NPD: Digitech iStomp

[SkyhighRocks]

Digitech was kind enough to send me their new iStomp pedal and I received it late yesterday. For those unfamiliar with it, it's basically a do it all type pedal...meaning, if you have an iphone or ipad, you can download different effects into the pedal. For example, need a delay for a show? Download it and you're ready to go. Need an overdrive? Same thing. The Digitech app store has a good number of choices to choose from...od, reverbs, compressors, delays, chorus, etc....they range in price from .99 to 9.99

I've only gotten to mess with it for a few minutes at a time but it's pretty cool and sounds good. When I first heard of this pedal, I was a little underwhelmed. I didn't think I would have any use for something like this but once I decided to build a travel board, this pedal makes things MUCH easier than having to buy a few separate pedals. I think it'd be great for guys who are in more than 1 band and need a certain effect for the night or even for someone looking to grab a quick pedal to jam/rehearse.

One of the best features, and I wish all of the apps in Apple's app store did this, is that you can TRY the pedals before you commit to buying. It puts a 5 minute timer on and you can use it like you own it. I can't tell you how many apps I've bought for my iphone or ipad thinking it looked cool only to come find out that it really sucks big time and I can't get my money back. Props to Digitech for including this feature. They also send you a bunch of stickers to use on the pedal if you wish. This might be better for those that have a couple of iStomps. I may have to grab another to complete my board...I like the flexibility and the thing seems to be built like a tank as well.

I'll be doing a review on my site soon but what you read here is what will most likely end up in the review.

 

[daveg62]

Sounds cool and I was a bit underwhelmed also when looking at the videos of this. I really don't have much interest in this type of thing but maybe in the future and looking forward to your reviews.
If digitech was smart I think they should spend thier time working on the next generation of a gsp1101/control2 system. That would be what I would like to see and I'd buy one in a heartbeat! But probably will never happen.

 

[Gainzilla]

I think that its a great idea. Not for everyone for sure but I can definitely see it being a great tool for alot of players...

 

[The Hoff]

From what I understand from my reading of the general description, you can't change what pedal you are using on the fly (for a live type situation). Would be pretty cool if you could. But I guess that's kind of what Line 6's M9 and M13 offer.

Very cool, seems like a really good idea, and I like the direction this is all headed in but I don't think this will be for everyone. I'm excited to hear your demos though, I always enjoy them!

 

[SkyhighRocks]

It's definitely not for everyone. I know there are guys complaining that it doesn't make sense to spend $150 on one pedal and only be able to use one effect at a time, which is a valid point. To me, this pedal is the perfect board finisher....you know when you have 1 spot left on your board but you need a variety of effects that you need to swap out for certain gigs? This will do the job.

I did upload a video to youtube yesterday but for some reason it's not searchable.

 

[Shask]

It's definitely not for everyone. I know there are guys complaining that it doesn't make sense to spend $150 on one pedal and only be able to use one effect at a time, which is a valid point. To me, this pedal is the perfect board finisher....you know when you have 1 spot left on your board but you need a variety of effects that you need to swap out for certain gigs? This will do the job.

I don't think that is really a problem. I think the big problems are that 1.) It requires Apple crap to work. Why not a PC program also? and 2.) It costs so much to add effects. A Line 6 M5 is the same exact thing, almost the same price, yet comes with 100+ effects. I think it would be better to come with 50 or so standard effects, and then you pay if you want special or specific effects...

I like the idea of this pedal, but I don't like the implementation. I think the Line 6 M5 did a much better job at this idea...

 

[SkyhighRocks]

I hear ya on that stuff. I think this is the first in line of will most likely be a huge array of gear that uses iOS/android. I'm curious to see what comes down the pipeline in the future. I think they're leaning towards apple because the majority of people use apple products nowadays. I'm seeing blackberrys bite the dust left and right around me, the android phones feel and look like toys in my opinion....and I'm a guy that hates macs! I use my iphone and ipad daily for lots of things...actually hourly, so it's really directed at guys like me.

This is also half the size width-wise than an M5...so for guys that need every inch on their board, this is an option.

 

[Shask]

I agree that I think this is the beginning of the end for traditional guitar setups in favor of small digital units. I think we will see a huge shift over the next 5-10 years. People have said that for years, but I feel like the younger generations are far more in favor of convenience over quality than ever before in history. I am thinking about going 100% modeling myself because my HD500 is just about as good as my tube amps.

I am an Android user But, I am the type that mainly uses it when I am not around my PC or Laptop. I find it annoying to use it seriously as a computer.