BOSS Packs 120 Effects Into the New EX-4 Effects Expander

Boss EX-4 Effects Expander

BOSS has introduced the EX-4 Effects Expander, a compact effects processor that adds versatility to any pedalboard, they state. The unit features a large selection of classic BOSS effects for sounds on the fly as well as experimentation.

“The EX-4 delivers up to four simultaneous effects from a vast onboard library,” the company explains. “Every major category is available among the 120 effect selections, including overdrive and distortion, modulation, delay, and reverb, as well as bass-tuned effects and unique BOSS favorites like Slow Gear and Slicer. Dedicated utility blocks can be placed anywhere within an effect chain—including foot volume, two noise suppressors, send/return, and divider/mixer—and there’s also a global EQ for overall sound shaping.”

The EX-4 features a 2.4-inch color display for quickly viewing your signal chain, effects blocks, options, menus, and more. There are four dedicated effects buttons to turn the four blocks on or off with a single press. Holding one of those buttons gives access to editing parameters for the given effect. BOSS also gave each effect button a color coding to match the screen display.

Other features include dual-function footswitches, mono or stereo I/O, an expression pedal input, and MIDI I/O. Get a full rundown from Nate Navarro:

The BOSS EX-4 Effects Expander is shipping this month for $299.

BOSS EX-4 Effects Expander Features:

120 BOSS effects, including overdrives/distortions, mod effects, delays, reverbs, and more
Run up to four effects at once, including multiple instances of the same effect
Dedicated utility blocks, including foot volume, two noise suppressors, send/return, and divider/mixer
Fluid operation with an informative color display, intuitive knobs, and dedicated FX buttons
Independent global EQ for overall sound shaping
Gear Suite feature allows you to quickly configure each effect with the turn of a knob
Control effects using dual multi-function footswitches with color LEDs
Versatile mono/stereo I/O, flexible effect loop, and space-saving TRS MIDI jacks
Manual and Memory modes for stompbox-style or preset-based effect control
128 preset memories for guitar and bass, plus 128 user memories for saving custom sounds
Create complex effect configurations with advanced series, parallel, and wet/dry options
Use the effect loop to build reorderable chains with external pedals
Seamless memory changes with full carryover of delay and reverb effects possible with certain effect configurations
Use the footswitches for basic effect and preset control, or access deeper assignment features for sophisticated custom operation

In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.

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