BOSS ES-8 Effects Switching System

The ES-8 Effects Switching System begins life with a sharp and clear mission: to provide pro and high-end users with cool and creative solutions. The new and innovative ES-8 is a system that represents a major leap “out of the box” from the standard individual stomp box utility. It is a whole new way of providing unprecedented capability without sacrificing sound quality. The ES-8 combines far-reaching flexibility with total freedom of expression. All this, in one cool device.

Not just another utility tool, the ES-8 kicks down the door to unlimited possibilities in the universe of musical expression. From this day on, the use of stomp boxes will never be the same. Using BOSS’ advanced technology the ES-8 is designed for spontaneity on the stage. So, go ahead. Jump out of the box. Take the plunge into a whole new world of musical expression. Celebrate the birth of the cool at BOSS with the hot new ES-8 Effects Switching System. It’s a total game changer that will take you to places no musician has ever gone before.

For optimal performance, stay up to date with the current ES-8 system software and editor

Download “ES-8 Editor” for Windows/macOS

• The ES-8 scratches all the itchy points of today's discriminating artists which no other switching system has yet been able to reach.
• Programmable switching system with eight loops (plus an additional loop)
• Analog circuit design to protect your pure tone
• Unprecedented routing flexibility with the ability to change the routing order and create parallel effect chains
• Onboard memory for storing external control parameters such as delay time for each patch
• Buffers can be turned on/off individually each for input and output and stored in each patch; level variability for output buffer
• Highly-reliable footswitches with switch-noise mute capability
• LCD and 7-segment LED display show detailed information at a glance
• 800 patch memories provide unmatched capability for touring musicians
• Completely customizable pedal function assignments
• Scratching the itch of serious working musicians with detailed attention to often-requested features and functions

Flex Your Routability with the ES-8

One of the ES-8’s key features is its innovative routing flexibility, which provides the ability to easily rearrange the order of a chain of stompbox effects. This gives professional guitarists the ability to access a wide array of effect combinations, offering total creative freedom to achieve the unique sounds that they desire. In addition, the ES-8’s parallel chain function increases the effect combination options further, thereby expanding the final sound variation capability exponentially. What’s more, all of these programmed configurations can be saved for instant access during a live performance.

Isn’t it about Time You Got Connected?

Supporting the ES-8’s superior functionality is its comprehensive connectivity, which empowers this amazing switcher to do the job it does. In addition to the eight effect loops on board, there are three TRS control output jacks, two TRS expression output jacks, and two TRS control/expression input jacks. MIDI capability is also included for integrating seamlessly with MIDI-controlled stomp effects. These centralized controls make the ES-8 even more powerful as a total command center of sound creativity. Of course, as is consistent throughout the ES-8 system, all of these control settings are also storable.

Protects the Purity of Your Precious Tone

In addition to routing capability and connectivity, the ES-8 pays particular attention to sound quality. It’s designed in a way that does not contribute to sound deterioration, keeping your tone pure and free of noise. These results are accomplished by carefully designed analog circuitry developed with the know-how, experience, and design expertise of the Boss engineering team. In further regard to tone pureness, the ES-8 is equipped with input and output buffers that can be turned on and off independently as needed to suit any rig.

Pro-Level Design for Gig Durability

The ES-8 effect switching system is more than just a smartly designed tool for the creation of awesome sounds. It is also a handsome piece of hardware that is going to look really good on your pedalboard. Built with durable mechanical functions in a road-tough design, the ES-8 combines huge technical innovations with small useful conveniences. Memory capability with 800 patches, a large display with extensive naming capacity, and robust responsive foot switches with full assignability are just a few of the features that make this switcher the choice of the pros.

Modes

Memory mode/Manual mode

Loops

8 (Effect loop)
1 (Volume loop)

Patch Memory

800

Nominal Input Level

IN 1--2, RTN 1--6, RTN 7L, RTN 7R, RTN 8L, RTN 8R, RTN VOL: -10 dBu

Maximum Input Level

IN 1--2, RTN 1--6, RTN 7L, RTN 7R, RTN 8L, RTN 8R, RTN VOL: +18 dBu

Input Impedance

IN 1, 2: 1 M ohms (Buffer: On)

Nominal Output Level

SEND 1--7, SEND 8L, SEND 8R, SEND VOL, OUT 1/L, OUT 2/R, TUNER: -10 dBu

Maximum Output Level

SEND 1--7, SEND 8L, SEND 8R, SEND VOL, OUT 1/L, OUT 2/R, TUNER: +18 dBu

Output Impedance

OUT 1/L, OUT 2/R: 1 k ohms (Buffer: On)
TUNER: 1 k ohms

Recommended Load Impedance

10 k ohms or greater

Controls

Number 1--8 switch, MEMORY/MANUAL switch, MUTE switch, BANK down switch, BANK up switch
EDIT button, WRITE button, - button, + button, DISPLAY/EXIT button, ENTER button, Cursor left button, Cursor right button

Display

7 segments, 3 characters (LED)
16 characters, 2 lines (backlit LCD)

Indicator

Number 1--8 indicator, MEMORY/MANUAL indicator, MUTE indicator, BANK down indicator, BANK up indicator

Connectors

IN 1--2, SEND 1--7, SEND 8L, SEND 8R, SEND VOL, RTN 1--6, RTN 7L, RTN 7R, RTN 8L, RTN 8R, RTN VOL, OUT 1/L, OUT 2/R, TUNER jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
EXT CTL CTL 1/2, CTL 3/4, CTL 5/6, EXT CTL EXP 1, EXP 2, CTL IN EXP 1 CTL 1/2, EXP 2 CTL 3/4 jacks: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
MIDI connectors (IN, OUT/THRU)
DC IN jack

Power Supply

AC adaptor

Current Draw

400 mA

Accessories

AC adaptor
Rubber foot x 5
Screw x 2
Owner's manual
Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY"

Options (sold separately)

Footswitch: FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7
Expression pedal: FV-500L, FV-500H, Roland EV-5

Size and Weight

Width

439 mm
17-5/16 inches

Depth

137 mm
5-7/16 inches

Height

65 mm
2-9/16 inches

Weight

2.5 kg
5 lbs 9 oz.

* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms