This Makes So Much Sense! | BOSS IR-2 Review

Two-channel amp modeler in the size of a standard BOSS pedal. What’s not to like?

Disclaimer: The IR-2 was provided to me by BOSS and I got to keep it as compensation for my work. However, BOSS has no say in the things I mention in the video/post.

Specifications

Sampling Frequency: 96 kHz
AD Conversion: 24 bits + AF method
AF method (Adaptive Focus method) is a proprietary method from Roland & BOSS that vastly improves the signal-to-noise (SN) ratio of the AD and DA converters.

DA Conversion: 32 bits
Processing: 32-bit floating point
IR cabinet data format: Mono, Maximum 500 ms, 44.1/48/96 kHz, 16 bits linear/24 bits linear/32-bit floating point
Preset IR cabinet: 11
User IR cabinet slot: 11

Bypass: Buffered bypass
Controls:

Type knob
GAIN knob
TREBLE knob
LEVEL knob
MIDDLE knob
AMBIENCE knob
BASS knob
Pedal switch

Connectors:

INPUT jack
OUTPUT A (MONO) jack
OUTPUT B jack
SEND jack: 1/4-inch phone type
RETURN jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
CH SEL jack: 1/4-inch phone type
DC IN jack
PHONES jack: Stereo miniature phone type
USB port: USB Type-C(R)

Width: 73 mm / 2-7/8 inches
Depth: 129 mm / 5-1/8 inches
Height: 59 mm / 2-3/8 inches
Weight (including battery): 450 g / 1 lb

What is BOSS IR-2?

BOSS IR-2 is an amp modeler pedal with 11 different amp models and matching cabinets. Amp models consist of classic clean, low gain, and high gain amps from different decades.

Recording With IR-2

I’m immediately struck by the simplicity of this unit: choose the amp, dial in the EQ controls, and you’re good to go. There are many shades of clean and crunchy amps available, and all of them sound from good to great. BOSS has partnered with Celestion to have high-quality impulse responses in IR-2, but you can also upload your own by using the included IR-2 loader app on Mac or PC.

BOSS IR-2 With Pedals

IR-2 is supposed to work well with drive pedals as well, so for the heavier riffs and lead guitar lines, I decided to use my two trusty boxes of fun: Caline Pure Sky Overdrive and REVV G3.

As with every other amp modeler, you need to figure out how much gain and output level to dial in for everything to sound good. Once I got the knobs on the Pure Sky pointing in the right direction, I started getting the rhythm guitar tone I wanted.

REVV G3 was, to no one’s surprise, a perfect choice for slightly The Darkness-inspired leads. You do have to mind the output levels of your drive pedals though, as things can get a bit mushy if you start overloading the front end of your IR-2.

What I Liked and What Could Be Improved

BOSS IR-2 is a strange one: in a way, it doesn’t offer us anything new. It’s the same amp modeling as on IR-200, for example, but somehow the small form factor and having two amp channels at your feet just feels right. You can build your whole pedalboard around it or have it with you as a backup amp in your backpack.

I don’t think it’s the best-sounding modeler ever, but it’s really good and gets the job done. And because it’s a BOSS pedal, it’s built like a tank.

I’ve always thought of BOSS as a manufacturer of well-thought-out products that just make sense, and I’m happy to add IR-2 to that list as well.

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