Boss LS-2

A must-have "utility" pedal in the BOSS Compact range

On a pedalboard, "utility" pedals are often the ones that make the biggest difference on stage: less "tap dancing," less cable improvisation, and cleaner sound changes. The BOSS LS-2 Line Selector fits perfectly into this mindset: a compact pedal designed to organize a setup, switch chains, and route a signal reliably both live and in the studio.

Who is the BOSS LS-2 for?

The LS-2 is aimed at guitarists and bassists (from curious beginners to touring musicians) who want to instantly switch from one sound to another: a clean verse / saturated chorus, a dedicated "ambient" path, a loop with an octaver for certain parts, or a quick selection between two amps. In concert, it allows for a smooth performance (one footswitch); in the studio, it becomes a very practical comparison tool for testing two effects chains or two preamps without changing the take.

Two loops, six modes: clear logic for complex rigs

At the heart of the LS-2 are two SEND/RETURN loops A and SEND/RETURN B, controlled by a MODE selector and two LEVEL A and LEVEL B knobs. You can thus equalize the volume of two different chains (useful if one loop contains a louder fuzz or a modulation chain that loses level), or conversely use the levels as a boost to stand out in the mix.

The six operating modes notably allow: switching between A and B, choosing A (or B) versus bypass, chaining A then B then bypass, mixing A and B (ideal for balancing a "dry" signal with an effects chain), or selecting different outputs to drive multiple amps/inputs depending on your setup. And for clever setups, the LS-2 can even serve as a 2-channel mini mixer by blending two signals arriving at RETURN A and RETURN B, with dedicated volume control for each.

Practically, the pedal features a buffered bypass: useful for maintaining clarity when the cable is long or the chain is loaded. Finally, its DC IN/OUT power supply allows, with the appropriate cable, to distribute power to other BOSS pedals from a single power adapter, greatly simplifying a pedalboard.

Sound

The LS-2 does not add "an effect" in the traditional sense: its mission is to preserve and organize your sound. Its buffer provides a more stable signal feel in long chains, and the A/B level controls allow routing without unpleasant surprises (volume loss, level jumps, complicated balance between two loops). Used in mix mode, it becomes an excellent tool to keep the attack and bass of a direct sound while balancing a more colored chain in parallel. It is found on pedalboards of artists accustomed to elaborate rigs, including Kevin Parker (Tame Impala), Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys), Jonny Greenwood and Thom Yorke (Radiohead).

Technical specifications

Effects	Selector	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	White
Type	sector

Bypass	buffered	Nominal output level	-20 dBu
Loops	2 (A and B), with independent levels	Input impedance	1 Mohm
Modes	A/B ; A or bypass ; B or bypass ; A or B or bypass ; A+B Mix or bypass ; Output Select	Output impedance	1 kohm
Foot control	footswitch	Recommended load impedance	10 kohm or higher
Potentiometers	2 LEVEL (A and B)	Residual noise	-85 dBm or less (IHF-A, typ.)
Input	6.35 mm jack	Dimensions	70 (W) x 125 (D) x 55 (H) mm
Output	6.35 mm jack	Weight	410 g (battery included)
Send A / Return A	6.35 mm jack	Included accessories	9V battery, 6F22 type (carbon), documentation, 2 rubber feet (for compatible pedalboard)
Send B / Return B	6.35 mm jack	Required power supply	9V DC (9V battery or PSA series AC adapter sold separately)
Power supply	DC IN/OUT	Power consumption	25 mA
Nominal input level	-20 dBu