Available now at Northeast Music Center!
In developing the XS series, BOSS engineers pioneered new methods to advance real-time pitch shifting and eliminate the tonal artifacts common in conventional designs. Powered by finely tuned algorithms and a specially selected DSP platform, the XS-1 provides balanced polyphonic performance that feels natural and musical across all playing styles, pickup positions, and pedal setups. Your instrument’s attack and tonal character are fully preserved, and even complex chords and sustained lead tones—typically a challenge for pitch shifters—are reproduced with stunning clarity.
Retuning during a performance means long pauses, instrument swaps, or pedal solutions that can color the sound in undesirable ways. With the XS-1, you can shift tunings on demand and retain great sound, feel, and response—without ever breaking the momentum of a show. Authentically play songs in drop tunings, change keys to suit a vocalist’s range, create unique extended-range sounds, and more.
Offering a range of +/- seven semitones and three octaves up or down, the XS-1 adapts to virtually any musical need. Thanks to the signature BOSS compact interface, dialing in sounds is fast and intuitive. With semitone tunings, you’ll usually want to set the Balance knob for effect only to avoid pitch conflicts. For octave shifts, use it to blend in the direct sound for 12-string effects, parallel guitar/bass sounds, and unexplored colors. There’s also a Detune mode to create evocative doubling effects with high-definition tone.
The XS-1 provides a variety of control options to meet your creative intent. With the flip of a panel control, you can assign the pedal switch for standard on/off toggle use or momentary operation. Connect up to two external footswitches for fast access to alternate tuning modes with your preferred Balance settings. Or add an expression pedal to transform the XS-1 into a dynamic pitch-bending tool for dramatic, ear-turning shifts.
