Boss FS-6 Dual Foot Switch

The Boss FS-6 Dual Foot Switch is extremely versatile and works for a wide range of applications. I'm a multi-instrumentalist. In my primary band, I play keyboards and saxophones (along with other instruments). For this setup (see photo), I have a block of three FS-6s connected, for a total of six switches. The left three switches are used for sustain on the top, middle, and bottom keyboards. I use the fourth switch to control the rotary effect on organ, which is set to "latch." The final two switches control effects on my saxophone (through a separate FX processor). I also have two additional units which I use for my Roland guitar amp, more keyboard sustains, or whatever else I need at the time.There are several reasons I love these switches. Their extreme flexibility tops the list. Each of the two switches on a single pedal can be hooked up either singly with TS cables, or in tandem with one TRS cable. The switches on the back allow you to change the polarity of each switch, changing it from momentary to latching. When you latch a pedal "on", the LED on that pedal lights. Like most Boss/Roland gear, they're tough and built to last. Finally, the ability to chain them together is fantastic, and makes for a nice, clean setup.There are a couple of cons worth noting. One, they are a bit expensive. In my humble opinion, they are worth every penny, but they represent a healthy investment for something you drop on the floor and step on. Two, they do each require a 9v battery. The good news is, a fresh 9v lasts a really long time in them, especially if you remember to unplug them when not in use. I use rechargeables for all my gig gear, and recharge them before every show, so I can perform without worrying about batteries going out.Overall, these are solid little tools that fit a wide range of situations. You'll never be sorry to have one in your gig bag or studio.

It's been a couple of days since I've gotten my hands on this. I didn't have a chance to use it with both of its switches, since the Hosa TRS cable I ordered has not arrived yet. I'm using this with Roland Cube 40XL, especially for the looper. This pedal is really sturdy, in fact it is so sturdy that I find it hard to press in home with my bare feet lol (maybe would be easier to press with shoes/on stage), and I sometimes find myself spending tens of minutes for trying to loop just one phrase. You need to have a really good sense of rhythm to use this for the looper, as Cube 40XL's looper's playing detector that starts recording when you start playing DOES NOT engage when you use the pedal, you need to start playing as soon as you press the pedal (you still can start the looper from the amp itself). Yet, when you do get used to it, it makes wonders. It's also annoying that you have to unplug EVERY cable that's plugged in it to prevent power consumption, which can only be supplied with a 9v battery; another reason for down rating. I recommend this because it is an all-purpose device with latch/unlatch and polarity options, but if you're going to buy this for a Roland Cube, you'd better convince yourself that you really love music and have the time and patience for it, since this is a bit overpriced and MAY(not if you have a really good sense of rhythm) require you to re-record your phrases for the "perfect loop" time after time.EDIT: My cable has arrived, and I've changed my opinion about this pedal. You will still need a sense of rhythm for using this with the looper of a Cube XL amp, but only as much as an average music person would, no more. I was annoyed earlier because I should not have switched the B pedal (the one for engaging the looper) to the "unlatched" mode; it needs to be in the latch mode, and your amp should be in the latch mode as well (to do that, you turn off your amp and press and hold the tap/stop button near your looper while opening your amp again). After doing this, it will be very easy to engage and disengage looper. Keep your A pedal in unlatched mode, since if it is in latch mode it will not only stop the loop, but delete it as well, acting as if you're pressing and holding the tap/stop button on the amp; whereas if you keep it in unlatched, it will stop the loop if you just press it, and remove the loop if you hold it. With this setting on your pedal and your Cube XL amp, and a good guitar and a wah pedal of your preference, you just can't go wrong. You will be all set for rockin' out.Also, note that I only reviewed this item for use with a Cube amp, whereas this is an all-purpose item which you probably can use with hundreds of other items, such as keyboards, other amps, processors, etc. And the absence of a power adapter is unnecessary as the battery is only used for powering up the LED lights which you won't really need. I didn't try it without the battery but I read it in a comment in reply to another comment above on this page.Quote:"Now, with regards to the battery - it is only used to power the LED Indicator...! It is not necessary, or required for foot switch operation. As such it lasts a very long time."

4 stars because it only works with 9v battery, there is no 9v jack for external 9v power supply. The FS-6 is the older model. I bought it and returned it because it has to have 9v power to work correctly. Also returned because if you don't disconnect the TRS cable the battery keeps using power and will lose it's charge. The newer FS-7 does not need 9v power to work properly. The 9v power is only necessary for the LED lights. Since there are only two switches A & B, I do not need lights to tell me which one I am using. Works perfect with my Boss RC-5 Loop Station.

It’s switchable.. momentary and locking and the 9 volt should power three leds for a long time. Be sure to grab a trs 1/4” cable (I like 20’) and a breakout. so you can switch two things on a single cable. This works great with my jazz chorus.

Excellent product

battery powered only. no option for plugging in.Works great. love that the lights indicate off/on. Other switches do not.

I've always liked Boss pedals. They're kinda the standard out there for guitar pedals. I needed this dual switch for my Boss RC-5 Looper. I'm using it mostly to control the drum tracks and start and stop loops. It works great. My one complaint, which I'm betting is everyone's complaint, is there is no way to power this other then a 9v battery. Once tha cable is inserted it's starts drawing power. I really wish they would have set it up where you can power it off by pressing one or maybe both pedals for 2 seconds or something like that so you can keep it plugged into your rig, but doesn't draw power. Ohh well it's a well made Boss pedal otherwise.