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Product description Boss SY-1
The Boss SY-1 embodies the epitome of an intuitive pocket-sized synthesizer. This device, which carries the legendary BOSS guitar synthesizer technology within it, allows you to unleash the true expressive power and diversity of 121 different responsive sounds at your fingertips. All of this comes in the typical BOSS compact pedal design, effortlessly integrating into any musical environment.
What sets the SY-1 apart is that you don't need to dive into the depths of synthesizer programming to achieve impressive results. Simply connect your instrument, and you can immediately immerse yourself in a world of tones and textures. From expressive lead sounds to powerful basses, rhythmic patterns, and atmospheric pads, the SY-1 offers you a wealth of possibilities.
The foundation of this impressive pedal is an advanced technology derived from the SY-300. Despite its array of features and sounds, the SY-1 remains compact and takes up minimal space on your effects pedalboard. Thanks to its polyphonic nature, you can let individual notes and chords ring out in full splendor.
Another advantage of the SY-1 is its plug-and-play capability. A simple jack cable is all you need, and you can start right away without any noticeable latency. Thanks to cutting-edge BOSS innovations, playing with the SY-1 feels like a natural extension of your instrument.
Delving into the universe of synthesizer sounds with this pedal is an absolute joy. The 121 available sounds are divided into eleven categories, providing a vast range of tones. With the intuitive controls, you can fine-tune each sound to your taste, adding a personal touch to your playing.
The SY-1 is not only a standalone pedal but also integrates beautifully into existing setups. With its send/return loop and dedicated mix controls, you can easily incorporate additional effects and blend the synthesizer sound with your traditional guitar tone.
Additionally, the SY-1 offers extended real-time control options to make your performances even more dynamic. Hold down the pedal switch to sustain the current synthesizer sound while playing your regular guitar sound over it, or connect an external footswitch or expression pedal for even more flexibility.
The Boss SY-1 is a revolution in compact format, bridging the gap between your instrument and the fascinating world of synthesizers. A must-have for every creative musician.
Boss SY-1 Features
- Intuitive operation of a pocket-sized synthesizer
- Combines legendary BOSS guitar synthesizer technology
- Impressive 121 responsive sounds
- Effortless integration through BOSS compact pedal design
- No in-depth knowledge of synthesizer programming required
- Advanced technology inspired by the SY-300
- Polyphonic sounds allow for both single-note and chord play
- Absolute plug-and-play functionality with no noticeable latency
- Diversity of sounds divided into eleven categories
- Intuitive controls for sound customization
- Send/Return loop for integrating additional effects
- Extended real-time control options through external devices
SY-1 Sound Categories
- LEAD 1/2—Versatile solo sounds, optimal for individual notes
- PAD—Rich tones, from atmospheric pads to powerful synthesizer brass tones, ideal for chords
- BASS—Solid synthesizer bass tones, including filtered and sub-octave sounds
- STR—Traditional analog synthesizer strings with various layers and sweeping effects
- ORGAN—Wide range of organ sounds, some with rotary effect
- BELL—Percussive synthesizer sounds with distinctive metallic resonance
- SFX 1/2—Diverse synthesizer sound effects, from powerful one-shots to dynamic pitch and filter modulations
- SEQ 1/2—Rhythmic sounds pulsating through pitch or filter frequency modulations
Technical Specifications
- Connections:
- INPUT: 6.35 mm jack
- OUTPUT: 6.35 mm jack
- SEND: 6.35 mm jack
- RETURN: 6.35 mm jack
- EXP/CTL: Stereo 6.35 mm jack
- DC IN
- Power Supply:
- Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61)
- AC adapter (PSA series - Not included)
- Power Consumption: 115 mA
- Continuous Usage Battery Life: Approx. 2 hours
- Dimensions:
- Width: 73 mm
- Depth: 129 mm
- Height: 59 mm
- Weight (including battery): 450 g
Package Contents
- Boss SY-1
- 9V battery
- Quick start guide
- Warranty & safety instructions
Eisenstr. 2-4
65428 Rüsselsheim
Germany
3 reviews
Good Synth
Tried the Boss SY-1 out last weekend and I was blown off by the range of sounds this little box can produse! It’s like having a pocket size keyboard right in your guitar pedal. I was amaze how the tracking works so flawlessly; it catched every note, whether you pluck slow or fast. My favorite part was the arppeggios, but wished there was an easier way to set the exact BPM. If they added a little digital display for the number value, it would been way more user-friendly. Some sounds felt old-school, which is not bad but was hoping for something bit more fresh. Trying to mix it with other efects to get a modern vibe. Still, the attack detection is a big win for me, unlike other guitar synths I ve used. No power adapter included was a bummer but then again, it’s what Boss does. All in all, a solid recommend. If you want intricate sound tweaking though, this might not be the one. You probably need to invest more cash for that.
Ein Spaßmacher für kreative Stunden
Ein fantastisches kleines Pedal. Als ich es zum ersten Mal ausprobierte, war ich von den Sounds beeindruckt, besonders von den Arpeggios und Orgelsounds. Es ist perfekt für diejenigen, die gerne experimentieren und neue Sounds ausprobieren möchten. Lieferung von Recordcase auch top!
Klassischer Sound mit exzellentem Tracking
Das Boss SY-1 ist definitiv Plug-and-Play. Es beeindruckt mich sofort mit seinem Sound, auch wenn dieser eher klassisch und retro wirkt. Für Liebhaber des modernen Sounds könnte es also etwas Enttäuschung geben. Allerdings sind die Orgelsounds ein Highlight! Wo dieses Gerät wirklich brilliert, ist die Anschlagserkennung. Sogar beim Zupfen wird jeder Ton akkurat erkannt - besser als bei vielen anderen Gitarrensynthesizern, die ich probiert habe. Ein kleines Manko: Es fehlt ein Netzteil. Wenn man jedoch komplexe Modulationen sucht, sollte man vielleicht nach einer teureren Alternative suchen.
Important questions about the article Boss SY-1
Question: Do I need a special synthesizer or MIDI pickup for the Boss SY-1?
Answer: No. The SY-1 works with any guitar or bass via a standard 1/4-inch jack cable; no special pickup is required.
Question: Is the Boss SY-1 suitable for both guitar and bass?
Answer: Yes. The Mode switch optimises the synth engine for either guitar or bass.
Question: Can I play chords with the SY-1?
Answer: Yes. All sounds are polyphonic, so the pedal processes single notes and chords.
Question: How many sounds does the Boss SY-1 offer, and do I need to program them?
Answer: There are 121 sounds in eleven categories with eleven variations each. The sounds are ready to play and adjusted using the controls on the pedal, without synth programming.
Question: Does my normal guitar or bass sound remain available?
Answer: Yes. Dry and synth signals can be blended with separate level controls, allowing you to add or remove the original sound as needed.
Question: Can the SY-1 be combined with other effects pedals?
Answer: Yes. The parallel send/return loop integrates additional pedals into the synth signal path; for example, overdrive pedals can be used there.
Question: Can I send the synth and direct signals to separate destinations?
Answer: Yes. The Send output can be used as a direct out to route the synth and guitar or bass signals separately.
Question: What live controls does the Boss SY-1 offer?
Answer: Holding down the pedal switch makes the SY-1 sustain the last-played synth sound. EXP/CTL also allows an external footswitch for tap tempo or octave shifts, plus an expression pedal for Tone/Rate, to be connected.