Are you currently wondering whether you should choose DigiTech RP500 or Boss ME 80? For the moment, the two products are available in a similar price range. Both are very popular multi-effects guitar pedals. While DigiTech RP500 is popular because of the large display screen and intuitiveness, Boss ME 80 offers such a comprehensive on-board access to all the functions and features. In the following article below, we are going to see deeper about the differences and comparisons between DigiTech RP500 and Boss ME 80. So, continue reading!
Design
In general, both DigiTech RP500 and Boss ME 80 are compact and portable. DigiTech RP500 is smaller but wider than Boss ME 80. Nevertheless, both should be easy to be brought along to practice places and gigs. We can see that the two products’ layouts are kind of different. DigiTech RP500 looks neater and more simplified, featuring five dedicated switches for compression, reverb, delay, distortion, and chorus/fx. There are two red backlit display screens that are placed in one line. It allows simple and neat operation. On the other hand, Zoom ME 80 comes with eight multifunction footswitches and a knob-based interface. The control knobs are great. They make it very easy and quick to access the effects, as well as making the settings more intuitive and precise. People generally favor Boss ME 80’s interface because of the more straightforward access, but you may have your own preference.
Features
Boss ME 80 comes with multiple effects types that are grouped into eight simultaneous categories: preamp, EQ/FX2, comp/FX1, OD/DS, mod, delay, reverb, and pedal FX. The delay section includes the Phrase Loop function, which allows for up to 38 seconds of recording. The memory allows for 36 preset patches and 36 user patches. Another cool feature of Boss ME 80 is that it can run on batteries as well as an AC adaptor.
On the other hand, DigiTech RP500 boasts 40 Tone and 40 Effects Libraries with over 125 built-in effects, including stompboxes, choruses, delays with up to 5 seconds of delay time. The amps and cabinets are especially of exceptional quality. There are also built-in chromatic tuner and phrase looper. However, the looper can only record up to 20 seconds. You can then change the tone of the recording and then overdub. It can save up to 100 factory and 100 user presets, but can’t run on batteries.
DigiTech RP500 Vs Boss ME 80
| DigiTech RP500 | Boss ME 80 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | DigiTech | BOSS Audio |
| Key features | - 20-Second Looper-Full time, play, loop, change tones then overdub - Effect switching system offers control over internal stompboxes and effects - Exclusive Pedalboard mode changes the RP500 into 5 individual stompboxes and effects - Amp/Cabinet Bypass defeats internal amp and cabinet effects in all presets - 40 Tone and 40 Effects Libraries 200 presets (100 factory, 100 user Over 125 effects including stompboxes, choruses, delays, amps and cabinets Up to 5 seconds of delay time | Compact and powerful floor multi-effects with a simple knob-based interfaceEight simultaneous effects categories, each with multiple effects typesDial up tones with the ease of using your favorite stompboxesIncludes a massive selection of top-quality effects, from classic BOSS stomps to the latest MDP effectsUpdated flagship-level COSM amps derived from the GT-100Eight multifunction footswitches and expression pedalManual mode for stomp box-style on/off; Memory mode for switching complete patch |
| Price | ||
| Customer Ratings* | 3.9 out of 5 stars | 4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Best Deal* | Save Money Please click here | Save Money Please click here |
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Decision
Both pedals are great; they just have different advantages. DigiTech RP500 is great for the rich effects and large memory. However, Boss ME 80 may be slightly better due to the easy-to-access knobs interface, versatile powering methods, and longer looper.