First-of-its-Kind Command Center for Tube-Based Guitar Amplifiers

For Immediate Release

Rebecca Genel
Global PR/Media Relations Manager
Roland Corporation
(323) 890-3718
Rebecca.Genel@roland.com

Los Angeles, CA, November 15, 2018 — BOSS announces the Waza Tube Amp Expander, a unique new command center for tube-based guitar amplifiers. This robust amp-top device combines many different professional guitar tools into one unit for the first time ever, including a variable reactive load, active analog power stage, mic’d cab simulator, IR loader, and USB recording interface. It also offers extensive connectivity and real-time control options, plus world-class BOSS effects and support for storing 10 onboard setups for instant recall. Packed with the latest BOSS guitar innovations, the Waza Tube Amp Expander brings next-generation creative power and versatility to any guitarist who performs and records with classic tube-based amplification.

A key feature of the Waza Tube Amp Expander is its advanced reactive load section, which allows players to crank their tube amp to its sweet spot while controlling the volume to suit any situation. Backed by the acclaimed Tube Logic approach, the load section provides user-variable control of the all-important impedance interaction with the amp’s output transformer, eliminating the tone and feel artifacts introduced with other load boxes. Selecting from sixteen different settings, users can make their amp behave exactly as if it were connected to their favorite speaker cab. Any tube guitar amp up to 150 watts is supported, from vintage combos to modern high-gain heads.

Filled with deep control options, the Waza Tube Amp Expander is a dream command center for both stage and studio. Ten different rig setups can be stored in the unit, and each includes the user’s custom effects and EQ settings, cab/IR selections, effects loop on/off, MIDI parameters, and amp channel-switching status. Rigs can be recalled with a panel knob, and additional controls are provided for reverb and other functions. Deep real-time performance control is supported with optional GA-FC and FS-series footswitches and MIDI.

With its built-in effects engine and external effects loop, the Waza Tube Amp Expander brings a wealth of sonic enhancements to any tube amp. Onboard DSP delivers premium sound quality and true stereo operation with class-leading 32-bit AD/DA, 32-bit floating-point processing, and 96 kHz sampling rate. Compressor, delay, and reverb effects are on hand, with settings that can be customized via dedicated editor software. Four different EQs provide tone shaping at multiple points in the signal path, and it’s even possible to use one of the EQs as a switchable boost for solos. The external loop offers selectable series or parallel operation, plus support for both line-level devices and standard stompbox effects.

After setting up their sound, users can distribute it to multiple destinations at once. Parallel speaker outputs can drive up to two stage cabs, with smooth, non-stepped volume control from the integrated 100-watt Class AB analog power stage. Balanced mono and stereo line outputs include tone shaping from mic’d cab emulation or user IRs, providing ready-to-mix direct signals for the main PA mixer, stage monitors, and recording devices. There’s also a USB output for tracking with a DAW and communicating with editor software, plus a phones output for quiet practice sessions.

To learn more about the Waza Tube Amp Expander, visit Boss.info.

The Waza Tube Amp Expander is expected to ship in spring 2019. Names, specifications, and appearance are subject to change prior to final production.

About BOSS
BOSS, a division of Roland Corporation, has achieved legendary status among guitarists by offering a diverse, world-leading product lineup that includes amps, compact effects processors, multi-effects processors, digital recorders, rhythm machines, metronomes, tuners, vocal products, and more. For more information, visit www.Boss.info.

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