The benchmark for guitar distortion
The DS-1 Distortion is a legend among guitar effects. Introduced in 1978, the first BOSS distortion pedal defined a powerful new sound with distinctive attack and long-lasting sustain that has shaped generations of musicians. The DS-1 is the best-selling BOSS compact pedal of all time and, with its unchanged concept, continues to inspire the creation of great music today. Countless rock legends rely on the DS-1 for their distinctive sound. Now you too can create your own signature sound.
Features
- Legendary distortion – Used by guitarists worldwide since 1978
- Classic sounds for all styles of music
- Transparent, precise attack even at maximum distortion, ideal for hard rhythms and assertive solos
- Perfectly suited as a booster for lower levels of distortion
- Unique sound control for diverse sound shaping
- Individual sound characteristics of guitars, pickups and playing styles are retained
- Lowering the guitar volume makes the sound cleaner without making it dull and muddy
- Five year BOSS guarantee
Style-forming distortion
Before the DS-1 came out, distortion pedals produced a predominantly harsh, muddy, buzzy sound at high distortion. For the DS-1, introduced in 1978, BOSS engineers developed a novel distortion circuit that produced a tight, distinctive sound with rich overtones while preserving the individual characteristics of the respective guitars and playing techniques. In the 70s and 80s, hard rock, metal and punk experienced their heyday — and the DS-1 had a crucial influence on the sound of these genres. Since then, several generations of musicians worldwide have trusted the classic sound of the DS-1.
Gain – from subtle to heavy
There are only three controls on the DS-1's control surface. And yet it can be used to create a variety of tones. The groundbreaking, two-stage circuit works with both transistor and op-amp amplifier stages. This concept is crucial for the DS-1's characteristic richness of sound in the low frequency range, which is highly valued by heavy guitarists. The distortion control alone opens up an extremely wide range - from gentle boost in front of amplifiers and pedals to full throttle gain for monster rock riffs.
Powerful sound shaping
In contrast to conventional tone controls, which only reduce the highs, the innovative circuitry of the DS-1 offers a much wider range. Turning the control clockwise will increase the treble and decrease the bass and vice versa. This way you can quickly and easily create a variety of sounds — from tight, assertive rhythm sounds to round, fat leads. The tone control is particularly effective when using the DS-1 as a booster in front of vintage amplifiers. While the low frequencies often sound muddy with other distortion pedals, the DS-1 also provides clarity and definition in the low-end range.
- Nominal Input Level
- -20 dBu
- Input Impedance
- 1 M ohm
- Nominal Output Level
- -20 dBu
- Output Impedance
- 1 k ohm
- Recommended Load Impedance
- 10 k ohms or greater
- Controls
- Pedal switch
TONE knob
LEVEL knob
DIST knob
- Indicator
- CHECK indicator (Used for indication of check battery)
- Connectors
- INPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
OUTPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
DC IN jack
- Power Supply
- Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61) or Carbon-zinc battery (9 V, 6F22)
AC adapter (PSA series: sold separately)
- Current Draw
- 10 mA
- Expected battery life under continuous use
- Carbon: Approx. 50 hours
Alkaline: Approx. 80 hours
* These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
- Accessories
- Leaflet ("USING THE UNIT SAFELY," "IMPORTANT NOTES," and "Information")
Carbon-zinc battery (9 V, 6F22)
- Option (sold separately)
- AC adapter (PSA series)
- Size and Weight ( incl. battery )
- Width
- 73mm
2-7/8 inches
- Depth
- 129mm
5-1/8 inches
- Height
- 59mm
2-3/8 inches
- Weight
- 360 g
13 oz
