BOSSCO V-Wah PW-10 User manual

Owner’s Manual
DCAC
AC & BATTERY
POWERED
FET
PW-10 WAH PEDAL
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of
BOSS PW-10 Wah Pedal.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections
entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and
“IMPORTANT NOTES” (separate sheet). These
sections provide important information concerning the
proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to
feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of
every feature provided by your new unit, this manual
should be read in its entirety. The manual should be
saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.

2
Main Features
● The world’s first modeling wah pedal, utilizing COSM technology to create a wide variety
of wah sounds
Eight different sounds include an original BOSS “ADVANCED” tone and the sound of
“vintage wah” pedals that are now so hard to obtain, “DOUBLE RESONANCE,” which cre-
ates an analog synth-like sound, “UNI-V,” with a filter effect for that 70’s sound, and even
a new “VOICE” effect that produces “talking” modulation sounds and realistic human
voice sounds. Also included is a CUSTOMIZE function that lets you create your own orig-
inal wah sounds.
● The infrared sensor “contactless pedal position detection” system both eliminates forever
the scratchy noise that has previously been a problem when changing the volume, while
also providing a previously unavailable smooth pedal action.
● Features a “WAH RANGE” function that allows you to freely adjust the wah effect range.
● Also has a DRIVE function that actively supports distortion, an effect that complements the
wah pedal. Allows you to use eight different “distortion” effects such as “METAL ZONE,”
“FUZZ,” and BOOSTER.”
● The MEMORY function lets you take the changes you have made to the effect type, DRIVE,
and other settings, and store them as custom wah effects. You can store up to three of such
custom settings. You can also use the pedal to call up UNI-V and DRIVE distortion instantly.
● A high-performance “noise suppressor” eliminates the wah pedal’s characteristic filter
noise.

3
Contents
Main Features..................................................................................................... 2
Installing Batteries............................................................................................. 4
Part Names and Functions............................................................................... 6
Making the Connections................................................................................... 10
Operation............................................................................................................ 13
Storing Settings (Write Operation) ................................................................. 18
Changing the Operation of the Heel Switch.................................................. 20
Creating “Custom” Wah Effects (Customize Mode).................................... 22
Setting the DRIVE/Noise Suppressor (DRIVE SELECT Mode)................. 26
Returning Settings to Their Factory Defaults (Factory Reset) .................... 29
Resetting the Pedal Sensitivity (PEDAL CALIBRATION Mode)............... 31
Setting Mode chart ............................................................................................ 34
Troubleshooting................................................................................................. 35
Sample Settings.................................................................................................. 37
Specifications...................................................................................................... 40
Copyright © 2001 BOSS CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without
the written permission of BOSS CORPORATION.

4
Installing Batteries
fig.02
Insert the included batteries as shown in fig-
ure, being careful to orient the batteries cor-
rectly.
• Batteries are supplied with the unit. The
life of these batteries may be limited,
however, since their primary purpose
was to enable testing.
• When turning the unit upside-down, get
a bunch of newspapers or magazines,
and place them under the four corners or
at both ends to prevent damage to
controls. Also, you should try to orient
the unit so no controls get damaged.
• Make sure the “+” and “-” ends of the
batteries are oriented correctly.
• Do not mix fresh batteries with used
ones, or mix batteries of different types.
Doing so can result in fluid leakage.

5
Installing Batteries
* When turning the unit upside-down, handle with care to avoid dropping it, or allowing it to fall or
tip over.
* When the batteries run down, the ON/OFF indicator gets dim. If this happens, replace with new
batteries.
* When replacing the batteries, use six R6/LR6 (AA) type.
* Battery life can vary depending on battery type.
* Firmly close the battery cover—you should hear it click into place.
Continuous usage time under battery power is about 38 hours with alkaline batteries and
about 14 hours with carbon batteries. (This may vary according to usage conditions.)

6
Part Names and Functions
fig.03
1. AC Adaptor Jack
This jack is for connecting an AC adaptor
(BOSS PSA-series, sold separately). Using an
AC adaptor makes possible long perfor-
mances with no worry about batteries going
dead.
2. INPUT Jack
Thisjackisforconnectiontoan electricguitar
or bass guitar.
* The INPUT jack also doubles as the power
switch when the unit is running on battery
power. The power comes on when a plug is
inserted into the INPUT jack, and goes off
when it is unplugged. Unplug any connected
cords when the unit is not in use.
3. OUTPUT Jack
This jack is for connection to a guitar amp or
another effects processor.
1
23
4
6
5

7
Part Names and Functions
4. Pedal
Controls the wah effect.
Step down hard on the pedal, and the toe
switch is activated. Rock the pedal back, then
put firm pressure on the heel to activate the
heel switch.
Youcanchange the pedaltorque(the force or
loadrequiredtopivotthepedal)byadjusting
the screw located on the right side of the unit
(shown by arrow).
* Use a hexagon socket screw key (5 mm) to
adjust the screw.
* Take care not to overtighten the screw; doing
so may damage the unit.
When you operate the pedal, please be
careful not to get your fingers pinched be-
tween the movable part and the panel. In
households with small children, an adult
shouldprovidesupervisionuntilthechild
is capable of following all the rules essen-
tial for the safe operation of the unit.
5. Toe Switch
Switches on/off the effect selected with the
TYPE knob.
* The distortion remains turned on.
6. Heel Switch
This switches between “MANUAL” and
“MEMORY (1–3).”
When the heel switch is pressed continuously
for two or more seconds, the ON/OFF indica-
tor flashes, and the pedal switches to bypass
mode (operating the pedal or adjusting the
knobs switches the pedal out of bypass).
When bypass is in effect, guitar sounds input
at the INPUT jack are output from the OUT-
PUT jack without being altered.
* You can change the way the heel switch
changes between “MANUAL” and
“MEMORY (1–3).” For more on how to
change this setting, refer to “Changing the
Operation of the heel switch” (p. 20).

8
Part Names and Functions
fig.04
7. ON/OFF Indicator
This lights up when the wah effect selected
with the TYPE knob is on. The indicator
blinks when the unit is in bypass.
* When the batteries run down, the ON/
OFF indicator gets dim. If this
happens, replace with new batteries.
* The ON/OFF indicator shows whether the
wah effect is being applied or not. It does not
indicate whether the power to the device is on
or not.
8. MEMORY Indicator
This lights up when set to “MEMORY (1–3).”
The color of the light changes according to
which Memory is selected.
• Memory 1 red
• Memory 2 green
• Memory 3 yellow
7 8
9 10 11 12

9
Part Names and Functions
9. TYPE Knob
This selects the effect to be controlled with
the pedal. (p. 14)
10. WAH RANGE Knob
This adjusts the range of frequencies to
which the wah effect is applied.
* When TYPE is set to “VOICE,” this knob
selects the type of expression used.
When set to “UNI-V,” this functions as an
INTENSITY knob, which adjusts the depth of
the undulation. (p. 15–16)
11. DRIVE Knob
This adjusts the amount of distortion.
* Although the output level of DRIVE is
already set to the appropriate level, it can also
be changed in DRIVE SELECT mode (p. 26),
and when carrying out the write operation (p.
18).
12. MANUAL/MEMORY Button
Pressed to select from “MANUAL” and
“MEMORY (1–3).”
• MANUAL:
The output sound directly reflects the set-
tings of the panel controls.
• MEMORY:
The MEMORY indicator lights up, and
sounds are output according to the set-
tings saved to Memories 1–3.
* Holding this down for two seconds or longer
switches the unit to the write operation.

10
Making the Connections
fig.05
Electric
Guitar Bass Guitar
or
or
Effector
Guitar Amplifier Bass Amplifier
AC Adaptor
PSA-series
(option)

11
Making the Connections
• Noise may be produced if wireless communications devices, such as cell phones, are
operated in the vicinity of this unit. Such noise could occur when receiving or initiating a
call, or while conversing. Should you experience such problems, you should relocate such
wireless devices so they are at a greater distance from this unit, or switch them off.
• Use a cable from Roland to make the connection. If using some other make of connection
cable, please note the following precautions.
• Some connection cables contain resistors. Do not use cables that incorporate resistors
for connecting to this unit. The use of such cables can cause the sound level to be
extremely low, or impossible to hear. For information on cable specifications, contact
the manufacturer of the cable.
• To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down
the volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections.
• If there are batteries in the unit while an AC adaptor is being used, normal operation will
continue should the line voltage be interrupted (power blackout or power cord
disconnection).

12
Making the Connections
Turninng the Power On
Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to your various devices in the order
specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or
damage to speakers and other devices.
• When powering up: Turn on the power to your guitar amp last .
• When powering down: Turn off the power to your guitar amp first .
* When the unit is running on battery power, the power comes on when you insert the connector
plug into the INPUT jack.
* You may hear some sound when the power is switched on, but this is normal, and does not indicate
a malfunction.
* When operating on battery power only, the ON/OFF indicator will become dim when battery
power gets too low. Replace the battery as soon as possible.

13
Operation
So you are better able to follow along with the following explanations, you should first step
down firmly on the pedal to switch on the toe switch, and turn on the wah effect (ON/OFF
indicator is lit).
Also, set the WAH RANGE knob to the center position, and the DRIVE knob to OFF, and press
the MANUAL/MEMORY button to set it to “MEMORY” (MEMORY indicator lighted).
fig.06
1 22 3 4

14
Operation
1. Select the desired effect with the TYPE knob.
* All product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners. Those companies are not affiliated with BOSS and have not licenced or autho-
rized BOSS's PW-10. Their marks are used solely to identify the equipment whose sound is
simulated by BOSS's PW-10.
TYPE Description
CUSTOM Your own original wah effect, created using the Customize function (p.
22).
ADVANCED
New BOSS original wah effect that provides a wider range of tone changes.
BASS MIX New type of wah effect suitable for bass, with no attenuation of the lower
range.
CBY-WAH Models the sound of the JMI Cry Baby.
VO-WAH Models the sound of the VOX V846.
MO-WAH Models the sound of the Morley Bad Horsie.
VOICE A further advancement beyond the BOSS HUMANIZER, this effect pro-
duces “talking” modulation sounds and realistic human voice sounds.
UNI-V Modelsthesound ofthe“Uni-Vibe” effectreminiscent ofthelate 60’sand
70’s.

15
Operation
2. Rotate the WAH RANGE knob to adjust the frequencies to which the wah effect is to
be applied.
The band of frequencies to which the effect is applied rises as the knob is turned to the right
(clockwise); turning the knob to the left lowers the range of frequencies.
Turning this to the left is effective when using a bass guitar.
* The CBY-WAH, VO-WAH, and MO-WAH effects are based on having this knob set at the center
position.
* When TYPE is set to “VOICE,” this knob selects the type of expression used. When set to “UNI-
V,” this functions as an INTENSITY knob that adjusts the depth of the undulation.
TYPE WAH RANGE (INTENSITY)
CUSTOM
ADVANCED
BASS MIX
CBY-WAH
VO-WAH
MO-WAH
Sets the peak frequency controlled with the pedal.
VOICE Selects which of the 11 types is to be played.
UNI-V Sets the depth of the undulation produced by the UNI-V.

16
Operation
VOICE Type Played
WAH RANGE MIN ← Pedal → MAX Remarks
LO ui ← i → ia Talking modulation-like sound
oe ← e → ea
ua ← a → ai
i ← e → a Realistic human voice
u ← a → i
o ← i → e
u ← i → a
o ← e → i
u ← a → o
o ← i → a
HI u ← e → i

17
Operation
3. If you want to add distortion, turn the DRIVE knob to the right.
The distortion increases the more the knob is turned to the right.
You can select and store one of the eight different “distortion” types, such as
“METAL ZONE,” “FUZZ,” “BOOSTER,” etc. (p. 26)
The volume level can also be stored by placing the DRIVE knob at the appropriate
position at the time of a write operation. (p. 18)
4. Press the MANUAL/MEMORY button to switch the “MANUAL” and “MEMORY (1–3)”
settings.
When set to “MANUAL,” sounds are output exactly as set by the panel controls.
When set to “MEMORY,” the MEMORY indicator lights up, and sounds are output accord-
ing to the settings saved to Memories 1–3.
Bring the pedal back and press the heel switch to switch between “MEMORY (1–
3)” and “MANUAL.”
When the heel switch is held down for two seconds or longer, the ON/OFF
indicator flashes, and the pedal switches to the bypass mode. In the bypass
mode, guitar sounds input at the INPUT jack are output as is from the OUTPUT
jack (operating the pedal or adjusting the knobs switches the pedal out of bypass).

18
Storing Settings (Write Operation)
This stores the current settings to “MEMORY (1–3).”
Do not switch off the power while a write operation is in progress.
1. Hold down the MANUAL/MEMORY
button for at least two seconds.
The MEMORY indicator blink, and the
PW-10 is put into write standby.
fig.07
2. Press the MANUAL/MEMORY button
to select the memory (number) to
which you want to store the sound.
Each time the button is pressed, the Mem-
ories (1–3) are switched as shown below,
while the color of the blinking MEMORY
indicator light changes at the same time.
fig.08
Write standby
Blink
Memory 1
(Blinks red) Memory 2 (Blinks green)
Memory 3
(Blinks yellow)

19
Storing Settings (Write Operation)
3. When you want to change the output level for DRIVE, use the DRIVE knob to adjust
the volume level.
* You cannot adjust this output level if DRIVE is off when Step 1 is carried out.
4. Hold down the MANUAL/MEMORY button for at least two seconds.
The write operation is completed when the MEMORY indicator begin to blink more rapid-
ly.
fig.09
* To cancel the write operation, then before you operate the TYPE knob or the WAH RANGE knob.
Writing Write finished
OffBlink Blink rapidly

20
Changing the Operation of the Heel Switch
You can select either of two ways (A and B) to switch between “MANUAL” and “MEMORY
1–3” when the rear switch is pressed.
A. Each time the heel switch is pressed,
the unit switches to “MANUAL” and
thenthrough“MEMORY(1–3)”inorder
(factory setting).
This se tting is convenient when you
want to switch among a variety of differ-
ent effects.
fig.10
B. Each time the heel switch is pressed,
the unit toggles between “MANUAL”
and only the one memory.
This setting is convenient when you want
quick toggling between two effects.
Select the memory you want to call up
with the MANUAL/MEMORY button.
* Memory 1 is selected when the power is
switched on.
fig.11
Memory 1
(Red)
Manual
(Off)
Memory 3
(Yellow) Memory 2 (Green)
Memory
(Lit)
Manual
(Off)