BOSS Waza Tube Amp Expander

The WAZA Tube Amp Expander is equipped with WAZA R&D expertise and the ever-evolving Tube Logic methodology that seamlessly integrates with, and complements, your tube amp(s) without taking away the sound and playing feel that made you choose that particular amp. The first idea for this unique concept emerged during the development of our WAZA amp head. To pass the extensive product testing and refine the amp’s circuitry, BOSS engineers constructed a custom-designed load box that contained far more features than those found in commercially available products. The innovative design performed so well that it was the logical starting point for developing the next generation of tools for the modern tube guitarist.

Lets the pipes work and get the right playing feel at any volume

As a tube amp owner, you know that it sounds and feels best when you turn up the volume and let the amp sweat. But most of us rarely get the chance to blow on our tube amps enough to enjoy the maximum experience. Load boxes and volume attenuators that are driven by a tube amp's speaker output have been developed over many years in an attempt to solve this problem. While they do manage to bring down the volume and provide a reasonably balanced result, it often comes at the expense of unwanted side effects that negatively affect the soundstage, dynamic response and distortion character - leading to an unsatisfactory playing experience.

The advanced reactive loading section of the WAZA Tube Amp Expander completely eliminates these side effects, allowing you to experience the full capabilities and interactive playing feel of your tube amp while easily adjusting the volume to suit the conditions of each unique setting. The Resonance-Z and Presence-Z controls on the panel are one of the key features, optimizing the all-important impedance interaction with the amp's output transformer. With 16 different settings, you can make your amp behave and respond exactly as if it were connected to your favorite speaker cabinet. It supports all tube-based guitar amps up to 150 watts, from vintage combos to modern high-gain heads.

Comprehensive control of your rig

Packed with control, the WAZA Tube Amp Expander is a dream tool for controlling your rig on stage and in the studio. Ten different setups can be saved to the unit, and each setup includes your effects and EQ settings, cab/IR selection, effects loop on/off, MIDI program change (for controlling external MIDI effects), and amp channel selection (if you have a multi-channel amp that supports external channel change control). Rigs can be accessed with a panel knob, and there are additional controls for reverb and other functions. There is also a Write button for saving minor adjustments quickly and easily.

By connecting a GA-FC footswitch (sold separately), you get total control of the WAZA Tube Amp Expander with your feet, which is ideal for stage performances. Via a single TRS cable, you have instant access to the 10 presets for your settings, plus real-time control of delay, tap tempo, solo/EQ, effects loop on/off, and amp channel switching. You can even control volume levels by connecting expression pedals (sold separately) to the GA-FC. The WAZA Tube Amp Expander also supports FS series footswitches, plus extensive MIDI control for more advanced setups.

Effects to the max

With its built-in effects and external effects loops, the WAZA Tube Amp Expander provides your tube amp with a ton of new sonic features that will have a big impact on the overall playing experience – especially if you have a vintage model that lacks effects loops altogether. Built-in DSP delivers premium sound quality and true stereo with class-leading 32-bit AD/DA, 32-bit floating point processing and 96 kHz sampling rate. Compressor, delay and reverb are available with multiple customizable settings via dedicated editing software. There are four different EQs to strategically shape your sound at multiple points along the signal path, and you can even use one of these EQs as a boost for solos. The external loop can operate in series or parallel and supports both line-level devices and standard guitar pedals.

Send signal to on-stage speakers, mixers, recording systems and headphones – all at the same time

Once you've set up your amp where it sounds its best, the WAZA Tube Amp Expander delivers that great sound to multiple locations simultaneously. With parallel speaker outputs, you can drive up to two stage speakers from the integrated 100-watt analog Class AB power amp. In addition to providing smooth, stepless volume control for all connected amps, the robust power amp also provides the practical ability to crank up your low-wattage amp to louder stage volumes. Balanced mono and stereo line outputs, including built-in microphone and speaker simulation or user IR, provide a complete direct signal to the main mixer, stage monitors and recording systems. There's also a USB output that outputs a direct signal so you can record directly into your music production software. With a dedicated headphone output, you can play with a rich tube sound without disturbing the people around you.

Large setting options

The WAZA Tube Amp Expander works straight out of the box, but you can also connect it to the dedicated editing software to reach even greater creative potential. First and foremost, you can edit effects and EQ down to the smallest detail. In addition, you can choose from 22 different pre-miked speaker cabinets for the direct outputs, each with one of five different near-field microphones and one of three room microphones, for space and depth. There are also four slots that you can fill with your own speaker IRs, if you wish. You can also set up many other functions, including MIDI, system parameters, and a loudness contour for a big, full sound even at whisper levels. Your favorite settings can be saved to your computer and organized into Live Sets for different types of performances on stage and in the studio.