Tone Report Weekly 169 | Page 53

guitars are know for . The AD-2 steps in , listens to what you ’ re playing , and thanks to some “ sophisticated underthe-hood processing with multiple interlocked parameters ,” does its best to recreate that complexity .
And — honestly — I think it works . Of course , higher settings on the Resonance control can sound overly processed , but I tend to be more of a strummer than a fingerpicker on acoustic , so your style might dictate otherwise . But even when I handed my guitar to a buddy and went out into the house to listen to some A-B testing during a break , there was no doubt that what was coming through the PA sounded more dynamic — and downright better — when the AD-2 was engaged . Even the drummer agreed !
BAG OF TRICKS
Aside from its primary function , the AD-2 packs in a few other nifty features .
Foremost among them is a studio-quality reverb that ’ s been optimized for acoustic guitars ( controlled by the aforementioned Ambience control ). That said , if you ’ re a reverb geek — don ’ t get too excited . Even maxed out , the reverb is fairly modest . But it is great for adding just a little bit of space to your sound , with an emphasis on the words “ little bit .” Even if reverb isn ’ t your thing , you still might find yourself inching that control up on the AD-2 .
Other tricks include a notch filter for feedback reduction , a pair of outputs for connecting your guitar to an amp or a PA and a mute function for tuning or switching guitars on stage .
There ’ s also a hidden option that allows you to split out the ambience and process it separately on the board .
What the AD-2 may lack in sex appeal , it more than makes up for in utility . This is a great tool for acoustic guitar players looking to enhance their sound on stage . And it ’ s Boss — so you know it ’ s built to last . Plus , for only $ 99 , it ’ s something you can just as easily throw in the bag as strap down on the pedalboard . There ’ s plenty to like here .
All told , I used the AD-2 for about four , maybe five hours and in that time it ate through the ninevolt battery it shipped with . Now , this test was hardly scientific and for all I know , the battery was almost dead when I got it — but if you ’ re someone who likes to go with battery power , make sure you have a backup ( or two ) in the gig bag .
guitars are know for . The AD-2 steps in , listens to what you ’ re playing , and thanks to some “ sophisticated underthe-hood processing with multiple interlocked parameters ,” does its best to recreate that complexity .
And — honestly — I think it works . Of course , higher settings on the Resonance control can sound overly processed , but I tend to be more of a strummer than a fingerpicker on acoustic , so your style might dictate otherwise . But even when I handed my guitar to a buddy and went out into the house to listen to some A-B testing during a break , there was no doubt that what was coming through the PA sounded more dynamic — and downright better — when the AD-2 was engaged . Even the drummer agreed !
BAG OF TRICKS
Aside from its primary function , the AD-2 packs in a few other nifty features .
Foremost among them is a studio-quality reverb that ’ s been optimized for acoustic guitars ( controlled by the aforementioned Ambience control ). That said , if you ’ re a reverb geek — don ’ t get too excited . Even maxed out , the reverb is fairly modest . But it is great for adding just a little bit of space to your sound , with an emphasis on the words “ little bit .” Even if reverb isn ’ t your thing , you still might find yourself inching that control up on the AD-2 .
Other tricks include a notch filter for feedback reduction , a pair of outputs for connecting your guitar to an amp or a PA and a mute function for tuning or switching guitars on stage .
There ’ s also a hidden option that allows you to split out the ambience and process it separately on the board .

WHAT WE LIKE :

What the AD-2 may lack in sex appeal , it more than makes up for in utility . This is a great tool for acoustic guitar players looking to enhance their sound on stage . And it ’ s Boss — so you know it ’ s built to last . Plus , for only $ 99 , it ’ s something you can just as easily throw in the bag as strap down on the pedalboard . There ’ s plenty to like here .

CONCERNS :

All told , I used the AD-2 for about four , maybe five hours and in that time it ate through the ninevolt battery it shipped with . Now , this test was hardly scientific and for all I know , the battery was almost dead when I got it — but if you ’ re someone who likes to go with battery power , make sure you have a backup ( or two ) in the gig bag .
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