Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $740
High-end/Boutique
$60
$176+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Introducing the Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System, the perfect tool for the innovative musician. This system isn’t just another utility tool; it’s a game changer, a new way of providing unprecedented capability without sacrificing sound quality. The ES-8 is designed for the professional and high-end users who crave cool and creative solutions to their musical expression.
The ES-8's revolutionary routing flexibility gives you the ability to easily rearrange the order of your stomp box effects chain, offering total creative freedom to achieve the unique sounds that you desire. It's not just about flexibility, the ES-8 is also about connectivity. With eight effect loops onboard, three TRS control output jacks, two TRS expression output jacks, and two TRS control/expression input jacks, the ES-8 has all the connections you need to create your perfect sound.
Key Features:
- 8 loops and flexible routing for crafting elaborate effects chains
- Onboard memory for storing 800 patches, along with external control parameters like delay time for each patch
- Completely customizable pedal function assignments
- Switchable buffers for input and output, storable in each patch
- Highly reliable footswitches with switch-noise mute capability
- LCD and 7-segment LED display for detailed information at a glance
- Analog circuit design to protect your pure tone
Owner's manual
Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System User ManualProduct specs
| Number of Footswitch Buttons | 8 |
| Inputs | 2 x 1/4" (instrument), 1 x 1/4" (tuner in) |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (main out) |
| Effects Loop | 6 x mono loops, 2 x stereo loop returns, 1 x volume loop |
| MIDI I/O | In, Out/Thru |
| Other I/O | 3 x 1/4" TRS (external control), 1 x 1/4" TRS (expression), 2 x 1/4" TRS (control/expression) |
| True Bypass | Switchable buffered or true bypass |
| Power Source | 9.6V DC power supply (included) |
| Height | 2.5" |
| Width | 17.3" |
| Depth | 5.4" |
| Weight | 5 lbs. 9 oz. |
FAQs
-
How many effects loops does the Boss ES-8 have?
-
The Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System features eight effects loops, allowing for extensive routing and configuration of your pedalboard setup.
-
Can the Boss ES-8 handle MIDI control?
-
Yes, the Boss ES-8 includes MIDI In and Out/Thru ports, enabling you to integrate and control MIDI-capable devices within your setup.
-
Does the Boss ES-8 offer true bypass switching?
-
The Boss ES-8 provides switchable buffered or true bypass options, allowing you to choose the best setting to maintain your signal integrity.
-
What power supply does the Boss ES-8 require?
-
The Boss ES-8 requires a 9.6V DC power supply, which is included with the unit.
-
Is the Boss ES-8 suitable for complex live performances?
-
Yes, with its eight footswitch buttons, extensive routing capabilities, and MIDI integration, the Boss ES-8 is well-suited for complex live performances and versatile pedalboard setups.
Videos
Big Music Australia
Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System | Product Demo
Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System | Product Demo
Big Music Australia
BOSS ES-8 Effects Switching System: A 101 demo/tour.
Brett Kingman
BOSS ES-8 Effects Switching System Review by Sweetwater Sound
Sweetwater
Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System
ProGuitarShopDemos
NAMM 2015 Archive - BOSS ES-8 Effects Switching System - First Look!
Andertons Music Co
Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System | Better Music
Better Music
NAMM 2015: Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System
Guitar Player Magazine
BOSS ES-8 Effects Switching System featuring Felipe Andreoli of Angra
BOSSchannel
Reviews
PROS
-
Near infinite versatility with numerous features for guitarists
-
True bypass capability and the ability to arrange pedals in any order
-
Allows control over multiple switch channels and MIDI devices
-
Durable housing built for professional use
-
Ability to change pedal patch order and blend drives in parallel
-
Simplifies live performance by presetting specific patches
-
Can mix drum machines and toggle them on/off with foot switches
-
Offers the potential for extensive sound development
-
Built like a tank for extensive touring durability
-
Isolates each pedal into separate loops, keeping the signal strong and clean
CONS
-
Manual is difficult to navigate, making setup challenging
-
Requires significant additional investment in cabling
-
Some features have a learning curve
-
Lack of comprehensive online information for advanced applications
-
Parallel routing feature causes a drop in signal level
-
Some users experienced hardware reliability issues
-
Main outputs and inputs placement is not ideal for all users
-
No dedicated tap tempo button or built-in tuner
-
Manual mode does not save changes when switching back to preset mode
-
Overly complicated for MIDI operations with clumsy navigation
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System.
User experience
Features and functionality
-
The Boss ES-8 allows for easy reordering of the signal path and integration with MIDI control, enhancing creative flexibility significantly.
Source -
The ES-8's recent firmware update allows for separate effects loops for each stereo output, enabling unique signal path configurations per output.
Source -
The ES-8's volume loop can be used creatively as an additional effects loop, allowing integration with preamps or other components in the FX loop.
Source -
The ES-8 Link function requires both units to have identical parameter settings, which may limit its flexibility for diverse setups.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
Some users experience signal volume drop when using the 4 cable method, suggesting potential setup issues or unit-specific problems.
Source -
Using pancake plugs and right-angle plugs can optimize space, while straight plugs are necessary for the ES-8's closely spaced jacks.
Source -
Mixing the sounds of pedals connected to two ES-8 units might be achievable by sending signals between units using their send/return loop functions.
Source
Mods and upgrades
Build quality
-
The ES-8 is noted for its substantial weight, which some users find cumbersome despite its robust construction.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
Owners using the ES-8 with a Marshall JVM stack appreciate the seamless switch from high-gain to clean setups, highlighting its versatility in live settings.
Source -
Using two ES-8 units together theoretically allows for expansive control of over 25 pedals, offering possibilities for complex, integrated soundscapes.
Source
Software and compatibility
-
The ES-8 is praised for its powerful MIDI assign functions, enabling complex control over multiple pedals simultaneously, which is particularly useful for live performances.
Source -
While the Link function has limitations, MIDI messages can successfully enable the first ES-8 unit to control the second for patch changes and tempo synchronization.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 39 Ratings
219
Surprisingly Easy for First-Time Users
As someone trying an effects switcher for the first time, I had some doubts about the learning curve before buying the Boss ES-8. It looked a bit complicated on paper. But after unpacking it and spending just half an hour exploring, I was already comfortable with all the features. It turned out to be much easier to use than I thought. I've been using it for about a month, and honestly, I dislike nothing about it. ES-8 is very flexible, reliable, and super easy to work with. If you're worried about it being too complicated, don't be. It’s way easier to master than it looks.
99
Awesome switcher but....
Lacking in a couple of areas. Love the ability to reorder my pedals. I didn't think I would use it as much as I do. Extremely flexible in routing/midi control capability. One of the biggest problems is that when you switch from to manual mode to turn pedals off and on and switch back to preset mode it reloads the preset (turning off your previous changes in manual mode). Also no usb port for updates so if they decide to fix this will have to be done by midi. All in all it's a pretty awesome switcher!
Artist usage
Add artist
Joe Langridge-Brown's pedalboard setup includes the Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System, as shown in a tweet by Stuart Dew, who shared an image of the pedalboard being prepared for Reading and Leeds rehearsals.
At 7:53 you can see his Boss ES - 8 switching system
from "The Tallest Man On Earth" official Instagram story posted on August 2nd, 2021.
In the article "RockView Rig Rundown with Skillet" by RockView Live, it is confirmed that Korey Cooper uses the Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System.
In the photo of Bradley Will Simpson’s pedalboard, the Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System is prominently featured in the center, demonstrating how it enables him to seamlessly toggle multiple pedals on and off with a single press.
In this interview when being asked, Mikey called it "a dream come true", for the easy use it offers.
Mentioned in this November 15, 2019 guitarguitar interview.
GG: Ah yes, I know exactly the one! That’s interesting! Ok, cool! And have you got any pedals at your feet, for a typical Dead Can Dance gig?
BP: I’ve got a lot of pedals. (laughs) My basic set up is, I use two stereo combos. I loop in my pedalboard through a Kemper profiler and I also use a BOSS ES-8, you know the switching system?
GG: Yes, I know the one.
BP: And it’s all MIDI-linked, so I can change all the effects and everything, just stepping through the switching system, through the songs, basically. I do it all at my feet, and the Kemper responds to that. As for the pedals, I have the Waza Craft Vibrato.
GG: Oh yeah! The (Boss) Waza Craft stuff’s amazing.
BP: Yeah. I have it on really subtle, really low. I prefer Vibrato to Chorus and it gives such a subtle movement, you know? Modulation to the string? So, I pretty much have that on all the time. And then I also use an Electro-Harmonix Super Ego. I use it almost more like an audio exciter, it’s a very subtle doubling which widens the sound a little bit.
GG: Got you.
BP: Then I have an Eventide H-9 for all of my modulated effects and then that goes through a Strymon Big Sky for all the reverbs.
GG: That’s a good set up! You don’t tend to go for the more distorted or fuzzy tones, do you?
BP: No, I mean, I use them in a couple of songs, and I’m got an Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Big Muff, which kind of covers all of the kind of distorted, fuzz sounds. To be honest, I prefer fuzz to distortion anyway.
GG: Yeah, you can sort of manipulate your fingers and get different results out of fuzz effects, can’t you?
BP: Yeh, yeah, it’s more forgiving, I think.
Stijn's BOSS ES-8 can be seen in this Instagram story posted by the band, showing both his' and Peter's pedalboards.
In this photo, which comes from Colt's guitar.com interview, one of the items that can be seen in his pedalboard is the Boss ES-8 switching system.
Album Usage
The Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
-s.webp?v=1783335893)
-s.webp?v=1783335708)
Community setups
Show yours
.jpg?v=1764042274)
Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System, curated by the Equipboard community.
$173.00
More Boss Switch Effects Pedals
$25.75 - $51.99
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$98.00 - $120.99
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$475.00 - $527.99
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$61.06 - $93.99
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$36.78 - $51.99
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
.jpg?v=1783299754)
$66.00 - $75.00
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$39.00
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$36.79 - $76.99
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
-m.webp?v=1783316651)
$89.00 - $137.99
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$115.00 - $164.99
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
.jpg?v=1781439971)
$449.99 - $605.68
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
-m.webp?v=1783177292)
$399.00 - $649.90
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$68.00 - $136.25
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$134.99 - $148.00
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
-m.webp?v=1783335620)
$150.00 - $184.00
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$23.00 - $34.99
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$198.66 - $242.50
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$198.66 - $242.50
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$45.00 - $56.30
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$600.00
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$32.99 - $94.99
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$410.60
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$69.00 - $129.00
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$249.00 - $338.00
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$238.00 - $359.99
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$42.29 - $45.00
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$189.00 - $239.00
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$114.04 - $149.00
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$189.00 - $299.99
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$39.99 - $49.99
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$183.00 - $299.99
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$153.37 - $447.49
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$209.14
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$238.00 - $420.50
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$28.00 - $69.99
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
$45.99 - $75.99
in Switch Effects Pedals Rank
Accessories & Related Items
-s.webp?v=1783316398)
Gear Guides
Most Popular Switch Effects Pedals
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
simfonikGear IQ 2532
-
