Boss NS-1X - User Manual

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Summary

Panel descriptions

Connectors

Details on input, output, send, return, DC IN, and DC OUT jacks.

Indicators and Controls

Explanation of the CHECK indicator, REDUCTION indicator, and various control knobs and switches.

Summary

Panel descriptions

Connectors

Details on input, output, send, return, DC IN, and DC OUT jacks.

Indicators and Controls

Explanation of the CHECK indicator, REDUCTION indicator, and various control knobs and switches.

The BOSS NS-1X Noise Suppressor is a compact pedal designed to eliminate unwanted noise from your guitar signal, particularly when using high-gain amplifiers or distortion pedals. It offers intelligent noise suppression that adapts to your playing, ensuring a natural and transparent sound without sacrificing tone or sustain.

Function Description

The core function of the NS-1X is to suppress noise, such as hum, hiss, and feedback, that often accompanies high-gain setups. It achieves this through a combination of gate and reduction effects, which can be tailored to different playing styles and noise levels. The pedal features three distinct modes: GATE, REDUCTION, and MUTE, each offering a specific approach to noise control.

In GATE mode, the effect works best for heavily distorted parts interspersed with silence, or during song breaks. It provides a quick and clear demarcation between your playing and silence, making it ideal for aggressive styles where dynamic distinction is crucial. The gate effect responds rapidly, cutting off the signal when it falls below a set threshold, effectively silencing unwanted noise during pauses.

The REDUCTION mode is optimized for general noise suppression without altering the nuances of your playing. This mode provides a smoother, more transparent noise reduction, allowing your natural tone and sustain to shine through while still eliminating background noise. It's suitable for a wide range of genres where subtle noise control is preferred.

Finally, the MUTE mode is designed for silencing your sound entirely during performances or between songs. When activated, it completely cuts off the signal, providing a clean and silent transition. In MUTE mode, the pedal switch toggles between reduction and mute, offering flexibility during live use.

The NS-1X incorporates several control knobs to fine-tune the noise suppression:

[DAMP] knob: This knob adjusts the amount of the gate and reduction effects. Turning it clockwise increases the attenuation, creating a clearer distinction between played sound and silence. This is useful for aggressive playing where a sharp cut-off is desired. Turning it counterclockwise reduces the attenuation, resulting in a smoother transition between sound and silence, which is optimal for softer playing or delicate passages.
[THRESHOLD] knob: This control sets the signal level at which the gate and reduction effects activate. Turning it counterclockwise lowers the activation threshold, allowing the effect to engage at lower input signal levels. This is useful for subtle noise control or when the noise is less prominent. Conversely, turning it clockwise raises the threshold, making the effect activate only at higher input levels, which is effective for suppressing significant noise.
[DECAY] knob: This knob adjusts the time it takes for the sound to attenuate once the input signal level falls below the threshold. Turning it clockwise increases the decay time, resulting in a longer, smoother fade-out. This can be used to make the transition between sound and silence more natural. Normally, this knob should be set all the way counterclockwise for a quicker attenuation.
[MODE] knob: This knob is used to select between the GATE, REDUCTION, and MUTE modes, allowing you to quickly switch between different noise suppression characteristics.

The pedal also features a REDUCTION indicator, which visually displays the strength of the gate and reduction effects. More indicators light up as the effect becomes stronger and attenuates the sound more. When MUTE is on, all indicators light up.

Usage Features

Connecting the NS-1X is straightforward. It is recommended to connect the SEND and RETURN jacks of the NS-1X to the effect unit you want to suppress noise from, such as a distortion pedal. This allows the NS-1X to process only the noisy signal from that specific effect, rather than your entire signal chain, leading to more effective noise suppression. The INPUT jack connects to your guitar or other instruments, and the OUTPUT jack connects to your amplifier or other effect units.

The pedal switch serves as the on/off toggle for the effect. In MUTE mode, it switches between reduction and mute. The CHECK indicator shows whether the effect is on or off. In MUTE mode, the CHECK indicator goes dark.

To operate the unit:

Connect your effect units as shown in the manual, ideally with the NS-1X's SEND/RETURN loop around the noisy effect.
Set the control knobs to an initial position (e.g., THRESHOLD and DECAY counterclockwise, DAMP at a moderate level).
Press the pedal switch to turn on the effect (CHECK indicator lights up).
Activate the effect unit that generates the noise you want to remove.
While not playing, observe the REDUCTION indicator. Adjust the [THRESHOLD] knob until the noise disappears and the REDUCTION indicator lights up appropriately. The goal is to set the threshold so that the sound naturally attenuates right when it stops.
Use the [DAMP] knob to adjust the intensity of the gate and reduction. Turn it clockwise for a more distinct cut-off or counterclockwise for a smoother transition.
If the transition between sound and silence feels unnatural, turn the [DECAY] knob clockwise to lengthen the attenuation time.

The NS-1X also offers a DC OUT jack, which allows you to supply power to another 9V effect unit when using an AC adaptor. This can help streamline your pedalboard power setup.

Maintenance Features

The NS-1X can be powered by a 9V battery or an optional AC adaptor (PSA series).

Battery Replacement: When operating on battery power, the CHECK indicator will dim as the battery level gets low. It's recommended to replace the battery as soon as possible when this occurs, or if the LED does not light. To replace the battery:
1. Hold down the pedal and loosen the thumbscrew, then open the pedal upward.
2. Remove the old battery and disconnect the snap cord.
3. Connect the battery snap to a new 9V battery, observing polarity (+ versus -).
4. Place the battery inside the housing.
5. Slip the coil spring onto the spring base on the back of the pedal.
6. Close the pedal, carefully avoiding pinching the snap cord, coil spring, or battery.
7. Hold down the pedal and tighten the thumbscrew into the guide bush hole.
Power Supply: If an AC adaptor is connected while the unit is on, power will be drawn from the adaptor. Always connect the AC adaptor to the unit's DC IN jack first, then to an AC outlet. Unplug the adaptor from the AC outlet when not in use.
Battery Usage Tips:
- Always use alkaline batteries for optimal performance when running on battery power.
- The unit comes with a test battery, which may not last as long as a new one.
- If the battery is nearly depleted, the sound may distort, or the effects may not work as well. The CHECK indicator may dim, or the unit may stop outputting sound. Replace the battery or use an AC adaptor in such cases.
General Precautions: Always turn down the volume of connected equipment and turn off all units before making any connections to prevent malfunction and equipment failure. Avoid using connection cables that contain a built-in resistor.

The NS-1X is designed to be a reliable and effective tool for guitarists and other musicians seeking to clean up their signal and maintain a professional sound, even in demanding high-gain environments. Its intuitive controls and versatile modes make it adaptable to various musical contexts and playing styles.

Boss NS-1X Specifications

General

Type	Noise Suppressor
Technology	Digital
Input Impedance	1 MΩ
Output Impedance	1 kΩ
Controls	Threshold
Inputs	1 x 1/4"
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
Power Supply	DC 9V
Accessories	Owner's Manual