Boss XS-1 Poly Shifter

The BOSS XS-1 Poly Shifter is a compact pitch-shifting pedal designed for guitarists, bassists, and other instrumentalists who need reliable, real-time pitch retuning without sacrificing their instrument's natural tone. Built around new BOSS pitch-shifting algorithms and a specially selected DSP platform, the XS-1 delivers polyphonic performance that tracks chords and sustained notes with clarity. It suits players who regularly change tunings mid-set, need to shift keys to suit a vocalist, or want to explore extended-range sounds without swapping instruments.

The XS-1 offers a pitch shift range of +/- seven semitones and +/- three octaves, covering drop tunings, capo simulation, octave jumps, and more. A Balance knob controls the blend between the effected and direct signals, making it straightforward to set up parallel sounds such as 12-string effects or combined guitar and bass tones. A Detune mode provides +/- 20 cents of detuning for rich doubling effects. The pedal switch can be configured for standard toggle or momentary operation, and the CTL/EXP jack accepts up to two external footswitches for quick access to alternate tuning setups, or an expression pedal for dynamic, continuous pitch control.

The XS-1 operates in standard BOSS compact pedal format, measuring 73 x 129 x 59 mm and weighing 410 g with battery. It can be powered by a single 9V alkaline battery (6LR61/6LF22, included) or an optional PSA series AC adaptor. Battery life under continuous use is approximately three hours. The bypass is buffered, and the unit draws 120 mA. Compatible optional accessories include the FS-5U, FS-6, and FS-7 footswitches, and the EV-30, FV-500L, FV-500H, and Roland EV-5 expression pedals. The XS-1 is covered by BOSS's five-year warranty.

Features:

• Class-leading pitch shifting quality realized with new BOSS algorithms
• Instantly change the pitch of a guitar, bass, or other instrument
• Clear response and natural feel that retains the fundamental sound character
• Change pitch across +/- seven semitones or +/- three octaves
• Balance knob adjusts the mix between the effect and direct sound
• Detune function (+/- 20 cents) to create rich doubling effects
• Selectable pedal switch modes for toggle or momentary operation
• Connect external footswitches for quick access to up to three tuning setups, or use an expression pedal for linear pitch control
• BOSS five-year warranty

Specifications:

AD Conversion
24 bits + AF method
AF method (Adaptive Focus method) This is a proprietary method from Roland & BOSS that vastly improves the signal-to-noise (SN) ratio of the AD and DA converters.
DA Conversion
32 bits
Sampling Frequency
48 kHz
Nominal Input Level
-20 dBu
Maximum Input Level
+7 dBu
Input Impedance
1 MΩ
Nominal Output Level
-20 dBu
Maximum Output Level
+7 dBu
Output Impedance
1 kΩ
Recommended Load Impedance
10 kΩ or greater
Bypass
Buffered bypass
Controls
BALANCE knob
SHIFT knob
PEDAL MODE switch
SHIFT DIRECTION switch
Pedal switch
Indicator
CHECK indicator (Used for check battery)
Connectors
INPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
OUTPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
CTL/EXP jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
DC IN jack
Power Supply
AC adaptor
Alkaline battery (6LR61 or 6LF22, commercially available) x 1
Current Draw
120 mA
Expected battery life under continuous use
Alkaline battery (6LR61): Approximately 3 hours
* This can vary depending on the specifications of the batteries, capacity of the batteries, and the conditions of use.
Accessories
Leaflet (“USING THE UNIT SAFELY”, “IMPORTANT NOTES” and “Information”)
Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61 or 6LF22)
Options (sold separately)
AC adaptor: PSA series
Footswitch: FS-5U
Dual footswitch: FS-6, FS-7
Expression Pedal: EV-30, FV-500L, FV-500H, Roland EV-5

Size and Weight
Width
73 mm
2-7/8 inches
Depth
129 mm
5-1/8 inches
Height
59 mm
2-3/8 inches
Weight (including battery)
410 g
15 oz

*Specifications subject to change without notice.