Love or Hate: Boss IR-2 After a Month of Hard Giging
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- Опубликовано: 8 июл 2024
- In today's video, Paul Drew from The Studio Rats and Guitarist extraordinaire Lee Abraham looks at the boss IR-2 after Lee has gigged it for a month. Is the love for this fantastic pedal still there or has Lee had enough?
Here is what Boss say about the IR-2
TAKE YOUR SOUND ANYWHERE
BOSS’s cutting-edge guitar amp and cabinet sims are finally available in a compact pedal loaded with 11 essential rigs spanning vintage and modern sounds from clean to high gain.
Authentic Celestion Digital cabinet IRs recorded with industry-standard mics plus gorgeous reverbs offer complex tones that belie the IR-2’s straightforward design. Its beautifully simple
dual channel set-and-forget operation and familiar amp-style controls mean it’s now easier than ever to take your sound anywhere.
USB INTERFACE
When connected to a computer or mobile device* via USB, the IR-2 functions as an audio interface, providing studio-grade guitar tones using the selected amp/cab simulation. Perfect for DAW multitracking, capturing video audio, or simply playing along with tracks, this convenient digital connection delivers premium-quality playback/record signals without the need for external gear.
The dedicated IR-2 IR Loader software enables you to load your own Impulse Responses into any of the 11 cab slots.
11 AMP TYPES & IR
The IR-2 features 11 distinctive amp types, including simulations of several classic models. While the BOSS Amp & Cabinet comes loaded with world-class Celestion Digital IRs out of the box, you can easily load your own cabinet sounds using the IR-2 IR Loader software.
EFFECTS LOOP
Much like a regular guitar amp, the IR-2 features effects loop Send and Return jacks. Return can be set to either Mono or Stereo. Note that the IR-2’s effects loop is placed after the amp/cabinet simulation and before the Ambience.
3 AMBIENCE TYPES
Amp and close-mic cabinet sounds can appear overly direct and dry. There- fore, the IR-2 features an Ambience control to dial in natural-sounding reverberations that compliment your tone. Choose between Room, Hall and Plate reverbs.
2 CHANNELS
You can alternate between two amp/- cab sims (indicated by a green or red LED) simply by pressing the footswitch. The IR-2 conveniently auto-saves each knob movement, enabling straight- forward set-and-forget operation.
HEADPHONES JACK
You can monitor your performance and sound, as well as playback from a computer or mobile device, using a set of headphones connected to the Phones stereo jack. A touch of ambience allows for a realistic amp-in-the-room experience.
The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey and Dan Hawkins on bass. They collaborate with singers and musicians to produce radio-ready songs. 
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The thing with this and the Katana is that they are their own sound. People obsess with nailing a tone. This is “styles of,” not copies. If you’re cool with that, Boss is amazing.
It does sound good. Problem is, I’m so gear fatigued I don’t really care anymore. Next month there will be another modeller out that will get all the hype, with countless videos as to why I desperately “need” this bit of kit. At this point I would rather just watch a great guitarist without knowing what gear they’re using. Then I can just enjoy the creativity of the performer rather than obsessing over what magic box they’re plugged into.
Spoiler - all the current modellers sound good and do what they need to do. You don’t need to watch anymore videos on them as they all use the same impulse response technology (which has been around for decades now). None of them will make you play better or sound like your guitar hero’s.
Sorry for the rant. I like Studio Rats content but would rather just watch Paul and Lee jam and have a laugh.
I totally agree! I dont know much about modelling peds n amps, but more about analog pedals, Ive finally got some arsenal, and even then MXR Fet Driver blew away 2 pedals( that I used to have good bass), might need the 2 bass pedals while not using the FET....,
I dig the modelling Twin in my ZOOM G2, really doesnt sound digital or anything, and some reverb/echo/delay...,
Ha! I do have A Roland Blues Cube Stage amp with Fet transisters, guess thats kinda modelling, maybe when Im even older ( 58 now) thats all I need, or a new bed, go figure....
Im glad theres technology developement, but we humans tend to rely on it too much...,
if I had a child, I would probably get him or her a ukulele at some point with the 3 top strings..., ha ha!
I remember saving 300€s years ago for a BOSS Katana amp( soo much hyping about that amp!),
luckily the 300 went to living thingiess, and later I probed the Boss further, and found out you had to connect it to your laptop to get full usage, and I read that you could even power it up the wrong way! so that it would have to be taken to shop...I dont know if thats true, but I TRY to keep my laptop/cell phone separate from my guitar amp, dont call me oldfashioned, rater old, ha....
well: " sorry I have to cancel the gig, cause my guitar amp has the virus, and as it was hooked up with another fo stereo purposes, my other amp is also sick..., soorryyy",
ok, finito, Cheers from Finland, Kimmo : )
Agreed. My motto for 2024
New Year, no new gear.
Excellent point!
yeah- great video...informative and fun...but agree with the gear fatigue issue...but, i will say that having this on your recording desktop would be awesome because of how small and powerful it is...
@@asw7696That was going to be mine too and then I bought a BluGuitar Iridium and it is amazing….but I need something to use to go DI so I bought the Universl Audio OX Stomp…and it’s incredible.
Send help. 😂
This is by far the best video i've seen of the Boss IR-2! 👏👏👏
I love Lees meat and potatoes rhythm playing he uses to showcase the pedal. It perfectly serves its purpose and I’m guessing that’s the point. He makes this thing sound great. Rock on Lee
Yes! I've had to sift through so many videos of players playing nothing but leads to demonstrate these products.
I listened to just a few seconds of the intro, and was hooked. Great sound, great playing
Boss got a lot right with the IR-2. In every video I've seen, it delivers truly wonderful tones. 👍
@brusselssprouts560
I wish Yt would let me comment on this because I have a lot of questions I cannot ask
@@brusselssprouts560 did you know, U2 that’s a lot of us, post comments and questions, but they never get shown to the world. On your end, they make it look like you’re actually posting, but other people aren’t seeing it. They control what the world thinks. The general population thinks because of absent comments ad; this is a wonderful little tool this pedal.
And the metal core gets a good mesa boogie sound
Beautiful sounds. I appreciate the cleans near the end as well. Happy New Year.
This thing sounds pretty rad. Boss have been killing it for a while now.
Lee seems great. Holding out buying one till my birthday next year. These videos are eroding my ability to wait :)
Lee was a killer contribution to this video - great playing and no-hype, real world insights from him. Huge thanks!
Big fan of Lee here. He is the true gigging musician, reasonable price gear budget to mid price. This is where most of our budgets are too
Im a Lee fan instantly: such a gent! Merry new Year & Christmasses....!!!!@@hollywoodactress
Sounds huge, need to get my hands on one. Nice work with that guys. 🎸🔥
Rock on Lee.🎶🎶 Amazing playing.
Two presets (one clean and one mid-gain) plus a simple drive pedal gives you four sounds. Clean, Clean+Drive (for edge of breakup-ish), Mid-Gain, and Mid-Gain plus drive for Modded. Use the guitar volume for a bit more control. Easy peazy.That's the template I use in my Helix. One path/DSP is the clean amp. The other path/DSP is the mid-gain one. Plus a volume boost block for solos.
Why not just use your Helix? More tones and greater flexibility.
@brianhague Maybe because the Helix is $1700 or $1200 for the LT while the IR2 is $200 ?!? Certainly different products and the Helix offers a bunch more but the Boss seems to do quite a bit for a fraction of the cost. Also for someone who already has a pedal board with sounds that they like they can simply add the IR2 onto the board and have a direct to house sound, recording, or simply for practice. Small, relatively cheap, and seems to sound pretty decent... what's not to understand???
@brianhague Just to add... from reading Garry's post it sounded to me like he is simply suggesting to others how to use the IR2 in a similar way to how he uses his Helix not that he is replacing his Helix.
Exactly how I use all my two-channel amps!
@@marktestroote8668 hi, a keyboard player speaking here; I’m getting into learning how to play guitar as a utility player in different bands. Is this two channel set up some thing I should look into getting as a conventional way of using my outboard gear which is 19 inch rack?
Great video. Great to see Lee and his experience with the Boos IR2. All the best, guys!
I tell you Paul, nuff respect but your man Lee is the true influencer in the room. Get cracking with more on the Ridge. I was a bit surprised to see that pedal making a second run around RUclips, after taking the world by storm on round one I think it’s past time it be given another decent highlight.
I love all of my vintage tube amps, but I also love the Boss Katana. This pedal seems like the less feature packed version of the Katana with IR capabilities. Super cool and it looks extremely easy to use.
I don't think Tube amps can ever be replaced. It sure is nice to have all these neat tools available though.
I think they'll just go the way of the classic car. People will still collect them, hardly use them or just keep them in the studio and gig with smaller pedal sized "amps" for gigging. At least, that's what I plan on doing.
Tube amps are a thing of a past but people will still covet them for their legendary status. But more and more guitarists are moving away from tube amps anyways.
Ordered one of these last week, along with the Boss BP-1w Boost/Preamp, can't wait to get them and and try them out!
I bought one and it sounded good for what it was. Then I A/B'd it against my old Vox Tonelab LE and the Tonelab tones were just as good for most models. It just goes to show that modeling has been good for a long time. What you're paying for is everything in a small package and convenience. Not necessarily any tones that you couldn't get from a POD, Tonelab, or other multi fx unit from the past 10 years.
Monster tones and monster playing. That tele can rock and I did like the other guitar tones for the cleaner work. Nice.
Ooow I like that sounds great ..excellent review 👍👍
That tele sound 🤤🤤 great review 🤘
Gigging. Good video guys!
You two made it sound great
Love this pedal!
Lee just utterly SLEW the argument.
My own studio intern’s ears have ALWAYS been able to tell the difference between a modeler & the real thing.
My steak ended up in this past month; also because if UA’s recent products.
Well done, guys!
👏
Slew
The boss own preamps have always been great. I still use the Natural Clean on my GP-10. Choose a less bassy cab (4x12 always have too much bass). Such a lovely crunch.
When I grow up I want to play like Lee . Sounds awesome! Really enjoyed this
Me too, I'm 39
@@scramblesthedeathdealer Me too, I'm 75!
@@leemac1659 👍 Never too late, rock on!
@@leemac1659, I’m 102!
I was very impressed with all the videos I watched but less impressed when I purchased one. exchanged it for the IR200 and was absolutely delighted
Fantastic I’m glad you found what you were looking for.
What about this one was unimpressive, and what did you particularly like about the 200?
So good to see some sensible prices for the digital stuff. Guitarists have grown too acustome to pay 400+ for the same ol dsp running a plugin. Thank you boss. Unfortunateley i hear a hint of the signature bozz modeling fizz my uafx ruby lacks. Expensive but wonderful plugin pedal. Im not tweaking anymore. Used to all the time on hx stomp. Next wish for boss: a 129€ lofi pedal with at least 11 algos making all the watery genlossy shallow boutique stuff superfluous. Cmon boss. Your lofi algos in the sp404 are dope. Spit em out.
That intro alone, damn.
I gotta get one of these.
ikr
That honestly sounds absolutely insane, considering the size and the price. Incredible.
Awesomeness. ❤
Obviously, how well this suits someone depends on their circumstances. Personally, I do a variety gigs from rock, country, reggae and anything in between. But I rarely need more than a couple of sounds at each gig, because I use the guitar volume and tone controls as well. For me, this pedal frees me from the constraints of presets. I can get to a rehearsal or gig, dial in a couple of sounds with physical knobs that suit the band and also the venue. I don't have to get a phone out to modify presets. If I find halfway through soundcheck that I need more mids, I can bend down and tweak it at the time. With a drive pedal in front of it, and something like a UAFX Del-Verb in the loop, all my bases are covered. Paul made the point that most amps only have one or two channels, so the fact that this pedal only has two presets shouldn't be seen as a big loss. But what this pedal has is two channels that can be any of a wide selection of amps, which is really flexible for someone like me. I just got mine, and I love it.
Nice piece of gear. Hope fractal joins the party and launches a compact pedal with only amps.
I love mine. Use it constantly. Great bang for buck. Great for recording. Perfect for practice. Great variety of sounds. Being Boss I know it won't crap out on me - probably ever.
Great video, strongly considering this as a helix backup!
Wish you had live recordings with room sound and a direct to compare how it holds up in a band ❤
I’m working on how to do this, and get a band mix, that I’m not having to adjust too much to get a decent live sound, with little or no post effects.
I think that a demo channel, that has a short demo like most do, and then a band demo, doing several styles and types of tones to hear it in a mix, would be a game changer, in exposing why so many people are disappointed, when they try to gig with an effect, after hearing such beautiful tones in a demo.
The tone that sounds great at home by oneself, will almost never be what works in the full band mix.
WE'VE USED IT ON OUR LATEST RELEASE, SOUNDS AMAZING
sounds awesome
Planning on building a small board around one with a Wampler gearbox in front of it. Has a built in klon and noisegate. Hendrix wah in front.
Sounds really good. I might be tempted if I was in the market for something like it
I gig/busk a bit and am thinking of getting this pedal and I'll tell you why. I do the coffeehouse-ish acoustic duo thing. She sings, I play and sing harmony. While we've been through a couple gear configurations, what we've landed on is almost always playing through a PA, either our own or the house's (if they have one). I'm already bringing a small pedal board so I can have a decent reverb and my looper. Thinking about throwing one of these on there so I can easily switch to electric. I'd have to bring two guitars, but at least I wouldn't have to bring another amp. Still just my little pedal board. Would open our set up to a lot more variety.
great video thank you
Glad you enjoyed it
Sounds great
Happy New Years mates 🎊 . The Boss done well with this one I played through 2 different Marshall’s for the sake of simplicity JCM800 and A Plexi I used the Boss IR’s TC. electronics Booster Line Driver With And old MXR Distortion + Tweaked with a Boss GE-7 Eq in the FX loop and my trusty old Boss DD-3 Delay I play Rock
my own experience is buy another if it quit on me I like it so much great tones and massive to my ears
Conclusion get one play with it yourself you won’t be disappointed Boss has done a killer job with these
It's really great. I'd like to know if there are some differences in tone and feel between this and boss me90 or Gx100 (which i like as a format)
If I didn't have a Dream 65 i'd try this. Rock on, boys.
Great demo! I would love to hear your thoughts on the Two Notes Opus! I own a ToneX and a bunch of modelers and amps, and it has really blown my mind.
Great video. Nice pedal. I am going to build a pedal board amo and this thing is fine. Two presents is plenty. A crunch sound that I just lower the volume on the guitar for cleans and a present for a boogie Mark two C for lead and heavy stuff since that's 85 percent of what I play and I would use a micro pitch delay and a way maybe and I'm home! Might add a tube screamer in front and would want a FRFR cab for hearing myself and that's all I need. Small pedal board and easy setup. ❤
Great video and it sounded great to me . I don't need loads of amps. Just clean and dirty or crunchy and dirty. ❤
....in my opinion...that pedal...must be keepet and its a must have in 2024...!
The intro was juicy
Hey! I've watch your video maybe 5 times! Thanks a lot for taking your time to make it for us! I really like how this pedal sounds! I've already ordered the pedal and I'm waiting for it to arrive :) I have one question though :) Which exact IR's you've used on this video? I understood, they are Own Hammer, but which ones? :)
Thank you very much!
Cheers!
If only I could get me one 😢 … great playing guys.
Yeah, they're sold out everywhere. I happened to randomly get on Amazon two days ago by chance. Randomly check Amazon - they pop up occasionally.
Hi thank you for the video!!!!!which pickup bridge do you use?i have a alnico 2 humbucker in my neck.Merci pour ce que vous faites continuez ;)
Killer tones you guys got out of this box!
but it's not out of the box - they're using a non-stock IR.
very frustrating.
I get that but from the demos I have heard, it does sound very good stock and loading an Ownhammer V30 IR seems pretty easy with this unit. @@johnnymcribblestonebreaker5910
I like it had effects loop and just 2 channels- it’s an amp with loop and channel selector essentially
really nice demo sounds amazing, do you need a Noise Gate for HG?
What’s the bridge pick-up on that tele please?
this pedal, i'm struggling to not love it's tones. i never got blown away by the ir 200, but this thing screams worthy of any pedal board
It’s pretty epic.
I hate the form factor of the IR-200, I like Boss compact and twin pedal designs.
@@scramblesthedeathdealerme too, I just love how the felling on stomping on old school boss pedal.
Love dd500 hated how it felt stomping on em, so I’m back to dd20
Kinda wish I could mod dd500 into twin pedal format
@redcomn Yes, I just grabbed a DD-20 not long ago, love it (unfortunately the back-lit LCD screen goes dark after a few minutes, you can still decipher what it says, so minor inconvenience)! I also have an RE-20 Space Echo, an OD-20 overdrive, and an RC-20XL Loop Station, gotta get the Rotary, Slicer, etc still.
@redcomn I've also thought about using broken Boss compact and twin pedals to house other brands of pedals.
Boss deserve his name.
Wonder what the Guv'nor sounds like in front if it?
If they ever get in stock in Canada again I will definitely be getting one. Oh but then there is NAMM in a few weeks... hmmm... and on and on it goes.
Btw, what pickups do you have on the Tele, especially the bridge?
I searched all over the place for a IR-2, but there is at least a two month wait for stocks, so I ended up buy a Boss IR-200, probably a lot better to as it’s got memory, maybe when I can just walk into a store and buy an IR-2 so I can add one to my Boss pedalboard, but that probably won’t be for another 4-6 months.
Some of the best tones I've heard from the IR-2. Perhaps Boss should hire Lee to set their pedals up! Which IR's is he using?
Own hammer V30 4x12
@@Docksidestudio1 pretty absurd that we're not hearing the stock IR's in this vid.
@@johnnymcribblestonebreaker5910 You can hear the stock IRs anywhere.
Great video guys! Could you please do a similar gigging review with the headrush prime? Cheers
Wow! What IR was he using for the modded tones at the beginning of the video?
That sounds great. Would be nice to know what Ownhammer IRs Lee put in there.
Own Hammer V30 4x12
Great stuff guys, kinda interested in more info on how you connect this in a live situation. Do you use a separate DI? How do you influence what you hear in your in ear, do you have a separate channel? What about the pa sound, how do you/your sound guy correct for the pa-speakers own sound or do you adjust the Boss IR-2 on what u use? Rock on, Bob
How would you compare it to an iRig setup? (if comparable) I'm looking for a simple setup to practice with headphones but would like a nice & possibly accurate sound. Thanks!
I just got an IRig HD X to run Tonex as a mobile IOS rig for streaming, small gigging, practicing out of the studio, etc. This Boss pedal just makes wonder if i should trade the Irig for the Boss. Please i'd love to know your thoughts on this. I've been watching your Tonex videos and playing your Matchbox 35 capture which sounds awesome by the way.
Also the IOS stuff is more complicated to connect and still don't know how i'm gonna manage to switch presets without floor switches. Right now by hand...hahaha. Thanks so much for your great videos!
Thanks Did you output to power monitor? Which speaker size? One thing I don’t like is no power off button. I have to unplug the cable from input jack each time which is not convenient after integrating it to my pedalboard.
What tele is that ? It looks just like my 1963 Vintage ii
Could you possibly share what irs you used? They sound great and I always find myself lost in choice on irs, with too many variants and mics, etc. Thanks for the vid!
Own hammer v30 4x12
Great point Paul made about presets. This pedal is designed as an amp replacement. How many people take 11 amps to a gig? Same argument with the UA Dream, Ruby, Lion, Woodrow. When comparing these smaller units to an HX Stomp (ahem, JNC), Kemper, Axe FX etc etc etc, folk have clearly missed the point. Now what I really need someone to do is an in depth comparison of the IR-2 and IR-200. And I believe Paul (feel free to join in Lee) might just be the perfect chap for this task 🙂
I think a great thing about this one is that it’s cheap and a great entry point. It lets you get a good idea of what those amps sound like. If I ended up always using the Diamond setting, I’d probably eventually go get a UAFX Ruby or maybe Simplifier MK2 and maybe even just an AC30.
Hi. I luv your videis. They are very well done and full of information. I wanted to ask you a question. I noticed that in most of the demos of this pedal that both the A and B output is being used to go to their DAW most likely, even in people not using stereo pedals. My question is, if I plan to go direct to a PA, do both outputs have to be used? Or just use the MONO A output? Does it sound better using both outputs? Also, do you have to change something in the parameters of the pedal when you use both outputs, or just leave it in the default setting? Thanks for the answers I hope to get.
You can use 1 output.
I’m still waiting for the UA Lion 68 review 😉
I have a question about the IR technology used in modern guitar effects pedals. Besides distortion tones, can IRs include EQ (equalization) or other time-based effects like delay and reverb? I would love to hear your insights on this topic.
I really appreciate your reasoning countering your mate’s criticism of not having more than 2 presets on the IR-2 since there IS a product by the very same company for that demand which of course is the IR-200. So your take that adding maybe a boost and an OD pedals can perfectly serve someone like me who does not want too many choices when I perform live. In that scenario all of a sudden you have 4 tone choices to go for or more depending on how many guitars you travel with. I rather like the limitations of having an amp with only two channels - clean and crunchy - so that I can better focus on my playing, specially if there weren’t many rehearsals beforehand as so often is the case, regrettably. Last few years actually it’s been a Clapton CS Strat and just a Fender Blues Jr that did the trick for me. The Clapton has an active mid-boost and 25dbs of gain on a knob to push the amp into overdrive. However, this pedal for me seems like THE choice (finally) for an amp backup with brilliant tones without breaking the bank.
I’m waiting on mine. I preordered a month ago. Everyone on RUclips seems to have one. Wondering where mine is!
How does the clean ( Fender type sound in the IR-2 ) sound in comparison with the ua the dream 65 ? I like the one Chanel or two Chanel aproach too . Not all those amps and presets . A good clean sound ( like real Fender amp ) , but then modelled or captured . Ad some stompboxes and done
Was looking at buying, however, I have a Blackstar Dept 10 dual drive. Not sure it’s too similar?
really curious which exact impulse you guys were using?
What are you playing thru tho for a speaker cab or powered speaker? Obviously you can do direct at big venues and use in ears or floor monitor. But what are you guys playing thru for us to hear these tones? I tried the headrush powered speaker and it sounds awful and it’s heavy.
What pickups are in that tele?? I have always wondered…
Does this have the same AIRD amp sims as the GX100? I have the GX and wonder if there is reason to get this.
Would you guys prefer this over the Friedman ir-x you reviewed a month or so ago? I have the Friedman but am having a love/hate thing going on. Turning the gain up past 2 the low end gets sloppy no matter what setting with irs or bypassed. Wonder if this is the same?
Using the same IR, the Hi Gain mode on the IR2 sounds just about identical to the IRX channel 2. The eq easily sorts out any flub. The IR2 is cheaper, smaller and runs off batteries!
Great demo and playing! One question which OwnHammer IRs did you choose? Thanks!
Hi John, I think Lee has answered this in some other comments below. He is away at the moment but I’m sure he will answer when he gets back.
neat!
Does the IR2 have balanced outs? Just trying to see if simple TRS to XLR cables will work, or if I’d have to go with a direct box/Line iso. Thanks.
No balanced outs. Use a DI box
I love the IR-2, but his tones are awesome. Is it possible to know what IRs Lee is using? They make such a huge différence.
OwnHammer V30 4x12
@@Docksidestudio1 Thank you, I’m gonna try that!
Im trying to send my guitar signal into two pre amps to two power amps going to two seperate cabs. That way i got one preamp coming out one 4x12 and the other preamp coming out the other 4x12
What platform does that? Axe fx?
What pickup is in that Tele’s bridge position???? 😳
I see that both outputs are being used with only one input. Does that mean that it's taking the mono guitar signal and putting it into stereo?
How does it respond to lower volumes on the guitar? Does it feedback?
Excelent vídeo guys! I couldn’t figure out what was the first position you played, what amp was?
Cheers Nic, I think Lee was in the xmod setting
Plus it’s the best practice tool to brings anywhere.
Don’t dismiss how easy it made you to practice too.
During work break
Warmup before show
Forget how that one line goes before your slot?
Just plug your phone and headphones and noodle away.
What reverb is that?
Can someone comment on how responsive this pedal is to guitar volume control? Will it cleanup, get dirty with adjusting volume on guitar like my Marshall tube amp?
I pre-ordered an IR-2 back in December, and as much as I like what I've seen and heard, I'm feeling like it's limited in adjusting things, compared to the IR-200. I wish that the 200 had the Soldano and Rectifier amp types as well as a stereo loop, but I think I'd like the 200's menu and way to adjust better...