With the rise of dwelling recording, movies, and gigging with out amps, Boss has launched its IR-2 Amp & Cupboard, a small field with a spread of amp and cupboard sounds known as impulse response (IR) captures.

In a nutshell, impulse responses are usually not only a simulation, however add the atmosphere of a room, speaker dimension, microphone kind/distance, and so forth. As a substitute of a fundamental “amp sim,” an IR is a more-accurate illustration of guitar tone. You possibly can plug it straight right into a PA, recording interface, or powered cupboard and play a gig, with 11 amp selections at your disposal. No conventional amp required.

Working in mono or stereo, the IR-2 possesses two channels in addition to bypass (off). The principle financial institution of concentric knobs gives three-band EQ together with Atmosphere, Stage, and Achieve. On the again is a USB-C jack to entry Boss’ IR Loader software program, so you possibly can edit or obtain favorites. The IR-2 may even perform as a stand-alone digital interface for recording guitar or bass.

Examined by a Mac recording system and Fishman Loudbox amp, the IR-2 delivered highly effective, full-range tones, strongest towards the crunchy finish of the spectrum (assume Marshall to Mesa-Boogie). Whereas the direct-guitar-box class is getting crowded, for value and performance, Boss’ Amp & Cupboard is significantly price anybody’s consideration.

This text initially appeared in VG’s April 2024 problem. All copyrights are by the creator and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.