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Boss GT-8 Guitar Multi-Effects Pedal
200 stunning preset patches and 140 user patches; 44 effects categories, up to 13 simultaneous FX blocks. BOSS's most powerful floor-based processor!
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Description
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From Our Catalog
Double your power with BOSS's new GT-8 floor-based mega processor. Loaded with twin COSM modeling engines, it brings unprecedented performance and tonal control to the stage and studio. The Dual COSM amp section provides two discrete amp channels; you can layer and manipulate each engine independently to create wildly expressive sounds. Thanks to the Solo Switch function, lead sounds can be immediately activated -- perfect for ripping through the mix. BOSS's mega-popular GT-6 was a smash hit with guitarists, now the GT-8 is destined to become the go-to box for gigging and recording guitarists alike.
Features
BOSS's most powerful floor-based processor!
Dual COSM amp engine allows two different amp types to be assigned to the two channels
Amp channels can be switched, layered, or panned in real-time; dynamic mode allows channel switching by picking dynamics
200 stunning preset patches and 140 user patches; 44 effects categories, up to 13 simultaneous FX blocks
User configurable effect chain; any effect can be in any order in the signal path; independent external effects loop section for inserting external effects anywhere in the signal patch
Solo switch on the COSM amp section for instant lead tone
Amp Control jack for switching external guitar amp channels
24-bit converters and coaxial digital output for high-resolution recording applications
Dual COSM amps
The GT-8 boasts the latest top-quality COSM amp models with complete dual channel configuration. Explore new sonic dimensions by combining two amp models, or by switching between them during performance. Select a high-gain amp such as Metal Stack and set it for deadly distortion. Then add clarity to the raw power by using the Smooth Drive model on the other channel. Prepare to be impressed as you tap into the expressive Dynamic mode, where two channels can be controlled based on picking strength. Transition smoothly from clean to mean by simply picking harder or softer.
Solo switch
Step into the spotlight with the new Solo Switch feature. Each of the 46 COSM amp models contains a specially programmed variation that's optimized for soloing. Simply click the Solo switch to activate the lead tone, and off you go -- it's like having a separate solo channel on every COSM amp!
Extreme effects
Forty-four effects categories are built into the GT-8. Up to 13 effect blocks can be used simultaneously to create complex textures and routings. All of your FX bases are covered -- compressors, reverbs, choruses, EQs, COSM-modeled wahs, and much more. There are 200 preset patches built into the GT-8, plus 140 user patches for storing your custom amp/effects creations. As a special bonus, there's a selection of synth waves onboard, plus sitar and an acoustic processor. From subtle to sizzling, where will you take your tone?
Effects chain
Another area where the GT-8 stomps the competition is in its powerful effects routing. Internally, the 13 FX blocks can be configured in any order you desire (for example, you can freely assign an equalizer after a distortion effect or before it). And if you'd care to take your tone "outside the box" and incorporate some external effects into the GT-8's signal path, you can do so with the Ext Loop send and return. Flexibility in routing is the name of the game.
Connectivity
The GT-8 is stocked with enough I/O options to satisfy even the most demanding pro. In addition to its stereo analog outs, it offers a 24-bit coaxial output for ultra-clean digital transfer, an amp control jack for switching between two amp channels on an external amp, an external expression/control pedal input, effects send and returns, MIDI in and out, and a headphone output.
* AF method (Adaptive Focus method) This is a proprietary method from Roland that vastly improves the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of the A/D and D/A converters.
DA conversion: 24 bit
Sampling frequency: 44.1 kHz
Program memories: 340: 140 (User) + 200 (Preset)
Nominal input level:
-- Input: -10 dBu
-- Return: -10 dBu
Input impedance:
-- Input: 1 M ohms
-- Return: 220 k ohms
Nominal output level:
-- Output: 0 dBu
-- Send: -10 dBu
Output impedance:
-- Output: 2 k ohms
-- Send: 2 k ohms
Digital output: EIAJ CP1201, S/P DIF
Dynamic range: 100 dB or greater (IHF-A)
Display: 16 characters, 2 lines (backlit LCD), 2 characters, 7 segment LED
Connectors:
Input jack
Output jacks L (mono)/R
Phones jack
Send jack
Return jack
Digital out connector (coaxial)
Amp control jack
Sub expression pedal/sub control pedal 1,2 jack
MIDI connectors (IN/OUT)
AC adapter jack
Power Supply: AC 14 V; supply AC adapter (BOSS BRC series)
Current Draw: 650 mA
Accessories: AC adapter (BRC series), owner's manual
Options: Foot Switch: FS-5U, FS-5L, Dual Foot Switch: FS-6, Expression Pedal: EV-5 (Roland), FV-300L + PCS-33 (Roland), Foot Switch Cable: PCS-31 (Roland), (1/4 inches Phone Plug (stereo) - 1/4 inches Phone Plug (mono) x 2)
Dimensions (W x D x H): 20 5/16 x 10 5/16 x 3 in.
Weight: 10 lbs. 10 oz.
Features
BOSS's most powerful floor-based processor!
Dual COSM amp engine allows two different amp types to be assigned to the two channels
Amp channels can be switched, layered, or panned in real-time; dynamic mode allows channel switching by picking dynamics
200 stunning preset patches and 140 user patches; 44 effects categories, up to 13 simultaneous FX blocks
User configurable effect chain; any effect can be in any order in the signal path; independent external effects loop section for inserting external effects anywhere in the signal patch
Solo switch on the COSM amp section for instant lead tone
Amp Control jack for switching external guitar amp channels
24-bit converters and coaxial digital output for high-resolution recording applications
Dual COSM amps
The GT-8 boasts the latest top-quality COSM amp models with complete dual channel configuration. Explore new sonic dimensions by combining two amp models, or by switching between them during performance. Select a high-gain amp such as Metal Stack and set it for deadly distortion. Then add clarity to the raw power by using the Smooth Drive model on the other channel. Prepare to be impressed as you tap into the expressive Dynamic mode, where two channels can be controlled based on picking strength. Transition smoothly from clean to mean by simply picking harder or softer.
Solo switch
Step into the spotlight with the new Solo Switch feature. Each of the 46 COSM amp models contains a specially programmed variation that's optimized for soloing. Simply click the Solo switch to activate the lead tone, and off you go -- it's like having a separate solo channel on every COSM amp!
Extreme effects
Forty-four effects categories are built into the GT-8. Up to 13 effect blocks can be used simultaneously to create complex textures and routings. All of your FX bases are covered -- compressors, reverbs, choruses, EQs, COSM-modeled wahs, and much more. There are 200 preset patches built into the GT-8, plus 140 user patches for storing your custom amp/effects creations. As a special bonus, there's a selection of synth waves onboard, plus sitar and an acoustic processor. From subtle to sizzling, where will you take your tone?
Effects chain
Another area where the GT-8 stomps the competition is in its powerful effects routing. Internally, the 13 FX blocks can be configured in any order you desire (for example, you can freely assign an equalizer after a distortion effect or before it). And if you'd care to take your tone "outside the box" and incorporate some external effects into the GT-8's signal path, you can do so with the Ext Loop send and return. Flexibility in routing is the name of the game.
Connectivity
The GT-8 is stocked with enough I/O options to satisfy even the most demanding pro. In addition to its stereo analog outs, it offers a 24-bit coaxial output for ultra-clean digital transfer, an amp control jack for switching between two amp channels on an external amp, an external expression/control pedal input, effects send and returns, MIDI in and out, and a headphone output.
Technical Info
AD conversion: 24 bit + AF method** AF method (Adaptive Focus method) This is a proprietary method from Roland that vastly improves the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of the A/D and D/A converters.
DA conversion: 24 bit
Sampling frequency: 44.1 kHz
Program memories: 340: 140 (User) + 200 (Preset)
Nominal input level:
-- Input: -10 dBu
-- Return: -10 dBu
Input impedance:
-- Input: 1 M ohms
-- Return: 220 k ohms
Nominal output level:
-- Output: 0 dBu
-- Send: -10 dBu
Output impedance:
-- Output: 2 k ohms
-- Send: 2 k ohms
Digital output: EIAJ CP1201, S/P DIF
Dynamic range: 100 dB or greater (IHF-A)
Display: 16 characters, 2 lines (backlit LCD), 2 characters, 7 segment LED
Connectors:
Input jack
Output jacks L (mono)/R
Phones jack
Send jack
Return jack
Digital out connector (coaxial)
Amp control jack
Sub expression pedal/sub control pedal 1,2 jack
MIDI connectors (IN/OUT)
AC adapter jack
Power Supply: AC 14 V; supply AC adapter (BOSS BRC series)
Current Draw: 650 mA
Accessories: AC adapter (BRC series), owner's manual
Options: Foot Switch: FS-5U, FS-5L, Dual Foot Switch: FS-6, Expression Pedal: EV-5 (Roland), FV-300L + PCS-33 (Roland), Foot Switch Cable: PCS-31 (Roland), (1/4 inches Phone Plug (stereo) - 1/4 inches Phone Plug (mono) x 2)
Dimensions (W x D x H): 20 5/16 x 10 5/16 x 3 in.
Weight: 10 lbs. 10 oz.
Boss' top-of-the-line floor processor! Two modeling engines that can be switched between, layered, or panned in real time; 200 stunning preset patches and 140 user patches; 44 effects categories. Up to 13 simultaneous FX blocks!
What Our Customers Say About zZounds
"I have never purchased an instrument before so I was very satisfied with the information provided." - customer on November 18, 2009
Boss GT-8 Guitar Multi-Effects Pedal Reviews
9 out of 10
"Pretty cool, for the $$$"
Feature:
The Pre-amp section is nice, a good tone can be achieved if you play around a little. Octave, Pedal bend and Harmonist are awsome, many ways to tweak and eq. Compressor and limiter are decent depending on which patch you use them with. Wah is lacking a bit, sounds like when you run a wah pedal straight into an amp. Uni-Vibe is balls on accurate. The Guitar Simulator function is interesting...you can combine your tone with solid body/semi hollow, hollow, chambered etc, the coolest thing about this feature: If you are playing a strat, or any other solid body, and select the Hollow body guitar sim function, you will get feedback and sustain at low levels, as if you were playing an ES-335 through an old Marshall at high volume. One annoying thing I have found about this unit is this; While in a patch, if you select an effect and tweak the parameters, you can not select another effect without exiting out of the patch and negating the changes you made to the FX parameters. Perhaps I need to read the manual a bit more...but other than this, the GT-8 is pretty user intuitive. Ah, yes!!! and the reverbs...they sound great over headphones and direct into a board. Selections include; plate, hall, spring, fender tweed, etc. Dealys are nice as well, single voice, dual voice, panning, ping pong, tap, etc. Distortions can be a bit "fuzzy", sort of like an Arbiter Fuzz Face, or a Big Muff, but over all for the price, one should not complain, with a little knob twisting the distortions sound close to authentic. The "Feedbacker" and "Defretter" functions are fun to play around with, particularly when combined with the "wave synth". Speaking of "Wave Synth"... Tracking is great, sounds better than the old Roland GR series, if you are into Pat Methany (eg. Tony Williams: Wilderness), you will probably enjoy this patch. Wave Sythn can also be tweaked, choose from Saw, Sine, Square or one or two other wave forms which elude my memory at this time. All patchs/effects can be tweaked, and EQ'd in their own right, so take your time, grab yourself a cold beer and set aside a few hours.
Quality:
Solid built, made of metal. Knobs are tight. You could probably drop this thing down 3 flights of stairs and it would still work perfectly.
Value:
For the sound and features, it is a must have for the $$$
Desirability:
Sounds great and is made of black gun metal. What more do you need???
Sound:
Sound quality is great. However....Depending on what type of amp you are playing through, you may be a bit dissapointed. I am currently using a Roland Cube 30. For those of you not familiar with this amp, it is a small pratice model, but sounds similar to a jc-120. The GT-8 has an "Output selection" function, designed to maximize the true sound of this pedal. I can't vouch for all of the output selections (JC-120, MS combo, etc)but the "Small amp" output leaves somthing to be desired. That aside, the effects sound awsome. Amp modeling is very good (through headphones, and probably through a larger amp than my own)The Uni-Vibe sounds very nice, as does the "Another Brick" patch in bank 24.....if you dig Gilmour's solo in the song from the same name (part 2?). "Slow Gear" in bank 79 is great...It reminds me of an Alan Holdsworth type effect, very cool...The distorions are decent, many selections to choose from. Everything from Arbiter fuzz to Rfier to MS 1970. Obviously, these sounds are not dead on, but for all intents and purposes, they sound great. If you are looking for an "expressive product" this is it man...I've had this unit for 4 weeks and I still haven't fully utilized all of its functions. I play a wide range of stlyes, and so far, I have found a factory patch that suites my needs. As far as other products in this class go, you may want to check out the Zoom G92TT, the sounds are comparable and the G92TT has USB conectivity, is tube driven (1 12AX7) and comes bundled with Cubase LE. Currently I am using an Electro-Harmonix HOG and a Synth pedal with this unit. The GT-8 has both of these features, but not in the capacity that I would like.
Ease of Use:
With a little tweaking you can get any sound you want. Getting a really good sound however, can be a bit frustrating at times. This should be expected though, considering that you are editing on a screen no larger than a Camel Wide. I have had no problems with compatibilty. There is a slight learing curve, but if you have used Multi-effects boards in the past, it might take you about 10 minutes to figure this thing out. Haven't read the manual yet. Bottom line, if you are looking for a mass amount of quality effects to play around with, and don't want spend THOUSANDS on individual pedals the GT-8 is the way to go.
Support:
Judging by the quality of this unit, I would assume that support is impeccable. I haven't had to call them though.
Overall:
Great unit, not a 10 as I am sure it will obsolete within a few years.
The Pre-amp section is nice, a good tone can be achieved if you play around a little. Octave, Pedal bend and Harmonist are awsome, many ways to tweak and eq. Compressor and limiter are decent depending on which patch you use them with. Wah is lacking a bit, sounds like when you run a wah pedal straight into an amp. Uni-Vibe is balls on accurate. The Guitar Simulator function is interesting...you can combine your tone with solid body/semi hollow, hollow, chambered etc, the coolest thing about this feature: If you are playing a strat, or any other solid body, and select the Hollow body guitar sim function, you will get feedback and sustain at low levels, as if you were playing an ES-335 through an old Marshall at high volume. One annoying thing I have found about this unit is this; While in a patch, if you select an effect and tweak the parameters, you can not select another effect without exiting out of the patch and negating the changes you made to the FX parameters. Perhaps I need to read the manual a bit more...but other than this, the GT-8 is pretty user intuitive. Ah, yes!!! and the reverbs...they sound great over headphones and direct into a board. Selections include; plate, hall, spring, fender tweed, etc. Dealys are nice as well, single voice, dual voice, panning, ping pong, tap, etc. Distortions can be a bit "fuzzy", sort of like an Arbiter Fuzz Face, or a Big Muff, but over all for the price, one should not complain, with a little knob twisting the distortions sound close to authentic. The "Feedbacker" and "Defretter" functions are fun to play around with, particularly when combined with the "wave synth". Speaking of "Wave Synth"... Tracking is great, sounds better than the old Roland GR series, if you are into Pat Methany (eg. Tony Williams: Wilderness), you will probably enjoy this patch. Wave Sythn can also be tweaked, choose from Saw, Sine, Square or one or two other wave forms which elude my memory at this time. All patchs/effects can be tweaked, and EQ'd in their own right, so take your time, grab yourself a cold beer and set aside a few hours.
Quality:
Solid built, made of metal. Knobs are tight. You could probably drop this thing down 3 flights of stairs and it would still work perfectly.
Value:
For the sound and features, it is a must have for the $$$
Desirability:
Sounds great and is made of black gun metal. What more do you need???
Sound:
Sound quality is great. However....Depending on what type of amp you are playing through, you may be a bit dissapointed. I am currently using a Roland Cube 30. For those of you not familiar with this amp, it is a small pratice model, but sounds similar to a jc-120. The GT-8 has an "Output selection" function, designed to maximize the true sound of this pedal. I can't vouch for all of the output selections (JC-120, MS combo, etc)but the "Small amp" output leaves somthing to be desired. That aside, the effects sound awsome. Amp modeling is very good (through headphones, and probably through a larger amp than my own)The Uni-Vibe sounds very nice, as does the "Another Brick" patch in bank 24.....if you dig Gilmour's solo in the song from the same name (part 2?). "Slow Gear" in bank 79 is great...It reminds me of an Alan Holdsworth type effect, very cool...The distorions are decent, many selections to choose from. Everything from Arbiter fuzz to Rfier to MS 1970. Obviously, these sounds are not dead on, but for all intents and purposes, they sound great. If you are looking for an "expressive product" this is it man...I've had this unit for 4 weeks and I still haven't fully utilized all of its functions. I play a wide range of stlyes, and so far, I have found a factory patch that suites my needs. As far as other products in this class go, you may want to check out the Zoom G92TT, the sounds are comparable and the G92TT has USB conectivity, is tube driven (1 12AX7) and comes bundled with Cubase LE. Currently I am using an Electro-Harmonix HOG and a Synth pedal with this unit. The GT-8 has both of these features, but not in the capacity that I would like.
Ease of Use:
With a little tweaking you can get any sound you want. Getting a really good sound however, can be a bit frustrating at times. This should be expected though, considering that you are editing on a screen no larger than a Camel Wide. I have had no problems with compatibilty. There is a slight learing curve, but if you have used Multi-effects boards in the past, it might take you about 10 minutes to figure this thing out. Haven't read the manual yet. Bottom line, if you are looking for a mass amount of quality effects to play around with, and don't want spend THOUSANDS on individual pedals the GT-8 is the way to go.
Support:
Judging by the quality of this unit, I would assume that support is impeccable. I haven't had to call them though.
Overall:
Great unit, not a 10 as I am sure it will obsolete within a few years.
Submitted: 11/12/2007
Style of Music: Everything
8 out of 10
"The Coming of age console in the life of the GT series."
Feature:
You really can't complain with the amount of amp models and Distortion/Overdrives that are offered. A turbo feature to boost your distortion and overdrive capabilities appears on this unit that wasn't on the previous one. I do like that you can have more pairings with the FX 1 and 2's this time around. I own the GT-6 and this was definitely a limitation on that unit. Still not perfect here as certain effects still can't be paired up, but a BIG step from the GT-6. The chain is upgraded to accomodate more effects simultaneously. Also, a separate compressor (finally). How did they ever miss this one on the GT-6? The real sell on this console, though are the following: 1) The solo button, which allows you to break into a screaming lead, without a loss of volume. This can be done to any amp model. 2) The "dynamics" feature puts this machine in a class all on its own. This is where the system shines. A very intelligent system indeed. You can control effects by the way you pick your strings. The machines determines what effects you want activated just by changing your picking style. Very responsive here. It tracks perfectly. Lastly, the A and B Channels make this console a dynamic tool altogether. Almost makes you want to go out and get a second amp because the flexibility is as good as you will ever hope for.
Quality:
I only wish Boss made their guitar synths this sturdy. The engineers knew a good thing when they constructed the GT-6 and this machine is pretty much an exact replica of that but with darker skin. It shouldn't be abused but you'd have little success stomping this rhino to submission.
Value:
It should cost more (and I'd be willing to pay more if they made the right amendments such as more knobs for tonal range of the effects and a proper manual equalizer). Too many amendments would make this processor astronomical in price so there is a "less is best" approach to it too. Not too many guitarist would be willing to fork extra cash for a prettier display screen (except me).
Desirability:
Only a prettier display screen would make this console a centrefold. Very sleek and practical design. One of the better looking systems out there. The paint job is cool. Even a minor knick would look natural on this floorboard's speckled charcoal grey skin.
Sound:
All in all the GT-8 is a great package for what you pay. The models are as good as you could hope for in one package in comparison to any other unit I've tried within its class (and I've tried many). My only complaint--this is with the entire GT line in general: I want greater control over certain effects such as compressor and delay. Range seems lacking in this area. A single knob just doesn't cut it when you're fine tuning. Some effects aren't as "flexible" as their stomp box counterparts. Just one of the console's limitations.
Support:
I wish I could pass a rating here since I've never had to contact the Roland help staff. Just means that I've never had a problem with this console or its predecessor. In fact, both my GT-6 and 8 were bought in Japan, and I was able to obtain an English manual on order within a week for $10. Nice. Good enough support for me... not to mention the info you could get from their website.
Overall:
Well, the R&D team at Roland will eventually top this machine in 3 years time. However, when I got my GT-6 I knew right away that it wasn't to the standard I had hoped for but was still the best thing going at the time for a meat and bone floor board. This is the first of a long list of guitar effects units that I am actually completely satisfied with... Of course it could be better, but that would mean giving up a meal a day to pay for the upgrades.
You really can't complain with the amount of amp models and Distortion/Overdrives that are offered. A turbo feature to boost your distortion and overdrive capabilities appears on this unit that wasn't on the previous one. I do like that you can have more pairings with the FX 1 and 2's this time around. I own the GT-6 and this was definitely a limitation on that unit. Still not perfect here as certain effects still can't be paired up, but a BIG step from the GT-6. The chain is upgraded to accomodate more effects simultaneously. Also, a separate compressor (finally). How did they ever miss this one on the GT-6? The real sell on this console, though are the following: 1) The solo button, which allows you to break into a screaming lead, without a loss of volume. This can be done to any amp model. 2) The "dynamics" feature puts this machine in a class all on its own. This is where the system shines. A very intelligent system indeed. You can control effects by the way you pick your strings. The machines determines what effects you want activated just by changing your picking style. Very responsive here. It tracks perfectly. Lastly, the A and B Channels make this console a dynamic tool altogether. Almost makes you want to go out and get a second amp because the flexibility is as good as you will ever hope for.
Quality:
I only wish Boss made their guitar synths this sturdy. The engineers knew a good thing when they constructed the GT-6 and this machine is pretty much an exact replica of that but with darker skin. It shouldn't be abused but you'd have little success stomping this rhino to submission.
Value:
It should cost more (and I'd be willing to pay more if they made the right amendments such as more knobs for tonal range of the effects and a proper manual equalizer). Too many amendments would make this processor astronomical in price so there is a "less is best" approach to it too. Not too many guitarist would be willing to fork extra cash for a prettier display screen (except me).
Desirability:
Only a prettier display screen would make this console a centrefold. Very sleek and practical design. One of the better looking systems out there. The paint job is cool. Even a minor knick would look natural on this floorboard's speckled charcoal grey skin.
Sound:
All in all the GT-8 is a great package for what you pay. The models are as good as you could hope for in one package in comparison to any other unit I've tried within its class (and I've tried many). My only complaint--this is with the entire GT line in general: I want greater control over certain effects such as compressor and delay. Range seems lacking in this area. A single knob just doesn't cut it when you're fine tuning. Some effects aren't as "flexible" as their stomp box counterparts. Just one of the console's limitations.
Support:
I wish I could pass a rating here since I've never had to contact the Roland help staff. Just means that I've never had a problem with this console or its predecessor. In fact, both my GT-6 and 8 were bought in Japan, and I was able to obtain an English manual on order within a week for $10. Nice. Good enough support for me... not to mention the info you could get from their website.
Overall:
Well, the R&D team at Roland will eventually top this machine in 3 years time. However, when I got my GT-6 I knew right away that it wasn't to the standard I had hoped for but was still the best thing going at the time for a meat and bone floor board. This is the first of a long list of guitar effects units that I am actually completely satisfied with... Of course it could be better, but that would mean giving up a meal a day to pay for the upgrades.
Submitted: 02/23/2005
Style of Music: Metal & Industrial
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