Which Switcher Is RIGHT For You?

Which programmable pedalboard switcher should you choose? With so many different switchers on the market with varying capabilities and accommodations, picking a switcher that best suits your needs can be a daunting task. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the best switchers in our industry, and determine which switcher is the best option for you. Whether you’re new to MIDI, a seasoned MIDI veteran, or somewhere in between, there’s a switcher out there for you!
SWITCHERS FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO
Gigrig G2 - shop.thegigrig.com/g2/
Gigrig G3 - shop.thegigrig.com/G3/
EHX Super Switcher - bit.ly/3dVlUR0
BOSS ES5 - amzn.to/329kVY3
BOSS ES8 - 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-mas...
RJM PBC/10 - shop.rjmmusic.com/mastermind-...
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
00:00 Introduction
01:02 3 Types of "Switcher" Customers
02:30 Customer 1: Beginner Switcher
06:49 Customer 2: Intermediate Switcher
10:36 Customer 3: Pro Switcher
15:31 My Budget Pick
16:56 Most Bang for your Buck Pick
17:48 My Favorite Overall Switcher
19:26 Conclusion
What’s on My Pedalboard with Dani Rabin (feat. Gigrig G2)
• Dani Rabin’s Pedalboar...
⬇️Private Tone Consulting from the Rig Dr. ⬇️
therigdr.com/collections/all/...
🔽Buy our Pedals/Pedalboard Materials🔽
Zip Ties: www.therigdr.com/collections/...
Tie-down Mounts: www.therigdr.com/collections/...
Velcro: www.therigdr.com/collections/...
Pedalboard Patch Cables: www.therigdr.com/products/pat...
Instrument Cables: www.therigdr.com/products/gui...
Pedalboards: www.vertexeffects.com/store#!...
VERTEX Pedals: vertexeffects.com/store
⬇ DIY BUFFER INTERFACE DIAGRAMS, TEMPLATES, & MATERIALS ⬇
Mono - vertexeffects.com/diy-buffer-...
Mono w/Tuner Out - vertexeffects.com/diy-buffer-...
Mono w/Splitter - www.vertexeffects.com/diy-buf...
Mono w/Audition Loop - vertexeffects.com/diy-buffer-...
4 Cable Method (FX Loop) - vertexeffects.com/diy-buffer-...
Wet/Dry - vertexeffects.com/diy-buffer-...
Stereo - vertexeffects.com/diy-buffer-...
🔻 //rig consulting//🔻
therigdr.com/collections/all/...
🔈 //podcast//🔈
Apple: apple.co/36dSQzK
Spotify: spoti.fi/2WGLku8
⬇ RECOMMENDED MATERIALS ⬇
some urls below contain affiliate links
//buffers//
Vertex DIY Buffers - vertexeffects.com/diy-buffer
Mesa Boogie High-Wire (dual buffer) - bit.ly/2lZwS0s
TC Bonafide Buffer (x2 input + output) - amzn.to/2vrTSug
Truetone Buffer (x2 input + output) - amzn.to/2NLDA8l
//power supply//
CIOKS 7 - amzn.to/3d4qOty
CIOKS 8 - amzn.to/2zW5YOn
CIOKS 4 - amzn.to/33jWAOZ
Strymon Zuma - amzn.to/3dpZANe
Strymon Zuma R300 - amzn.to/2ZgLclt
Truetone CS6 - amzn.to/2wWLbII
Truetone CS7 - amzn.to/2x1Nf2k
Truetone CS12 - amzn.to/33rfLq3
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 3 - amzn.to/3asqK6r
IEC Plug Covers - bit.ly/34fpGl3
//dc power cables//
2.1mm DC Power Plugs (right angle) - bit.ly/2pGqXzI
2.1mm DC Power Plugs (straight) - bit.ly/36wd1sA
Bulk Power Cables (pre made) - amzn.to/3ev1q0t
//midi//
MIDI Plugs (right angle) - bit.ly/2oKHDFG
MIDI Plugs (straight) - bit.ly/32fNNLF
MIDI Cable (bulk) - amzn.to/2tPAHWQ
//velcro//
Vertex Super Lock - therigdr.com/collections/all/...
//cable management//
Zip Ties - www.therigdr.com/products/zip...
Tie Down Mounts - www.therigdr.com/products/tie...
Tone Essentials Kit - www.therigdr.com/products/ton...
//pedalboard tools//
Soldering Iron - amzn.to/2TTdMI4
Solder (60/40) - amzn.to/2U7XhsD
Solder Dispenser - amzn.to/2GpgMpR
Octopus Arms - amzn.to/2V3O8OD
Wire Strippers (30-20 AWG) - amzn.to/2BBMI6n
Wire Strippers (20-10 AWG) - amzn.to/2EbhBR3
Wire Snips - amzn.to/2EazwqU
Vise - amzn.to/2E9eTLO
Heat Gun (embossing gun) - amzn.to/2BwGdlm
Label Maker - amzn.to/2BCBcHU
Label Maker Tape (black) - amzn.to/2Cd3CZe
Label Maker Tape (clear) - amzn.to/34piDD4
Deoxit D5 Contact Cleaner - amzn.to/2GEm4gu
Truetone Milliamp (mA) Reader - amzn.to/2F9v3VN
Tone Brush - amzn.to/2HIfze3
Upholstery Crow Bar - amzn.to/2HIOU0K
Multimeter - amzn.to/2YW9BdE
Goo Gone - amzn.to/31rGJeS
#pedalboardswitcher #programmableswitcher #rigdoctor

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@BillyRogan]

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

[@benfcormier]

This guy is a fantastic communicator. Really nice job!

[@julio.eduardocenteno1471]

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

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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.

[@ThomasHope73]

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

[@ronpatterson5483]

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

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I appreciate that!

[@tmitz73]

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

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad to hear it!

[@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!

[@user-ok3po8gz4w]

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!

[@Telecaster65]

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

[@LyndonWesleyMusic]

Thanks mate. Fantastic information and very thorough.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad it was helpful!

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

Excellent clear review. Thank you!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joshuaraysummey7679]

This was a great vid. Thanks man!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Anytime!

[@piotrtrypus]

awesome presentation, thank you!

[@blackie75]

Great, vid. Really helpful, thanks 😉😉

[@joshcarlton9184]

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

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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!

[@windowsoflife]

Really practical for anyone! 🙏🏽

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks for watching!

[@JeffMarbut]

Easily the most helpful video on this topic. Thanks!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks so much!

[@HowardFrischer]

Absolutely incredible. Thank you.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Thanks Howard!!!

[@kevie3]

Couldn’t agree more Howard 👏

[@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.

[@jonasr9330]

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? 😊

[@MojoP]

Awesome channel with excellent content - THANK YOU!! Question - you've made it clear unless it's a setlist or gig context, switchers may not be the bees-knees. But I'm in the session/studio/professional hobbyist category and I'm trying to clean up my signal path. That's where I am wondering if it's switcher material, or just buffer material? I'd love to also control my multi-channel amps of which I run 2 in stereo - both MIDI compatible. I currently use a Lehle S-Go-S splitter, but have multiple FX in front and in the loops - with several of the FX being stereo. Thoughts?? Thanks for any feedback.

[@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!

[@kylezakk]

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

[@stevemorovek6470]

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

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Perfecto!!!

[@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!

[@marconowajewski2133]

Hi Mason! First of all, thanks for the video and all the information you share. Sorry to bother you, but I have a question for you. I will be for ever grateful if you can answer. I just bought a Musicom Lab EFX MK VI, and I need to know if I can use the 4CM with 3 Loops (Phaser/Tremolo; Chorus; Eventide H90). I'd really like to use it through the FX Loop, but I don't know how. Thanks again Mason, and sorry for my english 😬

[@gal_aizic]

Hi Dr! I'm kinda torn between the ES-8 and the Musicomlab V. Both are about the same price here, and have mostly similar features. any reason I might be missing to choose one over the other? also, how do they compare size-wise and sound-wise? Thanks :)

[@nosoupformecom]

Hey Mason, could you help out with some advice? I'm torn between two switchers for the board I'm building. It's between BYOC Super8 - 8 loops, compact, no midi - and Boss ES5 which you know well. I'd like midi, but it isn't a show stopper. 5 loops on ES5 is a bit too few - ES8 is too big for the board (Rockboard Quad 4.1) - but it does offer changing the order, which BYOC does not. Especially for my Chase Bliss Condor I think would be good to be able to move around. But again, 5 loops would mean not all pedals could get one, so you see my dillemma. Any super clever tips/ideas/suggestions? Thanks bro.

[@BAND-MAID-USA]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 !

[@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.

[@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!

[@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?

[@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?

[@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

[@alanb2401]

Is there any sound drop out when switching presets/loops?

[@tTUTOWISE24]

I have riggig2 where do I place the buffers when I’m using 4 cable method ?

[@OlivierCADET]

what do you thing about Morningstar MC8 adding to the ml5 or ml10x from the same brand?

[@hoplon88]

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

[@VertexEffectsInc]

cool!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@hrvojemolnar7806]

Which switcher can support 2 input/output as I am using my delay/reverb/chorus in amp fx loop. And I want to keep them there and in front of the amp I am using other pedals: comp, OD, EQ... So I want be able to keep that chain and use a switcher to activate e.g. pedals from chain in front of the amp and in the fx loop. Any ideas?

[@jawsxx8683]

This is probably a dumb question, but which of these would you recommend for a 3 amp setup (sometimes stereo) for an advanced user (using one for clean, one for dirty, one for both).

[@MultiGuitarDave]

Are there also switchers without a foot switch? Which I can control with, for example, an external foot switch or the Kemper Stage.

[@ravenshadowz2343]

Do you have a tutorial on hooking up the switcher to the cables?

[@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!

[@mrryan7475]

Is ehx super switcher strero ins/outs for every pedal?

[@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

[@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.

[@antonioguedes6903]

The disaster seems like a sweet little guy and so compact. The g3 of that thing can make so much, and you can do even more with the tuner jack and turned it into a multi jack.

[@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.

[@nickymcficksurschitz3688]

fantastic video! i love how it was broken up for three tiers of nerdliness! well done!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@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.

[@DIYGuitarMods]

Hi, excellent comparison. I wanted to ask, in your experience, do any of these switchers have send and return volumes that can also be saved as presets along with the loop order?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, most of these have that feature standard.

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!

[@pjsalty]

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

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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.

[@bobbarry1001]

good review, thx Mason.. what about a buffers in Joyo Live & Tech21 mongoose ?? and sound quality, what do u think ??

[@VertexEffectsInc]

What's the spec?

[@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

[@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?

[@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!

[@jtkennedy182]

Mason, another question I have about routing with switchers. I have a few pedals that have a single input and dual outputs (a Boss CH-1, an MXR 10 band EQ). I currently run the Boss in mono with my switcher, and the first output of my MXR goes into my switcher, and then the second one goes out into the second input of my Roland JC40. That line is only engaged when that pedal is in the loop I’m using, if that makes sense. How would I run multiple pedals like this into that second Roland input? I’m considering getting a Boss flanger with the same type of setup. Only thing I can imagine is like a box where it has 3 inputs for those 3 extra outs on those pedals, then a single cable into that second Roland input. Hopefully this makes sense. Is this possible? What gear would make this work? Thanks Rig Dr!

[@jtkennedy182]

The switcher is a Voodoo Lab PX8 plus!

[@jegl1012]

Spot on about Boss units. They also come with software

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Boss is great, easy to use.

[@westofsunday2779]

Very informative and useful as usual Mason!! I just ordered an EHX Super Switcher but am already rethinking that decision based on this video because of the potential buffer issue. I guess I’ll have to see how it sounds but am I better off turning off the SS buffers and just using my Polytune and Timeline at the beginning and end of my chain? Thanks!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Yes, I think so, using external buffers on this is preferable.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@emersonbustosdiaz4314]

I need a kind of switcher can keep the tails of my reverb or delay effect when i turn in off their loop channel

[@radroach3134]

@VertexEffectsInc Yo Jason. I bought the MS-3 and I'm using the 4 cable method and I'm getting hum I can't get rid of. I have the loop 1 as front of amp, loop 2 as send and return, and loop 3 as back of the amp. I have a Marshall JVM 210 and when I go to the lead channel I get a nasty hum. I turned down the ms3 eq and that helped, but it's still there. Any help would be greatly appreciated as my band is counting on me! Thanks brother man!

[@thishandesilva2500]

Question - I’m relatively new to the world of switchers, so I only have a basic understanding of how they work. So I have a 2-in-1 distortion/OD pedal (Magnetic Effects Dual Drive) which I absolutely adore - no midi functionality or anything special like that. Left side is a Proco Rat clone and right side is a TS clone. I adore this pedal and it’s my go-to for all my gain needs, but it can be a real pain sometimes having to switch between the distortion side and OD side (especially mid-song) since it has a relatively small footprint and the on/off switches are pretty close together. I usually end up engaging both sides by accident. Is there any switcher on the market that would allow me to have 2 separate patches/presets - one for the distortion side in high gain scenarios, and another for the OD side in low gain scenarios? If not, is there any mod that can be done to the pedal to make this possible? Thanks in advance!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Unless it has as way to separate them internally you'll be stuck always having to change one channel manually or modding the pedal to separate the channels.

[@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!

[@AndyBoldry]

@VertexEffectsInc first of all, great video about these switchers! It’s given me a jumping off point for my research regarding which one to buy. I had a question related to the PBC 6X, which looks like an early contender for me. Mason mentioned how the PBC 6x, through use of the stereo loops can actually get you to 11 loops (forgive me if these weren’t the exact numbers). I was curious as to how that actually works. I know the concept involves using stereo loops in mono, but when I’ve done research on the PBC 6X specifically, it just looks like, for a mono board, the cap would still be the 7 if you included the expression loop. Can you elaborate as to how you actually get to the 11 loops? Thanks again and I hope that isn’t a stupid question. I am currently leaning in the direction of the PBC 6x switcher. - Andy

[@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

[@tejashbohra3311]

I m using a ms3. And i really like the CURNUM function. Does the boss the boss es 8 have the same function where I can press the same preset twice to add/remove effects on my loops

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I’m not sure but that would be easy to determine with the manual

[@crowzapata]

Great review! Which ones can switch between 2 different amps? Some of them have stereo outputs, but I guess these cannot be used to switch between 2 amps. Am I wrong?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You can also sacrifice a channel to get an A/B output, and use the send of the last loop as output A and the main output as output B.

[@FABRIZIOCORTE]

Amazing. Thank you. I'd like to know if the DPC-8EZ Gen3 can switch an amp channel. And wich one of that products can do that?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Depends on the amp and how the footswitch is set up.

[@FABRIZIOCORTE]

@@VertexEffectsInc I have a Rivera Clubster Royal combo 25W

[@joegrantjr]

Hey Mason - Great content as always! What are your thoughts on the Morningstar MC8 with a Voodoo Lab Hex or ML5?

[@VertexEffectsInc]

The Morningstar is a disaggregated unit, two pieces, not all in one. This makes it impractical to compare to these fully loaded switchers. Same with the Hex.

[@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?

[@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

[@brunodeoliveira331]

Hi ! Just received a Musicom Lab EFX MKVI and I've tried to send multiples midi messages (CC12/CC13/CC14) to channel 1 (TC Electronic Triple delay) to activate one delay and turn off the other, and that's not working well. I've set it like this and when I'm selecting preset.001 it takes several stomps on the footswitch to actually do what I asked for. Do you have a solution ? It was working with my first switcher (One control OC10W) : PC1/CC12/CV127, PC1/CC13/CV127 and PC1/CC14/CV000 to turn off delay 1 + delay 2 and turn on delay 3 I'm kinda out of solutions...

[@VertexEffectsInc]

These switchers aren't all 1:1...you might consider asking Musicom as they're very helpful in this process. Typically, as I'm learning new software, I'll try one function at a time and then build the rest one by one until I get the hang of it. Sometimes it's hard to isolate if the issue is you or the software if you do too much at once.

[@schipbreukeling3]

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

[@VertexEffectsInc]

Me too!!!

[@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.

[@kevinberthoud9347]

Thx Mason! I use G3. I like the interface and so far there hasn't been anything I want to do that I have been able to do. That said it is pricey and it may not be for everyone. Morningstar engineering has a lot of good products as well. I especially like their computer interface that makes programming super simple ...

[@georgemetallinos4650]

i am interested in buying a switcher Boss ES5 or a Boss ES8 2 questions: Question No1 : my amp is a Marshall JVM410JHS, this amp has 12 channels (4 channels with 3 seperate settings on each one, therefore a total of 12 channels) will i be able to select each of the 12 channels with the switcher or am i only able to choose between 8 channels (cause thats what i ve understood from various youtube videos) ps) the Marshall amp supports midi (in+through) Question No2 : if i want to connect some pedals of mine (for example the digitech Freeqout) that i want to turn on/off manually and not within a patch from the switcher, do i have to use one of the loops of the switcher ? or i can just connect it between my guitar and the input/tuner input of the switcher ?

[@bluesmanrichy]

I have the same amp and the ES8. You can access any of the amp channels and modes via midi, either using a Program change message (simple) or CC messages (involved). You can put pedals you like between the guitar and the ES8 input but this negates some of the benefits of programaability and sound quality

[@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!

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

I have the Morley ABC Switcher pedal and have a question. How do I send output of my pedalboard that is connected to input of my amp to the pedal? Sorry to ask a dumb question but the inputs only allow one cable from each amp. I want to send pedalboard-> amp-> Morley switch pedal input A and then on amp 2 send output of pedalboard 2-> amp2 -> morley pedal input 2.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I'm not following.

[@theelmagoo]

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

[@VertexEffectsInc]

One of the best

[@jtkennedy182]

Hey Mason! A question for you: my current setup is my pedal board, using an Empress buffer, into the front end of my Roland JC40. My guitar goes into the in/out of the Empress and my board is in the loop of the Empress. I use a Boss Line Selector to switch between my clean patch and dirty patch. I’m curious to see if it’s possible with the gear I have to run my clean patch into the front end of the Roland, and then run the dirty patch into the effects loop to have my dirt pedals become the preamp. I’m currently pondering on using the Line Selector as just an output selector (not using the built in A/B returns), as if I was using “two amps”. Is this even possible with what I have? If not, what would I need to make this work? I also have other pedals pre/post line selector that I use on both patches sometimes. In my head it all makes sense, but I’m worried something might not work if there’s cables going into the front and then one into the FX loop return. Hopefully this all makes sense. Thanks for your help Rig Doctor!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

I'm sure you can come with a solution to do this with elaborate switching, but is the juice worth the squeeze? Really? Normally when I've seen people do this sort of thing that's really unique to them it rarely ends up as cool as they thing it would end end up with a myriad of ground loops to deal with.

[@jtkennedy182]

@@VertexEffectsInc that makes sense. I tried it with the method I mentioned above and it didn’t work. Only the power amp section worked. Like you said, there could be a method to do it but I’m realizing now it’s too much effort for such little results. Thanks for your expert insight!

[@projectmonk9673]

Is there a MIDI or switcher that will help me change channels from 2 guitar amplifiers at the same time? I run an ABY pedal but I don't want to use two different amp foot switches to change their channels.

[@VertexEffectsInc]

There are products by RJM that allow you to connect your amp footswitch to it and control it via MIDI.

[@verrysmusic]

Hi Mason thank you for all the useful information, im building an amp-less rig, Victory Kraken and Kingsley Squire tube preamps, time based FX and modulations, and Torpedo Cab M+, id like to use this in stereo, what would you recommend? THANK YOU!!

[@VertexEffectsInc]

You'd need two Torpedo's, I think it's just mono.

[@verrysmusic]

@@VertexEffectsInc Mason, thank you for the response! Best!