BOSS DS-2 TURBO Distortion

The BOSS DS-2 Turbo Distortion, first introduced in 1987, is a popular compact effects pedal that expands upon the foundation laid by the earlier BOSS DS-1 Distortion. This pedal is valued for its adaptability, offering two distinct distortion modes: Turbo I and Turbo II. These modes provide a wide range of distortion tones, making the DS-2 a favoured choice for musicians across various genres, from grunge to contemporary rock. Whether the desired sound is a subtle crunch or a high-gain saturation, the DS-2 is designed to deliver.

The DS-2 features two primary distortion circuits accessible via a mode switch. Turbo I provides a versatile saturation character, notable for its enhanced low-end response and pronounced midrange frequencies. This mode is capable of producing sounds ranging from a mild, gritty overdrive to a substantial distortion. At lower gain settings, Turbo I exhibits a dynamic response, reacting to the player's picking dynamics and technique. This allows for expressive and nuanced playing. Higher gain settings in Turbo I yield a focused and powerful distortion that is effective for cutting through a mix in a band setting. This mode is also noted for its ability to complement different pickup types, adding fullness to dual-coil pickups and smoothing out the response of single-coil pickups.

The second mode, Turbo II, offers a distinct high-gain distortion flavour characterised by a resonant boost in the midrange frequencies. This mid boost contributes to a sound with significant punch, power, and clarity. At moderate gain levels, Turbo II provides a balanced tone suitable for lead guitar work across a variety of musical styles. When the gain is increased to higher levels, Turbo II is capable of producing thick and heavy distortion tones ideal for powerful rhythm playing and soaring solos.

Beyond its dual distortion modes, the DS-2 incorporates a discrete analogue circuit design. This design contributes to a low noise floor, even when the pedal is operating at high gain settings. The pedal also features an active Tone control. This single knob allows for shaping both the high and low frequencies of the distorted signal, providing a broad sonic palette. Users can adjust the tone from bright and articulate to smooth and warm.

For added operational flexibility, the DS-2 includes a Remote jack. This jack allows for the connection of an optional external footswitch. With an external footswitch, players can switch between the two Turbo modes hands-free. This feature is particularly useful for seamlessly transitioning between rhythm and lead tones during a performance, effectively unlocking the full potential of the pedal in a live setting. The combination of its versatile distortion modes, low noise operation, effective tone control, and remote switching capability makes the BOSS DS-2 a practical and valuable tool for guitarists seeking a wide range of distortion sounds.