Hands-Free Control, Finally Worth the Hype
You know the moment: you're deep into a take, both hands busy, and the DAW transport is sitting there waiting for you to reach over and hit record. Or you're reading a digital score mid-song and the page needs to turn. Or you want to flip presets on your Katana-Air without bending down to tap a switch. The Boss FS-1-WL exists for all of those moments. It's a compact, three-button wireless footswitch that connects to just about anything — your phone, your laptop, your MIDI gear — and gives you foot control without running a single cable to it.
It pairs over Bluetooth and operates in two modes: HID mode, which sends keyboard commands to computers and mobile devices, and MIDI mode, which sends Program Change and Control Change messages to MIDI hardware. Three pre-configured setups are built in for common use cases, and a dedicated editor app (available for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android) lets you customize every footswitch assignment and save configurations for different rigs or sessions.
If you do a lot of work in a DAW, play along with digital sheet music, practice with YouTube lessons, or use Bluetooth-equipped Boss and Roland gear, the FS-1-WL fills a real gap in most setups — all without cluttering your floor with another cable run.
Two Wireless Modes, One Rear-Panel Switch
The rear-panel mode switch is the key to the FS-1-WL's flexibility. In HID mode, the unit acts like a wireless keyboard, sending single keystrokes or modifier-key combinations (Shift, Control, etc.) to any software that accepts keyboard input — your DAW, your score reader, YouTube, streaming software, whatever you need. Three onboard HID setups are ready to go out of the box, and the editor app lets you build custom configurations and save them as a library for different applications.
Switch to MIDI mode and the FS-1-WL sends PC and CC messages — standard MIDI commands compatible with multi-effects processors, synths, and any other MIDI hardware. A 3.5mm TRS MIDI output jack handles wired MIDI connections, and a USB-B port makes it a class-compliant MIDI device for direct connection to a computer. Worth noting: HID mode is not supported over USB — only over Bluetooth.
More Connections Than You'd Expect
For a unit this compact, the FS-1-WL has a well-thought-out I/O layout. Two 1/4-inch TRS jacks accept external footswitches for expanded control — up to two additional switches can be connected and assigned to both MIDI messages and keyboard commands. A separate 1/4-inch TRS jack accepts an external expression pedal, giving you continuous MIDI CC control of any device that responds to it.
The Bluetooth connectivity reaches a growing range of Boss and Roland products natively — including the Pocket GT, Katana-Air, and Waza-Air — and can reach the GX-100 and other gear via the Bluetooth Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor. Roland's WM-1 and WM-1D adaptors extend wireless reach to MIDI keyboards and other hardware as well.
Built to Stay Out of the Way
The footswitches are designed to be quiet — no audible click when pressed, which matters whether you're in a studio session or on a quiet stage. Status LEDs show switch state at a glance and can be set to different colors through the editor app. The unit runs on two AAA alkaline batteries for up to 14 hours of continuous use, with a low-battery warning before they give out. An optional Boss PSA-series AC adaptor is supported if you'd rather not think about batteries.
Physically, it's slim — measuring approximately 8-3/16" wide by 3-1/16" deep by 1-5/16" tall, and weighing about 10 oz with batteries installed. It'll fit on a pedalboard, sit on a music stand shelf, or park next to your laptop without taking up much real estate.
Product Features:
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth for HID keyboard commands and MIDI control; pairs with computers, smartphones, tablets, and compatible Boss/Roland gear
- Dual Modes: Rear-panel switch selects HID mode (keyboard commands) or MIDI mode (PC/CC messages); three pre-loaded onboard setups in HID mode
- Three Footswitches: Quiet, no-click operation with color-configurable status LEDs; fully assignable via editor app
- External Inputs: Two 1/4" TRS jacks for external footswitches (CTL 1, 2) and one 1/4" TRS jack for expression pedal
- Wired Connectivity: 3.5mm TRS MIDI output jack and USB-B port (class-compliant MIDI; HID mode not supported over USB)
- Editor App: Free app for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android; customize assignments, build configuration libraries, adjust LED colors
- Power: Two AAA alkaline batteries (up to 14 hours); optional Boss PSA-series AC adaptor supported
- Dimensions: Approx. 8-3/16" (W) × 3-1/16" (D) × 1-5/16" (H); ~10 oz with batteries
Brand: Boss
Model: FS-1-WL
SKU: FS-1-WL
Condition: New
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
