ES-5

Effects Switching System

ES-5
Where to Buy

Unlimited Possibilities in Limited Space

Based on the same concept and features as the flagship ES-8, the ES-5 is pared down to offer more practical and essential use options for typical guitarists and bassists, and is drastically reduced in size to fit ready-made, standard-size boards. The innovation in creativity of pedalboard systems made possible by the ES-8 has become more available and affordable. Expand your board just by one size and incorporate the ES-5, then you are in for a whole new world of musical expression, not just another utility tool. From this day on, the use of stompboxes will never be the same.

For optimal performance, stay up to date with the current ES-5 system software and editor

Download “ES-5 Editor” for Windows/macOS

Small Footprint, Huge Advance in a Pedalboard

The ES-5 is a powerful and versatile effects switching system that gives you complete control over a pedalboard. To start, you connect your pedals to the ES-5’s audio loops, and then activate the loops as needed to achieve various pedal combinations. The on/off state of each loop and many other parameters can be saved in a patch, allowing you to instantly change sounds without dancing around to press the switches on individual pedals. Your guitar tone is also maintained, because it only travels through an effect when it’s needed for a particular sound. Other loop switchers for pedals can accomplish the same thing. However, the ES-5 goes way beyond this core functionality, providing powerful routing flexibility, real-time control options, MIDI, and more in a space-saving unit. This gives you a great improvement for controlling effects that directly bring your creative ideas to life.

Flex Your Routability with the ES-5

One of the ES-5’s key features is its innovative routing flexibility, which provides the ability to easily rearrange the order of a chain of stompbox effects. This gives pro-level capability to access a wide array of effect combinations, offering total creative freedom to achieve unique sounds. In addition, the ES-5’s parallel chain function increases the effect combination options further, thereby expanding the final sound variation capability exponentially. What’s more, all of these programmed configurations can be saved for instant access during a live performance.

Isn’t it about Time You Got Connected?

Supporting the ES-5’s superior functionality is its comprehensive connectivity, which empowers this amazing switcher to do the job it does. In addition to the five effect loops on board, there are two TRS control output jacks and a TRS control/expression input jack. MIDI capability is also included for integrating seamlessly with MIDI-controlled stomp effects. These centralized controls make the ES-5 even more powerful as a total command center of sound creativity. Of course, as is consistent throughout the ES-5 system, all of these control settings are also storable.

Protects the Purity of Your Precious Tone

In addition to routing capability and connectivity, the ES-5 pays particular attention to sound quality. It’s designed in a way that does not contribute to sound deterioration, keeping your tone pure and free of noise. These results are accomplished by carefully designed analog circuitry developed with the know-how, experience, and design expertise of the BOSS engineering team. In further regard to tone pureness, the ES-5 is equipped with input and output buffers that can be turned on and off independently as needed to suit any rig. *The output buffer is combined with the onboard mixer for the parallel chain function.

Pro-Level Design for Gig Durability

The ES-5 effect switching system is more than just a smartly designed tool for the creation of awesome sounds. It is also a handsome piece of hardware that is going to look really good on your pedalboard. Built with durable mechanical functions in a road-tough design, the ES-5 combines huge technical innovations with small useful conveniences. Memory capability with 200 patches, a large display with extensive naming capacity, and robust responsive foot switches with full assignability are just a few of the features that even make this switcher the choice of the pros.

Specifications
Modes
Memory mode/Manual mode
Loops
5
Patch Memory
200
Nominal Input Level
INPUT, RETURN 1--5: -10 dBu
Maximum Input Level
INPUT, RETURN 1--5: +13 dBu
Input Impedance
INPUT: 1 M ohm (Buffer: On)
Nominal Output Level
SEND 1--5, OUTPUT, TUNER: -10 dBu
Maximum Output Level
SEND 1--5, OUTPUT, TUNER: +13 dBu
Output Impedance
OUTPUT, TUNER: 1 k ohm (Mixer: On)
Recommended Load Impedance
10 k ohms or greater
Controls
NUMBER 1--5 switch, BANK switch, MUTE switch
EDIT button, WRITE button, - button, + button, DISPLAY/EXIT button, ENTER button, Cursor left button, Cursor right button
Display
16 characters, 2 lines (backlit LCD)
Indicator
NUMBER 1--5 indicator, BANK (MEMORY/MANUAL) indicator, MUTE indicator
Connectors
INPUT jack, SEND 1--5 jacks, RETURN 1--5 jacks, OUTPUT jack, TUNER jack: 1/4-inch phone type
EXT CTL CTL 1/2, CTL 3/4 jacks, CTL IN EXP CTL 1/2 jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
MIDI connectors (IN, OUT/THRU)
DC IN jack
Power Supply
AC adaptor
Current Draw
125 mA
Accessories
AC adaptor
Rubber foot x 4
Owner's manual
Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY"
Options (sold separately)
Footswitch: FS-5U, FS-5L, FS-6, FS-7
Expression pedal: FV-500L, FV-500H, Roland EV-5
Size and Weight
Width
337 mm
13-5/16 inches
Depth
97 mm
3-7/8 inches
Height
68 mm
2-11/16 inches
Weight
1.3 kg
2 lbs 14 oz.
* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
Why Buffers are Important for Great Tone

Why Buffers are Important for Great Tone

Every BOSS pedal includes a buffer, an essential tool for keeping your guitar sounding great. Learn more about this tone-saving feature.Read more…

The Ultimate Guide to Guitar Effects Pedal Order and Signal Chain

The Ultimate Guide to Guitar Effects Pedal Order and Signal Chain

There's an art to assembling a pedalboard. Learn to perfect your effects signal chain and capture the tone you've been seeking.Read more…

Pedal Partners: Combining Delay with Other Effects

Pedal Partners: Combining Delay with Other Effects

Delay is among the most essential effects. Learn how to combine delay with other pedals to unlock musical doorways.Read more…

Loop Switcher 101: No More Pedal Tap Dancing

Loop Switcher 101: No More Pedal Tap Dancing

With a quick setup, you can be one step away from complete tonal changes with a single toe tap using the ES-8 or other BOSS switchers.Read more…

ES-5 Quick Start

ES-5 Quick StartStep-By-Step Instructions

These Quick Start Videos contain step-by-step instructions that will quickly introduce you to the ES-5’s top features.Read more…

Support

If you have questions about operating your BOSS product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.
You can also contact our Product Support department by phone or email.
In addition, we have a library of Owner’s Manuals and Support Documents that you can download and reference.

Owner’s Manuals

Support Documents