Which Switcher Is RIGHT For You?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

What's your favorite switcher of the bunch? Or one that we didn't mention? Tell us below! SWITCHERS FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO: Gigrig G2 - shop.thegigrig.com/g2/ Gigrig G3 - shop.thegigrig.com/G3/ EHX Super Switcher - bit.ly/3dVlUR0 BOSS Es-5 - amzn.to/329kVY3 BOSS Es-8 - amzn.to/3dbs68m Disaster Area DPC-8EZ - amzn.to/32d7eHC Musicom Lab EFX-MKV - bit.ly/3uOOF8U Musicom EFX LE II - bit.ly/3wWyqsm RJM PBC6X - shop.rjmmusic.com/b-stock-mastermind-pbc-6x/ RJM PBC/10 - shop.rjmmusic.com/mastermind-pbc-10/

[@mikeolivera149]

BOSS MS-3!!!

[@peterpink5393]

I have now G2 and I use Selah Quartz with it to program midi when I need more complex programming and display. I'm going to buy G3. G2 is so easy and fast to use and I'm really happy with it and when I get G3, I don't need that Selah Quarzt anymore.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@mikeolivera149 not really the same thing...more of a multieffects unit.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@peterpink5393 Nice!

[@gadielescalante8378]

Morningstar MC6

[@briancherry8088]

I learned a very important lesson in this video - I am too poor to buy a switcher

[@VertexEffectsInc]

In time....or second hand!

[@briancherry8088]

@@VertexEffectsInc I thought when the kids grew up it would be my time.... now Grandkids. USED IT IS!

[@adamkrasneski3679]

Learn to solder. I think i can build a basic one for around $25. Just no midi.

[@lavadoraautomatica1]

Lol!

[@watcherdan7437]

Yes Brian me too way out of my budget. I can only afford cheap Chinese knock offs. Yea

[@davidharrold9189]

G2 does a lot. It also has stereo outputs one of which is isolated with a transformer and allows the phase to be reversed (specifically designed for stereo amps). It provides 120 presets, which is less than some, but still quite a lot. The bank function is well thought out, you don’t have to navigate through loads of banks, hit the bank button and pick your desired bank by hitting switches 1 through 8. Allows you to use switches to turn presets on/off or you can assign a switch to turn any effect on/off (I.e. set your basic sounds to presets, then use switches to selectively add or subtract a desired effect). That’s way better than remembering a load of presets, although you can do that also. It’s ease of use doesn’t compromise functionality, it’s really well thought out. Lastly and most importantly it has top quality sound.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

David, many of the switchers on here have that feature, and do it for less money with more options. Musicom Lab, RJM both have this feature as well with isolated outputs, switching matrix, etc. Sound quality is difficult for most to determine since they're not comparing switchers side-by-side. Most of them, in bypass at least, are all pretty good, not many discernible differences internally in terms of how the wiring of matrix might impact the tone. The buffers on them however are very different and The Gig Rig buffers aren't at the same level as the RJM or the Musicom Lab - they both have around 100-150 ohm output impedance. The Gig Rig version is around 1K (10x higher). That's not great for driving long lines without degradation of sound.

[@smeemusic]

Just sold my ehx super switcher and purchased a boss es-8. I couldn't be happier. I was too limited on my ehx with only having 1 pc and 1 cc message at a time. Now I can program way more than I need on the es-8 and its super easy. Small learning curve but seriously not that bad.

[@boabglen]

Is the manual shit? I've heard so

[@jasonstallworth]

Thank you. All I’m looking for is to be able to switch from rhythm to lead on stage with an added boost and delay with one click instead of two. That may not sound like a big deal but I play and sing so that one less click would make a huge difference!

[@Juan_M_Juarez]

Boss es 5 has boost built in unit

[@nuthinbutlove]

​@@Juan_M_Juarezthanks

[@countrybroadband]

I posted this in a reply here but I think it’s worth mentioning. I have had the Boss ES-8 for several years now and even though there are 8 loops I came to the point where I needed an extra loop and I had run out. It was after a bit of consideration that I realized that my 2 midi controlled pedals, Strymon Timeline and Bigsky, do not need to run through the two stereo loops and could actually just go in the chain on the out of the es-8 switcher. This would free up two additional stereo channels to use. How I then turned the Strymon pedals on and off was by simply always sending a midi command to each pedal since I use the ES-8 in song set mode using presets. When I want to turn the delay or reverb off I send a midi command from the es-8 to that pedal to change to a “dry” preset I’ve saved on that pedal. This in turn means the pedals wet effect is not affecting the signal so it’s the same as if I had turned the loop off. Hope this helps someone. This in theory would work with any switcher that had midi functionality. Great Video!

[@TeslaChad]

I didn't see it mentioned but the best decision I've made regarding pedal purchases was the Boss MS-3. It's saved so much space on my board and it takes away all tap dancing I would have to do so it helps me perform better than being stuck behind my board the whole time. There's a handful of times I've taken some pedals off the board because some of the onboard effects sounded better than the ones I was using. I also like that it helps me save space on my board so I don't have to carry around a huge board. The MS-3 comes at my highest recommendation. It'll never leave my board.

[@TeslaChad]

Also, I know it's more of a Multi-Effects Processor but I bought it because of the Loop Switching elements. The only downside to the MS-3 is the ability to not be able to switch your loop orders but that's not a huge deal to me personally.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Because it's a multi effects I didn't mention it here. Check some of our early rig build videos and it's on there!

[@TeslaChad]

@@VertexEffectsInc For sure I totally get it. Just wanted to throw that out there for anyone reading these comments that may not wanna go as big with the other switchers like me. I got it as a switching system first and an effects unit 2nd

[@Cokun-s9i]

I am new to the world of midi, and I ordered EHX Super Switcher few days ago. Your suggestion makes me confident on my decision!! Thanks Mason

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Have fun! Good luck with the build!

[@joshcarlton9184]

This is the best review of midi switchers I have seen. Ever.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jessedaly7847]

I’ve preordered a g3 atom for my wet/dry/wet board. I’ll use it for all my stereo pedals (6 stereo loops), and for the front end of my dry amp I’ll be adding a morning star ML5 (5 mono loops) which is super compact and can be slaved to the g3.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Cool! What are you using for the parallel mixer for the stereo wet effects?

[@jessedaly7847]

@@VertexEffectsInc the g3 has at least one parallel mixer, but honestly I may run an impure wet (some dry) in order to run delay into reverb without loosing the initial sound (before the delays are happening) in the reverb. But I’ll play with doing the delay and reverb in parallel with kill dry too... I am also interested in running a couple delays in parallel though.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@jessedaly7847 right but you can only have one effect in the mixer that's fully wet.

[@jessedaly7847]

@@VertexEffectsInc I'm not sure I understand what you mean here, frankly i'm a decently smart guy with a math degree, but the whole parallel killdry signal chain thing can get pretty freaky pretty fast and I'm not sure I really get it all the time. But since the Atom allows you to change the mixer configuration and even pedal order per preset it's going to be a great platform for figuring out how to do this stuff, and experiment without having to rewire my board every time I'd like to try a different approach. I would have thought that you could run 2 stereo effects in parallel both in kill dry, being fed by the slave out of my dry amp and get a decent result, but maybe that's not what you are getting at? In any case I have a lovely analog stereo phaser, as well as a stereo tube tremolo, in addition to a pair of stereo delays and reverb, oh yeah and a chorus/flanger... So obviously i'll be having a less than pure killdry situation going on downstream of my dry amp. Now if I had stereo dry amps AND stereo wet amps...

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@jessedaly7847 you'd have to break the loops somehow, similarly to how you would do a 4CM set up, but fed by the line out from your dry amp into the switcher after you've already exited the switcher with your dry path. The line level input would feed your mixer with your 100% wet effects set to kill dry, however, I don't think you can have multiple parallel mixes in this unit and I'm also not sure if your trem or phaser go 100% wet, a lot of them don't and aren't designed to be "return only" effects like you'd see in a mix bus.

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

Surprised you didn’t even pick 1 do MorningStars switchers. They are VERY well loved and almost always on back order.

[@NefariousDreary]

I watched this video over a year ago and it has been a great help. I got me a super switcher and it has been perfect to use for my synth pedals. The boost on it is killer.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great!

[@tmitz73]

Great Video Mason, you're turning me into a Pedalboard Expert!!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad to hear it!

[@ThomasHope73]

I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge Mason’s articulation and the video production values; this is great content. 👍

[@ryanmbisson]

As a Musicom EFX user, I can’t praise it enough. I’ve used switchers from Disaster Area, One Control, Boss, and Carl Martin; all of these switchers are nice but I found these switchers to be lacking as my needs/knowledge grew. Doc, you classify this as the tier 3 type switcher, and I agree, but fellow watchers I think it could have been put in each tier. It’s incredibly user friendly. So go buy one, you won’t regret it. Great video, Doc! *edit :: for context I sit between person 2 and 3. Tech enough to get by and nerdy enough to dive in and learn on my own.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Well said, I agree!

[@kombik7189]

Just finished putting together a board around a PBC 6X and then put all of the songs, set lists and presets into it, ready for a solo gig this week. It is the gold standard. If you can afford one the RJM stuff is the industry standard. Cry once, buy the best.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes indeed!

[@kombik7189]

@@VertexEffectsInc for the record, I owned one of the other ones you recommended and while it was great, it then developed faults. It was fully repaired under warranty, even though it was 3 years old, but I felt I couldn’t trust it. Hence, the importance of buying best first time.

[@jegl1012]

Spot on about Boss units. They also come with software

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Boss is great, easy to use.

[@HowardFrischer]

Absolutely incredible. Thank you.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks Howard!!!

[@kevie3]

Couldn’t agree more Howard 👏

[@thormusique]

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain all this so well, I really appreciate it. I've been fence-sitting with regard to getting a switcher but know that I've really needed one. Your clear explanation and evaluation has been a great help! I can see from this that the Boss ES-8 will be perfect for my needs, so that's what I'll go with. You can bet I'll be shopping at Vertex as well, cheers!

[@Guitarman007]

A little surprised you didn't dig into the EFX LE II. Great buffers and buffer control. Loop reordering, parallel mixing etc.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

It's mentioned in there I think...we talk about a few different models from Musicom Lab.

[@Guitarman007]

Nope. You mention the V but not the LE II.

[@bjlatter]

I paid for a switcher then saw this video was about to drop and was waiting to see something I didn't know about be mentioned more suitable. Still pretty happy that I'm picking up a second hand Musicomlabs efx mk3 tomorrow. Looking forward to see what I can get out of it.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

They're great switchers!

[@bjlatter]

@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks Mason, love the content and learn alot.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@bjlatter I'm so glad!

For those wondering about the buffer specs of the Disaster Area, apparently they updated the manual info and it has an input impedance 1M ohm (which is sweet) and a selectable output impedance of 560 ohms up to 33k ohms (that last one a whopping number you will probably never need).

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Cool, thanks for this!

[@julio.eduardocenteno1471]

Thank you so much! Your review is truly comprehensive! Stay well!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MrDreamTeamGamer]

Joyo has an 8 loop switcher for like ~$150. Been using it for years and it works perfectly for me

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great!

[@demetrioerrigo6314]

Finally the video I was waiting for.... please explain how to use a 6 or 8 loop switcher when you have 12 pedals (if you can). Maybe using stuffs as the strymon timeline just with the midi? Or leave some pedals out of the loops? Which pedals can stay out of the loops? I saw your friend Daniel Pedalboard from Virginia in the “Mastering your church Pedalboard” episode and he had an Es8 with more than 8 pedals. Sorry for my English, I really love your videos thank you.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The MIDI pedals can be used outside of the loops and controlled via MIDI. We did this with Rhett Shull and others with their switcher rigs as you can change settings and turn pedals on/off without being in a loop of the switcher. Ordinarily this would be time-based pedals like delay and reverb, modulation, any sort of looper, things like that.

[@philfrank5601]

Gigrig is a fantastic product, Dan really runs a great company. Their MIDI14 was great sounding, lots of functionally. The next gen G2 took it to another level, but the MIDI14 still could be figured out by new users.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I suppose we'll see when the G3 really gets out there. I think the G2 has value for a lot of users as outlined here.

[@tranquilitybase6417]

Happy that I stumbled on this video. 2 years on and still so many options. I have a VERY unique requirement that will require a lot of interesting programming. Can’t wait to dig in further as I finally rebuild my rig.

[@benfcormier]

This guy is a fantastic communicator. Really nice job!

[@bobcuzi]

Incredible video thanks! So glad to hear about smaller switchers and different brands I hadn’t heard of Would you still put separate input and output buffers on either side of a more simple true bypass switcher like the gigrig quartermaster?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, buffers on the input and output always!

[@compucorder64]

Thanks for the rundown. Went with the Boss ES-8, because second-hand units are really good value in UK, around £300 - which gives you a lot for the price of just 3 cups of coffee ;) The Disaster Area is about that price new, ever here. Might have gone ES-5, except they only go for £40-50 less than the ES-8. I guess people value the small size of the ES-5. But I need a couple of stereo loops for loopers, and delay/reverb. Chase Bliss Mood, Cosmos / Polymoon, Mercury X.

[@peterschaefer1665]

Thank you for this! I think the ES-8 might be the one for me. The Musicomlab unit I tried a couple of years ago was to difficult to program from the unit.

[@pjsalty]

As a "customer #1" this is a fantastic review. Thank you

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@me0_0irl]

You mentioned around 18:55 that RJM does not allow to change the order of the effects, but I'm pretty sure that RJM PBC 6X does (while PBC 10 does not): "What’s new about this model? The big new feature is the ability to rearrange loop order. Your effects can automatically be placed in a different order for each preset. Aside from that, it’s smaller and less expensive than the original Mastermind PBC, making it more suitable for smaller pedalboards." Great video, I'm a Musicomlab user myself, great piece of equipment.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I don’t think anything is said in the video to disqualify what you said about the RJM, we talked about both models, and you’re correct only the PBC6X has that switching matrix.

[@me0_0irl]

​@@VertexEffectsInc around 18:50 while comparing PBC 6X to EFX V there's a quote "and the fact that you can change order with that same matrix is really really helpful, the RJM equivalent doesn't allow you to change the order and the positioning of the effects"

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@me0_0irl I think that quote was talking about the EFX V that's the equal to the RJM PBC10. The MKV has 9 loops and a volume loop, the RJM has 10. The EFXLE is the equivalent to the PBC6x

[@me0_0irl]

@@VertexEffectsInc got it!

[@naMnivraM]

My Super Switcher is on the way. I've always been a Fender amp with compression and a Blues Driver/ Tube Screamer kinda guy. Been getting more pedals and it's getting annoying turning one off and one on at the same time now that I have about 8 pedals. Looking forward to hitting one button and having a whole new loop at my feet! Thanks for this video.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Very cool! Enjoy!

[@JimmyGkavano]

Excellent recommendations!! Thanks, Mason! What about the Morningstar system? I would like some review at some point, because as everyone else I know you know your stuff, and we trust you! Again, thanks for all these videos you put out there!!

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

Well, all their stuff is usually sold out out of that says anything.

[@jasonriveraactual]

Great video! Will you be making a video of your WET DRY WET PBC6X rig? I have a PBC6X myself and have been wondering what the best way to go about routing this setup is? I’m having issues with isolation/grounding issues right now. Not sure how to remedy this and hoping you’ll talk about it.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, I will be! I'm not using the PBC to do the Wet/Dry/Wet...it's not great for that internally.

[@theelmagoo]

The RJM stuff is top notch!! I love their switchers! And also a great company!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

One of the best

[@KKMcK1]

First time hearing about Musicom. I am one of those who wants to write out the entire show and be able to switch forward through the songs and their various parts sequentially. This will include both in-front-of-amps devices as well as stereo backline effects in a wet/dry/wet system. Up to now I have been primarily focused on the RJM Mastermind GT22. But, being that no-one makes exactly what I want, I think that, at the end of the day, I need to have everything I want/need custom-made to my specs (cleaner/easier end-product). To be able to tell/show others what I am after so it can be made so that my job during a performance is simplified to an extreme level. Literally just the ability to shift forward through the entire show with just one button, plus some expression pedals for volume, wah, and modulation controls (speed and depth) for more than one effect/device at a time. The next concern is how many wires are running from the front of the stage to the backline. Ideally, 2. One for power and one for AOIP/MIDI sends/receives (DANTE/MADI?). I have other ideas, but they do not apply to this discussion (EXT LED).

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Sounds like a fun project!

[@JJDon5150]

Saw your past video on switchers and now I'm thinking of getting one so I don't have to tap dance around all my pedals. Only problem is, I'm having trouble finding one that is compact enough to fit on my pedalboard, but has at least 5 switches, can accomdoate most of my pedals, can switch the clean/dirty channel on my Mesa Boogie Mark V, and can work with the "4 cable method" of FX In/Out of my amp for my effects and noise gate. My current setup looks like Tuner>Noise Gate>Synth>Digitech>Volume>Wah>Compressor>Big Muff>Phaser>OD>Front of Amp and then Effects Send>Tri-Chorus>Delay>Reverb 1>Reverb 2>Loop Station>Effects Return. Any suggestions?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Well...you tuner doesn't need to be in the loop. Nor does the Volume and wah. Those can be before. If any of your pedals have MIDI like the Chorus, Delay, or Reverb, they can live out of the looper as well and be controlled via MIDI. RJM is my favorite.

[@hoplon88]

learned a lot here. thank you. I just bought a tri parallel mixer from ehx, which will become my switcher.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

cool!

[@stevemorovek6470]

Thank you for this!! I was looking at the Boss 8. I’m definitely dude #2 lol. 👍

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Perfecto!!!

[@johncruz9357]

Mason PBC6x does allow reordering of loops. I’m copying and pasting this from the manual. Matrix switching that allows reordering of loops.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I don't think the video disputes that. Only the PBC10 can't reorder loops. I say here the same switching matrix is in the GigRig, RJM, and Boss.

[@johncruz9357]

I watched video again your right. At the end you’re putting them head to head. But, you slip in RJM equivalent which would be the PCB 10.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@johncruz9357 not sure I understand what you're saying

[@johncruz9357]

@@VertexEffectsInc rig dr picks

[@windowsoflife]

Really practical for anyone! 🙏🏽

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@sterlingmcvay2469]

Have you done a video on your Wet-Dry-Wet Build? Would be interested in seeing that. Thanks, this was VERY INFORMATIVE. I'm in the Contemplation zone right now, but know I will be getting a Switcher this Year, Sometime. Also, now you have to Look at the Brand New Carl Martin?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Not yet, working on it slowly. I've seen the new Carl Martin, it's not quite like these, more like the Voodoo Lab DingBat series stuff.

[@jesusfreakster101]

I opted purchase the Voodoo Labs PX-8, which has met my needs well… up until I added Iridium and Collider to my rig. It has MIDI capability but I cannot figure out how to do that yet 😞. Great content as always Sir. If you put your ability to explain things to simpletons like myself into a switcher, you’d score a win.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Have you tried reaching out to Voodoo Lab?

[@colejolley]

This was very helpful. Setting up a studio board and doing comparative research on all the switchers available. I'm advanced on programming and not terribly interested in the "simplicity" approach, but absolutely needed as many loops as I could get. I also absolutely needed a robust computer editor for presets. That took the Gigrig product off the table, unfortunately. Your discussion sealed the MusicomLab EFX MK-VI for me. Thanks!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TannerCPetersonMusic]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the Joyo PXL loop switchers. Very affordable and seems to be one of the best deals, at least on the surface.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I haven't seen any in person

[@RobertNolan]

I use a BYOC Super8 switcher. Good for what I do and it doubles as a great project which you've gotta build yourself. If I was placing it near any product, it is similar to the EHX. Simple and effective, and a fun build for the tinkerers out there. If I was upgrading to anything, and I don't see it happening but one never knows, I would go with the Boss ES-8. You can do so much with that fantastic piece of gear.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching Robert!!!

[@chipsterb4946]

Funny I never noticed the Super8 Switcher project on BYOC. Really cool device, but I’d lose my mind trying to remember what’s in Preset bank B-3. Thanks for mentioning it - looking at the schematic gave me a much better idea of what’s going on inside these beasties.

[@RobertNolan]

@@chipsterb4946 all you gotta do is tap on that preset and it turns the "On" pedals LED. So you know what is on. I only wish it was easier to cycle through presets and back to switching on/off mode.

[@scottdunn2178]

I've been looking at the Joyo PXL PRO. Has two triggers for channel switching, etc. (four on the PXL LIVE), and runs about $165.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I suspect it's not on par with these in the video.

[@scottdunn2178]

@@VertexEffectsInc True, but not everyone has $300+ to spend on a loop switcher.

[@lyleanderson5407]

Nice video very informative. I'm a big fan of the Boss MS-3 since I just don't need anything more and the built effects sound great. A simple budget midi controller without loops is Disaster Area Design DMC -7 or similar which you can pickup for less than 100 US used. It all comes down to budget and purpose.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice! Thanks for watching!

[@BillyRogan]

This channel is the ultimate resource. Thank you for all the amazing info

[@connorm.6253]

This is going to be good, can you make a video on how to clean out dirty pots on volume pedals?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Contact cleaner, DeOxit D5 all the way!

[@connorm.6253]

@@VertexEffectsInc thanks you da man!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@connorm.6253 Anytime!

[@sqlb3rn]

I like RJM stuff, I have the Effects Gizmo full stereo version rack mount with pedal shelves, 2 amp gizmos for stereo half stacks, and the Mastermind GT10 midi controller. A pedalboard switcher for stereo rig would require a ton of cable length between the amps and pedalboard, and none had enough stereo TRS loops for my signal pathing. With the rack setup, only a midi foot controller is needed, and some midi controllable pedals like reverb and delay and wah and midi volume modules for both amp fx loops. May seem overkill but my setup is for a live rig as the only guitarist in a metal band, and I use clean tones too... so I run two amps in stereo with a doubler and both fx loops with stereo pedals. It took a ton of research and studying manuals, but a mono rig would have been wayyyy cheaper and less complicated, but not the sound I want.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for sharing!

[@carlbrady6132]

Hi Mason! Love the content on the channel. I got a PBC 10 and you got me intrigued with the buffer mods. Any chance you could send a diagram or instructions to perform these mod?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I'm going to check with Ron and Sherri before I release anything! I don't want them to have a bunch of "tone vigilantes" on their hands LOL

[@The-End-Of-The-Line]

Excellent clear review. Thank you!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@getvicky13]

Loved the video! Mason, are there any other products like the Parallelizer? I do believe that the Wetter Box by Gig Rig is one, and then there are the rackmount line mixers. But is there anything else that's pedalboard friendly?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

It's not the same product. The Wetter Box, or even the Xotic X Blender (what preceded the Wetter Box), are only a single loop with no dedicated dry (just a mix knob, fully left is dry, fully right is wet, but most of the effects still have dry in them so...not really a wet/dry rig) - they're not really designed for a wet/dry/wet rig specifically. The Parallelizer is actually pretty small, smaller than you think, stereo, and has three stereo mixes and a separate dry mix and all the effects inside it should be set to kill dry or return only.

[@getvicky13]

@@VertexEffectsInc got it. Thanks!!

[@LyndonWesleyMusic]

Thanks mate. Fantastic information and very thorough.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@craigheadland3210]

I am currently putting together my board and this channel has been a blessing! You have also answered all of my questions in the comments which I am really grateful for, so thank you! I have one more if you don’t mind 🙃 I have a Boss ES-8 and I’m wondering if it’s ok to put a pedal in the volume loop to gain an extra loop. Is this something you have done before?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad to help! You can put any pedal in the VP loop, doesn't need to be a volume pedal you just won't have an IA footswitch for it unless you program that or use an external switch of some kind.

[@craigheadland3210]

@@VertexEffectsInc Great! Thank you

[@julio.eduardocenteno1471]

I totally agree!

[@filipedelbel]

Great video! I have been using ES-8 for years! Too bad it needs a midi/usb cable to create presets on a computer, but interface is not that bad!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, great unit

[@billytremoloband7456]

Great informative vid as always. After having an es8 (which shit the bed just out of warranty. 😭) and now es5 I can defo say the boss ones are pretty versatile! Would like to get my hands on a g3 atom at some stage.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice! But bummer on the Boss!

[@joeralphs9157]

Well thank you for taking the time to sort all this out and it's great to hear it from somebody so experienced. I do have a takeaway question, I would like to place more than one pedal in my Loop and it seems most of these are designed for individual pedals / Loop. My question would be Can I stack three or four together anytime Loop if I chose to?

[@krisyoungsteadt9139]

I have a Disaster Area DPC-5 Gen. 3. It's pretty nice, doesn't take up much space, and midi controls my Zoom MS-70 CDR straight out of the box. Super cool!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Nice! Thanks for watching!

[@darrylmcclendon]

Thank for the great review. Question......Have you seen/reviewed the Carl Martin Octa-Switch "The Strip" It's new on the market and really seems like a great switch.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I've seen it...seems to be more along the lines of the Disaster area but with fewer features.

[@thisisjonasr]

Hey! Thank you for this great in depth video! I was wondering… I always play in stereo, but actually heard the first time about isolated audio outputs.. always leaned towards the RJM PBC6 for my future midi controlling.. do you think you would prefer the MK5 when it comes to playing in stereo? Is the difference really that big? 😊

[@ronpatterson5483]

All videos are Truely so informative. Can’t quit watching.🤘🤘🤘

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I appreciate that!

[@nedim_guitar]

I just got into switchers. I got one used, a simple by OneControl for $35. Another guy is sending me his Moen GEC8 JR Looper/Switcher, and if I like it I can keep it for $50. But I'm looking at a bigger board so I can fit the Electro-Harmonix one on it and all the pedals that I want to use, without overcrowding my board. This video was very helpful!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad it helped!

[@Alphatrev]

I watched this to try and find a simple switcher that would make my life easier, but these things are all crazy. There must be something simpler than all of these that just lets you turn on one or more pedals at a time thus taking them out of the loop when you are not using them.

[@safedangerband]

Literally all of them do this. The GigRig switchers are easiest to do what you’re after. No computer or app needed

[@adambosse]

does the es-8 have isolated outputs that are phase reversible? of all of the switchers out there.. this seems like one of the most important things for a switcher to have but I'm finding a lot of them lack it

[@VertexEffectsInc]

No and no. You would need to have something like a Lehle P split on top of one amp to isolate it and have polarity control. You could also get around the polarity thing by having one inverted speaker cable if the amps didn’t match up. If you kept them on the same grounds you may not need the galvanic isolation

[@Souldoubtrocks]

Hey mason. Do you have a video of using an hx stomp with a switcher. I want to run my dirt and wah in front of the amp and then the HX stomp and specular tempest among other pedal in the amp effects loop. Just use the switcher for midi functions on the pedals in the loop.

[@julengilbert1]

Same, I have a hx stomp and analog pedals like overdrives. I’ll be acquiring a boss es8 soon. I know I’ll be able to switch between patches, but because there is a small noise lag switching between them, I will also want to know if I would be able to change snapshots with the es8, but I can’t find any videos or information about it

[@fabzbmc2609]

Really interesting. Thinking about getting a switcher and probably the boss ES8. My only concern if finding the info if loops can be routed only to a specific amp out (using 2 amps with specific effects hitting each of them and no effect loop on these amps). Maybe you have that info and a way to do it. In any case thanks for the video !

[@schipbreukeling3]

I can't wait to see al these musicians in real live action again with there amazing pedalboards.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Me too!!!

[@Millo1868]

I’m person #1. And I had no idea the Gig Rig was so expensive.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

There are alternatives as you saw if you want to spend less.

[@NoBSMusicReviews]

I think a general discussion of IC Matrix switching vs. Relay switching would be useful.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I think we'd loose quite a few people on that LOL

[@chipsterb4946]

@@VertexEffectsInc I think there might be more people interested (and able to understand at least in part) in this topic.

[@Big824John]

Why did Voodoo Labs switching gear not make the list? Do you consider it inferior?

[@joseph2707]

Question: I have 4 amps. I use different effect pedals with each amp. (I think about this as 4 different "rigs.") Is there a switcher, which will enable me to include all 4 of my rigs? (The switchers I've seen contemplate only 2 amp outputs, but I have 4 different amps I want to include in my switcher.) How can I do this?

[@joshuaraysummey7679]

This was a great vid. Thanks man!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Anytime!

[@Scarecrow6459]

Loves the video! I'm just getting into looping and I really liked some of the options you laid out here. I do have a question though: If I want to use a pedal switcher to not only switch between effects but also guitar amps. Will any of these switchers do that? I really like the EHX Super Switcher but does it have the ability to switch between amps?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Some of them have an A/B option but often require you to sacrifice one loop, so if it's a 10 loop switcher you only have 9 loops available with one going to the second amp.

[@moyano6197]

I’d like to point out that on the Gigrig G3s (both G3 and G3 Atom) can do parallel routing and can flip the phase on every loop, plus isolated outputs, I’d say that the G3s are like a 2.4 type switcher, it is capable of things the Boss switchers can do, and but it isn’t as advanced as the RJM Stuff.

[@efsglass]

what exactly can rjm do that g3 cannot?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The G3 will be interesting to see when it's here in the USA. I don't see them much here and I know they're made in fairly small lots - not often used by the rig building community. I'm interested to see it in action.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@efsglass the programming side and the software side and MIDI is much more detailed and fully open to the customer to optimize and customize beyond anything that's out there. If the PBC10 had the same matrix as the G3 (and the G3 and RJM PBC6 have the same matrix that's in the Boss ES-8 BTW) I think it would be a great move on the part of RJM. The G3 looks to be good...again not many of them out there yet to really know. The RJM is the professional gold standard, has been for many years in the pro circles - for touring pro's it's the top choice.

[@mysticfig]

I have a G3. It offers 12 loops, with the ability to set any/all pairs to stereo. You can also use the Aux/Tuner loop as a 13th pre-buffer loop. You can reorder all loops regardless of mono/stereo status. The MIDI capabilities are light years beyond G2. G3 also allows you to put the signal into parallel before any loop, and rejoin to series after any loop (or not at all). It also allows you to program trails for devices to allow effect tails to keep sounding after patch changes. I wish the reviewer had read the specs for G3 a bit more carefully. He kind of lumped the G2 and G3 together, and there are significant improvements in G3, especially with MIDI. I’m not saying it’s necessarily a better choice for every need, but the implication in this video is that it’s only suitable for entry level users, when in fact it’s as powerful and capable as anything available.

[@efsglass]

@@mysticfig exactly yea, g3 is way more advanced than g2!

[@SharpEdgeStandardOfficial]

Question. I want to take all my pedals off board and put in rack drawers where they’ll stay. It’s 6 pedals between the guitar and front of AxeFxIIXL+, pretty simple right? My floorboard will just be my MFC101 and a pedal switcher IF I understand this switcher or loop switcher thing correctly. The routing and/or things needed have me pretty fn stumped. 1- I need some kind of loop/switcher right, but do I need something in the rack like an interface or a device that communicates with the AxeFx and the floor switcher? 2- Can a switcher have a “Y” function so that I can control the pedals independently in my rack but switch over to my Fryette power amp with that same loop of pedals? Out of the 6 pedals I have I only ever run one at a time so no real loops happening I just need to control them from the floor. Thanks so much for any and all help provided

[@jordrop]

not sure if i'm understanding your question correctly, but i think if you wanted to keep your pedals in the drawer you'd need something like the Morningstar MC6 on the floor and then the ML10x in the drawer (amongst some other options). The switchers in this video would be on the pedalboard in front of you.

[@austipus]

just got the voodoo gcx and ground control pro for that exact reason. Love it

[@АлександрЧиркин-н6э]

Gigrig G3 + gigrig extension kit could help

[@flipside-entertainment]

Thank you! I am comparative shopping and your insight is very helpful. I am tech savvy after 25 years in IT and Devry University. Thanks again...

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@luischi5136]

Great video!!! Wondering if have you ever done a rig for a versatile guitar performer? I'm struggling in how to create mine because some times I need to perform electric guitar(as lead and ambient), acoustic guitar and sing choirs(with harmony effects) I have the TC-Helicon Voice live 3x that is supposed that should help me on this 3 areas but honestly is quite complicated in parameters vs a pedalboard with knobs and presets. Thanks for any advice

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The Helicon units have MIDI I think...if you set up a set list for yourself you can use a lot of these switchers to do all your vocal triggers which can simplify your workflow on stage. Is that what you're asking?

[@luischi5136]

@@VertexEffectsInc Workflows and presets work well but always on live performance many times you need to improvise and that means grab a preferred preset and tweak on the fly, i would like to leave the TCHeliconVL3 and create a pedalboard with pedals for electric, acoustic, voice effects and a switcher. I think that with this i will have fx loops, presets but also the access to the knobs to move things on the fly. Have you ever built a pedalboard like this?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@luischi5136 I've made some hybrid solo guitarist rigs, sometimes you can do EXP pedals to controls specific parameters with your feet as well do you don't have to adjust knobs on the floor. That can be handy.

[@geo5772]

Mason, wonderful overview, was happy to see all of the switchers I’ve been considering in the rundown. I do have one question, actually I (we) need clarification on conflicting statements. On the RJM PBC6X in the recommendation portion of the vid you state it CAN change loop order, then in your personal choices segment you contradict that and say that the RJM equivalent (6X?) of the EFX MK-5 matrix doesn’t allow positioning, loop order. Could you clarify that please? Effect order/ loop priority is important to me, and up until your recommendation I was “PBC/6X all the way baby”…now I’m simply Whaaa…? I’ll head over to RJM and see if I can sort that out. If I do go with the 6X I’ll talk with the owners about that inlet buffer spec.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Both the RJM PBC6x and the EFX MKV can change loop order. The RJM PBC10 cannot.

[@geo5772]

@@VertexEffectsInc there we go! Thanks….In reflection it was more of an ambiguity with respect to which of the two RJM units you were referring to. Clarification very much appreciated as are many of the videos you shoot. George

[@VibhasPatil]

Mason, a question for you. I'm considering the RJM PBC6X and am concerned about the input buffer. I'll be using a fuzz that hates a buffer in front of it. Do I need to change anything in order to not let the input buffer of the switcher affect the fuzz pedal?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You can bypass the buffer on any fuzz preset - no problem

[@VibhasPatil]

@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks Mason!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@VibhasPatil anytime!

[@jmd12331]

Great content Mason. Thanks. What do you think of the buffers on the boss es5? Do they fit your recommendation for imp values?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

No, they're not great. I would recommend bypassing them an using your own input and output buffers.

[@westofsunday2779]

So if I have a Polytune first in my chain and a Timeline last, and bypass the Boss buffers, would that work?

[@Lennartvdijk]

Awsome video! I was wondering, if there is a switcher out there that can do the change order thing for 18 pedals? Im using the es8 for that now, but im still stuck with the order on some pedals bc they are in the same loop. Two es8's wont work in that way unfortunately. Would be great to hear your thoughts!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

No, not that I know of. Not 18 pedals. I think the G3 can do 12. RJM can do 10.

[@nickfleiwer5272]

For European PPL check out the G-Lab GSC 4, it has a very cool display and isnt that expensive

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Are they still made?

[@nickfleiwer5272]

@@VertexEffectsInc not 100% sure. I got one and it's amazing, you find a lot on reverb even down to 350. However I probably go for the disaster area sooner or later because of space.

[@SpiritCrusher89]

Got myself a new MusicomLab EFX-LE II for 410€, shipping cost included. Should arrive this Friday. What a bargain!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Great unit!

[@frankglad2989]

I've got a board with the Boss ES-8. I love it but there's two main drawbacks. (1) It's very big and takes up fully 40% of my pedal board area, and patch panel on the back is tight and will only handle the smallest of straight connectors. (2) It will only address and send single PC messages to 8 devices and/or two CC messages per device. I mean 8 total MIDI packets per preset. If I have my two full boards, one pre-amp and one board in the FX loop, that becomes a limitation and requires reserving a PRESET on each back to do a RESET operation to shut things off. This is a very clumsy workaround. One Question: since it takes up so much real estate, is their any suggested method for creating an umbilical cable to separate the switcher from the pedalboard without a huge collection of cables. I've been thinking about DB25 break out boards connected by an off-the-shelf DB25 serial cable. Any thoughts?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I guess my question is what 8 loop switcher is smaller, technically it's 9 loops with the VP insert? You could get some broadcast cables snakes which are really low capacitance and potentially do it, but I don't think it'd be wise.

[@DiamondLifer]

Boss ES-8 is what I’m running. I really wish they made a 12. I don’t like swapping pedals on and off my board for different bands.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You could always expand loops with something like a Voodoo Lab HEX.

[@DiamondLifer]

@@VertexEffectsInc along with the boss?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@DiamondLifer yes

[@DiamondLifer]

@@VertexEffectsInc cool. Thanks I’ll look into that.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

@@DiamondLifer Good luck!

[@pasqualeforesti9670]

That is going to be very useful - It seems there is not the Musicom Lab EFX-LE 2 in the loopers that you are covering. Maybe you can briefly clarify the main differences (other than the no of loops) compared to the EFX-MVK?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

We cover it some it has a lot of overlap with the MKV. I’m also using one in a rig coming up in a few weeks.

[@HAIL4sure]

I would have included the One Control OC10 as well. Good Value for money and as easy to program as the G2, Midi functions are limited.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I would actually say functionally, it's very similar to the G2

[@jamiewatson1873]

Thank you for the thoughtful and informative video on this topic. I am primarily interested in finding a switcher that facilitates sound design and song writing (rather than midi control or programming set lists for stage performance). I will be using the pedal board with multiple amps - some of which have effect loops and some don't. I would prefer to use a computer to play with the pedal order and otherwise program the switcher presets, rather than having to do a lot of button pushing and menu diving on the front panel to audition different rig configurations. Expandability is also important if I can get it. What switcher would you recommend for me?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I like the RJM and the Musicom a lot for this!

[@sonar1357]

I love you Mason. The #1 tone hero in all of history.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@dj4blues]

Hi Mason. Great videos and very helpful - thanks. A question: I use a small pedalboard going into the front-end of a Marshall but chorus, trem & delay are separated from the rest and use the amp's fx in/out loop. Are you aware if any switchers allow this type of configuration so I can stop using the extra two cables (for the fx loop)? Hope this question makes sense.. Cheers.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Most of them have some ability for 4 cable method. You’ll always need 4 cables

[@Rousecakes]

Which do you think would be best for a bassist (where the buffer impedance usually differs)? Thanks in advance. And keep rocking’ the vids 😉

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Any of them, you could always bypass the input buffer on most of these and use your own.

[@aaronlebos]

Man this was great and very informative, I def subscribed and gave you the thumbs up, thank you! I fall into group one where I'll mostly be using my board for live, I would like to save some $ and go with the EHX but since I will have between 14-16 pedals on my board I feel that I really need the extra two that gigrig2 offers, and even then I will have to double pedal on some loops. I don't think I need much more than to do a little less (or at least cleaner) tap dancing, and improve my signal since now I just go straight through all my pedals.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching! Hope it was helpful!

[@Telecaster65]

Great, great lesson... well learned. Also thanks for your nice and very understandable english... I'm Italian. Thumb up and subscribed. ❤

[@kylezakk]

I'm looking for one that won't break the band, thoughts one the Blackstar live logic 6-button or MeloAudio midi commander?

[@waynegram8907]

VERTEX, How can you use a Fractal FM9 floorboard processor as an Effect switching system by using the MIDI ports? What I mean is you can assign the footswitches on the FM9 to a MIDI channel message number that will go to an MIDI effect switching I/O Unit. This will save pedalboard space by using the FM9 as an effect processor unit as well as as a MIDI effect switching unit to switch off/on analog guitar pedals, which will be serving a "dual purpose". I don't want to buy an effects switching system because they are expensive which you can buy a fractal FM9 and use it as a dual purpose by using it as a MIDI effects Loop switching unit.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Should be possible...I don't see why you couldn't, I've done this with the Line 6 HX Stomp - its competition.

[@piotrtrypus]

awesome presentation, thank you!