All user reviews for the Boss VF-1

For which specific applications or uses have you chosen this product?
Mainly bass guitar really, second electric guitar, and studio mainstay effects processor.

In what context do you currently use this product?
Studio resident, "all-in-one" effects processor. Time dependent, tempo follower when slicer effects are used.

Have you tested other comparable or competing products before purchasing this one?
Yes, their own SE-50 and SE-70 products. As well as SONY ones.

What are the pros and cons of this product?
The pros are that the COSM technology nails the high-gain and modern metal sounds of today, pretty much. It has a little more variation and editing details of the distorted sounds from the era. Not so much to nail vintage sounding amps as modern ones.

Another pro is that it is geared slightly more towards the DJ' and sampling artists of the day, thanks to it's possibilities to SYNC everything to MIDI and tempo. You can sync delay, phaser speeds, and reverb time to tempo (whatever that means, but early reflections and pre delays can benefit from exact tempo matching). And finally, as both the SE-50 and SE-70 had shortcomings for using an electric bass guitar, they've finally nailed it on this one. The patches and effects that are geard towards bassists only are immense here, and I've seen no one before this, or at that time, even focusing on these things. There's Ampeg cab sims, and "fretless" simulators and whatnot. An attempt has been made to concentrate on the ambient side of things in terms of room ambience or cab ambience, even with certain MIC idiosyncrasies in phase shifts, eq anomalies, and whatnot. Good attempt at that one. Mind you that the same COSM technology are used in todays multiFX from Boss.

The reverbs and other effects are in the middle ground on this one. While it works excellent on guitars and basses, I find this unit to be a little too "dull" when using it with keyboards, like - say - Fender Rhodes, which has a pristine or delicate sound and timbre. It IS mostly geared towards guitarists, bassist, and DJ producer this time around.

It has a digital SPDIF out, which can free up space for an analog input on your soundcard/mixer. Some people have discovered its traits as a AD converter, for which it is almost worth the price alone! It's that good, especially for the price you get for it today.

Slightly better display and menu editing than SE-50, SE-70, but you still have to deep-dive and cycle through menus. One minor snag is that the input and ouput gain can be confusing. Which means that you should always connect the (a) guitar at the front input (which has 1 mOhm) and not at the back panel inputs. The back panels should only be used for keyboard, or mixer send/returns. If you connect the guitar to the back panel input, all presets and distortions sounds quite dull, and lack of high end treble on all patches. Use the front input at all times! You must check out, though, that you have the latest firmware, which can be upgraded, one of the first units available to do this. It's about the slicer and tempo markings which were off, in certain patches and settings. Everything is now fixed.

Haven't needed to change internal battery as of yet, even after 15 years. But I opened it up anyway, to see if it was an easy one. It is. It's a no brainer.

What are the effects or types of effects available? compression, distortion, chorus, flanger, amp simulator etc ...
- What technology is used? (Analog, digital, tube ...) 2, digital and analog
- Are they ditables? Via a publisher Mac / PC? yes but not on a computer
- What is the connection? (Audio / MIDI) MIDI in out, among and analogue outputs between guitar or bass, SPDIF
- Is this a rack or rack model? half rack

USE

- Is Gnrale setup simple? Yes
- The edition of sounds and effects is it easy? Yes
- The manual is clear and sufficient? ... YES?

SOUND QUALITY

- Are the effects effective and sufficiently ADAPTS GPs? Yes
- Which instruments do you use? LOW ACTIVE MICRO LTD + EMG
- What are those you prfrez, you dtestez? low distortion + the bass amp simulator

NOTICE GLOBAL

- How long have you use it? 3 years
- What is the particular feature you like best and least? it is small, easy to implement and effective
- Have you tried many other models before acqurir? Yes
- How do you report qualitprix? It's okay
- With the exprience, you do again this choice ... yes and I regularly use for my studio recordings with my bass?

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

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 ...

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)

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!

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.
https://www.uaudio.com/products/software/UAD/dim-d/index.html
https://www.uaudio.com/products/software/UAD/RE-201/index.html
https://www.uaudio.com/products/software/UAD/CE-1/index.html

electik ( http://www.graphikloft.com/ )

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.

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.

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