The DigiTech VX400 is a vocal effects processor built as a floor unit, designed to shape a singer's sound with up to 8 effects running at once1. It is not a vocal-only box, though: DigiTech's pitch is that you can "just plug your favorite mic, guitar, keyboard and CD player in, and you're ready to go"1. That makes it a single processor for a singing player who wants one unit handling both voices and instrument.
What it does
DigiTech describes the VX400 as a "Modeling Floor Processor w/USB Audio Interface"1, meaning it does three jobs: it processes vocals and instruments with modeled effects, it connects to a computer as a USB audio interface for recording, and it includes a built-in drum machine with 30 patterns plus a metronome for practicing1. The converters are 24 bit Delta Sigma A/D/A1.
The effects list covers the usual vocal and modulation territory, plus some pitch effects guitar players will recognize1:
- Microphone Models
- Compressor
- Noise Gate
- Mic Pre / Voice
- EQ
- Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, Vibrato, Strobe
- Doubler, Envelope, Pixelator, Detune
- Pitch, Whammy
- Delay and Reverb1
DigiTech also highlights multiple vocal "character" selections1, which let a singer tailor the processor's response to different singing styles.
Inputs and use with guitar
The VX400 accepts four kinds of input: mic, guitar, keyboard and CD player1. For a player who sings and plays, that means one floor unit can sit in front of both a mic and an amp or mixer, processing each through the same effects engine. The built-in Whammy pitch effect1 is the same effect family DigiTech is known for in its guitar pedals, and the compressor, EQ, delay and reverb blocks apply to any source plugged in.
Power and practical notes
The VX400 uses a 9 VAC supply rated at 1300 mA and draws 10 watts1. That is alternating current, not the 9V DC center-negative standard most pedalboards use.
The VX400's power requirement is 9 VAC at 1300 mA1, which will not work with a standard DC pedal power supply or a daisy chain. Use the supply specified for it.
At 4.65 lbs and 13 by 8.5 by 2.25 inches1, it is a floor unit sized like a large pedal rather than a rack unit.
Is it still available?
DigiTech marks the VX400 as a past product and states that past products are no longer in production but "may still be available through local and online retailers"1. Anyone looking for one new is relying on remaining stock or the used market.
For players considering DigiTech's later guitar multi-effects instead, the company's floor units include the DigiTech RP360 and Digitech RP360 XP. Those are guitar processors rather than vocal ones, so they do not replace the VX400's mic-focused feature set, which centers on multiple vocal "character" selections plus effects such as Microphone Models, Compressor, Noise Gate, Mic Pre / Voice, EQ, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo, Vibrato, Strobe, Doubler, Envelope, Pixelator, Detune, Pitch, Whammy™, Delay, and Reverb1. See the full range on the Multi-effects Pedals page, or DigiTech's vocal-oriented Vocalist Live FX for a vocal alternative.
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Questions
Is the DigiTech VX400 still made?
No. DigiTech lists the VX400 as a past product, meaning it is no longer in production. The company notes that past products may still be available through local and online retailers, so used and remaining new stock can turn up, but DigiTech no longer builds the VX400.
Can you plug a guitar into the DigiTech VX400?
Yes. Although the VX400 is designed as a vocal effects processor, DigiTech says you can plug in a mic, guitar, keyboard and CD player and be ready to go. That makes it usable as a general-purpose processing box for a singer-instrumentalist or a small setup with several sources.
What power supply does the DigiTech VX400 use?
The VX400 runs on a 9 VAC power supply rated at 1300 mA, and DigiTech lists its power consumption as 10 watts. Note that this is AC, not the 9V DC center-negative supply most pedals use, so a standard pedal power supply will not work.
How many presets does the VX400 have?
The VX400 has 40 user presets and 40 factory presets, for 80 total. The factory presets give you starting points, and the user presets let you save your own settings.
Does the VX400 work as a USB audio interface?
Yes. DigiTech describes the VX400 as a modeling floor processor with a USB audio interface, so it can send audio to and from a computer over USB in addition to processing your sound.
How much does the DigiTech VX400 weigh?
DigiTech lists the VX400 at 4.65 lbs, with dimensions of 13 inches wide, 8.5 inches long and 2.25 inches high.
Sources (1)
- VX400 - DigiTech, DigiTech, 2023-12-20
