Re: [Harp-L] Digitech Element and Element XP

[Mike <mikefugazzi@xxxxxxxxx>]

On thegearpage.net, a forum member claiming to be a DT rep posted the 
following regarding an exchange about the XP on the 23rd:

"I see you guys have seen the replacements for the *RP70* and *RP90*: The 
new Element and Element XP, here's what is new:

New pedal oriented interface

New switches

New presets

New industrial design

New dedicated headphone output

New DC power supply

These improvements are a direct result of polling of our entry-level users, 
we hope we addressed their needs at a very attractive price.

We are re-building our RP line from the foundation up, these are just the 
first to be released."



On Monday, September 23, 2013 12:58:53 PM UTC-5, Richard Hunter wrote:
>
> Digitech has released a new pair of pedals, the Element and Element XP. 
> From what I can see of the product specs, these pedals represent a 
> replacement for the RP55, digitech's lowest-priced amp modeler.  The RP55 
> had the older-generation Digitech chip; this one has the DNA2 chip, 
> digitech's current model, and so includes better delays, reverbs, and other 
> FX. 
>
> However, I do NOT recommend this pedal for harp players, for several 
> reasons: 
> 1)  The Element and Element XP don't have a USB port, so it's impossible 
> either to load pre-configured patches or to back up the device and restore 
> it in the event of a problem. 
> 2)  They don't have amp or cab models for the Fender Champ and Bassman, 
> two of the best RP models for harp, and they're missing lots of other 
> harp-friendly models as well.   
> 3)  I doubt that they're priced substantially lower than an RP155, which 
> offers a whole lot of harp-friendly amp and cab models, plus USB 
> connectivity for recording and patch backup, at a retail price under $100 
> (and used prices in the neighborhood of a third of that). 
>
> For all the above reasons, I have no intention of designing patches for 
> these devices. I strongly recommend that harp players seeking a decent amp 
> modeler at the lowest possible price start with the RP155 or RP255, 
> depending on whether or not they want an expression pedal in the package. 
>
> Regards, Richard Hunter 
>
>
>
>
> author, "Jazz Harp" 
> latest mp3s and harmonica blog at http://hunterharp.com 
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>