Do you often find yourself tap-dancing on your pedalboard to activate several effects at once? Do you dream of a smoother sound, cleaner switching between your presets or a simplified live set? Maybe it’s time to integrate a switcher into your chain…
Here’s a complete guide to what a switcher is for, how to choose it, how to use it… and above all, our selection of the 10 best pedalboard switchers in 2025.
What exactly is a switcher?
A switcher (or loop switcher) is a box that lets you centralize control of your effects pedals, integrating them into independent loops that you activate via footswitches or presets. Instead of switching on 3 or more pedals manually, you press a single button and pow, everything is activated/deactivated as if by magic.
There are two main families:
- Analog switchers: simple, efficient, no memory or MIDI.
- Digital / MIDI switchers: with presets, MIDI pedal control, remote amp channel change, etc.
What does it actually do?
- Simplify activation of several effects at once
- Preserve the signal (by isolating and cutting unused pedals from the audio circuit)
- Optimize your pedalboard live (no more tap-dancing on your pedalboard)
- Create presets for each song or part of a set
- Control MIDI pedals or change amp channels on the fly
Positive Grid Spark Control X
Hotone Ampero Control
Fryette ZMACS 4×4 Amp/Cab Switch
Lehle P-Split IIIHow does a pedalboard switcher work?
You plug your pedals into the switcher’s various loops. Each loop becomes independent and can be activated according to the settings you have defined. Some switchers also offer :
- Preset memory for storing different combinations
- Stereo outputs
- MIDI management for controlling digital pedals, rack effects or amps
How to choose the right switcher?
Here are some criteria for choosing your switcher:
- Number of loops: 4, 6, 8, 10… to suit your number of pedals.
- Programmable or not: do you need presets or can you use them by hand?
- MIDI compatibility: virtually indispensable for digital pedals.
- Format: some take up (a lot of) space, so think about your pedalboard.
- Stereo input/output, buffers, volume or loops order management
- Budget: prices vary from €100 to €1000, depending on the features you want (and your budget)…
The 10 best pedalboard switchers in 2025
Boss ES-8
The ES-8 remains an essential reference for guitarists who want to control everything. With its 8 loops, freely configurable routing, full MIDI compatibility and 800 presets, it can handle any setup. It’s the switcher for live and studio perfectionists. It’s clearly a switcher you see a lot of on pro setups. It’s overpowering, but takes a little time to master!
Price: €760
Note that an ES-5 version is also available, depending on your needs!
Boss ES-5 Effects Switching System498 €Buy
TheGigRig G3 Atom
A compact version of the G3, this high-end switcher features 6 loops, a 100% analog signal, a color display, and extremely advanced MIDI control. With its customizable buffers and easy integration with the G3 Extender (to connect more pedals), it offers pro-level flexibility.
Price: €830
Voodoo Lab PX-8 Plus
The Voodoo Lab PX-8 Plus combines 8 effects loops, 36 presets, an integrated MIDI controller and true bypass routing , ideal for simplifying and optimizing a pedalboard, especially on stage, without compromising signal quality. A robust, reliable switcher!
Price: €475
Voodoo Lab Pedal Switcher PX-8 Plus475 €Buy
MusicomLAB EFX MK-V
This 10-loop model is a favorite of session musicians and studio pros alike. Advanced MIDI, loop reordering, presets… It combines extreme flexibility with sonic transparency. A reference in the field!
Price : info not found.
Disaster Area DPC-5 Gen3
Perfect for modern hybrid (analog/digital) setups. 5 loops (physical and virtual), full MIDI, tap tempo and presets… Ultra-compact but very smart, this is a switcher with great value for money!
Price: €365
Morningstar ML10X
The ML10X is an ultra-compact stereo switcher offering up to 10 mono or 5 stereo loops, with fully reconfigurable routing. Thanks to its intuitive editor, you can create chains in series or parallel, and rearrange the order of effects on the fly. It features 512 presets, full MIDI compatibility and seamless integration with Morningstar controllers.
Price: €499
RJM Mastermind PBC/6X
The RJM Mastermind PBC/6X is a programmable switcher offering 6 effects loops, extensive MIDI compatibility and an intuitive user interface. It handles complex setups in a compact package, ideal for guitarists looking for precise control without cluttering up their pedalboard.
Price: €800
Fender Switchboard Effects Operator
Developed in collaboration with RJM’s Ron Menelli, the Switchboard is Fender’s first switcher, combining 5 true bypass loops (one stereo) with a powerful processor. It features a color LCD display, 500 presets, programmable volume, built-in tuner, switchable buffers and advanced MIDI compatibility.
Price: €382
Fender Switchboard Effects Operator382 €Buy
G-Lab GSC-5
The G-Lab GSC-5 is a high-end programmable switcher featuring 6 effects loops, 100 presets, a full MIDI controller and intelligent buffer management. It also lets you manage your amp remotely. Perfect for centralizing and automating your pedalboard, whether digital and/or analog, while guaranteeing optimum signal quality.
Price: € 520
DESS SP-13S
Cock-a-doodle-doo! A French brand had to finish with this ultra-high-end model. 13 loops (including 4 stereo), 504 presets, OLED displays, advanced MIDI control (up to 16 MIDI messages per preset), isolated outputs, inputs for expression pedals, WahPad, external footswitch… The SP-13S is the most complete of the selection, and is clearly aimed at very high levels and very complex setups.
Price: €1,389
Do you use a switcher? Are you thinking of adding one to your pedalboard? Share your setup in the comments 👇
