BOSS AW-3 Dynamic Wah Guitar & Bass Effects Pedal

BOSS AW-3 Dynamic Wah Guitar & Bass Effects Pedal

The BOSS AW-3 Dynamic Wah Pedal creates automatic and playing-responsive wah effects for electric guitar and bass. Dedicated Guitar and Bass inputs, dynamic sensitivity control, multiple wah modes, and the Humanizer effect give players access to conventional filter sweeps, touch-sensitive expression, rhythmic modulation, and vowel-like tones from one compact stompbox.

Dynamic operation changes the wah response according to picking strength, while Manual and Decay controls shape the filter position and response. Tempo mode synchronizes automatic sweeps to a player-defined rate, and an optional momentary footswitch can handle tap-tempo control. A dedicated Bass input adapts the effect for lower-frequency instruments.

The EXP/CTL connection also accepts a compatible expression pedal, converting the AW-3 into a foot-controlled pedal wah and extending real-time control over Humanizer effects. Buffered bypass maintains signal routing when the effect is disengaged, while standard 9 V battery operation or an optional PSA-series adapter makes the pedal easy to integrate into professional pedalboards.

Key Features

• Dynamic Wah Response: Changes the filter effect according to picking strength for touch-sensitive guitar and bass performance.
• Humanizer Effect: Generates vowel-like tonal changes for distinctive voice-inspired filter sounds.
• Multiple Wah Modes: Provides Up, Down, Sharp, Humanizer, Tempo, and expression-controlled wah operation.
• Dedicated Bass Input: Processes bass guitar independently for wah effects optimized around lower-frequency signals.
• Expression Pedal Support: Adds traditional foot-operated wah control with compatible optional expression pedals.
• Tap-Tempo Control: Sets automatic wah timing from the pedal switch or a compatible external momentary footswitch.
• Buffered Bypass: Maintains an active buffered signal path when the effect is switched off.
• Compact Pedal Format: Runs from an included 9 V alkaline battery or an optional PSA-series AC adapter.

Technical Specifications

Audio

• Brand: BOSS
• Model: AW-3
• Product Type: Dynamic Wah Effects Pedal
• Compatible Instruments: Guitar, Bass
• Nominal Input Level: -20 dBu
• Input Impedance: 1 MOhm
• Nominal Output Level: -20 dBu
• Output Impedance: 1 kOhm
• Recommended Load Impedance: 10 kOhm or greater
• Bypass: Buffered bypass

Effects and Controls

• Wah Functions: Dynamic wah, automatic wah, fixed wah, pedal wah
• Additional Effect: Humanizer vowel effect
• Modes: Up, Down, Sharp, Humanizer, Tempo
• Controls: Mode, Sens, Manual, Decay, pedal switch
• Tempo Control: Pedal-controlled or fixed-rate operation
• Expression Control: Pedal wah and Humanizer control with compatible optional expression pedal
• Indicator: Check indicator for effect and battery status

Connections

• Guitar Input: 1/4" phone jack
• Bass Input: 1/4" phone jack
• Output: 1/4" phone jack
• EXP/CTL: 1/4" phone jack
• Power Input: DC IN

Power

• Battery: 9 V alkaline, 6LR61
• Optional AC Adapter: BOSS PSA series
• Current Draw: 50 mA
• Expected Alkaline Battery Life: Approximately 8 hours of continuous use

Physical Specifications

• Width: 2.9"
• Depth: 5.1"
• Height: 2.3"
• Weight: 0.9 lb including battery
• Warranty: 5 years

Compatible Optional Accessories

• AC Adapter: BOSS PSA series
• Expression Pedals: BOSS EV-30, FV-500H, FV-500L, Roland EV-5
• Momentary Footswitches: BOSS FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7

What's In the Box

• 9 V alkaline battery
• Safety, important notes, and product information leaflet