Program ES-8 Buttons To Do ANYTHING w/Assigns!!!

In this video I show you all how to program the buttons on the ES-8 to practically do anything you want.
Get the ES-8 here: amzn.to/39uYrSp
ES-8 too big? Get the ES-5: amzn.to/39uYrSp
This is a pretty long video, so here are some time stamps if you want to skip ahead.
0:00 Intro
0:44 What can buttons do
2:10 Assigns overviews
5:11 Loop change example (toggle)
9:07 Amp channel control example (momentary)
10:54 MIDI control change example (momentary)
14:22 MIDI pedal bypass example (toggle)
16:51 Long delay tails example (momentary)
19:04 MIDI program change example (toggle)

[@joelwarren143]

Thanks for dedicating your time to making this video Man Bun, it's a real time saver...Boss really owes it to people like you.

[@TheSecondNature]

I'm not necessarily proud of it, but I find myself coming back to this video a few times per year! ahaha. Thanks for the good work man!

[@novacultmusic]

I've loved these tutorials! Thanks brotha. Just a heads up, the WAV source under assigns is pretty awesome. I use it for a couple things. For one, I'll do a WAV source with a 1/8D rate and a SINE wave targetting my E.CTL:CTL1 (which goes to the TAP/Tempo input of my MoogerFooger MuRF). What that does is, whatever my MasterBPM is on the ES-8, it sends that to the moogerfooger (in this way, translating the bpm to a discernable SINE wav for the mooogerfooger, which has no midi capabilities). For crazy-ville on a couple patches, I do the same but send it out of E.CTL:EXP1 and E.CTL:EXP2 to the Freq input on a moogerfooger RingMod and the Envelope input of the MuRF. It's insane. haha. But the WAV source option can be reeeeally fun when combining envelopes and getting things in sync that can't ordinarily.

[@pilgrim4Xplorer]

I have been blessed so much by your videos even though I ve watched only a couple of videos from you. They were greatly informative. Thank you

[@DrewMonge]

So glad there's someone out there to explain this stuff because this is all new territory for me. About to purchase an ES-8, and for the most part I've always avoided complicated units that have deep editing, sub-categories like the plague. Especially the midi stuff. Your vidz are giving me the confidence to dive right in head first. Thank you!

[@karimgurrola6472]

First things first! THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH FOR YOUR VIDEOS! Thank you so much for taking the time and doing these series of videos (even though I'm 3 years later LOL, but that just shows how valuable they really are, right?)👏

[@ManBunMetalHead]

Much appreciated!!!

[@roxans12]

Thanks for the tuturial, i learned a lot after watching your Boss ES 8 video s

[@HarryThomsen]

exactly what I was looking for, thank you so much !!

[@eternalfire2234]

Dude. You are my hero, thank you!

[@philotomybaar]

Thanks so much for this. The Cnum control is just what I needed, and it really isn’t mentioned in any boss manuals or videos. What’s great about it is that it lets you set up a basic patch which you can copy and paste to different banks and slots without needing to tweak the assigns. I have mine set to toggle engage the solo function on my Lone Star, so that no matter what patch I’m in, I can hit the same button again to solo. One thing I’d like to be able to do is to use the bank up and down buttons to change amp channels, but only while in Manual Mode. I don’t think this is possible, but if there’s a way to do it, I’d love to know about it!

[@jedininjaknight8733]

Still come back to this, great video!

[@gamian_skillard1333]

This is killer man! Huuuuuuge help! 🤘

[@mrchrisgrey]

you are the mannnnnnn

[@lanceraustin]

You are the MAN (Bun)! You're the only one I've found to tackle the issue of switching presets on a single pedal using ES8 assigns. And really, the procedures covered earlier in the video is where I learned those, as well. Thanks buddy. Do you have a way to receive tips ($) electronically? #Go Blue!

[@ManBunMetalHead]

I appreciate it but don't worry about it. Great to hear these videos help. 🤘🏼

[@VinieValeiro]

Dude, thanks for the tips. I'm following your channel. At 7:40, try to change at # 1 and # 2 "Num8" to CTL1 or other empty. And don't turn off button 8. Let it normal. I did it. And when I enter the bank, the effect comes off. When I step on the switch, the effect turns on. It worked for me. I prefer the effect off. And I can activate it by pressing the button whenever I want.

[@timleghorn157]

Thanks MB, I'm aware that the assigns are patch-specific, i.e. they function within a patch that is selected but are inaccessible once you switch to another patch? Would an exception be where you used and external controller (CTL IN) as the control to access an assign? I'm wanting to set up transport controls (via midi) on the ES for use with Reaper (DAW). Cheers!

[@onefallinstar]

What’s up Manbun, your videos were a massive help with the es8. Thank you. One question for you. Can we somehow assign mute to include all except the V?

[@jakelee9238]

Great explanations. FYI my Morse Engl will not take 2 midi cc messages assigned to same toggle switch on ES8. Have to assign cc to different toggle buttons.

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

Dude! You are a wealth of information here. Thank you so much for doing these videos. I just got this product and I love it! Quick question, so the only way to choose momentary is to use the software? There's no way to do it on the unit itself? Thank you

[@ManBunMetalHead]

You can actually setup assigns on the ES-8. In the menu go to CTL/EXP and then scroll over to the right until you get to the assigns. In there you can change the switch to toggle or momentary.

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

@@ManBunMetalHead thank you very much!! I'll definitely give you a shout out on my channel. Great work!

[@ManBunMetalHead]

Awesome man, thanks!

[@pault4249]

thanks for this series of videos on programming the ES8! Was wondering if it’s possible to use the local pedals 7/8 to increment/decrement the patches in an ES8 bank? thx

[@paxeckoinvein]

Great video! Do you know if there is a way to route certain loops to only 1 output rather than both? I'm using both outputs each to an amp but I want certain loops to only go to one of the amps. Not sure if there is something that can help me do that with the ES8

[@jeffwells2421]

this has been super helpful to me, as a guitarist (who is just a midi novice). But I am still having a few things that I cannot seem to find. In my case I use the ES-5, and several of the boss 200 pedals. I have used assigns to toggle on and off fx like the MD-200 on some patches just by tapping the same footswitch that I am already on. This is really valuable to me, but in my case I want to be able to set up an assign that toggles between turning the booster on and off on the OD-200. Seems like it would be easy, but reading the user guide for the OD-200 they do not say what CC number corresponds to the actual stuff you can control. The guide is so poorly written it makes me want to take a swing at the person who wrote it. Any idea where to find the midi implementation chart for OD-200? Or any of the 200 series pedals for that matter? I feel like I am close but just dont have the information on the CC's and which corresponds to what funtion(s).

[@PauloEPedroso]

Thank you for the videos. You're of a big help. My ES8 editor doesn't change options immediatelly, I have to save the patch in order to see it working in the ES8. Is it the same in yours? Is there a way to work around that? Thank you.

[@danielrose703]

Do you have a video that goes over toggling outputs 1 and 2 on and off independently?

[@JulesFox]

I know this was a few years ago. I'm wondering if the ES-8 allows you to feedback a small amount from a loop to another loop - after the signal has already been through that loop. EG - guitar -> compressor -> overdrive -> phaser -> delay -> with 10% of delay back into the phaser and 90% -> amp. Also parallel processing ... wonder if it can do a 50/50 split to loops. Watching this video with keen interest.

[@ManBunMetalHead]

I don't think you can do a feedback loop, but you can definitely do parallel processing.

[@touvang1756]

JW if anyone's had phase issues when running two amps? Does the ES8 have an option to correct the phase? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@ziadtarab86]

Hey! Great video! Can you program an assign to send a midi start message (fa)?

[@mercyseateffects]

Quick question: I've looked over the manual and googled it but can't find a solid answer... Is it possible to assign a single button to control more than one CTL out? For example, if I have 2-3 pedals that I want to control via tap tempo, and I assign a button to send tap info to those pedals, can that single button send those pulses to multiple CTL outs? If not, is there another way to do this without having to save patches and BPMs? I want to be able to change tempo for multiple pedals live and in "real time". Thanks for your channel! I've liked and subscribed :)

[@SL-zw7ts]

Is it possible to run wdw with this device? with modulation in parallel and in stereo for loop 7 and 8...just wonder on its possibility to send the drive signal from the expression out to the dry amp....

[@normankrow2000]

in your opinion is the es-8 a good way to control an h-9? thank you Ron

[@DirtyMikeTM]

I am assuming you can program any of the 8 or 12 buttons for a tuner?

[@colincannings7946]

I'm guessing someone assigned my ears to turn off, while listening to your demo, when you turn on and off the chorus pedal. I couldn't any difference. however, i'm here to learn about the Boss ES-8

[@bugeyedmudafuka2]

Hi, do you know if its possible to send midi program changes with assigns? Seems like its only CC messages. I have a strymon pedal that has a TRS cable for midi instead of a 5 pin midi cable. I have their TRS to 5 pin midi cable but its a bit clunky on the board. Cheers

[@ManBunMetalHead]

Yep, I go over that at 19:04.

[@jimroth6681]

Can you assign a boost with CNUM? I would like to make a solo boot +6dB without changing the patch number.

[@Ausgangsbuss]

Hi MBMH! I need your help! Is it possible to change settings in global mode? I didn't find anything not manual or in the web. Thanx!!

[@sebastiansaintjames]

is there a way to use it as a switcher and midi selector at the same time? for ex: 1,2,3 & 4 are various boosts n od's 5,6,7 and 8 are different presets from a wampler terraform or dd-500

[@AntonovichHicksenbrau]

Exactly what I'm doing

[@zerosadness]

Man your video is fantastic it help me a lot :) But I've an issue, I explain: For exemple, I use patch 3, during this patch 3 I want add the pedal on the loop 1 (a drive) (like it was added on a standard pedalbord), so I disable the button 1 fonction on this patch with the CTL/EXP menu, so It don't switch to Patch 1 (I prefer use this button because it's more visible for me, I know that patch 1 is my drive). And on the assign Menu I do like: "Numb 1" "TGL" "LOOP L1", so it works perfectly. BUT if I add the command to put the LED on when it push the button 1 (so i will know when I will use it), it's not working correctly, the led of button 1 is automatically red when I switch to patch 3. Whatever I use MINX/MAC "Off -On" or "On-OFF", it stay red. Maybe it's firmware bug (I've the last one), if you've a solution about something wrong I do, it will help a lot Best regards,

[@ManBunMetalHead]

Unfortunately, I haven't found a work around for this. Anytime I program an LED, it automatically turns on when I swtich to the patch. I haven't been able to find a way to have it default to OFF. Would be nice to have though.

[@zerosadness]

@@ManBunMetalHead Thanks mate, so it's not me the problem ahahah I will try to report it to Roland/Boss, if they can do something.

[@saskfarm]

I have questions if you can answer: I would like to use 2 guitars for input, is there a “best” way to use 1 volume pedal for each of them? Thanks.

[@ManBunMetalHead]

Depends on where you want the volume pedal. I prefer mine in the FX loop, so you could place it there before any FX in the loop. Otherwise, you might have to sacrifice a loop for the volume pedal.

[@frankmonge9002]

Hello, are you local in CA. Do you create patches.

[@karimgurrola6472]

Hello, brother! I have a question if you'd be so kind. I'm trying to use the ES-8 to control 2 HEX units (CH1 and CH2, respectively), via MIDI (OUT of the ES-8 to the IN of the First HEX unit). Now, if I DON'T connect both MIDI IN and OUT of the UM ONE mk2 to the ES-8, the connection with the ES-8 Editor stops. So I have to set things on the ES-8 Editor the way I think they will work (pure theory), hit Write, disconnect the MIDI OUT of the ES-8 (UM ONE), connect the HEX to the OUT of the ES-8, and now see/listen if what I just set on the ES-8 Editor is really working 😱 If not, well, I have to repeat the whole process 🤯 Is there a way to sort that out? To “have” two MIDI OUTs (one for the UM ONE) and the other for my First HEX? Or how would you solve that? Thank you so much in advance!

[@joewrightmusic790]

Great video Man Bun, Once a song assignment is built let's say song 1. Can all the info be moved to position 5 and still retain all the information without having to build the patch again? Thanks bro!

[@ManBunMetalHead]

Yes, you can either copy the patch or just save it from 1 to 5

[@ciddmandude]

Ok Ive been wondering if this is possible... Can I set a tap tempo button and an expression pedal to control the tempo? Basically what I want to do is start the song with tap tempo, and then at the end of the song use an expression pedal to slow the tempo down gradually.

[@ManBunMetalHead]

That's a tricky one. I'm not 100% sure about that but I think it would be possible. I may see if I can do it in the next day or two.

[@Oharris995]

Can someone let me know - can the assigns be set to work when in manual mode? I'm looking to sacrifice my 8th loop in order to send a MIDI message to my Quad Cortex. From this video it seems that the assigns only work in memory mode.

[@theoversouls]

Excellent tutorials, thank you! Can anyone explain Cnum? I've been using MIDI since it was invented but haven't been able to understand Cnum at all, in spite of watching several vids and reading the manual.

[@davetheserious677]

Cnum just refers to "Current Number". So basically let's say you are in bank 1, patch 1 already. If you program an assign that uses Cnum as the source it means that when you hit your "Number 1" again while you are ALREADY in the patch it will active the assign. In comparison if you were to set the assign as "Num 1" instead of " Cnum it would activate the assign that you set as soon as you ENTER patch 1 by hitting number 1 on your es-8. Cnum basically allows you to have a second use case for your Number 1 button (this would be Number 2 if in patch 2, Number 3 if in patch 3, etc.) AFTER you have already entered your selected patch. It's super useful. I use it on almost all of my patches to trigger new sounds easily, without wasting an assign source on another patch button number. Hope that helps!

[@JACKWACKSMACK]

Does anyone know how he's controlling the midi functions in the es-8 editor and also with his pedals? How are they all plugged into the es-8 simultaneously?

[@jjguitar]

I tried setting button 8 to toggle an effect on and off while in preset mode and it works great. However, the LED is inverted - when lit, the effect is off, and when not lit, the effect turns on. I tried messing with the min/max offs and ons, though no luck. Any ideas?

[@AntonovichHicksenbrau]

I need this info too,..

[@Ramses-den-13.]

if you save with the led on, it will start by being on. if you save with the led off, it will start by being off I edit on the es-8 may be work different on the app try look at eytschpi42 es-8 tutorials for more help good luck

[@corwintompson9152]

Is it possible to momentarily activate a PC change and then when you release the button have it return to another PC? I'm trying to use MIDI to activate a vocal harmony on my Boss VE500 by momentarily stepping on my ES8 for a quick word or two and then release it and have it mute again (the left output is clean and always on, the right output I would like to use for momentary effects). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@ManBunMetalHead]

Unfortunately, I haven't found a way to do that. I have set up two assigns, press one button to activate the first PC then a second to activate the other PC. Would be nice if they added a release function in the assign control.

[@corwintompson9152]

@@ManBunMetalHead OK thank you! I can rest easy knowing that it's impossible. Also thank you for these great step by step videos, I do appreciate your calm, unpretentious, well-spoken, mild manner- it makes learning from you very possible.

[@peomystudio6909]

Hello! I am looking for someone who will solve my problem with parallel loops. Is it true that in boss version 2 parallel loops are replaced by separated loops?

[@ManBunMetalHead]

That is not true. I use parallel loops all the time. I'm on firmware version 2.01

[@michaelgueble6789]

At first, thank you for this video. It is very helpfull and gave me hopefully some beginning of an answer for what i want to do. I will controll the OD's of my boss OD200 with the boss es-8. The od 200 has 4 memory's for 4 distortion sounds (with the latest update it's now 99 memory's but anyway) I would like to assign knob 1 from ES8 to recall memory 1 from OD200, knob 2 for 2, 3 for 3, 4 for 4....that is easy, i make the test on the ES5. But what if i would like to programm button 8 from ES-8 to switch on anf off the boost of the OD200? To recall all the memory's with button 1-4 but activate the boost on/off with button 8? How should i proceed? Is that possible? Thank you so much

[@ManBunMetalHead]

I think you should be able to. It would most likely be done with a Control Change. You'd have to look in the manual for what CC# controls the boost.

[@michaelgueble6789]

Thanks ☺️👍🏻

[@michaelgueble6789]

@@ManBunMetalHead here's a link to my problem. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6HJoXyfedyLerc Thanks for your videos that are very much helpfull than the boss videos. But i still have problems to get, what i want. I hope, if you find the time and the mood, you can help me.

[@Ausgangsbuss]

How can i change presets with the Control Changes? In my c4 Pedal is cc104 the change for presst. But in the es8 i can‘t select the presetnumber…. Please help ne!

[@ManBunMetalHead]

You shouldn't have to change presets with control changes, you should be able to do it with program changes. I have not used the C4 but I have used the Source Audio Collider and was able to change presets via the Program Changes. I would try using PC's instead of CC's. If you an overview of MIDI, check out this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3nZdJZpYtl6rpI

[@nevenlisica]

Is it possible to change multiple loops at the same time within 1 patch? For exm.: patch 111, footswitch 1: loop 1 is active, footswitch 2: loop 2&3&5 are active, etc. ? That way I will be able to use one patch for one song...

[@ManBunMetalHead]

I think you should be able to. You are limited to 12 assigns per patch, so as long as you can manage with that, it should work.

[@nevenlisica]

Thx... What about secondary function footswitch for changing gain on my drive pedal? I have connected CTL/2 OUT to remote INPUT jack on my JHS double barrel. How do I set that?

[@Kevngodfrey]

LOL "if you're not using the es8 editor. Stop the video. Go download it now."

[@gamian_skillard1333]

Is that mark IV on top of your JCM?

[@matthewmeyer6383]

MB JP-2C