The Boss FS-7 is a compact dual footswitch from Boss for remote control of effect pedals or amp channel switching1. Two footswitches sit in tandem, which saves space on effects pedal boards, and the unit runs without a battery from a 9V adapter, with a power splitter cable in the box1. It is a switching accessory rather than a tone-shaping pedal: it sends commands down a cable to whatever it is connected to, from a looper's transport functions to an amp's channel jack.
What it controls
The FS-7 works as an external two-button footswitch with Boss's RC-5 Loop Station, where Boss says it can be used "for scrolling through your loops"23. The pedal carries its two switches in a durable steel chassis measuring 62 mm (2-1/2 inches) wide by 131 mm (5-3/16 inches) deep, weighs 270 g (0 lbs. 10 oz.), and draws 25 mA1. Boss publishes an English owner's manual for the FS-7 on its site2.
It also works with later loopers. Reviewing the RC-5 for Performer Magazine, Chris Devine noted that an FS-7 on hand "made a great addition to the setup," though it is not included with the RC-541. Boss's own tips article for RC-5 owners suggests connecting an external two-button footswitch such as the FS-6 or FS-7 for scrolling through your loops3.
The switches and jacks
The FS-7 carries two switches, A and B, each with its own indicator, and a set of rear-panel jacks and switches that determine how it talks to the connected gear5.
| Control or jack | What it is |
|---|---|
| Switches A and B | Two footswitches arranged in tandem, with A and B indicators5 |
| A jack | 1/4-inch phone type1 |
| B jack | 1/4-inch TRS phone type; a 1/4-inch phone plug can also be connected1 |
| DC IN jack | For the 9V adapter1 |
| MODE switch | Selects latch or momentary, common to both switches1 |
| POLARITY switch | Matches the FS-7's switching polarity to the connected device1 |
The MODE switch is the heart of the FS-7's flexibility. Two selectable modes for latch or momentary allow for control of a wide range of equipment, in Boss's words1. Latch suits a function that toggles, such as a looper's record or an amp channel; momentary suits a function that should only act while held. The POLARITY switch then matches the FS-7 to devices that expect the opposite switching convention, which is why one dual footswitch can serve both pedals and amp remote jacks1.
The latch or momentary setting is common to both switches A and B: the two switches cannot be set to different modes independently1.
Power and what is in the box
The FS-7 is powered via a 9V adapter, with a power splitter included, and Boss specifies the PSA series AC adaptor, sold separately1. Current draw is 25 mA1. Boss describes the design as battery-free operation ideal for pedal boards1, so there is no battery door and no battery to die mid-set; the trade-off is that a PSA adapter must be part of the pedalboard power plan. The included parallel DC cable and, with the RC-1, the DC splitter cable let one adapter serve more than one unit6.
In the box5:
- Rubber foot x 4
- Parallel DC cable
- Leaflet ("USING THE UNIT SAFELY," "IMPORTANT NOTES," and "Information")
Where it sits among Boss's switchers
The FS-7 is the compact, two-switch option in Boss's switching range. The FS-5U is a single unlatched footswitch, the FS-6 is the other dual footswitch Boss names alongside the FS-7 for RC-5 loop control3, and for larger rigs Boss offers the ES-8 Switching System. For simple two-way signal routing rather than remote control, the AB-2 2-Way Selector and LS-2 Line Selector sit in a different corner of the range, and the Switching Pedals page gathers the type as a whole.
Boss publishes an English owner's manual for the FS-7 as a PDF on its support pages2.
Videos
Michael Banfield
The Loop Academy - JohnPaul Music UK
GuitarNTabs
Questions
Does the Boss FS-7 need a battery?
No. Boss describes the FS-7 as battery-free operation, ideal for pedal boards. It runs from a 9V adapter, and the PSA series AC adaptor is the specified supply, sold separately. A parallel DC cable is included, and with the RC-1 a DC splitter cable lets a single PSA adapter power both the looper and the FS-7. There is no battery compartment to worry about on a pedalboard.
What is the difference between latch and momentary on the FS-7?
The FS-7 has two selectable modes, latch or momentary, and the choice is common to both switches A and B. In latch mode a press toggles a function on and off, the way a pedal's own footswitch works. In momentary mode the function is active only while you hold the switch down. Boss says the two modes allow control of a wide range of equipment.
What does the polarity switch do on the Boss FS-7?
The FS-7 has a POLARITY switch alongside its MODE switch. Different devices expect different switch wiring on their remote jack, so the polarity switch lets you match the FS-7 to the pedal or amp you are controlling. Set the polarity to suit the connected equipment, and use it together with the latch and momentary mode to get the right response.
Can the Boss FS-7 switch amp channels?
Yes. Boss describes the FS-7 as a compact dual footswitch for remote control of effect pedals or amp channel switching. The B jack accepts a 1/4-inch TRS phone plug, which is the common connection for amp channel switching, and the polarity and latch/momentary settings let you match the FS-7 to the amp's remote jack.
Is the Boss FS-7 compatible with the RC-5?
Yes. Performer Magazine's reviewer of the RC-5 noted that an FS-7 on hand made a great addition to the setup, and Boss's own RC-5 tips article suggests connecting an external two-button footswitch such as the FS-6 or FS-7 for scrolling through loops. The FS-7 is not included with the RC-5; it is an optional extra.
What power adapter does the Boss FS-7 use?
The FS-7 is powered via a 9V adapter, and Boss specifies the PSA series AC adaptor, sold separately. A power splitter cable is included, so one PSA adapter can run the FS-7 and another device. Current draw is 25 mA. There is no battery option, which Boss positions as ideal for pedal boards.
Sources (6)
- BOSS - FS-7 | Dual Footswitch, BOSS (boss.info)
- BOSS - Support - FS-7 - Owner's Manuals, BOSS
- Five RC-5 Tips for the Gigging Musician, BOSS (articles.boss.info), 2021-03-23
- REVIEW: Boss RC-5 Loop Station Pedal, Performer Mag, 2021-03-16
- BOSS - FS-7 | Dual Footswitch, BOSS (boss.info)
- BOSS Unveils the RC-1 Loop Station, Guitar Interactive Magazine, 2014-09-02
