Great Video JP! I'm really glad to have found your channel to help us with our gears. Your tutorials on Boss gears (and even on Loopy pro) are probably the only way for many of us to know how to thoroughly use our stuff. I really hope Boss is rewarding you for your hard work. It's literally their job to explain what you are taking care of.
This thing already has so many features yet people ask for more and more. Just read the "GCS-8 Parameter Guide". Can you imagine how much more complicated it would get?
It would but I understand peoples frustration cause it’s not in their normal workflow. It’s a solution to some great things.. but people want one thing to do it all. It’s not a workstation or a computer less DAW. It’s a mixer with some good advanced features. Oh well, can’t please them all. 🤣
Thanks for sharing all that good info! We purchased a Gigcaster 5 with a GA-FC controller --this video really helped us to get the most out of our rig. Livesets! Similar BTS-type software we use for our Katana and GT-1 pedal is awesome. Way cool,thanks again for the tips.
Hi. Even I got a GA-FC pedal for my GC5 and it does work great. However, I noticed that we have 4 banks to program our switches but I haven't been able to find a way to switch between them using the GA-FC. Do you know if I need to buy another footswitch such as FS5/6/7 and connect it to my GA-FC to do that? The GC5 and GA-FC manual is silent on that.
Great video! You are the master device teacher! I have seen other videos of yours that showcase the RC 500 looper. I now have both: Gigcaster 8 and RC 500. As a gigging musician, I would love to use the two together. Do you have a video that shows how you have done this? I also have bluetooth midi footswitches, as well as the GA-FC footswitch and expression pedals. Any video you recommend to show a configuration that uses the Gigcaster 8 feeding the looper, and all being controlled with MIDI and other footswitches? Input is guitar and mic, but may also use the HDP 20 drum.
I haven’t done this kind of video (yet) only the other one where I feed the RC-500 back into the GS-8. That might just be a good video with Bluetooth for the RC-500 and the GA-FC. Powerhouse setup! Have done a few Bluetooth RC-500 videos. You might like this one: ua-cam.com/video/HDtgFgPkfXU/v-deo.htmlsi=_J0Ip0TogCpEKuP2
@@JohnPaulMusicUK I have seen that video and it is awesome and gave me some great ideas for configuration. Now, I would like to control that from the GC8 using the GA-FC pedal... I think this is possible because you can send MIDI commands from the GA-FC out to the GC8 but I think this is through MIDI over USB... I need your vast expertise to see how this can happen. The goal is to drive a set list from GC8 to configure GC8 vocals and guitar, AND set up looper accordingly. You are now challenged! I know, EASY PEASY for you! LOL
hello I don't have these results I don't have the tracks that appear in the DAW. what DAW do you use? how do you bridge the boss program and the DAW? thank you very much good day
Can you explan how the pitch correction and harmony is “guided”. Is it from an instrument signal from one of the Others Tracks, or is it guided only by your Own voice? Thanks
Thanks for doing this. One thing I was hoping to find out about is if the separate headphone outs are addressable from a computer or tablet to be able to set up individual headphone sends. In my case, I'd be using an ipad with Drambo or AUM and would like to be able to create custom sends for multiple collaborators. Thoughts?
Hey 👋 So atm unfortunately not. They are all the same output. I really hope they can do a firmware update to make it more customisable for the headphone output. That’s would be awesome!
I just got mine on Thursday there. They are very scarce right now. Your videos on this are brilliant @JohnPaulMusicUK. I was going to update the firmware from 1.03 to 1.05 today but the guidance Boss gives is a bit confusing. The firmware download has 7 files. My PC gives me the GC8s folder to copy things to but the guidance tells me to drag a fille to an icon. Do I drag the 7 files over? Anyway, it works well as is and I couldn't be happier so far. There's a lot of fun to be had with this and my SM7b works a treat with it and I was able to record my phone's backing track and my guitar in multitrack mode, straight to Sonar X1. Ace!. 🙂👍
Ver.1.05 ] NOV 2023 - Fixed an issue that the pre-fader listen fails when HEADSET MIX MINUS is ON. - Fixed an issue that could not work properly with the Librarian function of the Gigcaster App. These are the main ones but there are a few bug fixes as well. Aww thanks. There is also a Gigcaster Facebook group that’s pretty active for support. 😊 👍🏻
I record acoustic guitar to mobile phone but the signal too low. Question is how to up signal up. I connect to mobile in put (in front of Gigcaster-8) use TRRS cable
Hey 👋 So you are plugging in the phone into the headphone port in the front? Then you should be able to adjust the signal volume with the headphone #1 dial. That will be a TRS out of the Gigcaster.. so that might be why.. you might need a TRS - TRRS cable if that’s what the phone requires. Hope that helps.
Can I assign the faders on the Boss Gigcaster 5 as MIDI CC controllers and use them in a DAW? I want to use my Babyface Pro as an audio interface and the faders from the Boss Gigcaster 5 as MIDI CC controllers.
Great work JP. Thanks for doing what you do. One quick question. I use the pads to play audio clips on a pub quiz and sometimes I want to fade them out early. The clip will be faded and will play out nicely, but I may want to repeat just the first part of that clip. can the pads be programmed to fade on exit, rather than either restarting, or cutting off dead? TIA. :)
If you have the clips set to fade out, you can tap them a second time to stop instantly instead and then they are ready to be replayed again. 👍🏻 so you could set them all to ‘fade’ and then if you want them to just stop, it’s like a double tap. Hope that makes sense?
Any idea why an iphone is connected via Bluetooth but will play no audio? EQ on the Gigcaster shows the media being played. Windows just won't play it. Same with the assignable pads. When I hit them to play the WAV file, the EQ on the gigcaster will move, but windows will not play the sound. Thought this unit would be pretty simple but boy was I wrong.
The only thing I can think of is if you have the Gigcaster setup for multitrack recording and if the computer is not setup to receive more than channel 1&2 (stereo). Have you got the driver and software downloaded?
Did you use any other 3rd party software to connect to OBS, I just bought the Gigcaster 8 and does not show up as an audio device in any USB audio mode in OBS. Re- 10min 20 sec in.
You can certainly have the computer come in on the connected fader 🎚️ but I’m unsure that you can split the different internal sources. You would probably need some software like Blackhole or LoopBack to get the different internal signals to different places / faders.
hi JP great channel i recently got a gigcaster 8 my question is i want to use the vocal harmonies but want it to be defined by the guitar ,so it reads the chords .... and puts appropriate harmony onto the vocal ... where do i find this function ??? or what do i need to do to achieve this , i have guitar and vocals set up harmonies work but just that link i'm missing how to get the guitar to set key for vocal harmonies keep up the excellent work and love your channel
I downloaded and installed the related pc drivers, btw in my daw(Ableton 11 live lite) it records all the channels in only one track, what's wrong with that?
@@JohnPaulMusicUK of course I setup as multitrack, I also selected aux in from the usb general setup and I verified again the drivers installed from the boss website, maybe could be the Ableton live lite the matter?
Great video, quick question do they fades feature PFL (pre fade level)? Does this also feature on Gigcaster 5? If so ideal for radio production being able to talk to a caller off air for instance.
Hi JP, and a happy New Year to you. Just a quick one. Is there any need to hook up my TC acoustic live as well to gig with? or just go stright into the gc8. This would cut down on taking out less kit and I could use my RC500 to just play my backing track set list through. Any thoughts Buddy. Many thanks Steve W.😊
Hello thank you very very useful presentation. I just got a gigcaster recently and Plan to hook it up to an akaï force. I can’t seem to find any detailed information about the different ways to set up the relevant USB in order to get the audio moving the way I need it. Do you have any idea where to find such information. I would be very grateful if you could point me in the right direction.
Every time I use my Gigcaster 8 for a video conferencing, people complain about echo when they talk. I can enable "Echo Cancelation" within the conferencing software (Zoom/StreamYard), but that reduces the sound quality for my live music work. What am I doing wrong?
Hi JohnPaul. I came in a bit late for this so missed some. Will watch again. Questions: can you use a foot pedal to turn effects on/off during a song? How do the vocal effects compare to TC Helicon VL3/Play acoustic? Great videos, many thanks.
Yes you certainly can and the vocal effects are really nice. 👍🏻 Here is the playlist of all the Gigcaster videos. Enjoy: ua-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaaf6R1PaTwqR-WJxsIVLj6K.html&si=TlKFaQn-BCuWy0WX
I owned a TC Helicon VL3Extreme and The Play Acoustic. Both are brilliant devices, but for me the Gigcaster Series takes it up a notch. But you may have different needs than me! I am happy with that one box, that is an interface, digital mixer and gives me a complete set of effects and tools for voice/vocals and guitar. Oh, and i am using the Boss GA-FC EX - foot controller and it is such a great extension for the Gigcaster line! Switching on the tuner and muting the guitar (and other) signal with a single foot switch is quite nice. Switch 2 is for Singing-Effects on/off and Switch 3 & 4 are for different harmonics when one "those great choruses" is coming. Love it! 🤓👍
@@tapatvdeHi. Do you have to programme the key for the harmony on the gigcaster or can it work from the chords of a plugged in guitar like the TC VL3 or play acoustic?
@@reveller You can set the harmonies for HRM1 Voice and for HRM2 Voice individually in fixed steps from Unsison, Oct-, -6th, 5th, -4th, -3rd, +3rd, +4th, +5th, +6th, Oct+. There are many other dials for Pan, Delay, Accuracy, Vibrato, Formant, Tone and more for each of those two Harmony Voicelines. So i guess it's using musical logic for the harmony creation. Directly before the Harmony effect in the effect chain is also the Pitch Correction, that one can set to Chromatic or to a key.
Hi JP, I would like to know more about the USB - there are 3 modes, first, "2 Mix" works as a standard usb class-compliant soundcard, second "mtk-record" creates a single interface with bunch of inputs and outputs and third "mtk-streaming" creates a bunch of sound cards visible in OS. Is it so, that in this mode I can take physical input 1 and use it in DAW, while in the same time I can set default OS' audio output to some other one and play a backing track from YT? And what does the USB Aux On/Off actually mean? If I send output from the DAW to guitar input 1, then will it be mixed or in there a setting to mute dry signal and replace it with the one from USB? Does all of it applies to Windows, or only to Mac?
That’s an interesting concept. Are we wanting the fx from the GigCaster to record into GarageBand? Or using the sounds from GarageBand to go into the GigCaster? Maybe if it’s the first one, check this out but just replace the looper with GarageBand - ua-cam.com/video/G577mLjwPZ4/v-deo.htmlsi=LNVvV79N1XQZYXAc
Hi thanks for a very informative video ! I was wondering about the actual quality of the audio interface as compared to say the Apollo interface or other mid to pro interfaces? Not sure if you have an interface to compare it to , but would be great if you could give me an idea thanks
So this is where it differs.. kHz. The Apollo's run at 24 bit and the Gigcaster is 32 bit.. but the Gigcaster runs at a 48kHz sampling rate where as most dedicated mid to pro audio interfaces run as a MUCH higher sampling rate.. Even the Apollo Solo (2in 4 out) runs at 192kHz! Even the basic Scarlett 2i2 4th gen runs an A/D Conversion at 24-bit/192kHz. This is what you want for pro recording the higher the kHz the better provided that you are working in that space on your DAW and your computer can handle the sample rate.. but to be honest, most DAWS can. Then there are world class Preamp in audio interfaces from certain brands. some have their own which are widely celebrated whilst others insert preamps from other manufacturers or build their own. then there is the I/o the physical connections, are the guitar inputs Hi-Z, it is jack or xlr or combi inputs, USB add ons.. this is why the playing field is so big. If you are building a home or pro studio, you will want to go with a dedicated Audio interface. Hope that helps.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks John Paul. Just the advice i needed. I actually have a Blacklion revolution audio interface that has a good spec including running at 192khz. I was half thinking of selling the interface and using the gigcaster but have just put the gigcaster 8 on ebay just now £405 so not a bad deal for someone ! Thanks again :) Paul form Wales
Hi again JohnPaul. Hope you don't mind me asking you this last time ! If we lay aside the 48k limitation would you say the preamps ie the recorded sound of audio compares favorably with say the Apollo or other mid pro interfaces? Or for the price of the Gigcaster that would be too much to expect? I mean , would the Gigcaster be pro enough to master release stuff Thanks
What kind of cable do you need to power it just by USB. I have tried 2.0 3.0 all different ports as well as a USB 3.0 power hub and it comes back saying not enough power.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK okay. Thank you. I enjoy your video series on getting this thing up and running. Is it even possible to hear the boss gigcaster or effects through computer USB speakers? I currently cannot figure out how to route and get it to play.
JohnPaul, have you figured out what setlists in the Gigcaster app actually do, or how to use them on Gigcaster hardware? So far, they have failed to write to the Gigcaster, though the app says that they have done so. And drag-and-drop doesn't work with presets in the app either. I can't see what use they are, or how to use them at all. Have you found anything?
Statists change the order of the user effects for you for both guitar, voice or speech. Sorry it’s not working for you. Have you contacted Boss Support?
Thanks so much for your comprehensive review of the features. I am really enjoying puttering with the whole lot! I checked into the boss tone studio apps and in particular the GT 1000 seems like the most OP modelling interface imaginable- is there any way to download and import those patches as user patches into the gigcaster? I had been terribly worried about trying a non-Boss/Roland expression pedal because the manual listed compatible models and cautioned you could damage the unit with a non-branded pedal. I checked with Thomann guitar and keyboard departments, enquiring if there was some kind of firmware signature on the listed models that would make other pedals incompatible, and they assured me worst case scenario wasn't any damage but they might simply not work... Good news was it worked fine for 19.99!(and not three to five eight times that). Have you got the foot switches you could demo, possibly with some midi control into OBS or reaper ie simply a record pad toggle? Thanks again!
It does look like it’s getting harder to find and found one online shop saying that the Gigcaster has been discontinued! 😮 if that’s true, that’s a shame!
@@JohnPaulMusicUK I noticed something else - some over-eager marketer claimed the Gigcaster had 32Bit float recording! But I saw that in only one case... Still, for the size, its great!
This is an amazing piece of kit...for livestream...recording...and even for live mixing (I do guitar / vocal gigs and having that amount of processing in such a small footprint is gold!)....BUT.... there is one thing I think that would make it perfect. Touchscreens can simply be a real pain when you're setting levels or making adjustments. It would be really great if they'd add a dedicated physical knob that could control whatever option is selected on the screen. Rode has this...but the Rode products don't have nearly the amount of processing that Boss does.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Can happen there...but that's why they make control surfaces with assignable knobs / sliders. Everything can be done with a touch screen theoretically...but physical knobs just feel better (people are organic... and people like to have physical stuff that moves) AND they're simply more effective at making fine adjustments. I contacted Boss about this (and pointed out the difference in the Rode product) but I didn't get the impression they considered it a high priority. For me it's almost a dealbreaker. I'm deciding on the Rode or the Boss ...and while the Boss is more versatile in some ways and has far better processing and effects...the Rode DOES have that assignable knob.
Hi JP , thanks for the vid, super helpful as usual. One question - I connected to logic pro using multichannel stream etc (after lots of reboots and trouble getting the app to see the GCS 8 which is a problem I always have with boss apps eg. GX100 and pocket GT) and created two tracks, but when hit record only one track records. Is there a way to record more than one track at a time ? eg. recording mike and guitar separately (not on main input where they are mixed together). Thanks !
Hi John! I'm super impressed with the Gigcaster 8. I want to know if you can connect your phone via bluetooth so that you can take calls through the Gigcaster, listening through your headphones and using the mic that's connected to the Gigcaster as the mic input for the phone? Potentially also playing your computer sound as input for the phone so that the caller can listen to whatever is playing on your computer.
Hey Joe. Yes you can but it’s through the dedicated phone input on the mixer, as it has a send back so the person calling can hear you. Haven’t honestly tried it on the Bluetooth option but certainly works on the phone input but you have to physically plug your phone in.
Good morning. I am trying to set my Gigcaster 8 and RC 505 MKii up. I am new to all of this so please forgive me for my lack of knowledge of terms. I have (2) AT 2035 condenser microphones that I would like to hook up to my Gigcaster 8 (in order to use the singing and talking effects) before the audio goes into the MKii where I would like the option to use those effects as well. I would then like to do looping in the MKii and send all of the audio back to the Gigcaster 8 in order to record the loops onto the microSD card and use 2-4 sets of headphones to listen to everything. I would like to be able to do this just between these two units individually on the road and an option to add a Windows PC running Fruity Loops when I am at the house. I am getting feedback when I hook the MKii-L-output to Gigcaster-8-line-3-input via 1/4" cord. Roland said it can't be done but I am wondering with the use of a PC if I can put the Gigcaster 8 in multi track mode, seperate the inputs of mic and instruments (xlr/1/4" combo jacks 1-4 on the gigcaster 8) on the PC/DAW and send just those inputs out to the RC-505 MKii. I could then loop with that input and then send the whole mix via cable out from mkii to gigcaster in order to record onto SD card in 32 bit float. Im hoping this will work otherwise i am looking at having to buy a mixer, a 4 out headphone amplifier, and a 32 bit sound recorder. John Paul you have the two pieces of equipment I am trying to figure out and the knowledge and experience. Do you think this will work or would you go a different route?
So.. here’s the thing. It (sort of) can be done. Here’s how. 1) plug the mics into the Gigcaster 8 inputs 1&2 2) use a mini jack to 1/4 jack stereo cable and plug it into the first headphone port (front) 3) plug the other end of this into the RC-505mkii 4) IMPORTANT. - press the MUTE & HEADPHONE buttons underneath the faders of the mics on the Gigcaster 8. 5) then take the main jack output of the RC-505mkii and plug into inputs 3&4 using jacks. In the settings on the GigCaster on input 3 you can turn it to stereo (channels 3&4) 6) Then use that fader (fader 3 on the GigCaster) to control to level of the rc-505mkii. 7) plug the main outs of the GigCaster to your speaker as normal. What you have just done is muted inputs 1&2 from the main PA but selected them to be heard from the headphone port. You can still use the FX and the fader for each mic and input that in. This is not ideal but the ONLY way you can get the Gigcaster fx into a looper whilst also getting the looper BACK into the Gigcaster. Hope this helps but it is a pretty limiting option.
Very Helpful video even for the gc5, have you been able to figure out the tempo sync functionalities? I've been trying to get it setup with my DAW but its a brickwall lol
@@JohnPaulMusicUK update; contacted roland about it and they stated that DAW sync is not a function of the device as of now. Hoping thats possible to change in the future
Hi John, thank you for the Video! What's about effects for voice? Can we add some new once in the Preset? Like other, we want? Like a new user effect “Tempo Delay” and find another on the web and import it to the gig master with the software maybe?
Thanks. Here is the playlist of all the other GigCaster videos I’ve done so far: ua-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaaf6R1PaTwqR-WJxsIVLj6K.html&si=8ms_L-NyniL3NhPv
That was also my question... I bought the Gigacaster anyway, because the settings I can make on the device are suitable for my application. I have now connected the device to my Linux Mint laptop and it works as an audio interface without any further action! I can play back from the computer and have made a test recording with Audacity - perfect! I am absolutely happy!
@@davidknecht6865 I know it's a big ask but I think it would be helpful for other Linux users if you could even make a video recording with your phone or if you know how to do a screen cast using OBS or something it would be great to show people on UA-cam that this device does work on Linux and what works and doesn't.
Bro, I purchased the Boss loop station course from you and I really appreciate it, but dude I need serious help with my gig caster eight. It used to work just fine, I used it in logic pro all the time. Today I decided to go record something and it will not show up on my Mac. I spent an hour on the phone with Apple and they say it’s not on their end. Please help me dude.
Hey 👋 Oooh that’s weird. Okay a few things. Are you on the latest MacOS? Has the Mac been switched off and on again? Are plugging in usbc to usbc or via a hub? Have you tried the gigcaster with anything else like a phone or tablet to see if it works there?
Can the pad control midi in Logic in order to trigger drums?
Great Video JP! I'm really glad to have found your channel to help us with our gears. Your tutorials on Boss gears (and even on Loopy pro) are probably the only way for many of us to know how to thoroughly use our stuff. I really hope Boss is rewarding you for your hard work. It's literally their job to explain what you are taking care of.
Wow! What a compliment! 🙏
Thank you so much. Have a look at the playlists on my channel for the products. Hope they help. 😊
This thing already has so many features yet people ask for more and more. Just read the "GCS-8 Parameter Guide". Can you imagine how much more complicated it would get?
It would but I understand peoples frustration cause it’s not in their normal workflow. It’s a solution to some great things.. but people want one thing to do it all. It’s not a workstation or a computer less DAW. It’s a mixer with some good advanced features. Oh well, can’t please them all. 🤣
What a great collection of instruction videos. And a lot of info in each video. Thanks also for the personal advice John Paul. 😃
More than welcome 🙏
Thanks JP. Great work man. Really appreciate your time and expertise with this. Cheers 👍🏽😃🎤🎸
Welcome 🙏 here is the playlist of all the Gigcaster videos. Enjoy: ua-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaaf6R1PaTwqR-WJxsIVLj6K.html&si=TlKFaQn-BCuWy0WX
Thanks for sharing all that good info! We purchased a Gigcaster 5 with a GA-FC controller --this video really helped us to get the most out of our rig. Livesets! Similar BTS-type software we use for our Katana and GT-1 pedal is awesome. Way cool,thanks again for the tips.
Hi. Even I got a GA-FC pedal for my GC5 and it does work great. However, I noticed that we have 4 banks to program our switches but I haven't been able to find a way to switch between them using the GA-FC. Do you know if I need to buy another footswitch such as FS5/6/7 and connect it to my GA-FC to do that? The GC5 and GA-FC manual is silent on that.
I’ve been waiting for this video. Thank you. Great job. Time to plug mine into the computer !!
Welcome 🙏 here is the playlist of all the Gigcaster videos. Enjoy: ua-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaaf6R1PaTwqR-WJxsIVLj6K.html&si=TlKFaQn-BCuWy0WX
Great video! You are the master device teacher! I have seen other videos of yours that showcase the RC 500 looper. I now have both: Gigcaster 8 and RC 500. As a gigging musician, I would love to use the two together. Do you have a video that shows how you have done this? I also have bluetooth midi footswitches, as well as the GA-FC footswitch and expression pedals. Any video you recommend to show a configuration that uses the Gigcaster 8 feeding the looper, and all being controlled with MIDI and other footswitches? Input is guitar and mic, but may also use the HDP 20 drum.
I haven’t done this kind of video (yet) only the other one where I feed the RC-500 back into the GS-8. That might just be a good video with Bluetooth for the RC-500 and the GA-FC.
Powerhouse setup! Have done a few Bluetooth RC-500 videos. You might like this one: ua-cam.com/video/HDtgFgPkfXU/v-deo.htmlsi=_J0Ip0TogCpEKuP2
@@JohnPaulMusicUK I have seen that video and it is awesome and gave me some great ideas for configuration. Now, I would like to control that from the GC8 using the GA-FC pedal... I think this is possible because you can send MIDI commands from the GA-FC out to the GC8 but I think this is through MIDI over USB... I need your vast expertise to see how this can happen. The goal is to drive a set list from GC8 to configure GC8 vocals and guitar, AND set up looper accordingly. You are now challenged! I know, EASY PEASY for you! LOL
@lgovantes1 now I AM challenged! Haha
hello
I don't have these results
I don't have the tracks that appear in the DAW. what DAW do you use? how do you bridge the boss program and the DAW?
thank you very much good day
Second question: Did you ever tried to connect the gigcaster as a audio interface to iPad with all input channels, especially in the app GarageBand?
Would like to know this as well
Can you explan how the pitch correction and harmony is “guided”. Is it from an instrument signal from one of the Others Tracks, or is it guided only by your Own voice? Thanks
Just bought and set up my new Gig caster but I can't connect the audio to my OBS from is there a video or resource that I can view to
Thanks for doing this. One thing I was hoping to find out about is if the separate headphone outs are addressable from a computer or tablet to be able to set up individual headphone sends. In my case, I'd be using an ipad with Drambo or AUM and would like to be able to create custom sends for multiple collaborators. Thoughts?
Hey 👋
So atm unfortunately not. They are all the same output. I really hope they can do a firmware update to make it more customisable for the headphone output. That’s would be awesome!
Is there a way to upload your live set playlist in a file so i can see if the patch method works.
I just got mine on Thursday there. They are very scarce right now. Your videos on this are brilliant @JohnPaulMusicUK. I was going to update the firmware from 1.03 to 1.05 today but the guidance Boss gives is a bit confusing. The firmware download has 7 files. My PC gives me the GC8s folder to copy things to but the guidance tells me to drag a fille to an icon. Do I drag the 7 files over? Anyway, it works well as is and I couldn't be happier so far. There's a lot of fun to be had with this and my SM7b works a treat with it and I was able to record my phone's backing track and my guitar in multitrack mode, straight to Sonar X1. Ace!. 🙂👍
Ver.1.05 ] NOV 2023
- Fixed an issue that the pre-fader listen fails when HEADSET MIX MINUS is ON.
- Fixed an issue that could not work properly with the Librarian function of the Gigcaster App.
These are the main ones but there are a few bug fixes as well.
Aww thanks. There is also a Gigcaster Facebook group that’s pretty active for support. 😊 👍🏻
I record acoustic guitar to mobile phone but the signal too low. Question is how to up signal up. I connect to mobile in put (in front of Gigcaster-8) use TRRS cable
Hey 👋
So you are plugging in the phone into the headphone port in the front? Then you should be able to adjust the signal volume with the headphone #1 dial. That will be a TRS out of the Gigcaster.. so that might be why.. you might need a TRS - TRRS cable if that’s what the phone requires. Hope that helps.
Can I assign the faders on the Boss Gigcaster 5 as MIDI CC controllers and use them in a DAW? I want to use my Babyface Pro as an audio interface and the faders from the Boss Gigcaster 5 as MIDI CC controllers.
Great work JP. Thanks for doing what you do. One quick question. I use the pads to play audio clips on a pub quiz and sometimes I want to fade them out early. The clip will be faded and will play out nicely, but I may want to repeat just the first part of that clip. can the pads be programmed to fade on exit, rather than either restarting, or cutting off dead? TIA. :)
If you have the clips set to fade out, you can tap them a second time to stop instantly instead and then they are ready to be replayed again. 👍🏻 so you could set them all to ‘fade’ and then if you want them to just stop, it’s like a double tap. Hope that makes sense?
Any idea why an iphone is connected via Bluetooth but will play no audio? EQ on the Gigcaster shows the media being played. Windows just won't play it. Same with the assignable pads. When I hit them to play the WAV file, the EQ on the gigcaster will move, but windows will not play the sound. Thought this unit would be pretty simple but boy was I wrong.
The only thing I can think of is if you have the Gigcaster setup for multitrack recording and if the computer is not setup to receive more than channel 1&2 (stereo). Have you got the driver and software downloaded?
Thank you for the review. Can we use phone input in the front for keyboard in ?
Certainly can 👍🏻
So with this I could set a stereo effects chain from Logic and dedicate it to whatever channel on the boss and dial it in that way?
Great Job. Are there any News about the opportunity to adress the headphone outs individually?
Not yet 😔
Is it true that if I hook microphones to XLRs 2, 3, and 4 and I use effects on microphone hooked to XLR 2 then cannot use effects on 3 and 4?
Did you use any other 3rd party software to connect to OBS, I just bought the Gigcaster 8 and does not show up as an audio device in any USB audio mode in OBS.
Re- 10min 20 sec in.
Hi, it´s an amazing video, thank you. But i have a question. how looks the file in garageband, if i will woring with the multitrack wave file?
@JohnPaul Can you also use this mixer with Discord and my game sound and on different faders?
You can certainly have the computer come in on the connected fader 🎚️ but I’m unsure that you can split the different internal sources.
You would probably need some software like Blackhole or LoopBack to get the different internal signals to different places / faders.
hi JP great channel i recently got a gigcaster 8 my question is i want to use the vocal harmonies but want it to be defined by the guitar ,so it reads the chords .... and puts appropriate harmony onto the vocal ... where do i find this function ??? or what do i need to do to achieve this , i have guitar and vocals set up harmonies work but just that link i'm missing how to get the guitar to set key for vocal harmonies keep up the excellent work and love your channel
I downloaded and installed the related pc drivers, btw in my daw(Ableton 11 live lite) it records all the channels in only one track, what's wrong with that?
Lots is wrong with that.
Have you set the GigCaster to be multitrack?
Are you also using the GigCaster software to tell Ableton how to connect to it?
@@JohnPaulMusicUK of course I setup as multitrack, I also selected aux in from the usb general setup and I verified again the drivers installed from the boss website, maybe could be the Ableton live lite the matter?
Great video, quick question do they fades feature PFL (pre fade level)? Does this also feature on Gigcaster 5? If so ideal for radio production being able to talk to a caller off air for instance.
Hi JP, and a happy New Year to you. Just a quick one. Is there any need to hook up my TC acoustic live as well to gig with? or just go stright into the gc8. This would cut down on taking out less kit and I could use my RC500 to just play my backing track set list through. Any thoughts Buddy. Many thanks Steve W.😊
Certainly. If you get the right sound you want with the Gigcaster. 👍🏻
Only thing is the Natural Play Harmony with the TC-Helicon.
Hello thank you very very useful presentation. I just got a gigcaster recently and Plan to hook it up to an akaï force. I can’t seem to find any detailed information about the different ways to set up the relevant USB in order to get the audio moving the way I need it. Do you have any idea where to find such information. I would be very grateful if you could point me in the right direction.
Have you tried the reference guides?
www.boss.info/global/products/gigcaster_8/support/
How does it compare to a quiet audio interface like an SSL2?
Every time I use my Gigcaster 8 for a video conferencing, people complain about echo when they talk.
I can enable "Echo Cancelation" within the conferencing software (Zoom/StreamYard), but that reduces the sound quality for my live music work.
What am I doing wrong?
I think I found the answer.
Enable "Mix Minus" for the audio coming in from my PC :)
Hi JohnPaul. I came in a bit late for this so missed some. Will watch again. Questions: can you use a foot pedal to turn effects on/off during a song? How do the vocal effects compare to TC Helicon VL3/Play acoustic? Great videos, many thanks.
Yes you certainly can and the vocal effects are really nice. 👍🏻
Here is the playlist of all the Gigcaster videos. Enjoy: ua-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaaf6R1PaTwqR-WJxsIVLj6K.html&si=TlKFaQn-BCuWy0WX
I owned a TC Helicon VL3Extreme and The Play Acoustic. Both are brilliant devices, but for me the Gigcaster Series takes it up a notch. But you may have different needs than me! I am happy with that one box, that is an interface, digital mixer and gives me a complete set of effects and tools for voice/vocals and guitar. Oh, and i am using the Boss GA-FC EX - foot controller and it is such a great extension for the Gigcaster line! Switching on the tuner and muting the guitar (and other) signal with a single foot switch is quite nice. Switch 2 is for Singing-Effects on/off and Switch 3 & 4 are for different harmonics when one "those great choruses" is coming. Love it! 🤓👍
@@tapatvdeHi. Do you have to programme the key for the harmony on the gigcaster or can it work from the chords of a plugged in guitar like the TC VL3 or play acoustic?
@@reveller You can set the harmonies for HRM1 Voice and for HRM2 Voice individually in fixed steps from Unsison, Oct-, -6th, 5th, -4th, -3rd, +3rd, +4th, +5th, +6th, Oct+. There are many other dials for Pan, Delay, Accuracy, Vibrato, Formant, Tone and more for each of those two Harmony Voicelines. So i guess it's using musical logic for the harmony creation. Directly before the Harmony effect in the effect chain is also the Pitch Correction, that one can set to Chromatic or to a key.
@@tapatvde Thanks for this info. Can it track the guitar chords to produce the harmony without setting the key?
How about using GCS8 with Loopy Pro?
Now THAT is a good shout!
Really want to know if this can work. Would love the gt effect on vocals And guitar And be automated by Loopy pro sequencer
Hi JP, I would like to know more about the USB - there are 3 modes, first, "2 Mix" works as a standard usb class-compliant soundcard, second "mtk-record" creates a single interface with bunch of inputs and outputs and third "mtk-streaming" creates a bunch of sound cards visible in OS. Is it so, that in this mode I can take physical input 1 and use it in DAW, while in the same time I can set default OS' audio output to some other one and play a backing track from YT?
And what does the USB Aux On/Off actually mean? If I send output from the DAW to guitar input 1, then will it be mixed or in there a setting to mute dry signal and replace it with the one from USB?
Does all of it applies to Windows, or only to Mac?
Can you use it with Logic as a mixer to use the sliders to mix tracks all ready in Logic?
What’s the trick to use the gigcaster to an iPad for GarageBand
That’s an interesting concept.
Are we wanting the fx from the GigCaster to record into GarageBand? Or using the sounds from GarageBand to go into the GigCaster?
Maybe if it’s the first one, check this out but just replace the looper with GarageBand - ua-cam.com/video/G577mLjwPZ4/v-deo.htmlsi=LNVvV79N1XQZYXAc
@@JohnPaulMusicUK def the first one. I want to use it as a DAW for recording guitar.
Can anyone please tell me if I can use a usb microphone with this?
How connect?
Channel 5 on the mixer is for USB inputs using the USB-C on the back.
Amazing..
Do you use Gigcaster withe Android phones? Thank you
I use mine with an iPhone but you certainly can. 👍🏻
@JohnPaulMusicUK
Thank you... I play Alone .. but I am looking something to record my music
This can certainly do that. 👍🏻
@@JohnPaulMusicUK
Thank you ... 5 I don't see sd for recording 😕
Except the sound is very low in my video recordings .. it’s driving me nuts ..
I’m sorry to hear that. The main fader does control the recording as well as the main output.
Hi thanks for a very informative video ! I was wondering about the actual quality of the audio interface as compared to say the Apollo interface or other mid to pro interfaces? Not sure if you have an interface to compare it to , but would be great if you could give me an idea thanks
So this is where it differs.. kHz.
The Apollo's run at 24 bit and the Gigcaster is 32 bit.. but the Gigcaster runs at a 48kHz sampling rate where as most dedicated mid to pro audio interfaces run as a MUCH higher sampling rate..
Even the Apollo Solo (2in 4 out) runs at 192kHz! Even the basic Scarlett 2i2 4th gen runs an A/D Conversion at 24-bit/192kHz.
This is what you want for pro recording the higher the kHz the better provided that you are working in that space on your DAW and your computer can handle the sample rate.. but to be honest, most DAWS can.
Then there are world class Preamp in audio interfaces from certain brands. some have their own which are widely celebrated whilst others insert preamps from other manufacturers or build their own. then there is the I/o the physical connections, are the guitar inputs Hi-Z, it is jack or xlr or combi inputs, USB add ons.. this is why the playing field is so big.
If you are building a home or pro studio, you will want to go with a dedicated Audio interface.
Hope that helps.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks John Paul. Just the advice i needed. I actually have a Blacklion revolution audio interface that has a good spec including running at 192khz. I was half thinking of selling the interface and using the gigcaster but have just put the gigcaster 8 on ebay just now £405 so not a bad deal for someone ! Thanks again :) Paul form Wales
Hi again JohnPaul. Hope you don't mind me asking you this last time ! If we lay aside the 48k limitation would you say the preamps ie the recorded sound of audio compares favorably with say the Apollo or other mid pro interfaces? Or for the price of the Gigcaster that would be too much to expect? I mean , would the Gigcaster be pro enough to master release stuff Thanks
What kind of cable do you need to power it just by USB. I have tried 2.0 3.0 all different ports as well as a USB 3.0 power hub and it comes back saying not enough power.
Needs to be USB-C to C for power delivery of this size.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK okay. Thank you. I enjoy your video series on getting this thing up and running. Is it even possible to hear the boss gigcaster or effects through computer USB speakers? I currently cannot figure out how to route and get it to play.
JohnPaul, have you figured out what setlists in the Gigcaster app actually do, or how to use them on Gigcaster hardware? So far, they have failed to write to the Gigcaster, though the app says that they have done so. And drag-and-drop doesn't work with presets in the app either. I can't see what use they are, or how to use them at all. Have you found anything?
Statists change the order of the user effects for you for both guitar, voice or speech. Sorry it’s not working for you.
Have you contacted Boss Support?
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Yes, and got no response. So you do have setlists working?
Thanks💕🎶
Welcome 🙏 here is the playlist of all the Gigcaster videos. Enjoy: ua-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaaf6R1PaTwqR-WJxsIVLj6K.html&si=TlKFaQn-BCuWy0WX
Thanks so much for your comprehensive review of the features. I am really enjoying puttering with the whole lot! I checked into the boss tone studio apps and in particular the GT 1000 seems like the most OP modelling interface imaginable- is there any way to download and import those patches as user patches into the gigcaster? I had been terribly worried about trying a non-Boss/Roland expression pedal because the manual listed compatible models and cautioned you could damage the unit with a non-branded pedal. I checked with Thomann guitar and keyboard departments, enquiring if there was some kind of firmware signature on the listed models that would make other pedals incompatible, and they assured me worst case scenario wasn't any damage but they might simply not work... Good news was it worked fine for 19.99!(and not three to five eight times that). Have you got the foot switches you could demo, possibly with some midi control into OBS or reaper ie simply a record pad toggle? Thanks again!
Its hard to find this little mixer!
Is this discontinued?
It does look like it’s getting harder to find and found one online shop saying that the Gigcaster has been discontinued! 😮 if that’s true, that’s a shame!
@@JohnPaulMusicUK I noticed something else - some over-eager marketer claimed the Gigcaster had 32Bit float recording!
But I saw that in only one case...
Still, for the size, its great!
This is an amazing piece of kit...for livestream...recording...and even for live mixing (I do guitar / vocal gigs and having that amount of processing in such a small footprint is gold!)....BUT.... there is one thing I think that would make it perfect. Touchscreens can simply be a real pain when you're setting levels or making adjustments. It would be really great if they'd add a dedicated physical knob that could control whatever option is selected on the screen. Rode has this...but the Rode products don't have nearly the amount of processing that Boss does.
That’s fair. Yeah in the thick of a gig with humidity or sweaty or clammy hands from playing. A touch screen can sometimes be difficult. I hear you.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Can happen there...but that's why they make control surfaces with assignable knobs / sliders. Everything can be done with a touch screen theoretically...but physical knobs just feel better (people are organic... and people like to have physical stuff that moves) AND they're simply more effective at making fine adjustments. I contacted Boss about this (and pointed out the difference in the Rode product) but I didn't get the impression they considered it a high priority. For me it's almost a dealbreaker. I'm deciding on the Rode or the Boss ...and while the Boss is more versatile in some ways and has far better processing and effects...the Rode DOES have that assignable knob.
Hi JP , thanks for the vid, super helpful as usual. One question - I connected to logic pro using multichannel stream etc (after lots of reboots and trouble getting the app to see the GCS 8 which is a problem I always have with boss apps eg. GX100 and pocket GT) and created two tracks, but when hit record only one track records. Is there a way to record more than one track at a time ? eg. recording mike and guitar separately (not on main input where they are mixed together). Thanks !
Can you edit audio on this thing?
No, it’s a recorder but not an editor.
Hi John! I'm super impressed with the Gigcaster 8. I want to know if you can connect your phone via bluetooth so that you can take calls through the Gigcaster, listening through your headphones and using the mic that's connected to the Gigcaster as the mic input for the phone? Potentially also playing your computer sound as input for the phone so that the caller can listen to whatever is playing on your computer.
Hey Joe. Yes you can but it’s through the dedicated phone input on the mixer, as it has a send back so the person calling can hear you. Haven’t honestly tried it on the Bluetooth option but certainly works on the phone input but you have to physically plug your phone in.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK that’s awesome! Thank you so much for taking the time to reply!
Someone said the unit they bought smells quite bad - did they just get a weird unit or did you notice the same?
That’s weird! No unusual smells from mine!
Good morning.
I am trying to set my Gigcaster 8 and RC 505 MKii up. I am new to all of this so please forgive me for my lack of knowledge of terms.
I have (2) AT 2035 condenser microphones that I would like to hook up to my Gigcaster 8 (in order to use the singing and talking effects) before the audio goes into the MKii where I would like the option to use those effects as well.
I would then like to do looping in the MKii and send all of the audio back to the Gigcaster 8 in order to record the loops onto the microSD card and use 2-4 sets of headphones to listen to everything.
I would like to be able to do this just between these two units individually on the road and an option to add a Windows PC running Fruity Loops when I am at the house.
I am getting feedback when I hook the MKii-L-output to Gigcaster-8-line-3-input via 1/4" cord.
Roland said it can't be done but I am wondering with the use of a PC if I can put the Gigcaster 8 in multi track mode, seperate the inputs of mic and instruments (xlr/1/4" combo jacks 1-4 on the gigcaster 8) on the PC/DAW and send just those inputs out to the RC-505 MKii. I could then loop with that input and then send the whole mix via cable out from mkii to gigcaster in order to record onto SD card in 32 bit float.
Im hoping this will work otherwise i am looking at having to buy a mixer, a 4 out headphone amplifier, and a 32 bit sound recorder.
John Paul you have the two pieces of equipment I am trying to figure out and the knowledge and experience. Do you think this will work or would you go a different route?
So.. here’s the thing. It (sort of) can be done.
Here’s how.
1) plug the mics into the Gigcaster 8 inputs 1&2
2) use a mini jack to 1/4 jack stereo cable and plug it into the first headphone port (front)
3) plug the other end of this into the RC-505mkii
4) IMPORTANT. - press the MUTE & HEADPHONE buttons underneath the faders of the mics on the Gigcaster 8.
5) then take the main jack output of the RC-505mkii and plug into inputs 3&4 using jacks. In the settings on the GigCaster on input 3 you can turn it to stereo (channels 3&4)
6) Then use that fader (fader 3 on the GigCaster) to control to level of the rc-505mkii.
7) plug the main outs of the GigCaster to your speaker as normal.
What you have just done is muted inputs 1&2 from the main PA but selected them to be heard from the headphone port. You can still use the FX and the fader for each mic and input that in.
This is not ideal but the ONLY way you can get the Gigcaster fx into a looper whilst also getting the looper BACK into the Gigcaster.
Hope this helps but it is a pretty limiting option.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK thank you so much. I will give it a go and let you know. God bless you my friend.
Very Helpful video even for the gc5, have you been able to figure out the tempo sync functionalities? I've been trying to get it setup with my DAW but its a brickwall lol
I haven’t yet no as I haven’t needed it but I’ll get into it.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK update; contacted roland about it and they stated that DAW sync is not a function of the device as of now. Hoping thats possible to change in the future
Hi John, thank you for the Video! What's about effects for voice? Can we add some new once in the Preset? Like other, we want? Like a new user effect “Tempo Delay” and find another on the web and import it to the gig master with the software maybe?
Super
Thanks. Here is the playlist of all the other GigCaster videos I’ve done so far: ua-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaaf6R1PaTwqR-WJxsIVLj6K.html&si=8ms_L-NyniL3NhPv
Top!!!!
🙏
Has anyone got this working on Linux? I can't find any info on Google so I'm thinking no but just checking if anyone here knows.
Haven’t seen Linux support as it need app and drivers to talk to it
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks, Roland/Boss confirmed Linux is a no go.
That was also my question... I bought the Gigacaster anyway, because the settings I can make on the device are suitable for my application. I have now connected the device to my Linux Mint laptop and it works as an audio interface without any further action! I can play back from the computer and have made a test recording with Audacity - perfect! I am absolutely happy!
@@davidknecht6865 wow, no kidding eh? That's unexpected . Have you tried using ardour to send multiple tracks instead of just stereo out?
@@davidknecht6865 I know it's a big ask but I think it would be helpful for other Linux users if you could even make a video recording with your phone or if you know how to do a screen cast using OBS or something it would be great to show people on UA-cam that this device does work on Linux and what works and doesn't.
Bro, I purchased the Boss loop station course from you and I really appreciate it, but dude I need serious help with my gig caster eight.
It used to work just fine, I used it in logic pro all the time. Today I decided to go record something and it will not show up on my Mac.
I spent an hour on the phone with Apple and they say it’s not on their end. Please help me dude.
Hey 👋
Oooh that’s weird. Okay a few things.
Are you on the latest MacOS?
Has the Mac been switched off and on again?
Are plugging in usbc to usbc or via a hub?
Have you tried the gigcaster with anything else like a phone or tablet to see if it works there?