THE QUIET MEN!

This is a look at some Boss pedals that don't

make a big noise or even any noise at all!
In other words, units that don't change your sound!

PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch

This came out in 1983 as a device to power other Boss units on a pedal board and also act as a switch to kill the signal while you took a break from performance. It's long redundant but still a cool pedal. It's unique in that it came in a bigger than usual Boss box along with an AC adapter.

NF-1 Noise Gate

This late 70s unit was the first compact noise gate from Boss. It's pretty simple and effective in cutting noise when placed at the end of your chain. It's no longer needed today thanks to this...

NS-2 Noise Suppressor

When it made it's appearance in 1987 it was a hit and is still in production over 30 years later. Why? It's a great noise reduction unit that uses a loop to kill noise and it also powers other units. An essential box on any serious board.

TU-2 Chromatic Tuner

Having a tuner on your board is fantastic and very hand. This is a high quality one too and not only does it power other units it kills the sound as you tune so you don't annoy the fans at your gig! You can also use only the input if you have a Tuner Out on a volume pedal so you don't have to rune through it.

LM-2 Limiter

Another hidden Boss gem from 1987. This one does a fine job of smoothing out the peaks of your signal without altering the tone. At the time it was used more by bass players so Boss went and made one for bass!

EH-2 Enhancer

Probably one of the most misunderstood pedals Boss ever made and no wonder, when you turn it on you can't really hear anything but once you turn it off then you do realise it's special aural enhancement. It's probably best used for recording as it can add sparkle to guitars, bass and vocals. A funny beast but one worth investigation.  

RC-1 Loop Station

While it may not alter your sound, it can certainly alter your playing. Loopers have become a part of every day for musicians now and what better way to practise your chops or add a backing to a solo live performance. The RC-1 is the simplest Boss looper that gives you hours of loopy fun! 

LS-2 Line Selector

This is an invaluable tool to have in your setup as it offers 6 Modes of switching. Use two amps, use 2 effects loops, use for swapping guitars, etc, the LS-2 is a great device for hassle free switching once set up correctly! 

  

THE LITTLE GREEN GIANT!

Maxon OD-9 Overdrive

The OD-9 is perhaps one of the most famous and highly regarded overdrive pedals ever made and guitarists the world over know just how awesome it sounds. With it's smooth creamy drive and clear tone it's ideal for blues and classic rock, but it's still a very versatile effect indeed.

The circuit that gave us the 'first tube amp simulator' was designed by Maxon (Nisshin Onpa) in the mid 70s but that company produced units for Ibanez which called it the TS-9 which was known as the Tubescreamer and it was a hit with guitarists from the get go. Eventually when Ibanez started making their own version of the TS-9, Maxon started producing the OD-9 with the original circuit.

On it's own, this mild OD can rock the night away, but when used to drive a tube amp into breakup it can melt the walls, and if used as a boost with another OD unit it can give you a big ballsy crunch. It's probably a must have for any serious player and with it's rugged construction and easy to use layout the OD-9 is a true legend.

The OD-9 on my board to stay!