Boss MT-2 Guitar Effect

Boss MT-2 Metal Zone — The High-Gain Pedal That Refuses to Die

Introduced in 1991, the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone has become one of the most recognizable high-gain distortion pedals ever built, with over one million units sold. BOSS designed it as the second most popular drive pedal in their lineup, behind the legendary DS-1. Plugging into this model turns a clean amp into a heavy metal monster, producing thick, saturated distortion with smooth, singing sustain at any volume. A wide tone-shaping range covers everything from scooped rhythm tones to cutting lead voices.

What sets the Metal Zone apart from every other distortion pedal

Most analog drive pedals use a simple tone knob. With the MT-2, players get a semi-parametric midrange control to select the exact frequency to boost or cut, from 200 Hz to 5 kHz. Two gain stages run in series — the first delivers mid-focused clarity, the second adds aggressive saturation — while seven total stages of pre- and post-distortion filtering keep the tone tight and free of mud.

Dual-stage gain and semi-parametric EQ — the heart of the Metal Zone

Tonal flexibility comes from an analog signal path that separates gain shaping from EQ sculpting. Two gain stages in series create the saturated sound, while the post-distortion EQ section lets users shape the result with up to 15 dB of boost or cut on each band.

• Gain Stages: Dual-stage analog circuit in series — first stage provides mid-focused clarity, second adds aggressive saturation
• EQ Bands: Three-band active EQ (Low, Middle, High) — each band offers up to 15 dB of boost or cut
• Guitarists can use the semi-parametric sweep (200 Hz to 5 kHz) to define their instrument's unique voice and slot in any mix.

Inputs, outputs, and buffered signal path

Signal flow stays simple on the MT-2, with a single mono input and mono output on standard 1/4-inch jacks. Buffered bypass preserves high-end clarity when the pedal is disengaged, which becomes essential for long cable runs and large pedalboards where true-bypass pedals can dull the tone.

• Bypass Type: Buffered bypass — preserves treble content across long cable runs and complex chains
• Input: 1/4-inch mono phone jack, 1 MΩ impedance — standard guitar input, no special cabling required
• The output section is designed to drive any standard guitar amplifier input with its 1/4-inch mono phone jack and 1 kΩ output impedance.

Pedalboard-ready footprint and flexible power options

This model follows the standard BOSS compact stompbox format, so it fits virtually any pedalboard. Power it with a 9V battery or PSA-series AC adaptor; the 30 mA current draw supports up to 23.5 hours of alkaline battery life during continuous use.

• Power Supply: 9V battery (6F22/6LR61) or PSA-series AC adaptor (sold separately) — flexible power for stage and studio setups
• Current Draw: 30 mA — efficient enough for roughly 23.5 hours of alkaline battery life
• Dimensions: 73 × 129 × 59 mm — standard BOSS compact footprint that fits any pedalboard layout
• The total weight is 385 g (including battery), making it suitable for travel rigs and fly dates.