Boss’s compact new FS

Dubbed the "essential hands-free partner for all your creative needs", the FS-1-WL can control DAWs, YouTube videos, digital music scores and a range of Boss amps and pedals

Boss has introduced the latest addition to its lineup of foot controllers, the FS-1-WL – a versatile wireless accessory that lets users control a unique array of functions.

It would be a stretch to say the FS-1-WL can do everything a guitarist needs, but it's certainly got some unique capabilities that will make operating a rig – and engaging with extra-musical activities – far more convenient.

At its most basic level, the foot controller can be used to control a range of Boss and Roland products and, thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity, can do it all wirelessly. For example, the FS-1-WL can be used in lieu of amps such as the Katana-Air and Waza-Air to control a variety of parameters.

In terms of effects, the Bluetooth Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor also allows users to connect the FS-1-WL to multi-effects pedals such as Boss's GX-100 and other compatible stompboxes.

The FS-1-WL goes far beyond controlling effects and amp parameters, though. When used alongside the dedicated editor/librarian app, the footswitches can be assigned custom commands that can take charge of a variety of controls.

Such commands include taking control of DAWs and triggering custom keyboard commands – both single keystrokes and combo modifier keys, such as Shift and Control – as well as triggering PC and CC messages when used in MIDI mode.

Other applications of the FS-1-WL include using it to turn pages in music scores, dictate play/pause/rewind/playback speed functions on YouTube videos to aid hands-free learning and using it alongside up to two external footswitches for improved overall rig control.

As an added bonus, footswitch assignments can be saved and recalled for different playing settings via the editor app.

The FS-1-WL will be available this month for $129.

Visit Boss to find out more.

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Matt is a Staff Writer, writing for Guitar World, Guitarist and Total Guitar. He has a Masters in the guitar, a degree in history, and has spent the last 16 years playing everything from blues and jazz to indie and pop. When he's not combining his passion for writing and music during his day job, Matt records for a number of UK-based bands and songwriters as a session musician.

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