Boss ES-5

builttospill

I'm a complete newbie to switching systems I'm not even sure if it's worth adding one to my current set up and I can see how they would be utilised for live use.
 I've researched a couple of the Boss offerings but I still don't really understand how they work.
For example I've got quite a few settings I like on my old Boss OD-1 and DM-2w are you saying that these switching systems like the ES-5 can save your favourite settings as individual patches in the internal memory? and that you can recall those saved parameter settings any time? How does that work on analog based pedals? I thought these switchers only worked best with midi based pedals? As I say I'm completely new to this any help would be greatly appreciated.

english_bob

That's not how it works unfortunately. At the very basic level, the ES-5 has five send/return loops that can be engaged or bypassed. Each preset you save is just a combination of on/off statuses for each loop- eg. 1:ON 2:OFF 3:ON 4:OFF 5:ON

This is useful if you use different combinations of effects all the time and need to switch between them quickly.

Since the ES-5 can also send MIDI messages (patch changes and control changes- altering parameters within a patch), you can see how the options open up dramatically if you have a few MIDI-enabled pedals, but it's not required.

There's a ton of other stuff the ES-5 can do, but that's the core of it. If all you want is the loop switching there are much cheaper ways to achieve that. As far as I know, the only way to get multiple settings on basic analogue pedals is either to change them on the fly, or to have duplicates of the same pedal on your board.

meltedbuzzbox

Gig rig had a very, very expensive electric knob turner thing for sale that can change your presets on a stomp box

builttospill

english_bob said:

That's not how it works unfortunately. At the very basic level, the ES-5 has five send/return loops that can be engaged or bypassed. Each preset you save is just a combination of on/off statuses for each loop- eg. 1:ON 2:OFF 3:ON 4:OFF 5:ON

This is useful if you use different combinations of effects all the time and need to switch between them quickly.

Since the ES-5 can also send MIDI messages (patch changes and control changes- altering parameters within a patch), you can see how the options open up dramatically if you have a few MIDI-enabled pedals, but it's not required.

That's great! many thanks for clearing that up for me, guess I'll just stick to my current set up.

english_bob

meltedbuzzbox said:

Gig rig had a very, very expensive electric knob turner thing for sale that can change your presets on a stomp box

Neil Young called. He wants his idea back.

hotpickups

Yes I use it mainly to switch my h9's via midi. I have a few other pedals that I can move around in the chain if I choose, turn buffers off or on. Create a tap tempo out of one of the switches should I choose and also create assigns to each switch if I needed too. Very versatile bit of kit and love it. Used to have a disaster area switcher which are also great but just as expensive and don't get as much for your money etc

Another thing I use it for is switching my amp channel or switching to a favourite setting on my Strymon sunset.