Boss Announces PS-5 Super Shifter Effects Pedal

July 26, 1999 -- BOSS' PS-5 Super Shifter does what no other BOSS compact pedal has done before-provide pitch shifting, harmonies, detuning and a variety of whammy-type tremolo arm effects in a compact, single-pedal design with simple, knob-based controls.

The PS-5's mind-bending pitch shifting effects can be easily set using the knob-based Pitch and Key controls. Two pitch shifting options are possible: Basic or Intelligent. Basic pitch shifting enables accurate pitch transposition up or down preset intervals up to two octaves, whether playing single notes or chords. Intelligent Pitch Shifting allows key-specific shifting of single notes up or down a third, fourth, fifth, sixth, single octave or double octave-great for simulated dual-lead playing and harmonies in any key. An optional expression pedal can be used to shift pitch in real time, while the Detune mode "thickens" guitar tones with a slight pitch shift.

Listen to the PS-5 tremolo bar and flutter effects (173K).

The PS-5's Tremolo Arm and Flutter functions produce some very convincing tremolo bar effects. With one step on the pedal, the Tremolo Arm function allows a note to be "bent" up or down to a pre-selected pitch like a super-accurate tremolo bar. Releasing the pedal returns the note to its original pitch. When used in conjunction with the optional EV-5 or FV-300L expression pedal (sold separately), realtime tremolo bending effects can be created with more subtle control.

The new Flutter Bar effect, on the other hand, triggers a fast or slow up-and-down pitch shift with adjustable timing, pitch, and speed, realistically simulating a tremolo bar slap or slam. A Key Shift function instantly pitch shifts guitar output a half or whole tone lower for playing in "dropped" keys.

For more information, visit the Roland web site at www.rolandus.com.