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.

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.

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.

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.

For the sound and features, it is a must have for the $$$

Judging by the quality of this unit, I would assume that support is impeccable. I haven't had to call them though.

Sounds great and is made of black gun metal. What more do you need???

Active musician, 15 years+ guitarist

Everything

I have had this pedal for about 4 or 5 years now, and up until about 2 years ago, it has performed pretty well, despite having sent it in for repair once due to random patch and parameter changes whilst playing. It came back, and the engineers' note said that the membrane had been replaced. It continued to function OK for about a year, then the same problem appeared again. In my case, the middle EQ control on the preamp started randomly changing value, then the distortion pedal emulator started to do the same, with some switch settings becoming unavailable via the rotary selection knob. As the warranty had run out, I decided to open it up to see if cleaning the contacts would help. and guess what? There is no membrane in the unit. The engineer had lied to me. He must have done something else though because it did wotk again for a short while. I phoned the customer services dept, only to discover that a new mainboard (Which most of the forums say will need to be replaced) costs £15 short of £200. A brand new pedal would cost about £250, so now I am left with a useless brick, as the distortions were the staple sound of my setup, as they sounded great when it worked, and no other pedal I've tried comes close. I have also recommended Boss products to my pupils, and now feel like a bit of an idiot considering how this thing has let me down. I will never buy, or recommend another boss product. There is NO WAY that the mainboard costs anywhere near that much to manufacture, and it seems to me that Roland are just making this prohibitively expensive so that people are forced to upgrade to the GT10 (Which the customer support guy suggested), which, if the GT8 is anything to go by, will be just as likely to flake out at some time in the future. Just google 'Boss GT8 problems', and you'll see what I'm talking about. If you want reliability, get something else.

Longer delay times would have been a nice feature, along with a reliable pedal overall

Deep system which gives pretty much any option you'd want, which is why I bought it.

Looks great, and feels rugged.....until you try to use it, then it has a mind of it's own.

It would be if it worked properly.

Polite, but totally useless, and unhelpful (It IS a money driven business after al)l.

I want it to work.

35 years in various aspects of the playing recording process.

Mainly rock, industrial, electronic, and combinations of these.

The sound is just simply amazing... i got on a wednesday and test it the same day and it just blew my mind! i had a gig on saturday and the factory settings were the best ones of course you can costumize it your own way and it can sound even better...!!! i just love it!!

the sound is amazing and great and not to mention the features it has, A-B preamp, you can blend them, switch them and mix them in both outputs!!! great !! and the effects are killers, if you ever own any Boss stompbox you can have it right in there or maybe double it like the FX1/2 usage...

Its from Boss its built like a Rock !!! for musicians with concrete feet.

the price is right! you know you get what you paid.

i havent had any trouble what so ever but once i called them and they sure helped me.

if i can afford another i will sure buy it, one for home and one for the road.

Active Musician

from Classical to Metal

Can't give it a 10 because it's not perfect, but I would have given it a 9.5. This thing is just plain sweet. Adjust your master input, presences, global eq, and master patch settings and after that you will be blown away with what you care create!

The most pristine effects out there for this price. My only complaint is the Spring Reverb's "boing", but that is pretty minor and perhaps a firmware update will address it. The effects loop in invaluable. More parameter depth than anything in this price. Cool Cool Co0l.

Couldn't ask for it to be built more solid.

For this price, you are not going to find a better quality product. They key word here is quality. You might find something with more features, but not better quality in my opinion.

They were quick to respond to several emails by me.

I own it. It rocks.

Active Musician

Rock

Excellent sound. I am writing this thumbs-up review so others can benefit from a great piece. The sound is all in there. (Note: Tube guy talking) Some initial global setup appropriate for your output rig and you have all the convincing sounds you'll need. I have run it through a few environments - HD recording, live through Mesa 20/20 with a 4x12 recto stereo cab, headphones, etc. Very nice. Very huge. Very real. I tried the Line6 stuff, amps, POD, PODxt Live, etc., and found it, well, irritating. I have used Amp Farm with good results. That said, I am very happy with this unit. (To be fair, I have spent more time with this unit to get the great sounds.) There are some characteristics, like some very long and sensitive decays with just a touch of tube distortion don't act exactly like tubes would (IMHO), but that minor shortcoming is eclipsed by the breadth, depth, and quality of this unit overall.

It definitely comes with what you need, but I would have liked the equivalent to the GT-Pro's software for it. In fact, without a USB port, I don't think this unit will ever be able to support that kind of software. That would be a regrettable oversight. (See the GT-Pro) (HOWEVER - There's a whole synth section that nobody's talking about here - You can tweak some excellent synth tones out of this thing, too. Tracks excellently. I heard some really nice violin tones on a user group website. The point is, this thing is deep. Too much to say here.)

Seems to be made very well.

Fantastic for the money. I am hanging on to my other effects and amps but, frankly, they are now obsolete. This is a steal.

I have not contacted support. Don't need to. (There also seems to be a large user community online, and that counts for a lot.)

It's black, lays low on the floor, and doesn't attract attention - Just the way it should be.

Active Musician

N/A

Amazing sound quality.. full, crystal clear. Amazing improvement over my old effects processor. I play it through an ART equalizer into my fender 1x12amp and it shakes my apt windows...

Very complex and overwhelming at first, but you can manipulate any aspect of the sound.

This machine looks great, sturdy, pictures dont do it justice

Havent dealt with BOSS yet

Oh yes!!

active musician

rock, blues

You can say that the best tone is the one you wish. You think at it, you build it up in your ears and than you try to get the exact reproduction using the processor. But this processor gives you an even better tone than the one you wanted to get! It is simply better than the best! I used to play bluez with a local band and the sound was absolutely impecable! I thought that that was the best it could do!But i was surely wrong! For now i play metal and I am simply amazed of what it can do! It can change the sweet tone of a stratocaster to fit metal! What else could you want?

It simply has too many accessories. There are so many effects that you will need more than a month to try all of them and all combinations. A weak point is that you can combine "only" 12 effects, so if you want to add to a tone with drive, compressor, eq, wah, chorus, reverb, delay, flanger, eq, tremollo, preamp and phaser, if you want to add lets say rotary, you cant! ohhh... what a pitty...

ROLAND quality at BOSS price!

as i said before, ROLAND quality at BOSS price

well, i havent, and i surely wont have problems with it!

Well, take care not to fall in love with it !!!

Active Musician

Hard Rock, Heavy Metal

Sound is great, quite optional.

The Features of the GT-8 are literally numerous, it will definitely meet all expectations.

It Will take you sometime to master its use.

Pure metal, need I say more!!

Absolutely worth it.

Never needed 'em.

Finished in sexy black, the way you change settings is so stimulating. LCD cool screen, lights green and very clear.

Active Musician

Metal/Progresive.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Guitar player since 1987

Metal & Industrial

With some tweaking and fiddling around, the GT-8 can deliver some awesome sounds. The effects, while all of them are not necessarily authentic, have excellent parameter variables to mess with to help achieve your ideal tone. Some of the distortion models can turn out a bit too "fizzy" for some people's likings, but I found if you combine them with the right preamp models and sound levels, this can be eliminated.

Being relatively new to MFX processors, I had no idea what to expect from the GT-8, but I am thrilled at all the possibilities it provides. The ability to layer, combine, and split different amp channels and models is a definite plus. The dynamic switching mode, although a bit difficult to figure out at first, is also useful. I have yet to mess around much with the FX chain option, but the ability to alter it freely is nice to have. I am particularly impressed with the range of parameters in all the effects, as I mentioned above. They allow for almost limitless customization of your tone.

I have read (and learned) that there is a steep learning curve for the GT-8. It is true that not everyone is going to want to to sit down for hours on end reading a manual and taking an in-depth journey into the inner workings of a piece of equipment. That said, this is NOT a plug-and-play device. So, unless you are willing to put forth the time in learning and familiarizing yourself with most of, if not all of the functions, it might be better to move on to something else...even though achieving great things (like great tone) requires time and effort anyway.

I received my GT-8 new and in perfect condition. It's heavy hard design is a testament to the quality of Boss products. They are built to be TOUGH. Finger smudges do show fairly easily on the LED screen and on the metal chassis, but they are just as easy to wipe off with a soft cloth. I am not worried too much about losing my data, but I have begun to backup all my patches, just in case. I have no doubts that it would hold up on tour pretty well with the right road case.

I did not try out other similar products before buying this, but after using it for a while I am convinced that the value of this machine holds up pretty well next to others such as the PODxt and Vox Tonelab.

I have not had to call in for servive or support yet.

There is not much sex appeal in equipment like this, sadly! The average listener just wants to hear good music and enjoy the vibes. Not many (except other musicians) really care about all the technical aspects or what kind of gear you use. For my own aesthetic needs, though, the GT-8 satisfies in looks. The black metallic finish is cool-looking, and its design is nearly flawless both inside and out. It has definitely opened my eyes more to the capabilities of MFX units.

Active musician

Hard rock, Classic Rock, Psychedelic, Progressive

Just Buy IT. the sounds its NOT like digitech RPs and GNX (plastic sound)....GTs with COSM sounds more realistic sound in crispy, cristal, warm, tube real, yes its true. and gt8 have DOBLE COSM...so it have real powerfull sound very ricch.

alll you need. and maybe make some adds to your gt8...im using pw10 to get more wah sounds. well i really like gt8, cause have like more than 40 boxes...and u can makethem sound what ever u want.

well, i already said... its perfect.

well, i apreciates my gt8 cause make the perfect sound with my modefour from marshall for live of full practice, but i have all sounds that i want. when i practice home or making recording i use 2 comboamps MG250DFX and the AV275 from marshall and the sounds make the diferrence in amps...but the pedal makes all the work.

when i have i problem...i always call boss or roland and they answer me excelent. they really good.

i can buy anotherone but if price get down...cause i dont have now.. ! but its very powerfull.

Active, Recording Eng, my Studio,

rock, heavy, trash, death, alternative, jazz, soulalone

Very fake sounding like the pod XT but worse.

Alot of effects and thats where boss shines but thats not enough.

Somewhat easy to use.

Seems built well but all modelers are built well.

Paid too much.

Not had to use them.

I have it and I dont want it.

Pro musician/Engineer

All styles Rock/Neo classical

This thing is unbeliveable, I just got it today and I have been playing around with it ever since. It is great for getting ANY sound you want, and is also has a EVH 5150 amp model witch sounds much better.

It has everything you would ever want or need, and so much that it might take a while to find it all. A nice new feature is the dynamics sensor, basicly you can make it switch amps if you pick harder and switch back if you are picking soft, very cool.

This thing is built tough and is made to last. I will be taking it out on its first gig next week and I am shoure it will work great.

I paid $445.00 for mine and it is worth every penny.

I havent had to contact boss about anything yet but they are a great company and offers great support.

This monster even looks cool now that it is black and it is just a cool looken pedal.

Hobbyist, part time musician

Tried - can't see why pauing all that cash for this - the sound was very harsh, no color to it, no warmth. The distortion, harsh, but not powerful... I thought something was wrong with the thing... I am not a tube freak but, at that level, it is just pretty awful - I was going to buy it because of the review, I am glad I tried it before. Bad...

Lots of effects, but no high quality. Clean sound a pretty cool but distortion are really bad

well built

Buy a good pedal instead or the Tonelab for less

N/A

no way

Musician

Rock, Blues, Heavy

OWN iT...and ull c and hear---whats the best ever...just boss create sounds. 2 cosm make more different...clean, rude, imperative sound.

all u need. more than 50 stomp boxes on just one simple unit...

have all,

cool price.

roland boss rulez-

i love it...i have 15 days with it...and i really love it.

active

all

Killer sound

This unit must include metronome and loop recorder.

Pretty intuitive.

Built Tank Like.

it solves a lot of problems for the gigging musician, it is worth it.

Pretty quick response.

Vital in my set up.

Is amazing, I can't play my guitar without this anymore because it sounds so much worse

It has every boss petal built into one big pedal, i havent found an effect it dosnt have

It took me a few months to truly figure it out (but i didnt read the manuel much) but as soon as i started to get the hang of it i figured out the rest pretty fast

Its made of nothing but metal what more can i say

Great, and has so many high qulity effects all put in this one box

None

Active Musician

Metal

As far as floor based processors go, I don't have any problems with the way this unit sounds. I'm not found of the built in distortions but I've yet to hear a distortion I like on any floor based processor. I prefer to use my own pedal distortions through the effects loop. I like the way the other FX sound. I've played similar floor based processors that are 3 times more expensive then the GT-8 and I think the GT-8 knocks out the competition in almost every aspect.

I thought the greatest feature is the ability to configure the FX chain in any order you please. I played other processors that don't allow you to configure the FX chain and I hated them. I switched back to the GT-8 because of its flexability. A built in CTR pedal and EXP pedal are a nice feature. The tuner display is good, I could on on but...

I thought the GT-8 was easy to use. It certainly isn't anymore difficult then other multi effects processors.

This is a well made peice of gear. I've never had a Boss product stop working.

This is the best value for any processor. I've tried them all from the G-system to the pod xt pro. You can't beat what you get for the price of the GT-8.

I give it 10 support bonus marks because I've never had to use support.

I like the looks of the GT-8. It's black, sexy and sleek. Sometimes when I'm not playing it...I just like to look at it.

Active Musician

Rock

I'm very pleased with the sound I'm getting out of my unit. The distortions work perfectly for me. The GT-8 has everything I need for my playing.

As I said already, it has everything I need and some funny extras, too. The effects are quite interesting and to some extent you can modify them the way you like. But don't expect to get a perfect wahwah-effect out of it- there's a good reason why wahwah-pedals are usually sold separately, not as a part of a multi-effects processor (no multi-effects processor can beat the real Dunlop CryBaby). A simple metronome would be a nice addition to it.

Durable, reliable, looks good, no problems yet.

"Simply the best - better than all the rest."

Haven't contacted them.

BOSS has done a great job marketing this product, they have interactive demos etc. on their website. I already wanted the GT-6 before the GT-8 was released.

Hobbyist

Rock, Metal