Pedals have gone through a lot of change over the last few decades. From through-hole components to surface mount PCBs, analogue circuits to digital, individual pedals to multi effects, it's fair to say that the market looks very different compared to its beginnings in the '60s.
We guitarists are, rightfully, a discerning lot, meaning that these new technologies rarely replace the older forms, but rather add something new to what is already on offer. The Boss PX-1 Plugout FX is the latest 'something new', with an approach that differs from everything that went before it.
It hosts digitally recreated Boss pedals within Boss's classic compact pedal format, with a single effect active at any given time. Rather than acting as a multi-effects unit, the aim here is to bridge the gap between the player and collector by providing a means through which anyone can experience the breadth of Boss's creations.
Boasting an array of features such as MIDI, external footswitch/expression pedal compatibility, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity, it's a modern pedal with plenty of functionality.
Official Boss Recreations
The special thing about the effects within the PX-1 is that they are official digital recreations by Boss itself. Who better than Boss to bring its own classic designs into the digital age?
Upon purchasing the pedal, you get eight of these effect models preloaded into the unit and a further eight available for download after creating a free Roland account and registering your PX-1. Making it a total of 16 included when you buy the Plugout FX.
The sounds of nostalgia
Alongside some well-known and readily available pedals like the SD-1 Super Overdrive, the Plugout FX also features some rare and discontinued models like the SG-1 Slow Gear and SP-1 Spectrum. Allowing guitarists to play authentic recreations of sounds that would otherwise be unobtainium to most of us mere mortals.
A lot of us will have played these discontinued effects as we experimented with sounds over the years. Given the authenticity of the digital versions on the PX-1, it is sure to lead to some nostalgia-soaked trips down memory lane.
Easy expansion
The twist in all of this is that Boss will be expanding the library of available effects as we go forward. These additions are available through Model Passes which are a one-time purchase at a small fee.
You can test out these models before you buy (a small gap in audio is introduced every 30 seconds while you're testing), and if you like what you hear, the models remain permanently yours once you've bought the pass.
Effect Loader App
All of this is managed through Boss's Effect Loader app. Working conveniently through Bluetooth, it displays all the effects available and is the means through which you can load/swap effects in and out of your PX-1. Making it an easy-to-use pedal, that's a perfect fit for those looking to experience the wide variety of sounds Boss offers from across its long history as one of the industry's most prominent brands.
For more information on the Boss PX-1, head to the Boss website.