Boss Introduces the Waza Amp Head and Cabinet, VB-2W Vibrato, ES-5 Effects Switching System, and More

Waza Craft VB-2W Vibrato
Release Date: January 2016

Originally produced from 1982 to 1986, the VB-2 Vibrato is a rare BOSS pedal that has become highly prized on the used market through the years. This innovative analog stompbox creates vibrato with true pitch modulation, enabling guitarists and bassists to achieve rich, expressive effects without physically bending their strings. For example, players can easily produce consistent, controlled vibrato sounds similar to fretless string instruments like violin and cello, and apply natural vibrato to full chords without using a whammy bar. At extreme settings, the pedal is also capable of warble sounds and dramatic special effects.

With the Waza Craft VB-2W, BOSS has recreated the original pedal while adding more range and control. In Standard mode, the VB-2W faithfully reproduces the warm, BBD-driven analog tone of the VB-2. Like the original, the user can adjust the vibrato rate and depth, and also control the time it takes for the effect to reach full intensity (called the “rise time”). A Latch setting provides normal stompbox on/off control, while Unlatch engages the effect only when the pedal switch is held, perfect for naturally applying vibrato effects as needed while playing.

Flipping the VB-2W’s mode switch to Custom produces a newly developed vibrato tone that offers more depth than the original effect. In addition, a low-pass filter moves along with the pitch for bold low-range tones. The VB-2W also features a jack for controlling the effect depth with an optional expression pedal, or via the powerful external control capabilities of the BOSS ES-8 Effects Switching System.

BOSS is pleased to announce the BC-1X Bass Comp, an all-new compact pedal designed for bass. Driven by advanced BOSS technology, the BC-1X provides studio-level multi-band compression specifically optimized for the needs of performing and recording bassists. Transparent, powerful and easy to use, the BC-1X allows the player to dial in a wide range of compression without altering their fundamental bass tone.

Released one year ago, the BB-1X Bass Driver has become a favorite of players everywhere thanks to its great tone-shaping ability and useful functions. Now, the BC-1X Bass Comp leverages the massive power of innovative MDP technology to bring another essential tool to bassists.

Simple and intuitive to operate, the BC-1X is equipped with the familiar Ratio, Threshold, Release and Level controls found in studio compressors. A 16-segment gain reduction meter clearly displays the amount of compression at all times, a high-end feature rarely seen in a stompbox compressor. Unlike typical compressors that work on the entire signal at once, the BC-1X employs multi-band compression, where different frequency ranges are processed separately to create a more refined and pure overall sound.

While the BC-1X’s controls are straightforward, there’s a lot of complex processing going on when the knobs are turned, making it easy to get great sounds at any setting. As the user plays, the MDP engine analyzes the signal and applies the appropriate amount of compression based on frequency range and playing dynamics. This ensures that the sound is even and balanced at all times, and that the instrument’s voice always remains true, even with extreme compressor settings.

The BC-1X’s input circuitry provides pro-level performance, with ample headroom for hot signals from active basses. The pedal also features extremely low noise in comparison with other compressors, another benefit brought by MDP technology.

BOSS is pleased to introduce the VO-1 Vocoder, a unique and innovative compact pedal that puts the expressiveness of the human voice in the hands of guitarists and bassists. By vocalizing into a connected microphone as they play, the VO-1 allows a musician to “sing” with their instrument and easily achieve classic electronic voice textures, talk box sounds, and countless tones never heard before. The pedal also includes a Choir mode for creating rich ensemble sounds with any instrument, without the need to connect an external mic.

The VO-1 Vocoder harnesses the expression of the human voice by allowing the user to control the tone of their instrument via vocal manipulation. While keyboardists have used vocoders to create voice-like textures with synthesizers for decades, guitar and bass players have had limited access to this capability. Now, the VO-1 gives them this inspiring creative tool in a battery-powered stompbox that’s simple to operate.

Driven by newly developed BOSS technology, the VO-1’s four selectable modes deliver sounds that go well beyond the range of typical vocoders. Vintage mode produces the familiar synthesized voice sounds heard on numerous pop and electronic music records, while Advanced mode offers an array of all-new vocoder tones. Talk Box mode provides the famous “talking” lead guitar tones first popularized in the 1970s, but without the complication and hassles of a traditional talk box rig. Finally, Choir mode creates rich, impressive vocal textures from a direct instrument input.

The VO-1 is equipped with a 1/4-inch input for connecting a guitar, bass or other instrument, plus an XLR mic input to drive the vocoder engine. Tone and Color knobs provide a wide range of sound variation over the selected mode, while Level and Blend knobs control the overall volume and direct/effect mix. Send and Return jacks are also provided, allowing the user to patch in an external effect and apply it to the direct sound.

BOSS is excited to announce the Waza Amp, an all-new professional guitar amplifier with companion speaker cabinets. The 150-watt Waza Amp Head comes standard with the ultimate high-gain tone that’s been sought after by rock guitarists for decades. Driven by Tube Logic, the amp provides four independent channels, custom voicing options via two Tone Capsules, and many other advanced features. One Tone Capsule is built into the Waza Amp Head that features the legendary brown sound, and there’s a user port for adding an optional second Tone Capsule for future expansion.

The Japanese term “Waza” embodies the highest level of art and technique, achieved only through years of tireless dedication to one’s craft. Like the acclaimed Waza Craft pedal series, this new amp and cabinet proudly carry this Waza name and symbol to represent the pinnacle of BOSS’ technical knowledge, design wisdom and master craftsmanship.

First introduced with the Roland Blues Cube amplifier series, the Tube Logic design has received praise from top players around the world for its rich, responsive and authentic tube tone. In the Waza Amp Head, Tube Logic has been used to create a highly versatile multi-channel guitar amp for pro players, with a special focus on the ultimate high-gain “modded” tone.

The Waza Amp Head features four independent channels: Clean, Crunch, Lead 1, and Lead 2. Clean and Crunch share one four-band EQ, while Lead 1 and Lead 2 share a second four-band EQ. All amplifier channels can be instantly re-voiced with the three-way Amplifier selector knob for amp character variation: legendary rock tone in the Internal position, a pre-installed “Waza Brown Sound” Tone Capsule in the Amplifier A position, and an optional Amplifier B Tone Capsule slot inside the amp for future expansion.

Armed with 150 watts of power, the Waza Amp Head has ample volume for big stages and high-end touring applications. The amp also includes a variable power control with Max, 100 W, 50 W and 1 W settings, enabling users to get cranked amp tones at lower volumes. Unlike simple power attenuators that can affect an amp’s tone and feel, the Waza Amp Head’s power control works directly with the internal power supply to ensure great performance at every setting.

The amp’s rear panel includes two effects loops, an XLR line output, and USB for direct recording to a computer. Three speaker outputs provide connection to the Waza Amp Cabinet 412 and 212, or other speaker cabs. There’s also a jack for connecting an included foot controller for channel switching and effects loop selection. Finally, a MIDI input allows the amp to be controlled via a MIDI switching device such as the BOSS ES-8 or ES-5.

The companion Waza Amp Cabinet 412 and 212 provide optimized performance with custom-made 12-inch speakers and heavy-duty plywood construction. It’s also possible to stack two Cabinets (Cabinet 212 only) to achieve a classic look and enhanced sound projection while performing.

BOSS is excited to announce the Steve Vai Legacy Tone Capsule, a user-installable voicing circuit for the innovative BOSS Waza guitar amplifier. Developed by BOSS engineers in partnership with guitar legend Steve Vai, the Tone Capsule changes the sound and response characteristics of the original Waza amp to provide custom voicings approved by the artist himself.

The Japanese term “Waza” embodies the highest level of art and technique, achieved only through years of tireless dedication to one’s craft. Like the acclaimed Waza Craft pedal series, this new amp and cabinet proudly carry this Waza name and symbol to represent the pinnacle of BOSS’s technical knowledge, design wisdom and master craftsmanship.

Waza Amp is an all-new professional guitar amplifier with companion speaker cabinets. The 150-watt Waza Amp Head comes standard with the ultimate high-gain tone that’s been sought after by rock guitarists for decades. Driven by Tube Logic, the amp provides four independent channels, custom voicing options via two Tone Capsules, and many other advanced features. One Tone Capsule is built into the Waza Amp Head that features the legendary brown sound, and there’s a user port for adding an optional second Tone Capsule.

The Steve Vai Legacy Tone Capsule is a modification circuit that re-voices the tube characteristics of the original Waza Amp. BOSS engineers worked closely with Steve to produce ideal compression on each string and precise audio response at any volume. Injecting key elements of the Legacy amp, the Tube Logic circuit modifies the tone to produce Steve’s signature sound. From smooth sustaining lead tones to warm, wide and dynamic clean response, the Steve Vai Legacy Tone Capsule embodies that iconic sound.

“The Legacy Tone Capsule offers an ideal Legacy amp tone in a little glowing tube. It’s the lightest 1000 pounds of audio creamery that you can ever carry in your pocket,” said Steve Vai.

BOSS is pleased to announce the ES-5 Effects Switching System, an advanced audio command center for pedalboards. Offering the essential features of the flagship ES-8 in a smaller size, the ES-5 is ideal for ready-made pedalboards and pro travel rigs. Equipped with five audio loops, extensive real-time control capabilities, MIDI and more, the ES-5 allows all guitarists and bassists to explore the benefits of BOSS’s powerful switching technology.

Professional touring players have used sophisticated effects switching systems for decades. These systems enable them to recall complex effects combinations at the touch of a button, and to easily control various effects parameters in real time. Most importantly, they’re designed to constantly maintain the cleanest tone by running the instrument signal through effects only when needed. With the ES-8 and ES-5, BOSS now puts these powerful capabilities within reach of all stompbox users.

Like the ES-8 that it’s based on, the ES-5 represents a major leap out of the box from standard effects switchers, offering unprecedented capability without sacrificing sound quality. The audio path has been developed for pure signal transfer to preserve tone, and the integrated switches provide robust, reliable performance show after show. In addition, the ES-5 offers an impressive range of control features that go far beyond typical pedalboard switching systems.

With its compact size, the ES-5 is perfect for players who want power and creative flexibility without committing to a large, complicated pedalboard setup. An easy fit on many off-the-shelf pedalboards, the ES-5 offers a massive boost in programmable control over simpler loop switchers that occupy a similar footprint.

The on/off state and connection order of the ES-5’s audio loops can be stored in 200 patch memories for instant recall. Input and output buffers can be switched on/off as needed per patch as well. External control outputs are available for switching amp channels, sending tap tempo information, and more, while an expression pedal or two footswitches can be connected for further real-time control. In addition, the ES-5 features powerful MIDI capabilities for integrating with MIDI-controlled stomp effects like the BOSS DD-500 Digital Delay and many others.