Boss announces SL-2 Slicer compact pedal, a smaller SL-20 successor

November 1, 2022 · 6 sources

Boss announced the SL-2 Slicer on November 1, 2022, a compact-format version of the Slicer effect it first introduced in the larger SL-20 dual pedal¹².

The SL-2 chops incoming signals into percussive patterns, and Boss says it delivers "rich, animated sounds using single and dual paths chained with multiple internal effects"². It has 88 onboard memories preloaded with eight pattern types and 11 variations, and users can connect to the Boss Tone Studio app over USB to audition and load alternate patterns and organize memory setups². Attack and Duty knobs control the waveform, from hard, percussive chops to soft, fluttering tones, and a Balance knob plus +/-12 dB of output level adjustment set the direct/effect mix². Tempo can be set with a dedicated knob or by holding the pedal switch for tap tempo².

The pedal has two outputs and seven output modes, including Fixed, EFX/Direct, Random, Ping-Pong, Auto, 3D Cross and 3D Rotation, and a stereo input for use with other stereo pedals³². A TRS MIDI input allows sync to a drum machine, DAW or other device sending MIDI clock, with expression, tempo and bypass controllable via MIDI CC messages². An external footswitch provides instant tap tempo or momentary switching, and an expression pedal can control knob parameters or overall level². The SL-2 processes at a 48 kHz sample rate and has a buffered bypass³.

Pricing was reported slightly differently. MusicRadar gave $169³, while Guitar.com, Guitar World, GuitarPlayer, Bass Gear Magazine and Gearnews gave $169.99¹⁴⁵²⁶. Guitar.com, Guitar World and Bass Gear Magazine said it would be available in the US in November¹⁴².