Boss XS-1 Poly Shifter

Fast Retuning, Perfect Sound!

The XS-1 Poly Shifter lets you retune instantly in a compact, road-ready pedal format. Using modern Boss algorithms refined over years, this extraordinary pedal shifts overall pitch without altering the natural character of your instrument. Expect fast pitch tracking, crystal-clear response and uncompromising tone—whether you tune down, emulate a capo effect or use extreme octave jumps creatively. The flexible XS-1 opens new expressive possibilities and makes tuning changes quick, seamless and effortless.

Natural Sound With Cutting-Edge Boss Technology

For the XS series, Boss developed new processes to optimize real-time pitch shifting and to reduce the sonic artifacts that often occur with traditional approaches. With a dedicated DSP and precisely tuned algorithms, the XS-1 delivers a balanced performance that feels natural and musical across different playing styles, pickup positions and pedal setups. Your instrument's attack and tonal character remain fully intact. Even complex chords and long-held lead notes—which typically challenge pitch shifters—are reproduced with impressive clarity.

The Redefinition Of Pitch Shifting In Live Performances

Retuning instruments during a show takes time and often requires instrument changes or pedal solutions that alter the sound in unwanted ways. With the XS-1 you switch quickly and easily between tunings while retaining tone, feel and response—without interrupting the flow of the performance. Play songs in drop tunings, adapt the key to a vocalist's range, create extraordinary sounds beyond your instrument's normal capabilities and much more.

Wide Range, Easy Control

With a range of ± seven semitones and ± three octaves, the XS-1 is equipped for almost any musical situation. The familiar operation of a Boss compact pedal ensures quick and intuitive sound shaping. For semitone tunings, it's recommended to set the Balance control fully to effect to avoid pitch conflicts. For octave shifts you can use the control to blend in the direct signal and create a 12-string guitar effect, play parallel guitar/bass sounds or discover entirely new tonal colors. Additionally, a detune mode lets you craft expressive, well-defined doubler effects.

Everything Under Creative Control

The footswitch can be set with a button press to function either as a standard latching on/off switch or in momentary mode. Connect up to two external footswitches to quickly toggle between alternate tuning modes with your personal balance settings. Or plug in an expression pedal and turn the XS-1 into a dynamic pitch-bend tool that creates unusual and surprising pitch shifts.