BOSS GX100 - The GOOD and BAD That You Should Know BEFORE buying

[@johnnathancordy]

It's mostly Good - I think Boss have some cool features that are notably different to the competition - here are some of those - and some differences that may be less positive. What did I miss?

[@Kothas01]

Eh, I'll wait for the next super station. Its innovative what they have done for themselves but at the price point its trailing far behind. The next year or so should be pretty good for a few other designers. The current platforms are getting aged. Capacitors don't last forever.

[@johnnathancordy]

@@Kothas01 Fair point - I wonder who is next? Seems like Fractal have blown their wad already with the FM9 - Neural are still catching up, maybe Line 6?

[@Kothas01]

@@johnnathancordy I would expect line 6 to do a flag ship and definitely kemper to have a redesign. I used my boss gt6 then rolled into the line6 hd500x, terrible sound comes out of that unit but it was an advancement. Now here with an aged helix I have no faith in it lasting 3 more years. The real issue is amplifying the models in stereo. Its rediculous you can't find a solid state stereo power amp with any big name brand backing. Why is this?

[@phildyerguitar]

@@johnnathancordy I'd be interested to see if strymon dipped their toe into multi fx/modeller game, they've already shown their modelling technology and have all the algorithms from their big box pedals. I can't see the Iridium being their last foray into modelling

[@Herfinnur]

@@Kothas01 You can, sort of: Yamaha THR100HD. It's 100 Watt, the tube emulation of the power amp section is very much an improvement on any Helix patch, it's built like a weapon and they routinely go for ridiculously low prices. I vastly prefer it's tones, so I've foregone the helix amp emulations and using it in the FX loop instead

[@frankluppino9176]

Great video as always Mr Cordy! Hot Tip: When editing effects, press the 3 horizontal lines in the top right corner of the screen, then choose "Knob View". It then allows you to see twice as many parameters on-screen, and you can then use your finger to slide up and down on the virtual knobs to make quick level adjustments. You can move to the next/previous page by sliding your finger left or right across the screen like you would on your phone (instead of pressing the physical Page buttons). Also if you use any of the 4 physical knobs you can press down on them and turn and they will increase by larger increments.

[@WhiskeyBiscuits23]

Top comment here!!!!

[@simonattwood5147]

For those of us about to drop our respective currency on this piece of kit, in depth and unbiased reviews like this are extremely useful, so thanks for your efforts and insights (and fine playing as ever). It seems that the vast majority of vids on YT of this unit are getting very pleasing sounds (to my ears, at least), and I wonder if that reflects the relative ease of programming compared to its previous incarnations? Good stuff, and I look forward to giving it a try.

[@johnnathancordy]

Hey Simon - I don't think any of the built in sounds are any different, but speaking from my own personal experience, this unit is more inviting than the GT1000core that I did try on a couple of occasions, and there's some subtle things like not hiding the cab choices etc that I think make it significantly more approachable?

[@simonattwood5147]

@@johnnathancordy Yes, that was my thought as well, that the basic sounds are the same, but it's all just arranged more intuitively and therefore more accessible. I tried a GT1000 when it first came out and loved the general tones, but got utterly confused by the interface...this already looks far less bemusing!

[@andreil1234]

@@simonattwood5147 The one thing that also made me cringe a bit at first was the cabsim/ir setting buried in the chain and not even applicable for when selecting certain output options. It does makes sense for the way gt1k was initially designed - to rather complement an amp and only on occasion to provide the whole chain in a digital package, but if you're coming from most other stuff out there it can be puzzling. After some warm-up to its interface I however prefer it to the endless tweaking that other popular products make you do :-) Also feels great playing it, which I value.

[@simonattwood5147]

@@andreil1234 I think that you raise a really important point here...because of some deliberate limitations in the device, there's less temptation to infinitely tweak parameters and actually spend more time playing guitar!!! You're right about the feel aspect as well, it's genuinely fun to play because of that.

[@10smdjbtk]

GX-100 is very underrated. You won't find a device with this level of sound quality, quality, ease of use, and versatility at this price level anywhere else. In boxing terms, it's pound for pound.

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

It’s always better to know more about what something can do than what it cannot do. Keep your glass half full, if not overflowing. It’s 16 February, 2020for the comment. I only learned this particular unit existed yesterday morning. I was meditating on purchasing a GT-1000 Core, but this looks a lot more appealing in terms of on-the-fly programming and parameter selecting/adjusting. What would I lose if I chose this over the Core, portability and In-N-Out signal routing? Those are things I can do without.

[@moe45673]

My biggest problem with the pod go is that i have been out of the guitar pedal scene since 2008 or so and i have never been a huge amp nerd. I had a marshall that i used as a pedal platform that sounded great. So the pod go has tons of amps and pedals and many of them are high end. Plus they have original amps. Plus l6's naming conventions. Plus all the amps react differently, so on some you want to crank master volume and on others you dont. On some, turning up bias increases powertube clipping and on some it brings it down. None of this stuff is written in any l6 literature anywhere. The zvex fuzz pedal, for example, has an oscillation parameter. The Timmy has a clipping switch that can be set to up/center/down position. What do those positions mean? Go find the Timmy v3 manual. This stuff got so frustrating for me, i just found the placater clean amp, liked it, and swore off the other amps. Meanwhile with boss, i know how to tweak every amp in there to get it how i like it because they all react the same. Sure you dont have two gain knobs for the plexi model (something i miss) but i can still get a jumped plexi sound outta it. Another thing i like about it is that the od and dst tones sound SO good i can use them on their own, and not purely as a way to slam the front end of the "amp" model. Every other modeller i have played, the dirt pedals always sounded best with the gain set lower and as a boost into the amp. I can dial in the gx-100 in seconds. I love experimenting with it. With the pod go, i always felt a sense of being overwhelmed. And that's without the legacy models mucking things up!

[@moe45673]

Regardless, this video was awesome

[@thenextkurt]

Boss' assign system on the GT-1 is Excellent and I really appreciate how they improved on it for the GX-100

[@accentontheoff]

As someone who may have knowledge about both the GT-1 and the GX-100, do you feel there is a huge difference in sound quality between the two. The GX-100 is three times as costly as the GT-1, do you think it’s worth it. I am only asking from the perspective of sound quality and, maybe, feel. Thanks!

[@tarkgundogdu8940]

@@accentontheoff GT-1 has COSM and GX-100 has AIRD amp modeling. AIRD has just better feel while playing, is more dynamic and sounds like mix-ready tbh. GX-100 also has more blocks around 15-16 and you can have 2 parallel signal paths with a total of 2 amps and 2 cabs. GX-100 also has different effects, FX loop and IR loading capability. It still has somewhat lower number of pre-amps (or amps as you would like to call it) compared to the units from other brands like helix or hotone ampero. But you can solve that by using the fx loop with mooer preamp pedals (or any other like tonex etc) so you can have mooer preamps with boss effects. I have GT-1 as my first guitar processor and I like it but I think GX-100 is priced right.

[@accentontheoff]

@@tarkgundogdu8940 Thanks for the reply. Actually I bought the GX-100 a few months ago. So, that’s good to know. By the way do you really feel the GX-100:has less amps? Which Mooer device do you use and which amps do you use it for.

[@sunder5686]

ive watch two of your videos in one night and i just wanna say i really like your playing

[@4142Wilb]

I got mine today and already I’m going nuts 😂…I guess I’ll spend the weekend looking at the manual.

[@johnnathancordy]

How are you finding it?

[@4142Wilb]

Honestly, compared to other multi-effects pedals it’s a bit rocky in setting up. I have to remind myself when I change settings I need to “write” the program in order to “save” the changes made unlike other boards I’ve used. In all actuality this is my first Boss board ever, do I don’t know if all of them are the same. With trial and error I’m finding my way about up to the point of having finding the manual online for further explanation. Given that, I’m sure I’ll be well versed by weekend’s end.

[@anthem7777]

i printed the manual ansd working my way thru it - marking important stuff old school i know but im starting to get my head around it

[@cezarsantana]

Your playing is killer Jonathan! Thanks for existing!

[@johanwithag2432]

It's about the same price as the Line 6 POD Go. I'm very sure I would take the BOSS GX100.

[@anonimus1350]

just got one myself, trying out the cab section with a few IR's from OwnHammer, I gotta say it love the user cab section! The IR's don't come in as hot as the stock selections, but adjusting the amp after, you can get a really great sound against the stock cabs included.

[@gregs6424]

Hi, very nice in-depth video. Planning on purchasing mine very soon. One question: if switching from one effect type (such as your dual delay and reverse delay example), why would you choose to go this route, instead of creating two separate patches? When switching the effects "type" within a patch, It seems to create a "gap" where the sound cuts out due to the DSP. Why not create two patches and switch between those instead? If you have two patches with identical signal chains, you could add two delay blocks for each. Patch 1A would have the dual delay block activated and reverse delay block off. Then patch 1B would have the opposite. You would switch between them and even the trails would carry over. Less DSP. So why switch the FX type within a patch? I don't see any advantage, only disadvantages.

[@JohnOShaughnessy]

thanks, I've been considering getting this one and your video certainly helps.

[@f.c.9550]

Thank you Johnnathan for the detailed explanation and your time. I hope you'll show us a good fusion jazzish lead tone on gx100 :) cheers

[@winstonsmith8240]

I've come to the conclusion that you make them all sound good. Great even. 👍

[@SRSR-pc8ti]

Super helpful, thanks! Just ordered one.

[@martoneill]

Really interesting - thank you. Curious to hear your thoughts on sound quality vs Katana mk2. Hard to tell on YT. The katana obviously doesn’t have all of the amp models but it seems to have all the effects and is very tweakable via tone studio.

[@CinemaKev24]

Have owned the GX well over a year. If youre not willing to learn how to program it, you'll be stuck with the factory presets. Programming is much easier using a PC and USB cable. Also, snag a few free IRs and run parallel amps with different IRs and separate PEQs.

[@sentientcardboarddumpster7900]

I would say it's easier via PC over even the phone app. Both avenues however, I don't like how long it takes to write things compared to straight from the device. Either way, it's a small issue, and doesn't matter too much since we shouldn't be tweaking things in the middle of a set or a song.

[@sentientcardboarddumpster7900]

So when should i expect to be able to play like you? I got my settings set and my fingers stretched! Lol, jk the gx 100 is a quality pedal and you've done an excellent job showing us why thats true

[@ogmakefirefiregood]

I love the Boss GX100. Feel free to ask any questions. I know mine very well other than the midi..

[@topazaditia]

Are the modulation and delay fx are as good as GT-1000 sound-wise?

[@ogmakefirefiregood]

@topazaditia I think so... however I don't own the GT1000. But the delays in the GX100 are great. I don't use the modulation except the phaser with I love.

[@gordonscott1441]

Sure like what you’re playing at the start of the video

[@andreil1234]

I'd be interested which interferes the least when used with an amp (before/4cm/ in the loop). That's also important for some at least.

[@anthonygonzalez8684]

Love that tone. A real hum dinger

[@s9plus20]

Great video, well done. Thanks!

[@jdwild1698]

Good info Jon , Pod Go or Gx -100 is my dilemma now . I like Pod Go for simplicity of use and sound and more amps etc ,but also the Boss for it’s more dsp and parallel configs even with less amps I think the amp sounds possible would be quite enough though I like Pod Go effects better … not sure how to go but helpful vid bro , thanks 😎

[@jdwild1698]

Went with Pod Go 👍

[@davidxito09]

@@jdwild1698 y? ayuda jaja

[@maxammo6282]

The pod go is very limited. When it's compared to the gx100. Plus there's not much of a price difference. I got the HX stomp. And I'm definitely going to get the pod gx100 for my main rig. HX stomp will be for home use.

[@l.g.5899]

Is it absolutely necessary buying a DI as the exits are unbalanced?

[@frantzblerald7000]

Thank you for this very nice presentation of the latest BOSS, I have a Helix and I don't know if one lifetime will be enough to go around it. On the other hand, I love the backing track that you use at the start of the video. how to get itthank you for your answer

[@Skeks_s]

THANK YOU

[@guitardipu]

Boss Assigns and ctl button are superior than the pod go snapshots. wish boss had ambient delays and reverbs like the line 6.

[@johnnathancordy]

Not sure on that to be honest, it's certainly not as easy to set up - for instance if you imagine you had a Tubescreamer: on Snapshot 1, you could have it Bypassed, Snapshot 2 - drive at 33 - Snapshot 3 - drive at 60 - Snapshot 4 drive at 100....

[@guitardipu]

@@johnnathancordy yes i do agree, i have the boss gt1. It can toggle 7 parameters including Change of amp types with just one CTL button. I am not sure whether one can change amp types in snapshot. As i already have a boss, i am tilting towards the hx stomp. Btw which timbre do you prefer the mid rangey boss gx 100 or modern tone line 6 PG?

[@guitardipu]

@@johnnathancordy i think you can achieve the snapshot like feature via assigns with the ctl1 and ctl2 in the gx100, no?.

[@deigonz]

Hi JC! About your preferred placement of the NS (noise suppressor) block, why do you prefer to put it earlier in the chain, as opposed to after the amp block? isn't it better for it to be placed and "gate" after the noisy blocks and simply set it to "detect" at the start of the chain?

[@johnnathancordy]

I'm just used to having it at the start, but you're probably right!!

[@stephenwhitney8636]

How's the amp modeling in your opinion to the line 6 modeling? Do they compare pretty well to each other?

[@KenSpears313]

I’m havin such a hard time deciding between this. Boss gx 100 and the Hx stomp xl. Which should I buy????? 🤔

[@phillipjennings963]

Me too ! What did you go with in the end ?

[@jourdinthedragon]

This video makes me regret being the gt1000core before it's even delivered. It was between this and that. Listed same price used. I got the CORE because of the "better sound" and the dual FX loops. But I want something I can dial in fast. I'll be trying the core once it's here but I might return it and get the gx100😂

[@maurocamargo89]

on your website there is no link to join the presets

[@meouicmoi]

Thanks and yes, very useful video and very well explained. It couldn't be better ! :-) I need a guitar processor that can switch to a clean bass sound (within the machine, octave) with one click Can it be done with this unit? And how is the sound of the bass? Thanks again, Thierry

[@Paul-Feyerabend-C-Lévi-Strauss]

Gx100 or gt 1000 core for a homestudio? 🤔

[@T3hRuski]

Your intro tunes are so slick. Is there anywhere I can find your music chief?

[@robsmith1239]

Can you use one of the outputs to just send the bluetooth signal (say backing tracks) out seperately to a different mixer channel?

[@josephtan816]

My unit has a lot of static sounds. I brought to the retailer for a check and they said no issue. Anyone else has a fix?

[@Place_to_keep_videos]

Have you tried running a drive or a reverb in the loop? They went to rubbish after Helix 3.15, but I wonder if this would make a good travel/Fly rig. Looks like like it could be packed in my ruck sack and only have one travel bag and my guitars flight case..etc. maybe my inears and my wireless.

[@iancurrie8844]

I rented this and brought it back without buying. I found it so difficult to use. I just don’t get it.

[@accentontheoff]

The trick (I think) is to study the manual BEFORE buying it. I did that and I at least understand enough to use the basics from the get go. Now I am doing the same thing with RME’s Total Mix.

[@iancurrie8844]

@@accentontheoff Yeah, I did actually. I also watched a ton of youtube videos showing how to use it. Maybe it's just me, but I just couldn't.

[@accentontheoff]

@@iancurrie8844 Sure yeah.

[@RelaxingMusic-cv1yz]

may sound dumb while looking for multfx isn't ther a software that can help produce sound from a pc to amp output

[@KhyrisEidan]

Could you get a Korn/Nu-metal sound with it?

[@harrygore]

What pickups are are in your Strat bro?

[@MrAntpre]

John what's you opinion on the reverbs and delays on the gx100 ? Tks

[@johnnathancordy]

Hey chap - I've just been filming an ambient preset build. I think the Line 6 stuff has the edge in terms of more experimental Chase Bliss Moodish type delays - and personally the new Dynamic Plate and Shimmer really speak to what I like from a reverb. The Boss stuff feels a bit more (to me) utilitarian

[@picksalot1]

Looks like a very powereful and customizable unit. The User Interface is lightyears ahead and better than my old Boss GT6. I heard a weird high pitch whine around 16:38 buried in the tone. I don't know if that was a "characteristic" of the Amp or something else. 🤷 But, it was like nails on a chalkboard to my ears.

[@Stoffendous]

Yeah heard it too. Maybe John can clarify.

[@colindias4820]

Stilll loving my gt 6 too .... In 2022 .. . but this seems like a lovely time to upgrade . Looking at the possibilities this one offers. .. Got my gt6 in 2005 but it's doin the job even today .. with a bit of tweaking.

[@titanman6827]

How can I activate the looper?

[@StevenJoseph]

There's always a nasty fizziness to the boss distortion/gain that I really don't like. Almost like the sound is too "hi-fi" for its own good with too much high end.

[@sarahandthesafeword6632]

I've noticed the high end on a lot of modelers tends to be too "hi-fi" like you're saying, so I generally apply a hi-cut around 9-10k. You think that would solve this issue for the Boss stuff too?

[@marksystemed4678]

@@sarahandthesafeword6632 Even with my Axe FX 2 I cut the hi-cut to 9000-10000 Hz

[@4142Wilb]

How does one “cut” the highs on this gx-100???

[@christopherjbutler]

@@4142Wilb I believe there is an EQ pedal block available you can put in line wherever you need it.

[@matthesson5618]

Does it not take 3rd party IRs very well?

[@Turej87]

It’s me or this gx-100 always sounds harsh regardless the tweaking?

[@micwalt]

FWIW, I found doing the assigns in the Tone Studio software to be much easier. I've got a quick vid of it on my channel.

[@vladaspetrauskas2800]

Jonh, which do you prefer? Helix line 6 or Boss GX 100? Which better?

[@johnnathancordy]

Personally I'm a daily user of the Helix

[@89ji76]

I was gonna get the new GX-10 until I realized you can’t separate amp and cab, meaning you can run to a real guitar cabinet and direct at the same time without sending the cab to both. Rip.

[@guitardipu]

damn that stellar playing...its like a beautiful woman caressing your face early morning.

[@johnnathancordy]

Or slapping you awake saying "Where's my cup of Tea?"

[@Crabfather]

@@johnnathancordy ahh.. Marriage lol

[@johnnathancordy]

Lol I jest I drink coffee

[@guitardipu]

@@johnnathancordy 🤣🤣

[@e.mo.4530]

This video is a reminder of everything I really don’t like about multi-fx units. I guess I’m more of a simpleton but all these screens and choices don’t even sound very good to me. Just my opinion for anyone wondering the same thing. Peace ✌️

[@suntowers1178]

Please note that he ids playing through a high end tube amp. It will not sound that good through monitor speakers. imo

[@Tommy-pe2pt]

So what computer programer cause do we need to attend. These things just keep getting harder & harder to use why is that. Not just the boss all of them . And each time they bring out a new one .it's all different

[@ChrisB913]

Heard some people say the GX100 feels more "responsive" and lag-free because of the AIRD technology as opposed to the helix maybe not being as "responsive". Have you noticed anything like that?

[@johnnathancordy]

Personally not really - but Boss have the best (lowest) latency across any of the modelling devices - including Fractal/Line 6 and Neural

[@christopherjbutler]

@@johnnathancordy WOW.. I did NOT know that.. Good to know.

[@womz8203]

Leo Gibson made some videos where he tested the latency on various multi-effects units and Boss had the lowest latency. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYaTXpJpfdqVb9E kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJemmH-VgqyHadE

[@suntowers1178]

Please note that he is playing through a high end tube amp. It doesn't sound as good through monitor speakers. imo

[@elfieborimera3178]

Most of the professional people don't use these only the bedroom guys.so why are they making them harder and harder to use. And making each one completey different I mean really.

[@KhyrisEidan]

Could you make a Korn/Nu-metal sound with this?

[@ryandavis6337]

After we learn how to Use it. We will be able to fly a rocket ship

[@johnnathancordy]

Hey Ryan - maybe wait for the weed to lay off. But yeh it's simpler than other Boss GT devices to use, but still there's a learning curve.

[@Dawgley]

Boss Assign is more powerful than Helix Snapshots

[@adieltm]

Not a big difference from GT 100… nothing much has changed . I think it’s better to save for a helix LT… the difference isn’t that much. Helix provides more flexibility and way more value.

[@alanmcdonald6551]

Do you have the patches available? Love the tones you get

[@johnnathancordy]

Can do so - feel free to use the buymeacoffee link or just send me an email and I'll sort it!

[@alanmcdonald6551]

@@johnnathancordy Thanks! I sent you a 3 pack!

[@redcomn]

Coming from sy1000 All of the things gx100 could do can be done with gt1000 It's the menu dive that will hurt your brain tho. For me it's the instant aspect of gx100 that will win most people I still did not like their modelled sound, surprisingly i highly prefer boss original more. Tho most of the times i just wanted that darn plexi sound

[@wilder7bc]

does not have good ratings on amazon where it runs in the high 60s which makes me nervous this compared to the Line 6 POD Go which runs close to mid 80s which is phenomenal. with reviews you have to take them with grain of salt but if your use to judging how people are doing with item you can get a general gist and I dont like such a low rating even if some of that is paid digs you normally get that on all stuff as well as paid horays. Low sampling on on those reviews for Boss GX 100 as compared to much larger on the Line six go which has probably been around. I guess in end go to guitar store see which one you like but some things harder to tell at the store like connecting to PC and interacting on that device as well. I am trying to figure out which I want as well probably be fine with either. I just play from my home office so no gigging or band stuff for me.

[@phillipjennings963]

Which one did you go with in the end ? I was keen on pod go but now leaning towards the boss

[@matthewdavis473]

Can it run dual stereo amp models?

[@johnnathancordy]

Hmm do you mean Dual amps?

[@matthewdavis473]

@@johnnathancordy yes sir

[@johnnathancordy]

Yeh!

[@philmiller6655]

I have tried to like a bunch of Boss products, and actually still have the GT1000CORE, but man, they make my head hurt. This looks a little better, but I still don’t like how assigns are so disconnected from the signal flow workflow itself. It’s hard to explain, I guess, but it just seems like a herky-jerky workflow. I also think the hexagons are an odd choice for the blocks, but I guess they were trying to do their own thing.

[@TrumpetsInMy4x12]

Flat mic; always.

[@ryandavis6337]

For the adverage person.they will need to enter a computer programer cause.absoule joke

[@suntowers1178]

xxxx

[@ogulkoker]

It is a powerful tool but has a totally uninspiring workflow...