BOSS XS-100 Poly Shifter Pitch-Shifting Pedal

The BOSS XS-100 is an advanced polyphonic pitch-shifting pedal for guitar and bass. It gives players a way to change pitch in real time without physically retuning between songs. The onboard expression pedal supports sweeping pitch effects, while fixed settings support quick alternate-tuning and capo-style applications.

This pedal is designed for performers and recording players who need both expressive control and repeatable pitch presets. Its pitch range reaches four octaves up or down, providing an eight-octave total range. Thirty onboard memories allow different pitch, detune, and control setups to be recalled when needed.

The XS-100 uses BOSS pitch-shifting algorithms and a dedicated DSP platform to preserve the source instrument's attack and tonal character. It is intended to handle single-note lines, sustained notes, and polyphonic playing with clear tracking. A detune function adds adjustable pitch offset for doubling-style textures.

The integrated EXP1 pedal delivers linear pitch control, and its toe switch can be assigned for alternate functions such as momentary pitch changes. Independent pitch-change speeds for upward and downward pedal movement provide further control over how pitch transitions behave. The EFFECT and TUNE DOWN footswitches can also be customized for different performance workflows.

The XS-100 fits easily into pedalboard-based guitar or bass rigs and provides a dedicated THRU output that mirrors the input signal for parallel routing. External footswitches or an expression pedal can expand hands-free control. TRS MIDI I/O supports external MIDI control and allows the pedal and switches to send MIDI commands.

Key Features

• Eight-Octave Pitch Range: Shift pitch across four octaves up or down for expressive sweeps and fixed transposition.
• Integrated Expression Pedal: Control pitch continuously with an onboard pedal and assignable toe switch.
• Fixed Semitone Settings: Recall precise pitch changes for drop tunings, capo effects, and alternate sounds.
• Detune Control: Adjust pitch offset from -50 to +50 cents for doubling-style effects.
• 30 Memory Locations: Store and recall complete setups for songs, sessions, or performance changes.
• Expanded Rig Connectivity: Add external control, MIDI integration, USB updates, and parallel signal routing.

Design & Installation

The XS-100 uses a pedal-style format with an integrated EXP1 expression pedal, toe switch, two onboard footswitches, a Select knob, and a backlit 64 x 32-dot graphic LCD. Its published dimensions are 147 mm wide by 230 mm deep by 72 mm high, with a maximum height of 96 mm. BOSS does not identify the enclosure material in its published specification sheet.

Connect an instrument to the INPUT jack and route the OUTPUT jack to the next pedal, amplifier, or processor; use the THRU jack when a mirrored dry input feed is needed. Power is supplied by the included AC adaptor, and the unit draws 160 mA. For added control, connect compatible footswitches or an expression pedal to the CTL1, 2/EXP2 jack, or use the stereo mini TRS MIDI connectors for MIDI-based rigs.