Boss PN-2 Tremolo/Pan

The Boss PN-2 Tremolo/Pan is a compact tremolo pedal from Boss that combines two related effects in one design: tremolo, the rhythmic raising and lowering of volume, and panning, which moves the signal between left and right outputs in a stereo setup¹. Introduced in 1990 and discontinued in 1995, it is an analog pedal with full stereo inputs and outputs, which sets it apart from most tremolo pedals of its era²³.

Tremolo and stereo panning in one pedal

The PN-2 offers two modes. In Tremolo mode it produces what Boss describes as a tighter amplitude modulation effect than traditional tremolo circuits. In Pan mode it moves the audio signal across the stereo field, shifting it between the left and right outputs rather than simply varying its loudness¹. Both triangle and square wave shapes are available, giving two different modulation characters: a triangle wave rises and falls smoothly, while a square wave switches abruptly between levels⁵.

Because it has full stereo I/O, the pedal works in two kinds of setup. With a mono instrument it can add movement and width to the sound; with a stereo source, such as a keyboard, Pan mode can sweep the whole stereo image from side to side². Pedal of the Day noted the stereo output capabilities as a standout feature when covering the pedal alongside the Boss DC-3 Digital Dimension, calling both "beloved and revered in the vintage realm"⁶.

The controls: Rate, Depth and Mode

The front panel keeps it simple, with three dedicated controls²:

An onboard Rate LED blinks in time with the chosen speed, which Pedal of the Day called "perfect for dimly lit stages"²⁶.

Power and connections

The PN-2 runs on 9V DC with a center negative plug, drawing 20mA³. Its inputs and outputs are stereo, so a stereo rig needs cables into and out of both channels to hear the Pan mode move the signal between speakers or amps².

History: 1990 to 1995

Guitar Pedal X's chronology of Boss's early compact pedals places the PN-2 Tremolo/Pan in that 1990 wave of releases⁷⁴. Boss's own retrospective describes it as a pedal that "endures as one of BOSS's most desirable compact pedals" among vintage-minded players².

After the PN-2 left the lineup, players looking for the same effect have turned to Boss's later tremolo pedals, such as the TR-2 tremolo, which covers the tremolo side of the PN-2's job but not the stereo panning side. The PN-2's own manual remains available, documenting its controls and signal routing for anyone servicing or comparing units⁵.

What reviewers said

Reviews of the PN-2 are mixed in emphasis. Pedal of the Day praised its stereo output capabilities and its status among vintage Boss pedals⁶. Writing at Guitar Pedal X in 2026, Stefan Karlsson was more reserved, finding both the PN-2 and the Boss SG-1 Slow Gear somewhat underwhelming in their scope, with an operation and output range he considered a little too basic by modern standards⁸. That basic operation is also part of its appeal for players who want a straightforward tremolo or pan without menu diving, and the PN-2 format has since inspired new stereo tremolo/panner designs from other makers³.

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