Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $149
Standard/Professional
$80
$181+
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Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Boss DS-1X Distortion". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Boss DS-1X Distortion Pedal, a visionary leap forward in stompbox technology. This next-generation device delivers a distortion experience that's more than just an effect, it's an expression of your musical personality. Molding over 35 years of pedal design expertise with BOSS’s innovative Multi-Dimensional Processing (MDP) technology, the DS-1X offers the perfect blend of classic and modern, with a level of performance that's sure to inspire.
Unlike traditional distortion pedals, the DS-1X provides a dynamic, adaptable distortion that responds perfectly to your playstyle and register. It ensures your tone stays clear and full, whether you're shredding the high notes or grinding out the low ones. You won't have to worry about muddy or boomy sounds, even at the highest gain settings.
The DS-1X sports a unique aesthetic with chrome knobs, a chrome control plate, and a silver battery-compartment-access knob, giving it a sleek, modern look. With its advanced features and stunning design, the Boss DS-1X is not just a distortion pedal, it's a new era of musical expression.
Key Features:
- Advanced MDP technology provides dynamic, adaptable distortion
- Delivers a clear, full tone across the entire fretboard
- High levels of string-to-string clarity
- Offers advanced sound shaping with Level, Low, High, and Distortion knobs
- Aesthetically appealing with chrome knobs and control plate, and a vintage silver battery-compartment-access knob
- Powered by a 9V battery or AC adapter (not included) with an estimated battery life of 9 hours of continuous use.
- Weighs approximately 1 pound for easy portability
Owner's manual
Boss DS-1X Distortion User ManualProduct specs
| Pedal Type | Distortion |
| Analog/Digital | Analog |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Bypass Switching | Buffered |
| EQ | 2-band EQ |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply (sold separately) |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V |
| Power Usage | 60mA |
| Height | 2.37" |
| Width | 2.87" |
| Depth | 5.12" |
| Weight | 1 lbs. |
FAQs
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What makes the Boss DS-1X Distortion different from the original DS-1?
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The Boss DS-1X Distortion features digital Multi-Dimensional Processing, offering enhanced clarity and dynamic response compared to the original analog DS-1 pedal.
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Does the Boss DS-1X Distortion pedal have a buffered bypass?
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Yes, the Boss DS-1X Distortion pedal features buffered bypass switching, which helps maintain signal integrity across long cable runs and pedalboards.
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What power supply is required for the Boss DS-1X Distortion pedal?
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The Boss DS-1X Distortion pedal requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately, or it can be powered by a 9V battery.
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Can the Boss DS-1X Distortion pedal be used for both guitar and bass?
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While primarily designed for guitar, the Boss DS-1X Distortion pedal can be used with bass; however, tonal results may vary depending on personal preference and setup.
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Does the Boss DS-1X Distortion pedal offer EQ controls?
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Yes, the Boss DS-1X Distortion pedal includes a 2-band EQ, allowing you to shape the tone by adjusting the bass and treble frequencies.
Videos
Sweetwater
OD-1X Overdrive and DS-1X Distortion Pedal Demo - Sweetwater Guitars and Gear Vol. 63
Reviews
PROS
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Articulate and clear sound, even at high gain levels
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Versatile tone shaping with separate high and low controls
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Exceptional sustain for prolonged note play
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Works well with both solid state and tube amplifiers
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Responsive to picking dynamics, maintaining clarity
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Consistent performance across various guitar models
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Low noise operation, even with gain increased
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Compatible with a range of musical styles (rock, metal, blues)
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Encourages creative playing and exploration of sound
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Durable and reliable build quality
CONS
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Some find the tone too digital or sterile
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May lack mid-range warmth, perceived as harsh by some
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Not ideal for recording due to limited EQ flexibility
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Sound quality may not fully translate through lower-end amps
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss DS-1X Distortion.
Features and functionality
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
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Best suited for modern, high-gain metal rather than general distortion use due to its compressed nature.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 6 Reviews and 20 Ratings
166
The distortion pedal to end all distortion pedals!
Alright I might be hyping this pedal up more than I should be hyping up a little clunky piece of sonic equipment but hear me out; I've been a gigging guitar player for close to 7 years now and I've played through the best of them and the Worst of them, emphasis on the worst. Let me bring up 3 points that makes this pedal perfect for me and probably perfect for you as well :)
1. If you play through tube/valve or solid state amplifier, this thing will sound consistent and dynamic all through the neck on a Stratocaster, though bear in mind if you have a crappy amp, it will sound like a good pedal going through a crappy amp so let that sink in.
2. This pedal will hold all your picking dynamics and still chug when you dig in.
3. Everyone in my music circles uses one and they sound awesome!
Okay that last point shouldn't count, but... when it comes to making music, you may find your journey there easier with a little box of distortion!
105
Great pedal
This sounded awesome in store when it was rigged up to their high end AMP. Unfortunately, my puny combo amp doesn't do it justice. Still a great pedal with lots to change to get some superb high end and deep, grizzly bass tones.
105
Great distortion pedal
This sounded awesome in store when it was rigged up to their high end AMP. Unfortunately, my puny combo amp doesn't do it justice. Still a great pedal with lots to change to get some superb high end and deep, grizzly bass tones.
247
Artist usage
Add artist
"I started off not really liking it, ended up getting into it and then really liking it" Rob at 9:50 of this #product-demo.
"And I saw the new BOSS DS–1X [in his demo]. It’s amazing. It’s got the original tonality of the DS-1, but there’s something that just sizzles in a really fantastic way. And it’s got extra game. It’s got so much personality and dynamic range to it."
In the official music video for "miss-dystopia" by -sokoninaru-, Juko Suzuki is shown using the Boss DS-1X Distortion pedal. This visual confirmation can be found in the video provided by -sokoninaru- on their official YouTube channel.
During Youv Dee's "Pas D’accord Tour," his pedalboard featured a BOSS DS-1X Distortion, as confirmed by a user-uploaded photo. Additionally, this pedal may have been used on the "Pas D’accord" record.
Known from the following sources:
Guitar Girl, "Metal Music Talk with Guitar Shredder Ariel Bellvalaire" by Lindsey Borders (December 30, 2019)
Pedals:
My favorites:
- Fulltone OCD distortion
- Boss ds1x
- Electro Harmonix Canyon pedal delay
- Shure wireless guitar system
- Morley bad horsie wah
Guitar Girl, "Tone Talk with Ariel Bellvalaire" by Anonymous (GGM Staff) (February 28, 2020)
I like to pair every guitar with the Fender Deluxe Reverb amp because it has such a great clean channel with the perfect reverb sound and pairs great with all my pedals. Currently, my pedalboard has the BOSS DS-1X, Fulltone OCD, Electro-Harmonix Canyon delay, and the Morley Bad Horsie 2 wah. All these sounds plus the clean channel of amp work great live and are very versatile.
Guitar World, "Meet Ariel Bellvalaire, the Strat-toting pop-rocker who performs stunts while she shreds" by Michael Astley-Brown
A Fender Big Apple Strat with Seymour Duncan JB and DiMarzio Super Distortion pickups provided the track’s sizzling tonal approach, teamed with a Fender Deluxe Reverb amp and Boss DS-1X distortion pedal.
Album Usage
The Boss DS-1X Distortion has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss DS-1X Distortion, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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