Hands-On Review of BOSS’s Hot New PX-1!

2025-08-28

The announcement of BOSS’s brand-new pedal “PX-1” on August 28, 2025 has immediately captured attention around the world! And believe it or not, I was lent the actual pedal for review… A big thank you to Boss as always.
The “PX-1” could truly be called the beginning of a new era for BOSS compact pedals. I would like to share my thoughts on how to use this pedal to my initial impressions after actually trying it out — so please use this review as a reference!

BOSS / PX-1

What Kind of Effects Pedal is the PX-1?

First off, let me briefly explain what kind of effects this newly released pedal can actually do.
The “PX-1” is a compact effects pedal that lets you recall legendary BOSS models and shape your sound by adjusting each parameter right on the unit itself. As of its release, it can load a total of 16 different BOSS compact pedals (8 of which are available for download via the “BOSS EFFECT LOADER” app), and it looks like more will be added through future updates!
The excitement is real! Just imagine controlling and mastering a wide range of BOSS compact pedals all with a single unit.
This is truly a next-generation compact pedal that fuses hardware and software. Even for someone like me, who’s not familiar with digital multi-effects and prefers compact pedals, it feels like something I can pick up and start using without hesitation.

First, Let’s Check the Inputs and Outputs!

What surprised me right away was that the PX-1 can be powered via USB! It supports power supply from USB AC adapters, bus power, and even mobile batteries that makes it super convenient. It also uses the USB port for firmware updates and connecting with the companion app.
It’s also equipped with a MIDI IN jack, allowing it to receive timing clocks from external gear.

The CTL1,2/EXP jack allows you to connect footswitches or expression pedals. With a footswitch, you can switch between different effects using the SWAP function, or recall custom parameter settings you’ve saved for each effect. With an expression pedal, you can control any parameter you choose in real time.
The fact that you can expand pedals, many of which originally didn’t support external control, to suit your own setup is incredibly exciting! Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to test the functionality in my current setup, but it definitely seems like a feature with a lot of creative potential.

EXP Settings Screen

CTL Settings Screen

Trying Out Effect Installation via the App!

As I mentioned earlier, the PX-1 comes preloaded with 8 effects in its initial state, and by using the BOSS EFFECT LOADER app, you can install an additional 8 effects! What’s even more exciting is the lineup of compatible effects that BOSS is planning to expand over time, and you’ll be able to install them using this same app.
Just connect the PX-1 to your device via USB or Bluetooth, and from within the app, simply select the effects you want to install! I was able to install all available models quickly and easily, with no issues whatsoever.

Tap the “Install” button, and...

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Waiting… (So fast!)

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Installation complete!

Get a Roland Cloud Membership Too!

When you purchase the PX-1, you also receive a 6-month Ultimate Membership to Roland Cloud, which is a cloud-based platform offering high-quality plugin instruments and music production software provided by Roland!
Of course, you’ll have access to the popular BOSS Effects Pedals plugins, as well as legendary models like the JC-120 and RE-201 in plugin form.
For music producers and DTM users, this is a seriously exciting bonus that you don’t want to miss out on!

Now Let’s Check the Actual Operation Feel!

Parameter control is incredibly simple! Each effect assigns three controllable parameters to the three knobs on the unit. You just turn the knob corresponding to the parameter you want to adjust, making sound shaping completely intuitive.

Here’s what the display looks like when you load up the DS-1.
As you can see, the left knob controls TONE, the center knob controls LEVEL, and the right knob controls DIST.
For effects like the DD-2, which have more than three adjustable parameters, you can press the right knob to switch pages, allowing you to adjust additional parameters.
It feels just like tweaking a classic BOSS compact pedal. I got the hang of it almost immediately just by playing around with it!

Thoughts on the Included Effects

One of the standout features of the PX-1 is that it comes loaded with many rare and hard-to-find vintage models! For example, early BOSS compact pedals like the SG-1, TW-1, and CS-1 are included. These models that, to be honest, aren’t very familiar to younger players like myself.
Of course, each effect delivers high sound quality and excellent usability. But beyond that, what really struck me is how the PX-1 lets you experience BOSS’s history through its sounds. That’s part of what makes this unit so special.

The effect that intrigued me the most was the SP-1. I actually learned about this pedal for the first time through the PX-1, and it’s truly one of a kind. It’s a single-band parametric equalizer, allowing you to adjust exactly which frequency you want to boost and by how much — a very specific and hands-on design. I was surprised to discover that such an interesting pedal once came from BOSS… and after doing some digging, I learned that the SP-1 was released alongside the OD-1 and PH-1 (both of which are also included in the PX-1) as part of the very first wave of BOSS compact pedals. It turns out it’s still a beloved model to this day. This effect isn’t just useful, it also gave me a deeper appreciation for BOSS’s legacy, and even the broader history of compact effects pedals. It really made me reflect on how significant a piece of gear like this can be.

And, one more thing I felt is that the quality of the distortion effects included is all very high! As expected from BOSS’s quality, not only the modulation and spatial effects, but also the distortion effects deliver extremely high sound quality. From my experience, even if most people did a blind test comparing the sound of the actual analog pedals and the distortion effects built into the PX-1, they probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Honestly, I don’t think I could either (haha). The way the knobs respond, the amp interaction, the noise characteristics — everything is truly high quality, making it really enjoyable to play driven sounds.

For the actual sounds, I recommend checking out various videos, but there’s no doubt that the quality clearly demonstrates BOSS’s technical prowess!

Finally

I’ve shared my impressions of the feel and sound of the PX-1 up to this point. How was it? I hope that I was able to convey even a little of the unit’s appeal and help you consider whether to purchase it for yourself! I’m sure it’s a useful effects pedal not only for BOSS compact pedal enthusiasts but also for guitarists of all kinds! It really feels like the joy of using effects is packed tightly into this little compact unit.
With software and hardware fused together, the PX-1 lets you relive BOSS’s history while pursuing the fun of sound creation. This unit truly marks the dawn of a new era for BOSS compact effects pedals — don’t miss out!!