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 analyses 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.
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, assignable using a simple power-up procedure.
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.
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.
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.
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 analyses the various elements that make up the sound, including frequency, overtones, dynamics, pickup response, and more. Various playing characteristics are analysed 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 optimised 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.
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 optimised 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)