BOSS VO-1 Vocoder Pedal for Guitar and Bass

BOSS VO-1 Vocoder Pedal for Guitar and Bass

The BOSS VO-1 Vocoder Pedal lets guitarists and bassists shape their instrument sound with real-time vocal articulation through a connected microphone. Four modes cover classic synthesized voices, enhanced modern vocoder textures, talk-box effects, and microphone-free choir sounds, while dedicated controls keep the effect simple to operate onstage.

Vintage and Advanced modes translate vocal characteristics into electronic instrument textures, while Talk Box mode creates expressive talking-lead sounds without a traditional mouth tube. Choir mode generates layered vocal-style tones directly from the instrument signal without requiring a microphone. An integrated send/return loop also lets players process the direct instrument path with external effects.

The VO-1 accepts guitar, bass, or another instrument with a 1/4" output and provides a balanced XLR microphone input with selectable sensitivity. Level, Blend, Tone, and mode-dependent Color controls shape the final sound. Buffered bypass supports pedalboard integration, while power comes from the included 9V alkaline battery or an optional BOSS PSA-series adapter.

Key Features

• Four Vocoder Modes: Vintage, Advanced, Talk Box, and Choir provide distinct vocal and ensemble-style processing options.
• Real-Time Vocal Control: Uses a connected microphone to apply speech and vocal characteristics to guitar, bass, or another compatible instrument.
• Tube-Free Talk Box Effect: Produces talking lead tones without requiring the mouth tube used by a traditional talk box.
• Microphone-Free Choir Mode: Adds vocal-style depth and layered textures directly from the instrument input.
• Integrated Effects Loop: Send and Return connections allow external pedals to process the direct instrument signal within the VO-1 setup.
• Simple Tone Shaping: Level, Blend, Tone, and Color controls provide direct adjustment without menus or preset navigation.
• Selectable Mic Sensitivity: Low and High settings accommodate different microphone output levels.
• Buffered Bypass: Maintains signal integrity through longer pedalboard signal chains when the effect is disengaged.

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Vocoder effects pedal
• Model: VO-1
• Modes: Advanced, Vintage, Talk Box, Choir
• Controls: Pedal switch, Mic Sens switch, Mode, Color, Tone, Blend, Level
• Mic Sensitivity Settings: Low, High
• Indicator: Check indicator with battery-status indication
• Bypass: Buffered bypass
• Instrument Input: 1 x 1/4" phone jack
• Microphone Input: 1 x balanced XLR
• Effects Loop Return: 1 x 1/4" phone jack
• Main Output: 1 x 1/4" phone jack
• Effects Loop Send: 1 x 1/4" phone jack
• Nominal Instrument Input Level: -20 dBu
• Nominal Return Input Level: -20 dBu
• Nominal Microphone Input Level: -40 dBu with Mic Sens set to Low
• Instrument Input Impedance: 1 megohm
• Return Input Impedance: 1 megohm
• Microphone Input Impedance: 4 kilohms
• Nominal Main Output Level: -20 dBu
• Nominal Send Output Level: -20 dBu
• Main Output Impedance: 1 kilohm
• Send Output Impedance: 1 kilohm
• Recommended Load Impedance: 10 kilohms or greater
• Phantom Power: Not provided
• Battery Power: 1 x 9V alkaline battery, 6LR61
• AC Power: Optional BOSS PSA-series adapter
• Current Draw: 70 mA
• Expected Alkaline Battery Life: Approximately 4 hours
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 2.9 x 5.1 x 2.4 in
• Weight: 1 lb including battery
• Package Dimensions (L x W x H): 5.9 x 3.8 x 2.7 in
• Package Weight: 1.3 lb
• Manufacturer Warranty: 5 years

What's In the Box

• BOSS VO-1 Vocoder Pedal
• 9V alkaline battery
• Safety, important notes, and information leaflet