digi-tech BP50 User manual

User’s
Guide
MODELING
BASS
PROCESSOR

For your protection,please read the following:
Water and Moisture: Appliances should not be used near water
(e.g.near a bathtub,washbowl,kitchen sink,laundry tub,in a wet
basement,or near a swimming pool,etc.) Care should be taken so
that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure
through openings.
These symbols are internationally accepted symbols that warn of potential
hazards with electrical products. The lightning flash means that there are
dangerous voltages present within the unit. The exclamation point indicates
that it is necessary for the user to refer to the owner's manual.
These symbols warn that there are no user serviceable parts inside the unit.
Do not open the unit. Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all
servicing to qualified personnel. Opening the chassis for any reason will void
the manufacturer's warranty. Do not get the unit wet. If liquid is spilled on
the unit,shut it off immediately and take it to a dealer for service.
Disconnect the unit during storms to prevent damage.
Operation is subject to the following conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference
•This device must accept any interference received,including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
• Use only shielded interconnecting cables.
• Operation of this unit within significant electromagnetic fields should
be avoided
Electromagnetic Compatibility
Warning
Power Sources: The appliance should be connected to a power
supply only of the type described in the operating instruction or as
marked on the appliance.
Grounding or Polarization: Precautions should be taken so that
the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
Power Cord Protection: Power supply cords should be routed so
that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed
upon or against them,paying particular attention to cords at plugs,
convenience receptacles,and the point where they exit from the
appliance.
Servicing: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock,the user
should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in
the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to
qualified service personnel.
For units equipped with externally accessible fuse receptacles:
Replace fuse with same type and rating only.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Manufacturer’s Name: DigiTech
Manufacturer’s Address: 8760 South Sandy Parkway
Sandy,Utah 84070 USA
declares that the product:
Product name: BP50
Product option: all (requires Class II power adapter that conforms to the requirements of
EN60065,EN60742,or equivalent.)
conforms to the following Product Specifications:
Safety: EN 60065 (1998)
EMC: EN 55013 (1990)
EN 55020 (1991)
Supplementary Information:
The product herewith complies with the requirements of the LowVoltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC
Directive 89/336/EEC as amended by Directive 93/68/EEC.
Vice-President of Engineering
8760 S.Sandy Parkway
Sandy,Utah 84070,USA
Date:February 21, 2003
European Contact: Your local DigiTech Sales and Service Office or
Harman Music Group
8760 South Sandy Parkway
Sandy,Utah 84070 USA
Ph:[phone]
Fax:[phone]

Warranty
We at DigiTech are very proud of our products and back-up each one we sell with the following warranty:
1.The warranty registration card must be mailed within ten days after purchase date to validate this warranty.
2.Digitech warrants this product,when used solely within the U.S.,to be free from defects in materials and workmanship
under normal use and service.
3.Digitech liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing defective materials that show evidence of
defect,provided the product is returned to DigitechWITH RETURN AUTHORIZATION, where all parts and labor will
be covered up to a period of one year.A Return Authorization number may be obtained from Digitech by telephone.
The company shall not be liable for any consequential damage as a result of the product's use in any circuit or assembly.
4.Proof-of-purchase is considered to be the burden of the consumer.
5.Digitech reserves the right to make changes in design,or make additions to,or improvements upon this product
without incurring any obligation to install the same on products previously manufactured.
6.The consumer forfeits the benefits of this warranty if the product's main assembly is opened and tampered with by
anyone other than a certified Digitech technician or, if the product is used with AC voltages outside of the range
suggested by the manufacturer.
7.The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties,expressed or implied,and Digitech neither assumes nor authorizes any
person to assume any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this product.In no event shall Digitech or its
dealers be liable for special or consequential damages or from any delay in the performance of this warranty due to
causes beyond their control.
NOTE:The information contained in this manual is subject to change at any time without notification.Some information
contained in this manual may also be inaccurate due to undocumented changes in the product or operating system since this
version of the manual was completed.The information contained in this version of the owner's manual supersedes all
previous versions.

Introduction
Thanks to the continuous advances in musical technology, the BP50 offers you the flexibility,
power, and capability of producing sounds never before thought possible. We recommend that
you read through this User’s Guide with your BP50 in front of you to help you better
understand its features.
Included Items
Before you get started,please make sure that the following items have been included:
• BP50
•Warranty Card
The utmost care was taken while your BP50 was being manufactured.Everything should be
included and in perfect working order. If anything is missing,contact the factory at once. Please
help us become acquainted with you and your needs by completing your warranty card or
registering online at http://www.digitech.com.
1

The Front Panel
1. Footswitches -These 2 Footswitches are used to select presets,access theTuner, or bypass
the BP50. Press the Up Footswitch to increment,and the Down Footswitch
to decrement through the presets. Press both Footswitches simultaneously
to bypass the selected preset. Press and hold both Footswitches to access
theTuner.
1
2
4
5
6
7
3
2

2.Value Buttons -TheValue Buttons perform various functions depending on which mode is
selected. In Play mode, these buttons control the BP50’s Master Level. In
Edit mode, these buttons adjust the selected effect. These buttons also
change the Pattern,Tempo,and Level of the Drum machine when it is turned
on. When theTuner is on, these buttons select the tuning reference.
3. Effect/Edit Buttons - Pressing either of the Edit buttons enters Edit mode and selects the
individual effects to be edited.Press the left and right Edit buttons to
move through the effects. The effect LEDs light to identify which
effect you are editing
4. Drums -The Drums button is used to turn the BP50’s drum machine on and off . When the
Drums feature is on,the Drums LED lights and the selected drum pattern plays
continuously.
5. Effect LEDs -The Effect LEDs provide information regarding the current preset. In Edit
mode, the LEDs identify the effect selected for editing. InTuner mode, the
LEDs indicate whether the note played is sharp,flat, or in tune.
6. Display -The Display provides information for different functions depending on the selected
mode. In Play mode,the display shows the selected preset number. . In Edit mode,
the display shows the value of the parameter being adjusted. When theTuner is
selected,the display shows the note played.
7. Store -The Store button saves your custom changes to the user presets.
3

Rear Panel
1. Input - Connect your instrument to this jack.
2. Output -This is a stereoTRS jack.Connect from this jack to the input of a single amplifier
for mono applications,or use aTRS stereo“Y” cord to connect to the inputs of 2
amplifiers for stereo applications. This jack also can be used as a headphone jack.
Note: When using the BP50 direct into a mixer or recording device, or when using
it with headphones, you can enable the Global Cabinet Modeling feature to
emulate speaker simulation on each of the BP50’s presets. (See Page 20 for
more on Global Cabinet Modeling.)
3. Control In - Connect a passive volume pedal to this jack to controlVolume, Wah, and
Whammy™in the BP50.
4. Power Input - Connect only the optional DigiTech PS200R power supply to this jack.
1 2 3 4
4

Making Connections
There are several different connection options available when using the BP50. The following
diagrams show the connections for some of these options.
Before connecting the BP50,make sure that the power to your amplifier is turned off,and the
power to the BP50 is disconnected. There is not a power switch on the BP50. To turn the BP50
off,disconnect your instrument from the Input Jack (for battery power) or disconnect the
optional PS200R power supply from the Power Jack or theAC outlet.
Mono Operation
Connect your bass to the Input of the BP50.Connect a single mono instrument cable from
the Stereo Output of the BP50 to the instrument input on your amplifier.
BassAmp Input / Effect Return
Input
Output
5

Stereo Operation
For stereo operation connect the bass to the Input of the BP50. Connect aTRS stereo“Y”
cord or a pair of stereo headphones to the BP50’s Output. When using a“Y” cord,connect
one end of the“Y” cord to the input of one amplifier or channel of a mixer. Connect the
second end of the“Y” cord to a second amplifier, or second channel of a mixer. If
connecting to a mixing console, set the pan controls of the mixer hard left and right to
retain stereo separation. To emulate a bass cabinet sound when using the BP50 with a
mixer or headphones,you can use Global Cabinet Modeling (see page 20).
BassAmp Input / Effect Return
Headphones or
StereoTRS "Y" Cable
Connected to Output
Input
6

Applying Power
There are two options for powering the BP50:battery power,and the optional PS200R power
supply. Before applying power to anything,set your amp(s) to a clean tone and set the tone
controls to a flat EQ response (on most amps,this would be 0 or 5 on the tone controls).
Battery Power
The BP50 can be run for more than 15 hours on 6AA batteries.The battery compartment
is located on the bottom of the BP50. The following diagram shows how to install the
batteries.
Note: Pay close attention to the battery polarity when installing batteries as
polarity changes direction for each pair.
7

Connecting an instrument cable to the Input applies power to the BP50. Disconnecting
your instrument from the Input of the BP50 disconnects the battery power. Turn your
amplifier(s) on and adjust the volume(s) to a normal playing level. To prolong the battery
life, disconnect your instrument from the BP50’s Input when it is not in use .
AC Power
The BP50 can also be powered with the optional PS200R power supply. Connect the plug
of the PS200R power supply to the power jack on the rear panel of the BP50. Connect the
other end of the PS200R power supply to anAC outlet. Turn your amplifier(s) on and
adjust the volume(s)to a normal playing level.
About the BP50
The Presets
Presets are numbered locations of programmed sounds. Presets are recalled with the
Footswitches. The BP50 comes with 40 User Presets (Presets 1-40) and 40 Factory Presets
(Presets 41-80). The User Presets are locations where you can store presets. The Factory
Presets may not be saved over. From the factory,the 40 User Presets are exact duplicates
of the 40 Factory Presets.
Play Mode
When you first apply power to the BP50,it powers up in Play mode. The far left LED lights,
indicating you’re in Play mode. In Play mode, use the Up and Down Footswitches to access
the presets.
8

Tuner
TheTuner in the BP50 lets you quickly tune or check the tuning of your bass. Press and
hold both Footswitches simultaneously to access the tuner. A tu briefly displays indicating
that you are inTuner mode. To begin tuning,play a note on your bass (the neck pickup
usually works best). The display shows the note being played. The Effect LEDs indicate
whether the note is sharp or flat. The right 6 red LEDs indicate the note is sharp and
should be tuned down. The left 6 red LEDs indicate the note is flat and should be tuned up.
The center Green LED indicates the note is in tune. The output is muted inTuner mode.
InTuner Mode,you can change your tuning reference. The default factory setting isA=440
Hz.(displayed as 40). Press theValue Buttons to select alternate dropped tunings. Alternate
tunings areA =Ab (displayed as Ab),A = G (displayed as G),andA = Gb (displayed as Gb).
The display window briefly flashes the selected tuning preference. Exit tuner mode by
pressing either Footswitch. The tuning reference is retained when the unit is turned off.
a
The display shows the note played.
LEDs to the left
of the EQ LED
indicate the note is flat.
LEDs to the right
of the EQ LED
indicate the note is sharp.
When the EQ LED is lit,
9

Bypass
The BP50 presets can be bypassed for a clean,unprocessed bass tone. To bypass the BP50,
press both footswitches simultaneously. The display reads By indicating the preset is
bypassed. Press either footswitch to exit Bypass and return the the last selected preset.
Editing/Creating Presets
The BP50 lets you create your own presets,or fine tune existing presets to suit your needs.
When creating or editing a sound,you must start with a User or Factory Preset. It is not
possible to start with an empty preset. You can save your preset to any User Preset location
while storing the preset (see Storing a Preset pg 12).
To edit or create a Preset:
1.Press the FOOTSWITCHES to select a preset
2.Press the EDIT buttons in conjunction with the Effect LEDs to choose the effect you want
to edit.
3.Press the VALUE Buttons to change the parameter values.
10

The Effect LEDs
When editing a preset,the Effect LEDs are used to identify which effect is selected for editing.
The Edit buttons move you through the Effect modules. The LEDs light identifying which effect
group is selected. Each effect has multiple settings to select from. TheValue buttons are used to
change the value for the selected effect. As a button is pressed,the value or status is shown in
the display.
When the stored value of an effect is changed,the lower right decimal point in the display lights
indicating you need to store the changes. Changing presets,or turning the power off before
storing any changes will erase any changes made and revert to the stored values for the preset.
The EDIT/EFFECT buttons
select which effect to edit. TheVALUE/MASTERVOLUME buttons edit the selected
effect.
11

Storing/Copying a Preset
Once the preset has been modified,you may store your settings to one of the 40 User Preset
locations (Presets 1-40). The following steps outline how to store changes to a preset or copy a
preset to a different location:
1.Press the STORE button once. The current preset location flashes in the display.
2.Press the FOOTSWITCHES to select the User Preset location.
3 Press the STORE button again to save the changes.
1.Press the STORE button.
The display flashes.
3.Press the STORE button
again to save your
changes.
2. Use the footswitches to
select the preset location you
want to store your changes to.
12

Effect Definitions
The BP50 can be thought of as several different“virtual” amplifiers,and individual hi-tech effects.
Each effect within the BP50 can be programmed to suit your personal application. Understanding
how these effects alter the sound helps you achieve the sound you are looking for. The following
overview of the BP50’s effects outlines what each effect does.
Preset Level
Controls the individual level for each preset. Because this setting is individual to each
preset,you may adjust the volume when using louder or softer amp models.
Fretless/Wah
The fretless simulator creates a fretless bass sound when using a fretted bass. Wah is an
effect controlled by an expression pedal making the bass sound as if it’s saying “Wah.”
Fretless/WahType - TheValue buttons select the Fretless orWah type that is simulated.
Fretless
Wah Compressor Amp
Modeling Cabinet Modeling Noise Gate
Chorus / ModEQ Delay Reverb
13

The fretless effect has 30 types (10-39). The first digit shows the fretless type, the second
digit (0-9) recalls defaults with the following parameters:
Compressor
A Compressor is used to automatically limit the dynamic level of the bass signal. The
Compressor effect has 110 different settings (00-99;F0-F9). The first digit represents the
crossover frequency. Any signal below this frequency is compressed. The second digit (0-9)
increases the amount of compression.
(Example:a compressor setting of 62 would be a crossover frequency of 400 Hz with a
compression amount of 2.)
OF= off
0= 50Hz
1= 63Hz
2= 80Hz
3= 100Hz
4= 160Hz
5= 250Hz
6= 400Hz
7= 630Hz
8= 1kHz
9= 1.6kHz
F= Full Range
OF= off
1=Amt 19/ Attk 16
2=Amt 55/ Attk 16
3=Amt 99/ Attk 16
4=Amt 19/ Attk 55
5=Amt 55/ Attk 55
6=Amt 99/ Attk 55
7=Amt 99/ Attk 75
8=Amt 20/Attk 91
9=Amt 55/ Attk 91
0=Amt 99/ Attk 91
Cr – CryWah
BO – BoutiqueWah
FR – Full RangeWah
14

Amp/Stompbox Modeling
Modeling is a technology that reproduces the tones popular modern and vintage amps and
distortion stompoxes. Values 1-9 increase the amp or stompbox gain and level.
Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies and are in no way associated with DigiTech.
EQ
Equalization is used to shape the tonal response of your bass guitar signal. The EQ in the
BP50 is similar to the tone knobs on an amplifier. Values 1-4 cut the level of each band,5 is
flat (no cut or boost),and values 6-9 boost the level of each band.
Bass (b1- b9 ) -TheValue buttons adjust the amount of low end enhancement (Bass).
Mid (d1- d9)-TheValue buttons adjust the amount of mid range enhancement.
Treble (t1- t9)-TheValue buttons adjust the amount of high end enhancement (Treble).
Noise Gate
A Noise Gate is designed to eliminate noise while you are not playing. The AutoSwell
r1-r9 – based on anAmpeg SVT
a1-A9 – based on anAshdown Bass
Magnifier
b1-b9 – based on a Fender Bassman
S1-S9 – based on a Sunn 200S
O1-O9 – based on an SWR Interstellar
Overdrive
t1-t9 – based on aTrace-Elliot
Commando
H1-H9 – based on aAmpeg B15
Y1-Y9 – based on a Hiwatt Custom 50
C1-C9 – based on a Mesa/Boogie 400+
d1-d9 – based on an SWR Basic Black
F1-f9 – DigiFuzz Fuzz distortion
g1-g9 – based on a Guyatone OD-1
P1-P9 – based on a EH Big Muff Pi
L1-L9 – based on aVoodoo Labs
Sparkledrive
n1-n9 – based on a Boss DS-1
15

setting creates a volume pedal effect automatically with varying attack times. Different bass
guitars and pickups require different threshold settings. Choose a setting that fully mutes
the sound when you are not playing for the lowest setting.
Of.G1-G9 - Selects the Silencer™ Noise Gate. Settings 1-9 select the threshold. Of turns
the gate effect off.
s1-s9 - Selects theAuto Swell volume swell effect. Settings 1-9 select the attack time.
Chorus/Mod
The Chorus/Mod module is a multi-function module that lets you select the following
effects:Chorus, Flanger, Phaser,Vibrato, SynthTalk™,Octavider, Envelope, Detune, Pitch Shift,
andWhammy™ effects. When the Chorus/Mod module is selected, theValue buttons are
used to choose the type of effect. Only one of the effects in this row can be used at a time.
The following list describes each effect and their parameters in more detail.
Chorus (C1-C9)
A Chorus adds a short delay to your signal. The delayed signal is modulated in and out
of tune and then mixed back with the original signal to create a thicker sound, and
stereo image. Use theValue buttons to select one of the nine Chorus settings.
Flange (F1-f9)
A Flanger uses the same principle as a Chorus but uses a shorter delay time and adds
regeneration (or repeats) to the modulating delay. This results in an exaggerated up
and down sweeping motion to the effect. Use theValue buttons to select one of the
nine Flanger settings.
16