Tips & Tricks for the Boss GT-10 & GT-8

I will talk about two key areas of the Boss GT-8 & GT-10 multi effect processors.

1. Configuring the ideal sound

Some examples:

It's conspicuous that the "original speakers" of the Boss GT-8 sound totally different than the custom speakers. Most of the overdriven preamp models are a bit on the shrill side. Without low mids but with too much highs. The rectifiers are the exception. They are absolutly dull sounding. At first I thought that's the simulation of a broken speaker cabinet. But if you combine the Boss GT-8 or Boss GT-10 preamps with e.g. the 4x12" custom speaker cabinet then you'll get a good sounding preamp model. Because I already tweaked the Boss sounds to the max. possible I'll show you the way to get a top notch sound out of this box.
I need a good '80th hard rock sound for my guitar with single coils. Shall I use the old Marshall 1959 & a distortion stompbox like the RAT or is it better to use the MS HIGain Amp without a distortion or overdrive stompbox? Of course, the 5150 or Rectifier aren't worth considering for a '80th sound.
I own a Gibson Les Paul or a Paul Reed Smith and want (with the help of the Boss GT-10) to use them for a '70th funky sound.

2. Programming of ctrl pedals, variable assigns, midi etc.

After getting your sound you might ask yourself how to get the maximum possible out of the new patch. What to control with the ctrl pedal? Or how to activate the tuner with the exp. pedal? A clean patch with an auto. compressor or a heavy patch with a solo booster are nice to get, too. I'll explain the possibilities of the variable assigns, the internal pedal system and the wave pedal.