Boss XS-1 Poly Shifter

This is what Boss say about the XS-1 Poly Shifter:

Rapid Retuning, Flawless Sound

The BOSS XS-1 Poly Shifter delivers fast, precise pitch shifting and instant retuning in a compact, pedalboard-friendly design. Powered by advanced BOSS algorithms developed over years of innovation, this versatile pitch shifter pedal changes your instrument’s overall pitch while preserving its natural character and tone.

Enjoy ultra-fast tracking and crystal-clear response when shifting down, creating virtual capo effects, or exploring dramatic octave jumps for creative sound design. Whether you need quick tuning changes on stage or want to expand your tonal possibilities in the studio, the XS-1 makes pitch shifting smooth, responsive, and seamless.

With its combination of advanced technology, reliable performance, and flexible pitch-shifting capabilities, the BOSS XS-1 Poly Shifter gives guitarists and other instrumentalists greater freedom to change pitch without compromising their sound.

Natural Sound with Advanced BOSS Pitch-Shifting Technology

The BOSS XS-1 Poly Shifter combines advanced digital technology with intelligent pitch-shifting algorithms to deliver smooth, natural-sounding performance with minimal tonal artifacts. Developed using a specially selected DSP platform and finely tuned processing, the XS-1 provides responsive polyphonic pitch shifting that remains clear and musical across a wide range of playing styles and setups.

Your instrument’s natural attack, dynamics, and tonal character are preserved, allowing every note to sound authentic and defined. From complex chords and fast passages to sustained lead tones, the XS-1 delivers impressive clarity and accurate tracking—even in demanding playing situations.

Whether you’re shifting pitch for live performance, creating virtual capo effects, or exploring creative octave sounds, the BOSS XS-1 Poly Shifter delivers reliable, high-quality pitch shifting while keeping your original tone at the forefront.

Redefining Pitch Shifting for Live Performance

Changing tunings during a live performance can mean awkward pauses, switching instruments, or relying on pedals that affect your natural tone. The BOSS XS-1 Poly Shifter makes instant retuning simple, allowing you to change pitch on demand while maintaining excellent sound, feel, and responsiveness.

Play songs in different drop tunings, change keys instantly to match a vocalist’s range, or create extended-range sounds without changing instruments. With fast, natural-sounding pitch shifting, the XS-1 keeps your performance moving and eliminates the need for lengthy tuning changes between songs.

From live gigs and rehearsals to studio sessions, the BOSS XS-1 Poly Shifter gives musicians the freedom to explore different tunings and keys while keeping their performance seamless and their tone intact.

Wide Pitch Range, Simple Controls

The BOSS XS-1 Poly Shifter offers an impressive pitch-shifting range of up to ±7 semitones and three octaves up or down, giving you the flexibility to create everything from subtle tuning changes to dramatic octave effects. Its compact BOSS control layout makes adjusting your sound quick, simple, and intuitive.

For semitone pitch shifting, the Balance knob can be set to effect-only for clean, focused pitch changes without unwanted pitch conflicts. When using octave effects, blend the original signal with the shifted sound to create convincing 12-string guitar effects, layered guitar and bass tones, and unique sonic textures.

The XS-1 also features a dedicated Detune mode, producing rich doubling effects and a high-definition sound that adds depth and character to your playing. Whether you’re looking for precise retuning, octave effects, or creative pitch-shifting sounds, the XS-1 offers versatile control in a compact pedalboard-friendly design.

Powerful Creative Control

The BOSS XS-1 Poly Shifter gives you flexible control over pitch shifting, allowing you to customise the pedal to suit your playing style and creative needs. A convenient panel control lets you switch the pedal between standard on/off operation and momentary mode for hands-on performance control.

For even greater versatility, connect up to two external footswitches to access alternative tuning settings quickly, with your preferred Balance configurations ready at the touch of a switch. You can also connect an expression pedal and turn the XS-1 into a dynamic pitch-bending tool for smooth, dramatic pitch shifts and creative performance effects.

From instant tuning changes and alternate pitch settings to expressive pitch bends, the BOSS XS-1 Poly Shifter puts powerful and versatile pitch-shifting control at your feet.

• 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.)
• Dimensions: 73 (W) x 129 (D) x 59 (H) mm, 2-7/8 (W) x 5-1/8 (D) x 2-3/8 (H) inches
• Weight (including battery): 410 g, 15 oz
• 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
• * 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

• 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