Each parameter is given an abbreviation on the programming LCD for instance 'dL' for Delay Level. When creating your own effects, having chosen an Effects Chain, you can then change the parameters of each separate effect.

The effects are combined in a selection of thirteen Effects Chains, some of which are simple, such as Reverb/Amp Voicing (simply the selection of Left, Right or Both output channels) while some are more complex, such as Low-Pass Filter/Delay/Reverb/Chorus/Voicing. Flipping through the presets with the foot controller or front-panel UP/DOWN buttons, you'll see that the matrix of nine labelled LEDs shows which effects are in use in the current program. These include short delay, long delay, distortion, reverb, flanging, EQ and so on. Each preset can use up to nine different types of effect simultaneously. The current program is displayed on a two-character LED on the left of the front panel, while the LED on the right displays parameters and values which allow you to edit the preset programs as you desire. The GSP-5 has 99 programmable non-volatile effects memories. MIDI IN and OUT/THRU sockets are also in evidence and rotary Input/Output level knobs and signal/clipping LEDs are on the front. There are two sockets on the back - and many of the preset programs make use of impressive stereo panning effects. There's a single mono audio input on the back, which is duplicated on the front. As we'll see, it's also possible to make more creative use of foot control via MIDI. The three buttons on this box allow you to bypass the effects unit (temporarily disable the effect) or to change program memory up or down. It comes supplied with a three-button footpedal unit which is connected to the back using a cable provided. The GSP-5 is a 1U high 19' rack-mounting unit, but it has little rubber feet so you can also use it in a freestanding mode. The UK distributor, John Hornby Skewes, is aiming it at the sort of guitarist who might be willing to pay around the same amount of money for a guitar, such as their latest Charvel (the three-pickup ВЈ375 Deluxe) shown in the photos.

But it also allows the guitarist to 'interface' with hi-tech computer and keyboard systems using its MIDI facilities.Д¬ompared to competitive units such as the Korg A-3 and Roland GS-6, the DigiTech GSP-5 is reasonably priced at ВЈ549. Rather than forcing guitarists to rely on a pile of little battery-powered boxes for their effects, the GSP-5 aims to provide a complete 'signal-processing' system in one unit. The DigiTech GSP-5 is a combined pre-amp and programmable effects unit which lets guitarists make the most of MIDI without adventuring into the sometimes baffling world of synths and samplers. But these instruments tend to be expensive, and most guitarists are happy to stick with their conventional electric guitars, and enhance their sounds with effects units. The most familiar application of MIDI for guitarists is in 'guitar synths', which use guitar-like controllers such as the Yamaha GS-10 to play synthesiser sounds. Drummers, wind-instrument players and sound engineers all now use MIDI, and, of course, so do guitarists. One of the most attractive aspects of MIDI is that though it was designed to allow keyboards and computers to communicate with each other, it can also be applied to many other forms of music-making.

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