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Pros:
- Low price
- Durable
- Reliable
Cons:
- Does not come with AC adapter
- A bit too much feedback
When you first start playing your electric guitar, the only thing you care about is the accuracy of the chords. Your fingers are not exactly your besties during that time and everything is just pain and struggle. But as you get more and more used to your instrument and finally start mastering the desired techniques, you begin to think about your own development and the ways in which you could move your sound forward. That is when you start considering the audio effects.
Before you make radical moves and invest in an actual device, you will probably find some online sources or apps that will give you an idea of how each of the effects works. But obviously, the quality on those free apps is not the highest. From my experience, the very first effect you will play with will be distortion. And as you start falling in love with it, you will want something bigger, something more powerful and defined. That is, my friend when you should get rid of the fears and splurge on the best distortion pedal. Today I will discuss Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion Pedal, one of the options you are likely to come across as you search the market. If you want to see what exactly it can do to your sound, just keep on reading!
Features
One thing that is recurrent in Boss Pedals is their design. No matter what audio effect they can deliver, chances are they will look the same. They have similar vibes, which makes them stand out among other brands a great deal. DS-2, which is an upgrade of DS-1, shares the same looks as its predecessor but has some bells and whistles that improve the performance of the unit. Another prominent factor that all the Boss pedals take pride in is durability. Just like other models, DS-2 is built like a tank and features long-lasting metal chassis that will not be damaged no matter how egregious your usage will be.
This pedal comes with two Turbo modes that deliver two different types of distortion. The Turbo Mode I provides you with warm and mellow distortion that has a flat frequency response, while Turbo Mode II is a bit more aggressive and boosts your mids a great deal. You can switch between these modes remotely with the help of the external footswitch. DS-2 also has a check LED that displays whether the effect is on or off and shows you if your battery is in shape. Speaking of the powering options, this pedal can run on batteries or an optional AC adaptor depending on your preferences. This unit has a thumbscrew that can be loosened in order to open the chassis and expose the battery compartment. And of course, DS-2 has input and output sockets for connecting it to the rest of the chain.
Controls
Right off the bat, I can say without exaggeration that DS-2 is extremely user-friendly. Its knobs are so easy to grasp, you will not even have to explore the manual or spent days on end tweaking the unit. As you look at the labels, you get the general idea of what is what and all it takes to master this pedal are simple adjustments. But let’s discuss all four knobs anyway and see what tone-shaping options we have on hand.
First, on the panel, we have the Level knob. This fella modifies the volume of the effect and allows you to take full control of the output. Next comes the Tone, which boosts higher frequencies as you turn it clockwise, but is you rotate it counterclockwise, it will cut the treble and emphasize low end. The Dist knob modifies the depth of the distortion effect and allows you to get as intense as your heart desires. And finally, we have the Turbo encoder which selects between Turbo Mode I and II (of which we have already spoken of).
Boss DS-2 Sound
Probably one of the most distinctive characteristics of DS-2 is the broad sonic spectrum it offers. The versatility of the sounds it delivers allows you to employ the pedal with a wide range of musical genres, such as blues, rock, heavy metal, grunge, punk and so on. And the main constituents of such diversity are Turbo modes. Turbo Mode I, as mentioned above, is quite subtle and creates a light distortion. It is great for blues overdrive since it can still carry a certain amount of fuzzy character. As you move to Turbo Mode II, the distortion becomes biting, crispy and more aggressive. The mid-range is boosted quite a bit and the highs are present as well. And if you pair this one with higher settings of Dist knob, you will easily receive a full-on heavy distortion that does not lose its characteristics and definition. No matter how loud or quiet the pedal gets, its sonic qualities do not fade away into the abyss. DS-2 has a very nice sustain and a truly authentic sound. The only downside to this pedal is that it can get a bit noisy, which is not everybody’s cup of tea. However, as I have stated many times, creating wonderful effect is a child’s play with this one.
Conclusion
If you have ever dreamt of the perfect pedal that would bring to life all your desires, then I have good news my friend, DS-2 is the one. It has an extensive sonic range is hard to find in its price range. Plus, this is one of those devices that will nag you for life once purchased. It will surely last you through numerous stomps and drops. DS-2 is undoubtedly one of the best distortion pedals out there, so what the hell are you waiting for? Good luck!
