Since the advent of the first BOSS pedal in 1976 and the now industry-standard stompbox compact in 1977, BOSS has been at the cutting edge of guitar effects. With multiple series of every type of effect, from analog distortion to digital delay and germanium fuzz to multiband compression, BOSS is an industry-leading, pioneering presence in the guitar effects industry with a reputation for revolutionary design and tough, rugged reliability.
The BOSS GX series represents the extreme cutting edge in versatility, modern control, and performance. GX is the newest addition to the comprehensive BOSS range of multi-effects processors, designed from the ground up to offer extreme flexibility with streamlined, straightforward, and intuitive control.
Effects Progression
As guitar music has progressed, and more genres and subgenres have defined themselves by the tonal characteristics of different effects and amplifiers, the broad palette of effects types has increased dramatically. With that has come the need for guitarists to simplify their ever-expanding pedalboards using multi-effects: pedals loaded with multiple types of effects capable of switching between and stacking those effects efficiently.
As multi-effects units have developed over the decades, they have expanded in popularity, complexity, and processing power. Today, multi-effects pedals offer more than an alternative to individual stompboxes; they can be the centerpiece of any rig. Players can use multi-effects units to control external effects and amplifiers, integrate them into existing pedalboards, and use them as studio tools. More recently, with the addition of Impulse Response technology and amp and cab modeling, they can replace the need for an amplifier, both in the studio and on stage.
"As multi-effects units have developed over the decades, they have expanded in popularity, complexity, and processing power."
What are Multi-Effects Pedals?
Multi-effects pedals consolidate multiple effect types into a single unit. They often consist of multiple footswitches for individual effect control or the ability to bank between different effects. They allow the player to use other effects individually or together in the same way as a pedalboard of single-effect stompboxes.
There are numerous benefits to using multi-effects instead of individual stompboxes. Multi-effects pedals are usually a great space saver, whether on a pedalboard alongside other effects or as a complete solution, making travel, storage, and stage use more convenient. They’re also an excellent fly rig solution to avoid traveling with heavyweight, often relatively fragile pedalboards.
Another great advantage of multi-effects pedals is their cost. While multi-effects can be an expensive single purchase, compared to a pedalboard of individual stompboxes, patch cables, power supplies, and the board itself, multi-effects offer an affordable alternative. This is especially useful for trying effects types that you can only use occasionally without making an additional purchase.
One of the most rewarding benefits of multi-effects pedals is their versatility. A modern multi-effects pedal usually comprises a massive range of effects, including multiple individual effects such as fuzz, delay, or reverb. The range of tonal options encourages expansive soundscape creation and the ability to use a single unit for multiple genres, bands, and scenarios.
"One of the most rewarding benefits of multi-effects pedals is their versatility."
Differences Between BOSS GX, GT, and ME Series
BOSS offers three distinct and unique ranges of multi-effects pedals: the GT, GX, and ME series. Each range offers a different core set of features and serves a different purpose within the guitar effects pedal market.
The ME series of pedals are simple tactile multi-effects operated by the large number of control knobs on the face of the unit. It is the most affordable and basic of BOSS’ multi-effects ranges.
The GX series is a modern, touch-screen-operated pedal series designed for fast, easy-to-use effects chain building and control assigning. The range consists of a comprehensive selection of 170 BOSS effects models and a suite of AIRD amplifier and cabinet simulations for a complete recording, practice, and live solution—no amp required.
The GT series comprises AIRD amplifier cabinet simulations and a massive range of BOSS effects. It also boasts an impressive versatility of control and editability, enabling players to utilize its MIDI functionality, assign control parameters, and switch in almost infinite ways. The GT-1000 also features substantial connectivity and integration options for outboard gear. It includes two separate effects loops for adding external effects to the GT interface, and XLR Sub outputs for sending alternative effects chains to interfaces or front-of-house.
BOSS GX Series Overview
BOSS introduced the GX series in 2022; the GX-100 is the most recent addition. Comparatively, the ME range, first released in 1988, and the GT series, first released in 1996, have long lists of heritage products that have helped shape the pedals they are today.
A new and unique line of pedals, the GX range is a multi-effects, amp, and cab simulation processor devoted to modern functionality, ease of use, and a comprehensive library of super versatile effects and tones.
Breaking Down the Lineup
BOSS GX-10
The BOSS GX-10 is the latest iteration of the GX series of multi-effects. Loaded with the same core engine as the GX-100, the GX-10 adds extra portability to your advanced multi-effects processor. The GX-10 makes the ultimate fly rig, studio tool, practice tool, or compact multi-effects solution to be integrated into a larger pedalboard of traditional stompboxes.
While it has fewer footswitches than its larger sibling, the GX-10 offers you equal power, flexibility, and access to the most advanced BOSS effects, amplifiers, and signal routing, all whilst being one of the most affordable multi-effects pedals in the BOSS catalog.
BOSS GX-100
The GX-100 is a one-stop-shop solution for guitarists who want flexible, shapeable, easy-to-use effects and amplifier simulation. Its comprehensive 8-footswitch + expression pedal form factor makes it the ultimate tool for every type of player. Its touchscreen interface and a substantial library of tones and effects cover every possible scenario and genre, all easily controllable on the fly.
The GX-100 also boasts the addition of USB, MIDI, Bluetooth control via the GX app, and a built-in effects loop and additional expression inputs for an unprecedented level of versatility and ease of application.
Choosing the Right BOSS GX Pedal for You
GX-10 and GX-100 offer players the same core engine of effects and amp models. However, while there are no tonal or functional differences, you should consider your intended application for the pedal when choosing.
The GX-10’s restricted footswitch control means that you’ll either be banking between patches or selecting manually between three effects at any time. Whilst these restrictions don’t affect the range of tones or great amp models you can access, they will slow down or limit the speed at which you can select different effects.
"The GX-100 is ideal for players with a broad pallet of tones or the need to switch between different genres quickly and effortlessly."
This shouldn’t be an issue for recording, session, or studio work. You can simply assign your desired pedal changes in order of use for a particular live set, allowing you to bank up and down throughout. It’s also not an issue for players who use fewer effects and amp variations in a live scenario.
However, if you require advanced connectivity, MIDI, multiple expression, amp channel switching capabilities, or comprehensive control over individual effects at the stomp of a footswitch, then the GX-100 is the solution.
The GX-100 is a more versatile and controllable processor in a live scenario. The expanded footswitch control makes switching between patches and complex multi-effects routines easier and more instantaneous. It is ideal for players with a broad palette of tones or the need to switch between different genres quickly and effortlessly.
Getting the Most Out of Your GX Multi-Effects Pedal
The GX interface is designed to be intuitive and straightforward, giving you absolute flexibility and control. Because of this, it works slightly differently from other multi-effects processors you might be used to. It’s important to learn the basic control elements of GX before diving into patch editing.
GX isn’t just an isolated tool for effects and amp modeling. It integrates intelligently with a whole host of outboard gear. Players can expand with additional expression pedals or use them to switch amp channels on real-world amplifiers. Its effects loop can integrate external effects pedals into the GX interface. The GX series’ USB output allows the pedal to be used as an interface, integrating with your DAW for seamless, versatile recording.
"The GX-10 and GX-100 come loaded with a vast range of pre-built, fully editable patches."
The GX-10 and GX-100 come loaded with a vast range of pre-built, fully editable patches. They’re an excellent place to start to expand your creativity. The ability to manipulate the effects chain to create expansive parallel signal paths is a great way to discover new tones and depth of control, and should be explored thoroughly.
BOSS Tone Exchange is another incredible tool that will help expand your GX pedal, explore great tones, and hopefully discover a few effects and patches you didn’t know the pedal was capable of. The Tone Exchange is a hub where other GX pedal users can upload their patches for others to try. The vast library of presets is easy to explore either by keyword or popularity, and it is a great place to look for artist and genre-inspired patches.
Meticulous Versatility
The BOSS GX series of guitar processors is an extremely versatile, meticulously designed, and competitively priced solution for guitar players looking for expansive tones and intuitive control. It is truly a one-stop shop solution for every genre of music, type of player, performance scenario, and recording situation.
In one unit, these offer every effect, flexible pedalboard routing, amplifier, and cabinet that a guitarist or producer could need. It is as much an incredible studio tool as it is the ultimate live pedalboard.
Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive pedal alternative, a versatile switching system for function and session performance, an expansive soundscape tool, or a compact recording solution, a GX unit is excellent. It excels in every genre, and its intuitive, easy-to-use touchscreen interface demystifies multi-effects tone shaping and control.
The GX series is designed to help you explore your creative potential, and community-driven tools like the BOSS Tone Exchange are a great way to discover new tones and ways to use the pedal. YouTube is also a fantastic resource for GX inspiration. Deep dive gear channels like The Studio Rats and artists like Six String Samurai have created brilliantly informative videos exploring just what GX can do.
Visit the BOSS GX-100 page for more details and check out the GX library in BOSS Tone Exchange for a great way to get started exploring this expansive series of guitar effects processors.
