How much gain can the Orange Two Stroke provide?

The pedal is capable of providing a clean output boost of up to 12dB. This allows it to push the front end of a valve amplifier or increase the volume for solo sections.

What is the benefit of the internal pump circuit?

The pump circuit doubles the internal voltage from the 9V input. This significantly increases headroom, preventing the pedal from distorting internally and keeping the tone clear.

Does the Two Stroke feature true bypass?

No, it features a buffered bypass signal type. This is intended to preserve signal quality and prevent high-frequency loss over long cable runs or large pedalboards.

Can I use this pedal with a bass guitar?

Yes, the Two Stroke is designed to be compatible with electric bass. Its parametric EQ allows for fine-tuning low-end frequencies without losing clarity.

Is it suitable for acoustic instruments?

Yes, it can be used with electro-acoustic guitars. The EQ controls help in shaping the tone and pushing the sound forward in a live mix.

What type of EQ does the pedal have?

It features an active dual-parametric EQ. This gives the player the ability to select and adjust specific frequency bands rather than just basic bass and treble.

What is the typical price of the Orange Two Stroke?

The typical price range for this pedal is approximately GBP 115. This places it in the mid-range category for professional-grade boost and EQ pedals.

Where in the signal chain should I place the Two Stroke?

It can be used at the beginning to shape your guitar's core tone, or in an effects loop to act as a volume boost for solos. Its high headroom makes it very flexible for various placements.

How does it compare to a distortion pedal like the Big Muff?

Unlike the Big Muff, which adds significant sustain and clipping, the Two Stroke is a clean boost. It is designed for transparency and frequency control rather than adding heavy saturation.

Does it work well with other pedals like the Boss DD-3T?

Yes, the buffered bypass helps maintain signal integrity when paired with other pedals like delays or suppressors. It acts as a clean foundation for your overall pedalboard.

What power supply does the Two Stroke require?

It uses a standard 9V DC input. The internal circuitry then doubles this voltage to provide the increased headroom mentioned by the manufacturer.

Can the Two Stroke be used to 'tighten' a lead tone?

Absolutely. By using the EQ to boost mid-range or high frequencies while increasing the output gain, you can create a focused lead tone that cuts through a band mix.

Gear article

Orange Two Stroke Boost EQ

The Orange Two Stroke is a precision-engineered boost and equaliser pedal designed by Orange Amplification to provide up to 12dB of clean output gain. It features an active dual-parametric EQ and a specialized internal charge pump circuit to maximise headroom and signal clarity.

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Overview

The Orange Two Stroke functions as a versatile utility pedal, combining a clean boost with a sophisticated active EQ section. Unlike traditional volume boosters that may lack frequency control, the Two Stroke is designed for 'fine-tuning' a player's core signal or pushing an amplifier into natural saturation. It is housed in a durable metal chassis typical of Orange's pedal line and is priced competitively within the mid-range boutique market, typically retailing around GBP 115.

Circuit Design and Headroom

A defining technical feature of the Two Stroke is its internal 'pump circuit'. This design takes a standard 9V DC input and doubles the voltage internally. The primary benefit of this increased voltage is 'extraordinary heights' of headroom. High headroom prevents the pedal's own circuitry from clipping prematurely, ensuring that the boosted signal remains clean even when the EQ controls are set to extreme positions. This makes it particularly effective for use within an effects loop where signal levels are often higher.

Equalisation and Tonal Character

The pedal features a dual-parametric EQ, allowing users to sculpt specific frequencies rather than relying on fixed bass and treble presets.

Oil/Boost: Provides up to 12dB of gain.
High/Low Controls: Allow for precise frequency adjustments to cut through a mix during lead sections.
Utility: Because of its wide frequency response, it is not limited to electric guitar; it is also suitable for use with electric bass and electro-acoustic guitars to enhance their natural resonance.

Signal Chain Integration

The Two Stroke employs a buffered bypass signal type. This is a deliberate design choice by Orange to combat the high-end signal loss that can occur when using long cable runs or complex effects loops. By maintaining a low-impedance signal, the pedal ensures the integrity of the guitar's tone throughout the entire signal chain, even when the effect is disengaged.

Comparison to Alternatives

While standard utility pedals like the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor or the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay focus on specific temporal or corrective tasks, the Two Stroke is a tonal shaping tool. Compared to high-gain alternatives like the Electro Harmonix Big Muff Distortion Sustainer, the Two Stroke offers a cleaner, more transparent approach to volume. It provides a different utility than the Fender Hammertone Flanger or Digitech Whammy Ricochet, acting as the 'always-on' foundation or a specific lead-boost rather than a modulation or pitch-shifting effect.

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Frequently asked questions

How much gain can the Orange Two Stroke provide?: The pedal is capable of providing a clean output boost of up to 12dB. This allows it to push the front end of a valve amplifier or increase the volume for solo sections.
What is the benefit of the internal pump circuit?: The pump circuit doubles the internal voltage from the 9V input. This significantly increases headroom, preventing the pedal from distorting internally and keeping the tone clear.
Does the Two Stroke feature true bypass?: No, it features a buffered bypass signal type. This is intended to preserve signal quality and prevent high-frequency loss over long cable runs or large pedalboards.
Can I use this pedal with a bass guitar?: Yes, the Two Stroke is designed to be compatible with electric bass. Its parametric EQ allows for fine-tuning low-end frequencies without losing clarity.
Is it suitable for acoustic instruments?: Yes, it can be used with electro-acoustic guitars. The EQ controls help in shaping the tone and pushing the sound forward in a live mix.
What type of EQ does the pedal have?: It features an active dual-parametric EQ. This gives the player the ability to select and adjust specific frequency bands rather than just basic bass and treble.
What is the typical price of the Orange Two Stroke?: The typical price range for this pedal is approximately GBP 115. This places it in the mid-range category for professional-grade boost and EQ pedals.
Where in the signal chain should I place the Two Stroke?: It can be used at the beginning to shape your guitar's core tone, or in an effects loop to act as a volume boost for solos. Its high headroom makes it very flexible for various placements.
How does it compare to a distortion pedal like the Big Muff?: Unlike the Big Muff, which adds significant sustain and clipping, the Two Stroke is a clean boost. It is designed for transparency and frequency control rather than adding heavy saturation.
Does it work well with other pedals like the Boss DD-3T?: Yes, the buffered bypass helps maintain signal integrity when paired with other pedals like delays or suppressors. It acts as a clean foundation for your overall pedalboard.
What power supply does the Two Stroke require?: It uses a standard 9V DC input. The internal circuitry then doubles this voltage to provide the increased headroom mentioned by the manufacturer.
Can the Two Stroke be used to 'tighten' a lead tone?: Absolutely. By using the EQ to boost mid-range or high frequencies while increasing the output gain, you can create a focused lead tone that cuts through a band mix.