Next-Generation Serial GK Digital Interface and Powerful New Guitar and Bass Synthesizer with the Roland ZEN-Core Sound Engine
Los Angeles, CA, July 20, 2023 — BOSS announces the new Serial GK system and the GM-800 Guitar Synthesizer, a powerful and versatile product that elevates guitar and bass synthesis into a new age of natural playability and boundless creative range. Driven by the newly developed Serial GK digital interface, the advanced ZEN-Core engine in the GM-800 unlocks any sound imaginable—from acoustic instruments to classic and modern synths—while high-performance DSP delivers tracking stability and expressive scope never before possible. Users can also expand the GM-800 experience with a growing selection of ZEN-Core content on Roland Cloud. In addition, BOSS has released a variety of complementary products for the GM-800 and Serial GK system, including GK-5 and GK-5B Divided Pickups for guitar and bass, BGK-15 and BGK-30 connection cables, and GKC-AD and GKC-DA GK Converters for interfacing with classic 13-pin GK products.
GM-800 Guitar Synthesizer BOSS and its parent company Roland have been the worldwide leaders in guitar synthesizer innovation for nearly five decades, beginning with the revolutionary GR-500 system in 1977. Expanding and elevating the concepts behind many historic Roland GR products, the GM-800 provides guitar and bass players with cutting-edge creative tools and access to sounds typically only available with keyboard-based instruments.
The GM-800 is built around the expandable ZEN-Core Synthesis System, the sound source found in professional Roland products like the JUPITER-X and FANTOM keyboards and ZENOLOGY software synthesizer. ZEN-Core combines modern PCM synthesis and advanced modeling to provide an infinite playground for sonic discovery. With over 1200 Tones, GM-800 users can play everything from pianos, organs, and orchestral instruments to classic Roland synth sounds like the JUPITER-8, JUNO-106, and many others.
"The legendary Roland RE-201 Space Echo experience returns in an advanced delay
pedal with modern features.
Introduced in 1974, the Roland RE-201 Space Echo stands among the most legendary
and sought-after effect units ever produced. This tape-based classic remained in
production for over 14 straight years, and its distinctive rhythmic echo sounds,
warm character, and highly playable sonic quirks still inspire musicians,
producers, and audio mixers over four decades on.
Backed by intensive R&D and our latest innovations, the RE-202 faithfully
delivers the authentic sound and behavior of the Space Echo, like never before.
Built by the company that designed the original, this advanced pedal captures
the RE-201’s magic in flawless detail, from the magnetic tape and motor
properties to the vibrant spring reverb and colorful preamp circuit. And to take
things even further, we’ve expanded the vintage Space Echo experience with lots
of new features tuned for today’s music.
BOSS RE-2 Space Echo | Authentic Space Echo in a Compact Pedal
Details on the RE-202 via Roland:
A Masterpiece Returns in the Modern Era
Introduced in 1974, the Roland RE-201 Space Echo stands among the most legendary and sought-after effect units ever produced. This tape-based classic remained in production for over 14 straight years, and its distinctive rhythmic echo sounds, warm character, and highly playable sonic quirks still inspire musicians, producers, and audio mixers over four decades on.
Backed by intensive R&D and our latest innovations, the RE-202 faithfully delivers the authentic sound and behavior of the Space Echo like never before. Built by the company that designed the original, this advanced pedal captures the RE-201’s magic in flawless detail, from the magnetic tape and motor properties to the vibrant spring reverb and colorful preamp circuit. And to take things even further, we’ve expanded the vintage Space Echo experience with lots of new features tuned for today’s music.
Standard Features
Authentically recreates the sound and behavior of the legendary Roland RE-201 Space Echo Classic multi-head tape echo sound with expanded delay time Original three-head configuration plus additional tape head for 12 unique echo combinations Independent stereo reverb section with original spring reverb type plus hall, plate, room, and ambience Saturation control for adding magnetic tape compression and preamp coloration Wow & Flutter control for introducing varying levels of natural tape modulation Choose between new and aged tape conditions Selectable input modes for optimum performance with instruments and line-level gear Warp and Twist effects with footswitch control Select between the unprocessed analog dry signal or the modeled sound of the original Space Echo preamp Four onboard memories plus the current panel settings Save and select 127 memories via external MIDI program change Tap tempo and carryover functions True stereo input and output Expandable control via external footswitches, an expression pedal, or MIDI Tape Echo Magic
Tape echo was the first delay effect and one of the first effect processors available for electronic musicians. In contrast with today’s CPU-based digital units, a tape echo is a simple machine that uses a motor to pull magnetic tape across one or more record/playback heads. Warm, full, and dynamic, the tape echo sound is influenced by many factors. The ever-changing input level colors the sound with varying amounts of tape saturation and compression. In addition, motor speed fluctuations, friction, wow and flutter, and other elements introduce an appealing modulated character that’s subtle and continually evolving.
"Meet the BOSS RC-505mkII Loop Station, a next-generation tabletop looper with five stereo tracks, best-in-class sound quality, massive onboard effects options, and unmatched real-time control."
BOSS RC-600 Loop Station – Next-Generation floor-based Looper Pedal
video upload by BOSSchannel
"Meet the BOSS RC-600 Loop Station. The most advanced looper on the planet. Loaded with evolved features and customizable functions, this next-generation Loop Station ushers in a new era of creative power for guitarists, singer / songwriters, multi-instrumentalists, And other looping musicians. Capture multiple mics and instruments with six stereo tracks and premium 32-bit sound, and take full command with nine freely assignable footswitches and deep external control support. And that's just the start—you can also color loops with a massive FX selection, groove with onboard rhythms, route audio as you like to the three stereo outputs, integrate with computer software via USB, and much more."
The BOSS RC-505mkII Loop Station will be available in the U.S. in January 2022 for $599.99.
The BOSS RC-600 Loop Station will be available in the U.S. in December of this year for $599.99.
The press release:
Next-Generation Multitrack Loopers with Class-Leading Sound, Advanced Control Capabilities, Powerful Onboard Effects, and More
Los Angeles, CA, October 14, 2021 — BOSS announces the RC-505mkII and RC-600, two new flagship models in the renowned Loop Station product lineup. The five-track RC-505mkII brings next-generation power and flexibility to the world’s most popular tabletop looper, giving performers an expanded range of inspiring and customizable tools for hands-on music creation. The RC-600 takes floor-based looping where it’s never gone before, offering six stereo tracks, advanced foot control, and highly configurable operation. Both new Loop Station models feature class-leading 32-bit sound, a massive onboard effects selection, built-in rhythms, versatile connectivity, external control support, and USB for interfacing with computers.
RC-505mkII Loop Station Introduced in 2013, the tabletop RC-505 has been the go-to looper for beatboxers, vocalists, instrumentalists, and other looping artists around the world. The RC-505mkII retains everything that made the original so loved and adds a wealth of new features to make the looping experience even more creative and free flowing.
Offering a universe of rich, analog-inspired polyphonic tones in a small footprint, the SY-200 makes it simple for players to weave BOSS’s expressive guitar and bass synth technology into their musical journeys. Building on the fun, instant-gratification experience of the acclaimed SY-1 Synthesizer from the BOSS compact series, the SY-200 features an expanded sound set, more tone-shaping possibilities, and 128 memories for storing sonic creations. Two footswitches are available for real-time performance control, and users can take things even further with external footswitches, an expression pedal, and MIDI.
The SY-200 provides 171 total sounds organized in 12 intuitive categories and adjustable parameters for customizing the tone and response. Calling up great sounds is quick and easy, thanks to the informative display and hands-on controls. The SY-200 can be used with any guitar or bass via a standard 1/4-inch cable, and selectable modes are available to optimize the synth engine for either instrument type.
The SY-1000 is a breakthrough creation machine that transforms your guitar or bass rig with limitless sound design options. This powerhouse music tool opens a bold new chapter in the legacy of BOSS guitar synth innovation with latest software and hardware advancements.
Backed by a cutting-edge sound engine, high-octane DSP, and evolved GK technology, the SY-1000 delivers the finest performance and most organic playing experience to date.
Three simultaneous instruments and premium processing let you craft any sound you can imagine—intense analog-style leads, warm pads, moving synth textures, modeled electric and acoustic tones, or all at once.
Sonically vast and deeply expressive, the SY-1000 is an infinite well of inspiration, energizing your musical vision with endless possibilities.
In this video, all sounds except the drum are made with the SY-1000, please kindly check the performance with SY-1000 by Alex Hutchings for guitar and Bill Banwell for bass."
Next-Generation GK Synthesizer and Instrument Modeling
Processor for Guitar and Bass
Los Angeles, California, December 5, 2019 — BOSS introduces the SY-1000 Guitar Synthesizer, an advanced synthesizer and modeling processor for guitar and bass. Opening a bold new chapter in BOSS guitar synth innovation, the SY-1000 features a newly developed Dynamic Synth and refreshed versions of historic BOSS/Roland instrument modeling and synthesizer technologies. Backed by a cutting-edge sound engine, high-speed DSP, and evolved GK technology, the SY-1000 delivers the finest performance and most organic playing experience yet.
BOSS and its parent company, Roland, have been at the forefront of guitar synthesizer development since 1977, when the landmark GR-500 first introduced guitar synthesis to the world. The SY-1000 is the most powerful guitar/bass synth processor to date, fusing decades of R&D with the latest software and hardware advancements. Leveraging custom DSP and GK independent string processing, the SY-1000 brings numerous musical advantages to players, including ultra-articulate tracking, lightning-fast response, instantly variable tuning, sound panning/layering, and more.
SY-1000 users can build patches with three simultaneous instruments—each with a number of distinctive types to choose from—and combine them for an endless range of sounds. Fed by the processor’s 13-pin GK input, every instrument offers an extensive set of parameters for tone shaping, mixing, and tuning. A normal ¼-inch input is also available to blend in regular guitar/bass pickup sounds.
Deep and expressive, the SY-1000’s Dynamic Synth takes guitar synthesis to a new level, allowing players to craft sounds never before possible. Ten oscillator waveforms are available, plus six filter types, amplifier control, two LFOs, and two 16-part step sequencers for automating pitch, filter, and amplitude parameters. Optimum performance is realized with the GK input, but it’s also possible to play the Dynamic Synth via the normal guitar/bass input.
Complementing the Dynamic Synth are two additional synth instruments. OSC Synth is an analog-style engine with numerous filter options and full ADSR control. Also included is a faithful sonic recreation of the GR-300, Roland’s legendary analog guitar synth from the early 1980s.
The SY-1000’s instrument models include a large selection of classic electric, acoustic, and bass guitars, each with independent tuning, EQ, virtual amp settings, and more. There’s also a unique VIO Guitar instrument that emulates bowed tones, and a Poly FX instrument that produces rich voices with high-res definition.
The SY-1000’s effects and user interface are derived from BOSS’s flagship GT-1000 multi-effects. A large LCD and hands-on knobs enable free-flowing sound creation, and users can customize eight onboard footswitches to operate nearly any function. Deep external control is supported as well. Main and Sub stereo outputs include independent EQs, and there's also an effects loop for integrating external gear.
Dedicated power-up modes optimize the SY-1000 for guitar or bass operation. For full access to all synth and modeling features, a Roland GK-compatible pickup and 13-pin cable are required. User-installable options include the GK-3 Divided Pickup, which is compatible with most standard electric guitars, and the GK-3B Divided Bass Pickup, which works with most 4-, 5-, and 6-string electric basses. GK Ready instruments are also available from many different manufacturers.
Availability & Pricing
The BOSS SY-1000 will be available in January 2020, for $999.99."
Why do I feel like the SY-1 has been out for a while? Shouldn't it come before the SYB-3 and SYB-5 synth bass pedals? Some high level details:
"JOURNEY TO NEW SONIC FRONTIERS!
The BOSS SY-1 Synthesizer transforms any guitar or bass into a versatile synthesizer sound without a special pickup. 121 ultra-responsive sounds in a compact pedal, all ready to play—with no programming needed.
This amazingly expressive pedal offers latency-free performance that’s a natural extension of your instrument, check out the performance by Thomas McRocklin.
With its 11 categories and 121 total sounds, the SY-1 puts an enormous array of synth colors at your fingertips. Expressive leads, sweeping pads, layered organs, fat basses, and more are all on tap, plus a variety of rhythmic synth patterns that are a blast to jam with. And with the grab-and-go Tone/Rate and Depth knobs, you’re able to adjust any synth voice just how you like, including changing the pitch on some sounds.
SY-1 Sound Types
• LEAD 1/2—A wide range of sounds suitable for single-note soloing.
• PAD—Full tones that work great with chords, from layered pads to synth brass and more.
• BASS—Fat synth bass sounds, including filtered and sub-octave tones.
• STR—Classic analog-style strings, including layered voices and sweeping textures.
• ORGAN—A large selection of organ sounds, including many with rotary-style modulation.
• BELL—Percussive synth sounds with metallic resonance.
• SFX 1/2—A variety of synth sound effects, including explosive one-shot sounds, animated pitch/filter voices, and more.
• SEQ 1/2—Pulsating sounds with rhythmic pitch or filter changes."
"When you plug into the VO-1, you can literally talk, sing, and cry with your axe, taking your playing to places you never dreamed of before."
"The VO-1 Vocoder is a unique and innovative stompbox that puts the massive expressive range of the human voice in the hands of every guitarist and bassist. By vocalizing into a connected mic as you play, it’s easy to transform your tone with electronic voices, classic talk box sounds, and tons of all-new colors that are perfect for modern music styles. It’s even possible to create impressive ensemble vocal sounds without the need to connect an external mic. When you plug into the VO-1, you can literally talk, sing, and cry with your axe, taking your playing to places you never dreamed of before.
- Innovative, easy-to-use vocoder pedal powered by BOSS’ famous guitar synth technology
- Use your voice to dramatically extend the expressive range of your instrument in countless ways
- Vintage mode for classic electronic synth-voice sounds and Advanced mode for all-new vocoder tones with enhanced clarity
- Talk Box mode enables “talking lead guitar” tones without the hassles of a traditional talk box setup
- Choir mode for achieving rich vocal sounds with no mic connected
- Effect loop for sound enhancement and easy integration with existing pedals
- Works with guitar, bass, or any instrument with a 1/4-inch output
- BOSS five-year warranty
Powerful Vocal Expression for Guitar and Bass
Without a doubt, the human voice is the most expressive instrument there is, capable of producing a massive range of sounds. Vocoder technology lets you harness this power and control the tone of your instrument in endless ways via real-time vocal manipulation, achieving speech-like sounds, infinitely controllable wah, and much more. For decades, keyboardists have used vocoders to create electronic vocal tones and other voice-like textures with synthesizers. Now, the VO-1 makes it simple for guitarists and bassists to use this inspiring creative tool with their music.
Cutting-Edge Vocoder Technology in a Compact Stompbox
Driven by BOSS’ famous guitar synth technology, the VO-1 delivers power and versatility that goes well beyond other vocoders. Vintage mode produces the familiar synthesized voice sounds heard on numerous pop and electronic music records through the years, while Advanced mode utilizes new BOSS tech to translate speech and other vocalizations to your axe with unprecedented definition and clarity. Talk Box mode recreates classic 'talking lead guitar' tones without having to use a traditional talk box rig and mouth tube, making these cool sounds much more accessible and convenient. Finally, Choir mode produces rich, impressive vocal textures from a direct input, with no mic needed.
Infinite Possibilities Made Easy
With the VO-1, BOSS has made the vocoder straightforward and incredibly simple to use. First off, it connects to your rig like any other pedal. The only additional connection needed is a microphone, which you’ll use to drive the VO-1’s vocoder engine when using the first three modes. After that, just turn on the effect, tweak the knobs, and vocalize into the mic as you play. Don’t worry—you don’t even need to be able to sing in tune. You handle all the pitch control with your hands as normal, while the VO-1 applies the complex formant characteristics of your voice to the tone in real time. The VO-1 also features an effect loop for patching in external effects, plus a Blend knob for mixing vocoder and straight tones together."
YouTube via BOSSchannel "Utilizing the latest in DSP technology, the SYB-5 faithfully reproduces the fat and sharp sound characteristic of classic analog synthesizers. The 11 internal synth sounds are based on combinations of three oscillator waves (Saw, Square, Pulse) and filters that fluctuate according to the envelope and LFO changes. The external pedal input means that bassists can put their foot into the performance by connecting an EV-5 Expression Pedal (sold separately) to control the filter and LFO rate."
Next-Generation Serial GK Digital Interface and Powerful New Guitar and Bass Synthesizer with the Roland ZEN-Core Sound Engine 
