Boss PH-3

A Modern BOSS Phaser, Heir to the Classics

The PH-3 follows the great tradition of compact BOSS phasers, with the "phasing" DNA that has defined decades of guitar and bass playing: that famous filter movement that thickens the sound, makes it swirl, and instantly gives a wider dimension to chords as well as monophonic lines. While a classic phaser mainly relies on a cyclic sweep, the PH-3 takes the idea further by combining vintage-style multi-stage modes with directional modes (Rise / Fall) that have a more contemporary character.

The result: a versatile pedal that can remain subtle on a clean tone, become thick and "chewy" before an overdrive, or completely transform into a creative modulation effect to build a unique sonic identity.

For Which Guitarists and Styles?

The BOSS PH-3 targets both musicians discovering modulation (simple settings, immediate results) and well-equipped pedalboards looking for multiple phasers in one compact format. It is particularly comfortable in funk and pop (tight, rhythmic movement), blues and classic rock (round vintage-style phasing), but also in alternative rock, post-rock, and electronic music played on guitar, thanks to the Rise/Fall and Step modes.

In the studio, it allows precise phasing placement in tempo and choosing the "width" of the movement via the number of stages. Live, the tap tempo and expression pedal input make the effect playable: you no longer endure the modulation, you control it.

Controls, Modes, and Handling

The PH-3 gets straight to the point with four controls designed to sculpt the movement: RATE (speed), DEPTH (depth), RES (resonance, to accentuate the peak and add a more "vocal" character), and the STAGE selector which chooses the phaser type. Positions 4, 8, 10, and 12 stages vary the sweep complexity: the higher the number, the denser, wider, and more spectacular the phasing becomes, ideal for pads or intros that need to stand out.

The Rise and Fall modes bring a very modern signature: instead of naturally oscillating, the sweep seems to progress in only one direction, perfect for transitions, build-ups, or almost synth-like textures. The Step mode breaks the "smooth" aspect of the phaser with a more segmented movement, very effective for rhythmic patterns, pick-driven riffs, or to add a deliberately digital grain.

Finally, the EXP/CTL input opens the door to external control: by connecting an expression pedal, you can vary the speed with your foot and create smooth accelerations or decelerations without letting go of the neck. The pedal's footswitch also serves to tap the tempo to synchronize the modulation speed with the song's pulse.

Sound Character

The BOSS PH-3 covers a palette ranging from a warm and subtle phasing (ideal to thicken a clean tone without altering it) to deep and psychedelic textures when increasing depth and resonance. In 4 stages, you easily find the "vintage" movement that fits perfectly before a delay or reverb, while the 10/12 stages modes provide a broader swirl, very expressive on open chords, arpeggios, or sustained leads.

With Rise/Fall, the PH-3 can become a true transition machine: the unidirectional sweep creates a continuous rising/falling effect, very inspiring for building arrangements. And if you like more radical modulations, the Step mode adds a more angular, almost sequenced character that stands out very well with modern saturated sounds.

Technical specifications

Effects	Chorus / Flanger / Phaser, Effects	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Green
Type	sector

Modes	4 stages, 8 stages, 10 stages, 12 stages, Step, Rise, Fall	Nominal input level	-20 dBu
Potentiometers	RATE, DEPTH, RES (Resonance)	Input impedance	1 M ohm
Selector	STAGE	Nominal output level	-20 dBu
Footswitch	effect activation and tap tempo function	Output impedance	1 k ohm
Bypass	buffered bypass	Recommended load impedance	10 k ohms or higher
Indicator	CHECK (also serves as tempo and battery status indicator)	Residual noise	-92 dBu (IHF-A, typical)
Input	6.35mm Jack	Dimensions	73 (W) x 129 (D) x 59 (H) mm
Output	6.35mm Jack	Weight	415 g (battery included)
EXP/CTL input	6.35mm stereo Jack (expression pedal or external control)	Required power supply	DC 9 V (9 V battery or PSA-type power adapter, sold separately)
Power adapter input	DC IN	Consumption	50 mA