO. Therefore, I can't compare how "accurate" the DigiTech GSP1101's model is. However, I CAN SAY that this model kicked all kinds of ass. The creamy, liquid sustain was simply sublime. And there was a huge amount of useable gain range, available. The model of the M-B Dual Rec was very, very impressive. And that is an amp I have owned, and know well. Again, DigiTech nailed the "in your F'n face" gain, as well as the Rectifier's somewhat buzzy distortion and feedback

I also sampled some of DigiTech's own models, including an eerily accurate model of the DigiTech GSP2101 Artist "Saturated Tube". I am also happy to report that the factory pre-programmed presets all all quite nice. They give you a wide selection of tones, and demonstrate the many different effects and effects combinations which are available. My initial perception is that all the factory presets show taste and moderation. There is none of the crazy, over-the-top, effects-laden garbage that typically is found on these kinds of devices. DigiTech has wisely decided to take a more serious, conservative approach with the factory presets...and the results are evident and (at least for me) appreciated.


Cheers,
John (Deuterium)

[cmacalpine]

thanks John,

great review and some very useful info. i am considering pulling the trigger on of these for my marshall vintage modern in a wet/dry context. it appears to have further refined some of the algorithms from the gsp2101 and kept the family interface. sounds like a good deal!

thanks again,

chris m

[Deuterium]

Originally Posted by cmacalpine

thanks John,

great review and some very useful info. i am considering pulling the trigger on of these for my marshall vintage modern in a wet/dry context. it appears to have further refined some of the algorithms from the gsp2101 and kept the family interface. sounds like a good deal!

thanks again,

chris m

Hi Chris, thanks for the kind words. Indeed, I hope you get a chance to check out the GSP1101. If you liked the GSP2101, I am sure you will love this new system from DigiTech. One of the most important features, for me, is that it doesn't mess with your tone. That, and you can use as much, or as little, of the built-in models and FX as you want...while still keeping your core tone and sound from your main amp.

By the way, I clicked on your website, and you were born in Springfield, MA, and your last name is MacAlpine...

Your father's first name wouldn't happen to be Tony, would it?

I grew up in East Longmeadow, MA. I also took guitar lessons from Tony MacAlpine when I was much younger (obviously).

[Mincer]

any idea how this would do for more extreme sounds? I tend to gravitate away from classic sounds- currently I use a GT-Pro into a full-range system (no amp). The GT-Pro can do some pretty sick stuff, but I was curious about the digitech. I did own the digitech 2120, but honestly hated it- lack of dynamic 'feel' and a general 'wooliness' to all the sounds. I hope this one is better!

[Todd Lynch]

Nice review; thanks.

[Deuterium]

Originally Posted by Mincer

any idea how this would do for more extreme sounds? I tend to gravitate away from classic sounds- currently I use a GT-Pro into a full-range system (no amp). The GT-Pro can do some pretty sick stuff, but I was curious about the digitech. I did own the digitech 2120, but honestly hated it- lack of dynamic 'feel' and a general 'wooliness' to all the sounds. I hope this one is better!

I can confirm that there are some very sick, extreme sounds, available with the GSP1101. I am just the opposite, I tend to like medium to high overdrive sounds...versus true distortion. However, the GSP1101's Dual Rectifier model with maxed out gain is pretty punishing, as well as the SLO model. Put one of the modeled distortion pedals in front, and you definitely have some insane, brutal modern metal sounds. Again, not my particular cup of tea...but it is there is you want it.

I am more into an early Yngwie tone. I have been using the Marshall Super Lead as well as the Matchless and Digitech's "Blues" amp models. I place a DOD 250 or TS-808 OD model in front, and then include some post-Amp EQ. This is a recipe for some great lead/solo tones.

[cmacalpine]

" By the way, I clicked on your website, and you were born in Springfield, MA, and your last name is MacAlpine...

Your father's first name wouldn't happen to be Tony, would it?

I grew up in East Longmeadow, MA. I also took guitar lessons from Tony MacAlpine when I was much younger (obviously)."

He's my brother. My dad's name was Arthur. All of us siblings are talented musically, don't know about the kids .

chris m

[Mincer]

Originally Posted by Deuterium

I can confirm that there are some very sick, extreme sounds, available with the GSP1101. I am just the opposite, I tend to like medium to high overdrive sounds...versus true distortion. However, the GSP1101's Dual Rectifier model with maxed out gain is pretty punishing, as well as the SLO model. Put one of the modeled distortion pedals in front, and you definitely have some insane, brutal modern metal sounds. Again, not my particular cup of tea...but it is there is you want it.

I am more into an early Yngwie tone. I have been using the Marshall Super Lead as well as the Matchless and Digitech's "Blues" amp models. I place a DOD 250 or TS-808 OD model in front, and then include some post-Amp EQ. This is a recipe for some great lead/solo tones.

ahh cool...actually, I love Yngwie's tone too. What I really meant is real wackiness, like not even sounding like a guitar...kinda like Robert Fripp gets sometimes. I wonder if the delays are long enough to loop?

[Deuterium]

Originally Posted by Mincer

ahh cool...actually, I love Yngwie's tone too. What I really meant is real wackiness, like not even sounding like a guitar...kinda like Robert Fripp gets sometimes. I wonder if the delays are long enough to loop?

Oh, yes indeed. There are some real spacey effects built-in to the GSP1101.

I would recommend downloading the User Manual (if you haven't already), to get an idea of it's features and capabilities.

Here is a direct link to download The GSP1101 User Manual:

ftp://ftp.digitech.com/pub/PDFs/Manu...l18_0474_B.pdf

[Deuterium]

Originally Posted by cmacalpine

He's my brother. My dad's name was Arthur. All of us siblings are talented musically, don't know about the kids .

chris m

Hi Chris:

Very cool. And small world. I still live in Western MA. My wife and I live outside of Amherst. I saw your brother recently when he was touring with Steve Vai, and they came to Hartford.

[Mincer]

wow, this is so weird...guess what i was listening to while i was reading this...'Maximum Security'...great stuff there!

[Deuterium]

Okay, I have spent some more time with the GSP1101.
All I can say is...this little son of a bitch continues to impress me.

Strictly focusing on the digital modeling aspects (tone and tube amp feel), it is a as good, if not a bit better, then my Vox Valvetronix "Blue" AD120VTH head and ToneLab LE. It definitely has the ability to get more "hair" and dirt, compared to the Vox units. The high gain tones in the GSP1101 are fantastic. However, just as good, are the medium and low gain tones. The DigiTech GSP1101 has some great Fender models, and even better Marshalls. For High Gainers, the JCM2000 and '77 Master Volume Marshalls are top notch. Also for high to extreme gain, the Dual Rectifier and Soldano models are superb.

One can get some crazy, evil, sinister gain by cranking the Rectifier model with one of the "less subtle" stompbox models that are available, such as the DigiTech "Grunge", The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone, or the DigiTech Death Metal.

These aren't to any of my tastes, but I know some people will like them, becuase the tone I was getting sounded just like some of the stupid, over-the-top distortion which can be heard on most Rock/Metal radio stations these days... you know, the ones with the Cookie Monster vocals.

For medium gain...I think I am most impressed with the Matchless model. This has a beautiful, warm, chimey tone. I can get a wonderful blues lead out of it with any of the excellent virtual OD stompbox models (TS-9, TS-808, Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive, DOD 250). For even higher gain, the Distortion stompbox models work great (MXR Distortion plus, Pro Co Rat, Boss DS-1).

Leaving aside the built-in preamp/amp modeling...
My absolute favorite feature of the GSP1101 is the seamless ability to use the preamp of your existing amp, while completly bypassing the internal preamp/amp modeling of the GSP1101. I am playing thru a Peavey ValveKing 100 head. I can program a patch setting which adds one of the GSP1101's virtual stompbox pedals in front of my ValveKing, then bypasses the internal preamp to go thru the front-end of the ValveKing...so all the tone is coming from my ValveKings preamp and tone stack...then the signal goes back thru the GSP1101's digital FX section to add some delay or reverb, and then returns to ValveKing's power tube / amp section.

Furthermore, the onboard digital FXs (modulations, delays, reverbs) are all fantastic, and wonderfully transparent. Another very cool feature is the ability to assign the Modulation FX either before the distortion/preamp, or after (Post-amp).

I think all of the postAmp FX are great, but the ones that particularly standout, for me, are: BOSS CE-2 Chorus, Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress Flanger, MXR Phaser (Phase 100), Boss DM-2 Analog Delay, Digitech's Tape Delay model, and all the Lexicon Reverbs (simply beautiful).

[tremonti]

The GSP1101 is the best effects piece out for it's ease of use, size, capabilities and its modeling abilities. Let me first state that I am a gear freak...I buy stuff all the time on Ebay(to my wife's dismay) used and try it for a while and keep it if I like it or sell it if I dont. My current rig is a Mesa Triaxis, a Mesa power 2:90, and now the GSP1101. I sold my G major the same day I received the GSP1101 because it totally was what I needed. Effects sound bettr and the fact that you can midi control taking your current preamp out or using it in conjuction with the GSP's onboard preamp/distortion/fuzz/overdrive is incredible. I have owned a Vetta head, a cybertwin, a Boss GT-3, and various other Line 6 products and this things blows them all away. I play in a cover band and use various PRS and custom built guitar and this GSP is here to stay! -Nathan Van Halen- <----just kiddin(playing off the Macalpine thing above)

[Mincer]

Had you tried it direct to a full range PA or direct to recording (no amp)? There are some annoyances I have with the GT-Pro I have been using, and although I didn't like the old-generation GSP 2120 I had (cleans and semi cleans always sounded like they were under a pillow), this review got me thinking about DIgitech again. Since the ad copy stresses how well it sounds with an amp, I am worried that it doesn't sounds as full and open with a full range system.

[Deuterium]

Originally Posted by Mincer

Had you tried it direct to a full range PA or direct to recording (no amp)? There are some annoyances I have with the GT-Pro I have been using, and although I didn't like the old-generation GSP 2120 I had (cleans and semi cleans always sounded like they were under a pillow), this review got me thinking about DIgitech again. Since the ad copy stresses how well it sounds with an amp, I am worried that it doesn't sounds as full and open with a full range system.

Hello Mincer:

I use mine with my tube amp and Vox guitar cabinet. I have not connected it direct, to a full range PA. However, if you do a Search on the Harmony Central Effects forum (Search for "GSP1101", you will find commentary by some owners who have connected it direct, and love the tone.). Just because DigiTech is advertising how well it works with a traditional amp/cabinet set-up, doesn't mean that they cut any corners when it comes to connecting direct to a full-range system. There is a wide assortment of cabinet simulations that can be selected with the amp models...and you can use either the 1/4" outputs or the XLR outputs for connecting direct.