Alex Bonanno 
Overview
What is it? | Analog/Digital | Buffer |
|---|---|---|
| Distortion | Analog | Yes |
The BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone is a popular guitar effects pedal known for its aggressive, distorted tone. It was first introduced by BOSS, a division of the Roland Corporation, in 1991 and has since become a staple in the pedalboards of guitarists across a variety of genres.
The MT-2 is a distortion pedal, which means it is designed to add grit and saturation to your guitar's sound. It is often used to achieve a thick, heavy metal sound, hence its name. However, it is also capable of producing a wide range of distorted tones, from soft and subtle to highly distorted and over-the-top.
Despite its reputation as a metal pedal, the MT-2 is capable of producing a wide range of distorted tones suitable for a variety of genres. It is a popular choice for players of hard rock, metal, punk, and even some forms of electronic music.
One of the key benefits of the MT-2 is its versatility. The wide range of distorted tones it is capable of producing makes it a suitable choice for players of many different styles. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other high-gain distortion pedals on the market, making it a good choice for players on a budget.
Overall, the BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone is a highly regarded guitar effects pedal known for its aggressive, high-gain distortion and versatility. It is a popular choice for players of hard rock, metal, punk, and other styles that require a heavy, distorted sound.
BOSS MT-2 controls and features:
Level: Adjusts the overall output level of the pedal. This determines how loud the distorted sound is compared to the dry (unaffected) signal.
Dist: Adjusts the amount of distortion applied to the signal. At low settings, the distortion is subtle and subtle, while at high settings it becomes more aggressive and saturated.
Low and High EQ: These allow the user to boost or cut the bass and treble frequencies, respectively. This allows for precise tonal shaping, allowing the player to dial in the exact sound they are looking for.
Middle and Mid Freq: This adjusts the mid-range frequency content of the distortion. Turning the control clockwise will add more mid-range to the sound, while turning it counterclockwise will scoop out the mid-range, producing a more "metal" sound.
Footswitch: Activates and deactivates the effect.
Led: Indicates when the effect is active.
To use the MT-2, simply connect your instrument to the input jack, connect the output jack to your amplifier or other effects pedals, and adjust the level, dist, and eq to achieve the desired sound. Press the footswitch to activate the effect, and the LED will light up to indicate that the effect is active. Press the footswitch again to deactivate the effect.
In addition to these controls, the MT-2 also has a compact, pedalboard-friendly design and durable construction. It is powered by a 9-volt battery or a 9-volt AC adapter (sold separately). The pedal also has a sturdy metal footswitch for switching the effect on and off, and LED status indicator to show when the effect is engaged.
Overall, the controls and features of the BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone allow the user to shape and customize the distortion sound to their liking, making it a versatile and highly flexible pedal.
BOSS MT-2's circuit
The BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone uses a dual-stage distortion circuit to produce its high-gain, saturated sound. The first stage of the circuit is a high-gain preamp, which boosts the signal and adds a significant amount of distortion. The second stage of the circuit is a tone-shaping stage, which allows the user to shape the frequency response of the distortion using the Low, High, and Metal controls.
The MT-2 also features a diode-clipping circuit, which helps to shape the distortion and give it a distinctive character. The diode-clipping circuit allows the MT-2 to produce a wide range of distorted tones, from soft and subtle to highly distorted and over-the-top.
Overall, the circuit of the BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone is designed to produce a high-gain, saturated distortion sound with a wide range of tonal shaping options. It is this combination of high gain and tonal flexibility that has made the MT-2 a popular choice among guitarists for over three decades.
Here are a few suggestions for where to place the MT-2 in your pedal chain
The placement of the BOSS MT-2 in your pedalboard will depend on your specific setup and the sound you are trying to achieve. Here are a few general guidelines for placing the MT-2 in your pedalboard:
After your guitar: The MT-2 is a distortion pedal, so it is typically placed after your guitar in the signal chain. This allows the MT-2 to shape and distort the signal coming from your guitar.
Before your amplifier: The MT-2 should be placed before your amplifier in the signal chain. This allows the amplifier to amplify the distorted signal produced by the MT-2, rather than the clean signal from your guitar.
After any pedals that shape your guitar's tone: If you are using pedals such as a compressor or overdrive that shape your guitar's tone, it is generally best to place the MT-2 after these pedals in the signal chain. This allows the MT-2 to distort the already-shaped signal, rather than the raw signal coming from your guitar.
After any pedals that boost your signal: If you are using pedals such as a boost or a clean boost to increase the level of your guitar's signal, it is generally best to place these pedals after the MT-2 in the signal chain. This allows the MT-2 to distort the boosted signal, rather than the raw signal coming from your guitar.
Keep in mind that the order of your pedals can significantly affect the overall sound of your rig. Experimenting with different pedal order can help you find the sound you are looking for.
BOSS MT-2 vs BOSS MT-2W
The BOSS MT-2W Waza Craft Metal Zone is a modified version of the original BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone pedal. The Waza Craft version features the same high-gain, saturated distortion sound as the original, but with some additional features and modifications.
One of the main differences between the MT-2W and the original MT-2 is the inclusion of BOSS's "Waza Craft" circuit, which is designed to deliver a more refined and musical distortion sound. The Waza Craft circuit uses specially selected components and circuit design techniques to produce a more organic and responsive distortion sound.
Another difference is the inclusion of a "Voice" switch on the MT-2W, which allows the user to select between two different distortion sounds. The "Standard" setting produces the classic MT-2 sound, while the "Custom" setting delivers a more refined, "Waza Craft" sound.
Finally, the MT-2W features a redesigned exterior with a more premium look and feel. It has a brushed aluminum finish and Waza Craft logo.
Overall, the BOSS MT-2W Waza Craft Metal Zone is a modified version of the original MT-2 with some additional features and modifications designed to deliver a more refined and musical distortion sound. It is a good choice for players looking for a high-gain distortion pedal with a more organic and responsive sound.
Guitarists who have used, or are using, the BOSS MT-2
The BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone is a popular choice among guitarists across a variety of genres, including hard rock, metal, punk, and even some forms of electronic music. Some notable musicians who have used the MT-2 include:
Kirk Hammett of Metallica
Dave Mustaine of Megadeth
John Petrucci of Dream Theater
Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine
Joe Satriani
Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath
Dimebag Darrell of Pantera
Adrian Vandenberg of Whitesnake
George Lynch of Dokken
John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers
That being said, the MT-2 is a highly versatile pedal and can be used by players of many different styles. Its wide range of distorted tones and ability to shape the frequency response make it suitable for players looking for a wide range of distorted sounds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone is a popular guitar effects pedal known for its aggressive, high-gain distortion sound. It is a versatile pedal that can produce a wide range of distorted tones, from soft and subtle to highly distorted and over-the-top. Its two-band EQ and Metal controls allow the user to shape the frequency response of the distortion, making it suitable for a variety of genres. The MT-2 is also relatively inexpensive compared to other high-gain distortion pedals on the market, making it a good choice for players on a budget. The BOSS MT-2W Waza Craft Metal Zone is a modified version of the original MT-2 with some additional features and modifications designed to deliver a more refined and musical distortion sound. Both pedals are popular choices among guitarists and can be a valuable addition to any pedalboard.
