Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (13)
$164.99
Guitar Center
4.0 (7)
$164.99
Amazon
4.4 (63)
$139.99
Reverb
5.0 (19)
$149.99 New
$71.40 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (7)
$164.99
Thomann
4.7 (64)
$159.00 $158.00 $1.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£139.50

Average Price: $149

Standard/Professional

$80

$181+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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 Manual

Product 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

What makes the Boss DS-1X Distortion different from the original DS-1?

The Boss DS-1X Distortion features digital Multi-Dimensional Processing, offering enhanced clarity and dynamic response compared to the original analog DS-1 pedal.

Does the Boss DS-1X Distortion pedal have a buffered bypass?

Yes, the Boss DS-1X Distortion pedal features buffered bypass switching, which helps maintain signal integrity across long cable runs and pedalboards.

What power supply is required for the Boss DS-1X Distortion pedal?

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.

Can the Boss DS-1X Distortion pedal be used for both guitar and bass?

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.

Does the Boss DS-1X Distortion pedal offer EQ controls?

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.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

OD-1X Overdrive and DS-1X Distortion Pedal Demo - Sweetwater Guitars and Gear Vol. 63

Video thumbnail for OD-1X Overdrive and DS-1X Distortion Pedal Demo - Sweetwater Guitars and Gear Vol. 63 by Sweetwater

OD-1X Overdrive and DS-1X Distortion Pedal Demo - Sweetwater Guitars and Gear Vol. 63

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Boss OD1x and DS1x, demo by Pete Thorn by Pete Thorn

Boss OD1x and DS1x, demo by Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Video thumbnail for WILL IT CHUG? - Boss DS1X by Ola Englund

WILL IT CHUG? - Boss DS1X

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

Video thumbnail for BOSS DS-1 vs BOSS DS-1X - demo, reamping test by Portal Gitarowy

BOSS DS-1 vs BOSS DS-1X - demo, reamping test

Portal Gitarowy

Portal Gitarowy

Video thumbnail for Boss DS-1X & OD-1X Pedals - World Exclusive First Look by Rob Chapman

Boss DS-1X & OD-1X Pedals - World Exclusive First Look

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for BOSS DS-1X DEMO by Jake Cloudchair

BOSS DS-1X DEMO

Jake Cloudchair

Jake Cloudchair

Video thumbnail for BOSS DS-1X by session

BOSS DS-1X

session

session

Video thumbnail for Boss DS-1X Distortion by Wall of Sound

Boss DS-1X Distortion

Wall of Sound

Wall of Sound

Video thumbnail for Boss DS-1X Distortion Special Edition Pedal | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Boss DS-1X Distortion Special Edition Pedal | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Articulate and clear sound, even at high gain levels

  • Versatile tone shaping with separate high and low controls

  • Exceptional sustain for prolonged note play

  • Works well with both solid state and tube amplifiers

  • Responsive to picking dynamics, maintaining clarity

  • Consistent performance across various guitar models

  • Low noise operation, even with gain increased

  • Compatible with a range of musical styles (rock, metal, blues)

  • Encourages creative playing and exploration of sound

  • Durable and reliable build quality

CONS

  • Some find the tone too digital or sterile

  • May lack mid-range warmth, perceived as harsh by some

  • Not ideal for recording due to limited EQ flexibility

  • 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

  • DSP technology adjusts to fretboard location and chord complexity for nuanced distortion response.

    Source
  • At 2:30-3 o'clock gain, notes remain saturated yet breathable, ideal for modern metal tones.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The DS-1X distortion is more compressed compared to the open, responsive distortion of the classic DS-1.

    Source
  • Similar to the MT-2, the DS-1X can become nasally with improper EQ settings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Best suited for modern, high-gain metal rather than general distortion use due to its compressed nature.

    Source

User experience

  • The pedal can lose sustain at low amp volumes, causing notes to sputter out.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Boss DS-1X Distortion review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Boss DS-1X Distortion pedal pushes the boundaries of distortion with its cutting-edge Multi-Dimensional Processing, delivering remarkable note clarity even at high gain levels. Ideal for guitarists toggling between rhythm and lead, this pedal offers ample gain and sustain, though too much gain can introduce unwanted fizz. While its price is on the higher side, the DS-1X stands out for its consistent tone across the fretboard, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking precise distortion tones.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 20 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
rickmeister4

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!

herculesxiv

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.

afbob

Beefy boy

I love this pedal. So chuggy. Great difference in tones when dialling in the sounds.

herculesxiv

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.

marcussingletary

Boss Distortion Pedal

Marcus Singletary uses the Boss Distortion pedal in his live rig.

W

Nice

This pedal does not disappoint. Tweakable EQ which helps with certain tunes.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ola Englund uses Boss DS-1X Distortion

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
Verified via YouTube

Boss DS-1X can be seen on this video

See how Rob Chapman uses Boss DS-1X Distortion

Rob Chapman

Singer, Guitarist

Dorje

...
Verified via YouTube

"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.

See how Orianthi uses Boss DS-1X Distortion

Orianthi

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via BOSS

According to Boss' website, Orianthi uses Boss DS-1X Distortion pedal.

See how Tyler Larson uses Boss DS-1X Distortion

Tyler Larson

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

...
Verified via YouTube

Visible throughout this video on the bottom shelf of Larson's pedal wall.

See how Brendon Small uses Boss DS-1X Distortion

Brendon Small

Guitarist

Dethklok

...
Verified via BOSS

"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."

See how Juko Suzuki uses Boss DS-1X Distortion

Juko Suzuki

Singer, Guitarist

Sokoninaru

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Marlon Young uses Boss DS-1X Distortion

Marlon Young

Guitarist

The Twisted Brown Trucker

...
Verified via Photo

towards the left you can see a Boss distortion and tuner

See how Youv Dee uses Boss DS-1X Distortion

Youv Dee

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Ariel Bellvalaire uses Boss DS-1X Distortion

Ariel Bellvalaire

Singer, Guitarist

Paradise Kitty

...
Verified via Guitar Girl Magazine

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.

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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Fulltone OCD
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1
Fender American Standard Stratocaster
Fender American Standard Stratocaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Shure SM58
Shure SM58 Dynamic Microphones
1
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer
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1
MXR M169 Carbon Copy
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1

Community setups

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davey_zandbergen

davey_zandbergen

Gear IQ 255

1 alternative for Boss DS-1X Distortion, curated by the Equipboard community.

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