BOSS GM-800 Guitar Synthesizer
Go digital with your ZETA or Cantini violin's divided pickup and MIDI output by connecting to the BOSS GM-800. Driven by the newly developed Serial GK interface, the advanced ZEN-Core engine 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. Freely combine and edit Tones with the intuitive Scene workflow, color sounds with a huge selection of effects, and explore a universe of fresh content on Roland Cloud.
*The BOSS GM-800 5-pin MIDI input is compatible with the 8-pin outputs of current MIDI-equipped ZETA and Cantini electric instruments with the help of the BOSS GKC-AD Analog to Digital Converter and BOSS BCK Serial GK/Digital Audio cable (sold separately).
Overview
- Advanced ZEN-Core sound engine derived from flagship Roland synthesizers
- Natural playing feel and solid tracking stability, realized through high-performance DSP
- Powerful Scene workflow with four Tones plus Rhythm
- Vast onboard sound library with over 1200 Tones and 70 Rhythm sounds
Over 1200 Sounds at Your FingertipsThe ZEN-Core engine combines modern PCM synthesis and advanced modeling to bring you an infinite playground for sonic discovery. Play acoustic pianos, EPs, organs, and orchestral instruments. Tap into classic Roland synths like the JUPITER-8, JUNO-106, and many others. And combine them all together to build sounds never heard before. |
Four Tones Plus RhythmThe GM-800 features four Tone parts plus a Rhythm part filled with acoustic and electronic percussion sounds. Call up a part with the dedicated panel buttons, then explore a deep array of synth parameters, pitch settings, alternate tunings, and string assignments to shape sounds to perfection. |
Intuitive Scene WorkflowThe ZEN-Core workflow is based around Scenes, which are “super patches” containing every element in a sound: Tone selection, parameters tweaks, sensitivity and other play settings, effects, and more. And thanks to the muscular DSP, you can carry over the sound of the current Scene as you select a new one for seamless musical transitions. There are 150 user-configurable Scenes, and 100 come with pro sounds ready to play immediately. |
Roland Cloud ExpansionThe GM-800 supports an ever-growing range of creative options through Roland Cloud. Stay inspired with ZEN-Core Sound Packs and Wave Expansions. And play the ZENOLOGY synthesizer and legendary Roland instruments in your DAW from your instrument. You can start using Roland Cloud right away with a free Roland Account and access additional content via three paid membership levels. All plans start with a free 30-day Ultimate trial to experience everything Roland Cloud has to offer. |
Dedicated MFX for Each PartAlong with their sound-shaping parameters, every Tone and Rhythm part has a dedicated MFX processor. Each offers over 90 effect types, including distortions, filters, mod effects, delays, and more. Many selections include two effect types for additional sound-shaping control. |
Scene and System EffectsWithin every Scene, you also get two additional FX for processing the combined sound, plus high-quality chorus/delay and reverb effects with independent send levels from each part. And with the Master Comp and EQ, you can shape the GM-800’s sound output for any recording or performance setup. |
Limitless ExpressionThe GM-800 lets you harness an endless variety of sonic textures using the expressive playing characteristics of your instrument. Optimize the performance with continuous pitch control or chromatic operation. Layer Tones to create rich, combined voices. Or assign them to individual strings, such as a bass sound on the low strings and a piano or sax sound on the high strings. You can even assign Tones to specific fingerboard ranges, a powerful new feature made possible with the GM-800’s advanced pitch detection. |
Next-Gen Tracking System for Best Ever PlayabilityThe GM-800 delivers accuracy, stability, and real-time playability standards that far exceed previous systems, realized through skilled BOSS engineering and a high-speed processor dedicated solely to tracking. Multiple velocity and feel parameters let you dial in the optimal response for every sound and style. For example, you can set a Scene with piano sounds to respond to every dynamic nuance—from soft to loud—while setting another Scene with vintage analog synth sounds to the fixed velocity response found in the original instruments. |
Compact PerformanceThe streamlined GM-800 flows smoothly from desktop operation to installation on an advanced pedalboard. The four footswitches default to Scene selection and two unique control settings, such as pedal hold, pitch bend, or Tone selection. But you can freely assign them to control a variety of functions via a powerful Assign matrix. Two external control jacks are also available, each supporting up to two footswitches or an expression pedal. And with five-pin MIDI I/O, you can interface with MIDI equipment from vintage to modern. |
Edit Sounds with BOSS Tone StudioCraft Scenes in detail from your computer using the BOSS Tone Studio software for the GM-800. Set up Tones, string assignments, sensitivity, and more from a large, friendly interface. Then use the Librarian function to organize your Scenes for different songs and performances. |
Audio/MIDI InterfaceWith a single USB cable, you can capture GM-800 sounds as audio tracks in a DAW and “re-synth” sounds in a similar way to the re-amp technique used with standard guitar tones. A Guitar to MIDI function is also available, allowing you to play virtual instruments over USB and trigger hardware sound modules via the MIDI output. |
MIDI Sound ModuleThe versatile GM-800 can do double duty as a compact, go-everywhere MIDI sound module. Connect a keyboard or other MIDI controller to the five-pin MIDI input to play sounds live. Or use the ZEN-Core engine as a premium USB sound source within your music production workflow. |
Specs
| Sound Generator | ZEN-Core |
| Parts | 5 parts (Play part: 4, Rhythm part: 1) |
| Tones | Preset tone: 1,200 or greater Preset Drum Kit: 70 or greater Import tone: 256 |
| Scenes | 150 |
| Effects | Part Multi-Effects: 1 system (for each part), 93 types Part EQ: 1 system (for each part) Reverb: 7 types Chorus/Delay: 9 types Scene MFX: 2 systems (Serial or Parallel selectable), 93 types Master EQ / Comp |
| Nominal Output Level | OUTPUT (L/PHONES, R/MONO): -10 dBu |
| Maximum Output Level | OUTPUT (L/PHONES, R/MONO): +7 dBu |
| Output Impedance | OUTPUT (L/PHONES, R/MONO): 44 ohms |
| Recommended Load Impedance | OUTPUT (L/PHONES, R/MONO): 10 k ohms or greater (Phones: 44 ohms or greater) |
| Controls | SCENE DOWN switch, SCENE UP switch, CTL1--2 switches PART1--4 buttons, PART R button, EXIT button, WRITE button, MENU button, PAGE buttons 1--4 knobs, SELECT knob, OUTPUT LEVEL knob |
| Display | Graphic LCD 256 x 80 dots |
| Connectors | GK IN jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type (for BGK cable only) GK OUT jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type (for BGK cable only) OUTPUT (L/PHONES) jacks: 1/4-inch TRS phone type OUTPUT (R/MONO) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type CTL3, 4/EXP1 jack, CTL5, 6/EXP2 jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type USB COMPUTER port: USB B type (supports High-Speed USB, USB Audio, and USB MIDI) USB MEMORY port MIDI connectors (IN, OUT) DC IN jack |
| External Memory | USB Flash drive (sold separately) |
| Power Supply | AC adaptor |
| Current Draw | 840 mA |
| Accessories | AC adaptor (PSB-1U + AC Cord Set) Quick Start Leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY“ Rubber foot x 4 |
Size & Weight
| Width | 246 mm 9-11/16 inches |
| Depth | 134 mm 5-9/32 inches |
| Height | 63 mm 2-31/64 inches |
| Height (including rubber foot) | 65 mm 2-9/16 inches |
| Weight (excluding AC adaptor) | 1.2 kg 2 lbs 9 oz |
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