Boss
Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion Guitar Pedal
★★★★★
Dual-mode distortion pedal that shifts from warm blues grit to aggressive lead tones with the flip of a switch.
$96.00*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
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Overview
Specifications
Type
Distortion Pedal
Modes
Turbo Mode I (warm, mellow distortion), Turbo Mode II (biting distortion with mid-range boost)
Controls
Level, Tone, Distortion, Turbo Mode Selector
Remote Jack
Yes (for external footswitch, e.g., FS-5L)
Power
9V battery or PSA-series AC adapter
Brand
Boss
Model
DS-2
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Two distinct distortion voicings in a single compact pedal reduce pedalboard clutter
- Two distinct distortion voicings in a single compact pedal
- Two distinct distortion voices in a single compact pedal provide tonal versatility without extra gear.
- Remote jack enables hands-free mode switching mid-performance via an external footswitch.
- Remote jack enables hands-free mode switching during live performance
- Remote jack enables hands-free mode switching during live performance
- Durable Boss compact housing withstands heavy stage use
- Rugged Boss metal housing built for heavy stage use
- Boss compact pedal construction is built to withstand heavy gigging and pedalboard use.
- Simple three-knob layout (Tone, Level, Distortion) makes dialing in sounds fast and intuitive.
- Simple three-knob layout makes dialing in tones fast and intuitive
- Responsive Tone and Dist controls allow fine-tuning from mild crunch to saturated gain
- Runs on battery or adapter, keeping power options flexible for any setup.
👎 Cons
- Buffered bypass may color the dry signal slightly compared to true-bypass designs
- Only two mode options may feel limiting compared to multi-voice distortion pedals with broader tonal range.
- No built-in buffer bypass option for players who prefer true bypass signal chains
- AC adapter is sold separately
- The external footswitch required for hands-free mode switching is sold separately.
- Only two distortion modes with no clean blend or additional voicing options
- 9V adapter is not included and must be purchased separately
- High-gain settings on Turbo Mode II can introduce noise if not paired with a noise gate.
- Turbo Mode II mid-boost voicing may not suit players seeking scooped or flat EQ distortion
- No built-in buffered bypass toggle for players who prefer true bypass signal chains.
- Mid-heavy Mode II voicing may not suit players seeking scooped or modern metal tones
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Turbo Mode I and Turbo Mode II?
Mode I delivers a warm, mellow distortion suited to rhythm playing and classic rock tones. Mode II adds a pronounced mid-range boost with more aggressive clipping, ideal for cutting lead lines.
What is the difference between Turbo Mode I and Turbo Mode II on the DS-2?
Turbo Mode I delivers a warm, mellow distortion suited for rhythm playing and blues-rock tones. Turbo Mode II adds a pronounced mid-range boost with more aggressive bite, ideal for cutting lead lines.
What is the difference between Turbo Mode I and Turbo Mode II on the DS-2?
Turbo Mode I delivers a warm, mellow distortion suited for rhythm playing and bluesy tones. Turbo Mode II adds a pronounced mid-range boost with more aggressive bite, ideal for cutting lead lines.
What does the remote jack on the DS-2 do?
The remote jack lets you connect an external footswitch, such as the Boss FS-5L, so you can switch between Turbo Mode I and Turbo Mode II hands-free during a performance.
What does the remote jack on the DS-2 do?
The remote jack lets you connect an external footswitch like the Boss FS-5L, so you can switch between Turbo Mode I and Turbo Mode II hands-free while performing.
Can I switch between the two modes without bending down?
Yes. The DS-2 has a remote jack that accepts an external footswitch such as the Boss FS-5L, allowing hands-free mode switching during a performance.
What controls are available on the pedal?
The pedal features Tone, Level, and Dist (distortion amount) knobs, plus the Turbo mode selector for choosing between Mode I and Mode II.
Can the DS-2 run on battery power?
Yes, the DS-2 runs on a single 9V battery or an optional PSA-series AC adapter, giving you flexibility for practice or stage use.
Can the DS-2 run on battery power?
Yes, the DS-2 runs on a single 9V battery or an optional PSA-series AC adapter, giving you flexibility for both stage and practice use.
Is the DS-2 suitable for bass guitar?
The DS-2 is voiced and designed for electric guitar frequencies. While you can run a bass through it, the pedal's EQ shaping is optimized for guitar and may thin out low-end bass response.
Is the DS-2 suitable for high-gain metal tones?
Turbo Mode II can push into heavier territory with its mid-boosted distortion, though the DS-2 is generally voiced for rock and blues styles rather than extreme high-gain metal.
Does this pedal run on batteries or does it need a power adapter?
It can run on a single 9V battery or an optional 9V DC power adapter (such as the Boss PSA series), giving you flexibility for pedalboard or standalone use.
Is the DS-2 true bypass?
No. Like most Boss compact pedals, the DS-2 uses buffered bypass, which helps maintain signal integrity across long cable runs and large pedalboards.
Where does the DS-2 typically go in a signal chain?
It is generally placed after tuners and compressors but before modulation, delay, and reverb effects, following standard distortion pedal placement.
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