The BOSS SL-2 combines different effects that create complex, intricate rhythmic movements. The pedal is part tremolo, part drum machine, part bassline accompaniment, and part harmonizer—all in a compact stompbox. But, combined with other effects, it can further open up your creative potential. A Slicer is far from a typical tonal tool. However, it can be perfect for guitarists pushing their boundaries and creating unique tones.
Setup Considerations
Due to its unique nature and broad range of effects, there is no definitive position for the SL-2 on a pedalboard. The SL-2 works similarly to a tremolo, so it works well after gain pedals but before delays and reverbs. Running gain pedals ahead of the SL-2 ensures that the pedal’s rhythms are tight and focused. Positioning delays and reverbs after help to sit the effect well in a mix.
However, the SL-2 also includes pitch-based effects. These work best at the start of an effects chain, with gain pedals positioned after the effect. Where one places the SL-2 in an effects chain depends entirely on the intended use. Try experimenting with the pedal position for best results.
PEDAL COMBINATIONS
Distortion
Distortion can be a fantastic pairing with the SL-2 to accentuate the aggressiveness of the slicing. There are many ways these two effects can work well together. One of the most interesting is positioning the SL-2 ahead of a distortion pedal and setting the Tempo and Attack at maximum. YouTuber Cyberattack demonstrates this method well in his video
With the Tempo and Attack set in this way, the SL-2 creates an extremely fast and aggressive tremolo effect with an almost bit-crushed effect. Coupled with a distortion to accentuate the aggressiveness, it reduces audible playing dynamics. This gives the setting a synth-like sequencer tone, perfect for simple chords and basslines.
Recommended Pairing
- BOSS SL-2 and DS-1W
Shimmer Reverb
Another brilliant pairing for synth-like ambient tone is to run a reverb pedal ahead of the SL-2. It seems like an unusual pedal order, as reverb is usually the last pedal in an effects chain or positioned in the effects loop. Still, the SL-2 is a powerful expressive tool; all sorts of effects combinations work well with it.
This pedal combination works especially well with reverb pedals with a Shimmer mode. Shimmer reverb pitch shifts the guitar signal in an ascending bloom of ambience that, on its own, can create vast, ethereal soundscapes. When this effect gets fed into the sliced patterns of the SL-2, it creates a pitched sequence as the octaving reverb tails ascend.
To create this setting, select the Single variation mode on the SL-2 and any of the sequences within that. The Attack and Duty knobs should be around 3 o’clock, with the Balance around noon and the Tempo to taste.
Recommended Pairing
- BOSS SL-2 and RV-500
"Shimmer reverb pitch shifts the guitar signal in an ascending bloom of ambience that, on its own, can create vast, ethereal soundscapes."
Looper
The SL-2 can be the perfect tool for building tracks and loops. It’s great for solo artists who like to create every instrument with their guitar on the fly, and it’s easy to make a simple backing track to solo over.
To create rhythmic sequences, guide the chord structure, and add melodies or guitar solos over the top, the SL-2 pairs easily with a looper, such as the RC-5 or RC-505mkII. Achieve this by running the SL-2 into a looper and sampling a single cycle of the sequence. However, the SL-2 also includes a TRS MIDI input for clock sync and CC control, so it is possible to integrate the SL-2 into more comprehensive loops perfectly and to use it as the master sequencer for building entire arrangements.
Recommended Pairings
- BOSS SL-2 and RC-5
- BOSS SL-2 and RC-505mkII
Delay
The SL-2 is capable of an incredibly comprehensive range of sequences, both simple and rhythmic, and pitch-based. However, because the core of the effect works by removing short audio samples, the effect can be jagged and dry. This can be desirable for any of the previously listed setting suggestions. Yet one may seek to create a rhythmic movement that is more gentle, especially a rhythmic sequence that needs to sit alongside other instruments. In this case, delay can be the perfect effect to create space and soften the severity of the rhythmic line.
For this pairing, position the delay pedal after the SL-2. This way, the delay tails won’t get affected by the sliced rhythm and echo in a complex, ethereal fade. For this pairing to work at its best, use a delay pedal with a tap tempo to match it to the tempo of the SL-2. Experiment with varying delay speeds to see what works best alongside the sequence. Shorter, faster delay tails will work best to broaden and soften the sequence without overpowering it or confusing the rhythm.
Recommended Pairing
- BOSS SL-2 and DM-101
"Shorter, faster delay tails will work best to broaden and soften the sequence without overpowering it or confusing the rhythm."
Phaser
Pairing a phaser or flanger with the SL-2 is a great way to excite and create new, interesting movement within the pedal’s rhythmic sequence. This pairing works equally well with the modulation pedal positioned before or after the SL-2.
To get the best results, set the Rate of the phaser around 9 o’clock for a slow, labored filter cycle. Then set the Depth at maximum for the most obvious, sonically overpowering movement. When this extreme phaser setting gets combined with a rhythm pattern from the SL-2, the phaser cycle will also get rhythmically sliced. This creates holes in the LFO’s sequence. The result is a rich, complex variation to the rhythmic sequence, great for adding depth and character to any of the SL-2 variations.
Recommended Pairing
- BOSS SL-2 and PH-3
"When an extreme phaser setting gets combined with a rhythm pattern from the SL-2, the phaser cycle will also get rhythmically sliced."
An Extreme Effect
While the SL-2 is a comprehensive effect within itself, additional effects can be ideal for creating interesting new tones. Indeed, they expand the broad range of applications for this pedal even further. Slicer is an extreme effect. As such, it pairs well with virtually all other pedals to expand and help create new tonal options for any player.
