Boss’ PX‑1 represents the company’s entry into the one‑effect‑at‑a‑time compact multi‑effects pedal world, but its ability to replicate a host of classic Boss pedals will make it a particularly attractive proposition for some. For example, effects include the long‑extinct Slow Gear, originals of which now cost an astronomical amount. The interface is non‑threatening, with just three knobs, a footswitch and a small display screen, and the controls generally behave as expected for the effects that have been loaded. I gather that Boss are also planning to add further effect options as app and cloud‑based model expansions.
Compared with larger or more complex units, the PX‑1 targets players who want no‑fuss immediacy, and in that respect it draws parallels with TC Electronic’s singe‑slot Plethora X1, the smaller sibling of their five‑slot model, and Line 6’s HX‑1. These one‑at‑a‑time pedals are really useful for adding what I call wildcard effects to a pedalboard — things that you might only use for one or two songs, so find it hard to justify a purchase or to find space for it on your pedalboard. For example, you could team the PX‑1 with your own drive pedal and maybe a separate delay pedal, to add chorus on some songs, phasing on others, fuzz when needed... and so on. You can construct a very flexible pedalboard that way, using relatively few pedals.
While the PX‑1 leans into the appeal of specific vintage pedals, remember that some of the effects are derived from analogue pedals, and what you get are digital emulations. But Boss’ modelling captures the feel and behaviour convincingly to my ears, and in use it’s difficult to distinguish them from the originals. Digital effects such as delay and pitch‑shifting behave exactly as you’d expect if you’ve used their standalone counterparts, of course. And if you’re planning to combine the pedal with other discrete pedals and don’t trust digital drive boxes, you can always choose your own favourite analogue overdrive to go in front of the PX‑1. The PX‑1 also incorporates MIDI sync, alongside stereo I/O, expression pedal or external switch support, and tap tempo.
When you first fire up the PX‑1 you’ll find a curated package drawn from Boss’ historic compact pedals. Out of the box, the pedal includes eight core effects, with eight more that can be chosen using the Boss Effect Loader app. Amongst the available effects you’ll find overdrives like OD‑1 and SD‑1, DS‑1 distortion, the CS‑1 Compression Sustainer, plus various flavours of classic Boss modulation and stereo effects such as the CE‑2 chorus, BF‑2 flanger, PH‑1 phaser, VB‑2 vibrato, PN‑2 tremolo/pan, and some of the more experimental effects. For example, there’s the SP‑1, the aforementioned SG‑1 Slow Gear, the OC‑2 Octave, a PS‑2 Pitch Shifter/Delay, the DD‑2 Digital Delay, and the quirky DF‑2 Super Feedbacker/Distortion.
The CE‑2 chorus and PH‑1 phaser sound every bit as rich their dedicated pedal counterparts, while the Slow Gear adds a bowing attack to single notes every bit as well as its coveted analogue counterpart. The overdrives also capture the analogue pedal vibe, though as I hinted above, in a real‑world situation I would expect the PX‑1 to be used for adding wild card effects to a pedalboard that already includes an overdrive pedal. For me, in fact, it would have made more sense to have had the overdrive effects as part of the optional download offerings rather than included in the factory presets (which can’t be overwritten). That way there would be more free slots to add the effects you actually need. Hopefully not all the effects that Boss plan to add will be ‘paid for’ downloads, as the existing repertoire misses a few staples such as fuzz and graphic EQ.
Having access to sounds without adding dedicated pedals for each effect is very practical.
In summary, then, the PX‑1’s concept works well enough, but it makes particular sense for players who only need certain effects occasionally. If, for example, a flanger, phaser or perhaps a Slow Gear is required for just a song or two, having access to those sounds without adding dedicated pedals for each effect is very practical. The PX‑1 is also useful in studio situations, providing quick access to different classic Boss effects.
Information
£219 including VAT.
$249.99.
When you purchase via links on our site, SOS may earn an affiliate commission. More info...
When you purchase via links on our site, SOS may earn an affiliate commission. More info...
