BOSS NS-1X Noise Suppressor Owner’s Manual

BOSS NS-1X Noise Suppressor

Product Information

NS-1X Owner’s Manual

The NS-1X is a versatile effect unit that provides various features for enhancing your audio experience. This owner’s manual provides detailed information on the panel descriptions, switching between modes, how to operate the unit, changing the batteries, and main specifications.

Panel Descriptions

The NS-1X features the following panel descriptions:

parallel
DC cord (sold separately) to supply power from this unit to another
9 V effect unit.
DC IN jack| Connects the specified device (PCS-20A) to supply power to the
unit. Accepts connection of an AC Adaptor (PSA series; sold
separately).
CHECK indicator| Shows whether the effect is on/off, mute on/off status, and
battery check indication.
OUTPUT jack| Outputs the audio signal from the unit.
INPUT jack| Serves as the power switch. The power turns on whenever a plug
is inserted into the INPUT jack, and turns off when the plug is
disconnected.
SEND jack| Connects to an external effects device for signal routing.
RETURN jack| Connects to an external effects device for signal routing.
Pedal switch| Controls the pedal function of the unit.
[DAMP] knob| Adjusts the time it takes for the sound to attenuate when the
input signal level falls below the threshold level.
[THRESHOLD] knob| Sets the threshold level for the gate effect.
[DECAY] knob| Adjusts the decay time for the gate effect.
[MODE] knob| Switches between different modes of operation.
REDUCTION indicator| Indicates the strength of the gate and reduction effects.

Product Usage Instructions

Switching between Modes

To switch between modes on the NS-1X, follow these steps:

1. Refer to the panel descriptions to locate the [MODE] knob.
2. Turn the [MODE] knob to select the desired mode.

How to Operate this Unit

To operate the NS-1X, follow these steps:

1. Connect the specified AC adaptor (PSA series; sold separately) to the DC IN jack.
2. Connect your audio source to the INPUT jack.
3. Adjust the various knobs ([DAMP], [THRESHOLD], [DECAY], etc.) to achieve the desired sound effect.
4. Use the pedal switch to control the pedal function of the unit.

Changing the Batteries

To change the batteries on the NS-1X, follow these steps:

1. Refer to the panel descriptions to locate the CHECK indicator.
2. If the CHECK indicator is dim or does not light up, it’s time to replace the battery.
3. Refer to the owner’s manual for detailed instructions on how to replace the battery.

Main Specifications

The main specifications of the NS-1X are as follows:

NS-1X Owner’s Manual

Before using this unit, carefully read “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”). After reading, keep the document(s) where it will be available for immediate reference.
© 2023 Roland Corporation

Panel descriptions

1

| DC OUT jack| When using an AC adaptor, you can connect the PCS-20A parallel DC cord (sold separately) to supply power from this unit to another 9 V effect unit.

*     Power can’t be supplied while you’re using battery power.

*     When using the PSA series and the PCS-20A, make sure that the total current draw of this unit and the other effect unit you want to supply power to does not exceed the maximum output current of the PSA series.

WARNING

Connect only specified devices to DC OUT jack

Connect only the specified device (PCS-20A) to the DC OUT jack (which provide a supply of power).

2

| DC IN jack| Accepts connection of an AC Adaptor (PSA series; sold separately). By using an AC Adaptor, you can play without being concerned about how much battery power you have left.

*     Use only the specified AC adaptor (PSA series; sold separately), and connect it to an AC outlet of the correct voltage.

*     If the AC adaptor is connected while power is on, the power supply is drawn from the AC adaptor.

*     Connect the cable to this unit’s DC IN jack first, and then connect the plug to an AC outlet.

*     Unplug the AC adaptor from the AC outlet if you aren’t using it.

3

| CHECK indicator| This indicator shows whether the effect is on/off, as well as the mute on/off status and battery check indication.

• The brightness of the CHECK indicator (LED) will dim as the battery lowers. Replace the battery when the LED is dim or does not light. For details on how to replace, refer to “Changing the batteries(P.9)”.

5

| INPUT jack| Connect the output of your electric guitar, other musical instruments or effect units to this input jack. Use a 1/4” phone type (TS) Ð 1/4” phone type (TS) cable to connect to this jack.

• The INPUT jack also serves as the power switch. The power turns on whenever a plug is inserted into the INPUT jack, and turns off when the plug is disconnected. When you aren’t using the NS-1X, disconnect the plug that’s connected to the INPUT jack.

Ó “Turning the power on/off”

6| SEND jack| The signal that’s input to the INPUT jack is sent to other effect units through this jack. Connect an effect

unit here for which you want to suppress noise such as distortion.

7| RETURN jack| Use this jack to receive the input signal from the effect unit for which you want to suppress noise such as

distortion.

8| Pedal switch| This switch turns the effect on/off.

In mute mode, this switches between reduction and mute.

9

| [DAMP] knob| Adjusts the amount of the gate and reduction effects.

When this knob is turned all the way clockwise, the effect’s attenuation is at maximum, which clearly distinguishes between the sound you’re playing and the silence. This is optimal when you want the silence to be dynamically distinct.

Turning the knob counterclockwise reduces the effect’s attenuation, making the difference between the

sound you’re playing and the silence smoother. This is optimal when you are playing softly, such as during more delicate passages.

10

| [THRESHOLD]

knob

| Adjusts the signal level at which the gate and reduction effects start.

Turn this counterclockwise to make the effect activate at lower input signal levels. Turn this clockwise if there is a lot of noise, and turn this counterclockwise if the noise is not as noticeable.

11

| [DECAY] knob| Adjusts the time it takes for the sound to attenuate when the input signal level falls below the threshold level.

Turn the knob clockwise for a longer attenuation time (decay time). Normally, this should be set all the

way counterclockwise.

12

| [MODE] knob| Switches the mode.

• For details, refer to “Switching between modes(P.6)”.

13

| REDUCTION

indicator

| Indicates the strength of the gate and reduction effects.

A stronger effect attenuates the sound more, making more indicators light up. All indicators light up when mute is on.

To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections.

Do not use connection cables that contain a built-in resistor.

Turning the power on/off

Once everything is properly connected, be sure to follow the procedure below to turn on their power. If you turn on equipment in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction or equipment failure.
Before turning the unit on/off, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some sound when switching the unit on/off. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

Turning the power on
Turn on the power to your amp last.

Turning the power off
Turn off the power to your amp first.

Switching between modes

Turn the [MODE] knob to select the mode.

interspersed with silence, as well as during

breaks in the song. The effect responds quickly, and clearly demarcates the sound of your playing from the silence.

REDUCTION| This effect is optimum for suppressing noise, as a reduction effect that doesn’t alter the nuances of what you play.
MUTE| This effect is optimal for muting the sound during a performance or between songs. The reduction effect is

applied when mute is turned off.

CHECK indicator status

 |  |
---|---|---
Mode| Unlit (off)| Lit (on)
GATE| Effect off| Gate
REDUCTION| Effect off| Reduction
MUTE| Reduction| Mute

You can use the gate effect instead of the reduction effect when mute is turned off.
In mute mode, long-press the pedal switch to switch to the gate effect (the left half of the REDUCTION indicator lights up).
Long-press again to switch to the reduction effect (the right half of the REDUCTION indicator lights up).
The settings are remembered even when the power is switched off.

How to operate this unit

1. Connect each of the effect units.
   Although you can connect this unit as the last effect unit in the signal chain, the effect works better when you connect the SEND and RETURN jacks as shown in the illustration.

2. Set the knobs as shown in the illustration.

3. Press the pedal switch to make the CHECK indicator light up (effect on).
   The CHECK indicator goes dark only in mute mode.

4. Activate the effect unit for which you want to remove noise.

5. When you aren’t playing, the REDUCTION indicator lights up. Adjust the [THRESHOLD] knob until the noise disappears.
   The trick is to adjust the knob so that the sound naturally attenuates right around when it stops.

6. Use the [DAMP] knob to adjust the amount of the gate and reduction effect.
   At maximum effect, this most clearly demarcates the sound of what you’re playing and the silence. To make the change between sound and silence smoother, turn the knob counterclockwise.

7. If the change between sound and silence is unnatural, turn the [DECAY] knob clockwise.

Changing the batteries

When operating on battery power only, the CHECK indicator gets dimmer when battery power gets too low. Replace the batteries as soon as possible.
Batteries should always be installed or replaced before connecting any other devices. This way, you can prevent malfunction and damage.

1. Hold down the pedal and loosen the thumbscrew, then open the pedal upward.
   You don’t need to take the thumbscrew out completely to open the pedal.

2. Remove the old battery from the battery housing, and remove the snap cord connected to it.

3. Connect the battery snap to the new battery, and place the battery inside the battery housing.
   Be sure to carefully observe the battery’s polarity (+ versus -).

4. Slip the coil spring onto the spring base on the back of the pedal, and then close the pedal.
   Carefully avoid getting the snap cord caught in the pedal, coil spring, and battery housing.

5. Finally, hold down the pedal while tightening the thumbscrew into the guide bush hole.

Battery usage

• If you handle the battery improperly, you risk explosion and fluid leakage. Make sure that you carefully observe all of the items related to batteries that are listed in “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (the leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”).
• Use alkaline batteries if you are running the unit on battery power.
• This device already contains a battery when shipped from the factory. This is a test battery, which may not last as long as a new one.
• The sound may distort when the battery is nearly depleted. This is not a malfunction. If this happens, replace the battery or use the AC adaptor (sold separately).
• When the battery voltage drops, the effects may not work as well as usual, the sound may become unstable, the CHECK indicator may become dimmer, the unit may stop outputting sound and so on. For this reason, you should replace the battery with a new one.

Main specifications

[MODE] knob
Indicator| CHECK indicator (Serves also as battery check indicator)

REDUCTION indicator

Connectors

| INPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type RETURN jack: 1/4-inch phone type OUTPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type SEND jack: 1/4-inch phone type DC IN jack

DC OUT jack

Power Supply| Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61)

AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)

Current Draw| 60 mA

Expected battery life under continuous use

| Alkaline: Approx. 6.5 hours

• These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.

Dimensions| 73 (W) x 129 (D) x 59 (H) mm

2-7/8 (W) x 5-1/8 (D) x 2-3/8 (H) inches

Weight (including battery)| 460 g

1 lb 0.3 oz

Accessories| Leaflet (“USING THE UNIT SAFELY”, “IMPORTANT NOTES”, and “Information”)

Dry battery (9 V, 6LR61)

Option (sold separately)| AC adaptor: PSA series

0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
This document explains the specifications of the product at the time that the document was issued. For the latest information, refer to the Roland website.

NS-1X
01
©2023 Roland Corporation

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