Boss VF-1 24-BIT Multiple Effects Processor user reviews ( 9/10) - 10 user reviews

• 03/21/11

  Hatsubai's review "Rare Half Rack Processor"

  Characteristics

  The VF-1 was a multi effects processor that Boss released for awhile. It was, and still is, one of the few half rack effects processors out there. Their goal was to basically put every Boss pedal effect inside this small unit as well as guitar modeling and mic emulation. You can add a footswitch, MIDI and expression pedals all to the back of this little device. It was mostly made for guitar, but you can use it for other applications as well.

  Utilization

  Boss did a great job at laying everything out in this. The buttons feel nice and tactical, and the knobs are sturdy. The fact that they managed to fit everything in a half rack box is amazing in and of itself. The buttons are clearly labeled on the front, and there aren't too hard to read in a dimly lit stage. The LCD is big and clear, so there is never an issue with seeing what you're trying to modify when making patches. Making and adjusting patches is also a breeze with this unit. The manual can assist you with anything you need, but just playing with it should be sufficient.

  Sound Quality

  The sound of this unit isn't bad. The weakest point is probably the guitar modeling/microphone aspect of it. It still sounds like a modeler, and more importantly, it still feels like a modeler. This can be a bit of a turn off, but if you're looking to mainly use it for effects, it's quite nice. All the effects are laid out nicely, rich sounding and easy to adjust.

  Overall Opinion

  If you're looking for a half rack effects processor, your choices are fairly limited. Given that requirement, I'd say this is a device worth looking into. However, there are other units out there, albeit full rack units, that are better. I much preferred the Rocktron Intellifex for delays, reverbs and chorusing sounds. However, that's a 1U device. If space is of utmost concern, definitely check this effects processor out.
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• 01/13/03

  MGR/Calvin(Parablue)'s review "Boss VF-1"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sound Quality

  Overall Opinion

  Paid:$850(Australian)
  
  Was originally looking for an effect which could convert a male voice to a female voice and was recommended this effect. Funny, when i bought it i didn't even know it was a multieffects, only felt it was the only equipment capable of the task besides the VT-1
  
  
  
  I'm still discovering this effect and have been very pleased with it. My current setup is large, but just refering to the guitar section in my studio, this is how it goes:
  
  Boss VF-1>Boss Mt-2>Boss PSM-5>Boss DD-5>Boss OD-2>Boss CS-3>Boss NS-2>Vox>Marshall Valvestate VS100
  
  Spare Pedals: Digitech XP-100 Whammy Wah, Boss CE-5, Boss GE-7, Boss PH-2, Boss LS-2
  
  With such a large library of effects, what i can say is that the VF-1, just as any multeffects racks would be has very strong delays, chorus, reverbs and is very versatile having many other functions like Amp simulators, vocoders, effects for keyboards, bass etc. It really works well as a central unit in my studio. However, what really makes it surpass other units i feel is it's individual control of every parameters in each effect. For me, i play with sound mixing programs like Sonar and Logic and thus understand the importance of these parameters, so commonly are there many pedals and multieffects out there that has parameters made so easy, it's only suitable for the novice musician. The VF-1 has such a large option of parameters to control, it's potential is very strong, giving accessibility to do many things.
  
  It's acoustic sound is fantastic, and is especially strong in it's clean effects, i just took one day to control a clean acoustic-like sound that is fantastic in every account, controlled every parameter, from EQs, to reverbs etc, it even allowed me to control my mic distance in the amp simulator. In the end, my sound ended up rich, warm, acoustic and with the thickness and roundness. It would be hopeless creating such a sound with my other boss pedals. I'm still discovering more sound as days passed.
  
  
  
  As usual, since the VF-1 is a multieffects RACK, it has poor, weak distortion and overdrive. I used to have a Zoom Valve DSP which was so bad i sold it off at 30% of the price. And the Yamaha FX200 wasn't good as well in distortion and overdrive. In conclusion, all multieffects RACKs aren't good in distortion and overdrive, that's why they are normally mixed with Pedals like MT-2 and OD-2. However, Multieffects RACKs normally have a sweeter, cleaner, spacious sound as compared with pedals.
  
  The VF-1's Male to female pitch effect is hopeless, as i start singing, the pitch shifter doesn't follow with my voice pitch in time, making the "female" voice very plain. And forget it if you want to compare it with a real female voice. (And it doesn't look as good as a real female as well!!)
  
  
  
  
  
  Best acoustic sound quality, good reverbs, chorus, delay effects. Reasonable wah effects (None can beat the Vox!!). Reasonable Pitch Shifting and Harmonizer (Still defeated by the Digitech XP-100). Distortion has a clipping sound to it.
  
  Multipurpose functionality. This effect will potentially be the next cliche.
  
  I like it's effects block function, where it can move effects around, but sadly haven't found a way yet to move some effects. Great amp simulators (But none can beat the real amps!), easy to control. Great EQs, allowing adjustment of Q(Bandwidth) which most other effects doesn't have that parameter. Looks awesome on the outside, with it's metallic red surface, really colours my studio up, rather than the plain ol' black and grey.
  
  +It has MIDI controls, few effects have that!!
  
  You can hook up bass with it, vocal mics, keyboards and about anything u could find a use to it.
  
  
  
  On summary, i think this rack is the best rack i've seen so far, I don't like stuff like GT-5, ME-30 and Line-6 Multieffects pedals. I've tried them, and they didn't sound at all exceptional, they are more like an all-in-one kinda thing, but my choice of equipment is mostly looking at what special powerful sound each pedal or rack gives which make it good at what it does. Like "Spice" that adds up together to form a great dish. All-in-one kinda racks normally wouldn't be good in any specific sound effect except they'll easy to carry around, which made me refrain from buying the VF-1 at first. But after i've used it, i realised it is really good in it's clean effects and other functions, which forms the "cliche" in my studio. That fit's the "jigsaw puzzle" i have in my setup.
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 06/25/01

  MGR/Anonymous's review "Boss VF-1"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sound Quality

  Overall Opinion

  Guitar Center $300
  
  
  
  
  
  I've owned a lot of the amps simulated and the VF-1 nails them. It has just about every effect you could ever want and most of them are exceptional.
  
  
  
  
  
  There's no headphone jack and it would be nice if it ran on batteries for a while.
  
  
  
  
  
  It's fairly delicate but easy to use. It needs some kind of protection if you don't rack mount it.
  
  
  
  
  
  This gizmo delivers everything promised and more. Lot's of bang for the buck.
  
  
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 02/04/09

  runtigrou's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Lots of different effects, I did not use half of them!

  Utilization

  Nothing to report, the change is within range of effects everyone.

  Sound Quality

  All effects are not equal to each other but the overall level remains excellent.

  Overall Opinion

  I bought it nine years ago and already it has not aged. I use it for my guitars in clear or saturated as well as singing. Of course this is not an effect of professional quality but it will make great service to those who are not demanding architecture. 8 / 10 and very good value for money.
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• 10/13/07

  wilfriedherman's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  See below or at boss

  Utilization

  Trs simple, just fiddling with buttons, the screen is for all you dcrire it yammer small drawings for the amps!

  Sound Quality

  Well, it's still the same no analog, it is trs same distance, one can not say it's cold, but I think it's a bit impersonal, one can have any sound but with a little something missing. having said that playing with a good guitar amp has a good cast enb, ditto for the record, we can simulate a wall of Marshall, or reverb style "Stade de France."

  Overall Opinion

  I pay a mouth of bread, the price of a 200 pedals! So a will, I dj a lot of these effects in a multi-Boss and as I changed gear I missed some nice sounds. ja've had six months but the mastery dj good. prfere recess I my lamps and my good old Ibanez pedals SERIES 9 which are a little less but with an organic sound. But I do not spare because it even when very practical.
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• 10/08/07

  electik's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  I spend about CHARACTERISTICS ... See leaflet
  
  http://lib.roland.co.jp/manual/en/dl_06-10304/VF-1_e3.pdf
  
  
  
  The connection is complte with an output between digital and a guitar / bass up front which is always more convenient.
  
  Symtriques Stereo inputs and outputs.

  Utilization

  Usage is relatively simple, but even when lack of buttons and knobs to be ergonomically correct.
  
  The manual is complete and in French.

  Sound Quality

  I use it mainly to convert my samples.
  
  
  
  For this use, there are gems like the simulation of the famous Space Chorus Roland SDD-320 or RE-201 Tape Echo. The rsultats are really INTERESTED.
  
  
  
  I also often lofi box, phaser, ring modulator and the effects that work on the RSS image stro.
  
  
  
  For the other effects (rverbe, compressors ,...) prfre I use plug-ins that I use to mix DDIS plutt than directly on the samples

  Overall Opinion

  Just for the chorus and tape space echo, I would do without this choice hsiter, especially 200 euros occasion.
  
  
  
  But a "challenger" has just made its appearance!
  
  Indeed, Universal Audio has released for its clbre UAD-1 DSP card and vintage Roland effects formulations. And when you know the quality of the other effects of the DSU ... see.
  
  http://www.uaudio.com/products/software/UAD/dim-d/index.html
  
  http://www.uaudio.com/products/software/UAD/RE-201/index.html
  
  http://www.uaudio.com/products/software/UAD/CE-1/index.html
  
  
  
  electik ( http://www.graphikloft.com/ )
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• 02/22/05

  Rk's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  T Prior says it all.
  
  On paper aa air to do so.

  Utilization

  Trs easy to use.
  
  A manual trs explicit (as sent to nophytes ????)
  
  No problem getting started.

  Sound Quality

  It is a time machine industry we realize that not everything is so perfect.
  
  While it is true (and aa t mentioned above) that the overdrive sound good even though trs. Provided you can make out the sound of an amp (if guitar) or a pramp.
  
  The compressors compress (compression = compression numrique itch all frquences personality without compression so that the Difference of analog compression that compresses, according to internal components, more or less, relative scale, some beaches frequency drives).
  
  I find no rverbs intrt ...
  
  Other effects are common and simply do not transcend beyond measure.

  Overall Opinion

  I have 4 years and I use it always. This is my first multi purpose and I dj us well.
  
  For its price and its CHARACTERISTICS, it really silent one of the best products the era.
  
  I did not too much information but I think we can do better today.
  
  However, for beginners, I think it's a good tool to visualize and understand custom settings of the main effects and offers trs trs overdrive sounds good!
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• 01/10/04

  Ibanez man's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Boss VF-1 is a multi effect 24bit A / D (digital)
  
  It also has an internal 30 bit processor
  
  Midi IN / OUT, Line separate channels, mono or stereo output or Digital.
  
  Control pedal input single or full expression Anyway .........

  Utilization

  The manual is explicit in every respect and above all it gives us a little note on the use of the south.
  
  Handling of internal module is all that is simpler
  
  The effects are creatable and scalable to 200%
  
  In short in an hour and a bit of logic, the VF-1 is ready !!!!!!

  Sound Quality

  All effects are simply superb (some residual hum, however deplorable effects on some but there's no loss of life)
  
  Tested on bass, piano and vocals, The VF-1 escaped handily nay splendidly, restored the sound is superb
  
  On guitar, the effects are simply awesome and disto provided enjoyment (provided they are set in advance, but nothing too serious)

  Overall Opinion

  I use it in the studio, rehearsed and live for 3 months and so far no complaints, more than the control via a MIDI board makes it even more formidable.
  
  Although still expensive to buy, the VF-1 is essential crew for my taste (still to have the stuff to make it sound)
  
  
  
  So no regrets for the purchase (the net or country near the price drops significantly ed)
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• 12/16/03

  Tripy's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  As mentioned above:
  
  1 / 2 rack
  
  AD / DA converters 24 bits,
  
  30-bit internal processing
  
  a preset number of impressive all published, 200 in total.
  
  In Midi Out, Jack in guitar facade ...
  
  effects classs catgories by: guitar (elect / Accous), bass, synths, vocals, groove, studio effects, reverb, ...
  
  illuminated display of the correct size, convenient to use live
  
  
  
  As said by another user, it lacks the pc editor for 10 ... damage ...

  Utilization

  The general configuration is ultra simplistic, yet the manual signature of the group Boss Roland Edirol so it is super clear, and explains very well the different possibilities of connection ...
  
  
  
  Another positive about the manual: a lesson from noon handy for novices.
  
  
  
  Otherwise I have not had n rel need to read the way srieuse ... the machine is fairly intuitive.
  
  
  
  The complete edition of the effects is ... but sometimes a bit long ... t have a pc editor one more really important. The usage is really very interesting and fun, when we assign 1 to 4 parameters of effect pedals, or a machine that controls the multi-effect in the afternoon.
  
  
  
  Once again the same note: still missing the pc editor for 10 ... re-injury ...

  Sound Quality

  In Branch in on my console, and can be used on multiple machines in an interesting way ... I did not note any major deficiency has a few residual noise based on the selected effects ... which is not catastrophic frquent ...
  
  
  
  Also test a direct output of a mc909, same result ... very effective as well as a guitar ... and the surprise was very pleasant, because c is a sign boss ... as many effects pedals or guitars ... the result is of a very high quality.
  
  
  
  The compressors are rather good, the effects distortion, overdrive and metal really very very good ....
  
  
  
  To my taste it lacks can be a little delay in the effectiveness ... but the sound quality is well appointment.

  Overall Opinion

  I use the for about a month and I find it really good, because of its simplicity of use, ergonomics, the impressive number of very good quality effects that are contained in this machine ...
  
  
  
  Control possibilities in the South make use even more fun ...
  
  
  
  I thought he already is a small twin brother of opportunity, why? because the mc909 has two exit ... so why not two effects ...
  
  
  
  Nine's price is a little lev in France, but it is possible to find much cheaper via the internet or occasion ...
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• 03/12/02

  Anonymous 's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Half-rack format, support needed for the rack
  
  The front is very professional
  
  It is a 32bit digital multi-effects to midi controllable containing all the possible effects imaginable.
  
  1 Input and 1 Output stereo jack on rear side 6.35
  
  A special guitar input on the front
  
  Possesses in addition to the most common effects, the module processing the way with setting formant, pitch etc. ..
  
  Used both with a guitar, microphone, or a recorded song.
  
  mastering, or under pure effect.
  
  A tuner is also available.

  Utilization

  Manual clear and comprehensive
  
  editing effects easily with a user interface without unnecessary

  Sound Quality

  The effects are realistic and of good quality but beware of the noise especially the flanger, phaser, and wah.

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for 6 months and I am delighted
  
  This is the multi-effect that I found the most complete and versatile given its price and its proposed effects
  
  So good value for money
  
  Good acquisition to add a considerable stock of his studio effects
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