Differences in GSP-2101 Hardware Versions
Single S-Disc Digital Section (with upgrade capacity to accommodate an optional second S-Disc, the PPC-210)
Software Versons LESS THAN 2.05.05. (If you have a standard model 2101, but have upgraded to the Artist software, version 2.05.05 and greater, then you have the equivalence of an Artist 2101, although the front of your 2101 will not have "Artist" stamped on it).
Optional FC-1 Foot Controller available.
Note that very early models had a slightly different XLR circuit design with implications for phantom power systems. Consult Digitech if you have had difficulties with you 2101's XLRs when used in phantom power configurations.
Additional Note: Original 2101s that shipped with version 1.xx.xx software had Central processors that ran at 10MHz. Then Digitech released the 2101LE which included the 2.xx.xx software and a clock doubled CPU in addition to many other features (see below for more details). However, Digitech also included this 20MHz CPU with all 2101 Standard models that shipped with 2.xx.xx or greater software. To determine if your 2101 has a clock-doubled CPU, check its software version number at start-up. If it has an "a" after the number (e.g., 2.01.01a), you are clock doubled! For more info about the effects of this clock doubling, see the 2101LE section below.
Preinstalled 2nd S-Disc (PPC-210)
Optional FC-1 available
Special Front Panel Colors (Purple, Silver, Gold, Blue, Red)
Additionally, the control processors have been increased (clock doubled) from 10MHz to 20MHz to improve their responsiveness in controlling the 2101. This does NOT increase the 2101LEs allowable algorithm size either in CPU or RAM blocks. The speed increase is associated with program changes, expression controller responsiveness, speed of response to user commands (operating system response), speed of bootup, refresh rate of the display, algorithm compilation, etc.
Units shipped with software versions 2.00.00 and greater, but less than 2.05.05.
Single S-Disc Digital Section (with upgrade capacity to accommodate an optional second S-Disc, the PPC-210)
Units shipped with software versions 2.05.05 and greater. All Artist model 2101s that shipped with software versions less than 3.00.00 (i.e., between 2.05.05 and 3.00.00) will be upgraded to 3.00.00 by Digitech at no cost for a limited time. Consult Digitech for details.
Optional FC-1 available.
- OR -
2. Switch Seamlessly between single S-Disc programs. This allows your "Metallica Crunch" program to fade out according to your preprogrammed ramp times while the 2101 is loading up your "Clean Delay" algorithm(because you punched it up on your FC-1). The small amount of time it takes the 2101 to load the second program is covered up with the sound of your previous program fading out, rather than a sharp drop in sound. Furthermore, by allowing slow fade and hold times, you can actually blend the two sounds together for a few seconds to make the transition smoother. However, note that as soon as the switch is made, your input is no longer sent to the first program; the sound from that program is merely whatever sound was still stored in its delay & reverb buffers.
Note: you cannot switch seamlessly from or to a Dual-S-Disc program, because they require both S-Discs to operate. However, you can have Dual S-Disc programs, and still use seamless switching for other (single S-disc) programs. In other words, you don't have to choose between Seamless Switching or Dual S-Disc Programs for your entire unit; just for your individual programs. Just realize that there will be a small gap when switching to or from Dual S-Disc programs.
Guitar Center has reportedly had PPC-210's with ver 3.00.00 firmware available and are parting with them for $200 US. Musician's Freind has reportedly had some in stock but still has some older PPC-210s with the old EPROMs, so MAKE SURE!! (date: Oct 4, 1996)
UPDATE: According to Chris Townsend (a GSP-2101 user) the PPC-210 pricing as of January 28 1997 is as follows: "So, far the best advertised price I have seen is $230, so I did some calling around and Lentines (1-800-822-6752) has them for $185, and the Woodwind and the Brasswind (aka Rock'n Rhythm) (1-800-348-5003) has them for $189."
Additionally, this upgrade adds a tuner in addition to the tone generator function provided in previous versions. Some bug fixes were noted, in addition to the increased speed of program changes as compared with prior versions. Also, the MIDI Continuous Controller implementation has been enhanced allowing a single footswitch to control a large number of effects simultaneously.
Finally, the 2.00.01 firmware addresses some additional problems, not solved with the 2.00.00 firmware:
Improved tuner with dropped tunings!
NEW Smooth Whammy w/polyphonic shifting!
Improved Chromatic Pitch Shifter User configurable algorithms!
Extensive preamp featuring two 12AX7 tubes and 3 solid state distortions!
Upgradable with a PPC-210 expander for seamless program changes!
NEW programmable speaker simulation!
Improved C-1 Programing interface (using links)!
Added MIDI command to help facilitate programming an editor.librarian!
Added Utility feature to alter the Program/Bank/Tuner and Bypass footswitches on the C-1. In this revision, they may be changed to Bank Up and Bank Down (very cool in my opinion)!
This software version is essentially equivalent to 2.05.05 and 2.06.06, but has, presumably, some bug fixes, or other changes to improve the software compared to those two earlier versions. Also, Intelligent Pitch Shifting was added that did not exist in pre-3.00.00 versions.
This software version sells for about $89 US typically. It consistsof 2 EPROMs. Consult your local Digitech distributer (or Musician's Friend is reputed to have them available).
With version 3.00.00 (and, of course 2.05.05) some of the previous patches were axed to make room for the artist patches and to facilitate a few new patches showing off the new modules. A partial list of the 2.xx.xx patches that were cut follows:
There has been some discussion of difficulty in obtaining the upgrade outside the US (e.g., Eastern Europe). Although, I am personally amazed that Digitech can even sell the 2101 in Eastern Europe considering the tight Federal Regulations concerning distribution of advanced technologies. After all, it wasn't that long ago when the Soviets were buying Texas Instruments' Speak & Spell's for the chips. But anyhow....back to the 2101.
Additional capabilities such as the programmability of each switch on the C-1 to provide a variety of functions (except the Bypass and Program/Bank/Tuner switches which are not reprogrammable UNLESS you have the 3.00.00 Artist firmware, which will allow you to program the two pedals as Bank Up/Down ONLY).
Can be reprogrammed as:
Program Up or Down
Bank Up or Down
Any CC number 0-127 (in turn, these can be linked to effects for real time switching between 2 distinct values, or free real time continuous control when either the internal pedal, external pedal, or any MIDI cc device is linked).
Displays the name of the effect toggled when a switch is connected to an effect.
Go to GSP-2101 FAQ Table of Contents
Written by Curtis LeMay Pastor,
[email protected] or [email protected]
Last revised as of Feb 3, 1997.