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The GT-8 adds plenty of improvements to an already lauded range

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The number eight is considered lucky in Japan, which may be why Boss jumped straight from the GT-6 to the GT-8. Whether that's the case or not, this updated incarnation of the well-respected FX processor packs in some exciting new features and effects not found in its predecessor. And what's more, it is less expensive than the GT-6 was when it first appeared.

For those not already familiar with the Boss GT range, what you get is an extremely solidly constructed floor unit with a large array of knobs and switching pedals, plus a pedal treadle for volume, wah or parameter adjustment duties. The GT-8 is patch-based and contains 340 patches stored in 85 banks - a pair of bank up/down switching pedals scroll through the banks, while an array of four more select the patches within the bank. An additional control pedal can be assigned to switch particular functions within a patch (ie turning delay on/off), as can a switch at the tip of the pedal treadle. Additional external footswitches can be added to the system to increase this facility.

Each patch is a multi-effects chain, constructed from up to 13 effects blocks that can be placed in any order. The main starting block is the amp and speaker simulation, and the GT-8 has a dual COSM modelling engine allowing two different amps (or two instances of the same amp) to be assigned to a patch, providing twin channel operation and various options for combining or switching amps.

Hands-on tweaking of any amp sound is instantly carried out with front panel knobs controlling the gain and tone parameters. In fact, all of the more commonly used effects, (amp/ speaker, overdrive/distortion, delay, chorus and reverb) have dedicated rotary knobs for their main parameters. For more detailed editing of these and the effects blocks without rotary knobs (compressor, EQ, wah, FX1 and FX2), there are more parameters in easily accessible menus to be adjusted using the rotary dial and cursor buttons. For both FX1 and FX2, you can choose one from a large variety of effects including all of the more usual stuff like tremolo and phaser, plus more esoteric effects like guitar synth and sitar simulator.

New to the GT-8 is a solo mode: a specially programmed variation in each of the 46 amp models that is optimised for soloing. Basically, it's a boost that you can kick in using the control pedal. Solo is great players' facility and evidence that Boss has been working hard on features to better integrate the GT-8 into guitarists' rigs.

Another new feature along those lines is the amp control function that allows you to switch between channels on your amp by connecting a lead from the GT-8 to your footswitch socket. This switching can be done automatically with each effects patch or can be assigned to one of the pedals. Existing effects pedals can also be fully integrated by being connected in the external loop of the unit, which can be placed at any point in the signal chain and switched in with a GT-8 pedal.

Use of the GT-8 as a more conventional pedal set-up is also possible via manual mode where, rather than changing patches, the bank up/down and patch change pedals can be assigned to turn individual effects on and off. Switching from patch mode to manual mode can even be assigned to a footpedal.