How do you compare the Boss OS-2 with the Boss DS-2 distortion pedal.?

Question

I'm looking into buying a distortion pedal for my guitar. At first I was going to get the Boss DS-2, but I found out about the OS-2 (overdrive/distortion) pedal, and I'm wondering if I can get the same distortion sound with the OS-2 than I could get with the DS-2.

Answer 1

First hand, just buy the Distortion  DS-2.. I have one and it sound amazing and the distortion is clean.

That pedal also has an overdrive on it. So it is useless to inquire about the OD. Get the DS-2 and you will love the controls on it.

You can vary from heavy distortion to just a tiny amount. The pedal sells for $65

good Luck !!

Answer 2

dude, i've owned both of those pedals your talking about. and both are pretty sweet. In my opinion though, if you want to get your full money's worth out of the DS-2 pedal, you need to buy the remote switch to plug into it. This will allow you to use the DS-2 to turn the distortion ON/OFF, and the remote switch (it's just like a foot pedal) will let you switch between distortions will it's on.

Not saying the DS-2 sucks without the pedal, it's just really nice with the pedal.

The OS-2 lets you bend that wall of difference between Overdrive and distortion. and yes, there's a difference. If you're using the pedal for recording, i'd say get the OS-2.

If you're gonna perform, get the DS-2.

If i were to buy either one of them again, I'd get the DS-2 first. Get that remote switch and you'll get more bang for your buck outta that pedal.

think the switch is called a Boss FS-5L. it's black. there's another called the Boss FS-5U. it's silver. if you get the silver one, you have to hold the switch down to get the 2nd distortion. if you get the black one, you hit the switch once like a pedal and the 2nd distortion stays on.

Answer 3

No, you cannot get the same sound, or they would just make the OS-2. Overdrive is different than distortion, and the OS-2 will have weaker distortion because it focuses on overdrive, If  you want a great overall pedal, I highly recommend a Digitech GNX4 pedal. It has a drum pad, 8 track, many many effects, and these effects all sound strong and you can get so many tones with the pedal/workstation. On zzsounds I believe you can pick one up for $330 but if you look around on ebay, you could find a cheaper one. Either way they are well worth it because anything you record on it can be transfered to your computer.

Answer 4

Yes...you should be able to get close to the sound.  Ive launced both product demos on Boss's website, and the OS-2 is actually a very versitile pedal.  Just like it says... overdrive, distortion, or the combination of both in a single pedal.  

   Personally, Im not a fan of the "workstation" pedal boards that companies like Digitech, Vox, and others puts out. (One reader suggested one of these)

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   If you ever plan on playing in a professional setting, you will find these to be just very expensive TOYS at the most.  Ive had the chance to play quite a few of these, have owned one, and a big problem with these is very inconsistent effect and output levels.  Tons of editing to be done.  One big problem is if your lead is coming up... change banks or programs.. and havent taken the time to edit these, you just might find yourself buried in the mix.  Bear in mind also..... anytime you see the touring pros use these... they are not "off the shelf units."  Same with "modeling amps" as well.  These have all been pretty much highly modified by professional techs who know what they are doing.  While some of these "processors" claim to carry the sound of a Boss OS or DS 2..... the only thing that can ever reproduce those pedals with any accuracy is the pedal itself.  

   Happy Shopping and hey.. at the price.. why not get both??:)