BOSS XS-100 and XS-1: Pitch-Shifting Just Got Serious
Bring New Life to Drop Tunings
5,0 / 5,0 | 
The BOSS XS-100 and the compact XS-1 have arrived, showcasing just how far real-time pitch-shifting technology has evolved. Rather than being limited to simple octave jumps or thin, artificial sounds, these new designs offer musical clarity, expressive control and deep flexibility in a stage-ready format. Whether you prefer the powerful workstation format of the XS-100 or the XS-1’s streamlined practicality, this series is set to transform the way players approach alternate tunings, layered textures and live pitch control. For guitarists and bassists seeking precision without compromising on character, this release represents a significant advancement in creative sound design.
All About BOSS XS-100 & XS-1
BOSS XS-100 and XS-1: Instant Alternate Tunings
The BOSS XS-100 Poly Shifter offers a new take on pitch-shifting effects, combining in-depth control with a broad tonal range that is both musical and dependable. Designed to work with not only guitar and bass, but also other instruments that benefit from dynamic pitch changes, this pedal is extremely versatile. While it delivers an extensive eight-octave range, its strength lies in its ability to preserve tonal clarity when playing chords, bends or layered effects. Traditional pitch shifters often fall short in this area, but the XS-100 maintains definition and musicality across all registers.
At the heart of the BOSS XS-100 lies a precisely calibrated algorithm running on a specialised DSP platform, developed specifically to circumvent the artefacts that frequently plague polyphonic pitch-shifting. The result is a more natural response that preserves attack and character across a variety of playing styles. This is particularly relevant when players experiment with expressive techniques: the pedal retains nuance without sounding artificial. Real-time pitch control via the onboard pedal and integrated footswitches ensures fluid performance, whether subtle shifts or dramatic pitch dives are desired.
Clarity Meets Creativity
The design also emphasises flexibility. The onboard pedal provides continuous control of four octaves up or down, and independent pitch-change speeds in each direction open up creative possibilities ranging from smooth sweeps to revving-style effects. At the extreme end of the pedal’s movement, a toe switch can trigger pitch jumps with adjustable timing, adding an extra layer of expression. Two footswitches allow for quick retuning in semitone intervals across the full eight octaves, making the pedal practical not only for sound design, but also for live performances. With thirty onboard memories, players can prepare setups for different songs and recall them instantly during a performance.
In addition to its internal functions, the BOSS XS-100 offers enhanced connectivity, adding to its versatility in larger setups. External footswitches or expression pedals can be integrated to give performers more real-time control over pitch-shifting parameters. MIDI in and out further extend the possibilities, making the pedal a viable choice for modern setups that rely on automation or advanced synchronisation. A secondary output enables parallel routing, blending the dry signal with processed sounds cleanly. This flexibility in routing underscores the pedal’s ability to adapt equally well to stage and studio environments.
BOSS XS-100 and XS-1: Two Shifters, One Goal
While the BOSS XS-100 offers a complete workstation approach, its smaller sibling, the XS-1 Poly Shifter, condenses many of the core features into the iconic compact pedal format. This design makes it ideal for pedalboards where space is limited but functionality is still required. The XS-1 delivers a pitch-shifting range of seven semitones up or down, plus three octaves, covering everything from drop tunings to extended octave effects. A dedicated Balance knob enables players to mix direct and processed signals, allowing full retuning and the creation of new textures, such as 12-string-style layers or blended guitar and bass voicings.
The XS-1 keeps the workflow simple yet leaves room for expressive control. The pedal switch can be configured for momentary or standard on/off operation, and external footswitches provide quick access to alternate tunings with saved balance settings. An external expression pedal introduces additional pitch-bending options, expanding the compact format into a surprisingly expressive tool. The Detune mode adds another dimension by generating subtle or pronounced doubling effects that can enrich solos, rhythm parts or even entire arrangements by creating a wider stereo image.
Polyphonic Power
Together, the BOSS XS-100 and XS-1 demonstrate how far pitch-shifting technology has advanced. Rather than compromising sound quality for functionality, these pedals prioritise preserving clarity and feel, even under demanding conditions. They represent practical yet inspiring solutions for guitarists and bassists looking for creative freedom beyond conventional tunings or octave effects. With their combination of deep control, polyphonic accuracy and real-time performance flexibility, these new shifters redefine the potential of pitch manipulation in modern music production and performance.
Price and Availability
BOSS XS-100 is available at Thomann* for $354.00 / £318.00 / 359.00€. You can get BOSS XS-1 for $225.00 / £203.00 / 229.00€ at Thomann*.
More Information
- Product page BOSS XS-1
- Product page BOSS XS-100
- BOSS at Thomann*
- More about BOSS
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2 responses to “BOSS XS-100 and XS-1: Pitch-Shifting Just Got Serious”
I’d say it’s probably the most interesting thing Boss has released in the last 5 years. The demos sound pretty good; we’ll see the impact of this in the coming years.
Am I the only one that prefers glitchy nasty pitch shifts?