Boss DS-1X vs DS-1 Distortion - Review, Demo & Comparison

In this video, Sam takes a look at the DS-1X Distortion, part of Boss's X range of digital DSP stomp boxes, and compares it to the standard analog DS-1...

The classic Boss DS-1 was originally released back in 1978 and is probably one of the most popular distortion pedals of all time, we’ve all had one on our pedal board at some point, right? Whilst it may share a similar name, the DS-1X is definitely not a reissue though, as Boss say, it’s more of a rebirth.

Cosmetically, the new X range of pedals are very similar to every other Boss pedal. They’ve got the same bomb proof housing and are supplied with a 5 year warranty, run off a 9v battery or optional power supply, but one thing that gives it away that there’s something a bit different about them is this nice shiny control plate and chrome knobs.The big difference is under the hood…where as the DS-1 is a classic analog distortion, the DS-1X is powered by Boss’s state-of-the-art multi-dimension processing, or MDP, digital processor. This powerful, real time processor adapts to the way you play, providing the ideal distortion tones depending on dynamics and register.Very easy to use, there’s controls for volume, distortion gain and low and high EQ controls. Because it’s digital, the DS-1X has a very low noise floor, even at high gain levels and the volume and EQ controls have a wider tone shaping range than most conventional analog pedals. Tonally, it offers a high clarity distortion, that doesn’t suffer from muddiness or boominess when you’re playing chords, and it’s super responsive to volume changes and picking dynamics.

So take a quick look and listen with PMTV and make sure to check one out at your local Professional Music Technology...

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[kyp]

The DS-1 X wins for me. The note articulation is awesome. Couldn’t care less that it’s digital. Sounds great into a clean Fender amp.

[ronnymunoz-acuna]

DS-1 still rocks. Just gotta love that classic sound.

[DanielNodari]

my impression but the ds1x seems to have more distortion than the DS1, anyone else with this impression?

[JosePineda-jnjk]

It’s crazy how well the ds-1 still holds up even today and the amount of saturation and gain is actually pretty crazy as well

[howiewalker]

Can't believe how much better the new ds1x sounds

[generalsmiddy]

The DS-1X has a lot more articulation and a clearer, more transparent sound, while the DS-1 is a lot grittier with more sludge to it. I definitely prefer the DS-1 if only for the kinda music I enjoy making, but having the tone stack separated into separate controls for bass and treble is definitely nice. Ive always felt the DS-1 loses more bass than I'd like, even when dialed in well

[Xyrium]

I'm going to wait for the DS1xyz Waza v2. However, this DS-1x is pretty good. Thanks for bringing this to us!

[robertf]

If I was playing a genre like classic rock then I would be all over that DS-1X. But I do more hardcore so that DS-1 does all I need

[ze-ce.cra_]

Ds1x sounds huge almost like it has slight chorus on it.. Sounds great for rhythm because it makes your riffs sound kinda like double tracked... But for leads, it sounds weird and Ds1 sounds better for lead for me

[Joshuagarciaofficial]

The DS-1X is nice and it looks great but you cannot ignore that warmer classic rock sound the DS-1 gives

[ssolo]

Ds1 is my fave distortion pedal EVER! Used if for decades to turn my Plexi into a 2 channel beast. I like the X version too, but it is different, tho it can be similar. nothing more to say.

[daw]

Love the nasal unadjusted sound of the DS-1. I see people criticize that sometimes, but we can get another pedal if we don't like that.

Not in love with the wave of digital processing pedals - went that route years ago with digitech pedals and ended up dumping them all.

[LeonardoBianchieternalblue]

I just thought, sometimes the old DS 1 sounds better. But this new sounds great too. I think it's an application decision.

[Shockeye]

The DS1X sounds a lot clearer than the DS1 which sounds a bit muddy

[hoosierdaddy]

The new one sounds much much better. Clearer sounding and not so fuzzy.

[Invert_Scrub]

DS1X sounds fantastic. I'll be saving up for that one.

[pj]

What about hum, noise or buzz? Some of these earlier designed pedals can be very noisy. For 40 years I have loved my 1977 MXR Dist. Plus but it's too damn noisy for this era. Is the DS-1X considerably quieter in this regard that the original DS-1? I would think that this would be one of the advantages of digital over analog. Still can't figure out which one of these I like more but the noise-hum factor is definitely a real consideration for me.

[flyguy]

Wow..you just sold me on getting a DS-1 over a DS-1X for sure, thanks 🤘

[patrickstewart]

What is he playing at 3:42? ... it's on the tip of my my mind but can't think of it.

[madzcadoodlehopper]

Depending on the settings that you use, the Ds-1x sounds a lot cleaner.