[Carefully Selected] 7 Recommended Programmable Switchers! Explaining the Pros and Cons [Effects Board]

Guitarists who are looking for more effects or convenience while playing are considering installing this product.

Programmable Switcher

The ability to instantly turn multiple effects on and off at the same time and the ease of use at your feet are definitely big attractions.

In this article, we will introduce the advantages and disadvantages as well as recommended models for those who are considering introducing a programmable switcher to their effects board!

What is a programmable switcher?

The programmable switcher isThis is a convenient item that allows you to simultaneously switch the effects connected to each loop on/off and also program and save them.

Compared to a loop switcher, it allows for more complex operations.

Programmable Switcher | Advantages and Disadvantages

Benefit

Easy operation to switch to any tone for each part with one click

The biggest advantage of being able to switch tones in one go is,This allows you to concentrate on your performance and prevents mistakes.

"Step on this and this in the A-melody of this song, and cut this when you get to the B-melody..."

It is still difficult to remember all these operations in your head while playing and keeping them in mind all the time.

The biggest advantage of a programmable switcher is that it eliminates such worries and allows you to concentrate on playing.

Prevent deterioration of sound quality

Compared to using multiple effectors in series,Another attractive feature is that you don't have to worry about sound degradation.

Each effect is looped through the switcher, so it's a simple structure where the signal goes into the switcher from the guitar and then out from the switcher.

Can handle any trouble that may occur

With a series connection, if there is a problem or malfunction somewhere, the guitar itself will stop making any sound.

In other words, That means play stops.

On the other hand,When using a switcher, only the part where the failure occurred will be unusable; the rest will continue to function without any problems.

In addition, It is also easy to pinpoint the cause of the problem, making it easy to resolve.

MIDI control and other fine-tuning of parameters to maximize effect performance

Even among compact effects pedals, there are many models that are equipped with complex functions including MIDI control.

With a programmable switcher,You can even fine-tune the effect parameters while playing, allowing you to use it like a multi-effects processor.

It also plays a role in maximizing the performance and functionality of the effector.

Demerit

It costs a lot of money in total

The programmable switcher itself is expensive, but when you add in peripheral items such as patch cables, the total becomes quite high...

Compared to series, more patch cables are required for loop connections.Therefore, you may need to purchase new equipment or upgrade to one that is more suited to the placement of your switcher.

LL type patch cables are popular for series boards, but SL type is more convenient for switcher loops.

The settings for the switcher itself are somewhat complicated

Compared to series or loop switchers, the settings on the main unit are somewhat complicated.

Once you get used to it, it's easier than using a multi-effector, but many people who aren't good with machines avoid using them because of the operation of the device itself.

Board size and weight increase

The extra switchers and patch cables mean more weight and size.

You will need to consider portability and space on the board.

The BOSS MS-3, which also functions as a multi-effector, is also being introduced with the aim of making the board more compact.

I'm not good at intuitive operations like serial

I'm good at recalling predefined settings, but I don't like to rely on my intuition."I want to add this now!"I'm not good at intuitive operations like that.

I get the impression that many people who do sessions in particular prefer serial connection for this reason.

The sound will be sent through a switcher.

It's very subtle so it's hard to tell the difference, but for better or worse"Sound through a switcher" will be important.

Some people say they like the sound of serial connections.

There are also models such as the LimetoneHOME 4LB that are non-buffered and designed to not change the sound.

Programmable Switchers | Top 7 Recommendations

BOSS / MS-3

Packed with the functions of a programmable switcher and multi-effector in a compact package, this is the most powerful model currently available and has been dubbed "Cheat."

For distortion, connect your favorite to the loop, and for spatial and projectile effects, use the MS-3 multi.

This is a popular way to build a compact board.

Also, the foot switches are 1 to 4,The current number (back channel) can be set.

For example, stepping on it once will give you a distorted backing tone, and stepping on it again will increase the volume and add delay for a lead tone.

What an operation that was realized.

When combined with LimetoneBASE, you can expand the number of loops to a total of 5!

Limetone Audio / LimetoneHOME 4LB

This model embodies Limetone Audio's concept of "the ideal switcher that I would want to use myself." Its greatest strength is its transparency, which minimizes the changes in sound quality that often occur when passing through a switcher. The controls are also very sophisticated, and once you try the auto-save function, you'll never want to let it go, as it allows you to complete programs intuitively with just a switch operation, without having to navigate through complex menu hierarchies.

Also worth mentioning is the existence of a "hidden mode." By pressing the same switch again, you can call up a different loop setting, allowing for a wide variety of sounds that go beyond the physical limit of four loops. Combining space-saving design with multi-functionality at a high level, this unit is truly a command center for the modern guitarist.

BOSS / ES-5・ES-8

The biggest feature of the BOSS ES series is its routing function.

Can be used with the order of loop-connected effects swapped.

For example, preset A places the booster before the distortion to increase both distortion and volume, while preset B increases only the volume after the distortion.

If you actually try to sort it, it's going to be pretty hard.

In addition, the functions assigned to the foot switches can be freely set, so it is possible to say, "I don't use the mute switch, so I'll assign it a different function."

Free the Tone ARC-53M

Free the Tone, chosen by many musicians, is a model developed with a wealth of custom know-how.

It's extremely well-balanced with a compact size, plenty of loops, and ample presets.

The greatest attraction is the stability and quality of the sound produced by the unique HTS circuit.

Free the Tone / ARC-4

The ARC-4 is FREE THE TONE's flagship routing controller model.

It is packed with features such as stereo loop, boost function, phase inversion function, bank select function, and set list mode.

This is a professional-grade programmable switcher packed with practical functions that can be used in concert and recording situations.

One Control / Crocodile Tail Loop OC10

While satisfying requirements for functionality and sound quality, it has achieved a smaller, lighter, and more affordable version of the most advanced switchers on the market.

In terms of ease of use, the number of buttons and LCDs have been reduced compared to previous concepts, simplifying the system and achieving a low price while still providing intuitive, visually easy-to-understand operability.