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Digitech GSP1101 Pre-Amp
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The DigiTech GSP1101 Gutiar Effects Processor is not just any ordinary preamp; it is designed to work with external amplifiers and rigs to preserve your core tone. By allowing you to switch between external preamps and internal preamps, then adding internal stompboxes, wahs, effects, delays and lush Lexicon reverbs, the GSP1101 is the most versatile rackmount guitar pr...
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The GSP1101 features balanced XLR outputs for direct recording, USB for programming and direct to computer recording. A flexible preamp loop allows the GSP1101 to be easily connected into any rig.
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Searched Digitech GSP1101 Pre-Amp in Reviews
Still one of the best! 
| Ease Of Use |
This unit has it all. Tons of amp models, FX, cabinet emulations, and routing options, more than any guitarist could ask for in one unit. It has excellent sound and can be used with any setup you may have or want. One thing I need to mention first is that there is a site (mustbebeta.com) that has an upgraded firmware created by Digitech, but only supported by their employees. There are several versions of this beta firmware, but C48 is as stable as the supported version. The beta versions add amp models, FX, and routing options that are not available on the original release and they are good, really good. I personally use the most current version as I find it very stable with no errors.
I used the GSP integrated with a Marshall JCM 2000 and a Mesa Boogie Rectoverb until recently (I now own a Digidesign Eleven Rack and have the GSP integrated into that) using the four cable method, except I used more than four cables to get a stereo setup. A fairly unknown fact is that the loop send output (or 'To Amp Input ' Send) on the back of the GSP 1101 is a stereo jack. With a simple TRS cable split to two mono cables you can feed two amp inputs. Each amp can then be routed back into the GSP using the amps effects loop and back out to the power section of each amp, all in stereo. Options in the beta firmware let you choose between either the internal GSP amp models and/or either preamp and/or power amp. Confused? Well trust me it works, you just need to spend a little time getting everything setup right and configuring your patches. You can also send all the possible combinations to your PA. Once setup correctly you are just a preset away from all your combinations. In a live setting I was able to get modeled Fender cleans, real Mesa cleans, real classic Marshall crunch, and real Mesa modern gain, and every FX I could imagine with a few simple presets. For the most part my complete live set was accomplished with five presets.
To control the GSP, I used a Digitech Control 2 foot controller which is a match made in heaven for this device. A single network cable is all that is needed to connect the Control 2 to the GSP1101 and you have access to all presets, FX, tuner, volume control, Wah, and FX modulation with an easy to read display. The network cable lets you keep the rack mounted GSP in the back of the stage with only one cable needed to cross the stage. I actually use a 50-100 foot cable and ran it behind all of the stage equipment around the side of the stage then across the front to my Control 2, eliminating any cable running across the stage where I was playing.
Programming the unit is fairly simple. The included PC editor make it very simple and includes most of the options. Programming the unit from the front panel is ok, but not perfect for a live setting. Amp tone adjustment are easily made live form the front panel, just like a real amp. FX and setup changes require more press and twists of button then I care for, but you have a 128 presets to get everything setup before going live.
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| Sound |
The unit's models are very good. It performs extremely in the high gain amp department. It is not my favorite for medium or low gain amps but is still very convincing. The cleans are very good. Don't be afraid to experiment with the included custom models as there are some gems in there. I feel it does very well on its own, but is best when used in the four cable method with a nice tube power section. The feel of the models is better than anything developed, except maybe the Eleven Rack.
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| Reliability |
The unit is very reliable. I have had no problem with the two units I have owned. The GSP and Control 2 are both built like tanks; in fact everything Digitech makes is well built. My Control 2 expression pedal is beginning to exhibit some mechanical noise after (not in the sound) 3 years, but probably just needs some minor adjustments.
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| Customer Support |
Digitech's customer support is great; they always answer the phone and provide great knowledge of their products, most of the employee play music.
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| Liked about it |
Variety of amps, FX, and routing options, High gain models, rig integration, Control 2.
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| Didn't like |
Too many options, which is good, butr caused me to search too much instead of playing. I am not a tweeker so the limitless cobinations was a little bit too much for me. For a lot of people this would be a plus.
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| Overall satisfaction: |
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4.5 |
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The Digitech GSP1101, my last Pre-Amp?
| Ease Of Use |
As rack units go, its about par for the course. Its certainly no harder to use then any other and easier then some. What I like about this is I have found the sound I wanted with the 10 or so previous pre-amps. I don't have to monkey with anything anymore. I had a Rocktron Parhelia, Marshall JMP-1, ADA-MP1 and 2 and a few others, including older Digitech stuff. I was constantly fiddling with them. I HATE fiddling, I just want it to work and this does. The instruction manual is pretty good too! No upgrades yet on mine, I should look I suppose. Just lazy I guess. There are a bunch of pretty good patches already set up for you on this unit, and modifying them is pretty easy, so easy in fact, a caveman could do it. After you told him what electricity was and all that.......
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| Sound |
I am mainly an Ibanez guy, so I use a Jem PMC, UV77Bk, and the old 10th Chromeboy. I think this is the best sounding unit over all, for me at least. All the effects are good, its got a noisegate, and the distortion is great. I do use a Marshall Powerbloc 9200 for the power and I am sure that helps. Your not going to get that great sound if you use a solid state power amp.
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| Reliability |
Not a single problem, yet!!!
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| Customer Support |
I have not.
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| Liked about it |
Sound, ease of use and lack of FIDDLING!!
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| Didn't like |
I had to fiddle with it to get it where it is now.
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| Overall satisfaction: |
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5.0 |
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internal use: spec32 spec237 spec586
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