Boss SL-2 Slicer Pedal Overview
One of the most sought-after BOSS effect pedals is back in a more compact package with additional capabilities - perfect for sonic adventurers and soundscape artists.
Slice It Up
The BOSS SL-2 Slicer pedal is an evolution of the legendary SL-20, which became a favourite of artists such as Johnny Marr, Brian Eno, Omar Rodríguez-López and Noel Gallagher. Whilst the legacy SL-20 has remained a sought-after stompbox since being discontinued, the SL-2 makes the Slicer engine available to a new generation of players. The SL-2 takes things up a notch, condensing this unique effect into the classic compact BOSS format and extending its sonic capabilities.
Like its Twin Pedal predecessor, the SL-2 is a highly advanced, incredibly intuitive and inspiring effect that chops your instrument’s signal into a rhythmic, percussive pattern. Combined with the internal filters, effects and multiple output options, the SL-2 can generate a near-endless array of three-dimensional grooves across the stereo field. If you’re a guitarist, synth player or any kind of adventurous musician that wants to break out of the box and explore new sonic textures, the BOSS SL-2 is a must-have addition to your pedalboard.
Compact Rhythm Machine
Don’t be fooled by the SL-2 and its pedalboard-friendly footprint. Thanks to advances in modern DSP, the SL-2 is able to take the unique Slicer engine even further. This seriously powerful groove machine delivers highly animated and rich tones both single and dual paths, chained with an array of internal effects. With 88 patterns onboard (8 patterns with 11 variations) you have a wealth of creative tools at your disposal. Using the SL-2’s USB connectivity, you can explore, audition and load new patterns into the pedal as well as arrange memory setups for different songs.
Pre-Loaded Pattern Types:
Single (1 and 2) — Rhythmic patterns that use a single Slicer effect.
Dual (3 and 4) — Rhythmic patterns that use two Slicer effects.
Tremolo (5) — Patterns with a traditional tremolo effect.
Harmonic (6) — Rhythmic patterns with pitch-shifting effects.
SFX (7 and 8) — Rhythmic patterns with different effects applied.
Sculpt The Groove
Despite the SL-2’s dizzying array of rhythmic sounds and textures, its efficient and intuitive interface makes using it a breeze. The Attack control allows you to sculpt the edge of the waveform, transforming it from a hard-chopped slice to a soft flutter. The Duty control affects the length of the waveform, shifting the effect from sharp, percussive transients to full audio blocks. The tempo can be altered using the dedicated knob or the tap tempo mode. Simply hold the pedal switch down to engage tap tempo mode and sync the SL-2 to your track or band hands-free. The Balance knob provides +/-12 dB of output level adjustment, giving you total control of the mix.
Stereo Magic
Although the SL-2 is capable of generating a host of inspirational tones with a standard mono setup, its stereo modes are truly transcendent. With its complete set of stereo inputs and outputs and seven output modes, the SL-2 can be tailored to a variety of setups. You can send direct and affected sounds to different destinations, which is perfect for recording and wet/dry rigs. The stereo and 3D processing options let you surround yourself with an enveloping, animated soundscape. The is also great for adding groove-based magic to your favourite stereo effects pedals and keyboards, including synthesizers and workstations.
Stereo Output Modes:
Fixed (Default) — Sends the same direct/effect mix to both outputs.
EFX/Direct — Sends the effect sound to Output A and the direct sound to Output B.
Random — A stereo effect that randomly outputs the Slicer sound to the left, right, or centre.
Ping-Pong — A stereo effect that alternately sends the Slicer sound to Output A or Output B.
Auto — A stereo effect that smoothly pans the Slicer sound between Output A and Output B.
3D Cross — Advanced spatial processing moves the Slicer sound in left/right and forward/back patterns in 3D space.
3D Rotation — Advanced spatial processing rotates the Slicer sound in 3D space.
External Control Options
The BOSS SL-2 slicer pedal boasts generous external control options, giving you more ways to manipulate it on-the-fly. An external footswitch such as the BOSS FS-5U can be assigned as an instant tap tempo switch or momentary on/off switch. You can also connect an expression pedal like the BOSS EV-30 to tweak knob parameters or the overall effect level whilst playing. A TRS MIDI input provides seamless synchronisation with a DAW, drum machine and any device that transmits MIDI clock. Parameters including expression, tempo and bypass can also be controlled and automated via MIDI CC messages.
- The famous BOSS Slicer effect in an advanced compact pedal
- Instantly create compelling sonic grooves with single and dual Slicer paths processed with multiple internal effects
- 88 memory locations with pre-loaded patterns (eight types with 11 variations for each)
- Control the wave shape and length of sliced audio with Attack and Duty knobs
- Adjust the overall effect level with +/-12 dB range
- Mono/stereo input and output for integration with any setup
- Seven stereo output modes: Fixed, EFX/Direct, Random, Ping-Pong, Auto, 3D Cross, and 3D Rotation
- Connect to the BOSS Tone Studio app (macOS/Windows) via USB to explore and load alternate patterns
- Control bypass and tap tempo with the onboard pedal switch
- Connect up to two footswitches or an expression pedal for external parameter control
- TRS MIDI input for clock sync and CC control
- BOSS five-year warranty
- - Foot-Sample Rate:
- 48 kHz
- - AD Conversion:
- 24 bits + AF method
- AF method (Adaptive Focus method) This is a proprietary method from Roland & BOSS that vastly improves the signal-to-noise (SN) ratio of the AD and DA converters.
- - DA Conversion:
- 32 bits
- - Patterns:
- 88
- - Nominal Input Level:
- INPUT A (MONO), INPUT B: -20 dBu
- - Maximum Input Level:
- INPUT A (MONO), INPUT B: +7 dBu
- - Input Impedance:
- INPUT A (MONO), INPUT B: 1 MΩ
- - Nominal Output Level:
- OUTPUT A (MONO), OUTPUT B: -20 dBu
- - Maximum Output Level:
- OUTPUT A (MONO), OUTPUT B: +7 dBu
- * 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
- - Output Impedance:
- OUTPUT A (MONO), OUTPUT B: 1 kΩ
- - Recommended Load Impedance:
- OUTPUT A (MONO), OUTPUT B: 10 kΩ or greater
- - Bypass:
- Buffered bypass
- - Controls:
- TYPE knob
- VARIATION knob
- ATTACK knob
- DUTY knob
- TEMPO knob
- BALANCE knob
- Pedal switch
- - Indicator:
- CHECK indicator (Used for indication of Tempo and check battery)
- - Connectors:
- INPUT A (MONO) jack, INPUT B jack, OUTPUT A (MONO) jack, OUTPUT B jack: 1/4-inch phone type
- CTL/EXP jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
- DC IN jack
- MIDI IN jack: Stereo miniature phone type
- USB port: USB B
- - Power Supply:
- Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61 or 6LF22, commercially available)
- AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)
- - Current Draw:
- 95 mA
- - Expected battery life under continuous use (These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.):
- Alkaline: Approx. 2.5 hours
- -Dimensions
- 73 (W) x 129 (D) x 59 (H) mm
- 2-7/8 (W) x 5-1/8 (D) x 2-3/8 (H) inches
- -Weight (including battery)
- 450 g
- 1 lb
- - Accessories
- Leaflet ("USING THE UNIT SAFELY," "IMPORTANT NOTES," and "Information")
- Dry battery (9 V, 6LR61 or 6LF22)
- - Options (sold separately)
- AC adaptor: PSA series
- Footswitch: FS-5U
- Dual footswitch: FS-6, FS-7
- Expression pedal: FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30, Roland EV-5
- TRS/MIDI connecting cable: BMIDI-5-35, BMIDI-1-35, BMIDI-2-35, BCC-1-3535, BCC-2-3535
