DigiTech RDS-1000 Time Machine

Very easy to dial in any delay or modulated sound you can think of. Since the unit doesn't use any presets or programmable parameters, you are limited to remembering the settings for various things like chorus or echoes- but isn't that what part of the fuss is about with old analog gear too?

Although the unit is only rated out to 10khz or so, you wouldn't know it if the unit is used in a guitar or bass rig (as mine is). I have two specific settings that I like to use for "normal" sounds- one is a chorus and the other a light flange effect. The echoes (repeats) are great. They sound VERY analog-like and the modulated effects (read: chorus, phase, flange) have a very high quality sound to them, IMHO. My favorite chorus sound actually approaches something like TC or eventide in its shimmering quality!

Of course, you can tweek until you can't stand it with this delay.

I used to own an RDS-2000 many years ago, but ended up for some stupid reason selling it. I found the 1000 on Ebay a week ago, won the auction, and got the unit for a steal! The unit,through many years (the date says 1991 on it!), and a cross country shipment has survived the ordeal of time. Hell, even the front panel looks NOS!!! I remember my old 2000 used to get the crap beat out ofit in studio and stage, but it survived. I have total faith in my 1000 lasting many years.

I have never dealt with DigiTech, other than to download a manual for this thing (its still available!!!). I'm pretty sure that by the time this unit dies, DigiTech will probably re-issue it just liek everyone else does with good gear!!!

My band (www.silmica.com) mostly records and plays live infrequently. I have recorded with my bass guitars directly into the 1000 and then into the board- the only other effect being a Boss OC-2 and a DBX compressor before the delay. I even feel nostalgic hearing the old recordings, which is why I searched out one- I missed that effect!
If the unit were stolen, I'd be heartbroken! I'd hunt high and low for ANY of the RDS series delays. They, like many vintage amps, effects, guitars, etc, have a certain magic to them that I consider irreplaceable...

I've owned this thing for about 3 years now, and it has spent that time on stage getting knocked around, on the floor of my practice room getting knocked around, on the floor of recording sessions getting knocked around. Through all that, it still works beautifully. It took me a while to learn (no manual/short attention span), but once mastered its a breeze.

I have run everything into it at one time or another: piano, guitar, bass, microphones, electric saxophones, drum machines, other samplers, tape machines etc, and it has always sounded like I wanted it to. When I want it to be noisy, its noisy and vice versa. It can get some Johnny Greenwood/Radiohead layering going on, and some Edge slapback too.

I've completely beaten the hell out of this thing (as well as the dj I bought it from), and it still works the same. It pairs well with my SG, which also withstands a similar torment.

Its never broken down, but if it did i'd take it to Guitar Maniacs in Tacoma, WA.

This unit is SO EASY to use I got it and in just a few seconds had it going and doind it's thing.

Sound quality is good. I have it in my effects loop and runs with almost no noise and at bypas it makes no noise at all. The delay loop is 1.5 seconds and you can tweek with it over all I am happy with the sound.

I have no backup don't need one what else can I say.

never dealt with them

Over all this is a $100.00 delay unit keep that in mind you do get what you pay for so if you want a delay that will do everything do not get this one. But if all you want is a basic unit that will take a ass kickin and get the job done ( like I did ) this unit is great.