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Boss NS-2 Question

theholeinthings

theholeinthings

Dec 1, 2012
69
11
Carbondale, Illinois
#1
I was thinking about buying a Boss NS-2 to kill some noise I get when using my Rat Tail at higher volumes but I had a couple of questions about the Boss NS-2. Basically I was just wondering if there was a way to hook up the Boss NS-2 without using the send and return jacks. I took a look at the manual and it said "You can also set up the NS-2 at the end of other effects," so I guess you can, right? So would I get the effects of the NS-2 if I ran my rig like this:

Bass > Tuner > OCD > Rat Tail > VT Bass > NS-2 > Input of GK800RB

Also, would this be the only way to use the Boss NS-2 without using the send and return jacks? Would it be possible to run it near the beginning of my effects like this:

Bass > Tuner > NS-2 > OCD > Rat Tail > VT Bass > Input of GK800RB

Thanks in advance guys.
 
#5
DiabolusInMusic said:
You will get better results by sending the fuzz through the FX loop in my experience, otherwise it has to be after any noisy effects.

You should note, the NS-2 is a HUGE tone sucker, you will notice an impact in your tone.
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Its not that bad. I use one and my tone rules. It helps me not start squealing when I am not playing. I always have it on since I am always running a drive of some sort.

I don't use the loop. I just have it after my drives.
 
#6
skulletwhip said:
Its not that bad. I use one and my tone rules. It helps me not start squealing when I am not playing. I always have it on since I am always running a drive of some sort.

I don't use the loop. I just have it after my drives.
Click to expand...

Run your bass through just the NS-2 into the amp for 5 minutes, then just go 1/4" to amp, that is reason I stopped using mine. There was a noticeable drop in tone, the NS-2 is easily the most tone sucking pedal in the entire Boss line. To each their own.

I suppose I should have added OP, look at an ISP decimator, they are about the same price but they aren't even comparable in terms of quality. The only downside to the ISP is that it is a 1 knob function, which can be a pain sometimes.
 
#7
I highly recommend the Decimator G string. It has a loop like the ns-2 but doesn't suck tone. I run into it first (after my compressor) then to all my drives and fuzzes within the loop and then take the decimators output direct to my amp. Works great and my setup is completely silent even with gobs of chaotic pedals turned on. Only makes sound when I play. Love it.
 
#9
Thanks for all the help/suggestions guys. Man, those Decimators look nice but they cost a little more than I'm willing to spend on something like a noise suppressor. I guess I should have mentioned this in my initial post, but I'm basically just trying to get rid of squealing when I'm not playing, so I think the NS-2 will be adequate. I figure the NS-2 can't be too bad because I see it on tons of professional players boards alongside expensive pedals and gear.
 
#10
theholeinthings said:
Thanks for all the help/suggestions guys. Man, those Decimators look nice but they cost a little more than I'm willing to spend on something like a noise suppressor. I guess I should have mentioned this in my initial post, but I'm basically just trying to get rid of squealing when I'm not playing, so I think the NS-2 will be adequate. I figure the NS-2 can't be too bad because I see it on tons of professional players boards alongside expensive pedals and gear.
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The extra $40 (pedal version, not rackmount) is money well spent. Seriously, the two pedals aren't even comparable in terms of sound quality.

Ask anybody who has used both, I would be amazed if even 1 person picked the Boss. The Boss is a tone suck and the ISP is the cream of the crop.

If you are buying used, then I will concede it will be cheaper and easier to get an NS-2, people don't part with the ISP and they will want more for it if they do part with it.

It is your money, but be warned, you might just be throwing it away when you do inevitably upgrade to the ISP.
 
#12
No. You don't need to use the send/return jacks, but beware, it is a tone sucker. There's probably much better noise gates out there.

theholeinthings said:
I figure the NS-2 can't be too bad because I see it on tons of professional players boards alongside expensive pedals and gear.
Click to expand...

That's what I thought since Mark Hoppus has such an awesome live tone but overall it's not a very good pedal. Maybe it sucks less tone or sounds better or something when it's 50% of your effects pedals.
 

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