Guitar pedals are crucial units for creating unique effects and exciting sounds to impress your audience. They help you to create various sonic textures and impeccable tones, from dreamy indie chorus tones to heavy metal distortion. However, in order to get the most from your pedals and change between different tones easily, you need a good pedal switcher to help you.
With pedal switchers, you can change between your pre-existing tones quickly and seamlessly, which can be a great help, especially on the stage. There are many different pedal switcher models on the market today, from programmable ones to straightforward units, from MIDI switchers to analog devices.
Pedal switchers are highly valuable tools for guitarists and bassists to expand their tonal and sonic range. They give you total control over your pedal or amp setup, allowing you to control multiple effects at once hands-free with ease. So creating complex soundscapes gets much easier and quicker. Today, pedal switchers come with many different features and capabilities, which makes it a bit hard to find the most suitable one for your needs. So here are some of the best guitar pedal switchers for different uses, needs, and budgets for you to find the best one for you.
EarthQuaker Devices Swiss Things Pedalboard Reconciler
- Use as many pedals as you'd like without tone-suck; eliminate volume pedal...
- Quickly and easily bypass or engage All of your effects with one click
- Use Flexi-Switch technology with every pedal in your setup
- Use multiple amps without phase issues, ground loops, or extra noise
- Effects Pedal Loop Switcher
- Unbuffered/Buffered Effects Loops
- Flexi-Switch
- 20 dB clean boost
- AB-Y Routing
- Tuner Out
- Expression Pedal Input
One of the most popular pedal switchers out there is the EarthQuaker Devices Swiss Things Pedalboard Reconciler, with its intuitive and compact design. It comes with a loop switching function, clean boost up to 20dB of gain, and AB-Y routing. The design is well constructed and is quite sturdy. It features a compact design compared to other pedal switchers but keeps the versatility.
The Swiss Things offers all the essentials you expect from a pedal switcher and is quite easy to use with its buffered tuner out, offering amazing features to make your playing easier. With Flexi Switch enabled effects loops, two true bypass switches, 20dB clean boost, AB-Y functions, buffered tuner out, and an expression pedal port, and it offers everything in a compact design.
Radial BigShot EFX Effects Loop Switcher
- Instant access to two effects loops take noisy pedals out of the signal...
- Effects Loop Switching Pedal
- Mute control feature
- True Bypass
- 2 ground lifts
- 2 effects loop via 2 onboard switches
- Compact and rugged design
- Easy setup and use
Radial BigShot EFX Effects Loop Switcher is another great pedal switcher that comes with many features, high reliability, and durability. The pedal switcher comes with 2 ground lifts, a true bypass, and mute control, along with 2 effects loops via 2 onboard switches. For the price, it is a great pedal switcher.
The design is quite compact and rugged, serving the users for a long time. On the part of the port, it comes with a 1/4″ instrument in, dual 1/4″ loop returns, and a 1/4″ main out, along with a dual 1/4″ loop sends outputs. Radial BigShot EFX Effects Loop Switcher is an easy-to-use and setup unit, making it the ideal choice for guitarists who are looking for a budget pedal switcher.
On-Stage GSP1000 ABY Switcher Pedal
- Split or combine signals to/from multiple instruments and/or amps,...
- True bypass
- Heavy duty aluminum housing
- Slip-resistant rubber on bottom of pedal
- Mini A/B/Y Switch Pedal
- True Bypass switch
- Compact design
- Slip-resistant rubber backing
- 1 x 1/4″ input (switchable to out), 2 x 1/4″ output (switchable to in)
- 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
On-Stage GSP1000 ABY Switcher Pedal is a mini pedal switcher that comes with handy features and a rugged design. Its tiny design is perfect for complex pedalboard setups. With the pedal, you can easily switch between clean and dirty amps, as it gives you a two-amp setup while protecting your initial tone.
The pedal is quite affordable and has a great value-for-price ratio. Another great feature is the slip-resistant rubber backing that prevents the pedal from moving in the pedalboard. For guitarists looking for a switcher for two-amp setups, this is an ideal choice.
OneControl Crocodile Tail Loop OC10
- A super-versatile guitar effects loop switcher you can use to set up highly...
- 10 x switchable effects loops give you a ton of options for setting up your...
- Loops 1-7 operate in series and are fed from a single main input
- Loops 8, 9, and 10 feature independent external inputs for additional...
- Guitar Effects Loop Switcher
- 10 Effects Loops
- Buffered and Unbuffered Inputs
- Independent external outputs loops 8, 9, and 10
- 70 User Preset Slots
- MIDI I/O
- The single main input for loops 1-7
- 7 x banks of 10 x user-programmable memory slots
If you are looking for a premium pedal switcher OneControl Crocodile Tail Loop OC10 is one of the best devices you can find today. It gives you total control over complex pedal setups. It comes with 10 fully independent switchable loops and MIDI capabilities. You can also use more than 10 loops if you need to, thanks to its expandable features.
The loops 1 to 7 have single main inputs and operate in series, while loops 8 to 10 have independent external inputs for additional configurations. It comes with buffered input circuits to prevent signal loss. If you are looking for a high-quality and versatile pedal switcher, OneControl Crocodile Tail Loop OC10 is an amazing choice.
Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System
- Programmable Effects Switching System with 8 Loops
- Customizable Functions
- Analog Circuit Design
- Switchable Buffers
- Programmable Effects Switching System
- 8 loops
- Customizable Features
- 800 Patch Memories
- LCD/LED Displays
- Analog Circuit Design
- Switchable Buffers
- 2 x 1/4″ instrument, 1 x 1/4″ tuner in inputs
- 2 x 1/4″ main out outputs
- Switchable buffered or true bypass
- 6 x mono loops, 2 x stereo loop returns, 1 x volume loop ports
- MIDI In, Out/Thru
- 3 x 1/4″ TRS external control, 1 x 1/4″ TRS expression, 2 x 1/4″ TRS control/expression ports
Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System is complex Programmable Effects Switching System is a a revolutionary effect switching unit that delivers the users all the necessary and extra features and functions. Boss is known for the functionality, durability, and reliability of its products, and ES-8 is no different.
The unit comes with 8 loops and flexible routing features. It has 800 patch memories, onboard memory storing for external controls like delay time, customizable pedal function assignments, on-off buffers for each output and input, LCD, and 7-segment LED displays for detailed information, along with an analog circuit design.
Boss MS-3 Multi Effects Switcher
- Multi-effects Processor and Loop Switcher for Electric Guitar/Bass with 112...
- 3 External Pedal Loops
- Noise Suppressor
- Noise Suppress
- Multi-effects Processor and Loop Switcher
- 3 External Pedal Loops
- 6 effects slots
- In total 112 Built-in Effects
- Built-in Tuner
- Noise Suppressor
- MIDI Interface
- Global EQ
- USB connectivity
Boss MS-3 Multi Effects Switcher is another high-quality multi-effects processor and loop switcher that comes with 3 external pedal loops, 6 internal effects slots,112 Built-in Effects in total, a tuner, a noise suppressor, a MIDI interface, and global EQ. It is more than just a switcher, as it equips you with many handy features to shape and control your tone.
The unit allows you to switch between your customized patches very easily and lets you use your effect units in new ways to create unique sounds. The global EQ is a great addition to fine-tune your sound, and the unit allows the users to get consistent sound from different patches and pedals. You can also use the editor software via USB for patch creation and backup. All in all, it is an extremely versatile effect and switcher unit.
Voodoo Lab PX-8 Plus 8-loop Pedal Switcher
- 8 independent true-bypass audio loops using the finest gold contact relays
- Access to 36 user-created preset effect combinations
- Stand Alone Instant Access Mode available for simple on/off pedal switching...
- Insert point between loops 6 & 7 for volume pedals and more
- Pedalboard and Effects Switcher
- 36 Customizable Presets
- 8 True Bypass Audio Loops
- Quiet Switching technology
- Gold contact relays
- MIDI in-out
- 8 x Send-Return loops, 1 x 1/4″ input, 1 X Insert Send-Return loop, 1 x 1/4″ output
- 9V DC power adapter (not included)
The Voodoo Lab PX-8 Plus 8-loop Pedal Switcher features a handy pedal switcher with eight true-bypass audio loops. It allows you to create 36 different preset tones for use whenever you want with a single stomp. With MIDI connectivity, you can expand the preset range up to 128 preset combinations. The switcher also has an output buffer for tone preservation when using long cables.
Another great feature is the insert point in between the loops for using volume pedals. The pedal also has quiet switching technology for silent use, which is another big plus. With the gold contact relays and high-quality construction, it is one of the best pedal switchers you can find for big setups.
TC Helicon Switch 3
- 3-button footswitch
- Can be used with TC Helicon and TC Electronic gear
- Durable footswitches
- Comes with a 5-foot TRS cable
- Functions as Harmony Mute, Bypass, preset up/down
- 1 x 1/4″ TRS input
TC Helicon Switch 3 is a simple 3-button footswitch that is a great solution for TC Helicon and TC Electronic gear users. It is highly affordable and works great with its durable construction and simple layout.
The switcher has 3 footswitches to control your pedals or amp as it functions as Harmony Mute, Bypass, and preset up and down. It comes with a 5-foot-long TRS cable, making everything ready for immediate use. So if you have TC Electronic or TC Helicon gear and if you are looking for a budget solution to control your gear hands-free, TC Helicon Switch 3 is a great choice.
Boss ES-5 Effects Switching System
- Programmable Effects Switching System with 5 Loops
- Customizable Functions
- Analog Circuit Design
- Switchable Buffers
- Programmable Pedal Switcher
- 5 Loops
- Switchable buffers
- 200 patch memories
- LCD and LED display
- Customizable Functions
- Analog Circuit
- Switch-noise mute capability
- 1 x 1/4″ instrument, 1 x 1/4″ tuner inputs
- 1 x 1/4″ main output
- 5 x Effects Loops
- MIDI in-out/thru
- 2 x 1/4″ TRS external control, 1 x 1/4″ TRS expression/control ports
Boss ES-5 Effects Switching System is a versatile pedal switcher with five loops and 200 patch memories for instant recall. It is pretty similar to the BOSS ES-8 but comes in a more compact design. It has LCD and 7-segment LED displays for easier navigation and customization with the presets. The full analog-circuit switcher has switchable buffers and switch-noise mute capability, too.
On the ports, you have 5 effects loops, a main output, a tuner input, MIDI in-out-thru, two jacks for external controls, and one for expression-control gear. It is a well-built pedal with many handy functions for players who want full control over their setups.
Voodoo Lab Ground Control
- Simultaneous control of up to 8 MIDI devices
- 8 assignable instant access switches
- Controls up to 4 GCX Guitar Audio Switchers
- Bright, stage-friendly alphanumeric display
- Programmable MIDI Foot Controller
- Controls up to 8 MIDI devices
- Controls up to 4 GCX Guitar Audio Switchers
- 12 patch switches, 2 bank switches, and an edit switch
- 8 assignable instant access switches
- Bright display
- 2 x 1/4″ pedal inputs
- MIDI in-out ports
- Comes with an AC power adapter
If you are looking for a big MIDI controller, Voodoo Lab Ground Control is the right choice for you. The Programmable MIDI Foot Controller comes with 2 bank and 12 patch switches, an edit switch, along with the capacity to control 8 MIDI devices and 4 GCX Guitar Audio Switchers.
It also features 8 assignable instant access switches, a bright display for easier navigation, 2 x 1/4″ pedal inputs, MIDI in-out ports, and the AC power adapter. You can assign the controls on the switcher like any other pedal switcher to customize it according to your needs.
- One of the Best-Selling Utility Pedals of All-Time
- No Power Source Required. Only LED's Require Power (2 mA Draw)
- Route 1 Input to 2 Outputs or Reverse it and Bus 2 Inputs to 1 Output
- Heavy Duty Cold-Rolled Steel Construction
- Signal switcher
- 2 footswitches
- LED indicators
- True Bypass
- Zero crosstalk or bleed-through between channels
- Ability to choose A, B, signals seperately or A and B combined
- 1 x 1/4″ input, 2 x 1/4″ outputs
- Passive or 9V power supply (not included) or 1 x 9V battery
The Morley Gold Series ABY 2-button Switcher/Combiner is a versatile signal switcher unit that serves the guitarists in various ways. You can use it as a one-input/two outputs switcher or with two inputs/one output. It is a highly straightforward switcher, and it allows you to choose A and B signals separately or A and B signals combined.
Another great thing about the pedal is that it features zero crosstalk or bleed-through between channels. It also has LED indicators and works as a passive unit with a 9V DC power adapter or with a 9V battery. The simple unit gives you many options for using it just as needed.
IK Multimedia iRig Stomp
- ESSENTIAL TOOL FOR MODERN MUSICIANS: This sub floor controller and audio...
- DESIGNED & BUILT TO INSPIRE: This audio interface features a 24-bit, 96 kHz...
- COMPATIBLE WITH: A compact, well-made pedalboard that fits all your gear...
- OPTIONAL EXPANSION JACKS: Add more features to your foot pedal with...
- USB Pedalboard Controller and Audio Interface
- Works as a standalone MIDI foot controller
- 24-bit/96kHz Audio
- 48V Phantom Power
- Volume and Input Gain controls
- Seamless, plug-and-play integration with many apps like AmpliTube and VocaLive
- Mic Preamp
- Stereo Line Out, Headphone Out
- MIDI in-out
- Device Bay for Mac/PC/iOS
- Powered by USB or the power adapter (included)
IK Multimedia iRig Stomp is more than just a pedal switcher but a MIDI foot controller. It is to be used with a computer or smart device software. It has great integration with many popular apps like AmpliTube and VocaLive. Plus, you can use it as an audio interface if you need to.
It has 24-bit/96kHz Audio quality, a mic preamp, USB connectivity, 48V phantom power, input gain and volume controls, headphone out for silent sessions, versatile ports, and more. If you are looking for a MIDI foot controller for your digital setup, this one is hard to beat.
Electro-Harmonix Super Switcher
- Features mono and stereo send/return, insert send/return and mono/stereo...
- Equipped with tuner and tap tempo outs, MIDI In & Out and more
- Features eight mechanical-relay controlled, true bypass loops
- Provides 128 presets: 16 banks with 8 presets each
- Pedal Switcher
- 8 loops
- True Bypass
- Dedicated Tap and Tuner ports
- 16 x banks, 8 presets per bank
- MIDI in-out
- 1 x 1/4″ input, 2 x 1/4″ L/R out
- 6 x Mono FX Loops, 2 x Stereo Return FX Loops, 1 x Insert
- 1 x 1/4″ tap, 2 x 1/4″ control, 1 x 1/4″ tuner
- 9V DC power supply (included)
Electro-Harmonix Super Switcher is a comprehensive and intuitive pedal switcher that comes with many handy features to allow you to use the switcher with MIDI gear, as an on-off utility, with savable presets, and more. It has 8 loops, True Bypass, dedicated tap and tuner ports, MIDI connectivity, 16 banks, and 8 presets per bank.
You can use the switcher to recall your presets, as it can save quite a lot of combinations. Or you can use it as a basic on-off unit or to control your MIDI setup as you like. It is a high-end pedal switcher, but it is a great choice for complex setups.
Electro-Harmonix Switchblade Pro Switching Station
- A/B/Y Box pedal switcher
- LED Indicators
- A Level, Dry Level, and B Level control knobs
- A or B, AB, and Bypass footswitches
- 1 x 1/4″ instrument, 2 x 1/4″ return A/B inputs
- 1 x 1/4″ main out, 2 x 1/4″ send A/B outputs
- True Bypass
- 9V DC power adapter (included)
Electro-Harmonix Switchblade Pro Switching Station is another simple pedal switcher that works with the A-B-Y Box system. This means it can control two pedals allowing you to have the signals separately, together, or dry. You have A Level, Dry Level, and B Level control knobs to shape your tone on the control panel, along with A or B, AB, and Bypass footswitches to switch between signals.
The pedal switcher has a True Bypass function along with 1 x 1/4″ main out, 2 x 1/4″ send A/B outputs as well as 1 x 1/4″ instrument, 2 x 1/4″ return A/B inputs to use it with different gear. Another plus is that the unit comes with its own power supply. Electro-Harmonix Switchblade Pro Switching Station is perfect for small two-pedal or amp setups.
Diezel Columbus MIDI Switcher
- MIDI switcher
- 10 footswitches
- Bright LED indicators
- 128 presets
- Compatible with Diezel amps and other MIDI devices
- 1 x XLR data/Diezel power output
- MIDI out
- Optional 12V DC power adapter (included)
Diezel Columbus MIDI Switcher allows you to control your MIDI setup with its 10-foot switch design and 128 preset stores. It comes with bright blue LED indicators to help you navigate through the pedal. You can use it with Diezel amps and any other MIDI devices you like.
It comes with an XLR data/Diezel power output and a MIDI out, along with a port for the optional 12V DC power adapter. The switcher is built with durable steel housing, perfect for traveling musicians.
Conclusion
In short, the guitar pedal switchers are key tools for any guitar pedal or amp setup if you want to have the versatility to change between your tones easily on the stage or in the studio. They are great for expanding your sound and making your shows much more dynamic.
There are many models available on the market with different capabilities, making it harder to choose the most suitable one for you, but after reading the list and the reviews, you can easily find the one that suits your needs and budget.
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Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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