Boss's new FS-1-WL Wireless 3-Switch Controller gives you unprecedented freedom of action via Bluetooth and Wired MIDI Connectivity

So there’s actually a lot more to Boss’s new FS-1-WL than you might be aware of at first glance. It’s obviously some sort of Bluetooth and MIDI enabled Foot-based controller which gives you 3-button control over a variety of devices and functions.

Boss’s Waza Air and Waza Air Bass 3D Headsets are a shoe-in here, as is the Pocket GT Effects Processor, Katana Air Amp, and GX-100 Multi-FX Processor - all either with Bluetooth onboard, or Bluetooth capable via Boss’s Bluetooth Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor.

Boss describe the pedal as a ’Customizable Bluetooth foot controller for software applications and MIDI hardware’.  - Meaning not just pedal applications, but controlling DAW expressions and the like, or being Commanded via keyboard input courtesy of the HID Mode integration.

You can control digital music score apps, YouTube videos, DAWs, and supported BOSS and Roland gear wirelessly over Bluetooth. Or you can connect a MIDI cable to operate multi-effects processors like the GT-1000, various pedals, and other hardware beside that which I’ve already mentioned. You can greatly expand your setup with external footswitches and an expression pedal. And you can use the dedicated editor / library to assign keyboard commands and MIDI messages to control nearly any software application or MIDI device.

I feel that over time Boss will bring Bluetooth into play on most of its Katana Amps, and most of its larger workstation pedals - it’s kind of a wave of the future, and just makes lot of sense.

You have a dedicated editor at your disposal across MacOS, Windows, iOS and Android - so you can bring this controller to bear on all manner of hardware and systems way beyond the Roland / Boss family. Pretty much most musical hardware with Bluetooth onboard should be able to be controlled via this new FS-1-WL Footswitch.

I’ve not devised any particular scenario for myself yet, but they will surely come. Will be very interesting to see what the various consumer groups make of this, and how readily they find uses for it.

Key Features and Specifications

• Versatile wireless foot controller for software applications and MIDI hardware
• Control devices wirelessly over Bluetooth or connect to MIDI hardware with a BOSS TRS MIDI cable
• Rear-panel switch for selecting MIDI mode or HID mode (three onboard setups available in HID mode)
• HID mode sends keyboard commands for controlling software on computers and mobile devices
• MIDI mode sends PC/CC messages for controlling MIDI devices
• USB port for use as a class-compliant MIDI input device (HID mode not supported over USB)
• Dedicated editor (macOS/Windows/iOS/Android) to customize footswitch assignments and save setups for different applications
• Three rugged footswitches with smooth and quiet operation
• Jacks for up to two external footswitches and an expression pedal ● Runs on two AAA batteries or an optional PSA-series adaptor - standard 2.1mm 9V DC [-] supply
• Dimensions : 207 x 77 x 32mm
• Weight : 285g (10oz)
• RRP : €129 / £109

Recommended Boss Accessories

• Bluetooth Adaptor : Bluetooth Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor
• Power Adaptor : PSA Series
• Footswitch : FS-5U
• Dual Footswitch : FS-6, FS-7
• TRS/MIDI Connecting Cable : BMIDI Series
• BOSS Guitar Cables : BIC Series