Tag Archives: BOSS

BOSS Adds FZ-1W to the WAZA Craft Pedal Series



BOSS introduces the FZ-1W Fuzz, the latest member of the acclaimed Waza Craft family of compact effect pedals. Realized through deep analysis of many legendary fuzz pedals and detailed Waza craftsmanship, the all-analog FZ-1W delivers the inspiring tone, feel, and vibe of classic fuzz in a reliable modern design. And like all Waza Craft pedals, the FZ-1W features premium components for top-quality performance and different operation modes for maximum tonal versatility.

When introduced in the 1960s, fuzz pedals changed the game for electric guitarists, giving them a bold and aggressive new voice that reshaped the sound of rock music forever. The simple circuits of the most sought-after vintage fuzz units produce bright and aggressive tones with long sustain, and they’re very sensitive to playing dynamics and input volume as well. But these classic pedals are also famously inconsistent—even between models of the same design—and variables like age, battery type, temperature, and more can have a dramatic effect on their sound and performance.

Backed by Waza innovation, the FZ-1W offers all the great musical characteristics of vintage fuzz without the downsides. While inspired by historic circuits, this pedal presents an all-new approach fueled by BOSS’s forward-thinking perspective and deep knowledge of effect design. Using top-quality silicon transistors, BOSS engineers have created a unique circuit that provides authentic tone and response while maintaining stable performance in any temperature or operating condition. The sound possibilities have also been expanded over vintage designs, offering higher gain, lower noise, deeper tone-shaping control, and more.

With the FZ-1W’s Vintage mode, BOSS has redefined the classic fuzz voice with more gain and wider expressive range. The sound character is raspy and assertive without being harsh, and the player can smoothly transition from heavy fuzz to crunch to crystal clean simply by riding their guitar’s volume. The powerful Tone knob simultaneously adjusts the high and low frequencies to produce a variety of different fuzz colors. And by turning down the Fuzz knob and cranking the Level, the FZ-1W works great as a boost for amps and other gain pedals.

Modern mode on the FZ-1W delivers a more refined and versatile fuzz voice with focused midrange and fatter tone, making it ideal for all types of current music styles. The gain range is even wider than Vintage mode, and dialing the Fuzz knob past three o’clock conjures rich, singing sustain for inspired solo playing. The Tone knob also offers a different tuning that lets players tweak the brightness without altering the midrange, ensuring their sound always cuts through. And when used as a boost, Modern mode dishes a heap of girth with rich, mid-driven character.

The FZ-1W Fuzz will be available in the U.S. in early November for $199.99.


BOSS Announces RC-505MKII and RC-600 Loop Stations



BOSS announces the RC-505mkll and RC-600, two new flagship models in the renowned Loop Station product lineup. The five-track RC-505mkll brings next-generation power and flexibility to the world’s most popular tabletop looper, giving performers an expanded range of inspiring and customizable tools for hands-on music creation. The RC-600 takes floor-based looping where it’s never gone before, offering six stereo tracks, advanced foot control, and highly configurable operation. Both new Loop Station models feature class-leading 32-bit sound, a massive onboard effects selection, built-in rhythms, versatile connectivity, external control support, and USB for interfacing with computers.

Introduced in 2013, the tabletop RC-505 has been the go-to looper for beatboxes, vocalists, instrumentalists, and other looping artists around the world. The RC-505mkll retains everything that made the original so loved and adds a wealth of new features to make the looping experience even more creative and free flowing.

Each of the RC-505mkll’s five stereo tracks now includes customizable FX and Track buttons, making it easier to color and control loops in the heat of the moment. Users can set up various parameters and trigger them with a press, hold, or double-click. Pressing the Undo/Redo button reveals a secondary layer to double the control options. Two external control jacks are also available for connecting footswitches or expression pedals and each has its own dedicated set of parameters. And with the Assign function, users can set up 16 additional targets for hardware control and MIDI operation.

The RC-505 also provides a greatly expanded FX palette to process sounds during recording and playback. There are 49 Input FX and 53 Track FX types to choose from – including new vocal harmony effects – and it’s possible to use up to four in each section at once. Groups of four Input FX and Track FX can be stored in four banks for quick recall, and a step sequence function is available in some FX to create dynamic real-time movement.

The RC-505mkll’s expanded connectivity and onboard audio processing allow performers to do more with less external gear. There are two XLR mic inputs and two mono/stereo line input pairs, plus an input mixer with two mic compressors and independent challenge EQs. Three stereo output pairs, a headphones output, and an output mixer are also available, complete with assignable routing options, and master reverb and compressor effects. In addition, the RC-505mkll’s panel faders have longer throw for more precise adjustments and rigid construction for a more solid feel.

Loaded with evolved features and customizable functions, the floor-based RC-600 Loop Station ushers in a new era of creative power for guitarists, singer/songwriters, multi-instrumentalists, and other looping musicians. Users can capture multiple mics and instruments with six stereo phrase tracks and take full command with nine freely assignable foot switches, three pedal modes, and deep external control support. There’s also a large, circular loop indicator and seven top-levels LCD screen variations to provide visual feedback on current operations.

With the RC-600’s 49 input FX and 53 Track FX types, users can process sounds before and after loop capture to bring color, variation, and excitement to performances. Included are versatile effects from the vast BOSS library, a guitar-to-bass simulator, and powerful vocal FX. The Track FX selections also include cool DJ-style effects like Beat Scatter, Vinyl Flick, and more. Up to four Input FX and Track FX can be used at once, and banks of four can be stored in each section for quick recall.

The RC-600 comes with the same connectivity and mixing features as the RC-505mkll, giving performers powerful and versatile tools for working with mics and instruments, mixing and monitoring sounds, and interfacing with other gear.
The BOSS 505mkll Station will be available in the U.S. in January 2022 for $599.99.

The BOSS RC-600 Loop Station will be available in the U.S. in December of this year for $599.99.


BOSS Unveils WAZA-Air Bass Wireless Personal Amplification System



BOSS announces the Waza-Air Bass Wireless Personal Amplification System, a unique and inspiring over-ear playing solution for electric bassists.

Equipped with breakthrough BOSS spatial technology first introduced with the Waza-Air system for guitarists, Waza-Air provides a rich and immersive playing experience with dynamic 3D sound, premium bass-tuned amps and effects, and onboard rhythms. All-wireless connectivity enables freedom of movement, remote sound editing, and the ability to jam with music from mobile devices via Bluetooth audio streaming.

Launched in 2019 to wide acclaim, Waza-Air forever changed the landscape for practicing guitarists, bringing immersive “amp-in-room” sound and feel to playing with headphones for the first time. Now, Waza-Air Bass makes this revolutionary experience available to all electric bass players, complete with a feature set perfectly tailored for their specific needs.

Practicing bass at home through an amp can be problematic because low frequencies can travel through walls and disturb others. Using headphones is often a necessary solution, but the sound lacks the depth of the in-room experience. Waza-Air Bass changes that, restoring the natural dimension, resonance, and “moving air” feel that’s lost with traditional phones. An integrated gyro sensor tracks head movement as the user plays, driving sophisticated 3D algorithms that produce an immersive sound field with extraordinary spatial realism.

Waza-Air Bass comes with loads of amps and effects specifically tuned for bass, with full customization and ready-to-play presets available via the free BOSS Tone Studio app. Five different bass amp types provide everything from clean and punchy modern sounds to vintage and driven tube-style voicing, and over 30 effects are available from the vast BOSS bass effects library. And with six onboard memories, users can store favorite setups and scroll through them with dedicated buttons.

With a wide range of onboard rhythms, daily practice sessions, with Waza-Air Bass are always fun and productive. Ten acoustic drum patterns are available, with easy BPM and reverb control in the BOSS Tone Studio app. There’s also a metronome with 32 rhythm variations, including triplets and odd meters like 5/4 and 7/4.

All audio connectivity with Waza-Air Bass is 100-percent wireless, allowing users to move and play in complete freedom. Advanced wireless tech from BOSS’s renowned WL series provides premium sound quality, effortless set up, and great playing feel with low latency. The headphones and included transmitter also features auto standby and wake functions, conserving the life of their built-in rechargeable batteries between playing sessions.


BOSS Announced EV-1-WL Wireless MIDI Expression Pedal



Boss announced the EV-1-WL, the world’s first MIDI expression pedal with Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The EV-1-WL provides wireless MIDI foot control for BOSS products like the EURUS GS-1, Waze-Air, and Katana-Air, music apps on mobile devices, and anything that can receive MIDI Control Change (CC) messages via Bluetooth MIDI.

USB and MIDI TRS jacks are also available for wired control of computer music software and standard MIDI devices. And with the free EV-1-WL Editor app for iOS and Android mobile devices, users can fully customize the pedal for their needs over Bluetooth.

The EV-1-WL is the ideal creative partner for the growing range of BOSS products and other music performance hardware with Bluetooth wireless support. It provides cable-free foot control for the synthesizer engine in the new EURUS GS-1 Electronic Guitar, allowing players to operate pitch bend, filter, and other functions.

And with external foot switches connected, the EV-1-WL become a mini Bluetooth pedalboard for the was a-Air Wireless Personal Guitar Amplification System and Katana-Air Guitar Amplifier, providing patch selection, wah/volume control, and more. In addition, the EV-1-WL can communicate wirelessly with a standard 5-pin MIDI device that has the Roland WM-1 Wireless MIDI Adaptor installed.

The EV-1-WL can also pair Bluetooth with Mac computers, smartphones, and tablets to interface with music ads that support remote operation with MIDI CC messages. The wireless connection brings easy real-time control to all types of applications from guitar amp simulators and effects to virtual instruments and music production software.

Over USB, the EV-1-WL functions as a plug-and-play MIDI controller for music software on Mac and Windows computers. The class-compliant interface means there are no drivers to install – just connect to the computer with a USB cable and configure the software as needed for external MIDI input.

With its space-saving TRS MIDI output, the EV-1-WL us a powerful accessory for all types of MIDI music hardware, from effect pedals and multi-effects processors to keyboards, drum machines, and beyond. It’s perfect for use with BOSS pedals equipped with TRS MIDI, including 200 series effects and the RC-5 and RC-500 Loop Stations. And with the BOSS BMIDI-5-35 adaptor cable, the EV-1-WL can connect to any device that has a standard 5-pin input jack.

The EV-1-WL Wireless MIDI Expression Pedal will be available in the U.S. in October 2021 for $149.99.


BOSS Unveils EURUS GS-1 Electronic Guitar



BOSS announces the EURUS GS-1 Electronic Guitar, an inspiring new instrument for modern guitarists. The EURUS concept presents a bold creative path for adventurous sonic explorers, expanding the traditional guitar experience with powerful and expressive BOSS technologies.

Born from this breakthrough approach, the EURUS GS-1 infuses a premium instrument premium instrument with advanced guitar synthesis technologies refined over more than four decades. The guitar also features onboard Bluetooth, allowing players to customize synth sounds and control multiple performance parameters with the convenience of wireless connectivity.

The EURUS GS-1 fully leverages BOSS’s vast expertise in guitar technology bring endless musical possibilities to forward-thinking players. Crafted in Japan with pro-quality details and components, the instrument provides smooth playability and top-quality sound for any guitar style. And with the flip of a switch, players can engage a polyphonic BOSS synth engine to access a stunning analog-flavored sounds to launch their music into a new dimension.

The synth engine of EURUS GS-1 delivers exceptional sonic quality and natural touch response realized through 40-plus years of BOSS guitar synthesizer development. The six onboard memories come filled with ready-to-play sounds, and there’s a synth control knob for hands-on dynamic expression. Every synth sound seamlessly responds to normal guitar techniques, with no latency or triggering issues to disturb the musical flow.

Using the free GS-1 Editor app for iOS and Android mobile devices, players can fully customize synth sounds over Bluetooth. May different synth types and variations are available for crafting sounds, along with tone, resonance, and other adjustable parameters. In addition, a range of target parameters can be assigned to the guitar’s synth control knob and favorite sound combinations and be saved for quick loading before performances.

The EURUS GS-1 has a stylish offset body design and a slim-profile, 24-fret neck with a compound radius fretboard for playing comfort. High-performance Gotoh hardware delivers smooth tremolo action and solid tuning stability with a two-point fulcrum bridge and staggered-height locking machine heads. Custom designed for the EURUS GS-1, the two humbucking pickups provide wide-range tone plus split-coil voicing at two stops of the five-way switch.

The newly released EV-1-WL Wireless MIDI Expression Pedal is a powerful creative partner for the EURUS GS-1, bringing cable-free external control to the synth engine via Bluetooth. With the GS-1 Editor, parameters such as pitch bend, hold, filter depth, and more can be assigned to the EV-1-WL’s pedal, toe switch, and up to two external footswitches. Each sound can contain its own set of assignments, allowing players to preform octave bends on a synth lead, slow filter sweeps on a pad sound, and nearly anything else they can dream up.


BOSS Announces CUBE Street II Battery Powered Amplifier



BOSS announced CUBE Street II, a battery powered stereo amplifier for mobile music performers and anyone who needs high-quality sound on the go. Evolved from the best-selling Roland CUBE Street – and newly rebranded with the BOSS name – the compact CUBE Street II features two input channels for mics and instruments, onboard effects, looper, and harmony functions, and more.

The amplifier also includes support for the optional BOSS Bluetooth Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor (BT-DUAL), a new product that allows users to wirelessly stream backing tracks and control CUBE Street II functions with a dedicated app for iOS and Android mobile devices.

First introduced in 2007, the groundbreaking Roland CUBE Street was an instant hit among mobile musicians. Offering a high-quality, battery-powered sound solution for street gigs and other intimate performing situations, it quickly became a mainstay in the busking world and continues to be used daily by performers everywhere.

In 2014, the series expanded with the CUBE Street EX, a more powerful and feature-rich model for larger audiences. Starting with the CUBE Street II, all newly developed products in the CUBE Street series will carry the BOSS brand name.

CUBE Street II is even lighter and more durable than its predecessor, thanks to a modern ABS injection-molded cabinet design. The output has also been doubled, providing 10 total watts of loud and clean stereo sound to cut through street traffic, train arrivals, and other noise challenges on the gig. In quieter situations, users can engage Eco mode to reduce the power and extend battery life.

With two ultra-versatile input channels, CUBE Street II supports all types of musicians and performers. The Mic/Instrument channel features a combo act for either an XLR balanced mic or an instrument such as a keyboard or Roland’s Aerophone. Equipped with a standard 1/4 inch jack, the Guitar/Mic channel provides plug-and-play sound for guitarists with seven acoustic and electric amp types, as well as settings for a line-level instrument or unbalanced mic.

CUBE Street II also includes many great features to take performance to the next level. Each channel provides three-band EQ and reverb, and there’s a chorus/delay effect on the Guitar/Mic channel. An automatic harmony function allows users to create impressive vocal harmonies based on the guitar chords they play or a preset key, and there’s also a built-in looper for creating backing tracks on the spot.


BOSS Announces HM-2W Heavy Metal Pedal



BOSS announced the HM-2W Heavy Metal, the latest in the growing lineup of Waza Craft pedals that recreate classic BOSS designs with detailed craftsmanship, premium components, and extended features. Based on the HM-2 Heavy Metal pedal from the 1980s, the HM-2W delivers the true analog sound of the original in all its glory, coupled with numerous modern refinements for enhanced performance.

Produced from 1983 to 1991, the BOSS HM-2 Heavy Metal is a legend in the history of distortion pedals. Its signature “chainsaw tone” with all knobs maxed is the defining voice of Swedish death metal music, and the slightly milder sides of its personality can be heard on tracks from mainstream to shoegaze. 


Over time, the pedal’s uniquely aggressive sound and focused midrange have become highly sought after by players around the world. After years of requests from hardcore HM-2 fans, BOSS is pleased to reintroduce the iconic stops three decades later in special Waza Craft edition.

Like all WAZA Craft models, the HM-2W features selectable modes for different sounds. BOSS engineers have also added audio performance improvements without affecting the original tone, including reducing the noise floor and expanding the maximum level by 3 dB. The HM-2W features a premium Waza Craft buffer as well, providing improved sound when the pedal is bypassed.

When the HM-2W is in Standard mode, the tone and response of the original HM-2 pedal is reproduced with 100-percent authenticity. Cranking every knob all the way up delivers the genuine sound of Swedish death metal, and users can conjure a wide range of tones for other styles with the sensitive distortion and color controls.

The HM-2W’s Custom mode offers a similar sound character to Standard mode, but with just a little more of everything. The drive state has more gain and includes more of the fundamental guitar sound for extra attack and sharpness. In addition, the low and high-mid characteristics have been tweaked for increased fullness and definition.

Along with the vintage HM-2 sound, BOSS has captured the original pedal’s distinctive orange and black appearance, right down to the size and position of lettering on the panel. And while the mode switch on most Waza Craft pedals is positioned on the face, it’s been moved to the top of the HM-2W to preserve the layout from the HM-2.


BOSS Releases Two Anniversary Pedals



BOSS announced the release of limited edition anniversary versions of the SD-1 Super Overdrive and MT-2 Metal Zone, two of the longest-running and most popular models in the company’s leading lineup of compact effect pedals. The SD-1-4A celebrates 40 years of continuous production, while the MT 2-3A celebrates 30 years. Each pedal features a black body with unique styling and will be available throughout 2021 only.

In 1977, the introduction of BOSS’s legendary compact pedal series forever changed the landscape of stompbox effects for guitarists, bassists, and other musicians. Famous for their great sound, rugged durability, and timeless design, BOSS compact pedals have been loved by everyone from casual hobbyists to rock icons performing on the biggest stages, and it’s difficult to find a player who hasn’t owned one or more throughout their musical life.

To date, there have been over 125 unique compact pedal models produced and more than 17 million units sold. The current lineup includes nearly 60 models, from effects like overdrive, distortion, chorus, delay and reverb to tuners and other utility pedals.

Many BOSS compact pedal models have been continuously produced for multiple decades, and the SD-1 Super Overdrive and MT-2 Metal Zone are two of the most revered. Scores of innovative and trendsetting guitarists across all genres have adopted these pedals for their core tones and used them to create some of the most popular and influential music of all time.

Introduced way back in 1981 – the same year that MTV launched and mass-market personal computers began to take off in large numbers – the SD-1 Super Overdrive has remained a players’ workhorse for four decades strong. Its distinctively smooth voice is derived from the groundbreaking OD-1 Overdrive, one of the three original BOSS compact pedals from 1977, and also the pedal that created the now-ubiquitous “overdrive” category in the industry.

Powered by a unique asymmetrical clipping circuit that produces the pleasing sound and feel of a driven tube amp, the SD-1’s rich, versatile, and highly musical tone continues to inspire guitarists everywhere. The commemorative SD-1-4A features a black body with yellow lettering, gold-capped knobs, and a vintage silver thumbscrew for the battery compartment and comes in a box with a special 40th Anniversary logo.

Unleashed in 1991 as heavy and aggressive music styles started to hit full stride in the mainstream, the iconic MT-2 Metal Zone continues to reign supreme as the king of high-gain distortion stomps for devoted fans around the world. With over one million sold and counting, the MT-2 is the second most popular BOSS drive pedal after the DS-1 Distortion.

Its famously thick, saturated sound is perfectly suited for metal music and is also great for playing powerful rhythms and soaring solos in other genres. A standout feature of the MT-2 is its three-band active EQ with semi-parametric midrange, which provides extensive tone-shaping range that goes far beyond the capabilities of most analog distortion pedals. The commemorative MT-2-3A features a black body with gray lettering and a vintage silver thumbscrew for the battery compartment and comes in a box with a special 30th Anniversary logo.


BOSS Announced TU-05 Clip-On Tuner



BOSS announced the TU-05 Clip-On Tuner, the latest addition to the company’s industry-leading lineup of instruments tuners. BOSS’s famous tuner range includes numerous solutions for all types of musicians and educators, from handheld and clip-on designs to the pedal-based TU-3 used by top touring professionals around the world. Designed for guitar, bass, ukulele, and other stringed instruments, the TU-05 delivers the best-in-class performance and the latest BOSS tuning features.

The TU-05 features a large color display with super-high contrast, offering easy visibility for quick tuning in any environment. A rugged clip provides secure mounting on an instrument’s headstock, and the display can be swiveled for optimum viewing. Four tuning models include chromatic, guitar, bass, and ukulele, and the calibration can be adjusted from 431 to 449 Hz. Flat tuning over a range of three semitones down is supported, perfect for players who like to tune lower than standard pitch.

The TU-05 has a built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to 10 hours of continuous use, and there’s an auto-off feature to conserve battery life. A cable is included for charging via a standard USB power adaptor.


BOSS Announces BAS-1 Amplifier Stand



BOSS announced the BAS-1 Amplifier Stand, the latest addition to the company’s industry leading lineup of accessories for guitarists and other musicians. Featuring heavy-duty steel construction, and wide adjustability in a portable design, the BAS-1 works with a variety of combo guitar amplifiers, including the Katana and Nextone models from BOSS and Blues Cube and other models from Roland.

With its tilt-back configuration, the BAS-1 cradles a combo guitar amp at the perfect angle for monitoring and sound projection at home, on stage, or in the studio. The strand collapses for easy travel, with a locking cam and quick-release lever for fast set up and tear down. Adjustable feet ensure wobble-free stability when using the stand on slightly unlevel surfaces

Thanks to its unique telescoping support arm, the width of the BAS-1 can be adjusted to support combo guitar amps of various sizes. Users can quickly adjust the arm by pulling out the spring-loaded handles and setting the width as needed.