BOSS GKC-AD/GKC-DA Serial GK Converter - Analog to Digital

BOSS GKC-AD/GKC-DA Serial GK Converter

The BOSS GKC-AD/GKC-DA GK Converter family bridges classic 13-pin analog GK equipment with the newer Serial GK digital interface. Choose the GKC-AD to connect a traditional 13-pin divided pickup or GK-equipped instrument to newer Serial GK processors, or select the GKC-DA to operate legacy 13-pin processors from newer Serial GK pickups and devices.

Both versions support professional guitar and bass synthesizer workflows while preserving the instrument's normal pickup signal. The GKC-AD provides a dedicated Guitar Out for sending the conventional instrument signal to an amplifier or other equipment, while the GKC-DA provides a Guitar In that embeds the regular pickup signal into its outgoing 13-pin GK connection.

Each converter uses a compact metal desktop enclosure, dedicated power and GK connection indicators, a ground terminal, and a USB Micro-B port for firmware updates. Both models share the same physical dimensions and include an AC adapter, while their connector direction and current requirements differ according to the selected conversion type.

Key Features

• Two Conversion Variants: Choose GKC-AD for 13-pin analog GK to Serial GK conversion or GKC-DA for Serial GK to 13-pin analog GK conversion.
• Legacy and Current GK Integration: Bridges different generations of BOSS and Roland divided-pickup systems without replacing an existing compatible instrument or processor.
• Instrument Signal Pass-Through: Preserves the conventional guitar or bass pickup signal alongside the divided-pickup workflow.
• Serial GK Connectivity: Uses a dedicated 1/4" TRS Serial GK connection with compatible BGK-series cables.
• Classic 13-Pin GK Connectivity: Provides the traditional DIN interface required by earlier divided pickups or processors, depending on the selected model.
• Connection Status Indicator: GK CONNECT LED shows whether a compatible Serial GK device is connected.
• Firmware Update Port: USB Micro-B connection allows program updates from a compatible computer.
• Compact Metal Chassis: Both converters use the same rugged 4.5" x 3.6" x 1.4" desktop enclosure.

Converter Variants

• GKC-AD Analog-to-Digital: Accepts a classic 13-pin GK source and converts it to the newer Serial GK interface for products such as the GM-800 and VG-800.
• GKC-DA Digital-to-Analog: Accepts a Serial GK source and converts it to the classic 13-pin GK interface for compatible products such as the SY-1000, GP-10, GR-55, and other legacy GK devices.

GKC-AD for Legacy Pickups and New Serial GK Gear

The GKC-AD provides a 13-pin DIN GK input for compatible divided pickups and GK-equipped instruments. Its Serial GK output uses a 1/4" TRS connection designed for a BGK cable. A separate 1/4" Guitar Out passes the instrument's normal pickup signal to an amplifier, pedalboard, interface, or other compatible destination.

GKC-DA for Serial GK Sources and 13-Pin Processors

The GKC-DA reverses the signal direction. A 1/4" TRS Serial GK input accepts compatible sources such as the GK-5 and GK-5B, while its 13-pin DIN output feeds compatible earlier-generation GK processors. A high-impedance Guitar In allows a conventional instrument signal to be incorporated into the outgoing 13-pin connection.

BGK Cable and Firmware Support

Serial GK connections require a compatible BGK-series TRS cable, available separately in 15' and 30' versions. Both converters also include a USB Micro-B port exclusively for program updates. This USB connection does not function as a general-purpose audio interface or host connection.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: BOSS
• Product Family: GKC GK Converter
• Available Variants: GKC-AD Analog-to-Digital, GKC-DA Digital-to-Analog
• Form Factor: Desktop converter
• Construction: Metal enclosure
• Serial GK Connection: 1/4" TRS phone type for compatible BGK cable
• Classic GK Connection: 13-pin DIN
• USB Port: USB Micro-B, program updates only
• Ground Terminal: Yes
• Indicators: Power, GK Connect
• Power Supply: AC adapter
• Dimensions: 4.5" W x 3.6" D x 1.4" H
• Weight: 0.8 lb excluding AC adapter

GKC-AD Specifications

• Conversion Direction: Classic analog 13-pin GK to Serial GK
• GK Input: 13-pin DIN
• GK Output: 1/4" TRS Serial GK
• Instrument Output: 1/4" Guitar Out
• Nominal Guitar Output Level: -10 dBu
• Recommended Guitar Output Load: 10 kohms or greater
• Current Draw: 240 mA
• Supported Current-Generation Products: BOSS GM-800 Guitar Synthesizer, VG-800 V-Guitar Processor
• Typical Legacy Sources: Roland GK-3, GK-3B, and compatible instruments with 13-pin GK output

GKC-DA Specifications

• Conversion Direction: Serial GK to classic analog 13-pin GK
• GK Input: 1/4" TRS Serial GK
• GK Output: 13-pin DIN
• Instrument Input: 1/4" Guitar In
• Nominal Guitar Input Level: -10 dBu
• Maximum Guitar Input Level: +16 dBu
• Guitar Input Impedance: 1 Mohm
• Current Draw: 390 mA
• Typical Serial GK Sources: BOSS GK-5, GK-5B, and supported Serial GK processors
• Supported Legacy Products: BOSS SY-1000, GP-10, Roland GR-55, and other compatible products with 13-pin GK input

What's In the Box

• BOSS GKC-AD or GKC-DA GK Converter, according to selected variant
• AC Adapter
• Owner's Manual
• Safety Leaflet