Unleashed for the crafting of historic digital recordings: Boss introduces 8 legendary effects pedals, with further releases on the horizon.
Boss Pedals Go Digital: A Game-Changer for Guitarists
Step aside, traditional pedalboards, because Boss has officially unveiled eight of its iconic pedals in a digital format, now available as plugins on the Roland Cloud! After announcements from Hughes & Kettner, Blackstar, and Universal Audio, Boss has joined the digital revolution.
However, these digitized stompboxes come with a slight catch - they're part of Roland's subscription-based Cloud platform for digital gear, which includes everything from amp simulations to tape echoes and synthesizers. So, to get your hands on these virtual pedals, you'll need to be a subscriber.
But fear not, Boss has expressed plans to produce more and more pedals from its lineup that boasts a whopping 19 million units sold since 1977. The initial eight pedals recreate some Boss classics, such as overdrive and distortion pedals, and a few unexpected options that could be game-changers for bedroom producers.
The first wave of pedals includes: the OD-1 OverDrive, PH-1 Phaser, SP-1 Spectrum, SG-1 Slow Gear, CS-1 Compression Sustainer, TW-1 T Wah, SD-1 Super OverDrive, and DS-1 Distortion. Each pedal resembles its physical counterpart closely, boasting a user-friendly interface Boss is known for. Beyond the on-board dials, input and output levels can also be adjusted, and there are tempo sync features for time-based effects.
Speaking of functions, it's important to note that the plugin can only load one pedal at a time. However, it can be duplicated to create a chain of effects.
"Ever since their debut in 1977, the colorful Boss compact pedal lineup has been cherished by generations of musicians," says the historic gear firm. "The plugin brings the authentic Boss compact pedal experience to computer music production for the first time."
The OD-1, for instance, has graced the hands of guitar legends like Tony Iommi, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, Rory Gallagher, and Pete Townshend. Unfortunately, popular stompboxes like the CH-1 chorus pedal, adored by Joe Satriani, Zakk Wylde, and Jerry Cantrell, among others, are still missing from the collection.
Now, onto the cost. The subscription-based model may seem steep to some. For access to the pedals and the rest of Roland Cloud's offerings, new users can take advantage of a 30-day free trial, after which subscriptions start at $29.99 per year for a select offering of the Cloud's roster. The Ultimate plan, priced at $199 per year, includes not only the Boss Effects Pedal plugins but also Roland’s iconic synthesizers, drum machines, and effects software emulations.
For those tempted but hesitant, a special-priced three-month Ultimate package is available for $39.99. To learn more, head to Roland.
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[1] - http://www.roland.com/global/products/roland-cloud/[2] - https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/boss-effects-come-to-roland-cloud-1630412[3] - https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/31737-boss-announces-next-one-and-done-pedals-od-1-d-5[4] - https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/boss-effects-come-to-roland-cloud-1630412
- The digitized Boss Pedals, now available as plugins on the Roland Cloud, represent a significant shift in technology for guitarists, as eight iconic pedals have been transformed into digital format.
- The new Boss Pedals plugins can be found on Roland Cloud, a subscription-based platform that encompasses a range of digital gear, including amp simulations, tape echoes, synthesizers, and more.
- The Boss Pedals plugins provide an authentic experience for music production, as they recreate classic pedals such as the OD-1 OverDrive, PH-1 Phaser, and DS-1 Distortion, among others.
- To build upon their initial release, Boss plans to digitize more pedals from their extensive lineup, which has sold over 19 million units since 1977.
- The new Boss Pedals plugins offer gadget enthusiasts and music lovers an opportunity to experiment with various effects, contributing to the broader realm of entertainment and music production.
