7 Best Guitar Pedal/Loop Switchers (For All Budgets)

• We review 7 of the best guitar pedal switchers/loop switchers on the market.
• Featuring switchers from Voodoo Lab, Radial, OneControl and more.

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Thanks to the explosion of guitar pedals, stompboxes, and other gadgets with footswitches in the last decade or so, guitarists now face a new problem:

With so many footswitches, how does one stay focused on actually playing the guitar?

Enter the guitar pedal switcher. These units allow you to take control of your sound and streamline the operation of your effects, especially onstage. 

(Before you get a switcher, is your pedalboard up to scratch? Check out these awesome custom boutique pedalboards for inspiration!)

What Are The 7 Best Guitar Pedal Switchers?

Our top pick is the Voodoo Lab PX-8 Plus, which offers an ideal combination of usability, quality, and price.

For those on a budget, the Radial BigShot EFX Effects Loop Switcher is a fantastic choice. Or if you have a lot of pedals, and/or need flexibility, check out the OneControl Crocodile Tail Loop OC10, which is our premium choice for this list.

Here are our candidates for the 7 best guitar pedal switchers:

1. Voodoo Lab PX-8 Plus (Our Pick)
2. Radial BigShot EFX Effects Loop Switcher (Best Value)
3. OneControl Crocodile Tail Loop OC10 (Premium Choice)
4. Boss ES-8 Effects Switching System 
5. Boss MS-3 Multi Effects Switcher
6. EarthQuaker Devices Swiss Things Pedalboard Reconciler
7. Electro-Harmonix Switchblade Pro

1. Voodoo Lab PX-8 Plus

The Voodoo Lab’s PX-8 Plus Pedal Switcher provides true bypass performance and 36 customizable preset tones as well as a MIDI in and out to interface with a MIDI switcher.

You get 8 audio loops and a streamlined compact design made to fit in your pedalboard. This is our pick for the best guitar pedal switcher.

Features

• 8 true bypass audio loops using gold contact relays
• 1-button access to 36 customizable preset effects combinations
• Instantly recall 128 preset combinations of effects via MIDI
• Compatible with Ground Control Pro or any MIDI controller
• Insert point between loops 6 and 7 for volume pedals and more

Review

The Voodoo Lab PX-8 Plus pedal switcher features eight footswitches on top of the unit for controlling all your effects. It also preserves the integrity of your signal, as your sound runs pure and clean right past any effects not selected. 

This fantastic pedal switcher features 36 customizable preset pedal combinations. You can choose to use the PX-8 Plus in standard mode to insert and remove effects instantly.

Alternatively, you can also use it in preset mode, where a single stomp can pull up a string of effects for an instant lead tone, rhythm tone, etc. 

Additionally, the PX-8 Plus is fully MIDI compatible and you can even program it to select the presets you’ve created in some of your favorite digitally controlled effects. 

Despite all these features, this pedal is still compact and portable. The PX-8 Plus fits on one rail of a Pedaltrain pedalboard, giving you enough space for your effects and stompboxes. 

Other features you’ll find on this pedal include an output buffer to preserve your tone, quiet switching technology for the lowest possible noise, and a 5-year warranty. The PX-8 Plus is truly hard to beat at this price point, and is our best overall pick for this list.

2. Radial BigShot EFX Effects Loop Switcher

Radial has built a reputation based on functionality, reliability, and durability. The BigShot EFX is further proof of the no-nonsense approach that this company employs, which is something that has won them many fans over the years. 

This effects loop switching pedal comes with a mute control, 2 ground lifts, and true bypass at a fantastic price point. This is our best value choice for the list. 

Features

• Dual effects loop switching pedal
• Instant access to 2 effects loops via 2 onboard switches
• Create a true-bypass signal path with all pedals
• Compact and rugged for pro pedalboards
• Eliminate ground loop noise with 2 lift switches

Review

The Radial BigShot EFX is a compact and elegant solution for pedal switching on a budget. It features two separate effects loops and true-bypass switching capability. You can choose to run both loops simultaneously or none at all. Additionally, you can opt to set up Loop 2 as a mute.

The BigShot EFX features input options of 1 x 1/4″ (instrument in), 2 x 1/4″ (loop returns), and 1 x 1/4″ (main out), 2 x 1/4″ (loop sends) outputs. It is powered by a passive 9V DC power supply which is sold separately.

This pedal switcher is simple, easy to use, easy to set up, and a strong choice for those with limited space and budget. Simply said, this is another great product by Radial, and is our best value pick for this list. 

3. OneControl Crocodile Tail Loop OC10

The OneControl Crocodile Tail Loop OC10 is our premium choice for guitarists that need total control of their complex pedalboards.

This pedal switcher offers you 10 fully independent switchable loops. MIDI capabilities and the ability to expand beyond 10 loops are also present, for the ultimate solution in guitar effects switching. 

Features

• Versatile guitar effects loop switcher for intricate pedalboard configurations
• 10 x switchable effects loops
• 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 configuration options
• Direct mode lets you toggle individual loops via the individual footswitches
• BJF buffered input circuit avoids loss of signal or headroom, even with many pedals in use

Review

The OneControl Crocodile Tail Loop OC10 features 10 x switchable effects loops, giving you the freedom to control your pedalboard as you see fit. 

The Crocodile Tail Loop’s direct mode allows you to try out different combinations of pedals in your quest for the perfect setup and tone.

Using the streamlined push-button controls, you can conveniently save up to 70 of your own loop presets in seven banks with 10 presets each. This gives you unmatched control and the ability to quickly change tones at will. 

As far as MIDI, each of the Crocodile Tail Loop’s switches lets you send out MIDI control change (CC) messages.

With this feature, you can set up your programs to switch tone presets as well as toggle loops if you’re playing through MIDI-equipped multi-effects. You can also control the Crocodile Tail Loop via an external MIDI controller.

Another fantastic feature of this switcher is the handy Link function for syncing and copying settings. To use this, connect two Crocodile Tail Loops together via a single Cat 5e Ethernet cable. It features two Link modes, Sync and Download.

Sync mode follows the settings of the master unit only, so if you trigger preset 3 on the master unit, the connected unit will also switch to the third preset.

In Download mode, the master Crocodile Tail Loop actually sends its complete settings to the connected unit, ideal for configuring parallel rigs.

4. BOSS MS-3 Multi Effects Switcher

The BOSS MS-3 Multi Effects Switcher is an elegant solution to a common problem, and then some. This pedal switcher also comes with a robust amount of onboard effects.

Additionally, it features a tuner and noise suppressor, saving you from having to buy these as separate pedals and saving you precious space on your pedalboard.  

Features

• Multi-effects pedal and loop switcher for electric guitar and bass
• 112 built-in effects with delays, reverbs, pitch shifter, chorus, flanger, phaser, and more
• 3 external loops for effects pedals
• 6 internal effects slots can be placed anywhere in the chain along with the pedal loops
• Built-in tuner, noise suppressor, and global EQ 

Review

The BOSS MS-3 features 112 built-in effects plus a tuner, noise suppressor, and global EQ. To manage your pedals, this unit comes with three switchable loops.

You also have the ability to switch between your custom patches on the fly, which enables you to use your existing effects pedals in new creative ways. All of this allows you to seamlessly integrate your pedals and create custom patch configurations that can be recalled instantly.

The global EQ gives you even more control over the sound of your rig. It’s helpful for getting consistent sound in different venues, letting you compensate for the sound of any room without having to adjust your preferred guitar, pedal, or amp settings.

On top of that, you can also use the MS-3 to change amp channels and interface with MIDI gear. This unit also features USB connectivity for patch creation and backup with the free MS-3 editor/librarian software (Mac/PC).

If you’re after a better way to manage your effects pedals and guitar rig, the BOSS MS-3 Multi Effects Switcher might be just what the doctor ordered.

5. EarthQuaker Devices Swiss Things Pedalboard Reconciler

EarthQuaker Devices produces some of the most unique effects pedals on the market and the Swiss Things Pedalboard Reconciler is no exception. 

It is a compact unit that comes in a sturdy and durable chassis, and is a formidable choice for dual amp setups. 

Features

• Compact utility pedal with effects loop switching, clean boost, AB-Y routing
• Flexi-Switch switching for latching or momentary operation
• Expression pedal input allows you to control volume without using a tone-sucking volume pedal
• One loop is unbuffered for best operation with certain fuzz pedals
• Other loop is buffered for maximum signal integrity

Review

The Swiss Things Pedalboard Reconciler features two true bypasses, Flexi-Switch enabled effects loops, AB-Y functionality (with transformer-isolated outputs), a buffered tuner output, 20dB clean boost switch, and an expression pedal jack for volume control. 

One of the loops is buffered to ensure maximum signal quality, while the other is unbuffered to better match with particular fuzz units and other pedals that don’t mesh well with buffered signals.

(If you’re confused by buffered / unbuffered pedals, we break down the differences for you in True Bypass vs Buffered (Quick Guide + Differences))

The Swiss Things gives you the option to switch each loop independently, or even hold a loop switch for temporary operation.

This pedal switcher features an A/B switch that is great for dual amp setups as you can easily toggle between amps. You can also hit the Both switch to engage both outputs if desired. To ensure optimal signal integrity, the outputs are transformer isolated.

Additionally, this unit features a clean boost with up to 20 dB of gain – also with a Flexi-Switch – allowing for boosting in addition to latching operation. In short, this is one of the best options for pedal switching on the market today. 

6. BOSS ES-8 Effects Switching System 

BOSS has been one of the most prominent effect pedal companies for decades. It should come as no surprise that they keep producing effects units that guitarists everywhere love, regardless of genre.

The ES-8 is a great guitar pedal switcher, with the durability, functionality, and reliability that we’ve come to expect from BOSS. 

Features

• 8 loops and flexible routing for creating elaborate effects chains
• 800 patch memories for unique versatility for live musicians
• Onboard memory for storing external control parameters such as delay time for each patch
• Fully customizable pedal function assignments
• Buffers can be switched on/off individually

Review

The BOSS ES-8 effects switching system features eight loops that allow you to craft elaborate effects chains with unparalleled routing flexibility.

These include 6 mono loops, 2 stereo loop returns, and 1 volume loop. Its onboard memory lets you store up to 800 patches, along with external control parameters such as delay time for each patch. 

For those that truly care about tone, you’d be happy to know that the ES-8 employs an analog circuit to keep your tone pristine and unadulterated. It also offers flexibility on its I/O with In, Out/Thru and the following output options: 3 x 1/4″ TRS (external control), 1 x 1/4″ TRS (expression), 2 x 1/4″ TRS (control/expression).

Additional features include switchable buffers, LCD and 7-segment LED displays, and completely customizable pedal function assignments. 

This fantastic pedal switcher works with a 9.6 V DC power supply. Simply said, the BOSS ES-8 offers you comprehensive options to truly take control of your pedalboard. 

7. Electro-Harmonix Switchblade Pro

Electro-Harmonix is one of the premier guitar pedal companies today. In true EHX form, the Switchblade Pro is built stylishly, feels solid, and is well designed.

This pedal switcher can also switch amps, giving you even more functionality from this compact unit. 

Features

• A/B/Y signal switching pedal
• A useful tool for the stage or studio
• Great for switching between or blending together two amps or pedals chains
• LED indicator lets you know which signal is engaged
• 100% passive audio path

Review

The Electro-Harmonix SwitchBlade Pro is an A/B/Y box that is great for toggling or combining two discrete pedal chains. Additionally, this pedal is capable of switching amps in a multi-amp rig, and can also be used as a dedicated signal mute. 

The Switchblade Pro features 1 x 1/4″ (instrument), 2 x 1/4″ (return A/B) inputs and 1 x 1/4″ (out), 2 x 1/4″ (send A/B) outputs, as well as true bypass. 

This pedal is very easy to use. For instance, you’ll quickly know which signal is engaged thanks to the Switchblade Pro’s LED indicator. With dimensions of 2.5″ x 5.74″ x 4.76″, it is compact enough to fit even the most cramped pedalboards.

It is powered by an included 9V DC power supply. Overall, the Switchblade Pro is a premium offering from one of the best pedal companies in history!

For more on looping check out Exploring Live Looping Possibilities (Interview w/ Abdous).

Searching for something unique to add to your setup? Here’s 8 Cool Musical Gadgets That Break Modern Convention!