The DigiTech RP500 is a floor-mounted multi-effects unit and USB recording interface, built around amp and cabinet modeling, a 20-second looper and a switching layout designed to be played like a board of individual pedals. DigiTech lists it at an MSRP of $429.9512. It is no longer in production: DigiTech classifies it among past products that "may still be available through local and online retailers"2.
Pedalboard Mode, presets and footswitches
The RP500's headline feature is how its presets are controlled. Premier Guitar's review notes that "The RP500 introduces the concept of 'Pedalboard' control to the RP line": in Pedalboard Mode, each preset behaves like a unique pedalboard, with effects that can be switched on and off and loaded quickly1. DigiTech describes it as enabling the Pedalboard Mode button and instantly using the five footswitches to turn the RP500's stompboxes and effects on and off within a program2.
Preset handling works alongside that. The unit holds 100 user and 100 factory presets across 20 banks, and in Preset Mode a single footswitch press gives instant access to five totally different sounds2.
Other controls and hardware worth knowing:
- An Amp/Cabinet bypass switch defeats the internal amp and cabinet effects in all presets, for players running the RP500 into a real amp2
- An assignable expression pedal that, per Premier Guitar, allows you to "control just about any other effect parameter you care" to name1
- A metal chassis and heavy-duty metal footswitches that DigiTech says are designed to withstand heavy abuse, night after night2
Outputs, recording and the looper
For direct recording, Premier Guitar's reviewer highlighted the XLR outputs: "the left/right XLR outputs carry all of the amp/cab modeling info, so you can plug straight into a mixer or DAW"1. Combined with the USB connection, a Type B port supporting USB 1.1 Full Speed (12 Mbps bandwidth, USB 2.0 compatible)2, the RP500 is set up to record without an amp or microphone in the chain.
The looper runs 20 seconds, and DigiTech describes the workflow as simply: "Simply play, loop, change tones then overdub"2, so a recorded rhythm part can be layered with different tones as you go.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar placed the RP500 among inexpensive, floor-mounted multi-effects units1. The same review noted the unit's assignable expression pedal, which DigiTech says rounds things out by letting you control just about any other effect parameter you care to adjust1. The Amp/Cabinet bypass switch is another control worth knowing: it defeats the RP500's internal amplifiers and cabinets in all presets, useful if you are running the unit into a real amp2.
"Although the DigiTech RP500 is a good bit cheaper than the GT-10, it also boasts the latest version of a proprietary"
Where it sits in the RP line
The RP500 is one of DigiTech's floor-mounted multi-effects units1, and players looking at the wider RP family will also find the DigiTech RP55, DigiTech RP150 and DigiTech RP250 among the models covered on the site's multi-effects page.
Videos
Premier Guitar
Coleman's Music
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Questions
Is the DigiTech RP500 still made?
No. DigiTech lists the RP500 among its past products, which are no longer in production, though the maker notes they may still be available through local and online retailers. DigiTech has since moved the RP line forward with models such as the RP360 and RP360 XP, announced at NAMM 2014.
How long is the looper on the DigiTech RP500?
The RP500 has a 20-second looper. DigiTech describes the workflow simply: play, loop, change tones, then overdub, so you can record a rhythm part and layer other sounds over it while switching presets.
Does the RP500 work as a USB audio interface?
Yes. DigiTech markets the RP500 as a Multi-Effects Switching System and USB Recording Interface. Its USB connection is a Type B port supporting USB 1.1 Full Speed at 12 Mbps bandwidth, compatible with USB 2.0, so it can feed recordings straight into a computer.
How many presets does the RP500 have?
The RP500 holds 100 user presets and 100 factory presets, 200 in total. In Preset Mode, a single press of a footswitch gives instant access to five totally different sounds, with the presets arranged across 20 banks.
Does the RP500 have XLR outputs?
Yes. Premier Guitar's review notes that the left and right XLR outputs carry all of the amp and cabinet modeling information, so you can plug straight into a mixer or a DAW without a microphone or an amp.
How much does the DigiTech RP500 weigh?
DigiTech lists the RP500's unit weight at 6.6 lbs, with a depth of 19.5 inches. The metal chassis and heavy-duty footswitches account for much of that heft.
Sources (3)
- Digitech RP500 Effects System Review: In-Depth, Premier Guitar, 2008-09-09
- RP500 - DigiTech, DigiTech, 2023-12-20
- Boss GT-10 review, MusicRadar, 2008-08-18
