[Harp-L] Digitech RP360

[Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Digitech has officially released the RP360/RP360XP, and it's an interesting box.  A few highlights:

1)  This thing runs the AudioDNA2 chip that's built into the RP155/255/355/500/etc., so the basic sound engine is the same.  However, Digitech's included some of the very harp-friendly amp models from the RP500 into this device, such as the Gibson GA40 and the Digitech Blues. So in that sense, it's got a little bit more for harp players under the hood than the RP355 (though not the RP500).  it's also got a few more modulation FX, e.g. a new chorus model or two.  the reverbs and delays are the same as in the previous generation of RPs, which is pretty damn good. 

2)  The new operator interface, which is graphical (with icons representing amps and FX) is probably a lot easier for most people to use than the matrixed lights-and-dials interface on the older RPs.  Ditto the new metal footswitches.

3)  You can now use an external volume or expression pedal to control just about everything you can control with the 360XP's built-in expression pedal.  If you've already got a volume or expression pedal with a 1/4" jack on it, you can use it with this box to control any parameter of any effect that you like.

4) It's got tap-tempo for the delay.  (About time, I'd say, and the pun is intentional.)

5) It's got the same dual-EQ setup that the RP500 has--an amp-modeled bass/mid/treble EQ, and a semi-parametric EQ with movable center points and slopes for the low, mid, and high ranges.  That is a VERY nice EQ setup--it allows you to tune the amp model for the response you want, then use the parametric EQ to make it sit in the mix.  


I haven't put together a patch set for this box yet, but obviously it's a priority for me.  That said, the big question for a lot of RP users is going to be: should I replace my current RP with this thing?  My short answer is "no" for most current owners.  The sound engine is the same, so the 360 isn't going to make you sound any different for the most part.  The new amp models are nice, but not enough to justify spending $200 to replace a perfectly functional RP that ultimately sounds very much the same. 

However, the new features are attractive enough in my opinion to make this box the preferred choice for new RP buyers, especially if you don't want to go all the way to an RP500 (which is a bigger, heavier device, admittedly with very nice performance features).  Digitech's packed some of the very useful models and performance features of the RP500 into a smaller, lighter package.  It's a good choice of features at a good price point.  However, you may want to keep your eyes open to see whether anyone starts liguidating new RP355s at half price, which is the kind of opportunity that comes with manufacturer model changes. 

Stay tuned for more info as I pull the patchset for this thing together.

Thanks, Richard Hunter

author, "Jazz Harp" (Oak Publications, NYC)
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