I just saw this Audio Fanzine article on the upcoming Digitech RP360 and RP360XP. Here are a few first impressions.

First, the number of amp, cab, and FX models is exactly the same as it is for the current RP355. It’s possible that they are in fact the same; we don’t know yet if this device uses something different than the AudioDNA2 chip that powers the RP150/155/250/255/350/355/500/1000. UPDATE 9 December 2013: Digitech tech support has confirmed that the RP360/360XP is based on the AudioDNA2 chip.

Digitech RP360

What’s obviously different is the user interface. The rows of lights and dials that have been common to RPs since the first days of the RP100/200/300 have been replaced with an LED display that’s more like the Zoom G3, where you see a horizontal row of FX devices in the order that you’ve chained them, and can turn each on or off as you choose. (UPDATE 12 December 2013: unlike the Zoom G3, you won’t be able to chain multiple modulation FX–pitch shift, chorus, flange, etc.–in a single patch, but you will be able to put your FX in any order you like, which is a welcome change from the fixed FX order of the RP355.) There are three rotary dials, which means they are probably multi-functional, but since there are only three it should be manageable. The fact that there are fewer rotary encoders than there are on the RP255 and up means that there’s also less real-time control from the front panel, but I wonder whether many RP users actually use all the real-time control that they’ve got.

Another difference is that the XLR outs from the RP355 have been dropped–it’s 1/4″ I/O all the way, mono or stereo. I suppose most RP355 users never used the XLR outs, especially since the implementation was so odd–no mono XLR out? I doubt most RP355 users upgrading to the RP360 will care. I won’t.

The RP360 uses metal footswitches instead of the plastic footpads that are another RP tradition. This is clearly a change for the better, and will allow for much more precise control over patches in performance. However, Digitech still uses the two-button-at-a-time approach to start or stop certain functions, one of which appears to be the looper. We’ll have to see how that works. Ideally you just use the two switches to put the device in looper mode, not to actually start the looper. If you have to hit two buttons at once to get a loop started, that’s very, very, bad. Precise timing matters with a looper; it will not be easy to hit two buttons together at precisely the right time.

Digitech is also following Zoom’s lead in offering this device with and without a footpedal controller. I would never recommend to anyone that they buy an amp modeler without a footpedal, unless it’s a backup, but if that’s what you want to do, you can. Did I mention that I would never recommend that? A footpedal controller adds a lot of expressive power to one of these devices. Don’t get a device without a footpedal if you can avoid it.

Digitech is apparently releasing new software called Nexus to support the RP360. Nexus is the name used for the app that controls their iPad-based multiFX unit, the iPB-10, so perhaps the RP360’s computer support will resemble that app.

That’s all we know for now; stay tuned for more info as it becomes available. Note also that the current generation of Digitech devices are really great-sounding devices, especially when they’re equipped with our patch set for Digitech RP, and that’s not going to change because of the RP360 etc. (UPDATE 9 December 2013: given that the RP360/360XP runs the AudioDNA2 chip, just like the other RPs, it’s very likely that it will sound very much the same.) It’s likely that big deals will be available soon on remaining Digitech RP155/255/355 inventory, so if you’re thinking about buying, wait a little while.

You can also check out an interesting discussion of the RP360 at TheStompBox.net if you’re so inclined.