BOSS IR-200 - All Your Guitar Tones For Live And Studio

[@TheStudioRats]

Hi guys, I’m getting a lot of comments asking if this has the same AIRD tech as the Boss GT-1000. I asked the great guys at Boss and this is the reply. So (internally) we have used elements of the GT-1000 but the AIRD tech found in the GT-1000 is different (when it comes to amp modelling) so this is more of a dedicated Amp and IR Cabinet dedicated pedal with it’s own design. One of my team has been using the GT-1000CORE and the IR-2000 together as the IR-200 offers more flexibility and options.

[@reneotten7376]

You confused me for a sec with that "IR-2000" :-)

[@Stereostupid]

Do you think this sounds as good as the Thomas blug's Amp 1 Mercury edition? I know this has more features and is a bit different but what would you pick if you had just 1 choice?

[@phenixreturns]

I prefer the tube preamp pedals: it sounds 2 times better and more natural for crunch, rock, metal, blues, lead tones=all what I need

[@MarkFelton]

I have the GT1000CORE and have the IR200 on backorder. One difference (I think) is that the GT1000CORE can do dual amps in stereo. My understanding from reading the IR200 manual is that you are limited to 1 amp at a time. Can someone that knows for sure confirm that?

[@jst601]

@@MarkFeltonInteresting... I'll be curious myself as I have one on order. I know it will run two cabs at once in stereo which is quite nice. I'm looking forward to using the provided Celestion digital IRs, 4-12 w/G12T 75s & a 4-12 w/G12H 75s, as one of the first setups I dive into. Update: I've had mine for several months and love it. As of November 2022 it's "only" one amp at a time with the capability of putting a separate IR left and right. Combining different IRs is a great way to create a wall of sound.

[@johnevans1453]

Thank you for using the IRs that are in the 200! Watching other reviewers use their own IRs instead of the onboard ones made me question the product.

[@jessehutchings]

I got the GT1000core recently and have been very very happy with it. It has fantastic user friendly features, doesn't need to be used with a computer but can be, and is a godsend for guitarists like me with persistent struggles with back pain

[@davidwoods358]

I see this as being a great recording tool as well as a great sounding box of amps, cabs, mics and verbs. The hits just keep coming.

[@dividedbytimestudios]

I think y’all are forgetting this thing has an FX loop, the iridium and ACS1 doesn’t, sounds really good, I’m a Helix user, but this looks tempting

[@patchpittman4981]

Great pedal demo on this pedal you now helped me decide to purchase this pedal over two others I've been checking out great job and Thanks

[@onefatstratcat]

All the processing power going to just the amp and cab sims sure does make a difference... really nice pedal.. wow!

[@DelScully]

that twin sounded lovely right off the bat!

[@beatemotion4986]

Thank you for your wonderful introduction! Release = definitely buy!

[@JohnPaulSheets]

The big draw for me is the effects loop. I don’t need excessive amounts of effects because I like to have actual pedals. I think the Boss wins for me

[@KoaCharvel]

Literally the reason I got this over the Strymon or the Walrus Audio emulators. Absolutely head over heels with this pedal.

[@MrLbd1921]

always sounds good with such precise tasty playing.

[@roryoconnor861]

Seems like a great little unit. You have a lovely touch on the guitar.

[@duncancartledge1667]

Looks like Boss have really nailed it with this. Great demo. 👍

[@douglasnewman4163]

Wow. A really versatile product. Your play skill show it off to the max, Paul. Thanks for the review and demo!

[@marka6414]

Great video and great playing as alwasys, I guess the question a number of people will have is does it offer anything in terms of tone improvements to the GT-1000? I'm not so interested in the IR's as they can be added to the GT-1000 as there's loads of amazing IRs out there, the real question for me I guess is are the amp models better?

[@TheNotoriousYJX]

This is an Iridium slayer, with that price point and feature set. The JC-120 sounds better than an actual JC-120. Very convincing Marshall and Vox sounds.

[@billtravis523]

Great vid, Paul. Thx for telling us about the details of this pedal. I'm subbed now, so keep the reviews and comparisons coming, please.

[@TheStudioRats]

Thanks for the sub! Will do!

[@mmatthewias280]

Sounds great here, but the guitar playing is so superb he’d make a toot in a can amp sound good. But how does it do as a pedal platform? That’s the ULTIMATE question for these amp type modelers IMO.

[@dreamscuba]

Great video Paul. Looking forward to the next one on the IR-200.

[@grindstone25]

Man, this thing sounds great! Might have to look at this for my gigs.

[@jorgemlcosta]

Great concise demo, very useful. I am impressed it seems to sound quite organic (like the Strymon Iridium does too).

[@riccardobasso5578]

Your playing Is amazing

[@sachingasper6186]

This looks and sounds great!

[@damianrjames]

That Tele is awesome!

[@dzxcqwe]

Amazing playing!

[@richieadamsguitar]

Sounds great! Nice playing

[@phildyerguitar]

Great playing Paul, i always enjoy your videos!

[@McCambira]

Great pedal and nice review

[@sboistan]

Since you're a fan of Tweed amps, I'd highly recommend you check out the tweeds in the Fender Collection 2 in Amplitube 5!

[@mixodorians12]

Why would they not integrate the functionality straight into the core? It is due for an update. Core owners (and gt1000 owners) would be more than a bit peeved if Boss didn't.

[@phildyerguitar]

It already does have all of this built in, the IR200 is just that component on its own with a better layout for the front panel 🙂

[@bofuscrapshaw]

Every time I try to record wirh my GT1000 is sounds like shit

[@phildyerguitar]

@@bofuscrapshaw Have you looked at the output section? I've found that really helpful, it can be set to recording or line out/phones, amp front end/fx loop etc. It can definitely make all the difference 🙂

[@bofuscrapshaw]

@@phildyerguitar thanks very much

[@ubw8754]

@@bofuscrapshaw I don’t know your sound setting but I HIGHLY recommend you to go to global eq setting and give high cut to 4k. Boss products are… um… in a good way they have a… very opened high frequency. But in a bad way, they don’t clear high frequency. Especially from 4k~6k. So, try highcut to 4k and then if you feel muddy, crank up overall high gain with parameter eq in gt 1000(core). I think when people say ‘boss has shit gain sound’, it’s probably because of those unarranged high frequency.

[@michaeloyo4817]

Very informative, thank you!

[@Clive007]

This is going to blow away the Strymon Iridium and the Simplifier!

[@jorgecatalanl.3735]

Yup! Sounds way better!!

[@TheJamison76]

If this was 200 or 250 it would have been a steal. At this price range I definitely will stick with my HX stomp.

[@TheJamison76]

@Dave Davies false. Imo it was just as good when I made my original comment. You just had to know how to tweak it. Now with the new 3.50 update I have no problem saying the hx stomp better with their the new cab update.

[@jst601]

​@@TheJamison76You don't get it. Pathetic, really. Stick with your 900 amps & 5,000 cabs.....Maybe you'll "find your sound" one day.

[@t.skradde1686]

Stripped down but with Reverb. Thats how it has to be. Hope they are making an amp of it.

[@giuseppmetallic8872]

VERY GOOD TONE this is my next purchase rock on \M/

[@TravisSingleton]

Can someone tell me if this is correct? Two IRs can be ran simultaneously (one to Left output, one to Right output), but can two AMPS be setup that way (One to left, one to right) ?

[@TheStudioRats]

Yes that is correct

[@Place_to_keep_videos]

Do I need a stereo di box to run this to front of house? Thanks.

[@ArenaPAsys]

Any idea if you can export the Cabinet IR’s off the Boss to use elsewhere?

[@raymonderazo8571]

If this thing had come with DI output, I would place an order of this unit right now...

[@JohnPaulSheets]

DI boxes are fairly small and relatively inexpensive these days 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@DonaHannah-x8k]

No delay what boss doing. Good video

[@jorgpetermann1525]

better overview of the product as boss themself, great work paul. like to see the usage in real life.

[@TheStudioRats]

There’s a vid coming tomorrow where I’ve recorded a whole song using the IR-200.

[@jorgpetermann1525]

@@TheStudioRats Great. Nice to read. the point for me is how i can use the tool other then practice / redcording too?

[@davidolsen9425]

Nice job Paul!

[@Place_to_keep_videos]

Does this work well as a pedal platform? Running time based effects in the loop and Compression and Drive going into the front end of it? Putting together a Fly Rig and need a compact yet powerful solution. In the running are HX Stomp, Strymon Iridium and IR-200. I tried running D&C in front of a Boss GT1, but it wasn't optimal and the amp modeling, while fantastic, is quite dated in a world of Helix, Quad Cortex and FM9's or even Helix Native running on a Mac and the interface going to FOH. This seems like a great pedal board solution if it takes pedals in front of it well. Thoughts?

[@supercareappliancerepair8538]

The ambience effect can still be heard while the ambience effect is in the "off" position when I use the headphone jack. Do you have this issue as well? Looking for help but I can't find Boss tech support. Great video. Cheers

[@DebErney]

that's a killer guitar. I thought it was a tele with hum buckers? Beautiful and sounds amazing.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Deb, its a Suhr Alt T.

[@TheRealLBiggie]

Paul, can you please let us know what your set up is sound wise for this video. Are you going direct into a DAW with nothing else in between and using studio monitors, or are you coming out of a very clean amp? Just trying to understand what we’re truly hearing, thanks!

[@TheStudioRats]

Direct into the DAW

[@vladimirpavlovic9488]

So this is basically amp+cab portion o gt1000/core. Sounds good to me. How does it play with the pedals?

[@TheStudioRats]

I don’t feel I need to pedals in front as the drives are so good, but there’s a video coming tomorrow where I’m using the effects loop.

[@89ji76]

The Studio Rats I was wondering about this too. Thanks!

[@vladimirpavlovic9488]

@@TheStudioRats Indeed it sounds good by itself. I am just thinking that bunch of people would use it not on its own, but inside their existing pedalboards, 'end/middle of the chain into the PA' direct solution, so they would primarly need a good 'clean platform' in order to utilize it and their other pedals the proper way.

[@Ivan_Ku.]

@@TheStudioRats Really interesting how it will sound with some tubescreamer boost, or like centaur in front of twin. Thx for video!!

[@11calman]

Oh Yes, Love this one, Next on my Bucket list,,,,,,,,,,,,, I wonder can I get one of these beauts in Auckland NZ???

[@darahayes9396]

This looks like a really great direct to PA solution for gigs. The high gain sounds are great but is it possible to go from a clean sound to a higher gain sound in a live scenario using presets/footswitches or does it require some jumping through menus to switch sounds?

[@ubw8754]

I don’t have this unit but it seems almost same as gt1000core. From gt1000core, you can assign your external expression pedal to any parameter. So in my case, I assign exp max to my standard high gain, exp min to lower gain so that I can get clean tone from my high gain amp. At the same time, I also assign exp max to 80~85% of volume and then assign exp min to 100% of volume(Yeah, BOSS GT 1000 series products can make a reverse assign). Also I can assign specific EQ parameters at the same time. Furthermore, you can do this without expression pedal. You can just use control foot switch. In the control assign menu, there is a special assign method, which can make a smooth changing of parameters as if you’re using expression pedal. And you can set the speed of changing parameters too. So, even if you don’t have a expression pedal, you can use just those two foot switch and make a smooth changing from high gain to clean tone or vise versa. I’m pretty sure this unit can do that just as Gt1000(core). Or, you can assign exp pedal or foot switches to a level balance of mixer while using two different amp settings. Let’s assume that you made a high gain tone with X-high gain in A path and a clean tone with tweed amp in B path. Then you can assign exp max(or left foot switch) to [Volume balance A(100): B(0)] while you assign exp min(or right foot switch) to [volume balance A(0): B(100)]. Then you can use high gain amp and clean amp in one preset at the same time without changing preset which can result sound break. But I don’t recommend this method. While changing mixer volume, there is a certain moment of two amps sound come out together(50:50), and that’s usually nono sound whatever your amp settings are. People yell out cheers to HX stomp’s snapshot, but only few people are aware of the power of routing/assigning system of BOSS multi effects. You can assign whatever you want up to 16 parameters per preset, which is huge. This is why I can’t sell my GT1000 core. Anyway, in short, you can change from clean tone to high gain tone or vise versa in one preset without changing presets. I’m pretty sure this unit also can do that just like GT1000(core).

[@vubear]

It’s got a control/footswitch out and midi.

[@jeffhansen5259]

Use Midi lol get out of the Sammy Davis toe tapping stone age...

[@brucesguitardemos8197]

Does the line 6 helix compare and compete with this type off pedal ?

[@chitarrafaidate]

How does it compares with the preamps and IRs from the boss GT1000? (Sorry if you had answered in your video about this)

[@posarelli]

Hey man, that Tele suond amazing!!! What pickup do you have on that? TY!

[@brammanck]

damn this is cool. Am waiting for the Sgear version of exactly this... or just get this

[@crustyapplejack2609]

Hey so the effects loop...on the back, it has a send and a return and the return says it's mono/stereo. So how does that for stereo if there's only one each a send and return? I am confused and this looks like a product I've been looking for but having a real stereo effects loop would be the dealbreaker for me. I have a Strymon TimeLine and BigSky and would like to be able to use them in stereo. Thanks!

[@pablorar]

Most porbably it comes with stereo jacks but idk

[@joerg385]

According to specs, the FX return is actually stereo via TRS-plug

[@ConstantinoOfficial]

Hi Paul in terms of amp simulation would you use this in the studio over plug-ins at this point?

[@jgic]

Hi Paul nice little lick there out of t box..0:17...not ur usual eh...

[@AC-yq2fx]

Question my friend, For live purposes. How do you change from clean to dirty on the fly? I mean like when using pedals is all right there in front of you, but with this unit that has amps modeling and presets, how do you do it? Great video!

[@bubbalip2222]

I would have same question. As the rhythm player in my band I have to switch between Clean and OD pretty frequently

[@AC-yq2fx]

@@bubbalip2222 I wonder if there is an external pedal you can incorporate to change sounds. Would have to do some research. I think this unit has much better sounds than the Pod Go.

[@ToneJones72]

There are up/down patch change switches on the pedal itself, there's a 1/4" TRS jack that allows you to expand the number of foot switches available, or you can use MIDI.

[@innes_82]

I’m curious to know how the ir-200 compares with the two notes cab m.

[@dannelson4181]

Can you explain the function and purpose of the solo switch that was in the amp menu? If there is a simple button to hit when you need a lead tone I think that'd sell me on this completely

[@johnmattei2799]

Can u put it in the effects loop of an amplifier??

[@Connor_Bowles]

I'm looking to replace my half stack with this, would you recommend this for a typical live gig set up

[@alessiograziani6355]

Using IR200 and a Stratocaster is it possible to obtain tones close to SRV or Jimi Hendrix? Thanks

[@bryanfox4416]

Hi great review, is there a looper built in?

[@MrSchwifty]

Fantastic demo! Sorry if it's a silly question but I'm quite new to the world of IR's... Could I run the Boss IR 200 into my Orange Rocker 32 amp's natural channel which has no controls or EQ? Assume I'd just have to disable the cab/mic sim section but could use the amp models and reverb?

[@TheStudioRats]

Hi Ryan Yes you could.

[@MrSchwifty]

@@TheStudioRats that's fantastic to know thank you! Seems like this is a great option to sit at the end of my pedalboard for amped or silent gigs. Appreciate the quick response 😊

[@KurtCobain2021]

can turn off the amp and use only the cab? I want only the cab for my elevent rack.

[@tele4tone]

They are missing some of the great amps from the GT-1000. Deluxe and X-Modded are so good.

[@greysuit17]

You could probably down load them in.

[@nedim_guitar]

How well does it take pedals? If you put a fuzz, an overdrive, a distortion, delay, reverb, tremolo... How does it sound? My experience is that at least the fuzz, but also the overdrive and distorsion (such as the RAT) don't sound as good through modellers as through my amp, even recorded.

[@mitahapsari4960]

Is there any solution to do snapsbots for live performance?

[@mywaveinwoodswoodperfumes]

all i,m concerned about wither these digital devices has latency from when i hit the strings? i,m still cautious as i,m used to the dynamics of solid state amps? what you think?

[@TheStudioRats]

All digital processors have latency. But in my opinion The GT/ IR range from boss has the most authentic feel.

[@soljaime]

What is the ratio of amp modeling to cab IR? I ask because I'd like to use this box as an acoustic preamp where I can load acoustic IRs and blend them in with the amp models. Does anyone know if this is possible with the Boss IR200?

[@roryyerama5496]

Is there any way to bypass the virtual amp and just use the IR's (say with a loaded down tube amp)? Also the block diagram on the Boss website looks like it's a mono input that can only be used in stereo by using the virtual amp and splitting it there - is that correct?

[@roryyerama5496]

Oh maybe the stereo return can be used to make it operate as a stereo IR loader from an external source?

[@wolfganghuber3616]

Yes it is - use the Thru Type - so it works only as a IR Loader.

[@McCambira]

is this IR200 Preamp, Power Amp and Cabinet Simulation?

[@SidBonkers51]

Sounds terrific, cant wait for the Behringer or Joyo equivalents at a fraction of the price

[@nedim_guitar]

You mean, you can't wait for Behringer to copy someone else's work? :D

[@SidBonkers51]

@@nedim_guitar you must already know the answer to your question as its clear that you read my comment, what is it that you dont understand?

[@nedim_guitar]

@@SidBonkers51 No, it's alright. I'm just taking the piss out of Behringer, because they do in fact copy other companies' products. I'm not judging you or anyone for wanting to get something more affordable, but the fact is that Behringer is a shitty company. That doesn't mean that you're shitty if you buy from them.

[@thelolguy007]

Take .....My ......Money ...Boss 👏👏👏👌

[@MetaphysicalMusician]

Does it have channel switching..clean to dirty

[@freeguitar84]

Can you help me? I can't load ir into my Boss ir 200. In ir loader "used in memory is always on "NO". Thank you.

[@colinrobinson9674]

NO means you’re not using the loaded IR in any Preset, just scroll over the default IRs to the User defined ones and save a Preset with that IR. IR Loader will show YES instead of NO after. IS Loader has a very unintuitive User experience but does the job.

[@freeguitar84]

@@colinrobinson9674 thank you so much

[@marcelbauer5280]

Thanks! Good video! How is the sound compared to the gt-1000 (core)?

[@TheStudioRats]

I haven’t compared it to be honest. It has the same great feel/ response that the gt 1000 has

[@marcelbauer5280]

Thanks for your answer!

[@fraenkiboii]

I was gonna ask pretty much the same thing. I bet the hardware and software are similar if not identical to the GT-1000 series. I even believe that if the IR-200 ends up being too expensive, people will rather reach for the GT-1kCore

[@СергейЦвикевич]

I wonder if loading IR's into the IR-200 is as painfully slow as with GT1k? I really enjoy using GT1000 floor but loading IRs into the unit is nothing but pain. Considering the fact that you never know how good the combination of BOSSes amps and newly loaded IRs will turn out (very often it's crap) spending so much time on the load is ridiculous.

[@jackblack2321]

Could I load my EVH overdrive pedal sound into this and leave my EVH off my board?

[@tommyjiang966]

Hi Paul, sorry this question may sound very noonish, but will a Hx Effects with IR-200 be the perfect silent practice rig? I am thinking about picking up one of these to use with Hx Effects but not sure if there is a way to use the od/distortion effects in front of the IR-200 and modulation/delay effects into its effects loop? Thanks!

[@TheStudioRats]

Hi Tommy not at all. Yes you can do that, I think that will make a great combo!

[@RioRicaro]

What a nice demo video! Btw does this pedal take external OD pedal without issue?

[@TheStudioRats]

I haven’t tried it with OD pedals as I don’t really feel I need to plug one in. I’ll try it out and let you know.

[@dumalucky]

Yes , great sounding pedal.. I have had two so far!! However Paying £350 for a pedal where the controls are not isolated and you get ground noise issues whenever you use the controls is not on! Imagine if you are not even plugged into this pedal at all.. but its plugged in and the controls are touched and you get noise in your other signal chain. Really incredible that this is not being talked about.

[@AndyDrudy]

Great video. Just one question. Can you do all this with the GT-1000? Is it the same modelling?

[@groen828]

I have the same question.

[@philnaylor3484]

Another great video demo. Can this unit be used in conjunction with pedals/fx units which have stereo output?

[@TheStudioRats]

Yes

[@philnaylor3484]

@@TheStudioRats Thanks for your speedy response. This could very well be a game changer for me. Whilst it probably wont replace my current amps, the extra options it opens up will be unreal.

[@32riffs]

Sounds nice for the gainier parts, did Boss mention how much it will cost?

[@charleshuguley9903]

He said $399, I believe.

[@32riffs]

@@charleshuguley9903 thanks, I didn’t catch that part

[@Germinalx]

Who are these “recordings” for? Where can we hear them? Buy them?

[@cox9909]

nice demo, what are your speakers, FR/FR or.... ?

[@wabisabi6802]

I'm thingking of a Kraken or a LaGrange or a BEOD in front of this or the Cab M. Thoughts anyone? 🤘

[@Mesa3077Boogie]

How's it feel under your fingers?

[@nikkodomdom]

Can this be plugged directly to PA system?

[@smooth_jazz_escola]

More clean tones please!!!!

[@meekeecrisci]

guess they are good, distortion is the problem with amp simulator

[@jeeeeev]

Do make a follow up video with a drive/od/distortion in front like the OD-200.

[@DSilvergun]

So do you hook this up to a regular guitar cab?

[@MrBossei]

No. To powered monitors or headphones.

[@CBGypsy03]

No I believe you will need a power amp.

[@MisterBlue03]

FRFR or straight to the PA

[@ubw8754]

@@CBGypsy03 You don't need a power amp. straight to the PA.

[@CBGypsy03]

@@ubw8754 thanks man

[@pf844]

I was going to buy a boss katana artist! Now !! Too many choices ! What amp are you using ?

[@Widdy5150]

May sound stupid but this could make a great device to 4cm to the HX Effects!!

[@TheStudioRats]

Not stupid at all. I love the FX in the hx just not the amps. Great suggestion

[@Widdy5150]

@@TheStudioRats do you know if all this is available in the core, especially the 3 stage amp gain ? Thanks 👍🏻

[@edisoncapiz9380]

Looks and sounds great but no balanced out / XLR out :sad

[@duaneraymond4252]

How does it compare to the sounds from the GT1?

[@Nicklowend]

Do you go directly into the audio interface ?

[@Adventuresingearland]

How do the base sounds stack up against Iridium?

[@renatofernandocarvajalguij9317]

Did this replaced all others multi-effects like GT-1000CORE ?

[@TheStudioRats]

No, its different modeling and doesn’t have the effects that the GT 1000 has.