NPD, Boss GT100

[bandit2013]

I have been exploring the effects and patch set up of the GT100 that I received a few days ago. So far things are getting better with understanding how to reconfigure the Ploop and Accl/ctl pedals. I have yet to connect the GT100 to any of my Mesa amps. I basically bought this in hopes I can use it as a substitute when not at home so I can leave the big heavy stuff in the studio. My choice of amplifier source is a Yamaha DBR12 powered speaker which I can borrow from my V-drum kit. I received the Roland TD-15kv kit a few days prior so most of my time is consumed with the drums.

When using the GT100 as a substitute, I was able to compare the Vintage Rectifier and Modern Rectifier amp model to the real thing. Not exactly the same but close enough. Why? since I generally use the reverb on the Roadster, it is tricky to configure the reverb patch on the GT100 to be convincing. Other than that it is almost a match. The trick to getting that real deal sound is to use the preamp with a speaker model and mic with the direct signal removed completely, this may only work if the output is configured to line/headphones.

Eventually I will have to try the 4 wire hook up method and channel it though one of my Boogies. Perhaps the RA100 since I could make us of the OD effect. I will have to look up the channel select cable to find out which end of the stereo plug switches between clean and the high gain channels so I can make use of the GT100 amp switch. Some of the effects are nice and some are, well, in my opinion, okay. One thing for sure, the GT100 is not a disappointment like the ME-70. What is an added plus, I can upgrade the GT100 though a PC when updates are available. Setting up patches with the PC helps if the unit is connected to a amplifier source and the guitar is hooked up to the input so you can hear what it is you are doing. I tired this first without a guitar or amp hooked up and it did not make for a good patch. No big deal as you can always edit the patch on the GT100 to fine tune everything.

So far, the experience with the GT100 has been rewarding. It does take some time to figure out but once you get it there is plenty of things you can do with it. I had considered the Line 6 POD HD500X but since all I had to go on was the internet, the GT100 sounded better. I prefer to keep things simple, and the GT100 seemed to be the best option for me, the Line 6 HD500x looked a bit complex with too many buttons. I am generally one who does not use effects with the exception of delay. However, I can see the benefit of some of the other effects once I get into the 4 wire hook up into a guitar amp.

 

[bandit2013]

I may not have spent much time with this as an effects system for any given amp. I did try the 4 wire method with the RA100. Not bad but you have to set up a patch for it since most of the presets use a preamp of sorts and the effects loop is off. I did make a patch and messed around with the various effects. The Terra Echo has got to be one of my favorites. There are many effects to choose from when even with the dedicated or defined effect like delay, chorus etc. There are two FX that can be set to what ever you may like as long as it is in its "type" listing. Not bad but not the greatest (yet). Still will have to figure it all out. Much better than the ME-70.

So far, not so impressed though my amp. However, it does shine quite well as a stand alone for recording or for passing into a pa. as long as you set the cabinet style in the preamp section. The "origin" setting is a bit too digital sounding for me. I will most likely keep it for a while but could have thought of better things to get for the cost. Oh well.....

 

[bandit2013]

I spend more time with the GT100 channeled though my RA100 using the 4 wire method. Configured the output for use as a return to an amp (tried all of the different outputs to find out what sounds best). Wrote a few patches that switched off the preamp and turned on the Send/Return so I could model the Rectifier and switch over to the RA100 preamp on the fly. My expectations were not set very high to start with. With the RA100 preamp completely bypassed, the amp model sounded good but was colored by the EL34 power amp of the RA100 (I did expect that, so there was no surprise). This would be a great tool if your amp has an awesome power amp but meager preamp, or if your amp was only suitable for mild or clean tones only and you want to get more out of it with effects. The only issue I had was with the Send/Return with no amp model or other effects in the loop. The tone of the RA100 was greatly altered, it did not sound like most of my pedals that operate in hard bypass when off. I did confirm this by installing one of my delays in the loop of the RA100 and all was well. I may have to look into the global settings as this may be the root cause of the tone change. I am not totally disappointed since I did not buy the GT100 to be used as a multi effect system for any of my amps to start with. My primary purpose for the GT100 was to use as a portable preamp for use with self powered speaker. The GT100 sounds really good for recording or for use with a PA. It even serves well as a practice amp when using headphones. There is more to what meets the eye on this unit. There are many settings to change to prevent the GT100 from altering the raw tone of the amps preamp. Also the GT100 adds considerable noise when using the RA100 preamp vs one of the amp models. So maybe there is something I missed in order to get a good quality sound without affecting the overall tone of the preamp of the amp I am plugged into. I did use the "lift ground" switch since it is recommended to use it with the 4-wire application. I doubt that this would cause the tone change. Sure may cure the noise issue.

I have not tried it with the Roadster or Mark V yet since they can turn off the loop by a footswitch or have the loop assigned to a specific channel. The RA100 does not have this feature, what ever is plugged in the loop, the signal chain is broken and must return the signal back though the FX return.

 

[ryjan]

I'm thinking about ordering the GT100 to use with my Mark V:25. I'd use it mainly for the fx and to switch channels.

 

[Zaph0d.bx]

@ bandit2013, I read your posts here with great interest. Any updates on your experiences with the GT-100, particularly with 4-cable setups?

I'm getting back into playing after many years away. I've had a GT-100 for a couple of months now. I'm loving using it as a practice amp and experimenting with dozens of effects that I can't afford to buy individually. One selling point for me was the ability to use a 4-cable setup with an amp send/return.

I've been using the Boss Tone Studio software to make patch creation & tweaking easier without bending over and twiddling knobs. I'm running my MacBook Pro and iPhone in and playing along with mp3s, video lessons, metronomes, etc. Lots of great sounds, some harsh digital stuff, but it's mostly a kid in a candy store experience so far.

So... I just picked up a 5:25+ Express head and Cab Clone a few days ago. First real tube amp I've owned in 35 years and it's been fantastic. Still looking for a real cab to pair with. In the meantime, I'm trying all kinds of combinations between the laptop (into Logic Pro & Guitar Rig), GT-100, & the Boogie.

I got the 4-cable setup working but, I'm getting a nasty amount of hum using that or anything with the laptop in the equation. As far as I can tell, it's a ground loop somewhere. The hum persists even on clean settings / humbuckers, even when the volume is down on everything. I've messed around with the ground-lift switches and all the cables are really new. Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot the noise or tips on avoiding it?

 

[bandit2013]

At best, I really do not use effects though my amps. I may occasionally add a delay in the loop. As of late I am beginning recording my music and now the need for effects is apparent. I will admit, the Boss GT100 is excellent for recording purposes. Love the Terra Echo on it. Amp modeling of the Rectifier and Mark V is almost dead on (have to tweak the settings and use the cabinet/mic simulator to make it sound real). Now I am glad I bought it since it has really made a difference in recording. The other method was to use a Shur SM57 and the EV RE320 to capture the amp. Was not always effective. Now I have a new weapon to choose from, RODE NT1A condenser mic. Worked well for the bass, now will have to try it with the amps. Perfect for voice and acoustic guitar.