The DS-1 has been part of the BOSS compact range since 1978. Its two-stage gain circuit gives a hard attack and long sustain. The Tone control boosts one end of the spectrum while cutting the other. Standard mode on the DS-1W recreates that response.

Custom mode thickens the midrange and raises sensitivity, so picking strength and the guitar volume control change the amount of distortion more. Its maximum level is 6 dB higher, which makes it more useful as a boost for a driven amp or another pedal. The Tone control is tuned separately for each mode.

A mode switch sits between the three knobs, so the layout stays the same as the standard DS-1 apart from that toggle. Bypass is buffered rather than true bypass, which keeps long cable runs from dulling the signal.