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An introduction to BOSS Gigcaster 5, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Gigcaster 5 is a powerful all-in-one audio command center purpose-built for musicians who livestream
— BOSS official site
What is Gigcaster 5?
Gigcaster 5 is an audio streaming mixer from BOSS built for livestreaming, podcasting and recording. A mixer, a USB audio interface, guitar and bass amps and effects, and vocal effects are combined in one unit.
The mixer section has five channels. Besides microphone and guitar inputs, it handles sound from a smartphone over Bluetooth and sound from a computer over USB. Each channel has a fader and a mute button, so levels can be adjusted by hand during a stream.
A 4.3-inch color touchscreen can show eight sound pads on screen. Eight banks of eight pads can be stored, giving 64 assignable functions such as effect on/off, patch switching and MIDI CC messages.
The USB audio side offers 16 inputs and 12 outputs, and each channel appears as its own device on the computer. This may help when you want to handle each source separately in streaming software or a DAW. Power comes from the AC adaptor or from a USB bus supply of at least 5 V / 3 A.
Five-channel mixer
Microphone, instrument, Bluetooth and USB sources make up five channels, each with a fader and mute button. Each channel also has a compressor and EQ, which may be handy for balancing levels while streaming.
Guitar and bass amps and effects
A guitar plugs directly into the Hi-Z input. Amps and effects derived from the GT-1000 are built in, with 100 presets and room for 200 user patches. A tuner is included.
Vocal and talk effects
Vocal effects, harmony and voice transformer functions derived from the VE series are included. Separate patches exist for singing and talking, which may help when switching between music streams and chat streams.
Sound pads
Eight pads appear on screen, and each pad can hold up to four functions. Across eight banks that gives 64 functions within reach, and the same functions can be assigned to an external footswitch.
Ducking and talkback
Ducking lowers background music automatically when an instrument or microphone is played. A talkback function is also provided for conversation between streamers.
Bluetooth and two headphone outputs
Bluetooth (A2DP, HFP) brings in background music or a remote guest's voice from a phone. Two headphone outputs each have independent EQ, and one supports headsets.
USB audio and companion app
USB is 16 in / 12 out and supports a stereo mix or multitrack recording. The Gigcaster 5 App for Windows and macOS allows touch-controlled audio playback and backup of the unit's settings.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Sampling rate | 48 kHz |
| AD / DA conversion | 24-bit / 32-bit |
| Internal processing | 32-bit floating point |
| USB audio | 16 in / 12 out (USB Type-C) |
| Bluetooth | A2DP, HFP |
| Mic inputs | MIC 1 and 2: XLR (balanced), 48 V phantom power |
| Guitar input | 1/4-inch phone, 1 M ohm |
| Instrument inputs | INST L/R: 1/4-inch phone |
| Outputs | MAIN OUT L/R (1/4-inch phone), Headphones 1 and 2 (stereo mini) |
| Display | 4.3-inch color touchscreen |
| Power | AC adaptor (PSD-100) or USB bus power (5 V / 3 A or more) |
| Dimensions | 177 (W) x 216 (D) x 78 (H) mm |
| Weight | 0.96 kg |
What is included and system requirements
- AC adaptor (PSD-100)
- Owner's manual
- 'Using the Unit Safely' leaflet
- Warranty card
- Gigcaster 5 App for Windows 10/11 and macOS
- USB driver for Windows 10/11 and macOS Big Sur 11.x or later
How to use it
- Connect the supplied AC adaptor and switch the unit on.
- Connect the computer with a USB Type-C cable.
- Download and install the USB driver if needed.
- Plug an XLR microphone into MIC 1 or 2 and turn on phantom power for a condenser microphone.
- Connect a guitar or bass to the GUITAR jack, and keyboards or similar gear to INST L/R.
- Connect headphones and set each channel's level with the faders.
- Select Gigcaster 5 as the input device in your streaming software.
- Assign frequently used actions to the sound pads on the touchscreen.
Singer-songwriter streams
Vocals and guitar can be fed in together, each with its own effects. Sound pads may be used to switch patches song by song.
Chat and game streams
Microphone, music and game audio can sit on separate channels, and ducking may keep your voice easy to hear. The voice transformer may suit on-stream effects.
Podcast recording
Two XLR microphone inputs may suit recording with a guest. A remote guest could be brought in over Bluetooth.
Home recording and overdubs
Because each channel can be sent to a DAW as a separate track, it may be used to record sources individually.
Who it may suit
- People who want to stream singing or instrument performances
- People who want to handle microphone, guitar and music in one unit
- People who want to switch things by touch or footswitch while streaming
- People who want to stream and record with the same gear
Good to know before you buy
- The sampling rate is 48 kHz.
- USB bus power requires a supply of at least 5 V / 3 A.
- Footswitches and expression pedals are sold separately.
- The Gigcaster 5 App supports Windows 10/11 and macOS. Check the official support pages for current compatibility.
Price
Please check the official page for the price.
See Gigcaster 5 on the product page
Sources: boss.info (checked 2026-10-27)
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