BOSS SY-1 Synthesizer Pedal - 121 Polyphonic Synth Sounds

BOSS SY-1 Guitar Synthesizer Pedal - 121 Polyphonic Synth Sounds

The BOSS SY-1 Synthesizer pedal transforms any standard guitar or bass into a full-featured polyphonic synthesizer with 121 sounds across 11 categories — and it requires no special pickup, just a standard 1/4-inch cable. Powered by custom DSP technology derived from the professional SY-300, the SY-1 delivers completely latency-free performance so players can explore leads, pads, basses, organs, and rhythmic sequences without changing their technique.

For guitarists searching for the best guitar synthesizer pedal for live performance, the SY-1 stands apart with its plug-and-play simplicity and pedalboard-friendly compact form factor. Unlike MIDI guitar systems that demand proprietary pickups and complex routing, the SY-1 connects directly to any rig and produces rich, dynamic synth tones instantly. Independent EFFECT and DIRECT level controls let players blend synth voices with their natural guitar tone, making it equally useful for subtle texture layering or full synth replacement in a live mix.

The SY-1 integrates seamlessly into any signal chain through its parallel send/return loop, enabling one or more effects pedals to be blended alongside the synth engine — a workflow that professional pedalboard builders and studio guitarists rely on to create complex, layered sounds. An EXP/CTL jack supports external footswitches for tap tempo and octave shifting, or an expression pedal for continuous Tone/Rate control, expanding the pedal's expressive range well beyond what its compact footprint suggests.

Key Features of the BOSS SY-1 Synthesizer Pedal

• 121 Polyphonic Synth Sounds: Delivers 11 sound types across 121 preset voices — including leads, pads, basses, strings, organs, bells, SFX, and rhythmic sequences — all playable as single notes or full chords without any programming knowledge required.
• No Special Pickup Required: Connects to any guitar or bass via a standard 1/4-inch cable, eliminating the cost and installation complexity of proprietary pickup systems while providing immediate access to professional synth tones.
• Latency-Free Performance: Custom DSP processing eliminates the tracking delay common in guitar synth systems, enabling natural, unrestricted playing with zero adjustment to technique.
• Parallel Send/Return Loop: Integrates one or more external pedals in parallel with the synth engine, allowing drive, modulation, or other effects to blend with or process synth voices independently for advanced signal routing.
• Hold Function: Sustains the last-played synth sound indefinitely at the press of the footswitch, freeing the player to solo or comp with unprocessed guitar over a held synth pad or bass note.
• Guitar/Bass Mode Switch: Optimizes the synth engine's tracking and response for either guitar or bass input, ensuring accurate and responsive synthesis across instrument types.
• Expression Pedal and Footswitch Support: The EXP/CTL jack accepts an optional expression pedal for real-time Tone/Rate control or an external footswitch for tap tempo and octave-shift functions, expanding live performance capabilities.

Technical Specifications

• Total Sounds: 121 (11 types x 11 variations)
• Sound Types: Lead 1/2, Pad, Bass, Str, Organ, Bell, SFX 1/2, Seq 1/2
• Nominal Input Level: INPUT, RETURN: -20 dBu
• Input Impedance: INPUT, RETURN: 2.2 M ohms
• Nominal Output Level: OUTPUT, SEND: -20 dBu
• Output Impedance: OUTPUT, SEND: 1 k ohms
• Recommended Load Impedance: 10 k ohms or greater
• Bypass: Buffered bypass
• Connectors: INPUT (1/4" phone), OUTPUT (1/4" phone), SEND (1/4" phone), RETURN (1/4" phone), EXP/CTL (stereo 1/4" phone), DC IN
• Controls: Pedal switch, Guitar/Bass switch, TYPE knob, VARIATION knob, TONE knob, DEPTH knob, EFFECT knob, DIRECT knob
• Power Supply: 9V alkaline battery (6LR61) or PSA series AC adapter (sold separately)
• Current Draw: 115 mA
• Battery Life: Approx. 2 hours (alkaline, continuous use)
• Width: 2-7/8 inches (73 mm)
• Depth: 5-1/8 inches (129 mm)
• Height: 2-3/8 inches (59 mm)
• Weight: 1 lb (450 g) including battery

Use Cases

• Adding synth textures to guitar or bass
• Live performance sound design
• Studio recording and layering
• Experimental and ambient music creation
• Pedalboard-based synth integration

What's in the Box

• BOSS SY-1 Synthesizer Pedal
• 9V Alkaline Battery (6LR61)
• Leaflet ("USING THE UNIT SAFELY," "IMPORTANT NOTES," and "Information")