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Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System

Programmable Effects Switching System with 8 Loops, 800 Patch Memories, Customizable Functions, Switchable Buffers, LCD/LED Displays, and Analog Circuit Design
36 Write review Item ID: ES8
$749.99

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A New, Revolutionary Effects Switching System

The BOSS ES-8 is a revolutionary effects switching system that provides you with a host of often-requested features and functions. You have access to eight loops, allowing you to craft elaborate effects chains with unprecedented routing flexibility. The ES-8's onboard memory allows you to store 800 patches, along with external control parameters such as delay time for each patch. And best of all, the ES-8 utilizes an analog circuit to keep your tone clean and pure. If that wasn't enough, you also get switchable buffers, LCD and 7-segment LED displays, and completely customizable pedal function assignments! It goes without saying: the BOSS ES-8 effects switching system is going to become very popular here at Sweetwater!

Related Videos: ES-8 Effects Switching System

BOSS ES-8 Effects Switching System Features at a Glance:
  • 8 loops and flexible routing allow you to craft elaborate effects chains
  • 800 patch memories provide unmatched versatility for live musicians
  • Onboard memory for storing external control parameters such as delay time for each patch
  • Completely customizable pedal function assignments
  • Buffers can be switched on/off individually each for input and output and stored in each patch
  • Highly-reliable footswitches with switch-noise mute capability
  • LCD and 7-segment LED display show detailed information at a glance
  • Analog circuit design to protect your pure tone
The BOSS ES-8 effects switching system is every live guitarist's dream come true!

Additional Media

Marty Friedman: International Wall of Sound | Rig Tour
Boss Releases ES-8 Firmware Update and ES-8 Editor for Mac/PC
BOSS ES-8 Effects Switching System Review by Sweetwater Sound

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Tech Specs

  • Number of Footswitch Buttons: 8
  • Inputs: 2 x 1/4" (instrument), 1 x 1/4" (tuner in)
  • Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (main out)
  • Effects Loop: 6 x mono loops, 2 x stereo loop returns, 1 x volume loop
  • MIDI I/O: In, Out/Thru
  • Other I/O: 3 x 1/4" TRS (external control), 1 x 1/4" TRS (expression), 2 x 1/4" TRS (control/expression)
  • True Bypass: Switchable buffered or true bypass
  • Power Source: 9.6V DC power supply (included)
  • Height: 2.5"
  • Width: 17.3"
  • Depth: 5.4"
  • Weight: 5 lbs. 9 oz.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: ES-8

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Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5

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Loving it so far!

I'm still getting it setup, but it's hitting the mark. Wish it had 10 loops, but for the money It's not a complaint!
Your going to want straight jack ends when connecting to the switch as you won't be able to get all 8 loops if you have 90 degree ends.

The manual has a lot in it, however, I highly recommend you search YouTube. I found an entire series like (12) videos of how to do everything conceivable and then some…..German guy, but he speaks English in his videos. Will save you days of trial and error if your doing more than just the basics.

Great product, being able to rearrange the chain without re-cabling is just amazing.

Photo is still a work in progress….the tape is me thinking through my loops and the pedal order….this has changed a lot since the photo.
by Armando Ramirez from Tampa, Fl on

Great Functionality!

At first this system looks a little pricey but it's doing a job that used to have to be custom built for much more.

The bottom line is it's easy to use, sounds great, more ergonomically designed than most. They packed a lot into this piece, it's a whole different experience than not having switching for sure. I haven't used other systems so I can't really compare.

Things I'd like changed: main inputs and outputs moved to the sides. Loop 7 is mono out/ stereo return - it would be nice to have 2 fully stereo loops. Dedicated tap tempo button.

Future: would love to see some ideas from the Eventide H9 incorporated - Bluetooth iPad control app. LCD scribble strips for each loop. Built in tuner.
by Pier Giacalone from Doylestown, PA on
Music background: Studio Owner, Producer, Audio Engineer, Musician

An investment...

I wanted one of these Boss Es-8 loop switchers for at least 4 years. I finally saved up the scratch to buy one, and got it last week!

It took me about a day to assemble the whole pedal board, once I got over all the hemming and hawing about where to start. Cutting and fitting the cables took the majority of the work.

Once I had everything plugged in (properly), it works better than I could have ever dreamed. It is very easy to use, even for a meathead like myself.

Beyond the obvious dance-free solution, this unit allows you to rearrange pedal order without unplugging all your pedals. You can also run pedals in parallel. EytschPi47 has multiple, extensive videos on YouTube going over the many different options. Check them out.

The only con I can come up with relates to cables. I had a ton of nice 90 degree patch cables. You can't use them on this. The jacks a way too close together. Conveniently enough, there are a host of companies that sell patch cable kits. After the purchase of the switcher, I then needed s
To spend $300+ more on just cables. $1000+ in one go, for a hobby might make you question how committed to anything. Otherwise, no regrets!

Party on Wayne
by Joshua from Pennsylvania on
Music background: Melting of faces

Very Flexible Unit

Pros:
Well built and extremely flexible. I'm currently using it to mix 5 drum machines and toggle them on/off using the foot switches. What's great is I can get one pedal to toggle multiple mono inputs simultaneously (thereby layering song sections). In the future I intend to use it to send midi change signals to my DAW.

Cons:
The user manual and online information is not amazing. I've been searching online for over a week to learn all the subtle ins and outs of this thing.

If I was using this just as intended (as an effects switcher) it would get a 10/10.
by Sweetwater Customer on

Infinite possibilities

I bought this to stop tap dancing turning pedals on and off. The more I delved into what it can do the more amazed I became. If you have a pedal board with several pedals you constantly turn on and off then this is something you need for sure.
by Kevn godfrey from South Carolina on

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Ashton Vaudt

Doing the pedal dance was getting old, so I wanted to make it easier on myself. So adding the ES8 to my pedalboard was easily the best decision I'd ever made for my rig. The flexibility of the ES8 allows me to chain my pedals in all sorts of new ways allowing me to focus on playing the songs.
See also: footswitch pedals, Boss, Boss Footswitch & Selector Pedals
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