Boss DR-01SFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 36 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment47%
PROS 47%
CONS 53%

Rank based on 36 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You're a solo acoustic guitarist or singer wanting simple, non-metronomic backing
  • You mainly play in 3/4, 4/4 or 6/8 and don't need exotic time signatures
  • You want a quick, easy-to-program practice or songwriting rhythm tool

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need 2/4, 5/4, 7/8 or flamenco/12-beat time signatures
  • You require song fills, starts/ends, or per-song footswitch instrument control
  • You need strong low-end bass response from the built-in speaker

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

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Natural, amp-like tone
Powerful 3-band EQ
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Origin Effects Deluxe61
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Excellent low-to-mid gain drive
Underrated favorite among owners
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Roland TR-808
Iconic, powerful kick drumWarmer, more alive analog characterCultural and historical influenceExtremely high collector priceAnalog noise and static requiring EQReliability concerns of aging hardware
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Warmer, more alive analog character
Cultural and historical influence
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Moog Subsequent 37
Inspiring and addictive to playWarm, fat analog toneStrong DAW/VST editor integrationHigh price for what it offersLimited versatility outside bass rangeNeeds effects/partner gear to shine
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Warm, fat analog tone
Strong DAW/VST editor integration
High price for what it offers
Limited versatility outside bass range
Needs effects/partner gear to shine
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Wampler Tumnus V2
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Wampler Paisley Drive
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Transparent tone
Versatile across genres
Works well across many guitar types
Two-channel routing complexity
Dry signal bleed-through
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You are here
31Mid
Boss DR-01S
Great for solo acoustic performersVersatile across genresEasy to program and useLimited time signaturesNo fills or song structure controlFootswitch preset bug
Boss DR-01S
Great for solo acoustic performers
Versatile across genres
Easy to program and use
Limited time signatures
No fills or song structure control
Footswitch preset bug

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Easy to use and genuinely musical for acoustic performers. Multiple users describe the DR-01S as simple to program and set up on the fly, calling it the 'easiest drum box ever' for weekly gigging. The cajon and percussion tones give a softer, less metronome-like backing that works well live and in the studio, and players across genres like folk, country, pop and even accordion report it inspires ideas and enhances performances.

Time signature and pattern limitations frustrate many players. Several commenters are disappointed that only three time signatures (mainly 3/4, 4/4, 6/8) are supported, ruling out 2/4 for Cuban/Brazilian styles, 5/4, 7/8, or flamenco 12-beat rhythms. Others note a very restricted sound set for non-4/4 signatures. Combined with no fills, no song starts/ends, and only 50 saved favorites that fill up within a week for active gigging repertoires, this limits versatility for varied setlists.

Live setup has hardware and software quirks worth knowing before buying. Users report a bug where footswitch-assigned instrument toggles apply to all 50 presets instead of per-song, one describing it as unresolved and requesting a refund. The double footswitch requires a stereo jack cable, a detail easy to miss when purchasing accessories. The onboard speaker lacks bass projection for kick and cajon sounds, so many plug into an external amp, PA, or Bluetooth speaker for fuller sound.

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