Get the BOSS ES-8 here: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ES-8
Sweetwater’s Guitars and Gear, Vol. 126
In this episode of Guitars and Gear, Mitch puts the BOSS ES-8 effects switching system to the test. The ES-8 gives you amazing control over your pedal collection, allowing you to re-configure the order of your effects, switch multiple effects on and off simultaneously, choose between serial and parallel effects chains, and much more.
The BOSS ES-8 is relatively simple to set up: connect up to eight guitar effects pedals up to the individual loops, connect expression and volume pedals, your tuner pedal and even MIDI, and you’re ready to start. Using the ES-8 in manual mode, each of the eight numbered footswitches turn the specified effects loop on or off – you can freely configure the order of the effects loops with a few button presses. The ES-8 also has a Memory mode that allows you to save and recall preset patch layouts, so you can completely re-configure your effects routing with one stomp.
There are a lot of cool things the ES-8 lets you do besides configure your pedal routing. You can set footswitches to be momentary instead of latching for creative effects use. Stereo outputs make it easy to hook up a stereo amp rig, and dual guitar inputs allow you to connect two instruments. The ES-8 can pass Tap Tempo to pedals that accept it, and a handy mute switch makes it easy to silence your rig. In all, the ES-8 is a capable control center for your pedalboard.
Once you’ve hooked up your pedals to the BOSS ES-8 switcher, you’ll probably never want to gig without it. You’ll be able to toggle multiple effects simultaneously without tap dancing, and you can instantly change the order of your effects without touching any cables. If you use more than a couple pedals in your guitar rig, you’ll definitely want to check out the BOSS ES-8. Thanks for watching!
