Boss GT-1B discussion thread

[Billyears IV]

I’m playing an active Fender American Ultra with 18v preamp, going through either the GT-1B or an analog board with an Aguilar Tonehammer and into a Rumble 500 when I’m not on a silent stage with IEMs. It makes more difference with the IEM tone than with the amp but still a difference. You know TB is a bunch of enablers here.

Yeah, ha ha.
Another factor is a lack of knobs /software to spend countless hours twiddling and testing....... I mean you just plug in and play???!!?

 

[Dewdman42]

I bought a GT-1B a few weeks ago. Pretty cool little unit for the price. I am not using any other pedals or amp stacks (yet), just running it direct into studio monitors for the moment. I would like to figure out how to use this unit completely, without needing any other pedals and possibly not an amp stack either, but we'll see.

A lot of stuff is pretty self explanatory, but a couple of features are a mystery to me. Maybe some of you can comment on some of the following things and what exactly they do. I've read the manual already for the basic description, but its still kind of a mystery to me what they are doing or when I would want to use either of them.

• ToneModify - this seems to be some sort of EQish thing, but its really unclear exactly what its doing or why it would be any different then just using EQ's.
  
  
• Enhancer - What exactly is this doing?

 

[Winston H]

I bought a GT-1B a few weeks ago. Pretty cool little unit for the price. I am not using any other pedals or amp stacks (yet), just running it direct into studio monitors for the moment. I would like to figure out how to use this unit completely, without needing any other pedals and possibly not an amp stack either, but we'll see.

A lot of stuff is pretty self explanatory, but a couple of features are a mystery to me. Maybe some of you can comment on some of the following things and what exactly they do. I've read the manual already for the basic description, but its still kind of a mystery to me what they are doing or when I would want to use either of them.

• ToneModify - this seems to be some sort of EQish thing, but its really unclear exactly what its doing or why it would be any different then just using EQ's.
  
  
• Enhancer - What exactly is this doing?

Enhancer puts emphasis on the attack of the notes, so it seems to be an envelope based EQ.

Tone Modify is just another tone sculpting tool.

Basically they are there to add along with other various effects. You might be playing a section of a song that is in a higher register, features harmonics etc, so require a different eq emphasis for that section vs the rest of the song. That's where those effects come into play.

 

[BEADist]

• ToneModify - this seems to be some sort of EQish thing, but its really unclear exactly what its doing or why it would be any different then just using EQ's.

In the "Boss GT-8 brilliance" (it's a collection of tips and trics) pdf on page 39 Tone Modify is called the "secret weapon" that can make your tone come alive ! It should be placed right after the pre-amp section for a more realistic amp sound.

Invalid Link Removed

Highly recommended reading material . Although it's about the GT-8 much is the same on all GT stuff.
( My first post here, not sure if i can just copy a link here..)

 

[Dewdman42]

That document is awesome thanks for sharing that! ToneModify explained well there. I wonder if the specific frequencies of resonator 1,2,3 are still the same in the GT1B compared to the GT-8. Sounds like they were centered around 100hz, 80-90hz(fender) and something higher. Those make sense for some guitar cab speaker cones, may not line up exactly right for typical bass cabs though...but anyway, could still be useful and I get the concept, thanks for sharing that.

 

[OldSchoolFlats]

In the "Boss GT-8 brilliance" (it's a collection of tips and trics) pdf on page 39 Tone Modify is called the "secret weapon" that can make your tone come alive ! It should be placed right after the pre-amp section for a more realistic amp sound.

Invalid Link Removed

Highly recommended reading material . Although it's about the GT-8 much is the same on all GT stuff.
( My first post here, not sure if i can just copy a link here..)

In glancing through the parameters manual for the GT-1B, I see "tight" (a HPF) is one of the options on page 7. Nice to see!

I have been using the Parametric EQ (also page 7 of the parameters guide), adjusting frequency and Q for a HPF, but I will have to try "tight".

Hopefully this thread remains active; the GT-1B seems quite useful, but after fiddling with several patches, I stopped learning.

The only quirk I see with the GT-1B is a "hiss", with some sort of envelope control. I only get the "hiss" with high gain (for more "drive") on my amp, but if I lower gain and raise volume, no "hiss". Does not happen with the bass plugged directly into the amp. The "hiss" seems related to the Noise Suppressor (page 14), but disabling (zeroing-out) the noise suppressor seems to make matters worse.

 

[Dewdman42]

is your GT-1B connected directly to the instrument input on your amp or into the FX return?

 

[OldSchoolFlats]

is your GT-1B connected directly to the instrument input on your amp or into the FX return?

Don't know who the question was for, but I use the instrument input.

 

[Dewdman42]

Is the output of the GT-1B configured as line/headphones, or amp+horn or amp without horn?

or alternatively, does your AMP have an FX loop?

 

[OldSchoolFlats]

Is the output of the GT-1B configured as line/headphones, or amp+horn or amp without horn?

or alternatively, does your AMP have an FX loop?

In my case, I don't pay much attention to the output (headphones/amp): I don't really hear a difference. Oddly, I should have 3 settings, headphones, amp, amp+tweeter, but when I turn knob 3, I only see headphones and amp. Didn't try with the PC software.

I have send/return on the back of my amp, but do not use it. Starting to feel a little dumb now...

 

[Dewdman42]

no worries. Well, I think by default the GT-1B is set to line/headphones. And that is designed to into line input (not instrument). If yours is set to line/headphone, then you want to plug it into the FX return on your amp instead of the main instrument input. And that is really the ideal way to do it...so that the preamp of your amp is not coloring the sound. (unless that is what you want and especially if you aren't using preamp models on the GT1B).

If you plug it into the instrument input, then you want to change that setting to AMP+horn or AMP without horn, depending on what your amp's cab has. That changes the signal for the right impedance and level to match up correctly with the instrument input of your AMP. But the sound will still be going through the preamp of your amp head which is also coloring the sound...which may or may not be what you want..

But if the impedance/level doesn't match...that could be source of hiss....is what I'm getting at.

My GT1B makes no hiss at all. Dead silent.

Beyond that there are other ways for noise to get into the signal through your bass's wiring or pickups...depending on what you have and what else is in the room. The Noise suppressor doesn't add any hiss, but you can use it cut off sound when you're not playing any notes, so that the hiss will only be heard while there is actual bass music playing...and when you mute the strings, the gate will shut off the hiss.

Also check all the gain staging of your patches, if you have some FX adding a lot of level and others taking it away and others adding gain back again, etc.. then hiss comes in.

 

[OldSchoolFlats]

no worries. Well, I think by default the GT-1B is set to line/headphones. And that is designed to into line input (not instrument). If yours is set to line/headphone, then you want to plug it into the FX return on your amp instead of the main instrument input. And that is really the ideal way to do it...so that the preamp of your amp is not coloring the sound. (unless that is what you want and especially if you aren't using preamp models on the GT1B).

If you plug it into the instrument input, then you want to change that setting to AMP+horn or AMP without horn, depending on what your amp's cab has. That changes the signal for the right impedance and level to match up correctly with the instrument input of your AMP. But the sound will still be going through the preamp of your amp head which is also coloring the sound...which may or may not be what you want..

But if the impedance/level doesn't match...that could be source of hiss....is what I'm getting at.

My GT1B makes no hiss at all. Dead silent.

Beyond that there are other ways for noise to get into the signal through your bass's wiring or pickups...depending on what you have and what else is in the room. The Noise suppressor doesn't add any hiss, but you can use it cut off sound when you're not playing any notes, so that the hiss will only be heard while there is actual bass music playing...and when you mute the strings, the gate will shut off the hiss.

Very helpful: thanks!

I also watched a couple of YouTube vids on the effects loop. Time to experiment!

 

[Dewdman42]

So I was flipping through the manual for the GT1000, and it is definitely missing a few key FX related to bass as are found on the GT-1B. It really only has one preamp model (SVT) and two generic bass preamp models. Everything else is guitar oriented. A few other FX that are specific for bass are not in there either.

It has lots of stuff for guitar ,more routing options and custom IR capability, but in many ways I don't see how anyone would want to spend 3-4x the price over the GT1B for the GT1000, when being used for actual bass playing. I know people have said they compared them and thought it sounded better, but my gut is telling me that is just a matter of programming patches better more than anything... I think both units are using COSM modeling and should sound very similar aside from the fact that one has more modeling specific to bass(GT1B) and the other has more routing options, more FX at once can be used and custom IR's can be used...(GT1000)

 

[furym]

So I was flipping through the manual for the GT1000, and it is definitely missing a few key FX related to bass as are found on the GT-1B. It really only has one preamp model (SVT) and two generic bass preamp models. Everything else is guitar oriented. A few other FX that are specific for bass are not in there either.

It has lots of stuff for guitar ,more routing options and custom IR capability, but in many ways I don't see how anyone would want to spend 3-4x the price over the GT1B for the GT1000, when being used for actual bass playing. I know people have said they compared them and thought it sounded better, but my gut is telling me that is just a matter of programming patches better more than anything... I think both units are using COSM modeling and should sound very similar aside from the fact that one has more modeling specific to bass(GT1B) and the other has more routing options, more FX at once can be used and custom IR's can be used...(GT1000)

The GT1K uses AIRD not COSM. That said, I have not heard it in person. I will say the modeling in my HX Stomp is a level above the modeling in my GT1B so I would think the same for the GT1K. I compared both the GT1K and HX Stomp on paper before I bought and I agree with you, the GT1K does not seem to have a lot going for bass. However, there is a growing community here on TB that is praising the GT1K. I love the GT1B for what it is but I am using my Stomp on my board for church each week.

 

[Dewdman42]

The GT1K uses AIRD not COSM.

Alright good to hear. Too bad it has hardly any bass-specific stuff though?

That said, I have not heard it in person. I will say the modeling in my HX Stomp is a level above the modeling in my GT1B

One of these days I will try the HX. For now its triple the price and I like the GT1B well enough. I do like that the HX has a dozen or so bass preamp models, which is much better then what is represented in the GTK. GT1B also has a number of bass-specific pedals modeled...and the glorious ToneModify feature mentioned earlier.

I love the GT1B for what it is but I am using my Stomp on my board for church each week.

So can you describe specifically and with detail what you like more about the HX? I've definitely got to try one one of these days. I tried the Helix software once with my guitar and I didn't like it at all for guitar. I felt like it had some interesting models and tonal flexibility but felt cold and sterile to play compared to guitar modeling software I am using...and also compared to a Vox Tonelab that I had been using for years.

 

[furym]

Alright good to hear. Too bad it has hardly any bass-specific stuff though?



One of these days I will try the HX. For now its triple the price and I like the GT1B well enough. I do like that the HX has a dozen or so bass preamp models, which is much better then what is represented in the GTK. GT1B also has a number of bass-specific pedals modeled...and the glorious ToneModify feature mentioned earlier.



So can you describe specifically and with detail what you like more about the HX? I've definitely got to try one one of these days. I tried the Helix software once with my guitar and I didn't like it at all for guitar. I felt like it had some interesting models and tonal flexibility but felt cold and sterile to play compared to guitar modeling software I am using...and also compared to a Vox Tonelab that I had been using for years.

I didn’t find the programming to be any more difficult than the Boss Tone Studio. In fact, I think it might be laid out better.
I like the flexibility of the Stomp to put whatever blocks wherever and I think the effects/models sound a bit fuller than the GT1B. I know you can arrange the blocks in whatever order on the GT1B but the Stomp is just wide open. A huge plus for the Stomp is the parallel signal paths to keep your low end. This makes it possible to use some guitar effects on bass and still sound good. I still have my GT1B and have no plans of selling it. I use it for a convenient all in one headphone practice unit, battery powered is a huge plus for it.

 

[Dewdman42]

while we're talking I'm just googling and reading about AIRD. Alright..so they got my attention with it a bit.....one of the main new things added to their modeling is improved dynamic cab modeling that captures the push-pull that happens between amp and cab in a real rig......and specific capabilities that make it possible to crossfade between modeling based on attack or volume knob of the guitar.. That makes it respond much much more like a real tube amp/cab where it gets dirtier as you pick harder...etc. In actual practice I would have to hear and play these myself to appreciate whether it actually works as advertised... Real tube amps have a sponginess to them..that is one thing I never feel from modelers.

Not sure what Line6 does in regard to any of that.

I'm always on the hunt for a guitar modeler to replace my Vox Tonelab which is getting long in the tooth, but every modeler I have tried has lacked the feel that the tone lab had...due to its valvetronix circuit.

Well I guess if BOSS/Roland were ever to make GT1kB I would probably buy it, or look hard at it. Sounds like the AIRD tech is something word finding out more about. But I will continue to keep Line6 stuff on the radar too. For now I'm sticking with the GT1B... Bass is new for me, I still have much to learn...GT1B is helping me get there.

 

[Dewdman42]

Another feature of the GT1B I started exploiting the other day and I think its useful. In the reverb section there is an AMBIENCE setting...which is allegedly supposed to emulate a secondary mic placed a little bit away from a cabinet, as is often done in studio recording. I use this with a reverb time of like 0.1 seconds, or maybe 0.2 seconds. The effect is VERY subtle. What it does it makes the bass sound like I'm standing a few feet away from the cab instead of playing through headphones. Very subtly fatter...without become mud.

 

[Dewdman42]

My typical GT1B signal path is looking something like this:

GTR-->FX1:Limiter-->OD:Boost-->PreAmp:SVT-->FX2:ToneModify resonator1-->Reverb:ambience-->masterEQ-->out

Just trying to optimize the actual TONE, feel and playability coming out of the GT1B without any other tricky FX such as chorus, etc..

I think many people here seem to be using the GT1B in opposite way, they are using their hardware amp for the preamp and using the GT1B more like an FX pedalboard. But I'm more interested in trying to work with the GT1B completely end to end and how to get the best clean and basic playable bass tone out of it. If and when I need to use some tricky FX I would simply forgoe the limiter probably...or might get an external comp limiter eventually instead of built in. But I don't think I'll be doing that very often anyway...I'm more interested in basic bass sounds that vary a lot in their EQ, compression and gain characteristics...but probably won't be using hardly ever any of of the other modulation FX, etc.

 

[BEADist]

The problem with an external comp will be that you can put that comp only before or after the GT1B. This is not ideal, for example you could want the comp after your distortion, but before your delay.

Edit : sorry you said clean tone, let me think of something else why that would be less ideal