BOSS SY-1
What it is
The SY-1 is a battery- or adaptor-powered pedal that converts a guitar or bass signal into synthesizer tones. Its 11 sound types are LEAD 1/2, PAD, BASS, STR (strings), ORGN (organ), BELL, SFX 1/2 (sound effects), and SEQ 1/2 (rhythmic sequences). The VARIATION knob selects one of 11 variations within each type, giving 121 sounds in total. A GUITAR/BASS switch sets the input for the instrument, and a SEND/RETURN loop lets an external effect run alongside the synth through the DIRECT knob. What distinguishes the unit in reviews is that its TONE/RATE, DEPTH, and EFFECT controls change behavior from preset to preset, so one knob may act like a switch on one sound and respond very sensitively on another. Reviewers note that playing dynamics and string gauge strongly affect the result. The pedal's hold function sustains the current sound while the switch is held, but it is not a delay or looper. Because the preset descriptions are in a separate BOSS sound list and not in the box, owners may need to download that list from BOSS's website. The owner's manual is dated 2019, and reviews from the period describe the SY-1 as a compact, inexpensive alternative to larger guitar synthesizers. The reviews collected here are a small set, and none includes independent measurements of sound or latency.
Specifications
- Type
- Guitar/bass synthesizer stompbox
- Dimensions
- 73 × 129 × 59 mm (2-7/8 × 5-1/8 × 2-3/8 in)
- Weight
- 450 g including battery
- Jacks
- INPUT, OUTPUT, SEND/RETURN, EXP/CTL (stereo 1/4-inch), DC IN
- Controls
- Pedal switch, GUITAR/BASS switch, TYPE, VARIATION, TONE/RATE, DEPTH, EFFECT (synth volume), DIRECT (dry volume or SEND/RETURN device level)
- Sound types
- LEAD 1/2, PAD, BASS, STR, ORGN, BELL, SFX 1/2, SEQ 1/2
- Sound count
- 121 (11 types × 11 variations)
- Nominal input level
- -20 dBu
- Input impedance
- 2.2 MΩ
- Nominal output level
- -20 dBu
- Output impedance
- 1 kΩ
- Recommended load
- 10 kΩ or greater
- Power
- 9 V DC via 6LR61 alkaline battery or PSA-series AC adaptor (sold separately)
- Current draw
- 85 mA
- Battery life
- About 3 hours continuous on alkaline battery, per the manual; results vary
- Expression pedals
- FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30, Roland EV-5
- Footswitch options
- FS-5U (single); FS-6 or FS-7 (dual)
How it's used
Musicians use the SY-1 for lead lines, pads that fill gaps between chords, bass synth tones, string and organ pads, bell-like tones, sound effects, and rhythmic sequences. In one demonstration, the author used it with a Strymon Iridium amp for leads, pads, bass, strings, effects, sequencer, and organ sounds, and a reviewer reported using it live with a band. The manual says the SY-1 should be first in the signal chain when used with other effects.
Suggested usage
Match string gauge to the preset
According to SoundGale, large-gauge strings suit string, bass, organ, and pad presets, while small-gauge strings suit lead parts. Thinner strings can clip.
Vary picking dynamics
SoundGale reports that light and heavy picking can produce noticeably different sounds from the same preset.
Use an EQ after the pedal
SoundGale says a clean guitar tone does not guarantee good results through the SY-1. It can add bass hum and treble clipping, and SoundGale recommends an EQ after the pedal in many cases.
Test each preset's TONE/RATE and DEPTH behavior
Per SoundGale, some presets act like a switch under these knobs and others respond very sensitively. Check each sound before relying on it.
Use the SEND/RETURN loop for parallel processing
SoundGale notes the loop lets the SY-1 run in parallel with other pedals, with the DIRECT knob setting the balance of the dry signal and the external device.
Use the hold switch for sustained notes
Holding the pedal switch sustains the current sound while held. The sound stops when the switch is released.
Keep the volume low when switching power
The manual advises turning the volume down before powering on or off, because some sound may leak through even with the volume down.
What reviewers said
- SoundGale
The reviewer praised the price-to-quality ratio, build quality, and sound, and called the tones beautiful and juicy. The main caveat is that the pedal takes work to get good results and suits experimenters more than as a general effects solution.
- Get Offset
The reviewer found the pedal simple to use, with many presets that track well and enough control for a range of 1980s-style tones, and called it a fun pedal.