Using the Boss GT-1 with various amps

[@marciobernardino6505]

I use Small Amp. Plug in Return. I select the preamp and then turn off the cabinet. But the most important thing is to adjust the sound in the master equalization, at the end of the chain of effects. Then I get a better result.

[@firdaus125]

thanks bro, i wanted to confirm if this was what i had to do

[@Rockandrollgeerage]

How do you turn off the cabinet?

[@hartlee1160]

I love the peavey express. I sure it sounds great through the clean input

[@denisj20111]

Great video mate...Love the effort you have put into it

[@Tone-Quest]

Thank your sir, much appreciated.

[@navaneethswaminathan6731]

Wow the video I have been searching for!! Practical and best, to the point! Thanks mate! 🤩

[@Tone-Quest]

Thank you, glad you found it useful. 👍🏻

[@damien6685]

Thanks for clearing that up Great video with the real examples

[@fretlesscountry]

Thank you for a great video, i'I really like the line/phones setting and listening to my GT1 through a FRFR system, in the manual its stated that the cab simulator only works when you set the output to Line/Phones, otherwise its automatically disabled. saludos

[@Tone-Quest]

Thank you sir and I appreciate you adding the note about the cab sim being used only when output is set to "Line/Phone". I read through the manual but didn't see that but I found it in the Parameter Guide/Sound List.

[@fretlesscountry]

@@Tone-Quest you are right, its not on the manual, but on the parameter guide. Bottom line, in my opinion is that it sounds amazing direct via line/phones, cheers!!

[@toddmerriott6901]

Wow, I have a head rush free 108 and line phones sounds muffled. What am I doing wrong? Is there a setting I can adjust? Thanks

[@Tone-Quest]

Todd Merriott And for the output, you have select line/phones? If so, I’m not sure. I would think it would sound great with the Headrush 108.

[@AdamManley7]

@@toddmerriott6901 perhaps mess with the tone control of the amp to brighten it up and add a tube screamer or overdrive boost in front level high with gain very low, it’ll make the sound more alive

[@kalaharithorn]

Thank for the video! Would it work only as an effects unit if I connected it to a Tonex?

[@obendaperkins5574]

My 2 cents (as a recent ownr of the GT 1): the best clean sounds are with the Line out, the best dirty sounds are through the combo amp fx return. If I had to get the best sounds I would do the following: when using the GT 1 with an amp cone (be it combo or stack) I'd use always the amp fx return (best dirty sounds and still decent clean tones), when running the GT 1 to a mixer/PA I would use a quality DI box to eliminate the fizziness of the dirty sounds (clean tones with Line OUt are excellent). Do ou agree?

[@LIKEFUNK]

Hi, read my comment please if you wan't to get the best out of your GT1. ✅

[@Всея_Руси]

The best way to setup is to tell some one play when you try different adjustments . GT-1 has unlimited capabilities.

[@accentontheoff]

How are the tones. Do they sound very “digital”.

[@NerioLab]

@@accentontheoff AD and DA Conversion: 24 bits. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g16smaShqLahbtk - made by GT-1

[@accentontheoff]

@@NerioLab Sure, thanks.

[@KeithMilner]

Or record something into the built-in looper

[@bangkokskater]

2:12 what's the meaning between combo amp VS combo return? 1 uses GT-1 preamp, the other uses amp's preamp?

[@Tone-Quest]

bangkokskater The “Combo amp” is just the normal plug into the front of an amp, so the sound/tone is being shared by the GT-1, the Peavey’s preamp, power amp and speaker. The “combo return” is plugging the GT-1 into the Peavey’s effect loop return jack and bypassing the Peavey’s preamp. So the the tone of the combo return method is being shaped by the GT-1, the Peavey’s power amp and the speaker.

[@bangkokskater]

@@Tone-Quest awesome explanation

[@Acelespaul]

I'm fairly sure I can guess that 1st riff 😉great comprehensive demo. Thanks❤

[@Tone-Quest]

Much appreciated

[@Corpsegrinder138]

Why does “small amp” sound the best going into a boss katana mk2 100 2/12. I tried all the different modes and small amp sounds the best?

[@Tone-Quest]

I think the variations are just different EQ’ing on the output for the different ways to connect it. I guess the “small amp” just sounds the best for your Katana.

[@mikehunty20]

@@Tone-Quest I liked the audio thru the amp selection for the distortion more than direct audio and vice-versa for the clean tones. Just seems the distortion thru direct is not as tight, meaning that it covers the audio spectrum from 400 Hz to 10 KHz. The distorted sound thru the amp gives about 750 Hz to 6 KHz which makes it sound tighter and allows other instruments those other frequencies to be heard clearly.

[@Tone-Quest]

@@mikehunty20 Agreed, which is why I like multi-effects pedals that include a high and low pass cut filter, so you can configure that frequencies that are allowed through or cut and making it more realistic.

[@mikehunty20]

@@Tone-Quest realistic, word!

[@daveambing9625]

I thought i was the only one..any other type aside to the small amp is so muddy and 'bassy'...

[@Chico-jm8sl]

I was told combo return is to be used through effx loop at the back of my Bugera amp ? Otherwise if your plugging into the front of the amp as your pictures shows just use combo, not combo return ?

[@Tone-Quest]

On the combo return section, I’m using the Peavey amp and I’m going into the return.

[@khamullordoftheeastelings390]

Can the Boss GT-1 be used with the Boss Katana Mini?

[@Tone-Quest]

@@khamullordoftheeastelings390 I would say yes, but if it was me I would come out the headphone jack on the GT-1 and go in the aux in on the BOSS Katana mini. I’ve never tried it though, so I’m not sure how good it will sound.

[@khamullordoftheeastelings390]

@@Tone-Quest Sorry sir, I'm new to this hobby. I didn't quite catch what you were meaning with this. Could you explain? Thank you for your reply!

[@Tone-Quest]

@ The Katana Mini isn’t really designed to be used with multi-effect units or pedal, I would say it meant more as a super portable unit for on the go practicing. The Katana mini has an aux (auxiliary) input that is probably a stereo 3.5 mm jack, so you can plug in your phone or portable media device to play back track or something along those lines. To keep the Katana from coloring the sound coming from a GT-1, you could come in via the aux in. Does that help clear things up any?

[@khamullordoftheeastelings390]

@@Tone-Quest Thanks mate, all clear now! 🤟

[@metalheadCP]

I just bought an EVH half stack (5150 iii Stealth 100w head) and the Boss GT1. Does the GT1 output (L) go into the Return jack on the back FX loop, and that's it? Or do I need to have the Send jack connected to the Input jack on the Boss GT1 as well?? I'm looking to insert the GT1's Reverb, Chorus, Delay and Wah in between the Stealth's pre-amp and power stage. TIA!

[@Tone-Quest]

EVH half stack…nice!!! I’m jealous. If you plan to used the time based effects, then yes the effect loop send from the amp goes the the input of the GT-1 and the output of the GT-1 goes to the return of the amp’s effects loop. Generally speaking, I don’t think you will get much use from the Wah in the effects loop. Most time wah goes before the pre-amp but who knows, give it a shot and see what you think.

[@metalheadCP]

@@Tone-Quest I must be doing something wrong, as I'm not getting any sound when I hit the FX button the EVH channel switch foot pedal...

[@Tone-Quest]

@@metalheadCP Well bummer, any chance you could email me a pic or a block diagram of how every is connected and/or setup?

[@accentontheoff]

Fantastically useful thanks. Just wondering… what exactly is going on in the back end when we choose these settings. Is the GT1 activating and deactivating amps and cab sims. Or do the amps and cab sims remain active. Or… do we need to use these settings *as well as* deactivate amp and cab sims.

[@Tone-Quest]

I think what's going on in the back end is just EQ'ing and possibly some level adjustments. If you are plugging into the front of an amp, I think they are expecting it to be clean and are adjusting the EQ to accommodate for it. Also to, if you are plugging into the return of the effects loop, you are by passing the preamp and going directly into the power amp, which should be clean. In regards to switching cabs or amps on or off, that is up to you.

[@accentontheoff]

@@Tone-Quest Got it, yes, thanks.

[@accentontheoff]

@@Tone-Quest When you say “If you are plugging into the front of an amp, I think they are expecting it to be clean” you mean the clean channel and that there are no other pedals right?

[@Tone-Quest]

@@accentontheoff Yes 👍🏻

[@accentontheoff]

@@Tone-Quest Sounds good thanks.

[@Pamjay22]

What if i connect it directly to a mixer. Is that okay?

[@Tone-Quest]

Yes, that is ok…as long as it is configured for it.

[@PaulChoate-s4v]

Wow, your computer monitor sounds great!

[@Tone-Quest]

@@PaulChoate-s4v For a monitor, it sounds ok. It is a HP 24mh FHD Computer Monitor with 23.8-Inch IPS Display (1080p) - Built-In Speakers and VESA Mounting.

[@edcoronel9671]

Wow just the post I'm looking for. I'm considering Boss GT1 for both the guitar effects and as direct audio interface. Just in case you have time, have you tried how the AUX-IN blends with the rest of the effects? .... Great post!

[@Tone-Quest]

Ed Coronel Thanks, much appreciated. When you say “AUX-IN” blends, are asking how does it sounds? If so, I would say it sounds good but that may depend on the quality of what is coming in. I’ve played along with a drum machine & backing tracks and both sounded great.

[@edcoronel9671]

@@Tone-Quest Given a decent input, if you think its good, it must be really good. Thanks for the info.

[@pekkatervala8476]

I bought a used one, 3 yrs. old, it comes with a power supply and costs only €50 + shipping. I've had GT-3 and GT-6 before Line6 Pod 2.0 and Pod xt. This is great as an effects unit, effects are better than in Pods.

[@robertclarkguitar]

What are your thoughts with this Sterling Silo 3 you've used sp often? Thank you!!

[@gianalonzo7969]

Its preamp intended only in a recording? For a live set or a gig connected to external amp wht is the best output select and can i used preamp in a live set? Or turn it off? Thank u very much

[@Tone-Quest]

"Is the preamp intended only for recording?" No "For a live set or a gig connected to external amp what is the best output select?" That depends on your amp and how you are connecting to it to your amp. I will list all the options below for the Boss GT-1, so you can see it depends on what amp you have and I would also encourage experimenting to see which one you like best. JC-120 - Choose this if connected to the guitar input of a Roland JC-120 guitar amp. SMALL AMP - Choose this if connected to a small guitar amp. COMBO AMP - Choose this if connected to the guitar input of a combo-type guitar amp (i.e., a single unit that contains the amp and speaker) other than the JC-120. For some types of guitar amps, the “JC-120” setting might produce better results. STACK AMP - Choose this if connected to the guitar input of a stack-type guitar amp (i.e., one in which the amp and speaker are separate units). JC-120 RETURN - Choose this if connected to the RETURN jack of the JC-120. COMBO RETURN - Choose this if connected to the RETURN jack of a combo-type guitar amp. STACK RETURN - Choose this if connected to the RETURN jack of a stack-type guitar amp. You should also choose “STACK RETURN” if you’re using a guitar power amp together with a speaker cabinet. LINE/PHONES - Choose this if you’re using headphones, or if the GT-1 is connected to monitor speakers, mixer, or digital recorder. And your last question was "Can I used the preamp in a live set? Or turn it off?" You can definitely use it live but again I would say it depend on how you set things up.

[@gianalonzo7969]

@@Tone-Quest Thank you for your response man appreciate it 😊

[@jeffking543]

Combo Amp and Combo Return sound mushy on my Legend A30. The JC-120 outputs sound better.

[@pauljenkins7037]

So using the GT-1 live with my Fender Mustang has been a challenge. At home having it plugged into the audio interface into the computer OR using the headphone out sounds like I want. However, regardless of what output setting and connection I use to the Mustang just doesn't sound good at all. I wonder if it might be better to hook the GT-1 up to a powered set of speakers that are full range instead of trying to use a smaller amp live? I have a set of Alto TS115As that I rarely use, perhaps route the GT-1 headphone output to them?

[@Tone-Quest]

Oh yes, if possible I would recommend using a power FRFR speaker, like the Headrush 108 or a PA system. Just curious, do you have a newer Fender Mustang? If so, trying using the headphone out of the GT-1 into the aux of the Mustang. That might get you better results.

[@pauljenkins7037]

@@Tone-Quest about 3-4 year old Mustang III v2 (or something like that). I'll try that option though, I haven't tried it before! Those TS115As are big and heavy, but man they output some sound :)

[@pekkatervala8476]

@@Tone-Quest Yes, aux/CD/mp3 input is a handy option. I have used that with a Marshall MG15R combo, it bypasses all amp controls, i.e. preamp.

[@rubberbandlevin]

I have the same problem, I have a new Roland Blues Stage 60 amp, I use the combo amp output but it’s not great, the only other output I tried was small amp, but that was no better. There is no effects loop on the amp so I go through the front of amp on the clean channel. I have tried turning off the pre amp on the gt1 but the sound is not great, seriously thinking about selling it and trying something else. The stage 60 is great for rock blues and clean sounds but I’m in a band at the moment that requires me to have multiple effects including harmony guitar which sounds horrible through the amp. Any advice on settings would be appreciated . Mike

[@nonamejones2321]

It's because that amp is utter shite.

[@mikehunty20]

Is it better to use one of the listed amps than to use a PA amp/ speaker. As there are so many variations of amp/speaker combinations in a PA? And that using one of the listed amps eliminates these variations.

[@Tone-Quest]

Just my personal opinion, I think modelers work best through PA Speakers or a dedicated FRFR Speaker like the Headrush FRFR-108. If you use an amp modeler with the PA or FRFR speaker then you can leverage the built-in cabinet emulations to help sculpt your tone. If you don't have a PA or FRFR speakers than it is nice to have the option to connect it to your amp. In the event that you are connecting via an amp, then I would normally disable the cabinet emulation and do the sculpting on the amp if possible.

[@deepanshusingal9207]

Do we have to off the preamp settings on gt 1 when output is other than line?

[@Tone-Quest]

I would say no, you don't have to...unless you don't want to use the built-in preamp on the Boss GT-1. For this video and the examples of the different ways to connect the Boss GT-1 to amps, the preamp was enabled.

[@david85star]

Hi.just 1 question:when you connect the gt-1 to PC in your vid.where does the sound come from?ex:the default "Dragon metal" patch sounds really awesome here but sounds like ass through my powered speaker on lines/phones output select.thanks.

[@Tone-Quest]

When I connect the GT-1 directly to the PC, I’m recording it via the USB. While doing so, I’m hearing the audio through my powered monitor speakers.

[@david85star]

I guess you connect your speaker to the gt1 output.do you need to install a DAW to record? Sorry dumb question.but I've just bought that unit and i know it can give nice metal tones too.i simply don't know how to make the necessary connections.i thought the usb is only for using boss tone central.

[@Tone-Quest]

@@david85star You don’t have to use a DAW just to record the guitar sound. I use Nero’s wave editor for recording sound samples but if you wanted to record multiple parts then a DAW would probably be your best bet.

[@david85star]

@@Tone-Quest ok.i don't need to record anything.i just want to get that sound in the vid.since the patch "Dragon Metal " here is the the gt1's default patch.to what are u connecting your powered speaker?directly to gt1 output Jack or your pc?

[@Tone-Quest]

@@david85star normally, I take the output of the GT-1 into my USB audio interface (Behringer UMC204HD), which is where I have my studio monitors connected to. All that is just so I can hear the audio from the GT-1, since I’m recording via USB. The USB audio interface also would allow me to record from an effects pedal if it didn’t have the ability to record via USB.

[@stoney40]

Sorry. I'm a newbie. So I can plug this into a just an amp cabinet? Or does it have to be an actual amplifier?

[@samuelmccoymp193]

If your wanting to play it through a cabinet you have to have the head to with speaker cable connecting the two

[@markart157]

if you wanna plug it in a speaker cabinet you would need to first connect your guitar to the fx pedal then the fx pedal to a power amp (small devices nowadays) and then the power amp to the cab. But of course if you have a head then you plug the guitar into the fx pedal, the the fx pedal to the head, and then from head to cab you plug it but with a speaker cable. The rest doesn't need have to be speaker cable, only the cable that will be plugged into the speaker cabinet.

[@toddmerriott6901]

What about a powered speaker, I can’t decide which one, thanks

[@Tone-Quest]

Todd Merriott I think a powered speaker would be a great choice, that way you could use the built-in cabs to Taylor the sound you want.

[@toddmerriott6901]

Sorry but my question was lacking info. I have a powered speaker (headrush) and it sounds muddy. I guess I was asking which setting? Thanks for your reply!

[@AntonStratocaster]

Hello, when you use the boss GT1 with amplifiers deactivates the cabin simulation?

[@Tone-Quest]

No, selecting one of the amp types under the Output section doesn't automatically disable the cab. You would need to go in the amp settings and change "SP Type" to off.

[@AntonStratocaster]

@@Tone-Quest Those who, to connect to the amplifier, recommend deactivating the cabin simulation and even the preamps.

[@Tone-Quest]

Follow up on this topic, as pointed out to me today from Francisco Campbell Rasmussen, the cab sim is only used when the output is set to "Line/Phone".

[@AntonStratocaster]

I do not know English, I am using the Google translator. :) because.

[@manuelram5353]

@@AntonStratocaster Yo igual jajaja

[@lnli3478]

Hi, can I connect GT-1 to audio interface directly with no amp? and does the sound differ?

[@hmachhuanaralte4870]

I am using Fender Champ 20 amp with BOSS GT1, sounds so horrible, and lot of noises...the sound even better without GT1, but with Amp effect alone...any suggestion pls

[@Tone-Quest]

Hmachhuana Ralte Sorry to hear it isn’t sounding awesome. So the amp sound ok on its own, correct? How about the GT-1? If you play out with headphones, does it sound ok? If both sound ok on their own, then I would try to find the optimal settings for each. 1. On the amp dial in a clean tone with no effect. I would probably set all the EQ settings to 5. 2. Connect the GT-1 to the amp and find a clean setting. Ensure the GT-1 level going out to the amp is not too much and over driving the input of the amp. 3. Set the output of the GT-1 to small amp. Test this out and see if this sounds better, worse, same???

[@hmachhuanaralte4870]

@@Tone-Quest Thank you for trying to sort out my problem. Yes, if I am turning on both Fender amp and GT-1 effects simultaneously, there's lot of noises and the sounds dont seem to be okay. So, I choose to use my BOSS Metal Zone-2 single pedal with Fender amp now, sound seems better, but still noises in the amp.. Does this mean that Fender & BOSS do not come together well...or if I sell my Fender amp & buy BOSS Katana amp, and if I use the same companies together, will it be performing better?

[@Tone-Quest]

@Hmachhuana Ralte Glad to hear at least that just using a Metal Zone-2 is better. Is the Metal Zone-2 using battery power or are you powering it from an AC adapter? While using any overdrive or distortion pedal with its gain turned up will probably cause a small amount of noise or hiss in the amp but it should not be unbearable. I know many times when I plug my pedals or multi-effects into the same power circuit that the amp is on, it can cause some unwanted noise. In cases like that, an isolated power supply for the pedals or multi-effects should illuminate that noise. If you have not done so already, try the Metal Zone-2 on just a 9-volt battery plugged into the amp and see if that helps. If it does help with the noise, it sounds like it could be noise from being plugged into the same power circuit, so running the Boss GT-1 on batteries might help too. Buying the amp and multi-effect from the same manufacture should not be needed and more than likely, you might experience noise with a new amp, unless it is some issue with your current amp. I run my Boss GT-1 through various amps (Bugera, Peavey & Katana) and PA and I would not say it is overly noise at all.

[@LouisA-q3r]

Or just choose what sounds best to you. I had an old Vox Tonelab that sounded terrible if I used the headphone setting with headphones. It sounded much better using the F (fender twin) setting

[@phiphattechayuenyong3456]

great !! vdo THANKYOU

[@Tone-Quest]

Thanks, much appreciated

[@ayxzer3226]

When recording without line mode you must use an IR

[@Tone-Quest]

....unless your are running through an amp/cab and recording via a mic.

[@ayxzer3226]

Chris Benton Yeah, but a few people in the comment section don't seem to realize that

[@Tone-Quest]

ayxzer Gotcha 👍🏻

[@deepanshusingal9207]

Brother can you explain little more?

[@thomasdeuce07]

Save yourself time and money. Don’t buy GT-1. Cannot download drivers or Studio. Rocket scientist needed. No help from Boss/Roland. Recorded messages only. Already in the garbage truck