DigiTech GSP-2101 Artist

i have a couple of upgraded 2101 to artist series and i swear by these babys. i so love the sound quality on these units. i've also got a vgs 2120 that can't touch the sound of my 2101's. editing patches are a pleasure for me ( could it be that i've had 2101's for as many years as i can remember? ) the manual is decent but could be a little bit more in depth.

i use all jackson and ibanez guitars with a mesa ( love it! ) simul-class 290 bbe 482i sonic maximizer into 2 ampeg 4x12 cabs loaded with celestions v30's. all full stereo and this rig sounds awsome to me! i really dont have a bad thing to say about any of the effects in the 2101 at all. i think the distortions ( tube and solid state ) are great sounding also if tweaked right. the sound guy has never had an issue at all about my sound.

to all the guitarists out there that have been playing for as long as i have, who wouldn't have a back up! even tho problems are at a minimum for these units get another just to have it!

never dealt with support as long as i've had my 2101's.

i play a lot of 80's metal and i'm around the globe constantly and these boxes are the best overall preamp/processors i've used to date. throw away the new 2120 and go back to the 2101! the 2120 sits in my studio strickly for recording purposes. nothing beats the 2101 artist live.

For the most part this is a common sense piece.And the manual can make it alot easier for the patches.I have the original with the 3.0 firmware.When I first got this,I just plugged in and started playing and was amazed!

I play a schecter XXX with dimarzio breed and dsonic pups,I'm running this through the loop on my Mesa F-100 212 combo and I can honestly say that I've never heard more brutal gain.The artist patches are sweet,when I'm in a Lynch mood,blam there it is!This head has no weakness,it will show yours though.Anything is possible with this bad boy,I have found heaven.

Never had a problem.

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I play 80's hair,metal and classic rock,I also dabble in ambient backgrounds and delay soloing,this baby delivers exactly what I want to hear.In the 5 years I've been playing I've yet to find it's equal.and if it were lost or stolen it would be replaced very quickly.This is a keeper,I will only replace amps and this stays!

If you follow the manual, it's pretty easy to set up excellent tones. Some of the more exotic effects and routing schemes can take a while to plan out, but it's not tough. Any unit that allows you to configure any effect anywhere in the signal chain is going to be a little more difficult to use then a stompbox, but man, is it worth it! The manual is comprehensive and easy to understand. My unit has the v.3.00.00 software which contains a number of artist's patches like Malmsteen, Reeves Gabrels, and Frank Gambale. Fantastic sounds. Almost every parameter imaginable is tweakable, so you have complete control over your sounds. I don't know why Digitech stopped making this, as it blows away just about every other multi-effects/preamp I've ever seen. The effects alone are better than most companies solo effects units, and the preamps are flexible and sound great.

I use this with a Fender Stratocaster (stock pickups), an Ibanez RG-570 with EMG 81s, a Fender Stratocaster with DiMarzio Humbuckers, and a Paul Reed Smith Custom 22 w/ Dragon pickups.

The unit is super quiet, aided by it's excellent noise gates which are fully programmable.

Overall the effects are excellent - the delays and reverbs are crystal clear, the flangers (there are so many of them!) sound great - easy to get the '78 Van Halen brown sound, choruses are great, pitch shifting works like a charm, the whammy effect is really cool. I could write an entire book about the included effects, but instead I will say this...with the exception of the built-in wah (which is quite lame), every other effect here is totally professional and will blow away any stompbox, period.

I should also note that the unit has a number of different analog EQ sections - both parametric and graphic, which allow one to shape their tone to a degree that just isn't possible with any other setup, unless you have both PRE- and POST- pro-level EQs. This is really powerful, as it lets you create complete duplicates of well-known tones, or tweak to get 'your own sound'.

I have used this direct through a PA system (with the included speaker emulator outs), as well as through dual Fender solid-state combos and my usual rig which is a Marshall Valvestate 8080 SS power amp through a 2x12 cabinet. I always get compliments on my tone. You can go from Fender clean to Mesa mean with the touch of a button, and the hot-rodded Marshall tones really shine.

Looking for sounds from your favorite artists? The included presets are pretty good, but with a little tweaking you can cop any tone from anyone...I've successfully copied Eric Johnson's Cliffs of Dover tone, EVH's "Eruption", Steve Vai's "Passion and Warfare" sound (not to mention the "La Ballerina" patch which harmonizes...really cool!!), Iron Maiden, the Scorpions, Queensryche, Al DiMeola and The Rolling Stones. The clean voicings are excellent, if you play jazz it's really easy to get a great jazz tone and warm it up/brighten it to your liking. The onboard compressor is excellent. The digital effects section can be used alone in your home studio as professional outboard effects. I love the harmonizer - it's an intelligent pitch shifter that lets you play dual leads without a problem.

I don't know why Digitech stopped making this unit...I've played Boss GT-6s, Line6 POD XT lives, ART units, newer Digitech, J-stations, and all kinds of analog pedal gear, and nothing is as flexible or sounds as good as this preamp/effects unit. The fact it uses 2 real 12AX7 tubes at high voltage probably contributes to the great tone it creates, unlike the digital boxes that sound artificial (to my ears, at least).

I've been using this unit since 1997 at least one night a week at local jams. I've never had a backup, and I've never had a problem. I plug it into a surge protector (duh!!! all your stuff should be protected). I've changed the tubes three times in the last eight years, and not because they crapped out - only because I wanted to make sure they didn't when I played live.

Never had a problem with it.

I play Top 40, rock, jazz, metal and classical. This unit can do it all. It sounds great with my acoustic guitar with piezos as well as my nylon string. I've been playing semi-pro 20 years. I own 2 of these as they aren't made anymore...if 1 was stolen I'd be on E-bay in a second to get another.

Very simple to use. I opened the manual on day 2 after purchasing it. Day 1 was spent drooling over my awesome new sounds. Basically it is simple to understand. Editing patches are easy from buttons on the front. U upgraded to the 2nd s disk and firmware version 3.0.

1982 Gibson Les Paul, 1984 Gibson custom (rare breed custom made) and an Ibanez s270 with my two Marshall Stacks 1- 1974 Marshall super lead 100w head and 1 100w Marshall Mosfet with 2- Marshall 1960a and 2- 1960b cabinets. The 300 watters. Noise gate handles the noise ok, i do get an occasional cherp at the end of a piece. The effect quality is superior to most. I have emulated Tony Iomi and Bruce Franklin of TROUBLE. Little known band but the most awesome guitar sound EVER. Get Psalm 9 by TROUBLE and notice the harmonies and pitch shifting. You will sit back in awe.

Gigs, yeah I toured with it for 2 1/2 years never having a back up. I was more concerned with Marshall's tubes. It never let me down.

I bought it in 1996 NEW* with a Control One and Upgrades I spent $1500. In 2003 It glitched and was virtually dead. Harmon Music Group did an outstanding job for like $75 they replaced a processor and fixed all kinds of little things and replaced all the switches in my control One. Now it's like new again. Outstanding support.

I play metal and my Artist is the shnit. I have played for over 20 years. I own a recording studio, therefore lots and lots of gear. I hold my Artist atop my main rack next to the Neve, I could not go without my Artist, I also use it on vocals and bass and keys. It has an extremely high quality sound that works in many applications.

Easy to play, but very difficult to master. Would like some knobs. C'mon Digitech, you're selling this thing to GUITAR PLAYERS!! Knobs are everything.

I can't tell you how many times I go to Guitar Center play their Marshall heads, Mesa Heads, Fender Combos and always come home loving my GSP 2101. It has every sound you can imagine and it sounds live, articulate and awesome. You can get classic vintage sounds, modern rock/thrash easily, and "fender" cleans.

Please note, I think Fenders are the biggest waste of money there are. For the money youcan pick one of these up and have identical sound.

DO NOT BELIEVE THE POSTINGS BELOW.

YOU MUST BUY A TUBE POWER AMP FOR THIS. If you don't DO NOT complain.

Absolutely. 9 years in, had some white noise problems, had it fixed for 75 bucks at digitech.

Sent my unit to digitech where they damaged it. they refused to pay until I sent them a letter with my letterhead. Oh yeah, I'm a lawyer and I don't take shit from people like that.

If I weren't I'd be SOL. But finally they agreed to fix it. Grudgingly. Which is still WRONG.

I play heavy metal, hard rock, and am starting to write mainstream music. I've played for over 15 years. I play a Washburn EC 29 [rare rare bird] with EMG SA and 81s, a Ibanez loaded with Seymour Duncan, SH-2, Lil 59, and a DDistortion, and a Aria Pro II as a spare. Owned a crate GX 130c, a Marshall VS 265R, a Marshall MF 350, and I'm one of those guys that sits in Guitar center for hours testing equipment.

I play this thing through a Marshall 9100 all tube 50/50 dual monobloc amp. It rocks.

I paid 1000 bucks for it from Musicians Friend long ago. I think it was worth it. But you can get these for 400 bucks now with 2 s discs. Unbelievable value.

My next purchase is a Marshall JMP-1 and the Digitech keeps me from doing it. It's just not worth the extra money, sincce my 2101 can really do everything.

From just a "user" standpoint, it's pretty straight forward midi stuff. Starting out creating my own algorithms was an adventure but only because of how vastly configurable this unit is. Like anything else, once you've done it a few times it's easy to understand.

Kramer Stagemaster, (Old) Carvin V220, Samson wireless, Boogie 2:90 power and EV G-12 speakers. One of the lowest noise units I've experienced when it comes to high gain. I hate using noise gates and found as long as your cables and connections are good you don't need one. I've got the dual S-DISCS and PPC-210 card installed with v3.00 chips (the Artist version without the fancy faceplate). Sound quality? Let me put it this way, I recently started upgrading my rig with a TriAxis and checked out a couple "new technology" processors. Nothing comes close to the 2101 when you factor in configurability. So I'm using just digital section in the f/x loop of the TriAxis. KILLER TONE.

I gigged with this unit heavily for about 10 years and it never let me down once. The only thing I ever had to replace was the data wheel pot (from my days of finding "my sound" making algorithms I wore it out). Digitech sent me one free.

I've always gotten a prompt precise answer to any question I've asked.

I'm not sure about the price I paid for it but I bought it new a long time ago. I only wish Digitech would continue with upgrades to this unit. I tried the "offspring" versions (2110, 2112) and didn't care for them. A midi upgrade would be great. There is a little latency changing programs that I think could be solved.

My unit is an original 2101 with the Artist 3.00.00 chip and a type "a" 20 mhz processing speed and ppc 210 dual S-disc (im also going to switch out the faceplate for a chrome blank one to rival the damn 'limited edition' one because they are no dfferent!). Dont get me wrong, the 2101 is one of the Great preamp/processors, but it took some figuring out how to use (changing presets) and even longer how to make my own algorithms and effect chains. Once you get it down, the effect editing is amazing and close to an Eventide.

I have a Jackson DX model heavily upgraded (EMGs, Original Floyd Rose, etc.) and an Ibanez Pro Line 2660 RR V. I run it with a Crate Excalibur solidstate head (more tone control) and soon a peavey tube power amp, with Crate cabs with V30 and century celestions. Since everyone else is talking about the effects ill keep that part short - the noisgate is awesome, i NEVER have noise i dont want, the effects are good and well ranged. the combo effects are noteable in particular for making out of this world synth like sounds, awesome acoustic simulations and church organ ambient tones. the tube sounds can go from smooth Stevie Ray Vaughn/Jimi Hendrix gain to BLUDGENING Extol/Cannibal Corpse tube compression. heres how the tones go with my fav. artists (maybe this will make you buy one) since no one else commented on its Metal tones:

Tube Gains
-Clean tube: Stevie Ray, Chuck Billy, The Strokes, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, U2
-Distorted tube: Joe Satriani, Cream, Black Sabbath, Jimi Hendrix, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Soilwork, Buckethead
-Saturated tube: Extol, Megadeth, Emperor, Opeth, Arch Enemy, Dark Tranquillity

Solidstate Gains
-Overdrive: Eric Clapton, BB King, Kenny Wayne Shepard
-Heavy Sustain: Interpole, Chevelle, Dredg
-Grunge/DeathMetal: Meshuggah, Cannibal Corpse, At The Gates, In Flames, Carcass, Iced Earth

Great preamp/processor like i said, never had it break down (tubes) and there is almost no fear of blowing tubes/fuses. I just havent giged with it enough to give it a perfect 10.

never dealt with, never had to.

AMAZING preamp, im never going to get rid of it. . . and for $280, its the best deal ive ever got. when they came out they were around $1000, but it doesnt matter because its priceless. ive been playing 6 years now and ive gotten so into gear, so i know this is a good peice of equiptment. Boogies, Engls, Peaveys and VHTs are all great but for the 2101's versatlity and price it pretty much blows shit out of the water. the only reason ide give it 9 is becuase ive hear better tube gain, but with layering this tube tone can be great ( the compressor is what makes a good heavy crunch though). i have over $3000 in gear and this is just about my most prized item (except for my main guitar). if it was stolen t wou really suck becasuse i have some awesome tone setups programed. ide probably kill the guy horribly and try to buy a new one and try to get it like mine now. And last, (since i never saw anyone mention) if youre into Metal, this is a good tool for that genre (my idols are Jack Owen and Pat Obrein/Cannibal Corpse, Fredrik Thordendal/Meshuggah, Christer Espovell and Ole Borud/Extol, Dave Mustaine/Megadeth, Jesper Stromblad/In Flames, and James Hetfield/do i need to say more?)

I bought this unit used, without the manual. The manual I was able to download from the digitech website, but even still I only had to look up a few things twice before I figured out how to work everything. All I had to look up was how to get to the algorithm edit menu, and some other various tidbits, like setting up the MIDI control or something.

There is some noise, mostly on higher-gain settings. I also find that something other noise is caused by the noise gate and compressor, but not always. Most of the time I'm only able to hear it through headphones, so it's not that bad. I just bypass the analog section anyways, and use this unit for effects (mostly just chorus, delay, pitchshifting, detuning, tremolo, stereo panning, and Whammy functions) The flange and phaser are a little weak, in my opinion, but I use other units to cover those areas for me. Don't get me wrong, I still use those functions, but mostly for soft, background-type phase and flange. Definitely the biggest benefit of this unit is it's ability to control the order of the effects, allowing me to create any chain of effects I want. I've spent a fair amount of time at home on weekends trying out different ways to link the effects in my favorite algorithms.

I've had it for almost year now, and it's never failed on me once. Still have yet to gig with it, but I would gladly use it without hesitation. I give it an 9 just because the data wheel seems a little flismy at times, but if it ever does go out on me there are other ways to change presets.

Never had to deal with them.

I play mostly rock. I do use this unit a lot for the effects I've specified already, and it gets done what I need it to. I'm the kind of guy who likes to have a few multi-effects units handle everything for me, instead of lots of other single effects units, so this unit works great for me. If it were lost or stolen... yeah I'd probably buy another one, just becuase $240 is worth it for me seeing as how much I use this unit.

This Unit is Great. But dont judge it by the presets. You need to make your own sounds, and customize the unit, after that it will blow you away. Editing patches are easy, and it has a nice interface.

The noise gate on the unit is great, i have absolutly no noise, even when im using heavy distortion. I can get the sound of practically anyone i want, From Tool, A Perfect Circle, to Pink Floyd. All the distortions i need are in it.

My setup:
Digitech GSP-2101 Artist
TC Electronics G-Major
Lexicon MPX-G2
Korg DTR-1 Tuner
Marshall JMP-1 Preamp
Rack Interface
DMC Ground Control Midi Controller

Never gave me a problem yet. Dont need a backup for gigs.

Digitech has great support and a 1-800 support number.

i Play Tool/A Perfect Circle/Bush type music, this unit gives me all the distortion i need. If it were lost or stolen, i would cry, i cant live without this module.

I Bought this from my best friend who bought it brand new at guitar center. Fortunately for me, he knew almost every aspect of this wonderful processor from getting very cool tones to cross-linked algorithms that sounded like a cascade of overtones flowing around you. Holy BeeJeebers! This thing ROCKS! Once he showed me how to create my own algorithms and links, I am able to get ANY sound I've ever wanted. From Blistering Solo Distortions to cascading chorus+pitchshift+gigaverb+chorus= Grand Canyon Sound. I can't believe the ease of use in making my own creations! I have noticed that the Dual S-Disc feature really helps in BIG algorithms. The extra ram blocks are invaluable! The old beat-up manual is sorta helpful in reference, but My best friends knowledge of the programming is priceless. The firmware is the 3.01a (dual eproms)with the tubes upgraded to 74' NOS Russian 12AX7's from my local TV repair shop. (I bought 12 of these for $95) a couple are actually EEC83's havent tried them yet. These tubes really truely add the Balls to the Distortion section! It was loaded with some Groove Tubes before. I just Love the sound! I give it an 8 because if you don't know Calculus or Can figure out the Inverse Matrix of 200 by using the Gaussian Algorithm or know Vector Field Calculus,Calculate n-space derivatives, you just might have a problem Absorbing ALL THE FEATURES OF THIS UNIT> (you will probably fry your brain anyways)

I am using a 84' Jackson soloist and a Gibson ES-335 thru a Peavey UltraPlus Triple Channel Tube Head into dual Ampeg stereo 4x12 cabs. I have found that you definitely get a noiseless signal thru the balanced outputs into my mixer, so it is fantastic during studio burns. I set this up in a stereo setting with an Dual Rectifier Mesa Head with outstanding results! Damn near took off everybody's head! I really have not been impressed with the so called "Artist" settings, they are too bloody mushy and squishy with unexpected results during over dubbs.( You must absolutely know that the recording will bring out several overtones not detected during live burns, and over dubbs can be quite surprising! What sounded like a perfect take live can sound over-processed and muddy in the first overdubb.)I play a lot of Rush and Metallica so i really only use 10 or so patches for each. Best to start with a preset and tweak from there if you are just starting. I have a RP-400 that sounds awesome too, only there is just something about the "tube" settings that I prefer over the RP400. I already have algorithms that sound way better than the RP400's, but Alas,the usb connect plus the RP400's included software shine, and is overall a better bargain.(nothing like having your P4 laptop and the RP400 with your favorite guitar showing off at parties Wailing Away without having to lug around a big rigg)

Well this is my only vice, once playing at a party last week during a really heavy jam, it started making this AWFUL screeching howling noise that damn near gave the whole band a heart attack! We all stopped for a second, then started howling like wolves! My buddie quickly turned the unit off then back on,I started playing a blistering lead, everybody howled and laughed and thought it was part of the act. I tell you I will never play in public with this unit. I was totally shocked(so was my best friend who was playing too)that this could wack out like that. We've cranked it up at practice, tried everything to get it to happen again with no success(guess thats good) but will stick to live performances with the RP400. I can only give this a 5 because on live play it is no good play(miss the sounds)

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For a $340 dollar processor (I got the control one midi controller too)you can't lose. Even after all these years, you can still get the most awesome sounds you ever wanted. It takes a bit of learning, but the work is worth it! I just LOve this thing!