Does the Roland Boss GT-1000 offer the best there is in effects processor pedals? Find out in this no holds barred inside and out review
Roland Boss GT-1000 Guitarists Effects Pedal Review
This brand new pedal launched at NAMM January 2018 is a shock to the system. Let's face it, the old GT-100 was getting very long in the tooth and seemed quite dated, although it did have some nice features.
Well zoom forward to 2018 and the all new GT-1000 is set to take some of that business from Line6 and other similarly designed products. Here's some maker info for now and make no mistake this new pedal is going to be reviewed like no other pedal to date... and with all those features such as TWO loops, 250 presets and user presets, remote editing with an app, 38 seconds loop (mono), 116 types of effects, a 96Khz sampling frequency, bluetooth connectivity (let's hope it works!) and that usually brilliant build quality what's not to like? ... except maybe that price?
I might even make a review comparing the Line6 Helix and the GT-1000 pedals bearing in mind the similarity of prices. But bear in mind with a UK list price approaching £879.00 (that's probably $1100 or so) the GT-1000 has a massive job to pull off. It seems that Roland Boss added the AIRD technology that has been floating around in the Katana, Waza Craft and Blues Cube stuff to the mix and that can only be a good thing. Have these guys actually got the ability to outdo Line6 Helix? We shall have to wait and see and for other gear like the old Axe-FX well maybe that stuff is long overdue a complete overhaul as the Line6 and now Roland Boss seem to be in parallel universes. Kemper? no, thats an altogether different option.
It should all get very exciting in these sectors of guitar effects processors and I look forward to seeing the inside and out of the GT-1000 for sure. Can't wait! Update as soon as I have the unit!
Currently I'm being told March or April 2018 to expect one.
Here's info that Roland Boss said about the GT-1000 guitar effects unit
GT-1000 Guitar Effects Processor GT-1000
INDUSTRY-LEADING TONE WITH BREAKTHROUGH BOSS TECHNOLOGY
Delivering unmatched sound quality and musical expression, the GT-1000 ushers in a new era of performance in amp/effects processors. This premium tone machine debuts the groundbreaking new AIRD (Augmented Impulse Response Dynamics) technology, realized with decades of advanced BOSS research and supported by an ultra-fast DSP engine, 32-bit AD/DA, 32-bit floating-point processing, and 96 kHz sampling rate throughout.
Based on BOSS’s acclaimed Tube Logic approach, the comprehensive AIRD system in the GT-1000 brings unparalleled musical response and flexibility to a digital guitar processor. AIRD amplifiers live and breathe like real tube amps, providing inspiring feel and authentic tonal dynamics that were previously unattainable. And with sophisticated AIRD Output Select functionality, you’re able to consistently achieve this amazing sound with any setup, from standard guitar amps to direct recording and full-range stage monitoring applications.
The GT-1000 also features a huge range of cutting-edge BOSS effects to enhance your tones, with numerous routing options and extensive real-time control at your command. And with the convenience of built-in Bluetooth®, you can adjust sounds, configure control assignments, and organize patches wirelessly from your mobile device using the BOSS Tone Studio app. Packing immense creative power in a streamlined pro design, the GT-1000 is a game changer that brings new levels of musical expression to guitarists everywhere.
Specs:
GT-1000 Guitar Effects Processor
Flagship guitar
amp/effects processor with uncompromising sound quality and
unmatched expressiveness
Industry-leading 32-bit AD/DA, 32-bit
floating-point processing, and 96 kHz sampling rate throughout
Next-generation BOSS DSP engine, custom designed specifically for
music applications
AIRD (Augmented Impulse Response Dynamics)
technology realizes BOSS’s acclaimed Tube Logic concept in a digital
guitar processor, delivering natural feel and optimized integration
with all types of external devices
Highly expressive amplifiers,
meticulously crafted with AIRD
Massive selection of onboard
effects, including BOSS MDP effects and algorithms directly ported
from the DD-500, MD-500, and RV-500 pedals
Amps and effects can
be routed in numerous series and parallel combinations
Ultra-fast
patch switching and delay/reverb carryover
Innovative Stompbox
feature greatly simplifies using common effects settings in many
different patches
Easy operation with large display and six
user-assignable switching knobs
Ten footswitches and integrated
expression pedal with user-configurable assignments and LED colors
High-resolution tuner with two display modes and mono or polyphonic
operation
¼-inch main outputs and XLR sub outputs with
independent AIRD Output Select settings; loop for external stereo or
mono effects
Support for external control via footswitches,
expression pedals, MIDI, and USB
Built-in Bluetooth for wireless
editing from iOS and Android mobile devices
USB audio/MIDI
interface for computer-based recording and editing
Designed for
Unparalleled Sound Quality
The GT-1000 is BOSS’s most advanced amp/effects processor to date, built for no-compromise audio performance. To start, it’s the first-ever guitar multi-effects unit with 32-bit AD/DA, 32-bit floating-point processing, and 96 kHz sampling rate throughout. There’s an all-new DSP engine as well, specially designed for music applications and featuring over three times the power of previous generations.
This immense processing muscle unlocks far greater sonic detail than ever before possible, making it quick and easy to get the sounds you’re after without endless parameter tweaks and microscopic EQ adjustments. If you’ve shied away from other amp/effects processors because they’re hard to dial in and missing that “real deal” vibe, the GT-1000 is sure to change your mind.
AIRD: A Revolution in Digital Amp Processing
At its core, the
GT-1000 harnesses BOSS’s breakthrough AIRD technology for previously
unattained musical power. Based on the comprehensive Tube Logic
concept behind the renowned Katana, Waza, and Blues Cube amplifiers,
AIRD takes the amp processor to a new level of performance,
flexibility, and practical usability.
and heres the Boss video:
Other specs from Boss:
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* AF method (Adaptive Focus method) is a proprietary method from Roland & BOSS that vastly improves the signal-to-noise (SN) ratio of the AD and DA converters. 19 sec. (STEREO) RETURN1: -10 dBu RETURN2: -10 dBu RETURN1: +8 dBu RETURN2: +8 dBu RETURN1: 1 M ohm RETURN2: 1 M ohm SUB OUTPUT (L, R): +4 dBu PHONES: -10 dBu SEND1: -10 dBu SEND2: -10 dBu SUB OUTPUT (L, R): 600 ohms PHONES: 20 ohms SEND1: 1 k ohm SEND2: 1 k ohm SUB OUTPUT (L, R): 600 ohms or greater PHONES: 44 ohms or greater SEND1: 10 k ohms or greater SEND2: 10 k ohms or greater EFFECT button, MENU button, EXIT button, WRITE button, PAGE button 1--6 knobs, OUTPUT LEVEL knob Expression pedal SUB OUTPUT (L, R) connectors: XLR type PHONES jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type CTL4, 5/EXP2 jack, CTL6, 7/EXP3 jack, AMP CTL1, 2 jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type USB COMPUTER port: USB B type DC IN jack MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors |
Roland/Boss (c) for video and their writings.
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