11 best boss distortion pedals

Product description

Special edition BOSS distortion pedalAll-new design provides Powerful real-time processing High-clarity distortion sound Ultra-responsive to volume changes & picking dynamicsVery low noise, even with high-gain settingsDrive, High, and Low knobsBOSS five-year warranty

• Next-generation sound, feel and tonal responseAll-new design provides a superior playing experience Powerful real-time processing adapts to your playing to provide ideal distortion tones in every registerTight, crisp tones on the low strings to fat, singing tones on the highest notesHigh-clarity distortion sound that's never muddy or boomyUltra-responsive to volume changes and picking dynamicsVery low noise, even with high-gain settingsDrive, High, and Low knobs offer a wide range of sound shapi

Product description

BOSS ML-2 with PigHog 9V Power Adapter

The ML-2 Metal Core Distortion from BOSS is a pedal that delivers the super-heavy distortion sounds for playing Nu Metal, Grind Core, Industrial, Hard Core, or any genre that requires over-the-top saturation. This heavy distortion gives your tone a sharp-edged attack, ideal for galloping metal riffs with plenty of palm muting.

Pig Power is a 9V power supply with 1000 mA can power up to 10 pedals at once (PP10DC 10 Spot Daisy Chain not included), with a minimal design that requires just a single outlet. The adapter features a generous 10ft cable allows you to set up far from a power source, and 110-240c compatibility is ready for international use. The positive sleeve/negative tip works with most effects pedals on the market, including Boss PSA or ACA, Danelectro DA-1, DOD PS-200R, Dunlop ECB-03, Ibanez AC-109, Korg A30950, Morley 9V, Zoom AD-0006, and more! The power adapter is backed by a one year limited warranty.

Key Features

• Ultra-heavy distortion with sharp-edged attack for crushing metal riffs
• LOW control for heavy, low frequency sound a la 7-string guitar or dropped tuning
• HIGH control for screaming, metallic tone
• Road-tough BOSS metal construction
• BOSS five-year warranty

BOSS ML-2 Specs

Nominal Input Level -20 dBu

Input Impedance 1 MOhm

Nominal Output Level -20 dBu

Output Impedance 1 kOhm

Recommended Load Impedance 10 kOhms or greater

Current Draw 36 mA (9 VDC)

Dimensions 2.9 x 5.13 x 2.4"" (73 x 129 x 59 mm)

Weight 1 lb (440 g)

• Ultra-heavy distortion with sharp-edged attack for crushing metal riffs
• LOW control for heavy, low frequency sound a la 7-string guitar or dropped tuning
• HIGH control for screaming, metallic tone
• Road-tough BOSS metal construction
• BOSS five-year warranty

Product description

With its extreme gain, the ML-2 is the most potent and heavy distortion pedal ever created by BOSS. It easily delivers massive distortion and gain with heavy lows for playing Nu Metal, Grind Core, Industrial, Hard Core, or any genre that requires crushing sound. The ML-2’s ferocious and biting tone will complement and cut through any blast beats your rhythm section can create.

• Ultra-heavy distortion with sharp-edged attack for crushing metal riffs
• Package Dimensions : 9.4 L x 6.3 H x 15.2 W (centimeters)
• Made in Taiwan
• Package Weight : 2.0 pounds

User questions & answers

Question:	I play thrash metal. Would i be able to sound like the thrash metal band exodus especially with the sound there using now with this pedal
Answer:	After conjuring the essence of Gary Holt and using the ML-2 you may sound like Exodus and incite the Toxic Waltz. For a newer distortion gain pedal that allows for altered lower tunings check out the MT-2W Metal Zone Waza.
Question:	Does this come with a cord to plug into my amp, and is it battery powered
Answer:	It does not come with a cord. And the power supply is not included either. You can power it with a battery or power supply. I recommend the power supply. If you decide to use a battery make sure you turn the pedal off an in plug all cables because it will drain the battery.
Question:	Does it chug
Answer:	Baby, does this thing chug....she also squeals like angels with that thumb harmonic. Feed her with some humbuckers and she'll give you chunks of saturated yummy.
Question:	I primarily play death metal with alot of fast speed picking. Does the metal core have decent clarity for a high gain pedal
Answer:	Yea. I use it for the heavier stuff like slayer Metallica carcass maiden. Works great and has good tone selections

Product description

Product Description The MD-2 Mega distortion takes the bottom-heavy distortion sounds heard in today's new-school metal and pushes it to the extreme. The secret is a special dual-stage distortion circuit with an added gain boost-plus new bottom and tone controls crushing distortion with massive low end. Take your distortion into the future with the MD-2. From the Manufacturer The MD-2 Mega Distortion takes the bottom-heavy distortion sounds heard in today's new-school metal and pushes it to the extreme. The secret is a special dual-stage distortion circuit with an added gain boost-plus new Bottom and Tone controls---for crushing distortion with massive low end. Take your distortion into the future with the MD-2. Features Produces extreme, low-end distortion for modern metal and hard rock Gain Boost circuit creates huge distortion and sustain regardless of level New Bottom control for bottom-heavy distortion matched to 7-string guitars Tone control adjusts balance between high and low frequencies BOSS 5-year warrant

From the Manufacturer

The MD-2 Mega Distortion takes the bottom-heavy distortion sounds heard in today's new-school metal and pushes it to the extreme. The secret is a special dual-stage distortion circuit with an added gain boost-plus new Bottom and Tone controls-for crushing distortion with massive low end. Take your distortion into the future with the MD-2.

Features

• Produces extreme, low-end distortion for modern metal and hard rock
• Gain Boost circuit creates huge distortion and sustain regardless of level
• New Bottom control for bottom-heavy distortion matched to 7-string guitars
• Tone control adjusts balance between high and low frequencies
• BOSS 5-year warrant

• Produces extreme, low-end distortion for modern metal and hard rock
• Gain Boost circuit creates huge distortion and sustain regardless of level
• New Bottom control for bottom-heavy distortion matched to 6 or 7-string guitars
• Tone control adjusts balance between high and low frequencies
• 1 M ohms Input Impedance

User questions & answers

Question:	Is this a good pedal for a strat
Answer:	Very good pedal. I sell a lot out of my store to the local guitar players. Hope this helped.
Question:	does it come with a power cord to hook into the wall
Answer:	Yes it does come with power cord.
Question:	Can it do the hm-2 "swedish chainsaw" type distortion
Answer:	I don’t know. Never owned the HM2. I only had the boss hyper distortion. The sound I get is more of a fat sound. It’s big. Best I can tell u. Great pedal for the price
Question:	does this work with a crate gx 212 plus
Answer:	Pedals work with all amps. It goes guitar to pedal to amp. :) Mike

Product description

Here it is. The 1 stompbox for legions of crunch-craving guitarists all over the planet. This DS-1 distortion pedal is a time-proven mainstay of rock and metal tone, no doubt about it. Three knobs make way for practically every rock sound you've ever heard. If you dig it loud and distorted, you've simply got to have a DS-1 in your rig. And that's that.

• Tone, leveland distortion knobs on face
• Super-tough construction
• Lets your true guitar tone shine

User questions & answers

Question:	Weird question time: I'm about 135lbs, and a bit over-enthusiastic. If I jump about 2 feet in the air and land on this pedal, will it survive
Answer:	Absolutely! You could run it over with a car. A buddy of mine dropped his phone on one and it shattered the screen!
Question:	Where is this pedal made
Answer:	Although alot of people instantly assume China that's not true for Boss.... Boss pedals were made in Japan up until, I dunno. Google it. But now they are made in Taiwan. The real expensive Boss stuff is sometimes still made in Japan.
Question:	Im new to pedals and would like to know if this comes by itself, if it does what cables do i need
Answer:	You'll just need one guitar cable from your guitar to the pedal, and a second guitar cable from the pedal to your amp. The pedal runs on a 9v battery, which is included.
Question:	some reviews say this ships with no power adapter. is this true? you have to find one and buy it separately
Answer:	I haven't seen this be the norm. If the pedal is unable to have a 9v battery, I have seen them include a power supply.

Product features

DS-1 Distortion Pedal

The DS-1 Distortion is a true icon in the world of guitar effects. Introduced in 1978, BOSS’s first distortion pedal defined a bold new sound, delivering hard-edged attack and smooth sustain that’s been a staple of players for generations. The DS-1 is the top-selling BOSS compact pedal ever, and its original, unchanged design continues to inspire the creation of great music everywhere. The classic DS-1 tone is behind the signature sounds of numerous rock legends, and is ready to fuel your own signature sound today.

Genre-Defining Distortion

Before the DS-1, most distortion pedals produced harsh, buzzy tones and muddy sound at high gain settings. In 1978, BOSS engineers changed all that by developing a unique distortion circuit for the DS-1 that produces tight, hard-edged gain with rich harmonics while retaining the unique characteristics of different guitars and playing techniques. Hard rock, metal, and punk styles began to flourish in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and the DS-1’s tone had a defining influence on these genres. That trend has endured through multiple generations, and players around the world continue to seek out the classic DS-1 sound.

Gain from Mild to Heavy

From its modest three-knob interface, many different sound colors can be coaxed from the DS-1. Its pioneering two-stage circuit incorporates both transistor and op-amp gain stages. This approach is critical to the DS-1’s characteristic low-frequency fullness, which is loved by guitarists that play heavy music genres. The distortion knob offers an extremely wide range, from a mild boost for driving amps and pedals to full-throttle gain for monster rock riffs.

Powerful Tone Shaping

Unlike typical tone controls that only cut highs, the DS-1’s tone circuit features an innovative design that offers far more range. Turning the knob clockwise increases highs and decreases lows, while going counter-clockwise has the opposite effect. This lets you dial in everything from tight, cutting rhythm sounds to smooth, fat lead voices. The tone control is particularly effective for maintaining low-end definition when using the DS-1 as a booster with vintage-style amps, which often sound muddy when driven with other distortion pedals.

Product description

The DS-2 Turbo Distortion features twin modes for an expanded range of distortion--taking users from blues-rock rhythms to searing leads at the press of a pedal or twist of a knob.

Product description

Includes 1 Year Free Extended Warranty from EverythingMusic.

From fat crunch to ultra high-gain distortion, the ST-2 Power Stack delivers famous BOSS distortion with a stunning amount of power that’s akin to coveted tube amps and professional amp stacks. The SOUND knob simultaneously blends gain amount and sound character, so you quickly dial up anything from vintage crunch and punchy drive to full-assault distortion. To add further detail to your tone, simply tweak the onboard two-band EQ to taste. The ST-2 is one very unique distortion pedal, calling on BOSS’ years of amp modeling research to bring you real stack sounds in a compact stompbox.

Tower of Power

The ST-2 delivers the playing feel and power that are hallmarks of stack amps. It was derived from BOSS’s extensive analysis of the sound and characteristics of a vast number of classic guitar amps. This distortion effect delivers authentic tone and expression that responds naturally to picking nuances and volume changes on your guitar. But emulation is only the beginning, as the ST-2 has the ability to go beyond the sound of real amps.

Crunch, Drive, Ultra High Gain

The ST-2 lets you enjoy a rich, clean tone when playing soft, and smoothly transition into a fat crunch as you play harder - great for rock ballads or songs that require dramatic tone shifts. Imagine the powerful, driving sound of a stack amp. An authentic classic-rock tone is here as well, with crisp overtones. Turn up the SOUND knob for a heavy-metal tone. The ST-2 allows extreme high gain, but offers a powerful low-end and sharp edge at the same time.

• Original distortion sound reminiscent of tube-based stack amplifiers
• Provides a wide range of tones, from vintage crunch to ultra high-gain modern distortion
• Faithful and accurate response to picking nuances and volume changes
• SOUND knob controls both gain level and sound character
• Two-band EQ with dedicated BASS and TREBLE knobs

User questions & answers

Question:	Is it an analog pedal
Answer:	Yes

Product description

• Take off with the most extreme and sought-after hard rock or heavy metal distortion
• This BEHRINGER product has been designed to compete head to head with leading products on the market
• Multi-gain circuitry to give you super-thick, tube-like distortion plus endless sustain
• Dedicated Distortion, 3-band EQ and Level controls for awesome sound shaping
• Status LED for effect on/off and battery check

User questions & answers

Question:	Would this be good for a Metallica sound
Answer:	somewhat
Question:	Should one own the Joyo JF-02 along with this UM300? What are the benefits of having both in the matter of effects? Any 9Volt Power adapter will work for this
Answer:	the UM300 has plenty of distortion and does not need any more overdrive, like the Joyo. I think the UM300 is better than a Boss HM2 or their Metalzone. I see other complain about feed back, maybe try turning down the distortion or level. I run mine with distortion @ halfway up to 3 Oclock and my level @ half. On the adapter center pin is negative and d the outside is positive. It is a small plug in, but is what i'd consider standard for this device. Nice pedal for the $$$ IMO. I remember back n the day paying almost $200 for a Boss HM2, what a waste!
Question:	Can I use this with a headphone? In other words does it have a built in pre-amp
Answer:	Yes. But, it's a mono connection. So, you'll hear it in only one side of the headphones. Also, it sounds pretty terrible. This pedal, in particular, needs an equalizer in the chain - or in your Digital Audio Workstation if you plug it into your computer. Otherwise, the pedal sounds very 'tinny' with high treble - no matter how you set the tone control. ALL distortion pedals or overdrive pedals need an equalizer.
Question:	Can I use this with a bass
Answer:	Yes that's what I use it with

Product features

Ultra Metal UM300

In the churning, smoldering world of heavy metal, it’s the middle frequencies that make all the difference between mush and muscle. With the UM300 Ultra Metal, you not only get control over the Mids – you can micromanage them!

Metal to the Max

The UM300 effects pedal gives you the most extreme, sought-after hard rock and heavy metal sounds, with super-thick, tube-like distortion – plus virtually endless sustain.

The Art of Tone

Like most distortion boxes, the UM300 comes with Distortion and Level controls, and the High and Low controls let you dial in the amount of top-end and bottom you desire – but the similarity to other stomps ends right there. Much like our world-class mixing consoles, we’ve given the UM300 a Mid Frequency control, allowing you to select a midrange frequency (from 200 Hz - 5 kHz) and boost/cut it by up to 15 dB. What this means in terms of tone, is thick, tube-like distortion with endless sustain for everything from aggressive, traditional metal assaults – to the ultimate in modern crunch! A brilliant status LED tells you when the UM300 is active, while a top-quality on/off switch maintains highest signal integrity in bypass mode. You can power the UM300 with our PSU-SB DC power supply (not included), or pop in a 9 V battery.

Massive in the Middle

Is there a hole in the middle of your tone? You’ll be surprised how affordably and efficiently the Ultra Metal UM300 can fill it! Take off with the most extreme and sought-after hard rock or heavy metal distortion – at your BEHRINGER dealer today, or order online.

Product description

The OS-2 gives players a choice of overdrive or distortion, or lets them combine both - all in a single compact pedal. Its distortion maintains the subtle nuances of single-coil guitar pickups.

• Delivers killer separate overdrive and distortion effects that you can combine for cool blended effects
• Designed to provide raunchy, hard distortion

User questions & answers

Question:	Is it made in japan? i had this pedal in the 90s, now I want it back to my pedal board. Just curious about how well are they made now
Answer:	Hi, The pedal is made in Taiwan. I have only used it 5-6 times so far. It can dial up a good "Rush" "Limelight" distorted sound. Based on the higher cost of this pedal compared to cheaper competitors and past performance of Boss pedals (I own a Boss Flanger circa 1983 and it still works fine) I would guess that this pedal will perform well over time. Good luck.
Question:	Does it come with an ac adapter cord
Answer:	No, it's just the pedal in the box... The ac adapter is apart...
Question:	does the boss os-2 take a battery instead of the ac adapter
Answer:	Yes the os-2 does accept a 9 volt battery in place of the recommended adapter. Also, most other stomp box 9 volt adapters work just fine with this pedal if you have any extras but beware, using a different adapter from the one recommend by boss may result in voiding the os-2's warranty. So far I have found the os-2 to be a very versatile pedal and recommend it if you are looking to add a little color to your tone.
Question:	Can the os-2 pedal also be used with a bass guitar
Answer:	Bass does better with pedals that have a blend knob to preserve some dry signal because drive and distortion pedals tend to bleed lower frequencies.

Product description

The ODB-3 Bass OverDrive delivers the chest-resonating distortion that hard rock, thrash, and punk bassists have been waiting for. This hot compact pedal has been designed specifically for bass applications.

• Get mild overdrive to hard distortion Works for four- and five-string basses Balance control lets you mix signals Can be used as a two-band EQ

User questions & answers

Question:	how to possibly eliminate the "buzz
Answer:	Yes , you can but we also make dedicated electric guitar Fly Rigs. The original Fly Rig and the RK Fly Rig. feature set more appropriate for guitar vs bass.
Question:	The item title is listed as "chorus," but everything else seems to indicate "bass overdrive." Is the title just incorrect
Answer:	I haven't used a V2 sansamp driver. I used someone else's V1 a while back. Unfortunately I can't remember how that compares to the character knob on the Fly Rig. I will say that it seems to be very versatile in sound. You can a really boomy low end SVT sound or go very clean and modern. Don't know if that helps
Question:	Can this cut out the bass signal by being turned on and off
Answer:	You can use the app on your phone or tablet. I think the connection is stronger and the interface easier to use on the computer. You can do dip editing on the computer to create patches and do on the fly editing with the app, which is what I would do.