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Boss AD-2 Acoustic Preamp Pedal

Acoustic Preamp Pedal with Controls for Resonance, Notch, Ambience, and Line and Instrument-level Outputs
$119.99

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Natural Acoustic Tone Through Any System

BOSS's AD-2 Acoustic Preamp pedal is a convenient and easy way to elicit natural and woody tones from your acoustic-electric instrument's pickup system, whether performing live or recording. Just turn the Acoustic Resonance control to your desired level, and you'll hear an increase in warmth and depth that many pickup systems often can't produce on their own. Controls for Ambiance and Notch add reverb and cut problem-feedback respectively. And the AD-2 even boasts line- and instrument-level outputs for whatever amplification method you choose.

Natural acoustic tones from your pickup

The BOSS AD-2 Acoustic Preamp pedal easily does away with the quacky tone and harsh response of many acoustic-electric pickup systems. As you turn the Acoustic Resonance control you'll hear BOSS's advanced digital processing go to work, analyzing your guitar's input signal and responding the way an un-amplified acoustic guitar would. Far from a simple pre-programmed EQ, BOSS explains that the Resonance control "adjusts multiple parameters inside the AD-2 to achieve the perfect tonal balance for any style, from delicate fingerpicking to intense strumming."

Powerful and simple feedback buster

Everyone at Sweetwater knows that controlling feedback is a must for any acoustic-electric performer. BOSS took that into careful consideration when designing the AD-2. You'll find a handy knob labeled Notch on the face of the pedal that is just as simple to use as the pedal's Resonance feature. Just start playing. When feedback begins to rear its ugly head, simply turn the Notch control until it disappears. It couldn't be easier, and it couldn't be more effective.

Add Ambiance for depth and dimension

Another important consideration for acoustic performers is the ability to introduce the sound and feeling of space into their instrument's tone. The AD-2 has that covered as well. And like every aspect of the pedal, it's a quick twist of a knob. The Ambiance control injects studio-quality reverb into your signal, removing the direct and lifeless-feeling that plugging in direct can sometimes elicit. And the reverb has been carefully voiced to never cloud your original tone.

Works direct or to your amp

One of the most powerful features of BOSS's AD-2 Acoustic Preamp pedal is its ability to work as flawlessly running into an onstage acoustic amplifier as it does direct to the soundboard for performing or recording. The instrument-level output acts just like any other effect pedal, sending your processed signal to an instrument amplifier. Or you can utilize the 1/4" TRS line-level output for routing your sound direct to the board at full power. Either way, the BOSS AD-2 Acoustic Preamp pedal has you covered.

BOSS AD-2 Acoustic Preamp Pedal Features:

  • Pedalboard-friendly acoustic-electric instrument preamp pedal
  • Acoustic Resonance control adds a perfectly EQ'd warmth to your tone
  • The Notch feature quickly and easily dials out problem feedback
  • Ambiance adds a natural reverb into the signal
  • Instrument- and Line-level outputs
  • Rugged BOSS construction
  • Compact dimensions fits easily on pedalboards
  • Onboard mute

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Acoustic Preamp
  • Inputs: 1 x 1/4"
  • Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (out, balanced line out)
  • Power Source: 9V DC power supply required (sold separately)
  • Batteries: Optional 1 x 9V
  • Height: 2.3"
  • Width: 2.8"
  • Depth: 5.1"
  • Weight: 1 lb.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: AD-2

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Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

Boss AD-2 Acoustic Preamp Pedal

The Boss AD-2 has revealed a warmth, dimension and rich color that we weren't able to hear before from the pickup, while still retaining a natural, organic sound. It is a substantial improvement.
Rated 5/5

It does what it says.

I was looking for a way to control my National M1Tricone with a Lace Sensor pickup. This pedal works perfectly. I can control feedback and volume. Very nice for the price.
Music background: Bluesman.
Rated 5/5

Boss AD2 preamp pedal

I couldn't be more pleased with the Boss AD2. Simple to use and sounds great. A must have,especially if you have a sound hole pickup active or passive. Tomir never steers me wrong and Sweetwater makes it so easy.
Rated 5/5

Clean sound, simple interface.

I play acoustic guitar, mostly in church, for special music and occasional short gigs at special events. I originally started with a simple pedalboard that for the most part has served me well. I experienced a number of "church issues" over time however that prompted me to rethink things. I had situations where my original board did not provide enough control before things fell to the sound tech. I was not happy with the EQ when they were in control, and could not develop a good signature tone. I never sounded the same way twice. Another problem was the frequent expectation for me to be up and running without any real sound check. I had to set things on my end on the fly and attempt to obtain some degree of consistency.

When I first saw this pedal, I was intrigued. I was drawn to the almost default "set and forget" simplicity of it. I reasoned that if I could work it into a small board with a straight forward pedal tuner and a simple delay, I could find a happy "default place" where the pedals got along with each other. Then I could simply go to those default settings when under pressure to set up quickly. I could do it with a degree of confidence about the resulting tone in the absence of a sound check. I had seen this pedal online, but had never listened to it in a store setting. My purchase was therefore on faith and sight unseen.

I initially tried the pedal by itself. I liked it, but still wanted to go with my original intention of pairing it with a delay. I chose a Boss DD-3, which has a long reputation for simplicity and dependability. When I combined the two, I could not have been happier. It is as though the pedals were specifically designed to be used together. Both of them completely complement the other. The board is not only predictable, but is like having my own personal sound tech. The beauty is that the setup allows me to virtually forget my board and focus solely on playing. I have a Taylor with ES2 electronics, and have been quite happy with the combinations.

I am very big on practical. Adjusting multiple perimeters on some equipment is fine during practice. It does not however always work in real world applications. This pedal and my DD-3 get me there at times when I am not at liberty to spend time with adjustments. It sounds great, and allows me to focus on playing music instead of playing with equipment. It puts me in control of my sound without me having to control my sound! I would definitely recommend it.
Music background: Church and occasional short special music gigs.
Rated 5/5

Great Pedal

Great Pedal for the price. And Sweetwaters service is unlike anything I have ever seen. Five stars all the way!
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