REVIEWED
BOSS ST-2
The new Boss ST-2 claims to deliver similar mammoth tones as a powerful amplifier stack whilst also offering a similarly wide dynamic response. This is quite a claim but Boss surely must rank among those capable of pulling off such a tricky feat, it already has some experience with its DN-2 Dyna Drive pedal and the ST-2 kicks the same principle up a few gears via a different EQ structure and extra gain that offers three distinctly different Crunch, Drive and Ultra modes.
Stack attack
Emulating the complex dynamics of a bona-fide tube amplifier is something that many manufacturers still continue to pursue with vigour but it is more usually attempted in solid state guitar amplifiers than a humble stomp box. The ST-2’s unique feature is that besides claiming to accurately simulate the sound of a large overdriven amp stack, this pedal also responds directly to the
BOSS ST-2
SRP
All prices include VAT CONT
ACT
Roland UK T:
W: 01792 7701
www.roland.co.uk £99.00
BOSS ST
-2 Power Stack
Power Stack
The new Boss ST-2 Power Stack offers a dynamic new approach to classic and contemporary distortion tones... Words: Tim Slater
player’s touch. The idea is to emulate the similar dynamic response of a distorted tube guitar amplifier; cleaning up when the player backs off their guitar volume and pick- attack whilst also adding extra drive and attack when the guitarist decides that it’s time to really dig in. The ST-2 takes the form of the familiar Boss compact pedal design and like its stable-mates it is powered by a choice of 9 volt mains and a single 9v battery. A rotary control adjusts the overall output level together with a simple two-band EQ and a rotary gain knob labelled ‘Sound’ that works in tandem with the pedal’s circuitry to control the overall character of the selected overdrive/distortion and dynamic range. The basic premise is very simple: the three separate overdrive modes gradually increase the gain threshold from a very mild edgy crunch (think of a vintage Fender or Marshall just on the verge of breaking up), gradually progressing to a classic distortion (a JCM 800 at room temperature) until peaking with ultra mode’s distinctly modern molten metal roar that is clearly inspired by the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier head. The dynamic element depends on the guitarist’s touch and it’s interesting to see whether or not it works in this particular framework.
Sounds The ST-2’s crunch mode leans more toward the cleaner-sounding end of the spectrum but it still adds some noticeable grit to the edge of the tone, especially used in tandem
with a Stratocaster. Think of some of SRV’s less aggressive tones and you are getting into the right kind of ball-park, tone-wise. Crunch mode is probably the most successful at demonstrating the ST-2’s dynamic abilities and when the guitar volume knob is backed off the sound does indeed clean up in a similar way to a tube amp. To be fair we’ve also played a few decent solid state guitar amps that demonstrate a similar effect including Roland’s Cube series, so it really depends whether or not the player feels that a decent bog- standard overdrive pedal like the Boss OD-3 or SD-1 wouldn’t be more suitable in this context. Drive mode is designed to offer a classic punchy distortion with the pedal’s EQ adding extra body to help emulate the effect of playing through a full-sized amp stack and it certainly delivers a decent amount of meaty overdrive. One thing that strikes you, though, is the clinical element that begins to creep into the tone. The dynamic factor feels fairly close to how a good regular distortion pedal reacts to normal playing dynamics but at the same time there is an underlying processed element to the ST-2 Drive mode tone that feels a bit strange and synthetic. In this reviewer’s opinion, the Ultra mode is the ST-2’s most workable sound. With the
Sound knob backed-off a fraction from flat out, the sleek modern overdrive takes on a very unique flavour that I would compare to the COSM modelling overdrive sounds you find in many Roland and Boss products. In this instance the ST-2’s processed sound seems to find the right niche and if you are a fan of this type of tightly focused overdriven tone then this really nails it. Whether or not you like it is very much down to the player’s individual taste but in this instance we think it sounds really cool. PM
SHOULD I BUY ONE?
The ST-2 is a bit of a peculiar pedal. On one hand you can see what Boss are aiming for because this pedal does capture the powerful and very focused tone that is the hallmark of the Japanese giant’s COSM modelling sounds. On the other hand, if it’s truely authentic dynamic overdrive sounds you are after, you might find that a Boss SD-1 plugged into a decent tube amp is the best way to achieve them.
pickup427
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