Boss Introduces XS-100 and XS-1 Poly Shifters With New Pitch-Tracking Tech
Boss has expanded their pedal lineup with two new models: the XS-100 and XS-1 Poly Shifters. The pitch-shifting pedals are designed for bass, guitar, and other instruments, featuring new technology to enhance tracking.
“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,” they write. “Powered by finely tuned algorithms and a specially selected DSP platform, the XS series provides balanced polyphonic performance that feels natural and musical across all playing styles, pickup positions, and pedal setups. The 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.”
The larger XS-100 Poly Shifter is fully featured with a built-in pedal that provides linear control of four octaves up or down. It also has independent pitch-change speeds for each pedal direction, which lets you make motor revving sounds and other effects. A toe switch introduces momentary pitch jumps with an adjustable rise and fall time.
“Two footswitches are also available to bypass the pedal shift and quickly retune an instrument at fixed semitone steps across eight octaves,” Boss adds.
The XS-100’s range can be customized for different styles and songs. The toe switch and footswitches can also be assigned to alternate functions. Add 30 onboard memory slots and you’ve got plenty of versatility. Other features include support for two external footswitches or an expression pedal, MIDI capabilities, and a secondary output for parallel routing.
The XS-1 distills the core features into a smaller pedalboard-friendly format.
“Offering a range of +/- seven semitones and three octaves up or down, the XS-1 adapts to virtually any musical need,” the company writes. “The intuitive interface features a dedicated Balance knob for adjusting the mix between the direct and effect sound. Turning the knob to effect-only allows for full retuning, while blending in the direct sound can create 12-string effects, parallel guitar/bass sounds, and unexplored sonic colors. There’s also a Detune mode to produce evocative doubling effects with high-definition tone.”
The Boss XS-100 and XS-1 Poly Shifters will be shipping in October with prices of $349.99 and $199.99, respectively.
Boss XS-100 Poly Shifter Features:
| Advanced pitch-shifting workstation with deep control options and an eight-octave range |
| Total pitch control for guitar and bass |
| Class-leading pitch shifting quality realized with new BOSS algorithms |
| Clear response and natural feel that retains the fundamental sound character |
| Smooth onboard pedal with integrated toe switch provides linear pitch control across +/- four octaves |
| Fixed pitch settings in semitone steps across eight octaves for drop tunings, capo effects, and otherworldly tones |
| Detune function (+/- 50 cents) to create rich doubling effects |
| Adjustable pedal curve and response |
| Fully customizable toe switch and footswitches for momentary pitch changes, instant retuning, and more |
| Clear display for editing sounds and 30 memories for storing favorite setups |
| Dedicated analog output that mirrors the input signal |
| Connect up to two footswitches or an expression pedal for extended control |
| TRS MIDI I/O for external control and sending MIDI commands with the pedal and footswitches |
| USB connector for system updates |
Boss XS-1 Poly Shifter 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 |
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
