Boss SL-2 Slicer takes synchronised tremolo to new levels of control
Boss slims down the Slicer
3,9 / 5,0 | 
The Boss Sl-2 Slicer pedal slims down the original design and makes it a standard pedal size. The original double-sized pedal offered time-based slicing effects. Now it has been updated and has some handy new features.
Boss SL-2 Slicer
This new Boss SL-2 Slicer takes the original idea of time-based slicing effects and squeezes them into the familiar single Boss pedal enclosure. I actually own the original larger format SL-20 Slicer myself and so it is great to see the effect available once more.
Original Boss SL-20 pedal · Source: Boss
Expanded
The new version has expanded what the slicing effect can do. It now has 88 onboard memories preloaded with 8 pattern types and 11 variations, which makes it more flexible than the original design. The original only has 50 Slice patterns onboard. Plus, there are now additional options available through the BOSS Tone Studio app.
SL-2 Stereo or Mono · Source: Boss
MIDI
Just like the original SL-20, this updated design also has MIDI control. Though it has lost the full-sized MIDI In and Outs. Now it has a MIDI In via a TRS mini-jack input, that requires an adapter to use.
Slicer 2 with MIDI In & USB port · Source: Boss
More Control
There are now Attack and Duty knobs for waveform control. Tempo adjustments are possible through a dedicated knob, or via tap tempo mode, plus, you can sync it to a MIDI clock input. Plus, it has two outputs and seven output modes, with both mono and stereo operation available.
Patterns can now be imported via the USB port on the rear of the pedal and this could be a great way to make the effect more customisable, via the hopefully, easy-to-use BOSS Tone Studio app.
There is also an expression pedal input, which allows the control of effect parameters and the overall volume.
SL-2 Controls · Source: Boss
Who is it for?
Boss state that it works for guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, loop performers and DJs. If it works anything like my original SL-20 then it adds a gate-style slicing effect. that can be synchronised to a beat. I use mine to replicate a really hard tremolo effect. If you like percussive effects, that can add loads of interest to your music, then the Boss SL-2 could be for you.
The ability to sync to a drum machine, DAW or MIDI clock input is where the slicing effect gets really interesting. These new updates, plus the smaller form factor could be a winner for musicians.
MSRP – USD 169.99 / EUR 179 *
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