Dynamic overdrive

Released in 1995, the Boss BD-2 Blues Driver is a relative latecomer to the Boss overdrive family but with its clever design features, earns its place at the table on merit. Circuit-wise, the BD-2 is an evolution of the OD-2 circuit and was the starting point for the OD-3 (the OD-2 was a radically different circuit than the original OD-1). The circuit stands itself apart from other Boss overdrives with a couple of neat design features. The main one is the ‘fixed tone stack’ network after the first op-amp, and this is what gives the Blues driver its distinctive character and tone; this basically copies old silverface amps and boosts the mids and bass while limiting the treble. This allows it to be one of the few pedals that doesn’t sound muddy or muted when the tone control is rolled down. The other is very simple but remarkably effective, having a boost stage with an op-amp that won’t clip gives the transparency and dynamic response that the Blues Driver is famous for.

The BD-2 has a flat to slightly scooped mid-range and sounds similar to silverface amp breakup but can get fuzzier at higher gain settings. The OD-3 doesn’t have quite as much gain available as the BD-2 but does share a fairly flat midrange with a decent amount of bass. It can be as smooth or crunchy, depending on how you set it. With only slight similarities, the BD-2 and OD-3 are different enough to warrant owning both.

Features

• Classic “blues” guitar tones with tube amp simulation
• Warm distortion and overdrive
• Responds to nuance and volume changes
• Roadworthy design is ideal for gigging musicians
• Basic three-knob layout is easy to use
• AC adaptor or 9V battery operation

Specifications

• Nominal Input Level: -20 dBu
• Input Impedance: 1 M ohms
• Nominal Output Level: -20 dBu
• Output Impedance: 1 k ohms
• Equivalent Input Noise Level: -118 dBu (IHF-A, Typ.)
• Connectors: INPUT Jack, OUTPUT Jack, AC Adaptor Jack (DC 9 V)
• Power Supply: DC 9 V: Dry Battery 9 V type (6F22/9 V), AC Adaptor 9 mA (DC 9 V)
• Accessories: Dry Battery 9 V type (6F22/9 V)
• Dimensions: (W) 73 mm, 2-7/8 inches (D) 129 mm, 5-1/8 inches (H) 59 mm, 2-3/8 inches
• Weight (incl. battery): 0.4 kg, 0 lbs. 15 oz.