The rapid development of Impulse Response (IR) technology over the past decade has transformed guitar rigs and stage setups worldwide. It virtually eliminates the need for bulky heads, cabs, combos, and mics while giving players access to the sounds of vintage, rare, and original amplifiers. IRs are commonly featured in amp/multi-effects processors like the GT-1000 Guitar Effects Processor. Now, they’ve also made their way into dedicated BOSS stompboxes, namely the IR-2 Amp & Cabinet compact pedal and IR-200 Amp & IR Cabinet 200 series unit. This innovation allows guitarists to seamlessly integrate BOSS industry-leading IR technology into their pedalboards, delivering the perfect blend of portability, versatility, and intuitive control.
Setup Considerations
The BOSS IR-2 and IR-200 are ideal solutions for guitarists seeking a compact fly rig. They offer world-class amplifier, cab, and mic sounds in one flexible unit. An Impulse Response pedal is a versatile addition to any pedalboard and can seamlessly integrate with other stompboxes to unlock new possibilities. The position of an IR pedal in your signal chain depends on how you intend to use it.
The IR-2 and IR-200 can serve as preamps only, allowing you to run a separate cab IR or sim later in the chain. They may also be used solely for cab IR at the very end of the chain. Using the onboard effect loop allows for easy integration with other pedals, such as delays and reverbs. You can also position delays and reverbs after the IR-2/IR-200 with drives and pitch effects placed before. Try experimenting with the order of your effects to discover sounds that inspire you.
PEDAL COMBINATIONS
High-Gain Distortion
Achieving exceptional high-gain amp tones can be challenging, as they require a delicate balance of heavy saturation and note definition. Running a high-gain distortion pedal into the front end of an overdriven amp may result in an undefined, noisy guitar tone. In fact, many distortion pedals produce a better overall sound when paired with a clean amplifier or running into the return jack of an effect loop to bypass the preamp. One effective approach for high-gain players is to pair a distortion pedal with an IR pedal, such as the IR-2 or IR-200. The resulting clarity can be striking, transforming your sound from muddy to crisp.
By using only the Cab element of the IR-2 or IR-200, a high-gain distortion, such as the MT-2 or MT-2W Metal Zone, can function effectively as a preamp. With its dual-stage gain circuit and powerful EQ, the Metal Zone gives you comprehensive control over your tone. The cab IR then adds the warmth and dynamic response of a real-world cabinet. Patch an NS-2 or NS-1X Noise Suppressor between the two for ultimate power, tightness, and clarity.
Recommended Pairings
• BOSS IR-2 Amp & Cabinet and MT-2 Metal Zone
• BOSS IR-200 Amp & IR Cabinet and MT-2W Metal Zone
"Using only the Cab element of the IR-2 or IR-200, the MT-2 or MT-2W Metal Zone, can function effectively as a preamp."
Stereo Delay
One of the most captivating combinations is pairing the IR-2 or IR-200 with one of the numerous BOSS stereo delay pedals. Stereo delays produce immersive, three-dimensional sounds that cannot be achieved with a single guitar amp. Traditionally, getting the most out of these effects required two amplifiers.
However, with the IR-2/IR-200, you can easily send the panning or ping-pong effects of a stereo delay to the Return stereo jack of the effect loop. By using Outputs A and B, you can then transmit the complete stereo signal to the front-of-house or a recording interface, fully optimizing the stereo delay’s capabilities.
Recommended Pairings
• BOSS IR-2 Amp & Cabinet and SDE-3 Dual Digital Delay
• BOSS IR-200 Amp & IR Cabinet and DM-101 Delay Machine
"One of the most captivating combinations is pairing the IR-2 or IR-200 with one of the numerous BOSS stereo delay pedals."
Reverb
Similarly, the expansive stereo sounds produced by BOSS Reverb pedals like the RV-6 and RV-200 come to life when paired with the IR-2 and IR-200. The ability to output the processed guitar signal in stereo without needing two amplifiers significantly enhances your creative possibilities.
Stereo pedals such as the RV-6 and RV-200 can be placed in the IR-2/IR-200’s effect loop with the Return jack set to stereo mode, creating dynamic complexity that is ideal for soundscape-style tones.
Recommended Pairings
• BOSS IR-2 Amp & Cabinet and RV-6 Reverb
• BOSS IR-200 Amp & IR Cabinet and RV-200 Reverb
BOSS SL-2 Slicer
The foundation of the previous two pedal combination examples lies in the IR-2 and IR-200’s ability to treat your guitar signal in stereo, effectively simulating a dual-amp rig and broadening the range of effects pedals you can integrate into your setup. While these examples undoubtedly enhance your tonal options, one pedal transforms entirely when paired with an IR pedal in stereo: the BOSS SL-2 Slicer.
The SL-2 features seven stereo output modes: Fixed, EFX/Direct, Random, Ping-Pong, Auto, 3D Cross, and 3D Rotation. Each mode elevates the SL-2 from a sophisticated tremolo pedal into a versatile creative tool, brimming with colorful sonics that infuse your music with rhythmic energy. When paired with the IR-2 or IR-200, the Slicer’s intricate stereo rhythms blend with the IR pedal’s natural-sounding EQ, dynamics, and responsiveness, creating a detailed and expansive guitar tone.
"The Slicer’s intricate stereo rhythms blend with the IR pedal's natural-sounding EQ, dynamics, and responsiveness, creating a detailed and expansive guitar tone."
Analog Preamps
A creative and effective way to utilize an IR pedal is to place it at the end of your effects chain and use the cab function exclusively. This allows you to pair it with a preamp pedal of your choice.
While most IR pedals provide robust preamp options, there is also a wide array of high-quality analog preamps available. This alternative approach gives players more traditional amp-like control over their fly rig, eliminating the need to scroll through presets or save settings digitally.
Define Your Style
The IR-2 and IR-200 are among the best options available for fly rigs. These pedals empower musicians to customize their sound with precision and personal flair. Guitarists looking to define their style and stand out will appreciate the versatility and flexibility these BOSS pedals offer.
The IR-2 and IR-200 can easily integrate into any pedalboard and work exceptionally well with other effects, including stereo pedals. They are the ultimate tools for crafting new and exciting tones, helping your music shine, and inspiring creativity.
