Buy a Boss LS-2

[Jazz Ad]

I don't know how many times I recommended this unit in the 10 past years.
If you're even slightly interested into effects and gear experimentation, you will need what this unit does at some point.
It covers such a vast range of applications it's almost ridiculous and all this for 80 bucks, so just get one and be done.

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[Racermech]

The LS-2 fricken rocks. I use mine as a little mixer for my distorted bass and my clean/effected bass. Works wonders. Plus, I scored it on ebay for like 40 bucks.

 

[LzeroKI]

can this pedal be used as a blender for a Muff or some other sort of fuzz? if so how?

 

[BobaMosfett]

Dunno...
I've got one, and after a while it became really independable; the channel switching was sort of random. You don't want to have to stomp it 5 times before you have the right channel in the middle of a song.
Plus, it's not true bypass...

But I agree, if it does what it should do, it's a great device.

 

[nicfargo]

I prefer the Loop Master (loopmaster.com). He tailor makes any loop pedal you want. It's sweet. If you don't want decals or logos, he'll even knock off $5. It's high quality and true bypass...boss pedals are not unfortunately.

 

[Jazz Ad]

Loop Master make true bypass loop boxes. It's cool but that's it.
If you need to mix, boost, split or blend signals they're worthless.

 

[secombs]

ummmm, that link went to something to improve your casting stroke for flyfishing...

 

[Higgie]

ummmm, that link went to something to improve your casting stroke for flyfishing...

www.loop-master.com

And I agree - I still haven't picked up an LS-2 but I know I will at some point.

Here's just a quick list of stuff it can do:
2 basses into 1 amp
1 bass into 2 amps, seperate or simultaneous
Mix effects with clean
Mix one loop of effects with another (ie, run fuzz in one loop, chorus in the other, but instead of having fuzz into chorus, it will have fuzz and chorus on seperate clean signals)

As you can see, with having 2 loops as well as an output, you can do a variety of things. It's definitely on my "to buy" list.

 

[eshears]

I've been looking at the LS-2 for awhile, too. I just wish it could run Line A into Line B in addition to the other modes. For example, I'd want to put fuzz in A and phaser in B, and then be able to run fuzz/phaser mixed separately OR run fuzz into phaser.

 

[McThumpin]

What other alternatives are available that have roughly the same features as the LS-2?

 

[idoru]

can this pedal be used as a blender for a Muff or some other sort of fuzz? if so how?

Easy - run all your fx you want to blend in one loop, and leave the other one empty. Tweak levels to taste.

c-

 

[niftydog]

I've got one, and after a while it became really independable; the channel switching was sort of random.

That's certainly not typical of Boss products so I wouldn't be discouraged by that.

Plus, it's not true bypass...

Yeah, what a fantastic feature, eh?!!

 

[EricF]

I prefer the Loop Master (loopmaster.com). He tailor makes any loop pedal you want. It's sweet. If you don't want decals or logos, he'll even knock off $5. It's high quality and true bypass...boss pedals are not unfortunately.

A simple true-bypass loop like loop-master makes is quite different than the LS-2.

 

[Higgie]

As niftydog said, it's good to have a buffer in the chain, as having all True Bypass stuff just degrades your signal going through all the wires (Resistance in the wires). I've never found anything bad about the Boss bypass. Always sounded fine to me.

 

[Jazz Ad]

What other alternatives are available that have roughly the same features as the LS-2?

Well that's the thing. The answer is none.
Many pedals have several of the functions the LS-2 offers (sometimes they even do it better) but none is as versatile.
It could still be improved since some functions are missing but it is a very complete and well thought box as is.

 

[Higgie]

Well that's the thing. The answer is none.
Many pedals have several of the functions the LS-2 offers (sometimes they even do it better) but none is as versatile.
It could still be improved since some functions are missing but it is a very complete and well thought box as is.

+[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Bassbasixx]

Excuse me if this sounds lame don't know a lot about effects, Say you have 2 or 3 effects example a overdrive + octave and you want to combine both to come on at the same time on occasion and don't want to press 2 stomp pedals or sometimes run them solo. will this unit provide that, or you have a 3rd pedal you want mixed in the bunch to combine all 3 or each one solo as above example. will this unit do that or do I need something else. what I would like is just that and be able to just hit one button or pedal. I think you effect junkies know what I am talking about school me up on this thanks

 

[niftydog]

Say you have 2 or 3 effects... and you want to combine both to come on at the same time... will this unit provide that

Yes.

or you have a 3rd pedal you want mixed in the bunch to combine all 3 or each one solo as above example. will this unit do that

No. The best you could do is have two pedals in channel A, and the third pedal in channel B, but then to access a single pedal in the channel A you'd need to turn on/off the individual pedals. Also, the two pedals in channel A would be in series and not in parallel (mixed.)

 

[Bassbasixx]

What are those switches I see on on the front of several pedal boards is that for something different or kind of the same deal ?

 

[niftydog]

Search around the forum and you'll soon find out - most such switches would be part of a true bypass looping system. A link to a manufacturer of such systems has been posted in this very thread!