Boss EX-4

The Boss EX-4 Effects Expander is a compact multi-effects processor for guitarists, bassists, and other musicians who want to expand their pedalboard without taking up much extra space. With 120 built-in Boss effects, up to four simultaneous effect blocks, extensive routing, and flexible connectivity options, the EX-4 serves as a central hub within a pedalboard. 

The effects library includes overdrive, distortion, fuzz, modulation, pitch, delay, reverb, dynamics, filter, synth, and utility effects. In addition, there are effects specifically tailored for bass, as well as well-known Boss effects such as Slow Gear and Slicer. This allows you to use the EX-4 to complement existing pedals, or to combine multiple individual effects within a single compact unit.

Up to four effects at once
The Boss EX-4 can process up to four effects simultaneously. You can combine different effect types or use multiple instances of the same effect. The order of the effect blocks is customizable, allowing you to tailor the signal chain to your own setup. In addition to a traditional serial chain, the EX-4 also supports parallel and wet/dry configurations. This allows for more extensive routing where different effect paths are processed side by side. For guitarists and bassists who work with multiple pedals, amplifiers, or effects routes, this offers greater freedom when building a rig.

120 Boss Effects
The internaleffects library includes 120 effects across various categories. From drive and distortion tones to modulation, delays, reverbs, synths, and filters: the EX-4 can handle a wide range of functions within a single pedalboard. Utility functions are also integrated. Within presets, you can use up to two Noise Suppressors and a Foot Volume block, among other things. A 3-band Global EQ is available for final tone shaping.

Gear Suite
With Gear Suite, you can recall ready-to-use effect settings and save your favorite parameter settings for each effect type. This means you don’t have to build an effect from scratch every time. You choose a starting point and then fine-tune it to suit your instrument, amplifier, and pedalboard. This workflow makes the EX-4 ideal for musicians who want to quickly set up different sounds during rehearsals, performances, or studio sessions.

2.4-inch color screen
The Boss EX-4 features a 2.4-inch color screen that displays the effects chain, effect blocks, parameters, and menus. This makes it easy to see how the signal path is structured, even with more complex presets. Separate FX buttons are located next to the screen. The color of these buttons matches the color representation of the corresponding effect on the display. A short press turns an effect block on or off. Holding down an FX button gives you access to the parameters of that effect.

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Manual Mode and Memory Mode
The EX-4 offers two main operating modes. In Manual Mode, the footswitches function more like traditional standalone effects pedals, allowing you to control effects directly while playing. In Memory Mode, you work with saved sounds and complete effects configurations. The EX-4 features 128 preset memories for guitar and bass and 128 user memories where you can save your own sounds. This allows you, for example, to prepare different effect settings for each song or performance.

Two Multifunctional Footswitches
Thetwo built-in footswitches can perform various functions, such as turning effect blocks on and off, Memory Up and Down, Master Bypass, and Tap Tempo. These functions can be assigned system-wide or on a per-memory basis. Colored LEDs surround the switches, allowing you to see which function is assigned to each switch while you play.

Expandable Control For additional real-time control, you can connect external footswitches or an expression pedal. For each preset, up to eight parameters can be assigned to built-in and external control footswitches. This allows you to control various effect functions while playing without opening the menu. This is useful, for example, for switching effects, changing parameters, or controlling other functions within a preset.

MIDI Connections
The EX-4 features MIDI In and MIDI Out via compact TRS jacks. This allows the effects processor to be integrated with MIDI pedals, switching systems, and other MIDI equipment. External MIDI clock can also be used, allowing time-based effects to become part of a larger MIDI-controlled setup.

Effect Loop for External Pedals Four audio jacks support both mono and stereo configurations. Two of these jacks can also be used as Send and Return. This allows you to place one or more external effects pedals within the EX-4’s signal chain. The position of these external effects can be incorporated into the chosen routing, so that your existing favorite pedals don’t have to be left out of the system. The Send/Return function also enables more advanced configurations, including wet/dry setups and the four-cable method.

Serial, Parallel, and Wet/Dry Routing
The internal structure of a preset can be configured in various ways. You can place effects one after another in a serial chain, or create parallel routes. Additionally, the EX-4 supports wet/dry configurations. In combination with the Send/Return function, this allows you to create extensive pedalboard configurations that combine internal and external effects.

Delay and Reverb Trails
With appropriate effect configurations, delay and reverb trails can continue to fade out even when you switch to a different memory slot. This prevents echoes and reverb from cutting off abruptly during a preset change. This is particularly useful during live performances, where transitions between different sounds need to sound natural.

Compact for the pedalboard
With dimensions of 11.7 x 13.8 x 6.3 cm, the Boss EX-4 remains compact enough for use on a pedalboard. It weighs 800 grams. The required Boss PSA-S AC adapter is included. Four rubber feet and the accompanying documentation are also included.

Boss EX-4 features:

• 120 built-in Boss effects
• up to four effects can be used simultaneously
• Multiple instances of the same effect possible
• effects for guitar and bass
• overdrive, distortion, and fuzz effects
• Pitch and modulation effects
• delay and reverb effects
• Dynamics and filter effects
• guitar and bass synth effects
• utility effects
• Gear Suite for quickly loading and saving effect settings
• serial effect routing
• parallel effect routing
• wet/dry routing
• Change the order of effect blocks
• Send/Return block for external effects
• Suitable for four-cable-method setups
• Up to two Noise Suppressor blocks
• Foot Volume module
• 3-band Global EQ
• 128 preset memories for guitar and bass
• 128 user memories
• Manual Mode
• Memory Mode
• 2.4-inch color screen
• Separate, color-coded FX buttons
• Two multifunctional footswitches
• Color LEDs around the footswitches
• Up to eight parameters per preset can be assigned to control footswitches
• Connection for external footswitches or an expression pedal
• MIDI In
• MIDI Out
• TRS MIDI connectors
• Mono and stereo audio jacks
• Integrated effects loop
• Carryover of delay and reverb tails with compatible effects configurations
• Dimensions: 11.7 x 13.8 x 6.3 cm
• weight: 800 grams
• Power supply: Boss PSA-S AC adapter, included

Included: Startup Guide, “Read Me First” documentation, Boss PSA-S AC adapter, and four rubber feet