BOSS AW-3 Dynamic Wah

The AW-3 is meant to be a versatile envelope filter pedal with all kinds of goodies inside. Its real claim to fame is the humanizer effect that is supposed to mimic vowel sounds. This all seems like a lot of fun, but one you start exploring this pedal, you will soon find yourself disappointed. The confusing interface, poor effect quality, and overall frustrating nature of this pedal do not bode well for its use with horns.

External Control: EXP
Cost: $

HornFX Review

Interface: 1/5
This pedal is confusing. It is vaguely labeled and awkwardly laid out. It is not worth the trouble.

Versatility: 3/5
This is a potentially versatile pedal. All of its settings have a lot of promise and seem to be able to give you a nice range of sonic options. The reality is however, that most, if not all of those effects do not work very well and are not useful.

Clarity of Effect: 0.5/5
Most of the effects this pedal produces speak poorly on all wind instruments. The effects are quiet, bodiless, and some seem simply not to work.

Complexity: Simple

Complexity: Simple

Live application: 1/5
Very few of this pedal’s settings are actually usable. Its difficult interface also make it undesirable in a live setting.

InterfaceVersatilityClarity of EffectLive ApplicationTotal Score
1/53/50.5/51/55.5/20

Product Information

UNBELIEVABLE “TALKING” WAH EFFECTS!

The BOSS AW-3 Dynamic Wah pedal gives guitarists a wide range of classic auto-wah and dynamic wah effects, plus a new "Humanizer" effect which can simulate human vowel sounds. A Bass input provides a variety of funky wah sounds for bass guitar.

  • Compact pedal creates a variety of classic "wah" effects

  • Dynamic wah sounds provide variable effect based on picking strength

  • "Humanizer" effect creates human voice-type vowel sounds

  • Dedicated Bass input for processing bass guitar

  • EXP Pedal mode allows wah control via optional expression pedal

  • Tempo can be set for pedal control or at fixed rate via Manual mode

  • BOSS five-year warranty

A “Talking” Pedal

The AW-3 Dynamic Wah is the first compact wah pedal to incorporate human voice-type sounds through a new “Humanizer” Mode. Of course, you can also choose from standard up-and-down wah effects, plus a Tempo Mode and resonant synth-like Sharp Mode.

Endless Possibilities

Choose from both fixed and auto wah settings using the Manual control or pedal for tempo input. By connecting an optional expression pedal, the AW-3 can also be used for Pedal Wah effects. A dedicated Bass input permits direct processing of bass guitars.

  • Nominal Input Level: -20 dBu

  • Input Impedance: 1 M ohms

  • Nominal Output Level: -20 dBu

  • Output Impedance: 1 k ohms

  • Recommended Load Impedance: 10 k ohms or greater

  • Residual Noise Level: -92 dBu (IHF-A, Typ.)

  • Connectors: GUITAR IN Jack, BASS IN Jack, OUTPUT Jack, EXP/CTL Jack, AC Adaptor Jack (DC 9 V)

  • Power Supply: DC 9 V: Dry Battery 9 V type (6F22/9 V), AC Adaptor

  • Current Draw: 50 mA (DC 9 V) 

SIZE AND WEIGHT ( INCL. BATTERY )
Width: 73 mm or 2-7/8 inches Depth: 129 mm or 5-1/8 inches
Height: 59 mm or 2-3/8 inches Weight: 420 g or 0 lbs. 15 oz.

Options
AC Adaptor (PSA-Series), Expression Pedal (Roland EV-5), Footswitch (FS-5U)

Accessories
Dry Battery 9 V type (6F22/9 V)

Product info from the Boss website.