What is the primary purpose of the Boss LS-2?

The Boss LS-2 is a line selector pedal used to switch between multiple effects loops, amplifiers, or to mix two different signal paths together. It provides a compact solution for managing complex guitar or bass rigs.

How many loops does the LS-2 have?

The LS-2 features two independent loops, designated as Loop A and Loop B. Each loop has its own Send and Return jacks for connecting external effects or devices.

Can the LS-2 power other pedals?

Yes, the LS-2 includes a DC Out jack. When the LS-2 is powered by an AC adapter, it can distribute power to other pedals using a daisy-chain cable, helping to organize a pedalboard.

Does the LS-2 have volume controls?

Yes, it features two level knobs—one for Line A and one for Line B. These allow you to adjust the volume of each loop relative to the bypass signal, which is useful for volume boosts or balancing different effects.

What are the six available modes on the LS-2?

The modes are A B, A Bypass, B Bypass, A -> B -> Bypass, A + B Mix -> Bypass, and Output Select. These modes determine how the footswitch cycles through the various inputs and outputs.

Can I use the LS-2 to switch between two different guitars?

Yes, by using the Return jacks as inputs, the LS-2 can be configured to switch between different instruments going into a single amplifier path.

Is it possible to use the LS-2 as an A/B/Y switch for two amps?

Yes, the LS-2 can route a single guitar signal to two different amplifiers. You can choose to switch between them individually or run both simultaneously using the 'A + B Mix' mode.

How does the LS-2 handle parallel processing?

In the 'A + B Mix -> Bypass' mode, the LS-2 blends the signals from both Loop A and Loop B together. This is commonly used by bassists to mix a clean signal with a distorted signal to maintain low-end clarity.

Is the LS-2 a buffered or true bypass pedal?

Like most Boss pedals, the LS-2 utilizes a high-quality buffer. This helps to maintain signal integrity and prevent high-frequency loss over long cable runs.

Can the LS-2 be used as a simple mute switch?

Yes, by setting the pedal to a mode involving a loop that has nothing connected to it, engaging that loop will result in silence, effectively acting as a kill-switch or mute.

What is the 'Output Select' mode used for?

The Output Select mode allows the pedal to act as a 1-in/3-out switcher. It cycles the input signal between the Output jack, Send A, and Send B, which is ideal for switching between three different amplifiers.

Does the LS-2 work with bass guitars?

Yes, the LS-2 is highly popular among bassists. It is frequently used to blend effects loops with the dry bass signal to ensure the fundamental frequencies remain punchy.

Gear article

Boss LS-2 Line Selector

The Boss LS-2 Line Selector is a versatile utility pedal designed to facilitate complex signal routing and switching for guitarists and bassists. Featuring two independent loops and six distinct operation modes, it allows users to manage multiple amplifiers and effects chains while providing power distribution for other pedals.

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Overview

The Boss LS-2 Line Selector serves as a central hub for guitar signal management. It is housed in the standard Boss compact pedal chassis, known for its rugged construction and reliability. The pedal is primarily used to switch between different effects loops, combine signal paths, or toggle between multiple amplifiers. It addresses common stage and studio challenges, such as signal loss in long chains or the need for instant transitions between radically different tonal setups.

Functional Modes and Control

The LS-2 is equipped with two independent line loops (A and B) and a six-position mode selector knob. The available modes include:

A <-> B: Alternates between Loop A and Loop B.
A <-> Bypass: Toggles between Loop A and the direct bypass signal.
B <-> Bypass: Toggles between Loop B and the direct bypass signal.
A -> B -> Bypass: A three-way cycle between Loop A, Loop B, and bypass.
A + B Mix -> Bypass: Combines both loops in parallel, toggling with bypass.
Output Select: Acts as a 1-in/3-out switcher for routing to different amplifiers.

Each loop features an individual level knob, allowing users to boost or attenuate the signal for each path independently, ensuring consistent volume when switching.

Power Distribution

In addition to signal routing, the LS-2 functions as a power distributor. When powered by a standard Boss AC adapter, it can supply 9V DC power to several other Boss compact pedals via a daisy-chain cable. This feature helps streamline pedalboard setups by reducing the number of individual power adapters required.

Applications and Compatibility

The LS-2 is suited for players who require precise control over their signal chain. It is often compared to other utility pedals like the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor, which focuses on signal cleaning, whereas the LS-2 focuses on routing. It is compatible with a wide range of gear, from classic fuzz units like the Electro Harmonix Big Muff to modern digital units like the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay. It also pairs effectively with expression tools such as the Yamaha FC7 or specialized effects like the Digitech Whammy Ricochet, allowing these to be completely bypassed when not in use to preserve signal integrity.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Boss LS-2?: The Boss LS-2 is a line selector pedal used to switch between multiple effects loops, amplifiers, or to mix two different signal paths together. It provides a compact solution for managing complex guitar or bass rigs.
How many loops does the LS-2 have?: The LS-2 features two independent loops, designated as Loop A and Loop B. Each loop has its own Send and Return jacks for connecting external effects or devices.
Can the LS-2 power other pedals?: Yes, the LS-2 includes a DC Out jack. When the LS-2 is powered by an AC adapter, it can distribute power to other pedals using a daisy-chain cable, helping to organize a pedalboard.
Does the LS-2 have volume controls?: Yes, it features two level knobs—one for Line A and one for Line B. These allow you to adjust the volume of each loop relative to the bypass signal, which is useful for volume boosts or balancing different effects.
What are the six available modes on the LS-2?: The modes are A <-> B, A <-> Bypass, B <-> Bypass, A -> B -> Bypass, A + B Mix -> Bypass, and Output Select. These modes determine how the footswitch cycles through the various inputs and outputs.
Can I use the LS-2 to switch between two different guitars?: Yes, by using the Return jacks as inputs, the LS-2 can be configured to switch between different instruments going into a single amplifier path.
Is it possible to use the LS-2 as an A/B/Y switch for two amps?: Yes, the LS-2 can route a single guitar signal to two different amplifiers. You can choose to switch between them individually or run both simultaneously using the 'A + B Mix' mode.
How does the LS-2 handle parallel processing?: In the 'A + B Mix -> Bypass' mode, the LS-2 blends the signals from both Loop A and Loop B together. This is commonly used by bassists to mix a clean signal with a distorted signal to maintain low-end clarity.
Is the LS-2 a buffered or true bypass pedal?: Like most Boss pedals, the LS-2 utilizes a high-quality buffer. This helps to maintain signal integrity and prevent high-frequency loss over long cable runs.
Can the LS-2 be used as a simple mute switch?: Yes, by setting the pedal to a mode involving a loop that has nothing connected to it, engaging that loop will result in silence, effectively acting as a kill-switch or mute.
What is the 'Output Select' mode used for?: The Output Select mode allows the pedal to act as a 1-in/3-out switcher. It cycles the input signal between the Output jack, Send A, and Send B, which is ideal for switching between three different amplifiers.
Does the LS-2 work with bass guitars?: Yes, the LS-2 is highly popular among bassists. It is frequently used to blend effects loops with the dry bass signal to ensure the fundamental frequencies remain punchy.