The Boss PX-1 is a new stereo FX unit that incorporates Roland’s Plugout concept, bringing it into the pedal world with interchangeable algorithms.
We know plugins, but loving them is another thing for many. Plugout is a proprietary Roland technology that enables the transmission of specific Roland plugins into compatible hardware. This was introduced with the AIRA System-1 and later continued in the System-8 Synthesizer.
Many years later, Boss, the subsidiary of Roland, continues the Plugout technology and introduces it into the stompbox/pedal world with the new PX-1 Plugout FX.
Boss PX-1 Plugout FX
The concept is identical to the AIRA plugout synthesizer, with the difference that it has FX algorithms and no synthesizers. The Boss PX-1 Plugout FX pedal features a digital platform engine that allows you to load digital emulations of classic effects.
Boss had already done the groundwork for these with the VST versions of the effects it released in May 2025. Now the plugouts are coming. With the synths, the plugouts came first, followed by the plugins— the other way around.
Fair play, Roland didn’t have a Roland Cloud back then that made it as easy to release them as it is today. Now, back to the pedal.
The Boss PX-1 is no different from regular FX pedals. The design is reminiscent of the legendary vintage Boss pedals, with a minimal number of controls, making it easy to manipulate parameters by hand.
The classic design is only slightly interrupted by the LED display that display the active virtual pedal and parameters.
16 Modeled Pedals & More
The PX-1 Plugout FX features eight interchangeable effects in the hardware, with eight more available for loading via the dedicated app (iOS and Android). For this, you have to connect the pedal via USB-C or via Bluetooth.
Important: The PX-1 is not a multi-FX unit in a classic sense and can only load one FX at a time. The following effects are installed on the effects.
- SP-1 Spectrum (installed)
- OD-1 Over Drive (installed)
- PH-1 Phaser (installed)
- CS-1 Compression Sustainer (installed)
- SG-1 Slow Gear (installed)
- TW-1 T Wah (installed)
- SD-1 Super OverDrive (installed)
- DS-1 Distortion (installed)
The other effects that you can load and activate from the app are the following, and are free of charge. You don’t need a Roland Cloud subscription for them.
- CE-2 Chorus
- BF-2 Flanger
- PN-2 Tremolo/Pan
- OC-2 Octave
- PS-2 Digital Pitch Shifter/Delay
- VB-2 Vibrato
- DD-2 Digital Delay
- DF-2 SUPER Feedbacker & Distortion
According to Boss, more emulations of classic Boss pedals will be added over the next few months and into 2026. These will then be available for purchase individually.
Additionally, the eight new FX pedals that have been added to the Boss PX-1 are also available as a VST plugin for Roland Cloud users.
Connectivity
On the I/O side, you have stereo input and output connectivity via 3.5mm line audio jacks, as well as an expressive pedal input. On the back, you have USB-C, MIDI IN on a 3.5mm TRS Mini jack, and a power supply input.
Nice that Boss has decided to add MIDI to the pedal. Alongside USB-C, it also offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for communication with the app.
First Impression
Many have experienced both the positive and negative aspects of Roland’s Plugout technology over the past few years. You can love it or hate it. I like it when companies bring digital concepts to hardware. Extending the plugout technology to FX makes sense.
How harmoniously the whole thing works always depends on the implementation and product maintenance. Roland/Boss isn’t always perfect in this regard. Especially when you consider where the plug-out technology currently stands for synths: at nearly 0, because both System 1 and System 8 are no longer being continued.
Let’s see how long Roland/Boss continues to support the Plugout FX platform. I have a somewhat queasy feeling after the System area.
Boss PX-1 Plugout FX is available now for $249,99 / 269€ and includes a six-month Roland Cloud Ultimate subscription.
More information here: Boss
Available at my partners
This would be a cool multi-modulation pedal! But apparently, you can’t chain multiple effects à la MS70CDR or switch to different presets during a song or gig.
The Eula needs to be checked to determine if when you sell the pedal you can transfer the purchased plug-ins to the buyer.
At this price, dream on Boss!