DigiTech iPB-10 Programmable Guitar Multi Effects Pedalboard with iPad Integration  (Used)

Comments about DigiTech iPB-10 Programmable Guitar Multi Effects Pedalboard with iPad Integration:

I finally found a bag that will somewhat fit this item. Dimensions vary depending on which website you visit. SKB has an affordable one only available at their site (1SKB-SC2111), and states the Digitech RP1000 will fit (same dimensions as the iPB-10), but even it's a poor match. Therefore, what I did was remove the core insert (screws), peel off the carpet (glue), and cut the foam down for an exact fit. Put the carpet back on, and re-inserted it. Still snug, but a little effort and it goes in, and well protected. iPad will fit in the front pocket. In addition, CableJive.com has a 30-pin 6-foot extension cable for the iPad. What I have is the third generation (iPad 3), so these issues are not related to what others had with the iPad 1.

The following is a follow-up review after having owned the Digitech iPB-10 since July 2012.

A) Biggest complaint that will probably kill the device: Digitech (iPB-Nexus) has been unable to keep up with the iOS updates on the iPad. Apple pushed iOS 6 updates December 2012, and the iPB-Nexus app would not synchronize with the hardware at all. They scurried to get an update out while everyone was down, and wondering what happened. Everyone on the forums was screaming for support. They did provide a fix finally, but it crashes frequently (at startup), sometime doesn't synchronize, stops responding (to preset changes and effects on/off), NOW has a huge delay while switching presets (3-4 seconds vice immediately), keyboard disappears randomly (to rename presets), and unless you have a bluetooth keyboard you have to reboot the iPad to get it back. Now Apple has updated again to iOS 6.2 (February 2013), so a new wave of issues has probably arisen. I've uninstalled app, rebooted iPad, re-installed app, and done a hard-reset on the iPB-10 probably five times in the seven months I've had it. It's worse than trying to get drivers to work in Windows 95.

From what I have read on the forums, there is only one man working on the app. He gets the code from Apple stating what changes they will make to the iOS, and app developers are supposed to study it to see if their apps will be affected by the update. If so, be ready to push updates to the app just after the iOS update comes out. However, apparently he's too busy working on other Digitech projects to care until a mob is banging down his door. I would expect them to drop support for this device soon, which is probably why Musician's Friend is now offering incentive packages to sell their remaining stock.

B) Four-Cable Method works when you can get it to work. You have to plug it up in a specific sequence to allow the device to realize what you are doing. I did the inputs/outputs first, then effects loop second, and the device just hummed. You have to follow the 1-2-3-4 sequence as stated in the manual.

Compressors: seem to kill your tone (clean or distortion).
Distortions: you will probably only use the Tube Screamer. All others just sound like modified fuzzes. Even the DOD/Digitech distortions are off.
Modulations: good quality.
Delays: good quality.
Reverbs: excellent quality.

I primarily use the device using the four-cable method for "effects only" into my Krank Rev Pro Jr. I do not use the amps/cabinets included. You can set it up using a two-cable method where your output goes into the effects return only (bypassing your preamp stage) using your power amp stage only. This way you can utilize the onboard amps/cabinets, but they all sound too digital compared to its real counterpart. In addition, you cannot choose an amp without a cabinet. By default, it gives you the amp's matched cabinet, but you can change it. The amps sound like someone really sat down and tried to get them as close as possible to the real amp. But in no way are they as close as impulse responses (IR's) are though. If that is your thing, go with Kemper or Axe-FX II. The cabinets sound like someone just mic'd a cabinet and put extreme equalization tweaks on the same capture to create new cabinets.

C) I was glad to see that they added a tap-tempo, but it is difficult to enable, set, and then disable while in the middle of a song. You have to hold down the delay switch for two seconds, wait for it to enable, adjust tap-tempo, and then hold down the delay switch again for two seconds to get back to on/off function. Anything short of exact procedures will mess up the bpm. I would have liked to have see them re-route the external effects loop on/off switch as a dedicated (always-enabled) tap-tempo. I do not see why you would need external effects anyway. This thing is supposed to replace your pedals. I've never seen anyone put a multi-effects unit in their pedalboard's signal path.

D) I do not like the touch-sensitive expression pedal switch. It is not a hard switch like on a real wah pedal. I know you can adjust the sensitivity, but it seems to re-calibrate itself. I get to rockin' with wah on, and get a little too crazy with it, and I soon hear volume swells instead of wah, because when wah is off it's a volume pedal by default (or whatever you assign it to be).

E) This thing is noisy if the noise gate is off, and you'll most likely find every preset has the noise gate on full. That's great, but the sensitivity is useless. Roll off your guitar volume from crunch to get a gritty sound, and the noise gate starts clipping your sound (and that's with active humbuckers).

F) Hooking this up to my DAW is simple, but the device will slowly start to add more and more latency until you shut it down and reboot the iPad, re-launch app, and try again, but you can definitely get one or two tracks down before that starts happening. I've tried shutting everything down on the iPad that is not used (Push Notifications, Wireless, Cellular, Bluetooth, etc) to free up some resources, but that did nothing to improve the latency.

G) The XLR connections on the back are oversized. Someone said I had cheap XLR cables, and to try a better brand. So I took the item to Guitar Center with me and tried out all the cables. Nothing seems to provide a tight fit except to wrap a rubber gasket around the female tip to make it a firm fit. When they're loose like they are, the connections are weak and cause signal loss. I also tested the cables in my microphones, and they're not loose, so the XLR outputs on the device are too big.

H) Last thing, all the preset's master output is set to 50%. There should be a global way to change the volume output without having to go into each preset, raise the output volume, and save preset. The output volume knob on the back is 100%, so don't think I don't know about that.

That's about all I can think of right now, which is not good if you go back and look at the expectations this device and it's support team promised. This is generic emulation, much like Digitech's history with multi-effects processors. I'm sure everyone that doesn't have an iPad would like to have this. But those of us that do have one are sorry we shelled out another five hundred pesos to Digitech. I should have learned my lesson back in the day of the GSP 21 Pro (first multi-effects device that included a non-midi foot controller).

Comments about DigiTech iPB-10 Programmable Guitar Multi Effects Pedalboard with iPad Integration:

I own this. Per the prior reviews, it's an amazingly versatile unit. But the lack of a carry case is a serious omission. This is heavy equipment, and no matter how robust its construction it needs a protective case to be gigged with. I'm having a very hard time finding a case to fit - pedalboard cases too small, keyboard cases too large. If anyone has a solution, please post it here. And as one prior reviewer notes, the spec sheet is wrong which doesn't help.

Comments about DigiTech iPB-10 Programmable Guitar Multi Effects Pedalboard with iPad Integration:

Pros: Contains useable, when adjusted tones that can be used in different settings (Gigs).

Cons: Needs suitable carrying case - I use a Road Runner hardshell case.

Comments:
1) Actual size is 3-⅛ inch X 9-½ inch X 15-½ inch (11mm X 32.5mm X 52.5mm)

2) Works really well with 4CM system. (Four cable method)

3) Can use with 30 pin cable extension

4) Needs better Digitech support and system upgrades.

5) Needs better means to import settings from other users.

6) Needs a user forum for exchanging settings.

I use this with a smaller 15 watt Egnater Tweaker head/cabinet amp for in-house setting up of different tone (e.g., amp cabinet, & pedal) settings, and a Marshall DSL40C amp for barroom gigs. (Guitars are Stratocasters and Les Pauls)

Set-up uses 4CM method as well as pedal send/return to a Voodoo Lab GCX / Ground Control Pro - with 7 pedals loaded.

Retired my Eleven Rack and may soon retire the Voodoo Lab gear as well...

Also output is feed in to the PA system so that the sound girl can mix with the rest of the band.

Music ranges from 60, 70, early 80 rock, early metal, blues, jazz, and current hits.

I have already recommended it to friends who have also purchased it.

Comments about DigiTech iPB-10 Programmable Guitar Multi Effects Pedalboard with iPad Integration:

I own the Boss GT6 for the last 8 years and it serves me well. I decided to upgrade to the iPB10 well i heard the Demos online. I totally recommend this device. Digging deep into the software and understanding the limitations of each stomp box will allow you to create great sounding tones. I use this pedal on Bass, Acoustic Guitar and Electric Guitar; all sounding amazing. Thanks Digitech. I recommend this one, Get it!

Comments about DigiTech iPB-10 Programmable Guitar Multi Effects Pedalboard with iPad Integration:

When searching for a protective case/bag I could not find one to match the dimensions. Gator cases has a few that are close, but a tad too small. The IPB-10 has a unique shape and they should have included it for the price of this thing. Overall, it's a great unit minus the no tap tempo. I would guess they'll try to add it on the next unit or maybe put out a new firmware.

Comments about DigiTech iPB-10 Programmable Guitar Multi Effects Pedalboard with iPad Integration:

Overall, it's a great product. I've been waiting for something like this to come out and when I saw the demo for it I knew I had to have it. The flexibility of a multieffects processor with the simplicity of an iPad.
Tons of features with this thing. I love the iPad as an interface with the board, the touch screen makes it so much more simple to manipulate. I've had programmable boards in the past and they took much more time to navigate. The pedals are very realistic, I've owned some of the ones that are represented and they sound and tweak out exactly the same as the real thing. The amp models are impressive and the quality of achievable sounds rivals the line 6 pod.
This thing is built solid. Only one complaint, I wish the iPad connector had an extension so that u could put it on a stand while programming.
This is an awesome product and worth the investment, however I do think it's slightly overpriced compared to its competitors. And you throw in the iPad u got quite a chunk of change.

Comments about DigiTech iPB-10 Programmable Guitar Multi Effects Pedalboard with iPad Integration:

Love it! this IS the future. All the benefits of a multi-pedel without giving up the ability to see your pedels at a glance and tweek on the fly.

Couple of things that are not real clear;
1. Amp & Stomp buttons are only used with externaly looped stuff. These buttons do not disengage modeled stomps or amps.

2. The Spec sheet is WRONG! The unit is Not 10.75 inches deep. (it's more like 13") SKB-SC2311 will not work! I have an SC2316 on the way.
TUNE IS accessable by foot. (You reviewers Really need to pay attention)
Just press and hold the current preset and the tuner comes on. Pretty logical.

Had it now for a few weeks. Impressed with sound quality. Interface is what we've all been waiting for.
Very well built. I think I'd prefer quiet buttons (like Line6), these have a pretty loud click but I can get used to it.
More pedals than you would ever buy!
I Look forward to a 'tap tempo' update. (giving an alt purpose for one of the later mentioned buttons)

Comments about DigiTech iPB-10 Programmable Guitar Multi Effects Pedalboard with iPad Integration:

Overall great product and utililzation of the ipad's interface. First things first, NOTHING can subsitute the feel of a real tube amp as opposed to amp sims, or any other digital recreation. I haven't tried an AxeFX, so, hence my basis for this review. As for a gigging musician that plays covers, this product will offer you tons of tones, plug in direct to the PA with the XLR outs, great sounds! If you need to monitor yourself, plug in another tube amp in addition to going direct through the PA! This unit is very flexible with connectivity options for a gigging musician, go direct, go with an amp, do both, use a pedal board in front of the amp, 4 cable method, all is in there!! CAVEAT...application crashes often when using iPad1!!! When used with iPad2, STABLE, STABLE, STABLE, in gigging situations cycling through all your programmed tones, mashing on all the footswitches swiftly, just like a true pedal board. Read in some forums that there is a delay switching between presets, folks have even recorded this delay, and it comes out to only MILLISECONDS! Will the audience really notice that??? Heck, my mesa MKV has more of a delay switching between channels compared to the IPB-10. Would've given it max ratings in all aspects except for the crashes, and....no TAP TEMPO...yet! Although rumor has it that Digitech is "working" on an update to the application.
Great user interface on this unit, drag and drop, sort out order of effects including where the effects sit in the amp loop, plus an additional stomp pedal. As for gigs, i used a mxr dyna comp for boost on solos with levels adjusted to taste, and sensitivity on low (zero), stompbox placed all the way to the end of the entire effects chain. By doing this, the expression pedal is now available for any parameters you assign, i use it mostly on wah's and whammy set for dive bomb, i can actually use my hardtails now for the cover (rendition) songs that my band plays. Gave the rating an 8, will point out why so on the overall comments.
Build quality is fantastic. We all need to take care of our gear as musicians, nothing is indesctructible. Considering the purpose of this unit, very good construction, good positive tactile feel on the footswitches, good sweep on the expression pedal, although the switch on the expression pedal to activate the wah might be a little too sensitive for me.
Value would be very subjective upon the buyer, if you already own an iPad2, it's a great addition to your gear. If you don't own iPad2, well, it will get very expensive!!

Comments about DigiTech iPB-10 Programmable Guitar Multi Effects Pedalboard with iPad Integration:

Sure, the interface is as cool as it looks. The selection of amps, cabs and effects are above average and their sounds are great. The tweakability factor is high and the visual feedback during edits makes it easy to remember which device you wanted to srlect. But who operates a computer on the floor? I'm not that talented with my toes. I had hoped an extension cord would let me remove he iPad and mount it on a stand but that doesn't work. So I edit it from a stand I built but the wah just ain't the same when operated by hand. If Digitech came out with a functional 30 pin extension and made the tuner accessible via footswitch, then they'd have it.

Comments about DigiTech iPB-10 Programmable Guitar Multi Effects Pedalboard with iPad Integration:

You have to try it. It's the next gen muti effects pedal.
This pedal is a life saver for me. I am a pedal nut and I own at least 40 pedals. I love my ipb-10 because it feels just like I'm putting together a pedal board but I'm never tied down to just the pedals I have on hand. I can set up any number of pedalboard setups and pull them up instantly, and edit them with the simplicity of having the actual pedal in front of me. It's like having an unlimited number of pedalboards without having to learn the new language of editing and scrolling through menus. Plus, I can integrate any and all of my pedals into the built in stomp loop! So freaking cool! You have got to get one of these!!!
Built like a tank. All metal housing and vacuum swithes. Totally road worthy.
Unlimited pedal and amp setups with the ease of use that you'd have if you were using an actual pedal board.