Boss ES-8 User Manual
Owner’s Manual
Contents
Main features
The ES-8 is a switching system that lets you connect eect pedals
and other eect units, and then store and recall up to 800 dierent
combinations of them.
5 It provides dedicated jacks for connecting stereo-in/out eect units
and volume pedals.
5 It also provides a wide variety of external control functions for
controlling your amp and eects in real time.
Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Rear Panel (Connecting Your Equipment) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Top Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Attaching the Rubber Feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Installing the ES-8 in a Pedalboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Turning the Power On and O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Switching the Play Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Saving/Recalling a Combination of Eect Units
(Memory Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Patch Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Switching Between Memory and Manual Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Saving a Patch (Patch Write) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Recalling a Patch (Patch Change) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Creating a Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Tips for Creating Patches (Sounds) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Changing the Eect Loop Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Changing the Eect Loop Connection Order. . . . . . . . . . . 8
Making a Parallel Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Specifying Carry Over . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Editing the Settings of a Patch (Memory Edit Mode) . . . . . . . . . 9
Quick Edit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Parameter List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Advanced Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Adjusting the Level of Each Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Switching Between Two Guitars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Switching Between Two Amps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Switching the Amp’s Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Connecting with the Four-Cable Method / Also Switching the
Amp’s Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Reducing Hum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Changing the BOSS PH-3’s Rate for Each Patch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Using an Expression Pedal to Control the BOSS PH-3’s Rate . . . 16
Using the [BANK H] Switch to Turn Delay On/O . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Using Number Switch [7] to Change the Delay Time . . . . . . . . . 17
Using Tap Tempo to Set the Delay Time of Each Patch . . . . . . . . 18
Applying Chorus Only While the Currently Selected Number
Switch Is Held Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Using CC (Control Change) to Control a MIDI-Equipped Eect
Unit When the Patch Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Connecting a Wah or Fuzz (Input Buer O ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Main Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
USING THE UNIT SAFELY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
IMPORTANT NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Making Global Settings (System Setting) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
List of Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Patch/Data Operations (Utility) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Copying a Patch (Patch Copy) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Exchanging Patches (Patch Exchange). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Initializing a Patch (Patch Init) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Copying a Bank (Bank Copy) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Exchanging Banks (Bank Exchange) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Transmitting Data to an External MIDI Device (Bulk Dump) . . . 13
Restoring the Factory Settings (Factory Reset) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Before using this unit, carefully read “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (leaet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and Owner’s Manual (p.
21)). After reading, keep the document(s) including those sections where it will be available for immediate reference.
Copyright © 2015 ROLAND CORPORATION
Panel Descriptions
Rear Panel (Connecting Your Equipment)
SEND 1–6, RTN 1–6 jacks
These jacks provide mono-send mono-return eect
loops.
Signals are sent from SEND 1–6 jacks to each eect
unit, and the signals from each eect unit are received
at the RTN 1–6 jacks.
Connect the SEND 1–6 jacks to the INPUT jack of each
eect unit, and connect the OUTPUT jack of each
eect unit to the RTN 1–6 jacks.
SENDRTN SEND
SEND 7, RTN 7L/R jacks
These jacks provide a mono-send stereo-return eect
loop.
* If the last stage of the chain is the stereo-send eect
loop or the output, the signal is output in stereo. If
the last eect loop in the chain is the mono-send
eect loop, only the signal received at the RTN 7L
jack is output.
* A mono-return eect can also be connected here.
Connect it to the RTN 7L jack. In this case, if a
stereo-send eect loop or the output is connected
later, the signal received at the RTN 7L jack is
output.
MEMO
RTNLRTN
For the returns of eect loops 7 and 8, set the system setting Preference to select monoreturn or stereo-return (p. 12).
R
SEND 8L/R, RTN 8L/R jacks
These jacks provide a stereo-send stereo-return eect
loop.
* If the stereo output is connected as the last stage,
the output is stereo. If the last eect loop is monosend, only the signal received at the RTN 8L jack is
output.
* A mono-send/return eect can also be connected
here. Connect it to the SEND 8L/RTN 7L jacks. In this
case, if a stereo-return eect loop or the output is
connected later, the signal received at the RTN 8L
jack is output.
RTNRRTN
L
SENDLSEND
R
IN 1, 2 jacks
Connect your guitars or basses
to these jacks.
The settings determine which
input is selected.
It is not possible for both inputs
to be selected simultaneously.
SEND VOL, RTN VOL jacks
These jacks are for
connecting a volume pedal.
* You can also use these
jacks as send/return for a
preamp (p. 15).
TUNER jack
This jack is for connecting an
external tuner.
The signal that is input from
the jack selected by Input Sel
(p. 9) is output from this jack
even if mute is on.
OUT 1/L, 2/R jacks
SENDRTN
These are the output jacks.
OUT 1/L and OUT 2/R can be turned on/o
independently.
Pressing the [MUTE] switch mutes the output
from the OUT 1/L and 2/R jacks.
NOTE
To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn o all the units before making any connections.
2
Panel Descriptions
EXT CTL jacks
CTL 1/2–5/6 jacks
These are control jacks for latch or
momentary operation.
You can use them to control various
things such as switching amp channels
or turning reverb on/o.
If you’re using an eect device that’s
equipped with a footswitch jack,
connect that jack here.
Each of these jacks can accommodate
a stereo 1/4” plug (TRS) to make the
appropriate connection to the device
you’re controlling.
* If 1/4” plug cables are connected,
only CTL 1, CTL 3, and CTL 5 are
available.
EXP 1, 2 jacks
If you’re using an eect unit that allows
an expression pedal (such as the Roland
EV-5) to be connected, connect it to
this jack.
This allows an expression pedal
connected to the CTL IN EXP 1, 2 jacks
or the values you’ve specied to control
the eect unit on the ES-8.
TIP RING
CTL 1
CTL 3
CTL 5
RTN
CTL 2
CTL 4
CTL 6
SEND
EXP
MIDI connectors
Connect an external MIDI device here to transmit and
receive MIDI messages.
The operation of the MIDI OUT/THRU connectors
depends on the system settings (p. 12).
MIDI device
DC IN jack
Connect the included
AC adaptor here.
The power turns on
when you plug the
connected AC adaptor
into an AC outlet.
CTL IN jacks
These let you control eect units or amps that are connected to the EXT CTL
jacks.
To use these as EXP 1, 2 jacks
Connect an expression pedal (such as the Roland
EV-5).
To use these as CTL 1/2, 3/4 jacks
Connect a footswitch.
FS-5U x 2
Mode/Polarity switch
FS-5U
FS-6
FS-7
Stereo 1/4” phone type
.
/
1/4” phone type
RINGTIP
CTL 1 CTL 2
CTL 3 CTL 4
NOTE
5 This instrument is equipped with balanced
5 Use only the specied expression pedal (FV-500H, FV-500L, Roland
FS-5U x 1
1/4” phone type
.
/
1/4” phone type
CTL 1
CTL 3
(TRS) type jacks. Wiring diagrams for these
jacks are shown below. Make connections
after rst checking the wiring diagrams of other equipment you intend
to connect.
EV-5; sold separately). By connecting any other expression pedals, you
risk causing malfunction and/or damage to the unit.
FS-6
Stereo 1/4” phone type
.
/
Stereo 1/4” phone type
CTL 2 CTL 1
CTL 4 CTL 3
FS-7
Stereo 1/4” phone type
.
/
Stereo 1/4” phone type
CTL 2
CTL 4
CTL 1
CTL 3
3
Panel Descriptions
Top Panel
[EDIT] button
Press this to make patch settings or system
settings.
[DISPLAY/EXIT] button
Press this to switch the play screen, to cancel an
operation, or to return to the previous screen.
Lock function
When you press the [DISPLAY/EXIT] button and [ENTER] button simultaneously to activate
Lock function, all buttons will be disabled.
This prevents settings from being changed when you inadvertently press a button.
The Lock function turns o when you press the two buttons simultaneously once again.
Display
The ES-8 shows various information here.
The display at the left shows the bank/number.
008
Bank
. .
Number
Blinks in
synchronization
with the tempo.
* The explanations in this
[WRITE] button
Press this to save patch settings.
[ENTER] button
Press this to conrm an operation.
manual include illustrations
that depict what should
typically be shown by the
display. Note, however, that
your unit may incorporate
a newer, enhanced version
of the system (e.g., includes
newer sounds), so what you
actually see in the display
may not always match what
appears in the manual.
[–] [+] buttons
Use these to edit the value of a setting.
* Hold down one button while pressing the
other button to make the value change
rapidly.
[K] [J] buttons
Use these to move the cursor or to select a
category or parameter.
LOCKED!
What is an eect loop?
This is a connection in which an eect device is connected via send and
return jacks. The ES-8 provides eight eect loops, 1–8.
What is memory mode?
In this mode, you can select “patches,” where each patch is a combination of
eect loops and various settings.
You can select from 800 patches by using the switches to specify the bank
and number.
What is manual mode?
In this mode you can turn the eect loops (1–8) on/o individually.
[MEMORY/MANUAL] switch
Switches between memory mode (indicator lit blue) and manual mode (lit red).
Hold down the switch for two seconds or longer to enter memory edit mode.
[MUTE] switch
Mutes the sound that is output from the ES-8. If mute is on, the indicator is lit
blue.
Hold down the switch for two seconds or longer to enter the bypass state
(indicator lit red); the input is output without change.
MEMO
You can also assign a dierent function to each switch (p. 10).
4
[BANK I] [BANK H ] switches
Use these to switch banks in memory mode.
Number switch [1]–[8]
Use these to select a patch number. The indicator of the currently selected
number is lit blue.
In manual mode, these switches turn each eect loop (1–8) on/o individually.
When an eect loop is on, its number indicator is lit red.
Panel Descriptions
Attaching the Rubber Feet
You can attach the rubber feet (included) if necessary.
Attach them in the locations shown in the illustration.
* When turning the unit over, be careful so as to protect the buttons
and switches from damage. Also, handle the unit carefully; do not
drop it.
* If the rubber feet are not attached correctly, the unit may be
deformed when you press the switches.
Installing the ES-8 in a Pedalboard
You can fasten the ES-8 to your pedalboard by installing the
included screws in the screw holes on the bottom of the unit.
Turning the Power On and O
Once everything is properly connected (p. 2), be sure to follow the
procedure below to turn on their power. If you turn on equipment in
the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction or equipment failure.
When powering up: Turn on the power to your guitar amp
When powering down: Turn o the power to your guitar amp
* This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a
few seconds) after turning the unit on is required before it will
operate normally.
last.
rst.
Switching the Play Screen
The screen that appears when you turn on the power is called the
“play screen,” and the state in which the play screen is shown is
called “play mode.”
There are ve types of play screen as shown in the following
illustration, and you can use the [DISPLAY/EXIT] button to switch
between them.
Patch Name
Patch name screen
Master BPM
Ì=120
&
* You must use only the included screws. Using other screws may
damage the ES-8 or cause malfunctions.
Unit: mm
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Loop On/O screen
Loop Structure screen
CTL Out screen
EXP Out screen
MEMO
Even in play mode, you can use the [K] [J] buttons and [–] [+]
buttons to edit the settings.
To save your edited settings, use the patch write (p. 6) operation.
_
=8= -6-5-4-3-2-1 _
CTL1|CTL2|CTL3
120| OFF| 3
_
EXP1 |EXP2
EXP1| 127 _
5
Saving/Recalling a Combination of Eect Units (Memory Mode)
“Memory mode” is the mode in which you can save combinations of eect loops (patches) in the ES-8, and recall those saved settings.
In contrast to memory mode, “manual mode” is the mode in which you can use the switches to turn each eect loop on/o manually.
Patch Structure
A “patch” consists of a combination of eect loops (each eect loop’s
on/o status and connection order) and parameter settings.
Patches are organized by bank (00–99) and number (1–8). You can
store 800 patches.
Patch 99-8
Patch 00-3
Patch 00-2
Patch 00-1
Switching Between Memory and Manual Modes
1. Press the [MEMORY/MANUAL] switch.
Each time you press this switch, you alternate between memory
mode and manual mode.
5 In memory mode, the MEMORY/MANUAL indicator is lit blue.
5 In manual mode, the MEMORY/MANUAL indicator is lit red.
In manual mode
Pressing the number switches [1]–[8] turns each eect loop on/o.
5 The number indicator is lit red if the corresponding eect loop is
on, and unlit if that eect loop is o.
5 If an eect loop is on, the Loop On/O screen shows an “
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
_
1, 2, 4, 7, 8 On
3, 5, 6 O
” icon.
Saving a Patch (Patch Write)
NOTE
5 The patch you created is lost if you turn o the power or switch
patches before performing the patch write operation.
5 When you perform the patch write operation, the patch that was
in the save-destination is lost.
1. Press the [WRITE] button.
00-1
Patch name
2. Use the [
save-destination bank number and patch number.
* You can also use the [BANK I] [BANK H] switches and number
K
] [J] buttons and [–] [+] buttons to select the
switches [1]–[8] to select the bank number and patch number.
3. Press the [ENTER] button.
4. Use the [
patch name.
* If you decide to cancel the patch write operation, press the
K
] [J] buttons and [–] [+] buttons to assign a
[DISPLAY/EXIT] button several times.
5. Press the [WRITE] button or the [ENTER] button.
The display indicates “Executing...,” and then the previous display
reappears when patch write is completed.
MEMO
5 You can write a patch from either memory mode or manual
mode.
5 When you write a patch, the ES-8 switches to memory mode.
Recalling a Patch (Patch Change)
1. Use the [BANK
2. Use the number switches [1]–[8] to select a patch.
I
] [BANK H] switches to select a bank.
MEMO
5 In the patch name screen of Play mode, you can use the [K] [J]
buttons to select a patch.
5 You can specify whether the next patch is selected as soon as you
use the [BANK I] [BANK H] switches to change banks, or whether
the patch is not changed until you then press a number switch.
For details on how to make this setting, refer to “Making Global
Settings (System Setting)” (p. 12).
6
Creating a Patch
Block Diagram
ANALOG SWITCH ARRAY
MIXER 1
MIXER 2
The ES-8 uses an “analog switch array” that lets you freely change the connection order of your eect units.
It also contains two internal mixers, and lets you create a wide range of sounds by connecting eect units in parallel or using the “Carry Over”
function.
Carry Over
This function cuts only the input while leaving the output connected when you change patches. For example, you can use this to allow just the
delay sound to remain when switching patches.
Tips for Creating Patches (Sounds)
The ES-8 has two internal mixers.
Using these internal mixers is important in order to take advantage of the ES-8’s unique features, such as the ability to connect loops in parallel and
use the Carry Over function. Understanding how to use the mixers will make it even more enjoyable to create patches (sounds).
NOTE
The same mixers are used for parallel connections and for Carry Over.
This means that depending on the settings, you might not be able to use a parallel connection, or that Carry Over might not work.
Parallel connection
5 If the eect units are mono, you can make parallel connections in
two places simultaneously.
: Mixer
5 If the eect units are stereo, one parallel connection uses both of
the two mixers.
Using the Carry Over function
This lets you preserve the sound (e.g., delay sound) when you switch
patches.
5 Before the patch change
Delay
5 After the patch change
The send to the delay loop is cut, and only the return is mixed
with the direct sound.
’
Delay sound
Delay
’
Direct sound
* To use the Carry Over function, enable Carry Over for the patch
that follows the patch change.
* Carry Over might not work if the Loop Structure (p. 9) settings
dier before and after the patch change.
7
Loading...