BOSS GT1000 CORE: A Sneak Peek At The Powerful Mini Processor

Boss Gt1000 Core

The amazing new BOSS GT1000 Core is a tiny, redesigned version of the flagship model. The original is a powerhouse of multi-effects. So how does it stand up to it’s bigger brother?


Boss Gt1000 Core

BOSS GT1000 Core: Overview

It’s true that sometimes big things come in small packages. BOSS released their flagship GT1000 pedalboard a couple of years ago, in direct competition with big names like Head Rush and Line 6. It has a ton of processing power, and better yet… all of the legendary BOSS effects.

Just like the Katana Amplifiers, the GT1000 series has all of the effects you are looking for. The original BOSS GT1000 has tons of processing power too, running at 32-bit/96kHz. The USB connection allowed for deep editing of all of your patches through your computer, and like other processors of it’s ilk, worked as an audio interface as well.

But the original is pretty large, and has a built-in expression pedal. It is certainly more suited for the floor than your desktop. The GT1000 was designed for the stage, without a doubt. What if you just want the amp models and effects?

BOSS has you covered with the new GT1000 CORE unit. The new BOSS GT1000 CORE is only 1/3 the size of the original model, but somehow manages to retain all of the power of the original!

The Original BOSS GT1000

We have seen Line 6 do this with their Helix series. They essentially shrunk the Helix down to a compact size that can fit on your pedalboard with the Helix Stomp and Helix LT. The problem is the loss of processing power, and DSP that comes with minimizing the size.

This means that your patches that you designed on your flagship Helix model may not transfer well over to the smaller versions. You may lack effects, or amp model features that your patch originally had. The smaller versions are more convenient, but you sacrifice your tone.

BOSS may have found a way to circumvent this problem by packing the same amount of power in their mini unit as the full fledged model. Let’s Take a look at the what the BOSS GT1000 Core has to offer…

BOSS GT1000 Core: Features and Specs

The new BOSS GT1000 Core unit has all of the features that the flagship model has, just in a smaller size and a few aesthetic upgrades, like the chrome knobs and smaller screen.

The original GT1000 series was designed to work as a stand-alone effects processor just as much as a full-blown guitar rig. You can use the pedal through your amplifier and integrate it into your live rig, or it can be your live rig. Depending on your needs, the GT1000 can be an all in one solution for gigging guitarists, as well as studio musicians.

The New BOSS GT1000 Core manages to do all of this, in a much smaller package. But just because it’s “fun sized” doesn’t mean it lacks any original features:

  • Roland AIRD Tube Logic Technology
  • 32-bit AD/DA and 32-bit/96kHz Internal Processing
  • MIDI I/Oย 
  • Stereo Inputs
  • BOSS Waza Pedal Effects
  • 38 Second Looper
  • 24 Simultaneous Effects Blocks
  • ย 140 Unique Amp/Effect Typesย 
  • Classic BOSS effects, vintage stomps, MDP effects, and algorithms directly ported from the DD-500, MD-500, and RV-500 pedals
  • No Patch Switching Delay
  • High-resolution tuner with mono and polyphonic displays
  • 16 User Impulse Response Slots
  • Supports external control via footswitches
  • Has effects/amps for Guitar AND Bass

Let’s Talk About The BOSS GT1000 Core A Little Bit…

The first feature I want to talk about is the AIRD Technology. AIRD stands for Augmented Impulse Response Dynamics, and this is a huge step up from your regular amp modeling. The AIRD technology allows BOSS products to sound as real as possible, mimicking a tube amp’s response.

But more importantly, this deals with cabinet response and IR also. Cabinet response is what makes or breaks a processor pedal, usually.

But where the BOSS GT1000 really shines with it’s AIRD technology is using the unit across different platforms. AIRD makes sure that no matter how you use the unit, the sound remains consistent whether it is used with an amp, or directly into your computer.

This means that every patch you design will sound the same no matter what your application. You can use the same patches you use for the studio at your next gig, and vice versa. AIRD Output Select types let you tailor the sound for any destination, whether itโ€™s a guitar amp input, a power amp driving guitar speakers, or a full-range monitoring systemโ€”or all of them at once!

Boss uses this same technology in the Katana, and the Roland Cube amplifier series. AIRD is meant to make your setup sound as natural as possible, no matter what path you choose.

With the AIRD technology comes tons of amp models and classic BOSS effects. The amp models cover everything from vintage tube amps, to modern high gain amps. But the coolest part, is the BOSS effects that you get.

The BOSS effects selection not only covers their vintage stomp boxes and Waza Craft pedals. The BOSS GT1000 Core also carries every effect from the older processors like the 500 series. This covers everything BOSS has released over the past 16 years. Technically you could run a patch that you designed a decade ago.

All of these effects can be edited, and chained together in any combo you can think of when you connect the GT1000 Core to your computer. ย Multiple series and parallel routings are easy to set up with the intuitive interface. And with the clever Stomp box feature, commonly used amp and effects settings can be adjusted across multiple patches at once.

BOSS Tone Studio

The processing power of the BOSS GT1000 Core allows you to access the BOSS Tone Studio, and chain up to 24 blocks of amps and effects together, per patch. That means you can make the most dialed in, simple tones as well as all-out chaos. This is the same program that the Katana uses.

Inside the Tone Studio program you can also add in 3rd party impulse responses to further shape your tone. Got a certain cabinet that you like and it’s not offered in the Tone Studio? Just load it up yourself! There are 16 user slots for IR, leaving plenty of room for customization.

Finally, the input out functions let you tailor the BOSS GT1000 Core for any situation. You can use the “4 Cable Method” with your actual amplifier setup when playing live. But you can also show up to the gig with just the processor, and run all of your sounds straight into the PA system. It’s all up to your preference.

The BOSS GT1000 Core: The Perfect AIO Solution?

I usually dislike the idea of an “all in one” solution when it comes to guitar gear. There has to be something lacking, right? Something has to be missing from the unit.

But it looks like BOSS has really designed a fully functional mini version of their GT1000 without cutting any corners. The versatility of being able to use the GT1000 Core in a studio situation, and then pack it up and take it to a gig is very appealing.

For a studio situation, the BOSS GT1000 Core may just be total perfection. While not advertised as a big deal, you can also use the unit for Bass. This means you will not have to switch inputs at all in between guitar tracks and bass tracks. This is a HUGE selling point, and should be focused on more.

For someone like me, who has minimal room in my home studio, this can be a lifesaver. I can ditch my bass processor and just program patches for bass on the GT1000 Core. Boss should be talking more about this!

Even better is all of the Waza Craft BOSS pedals at your disposal. Some may look down on the idea of replacing their beloved pedals, but as we saw with the Katana series, the engineers at BOSS have actually captured all of their pedals not only in essence, but actual frequency. With the included software, you can do just about anything.

So can the BOSS GT1000 Core be an AIO solution to all your tone needs? Maybe it can!

The BOSS GT1000 Core is shipping within the next few weeks, and is priced at $699.00.

When is the release date for the BOSS GT1000 Core?

The GT1000 Core will be shipping by December 15th.

What is the MSRP of the BOSS GT1000 Core?

The BOSS GT1000 Core is priced at $699.00

Does the BOSS GT1000 Core have all the same effects as the Katana?

Yes. The BOSS GT1000 Core has all the functions of the Katana Amps, with more processing power.

Does the BOSS GT1000 Core have a looper?

The BOSS GT1000 Core has a 38 second looper, or a 19 second looper if ran in stereo.

What is the difference between the BOSS GT1000 and the BOSS GT1000 Core?

The new GT1000 Core is 1/3 of the size of the original GT1000 and does not feature an expression pedal. It has all the same functions, power, and effects.

Can I use the BOSS GT1000 Core as an audio interface?

Yes. Low latency USB connection allows you to use the BOSS GT1000 Core as an audio interface.

Is the BOSS GT1000 Core good for Bass Guitar?

The new BOSS GT1000 core has tons of effects for Bass along with the standard guitar effects!

Absolute Beginner? No problem.

Learn how to 10x your guitar playing, use all the latest gear, and record like a professional โ€“ all from the comfort of your bedroom!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pin It on Pinterest