BOSS - NS-1X | Noise Suppressor

Noise No More

Powered by advanced BOSS MDP technology, the NS-1X intelligently silences noise without affecting the natural tone and playing feel of your guitar or bass. Reduction mode keeps your rig quiet in any general playing setup, while Gate mode provides ultra-fast performance to ensure that precision, high-gain riffs remain sharp and distinct. Versatile and easy to use, the NS-1X is an essential tool for defeating noise issues while practicing, performing, and recording.

Features

Next-generation noise suppressor and gate for guitar, bass, and other electronic musical instruments
Intelligent BOSS MDP technology eliminates noise with no impact on playing feel or response
Intuitive operation with Threshold, Decay, and Damp knobs
Reduction mode for general noise suppression applications
Gate mode provides ultra-fast noise elimination for tapping, sweep picking, and heavy rhythm styles that rely on high-gain tones
Mute mode for silencing the instrument signal when the pedal switch is engaged (the pedal operates in user-selectable Reduction or Gate mode when the switch is off)
Reduction indicator that dynamically displays the current noise suppression status
Send/return loop for optimized noise elimination with overdrives, distortions, and other noise-producing pedals
DC Out for distributing power to other pedals (requires optional PSA adaptor and PCS-20A parallel cable)
BOSS five-year warranty

Cutting-Edge Noise Suppression

Background noise can be problematic with guitar and bass, particularly in high-gain setups. The proprietary MDP approach used in the NS-1X delivers fast, transparent operation in every application, eliminating the unnatural attack and decay artifacts that can be introduced with standard noise suppression systems. High-speed digital technology analyzes the input signal on multiple levels in real time, enabling ultra-detailed processing that provides just the right amount of noise reduction for any playing style or performance venue.

Maximum Versatility

The NS-1X features multiple operation modes to fine-tune the noise suppression for your needs.

Reduction—This mode provides gentle noise suppression that works with most instruments and playing styles. The note decay is natural and noise-free with all pickup types, including low-output single coils.

Gate—Ideal for high-gain sounds, this mode immediately silences the sound when no signal is present. MDP provides a lightning-fast response that no other noise reduction pedal can deliver, ensuring a natural playing feel and punchy note attack for percussive djent riffs, sweep picking, and legato tapping techniques.

Mute—This mode turns the pedal’s bypass setting into a convenient mute switch for changing instruments, tuning, and set breaks. The NS-1X will operate in either Reduction or Gate mode when the pedal switch is off.

Quick and Easy Operation

With intuitive controls and a multi-LED indicator, you can dial in your perfect noise suppression profile in seconds.

Threshold—Determines the level when the noise suppression begins. In Reduction mode, start with the knob at the lowest setting and turn it clockwise until the noise disappears. In Gate mode, start at the highest setting and gradually turn the knob down until you achieve the attack response that feels right to you.

Decay—Determines when the selected mode reaches maximum noise suppression. Start at the lowest setting, then turn the knob clockwise if needed to achieve a more natural decay.

Damp—This controls the maximum amount of noise reduction. Higher settings make the noise reduction effect stronger and clearer. Lower settings reduce the strength of the effect, which may provide more natural results with some playing styles.

Reduction Indicator—Displays the current noise suppression status.

Precise Detection

The NS-1X circuitry detects the signal at the input stage and activates the noise reduction at the output stage. It works best when your instrument is connected directly to the input jack before any other pedals. When using distortions, overdrives, and other noise-producing pedals, the most natural results are achieved by inserting them in the NS-1X’s send/return loop. This allows the circuitry to continually detect the clean input signal while eliminating noise from the pedals within the loop, providing the smoothest performance as you turn them on and off.

Premium Noise Elimination for Guitar, Bass, and Other Instruments

Thanks to its advanced digital processing and wide frequency response, the NS-1X provides outstanding performance for standard guitars and basses and extended-range instruments with additional strings. It’s also an excellent noise suppression solution for keyboards and other types of electronic instruments.

MDP: Advanced Tech, Superior Tone

Leveraging decades of research and development, BOSS’s proprietary Multi-Dimensional Processing (MDP) technology offers a fresh approach to achieving exceptional tones. In real time, MDP analyzes the various elements that make up the sound, including frequency, overtones, dynamics, pickup response, and more. Various playing characteristics are analyzed as well, such as note register, single notes vs. chords, bends, vibrato amount, and others. Each individual element is then processed in unique ways to produce optimized tones as you play. With its ultra-detailed, high-tech approach, MDP delivers tone quality and playability that reaches far beyond the limits of traditional effects processing.

Specifications
Sampling Frequency: 48 kHz
AD Conversion: 24 bits + AF method
AF method (Adaptive Focus method) This is a proprietary method from Roland & BOSS that vastly improves the signal-to-noise (SN) ratio of the AD converter.
DA Conversion: 32 bits
Processing: 32-bit floating point
Modes: 3 modes
GATE
REDUCTION
MUTE
Nominal Input Level: INPUT, RETURN: -20 dBu
Maximum Input Level: INPUT, RETURN: +7 dBu
Input Impedance: INPUT, RETURN: 1 M ohm
Nominal Output Level: OUTPUT, SEND: -20 dBu
Maximum Output Level: OUTPUT, SEND: +7 dBu
Output Impedance: OUTPUT, SEND: 1 k ohm
Recommended Load Impedance: OUTPUT, SEND: 10 k ohms or greater
Bypass: Buffered bypass
Controls: MODE knob
DECAY knob
THRESHOLD knob
DAMP knob
Pedal switch
Indicator: CHECK indicator (Serves also as battery check indicator)
REDUCTION indicator
Connectors: INPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
RETURN jack: 1/4-inch phone type
OUTPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
SEND jack: 1/4-inch phone type
DC IN jack
DC OUT jack
Power Supply: Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61)
AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)
Current Draw: 60 mA
Expected battery life under continuous use: Alkaline: Approx. 6.5 hours
* These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
Accessories: Leaflet (“USING THE UNIT SAFELY,” “IMPORTANT NOTES,” and “Information”)
Dry battery (9 V, 6LR61)
Options (sold separately): AC adaptor: PSA series
Size and Weight
Width: 73 mm
2-7/8 inches
Depth: 129 mm
5-1/8 inches
Height: 59 mm
2-3/8 inches
Weight (including battery): 460 g
1 lb 0.3 oz
* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
*The specifications are subject to change without notice.

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Support

If you have questions about operating your BOSS product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.
You can also contact our Product Support department by phone or email.
In addition, we have a library of Owner’s Manuals and Support Documents that you can download and reference.