Boss is the industry standard for FX pedals. A company of many firsts, Boss have shaken up the FX game yet again. But how do you innovate with more of the same? Introducing the Boss GX-10, a do-it-all compact multi-fx and modeller brand new for 2024.
I say “more of the same” because the GX-10 is essentially a slimmed-down version of the GX-100, boasting the same top-tier AIRD amps, cabs, and software. And not only that, but it also lands at a hugely competitive price compared to similar devices!
For anyone seeking a compact, gig-ready amp modeller or a preamp stomp to complete their carefully crafted pedalboard, the GX-10 might just be the perfect fit. Better still, for extra convenience, the multi-effects processor also comes as part of a bundle with a Bluetooth adapter.
In this Boss GX-10 review, we look at what exactly the processor can do.
In a hurry? Here’s our verdict
The Boss GX-10 is a compact and versatile multi-effects processor that offers an impressive range of guitar and bass amps, along with a vast selection of effects, all housed in a compact, user-friendly design.
Its combination of high-quality sound, intuitive touchscreen interface, and robust connectivity options makes it an excellent choice for gigging musicians and players looking to get into the world of multi-fx and modellers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and portable design | Limited physical footswitches (3) |
| High-quality amp modelling and effects | Lacks advanced routing options compared to larger models |
| Intuitive colour touch display | Most amp models are Boss’ own creations rather than direct models of existing gear |
| Extensive range of amps and effects | |
| USB audio connectivity for recording |
Boss GX-10 review
First impressions
At first glance, the Boss GX-10 impresses with its sleek brushed metal design. While there’s only so much you can do with the aesthetics of a multi-FX pedal, the GX-10’s utilitarian layout and premium feel add a lot to the experience.
Less impressive is the design of the user interface within the touchscreen, which relies on almost Tron-like coloured diamonds for your signal blocks and effects chain. Where other products may have a visual representation of the gear each model is emulating, the GX-10 simply has a coloured symbol.
On the plus side, once you’re familiar with the colour coding, it’s easy to immediately identify where each of your FX is sitting in the chain.
Speaking of the touchscreen, it works very well! It’s highly responsive and makes it easy to drag and drop blocks into and out of your patches. This stuff is all the same as its bigger GX-100 brother though – what sets the GX-10 apart is its size.
With just three main footswitches and a width that’d easily fit into the front pocket of a gig bag, it’s easy to visualise how the GX-10 could slot into an existing pedalboard or the backpack of a gigging musician.
One cool feature that the GX-10 offers above similarly-priced multi-FX units is Bluetooth connectivity. Purchase the additional BT-DUAL adaptor and you can edit patches with the Boss Tone Studio app fully remotely, in addition to music playback for practising or backing.
Amps and effects
The Boss GX-10 is equipped with an impressive selection of guitar and bass amps, utilising the same sound engine as the GX-100, but in a more compact, travel-friendly design. It boasts 23 guitar amps and nine bass amps that benefit from Boss’ immersive AIRD technology.
That includes everything from classic American Tweed bluesy options, vintage British plexi tones, iconic Roland JC-120 chimes, and high-gain roars from several metal-focused models. The exceptional audio quality is ensured through 24-bit AD and 32-bit DA conversion with 32-bit floating-point processing and a 48 kHz sampling rate.
Alongside the extensive amp selection, the GX-10 features 170 Boss effects, ranging from overdrives and distortions to mod effects, delays, and reverbs. Classic effects such as Slow Gear and Slicer are included, alongside dedicated bass effects. This vast array allows you to craft your perfect sound, whether you’re performing live or recording in the studio.
The interface is user-friendly, with four dynamic parameter knobs and a colour touchscreen that enables you to assign up to two amps and 15 effects in each memory slot. You can easily change effect routing by dragging blocks on the screen, making it straightforward to patch in external pedals using the send/return loop.
With the added capability to load WAV speaker IRs, the GX-10 opens up even more possibilities for sound shaping.
Memory and control modes
The Boss GX-10 accommodates up to two amps and 15 effects blocks in each memory slot, just like its sibling, the GX-100. This feature allows you to create complex soundscapes tailored to your performance needs, offering a wealth of tonal options at your fingertips.
In terms of control modes, the GX-10 maintains the same intuitive functionality found in the GX-100. You’ll find multiple modes, such as Up/Down Mode for scrolling through memories, Manual Mode for assigning effects, and Bank/Number Mode for precise control over your sounds.
Each of these modes enables you to engage with the pedal in a way that complements your playing style, whether you need quick access to different presets or want to manipulate effects on the fly.
Connectivity
There’s only one significant change from the GX-100 here, and that’s the inclusion of a USB-C connection for high-quality audio streaming and recording, making it easy to integrate with your computer or mobile device. In addition to updates, this allows you to capture your guitar tones directly into music production software, ensuring you can produce studio-quality recordings on the go.
There’s also the option for stereo out, headphone out, FX loop, and expression pedal/control switch expandability. It lacks the MIDI compatibility found on the GX-100, though.
Who is the GX-10 suited to?
The Boss GX-10 is ideal for guitarists and bassists who want a compact, portable solution that doesn’t compromise sound quality or versatility. Compared to the GX-100, the GX-10 offers similar core features but in a more streamlined format, making it great if you need a lightweight rig that can easily be transported.
This down-sized processor is also perfect for those entering the world of multi-FX and modelling for the first time. Its user-friendly design ensures you won’t feel overwhelmed by options, making it a superb entry-level choice. And if you’re looking for a preamp section to complement your pedalboards without breaking the bank, while still enjoying high-quality Boss functionality, the GX-10 is ideal.
In contrast, the GX-100 is more of an all-in-one solution than a compact, portable option. With its additional footswitches and MIDI compatibility, the GX-100 offers greater control over built-in patches and effects, making it ideal if you want to rely solely on a single device.
The Boss GX-10 in action
Watch how to build a patch on the Boss GX-10 here:
FAQs
Does the boss GX-10 have a looper?
The Boss GX-10 features a looper effect that can store up to 38 seconds of audio in mono and up to 19 seconds of audio in stereo.
How many effects can you have on boss GX 10?
The Boss GX-10 can accommodate up to 15 effects blocks along with two amplifier types in each memory. This offers a wide range of sound possibilities for players looking to create complex tone setups. The extensive selection includes 170 effects, ensuring you can explore a variety of sounds and styles.
How much power does the boss GX 10 draw?
The GX-10 has a 600 mA power draw. Boss only recommend their official power supply to be used with the product.
Final thoughts
The Boss GX-10 is a stellar addition to the Boss family, combining portability with a powerful feature set that makes it ideal for gigging musicians and those new to the world of multi-FX and modelling.
Its high-quality sound, intuitive interface, and extensive connectivity options provide exceptional value in a compact package. While it may not have the extensive control features of its larger sibling, the GX-100, it offers a perfect entry point for players seeking a reliable and flexible solution without overwhelming complexity.
Our conclusion of the processor, after looking at it in detail in our Boss GX-10 review, is that whether you’re a guitarist or bassist, this processor is built to enhance your sound and simplify your rig.
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