BOSS SL-2 Slicer Owner’s Manual

BOSS SL-2 Slicer

Panel Descriptions

separately).

*    Use only the specified AC adaptor (PSA series; sold separately), and connect it to an AC outlet of the correct voltage.

*    If the AC adaptor is connected while power is on, the power supply is drawn from the AC adaptor.

2| CHECK indicator| This indicator shows whether the effect is ON/OFF, and doubles as the tempo and battery check indicator.

The indicator lights up red when the effect is on and lights up green when the effect is off. The indicator also blinks in time with the tempo.

• The brightness of the CHECK indicator (LED) will dim as the battery lowers. Replace the battery when the LED is dim or does not light. For details on how to replace, refer to “9. Changing the Battery(P.13)”.

3| OUTPUT A (MONO),

OUTPUT B jacks

| Connect these jacks to your amp or monitor speakers.

Use only the OUTPUT A (MONO) jack if using this unit in mono.

If you’re using a stereo setup, use the OUTPUT A (MONO) and OUTPUT B jacks.

When you connect to both the OUTPUT A (MONO) and OUTPUT B jacks, an effect is produced

according to the OUTPUT MODE settings. For details, refer to “2. Selecting Various Ways of Outputting the Effect Sound (OUTPUT MODE)(P.6)”.

4| INPUT A (MONO),

INPUT B jacks

| Connect your guitar, bass, or effect unit here.

Use only the INPUT A (MONO) jack if using this unit in mono. Use the INPUT A (MONO) jack and INPUT B jack when connecting to an effect unit with stereo outputs.

• The INPUT A (MONO) jack doubles as the power switch. The power turns on when you insert a plug into the INPUT A (MONO) jack.

5| CTL/EXP jack| ●   Using the jack as CTL

Connect a footswitch (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7; sold separately) to control the tap tempo or momentary switch functions.

For more about footswitch settings, refer to “3. Assigning Functions to a Footswitch (CTL FUNCTION)(P.7)”.

●   Using the jack as EXP

Connect an expression pedal (EV-30, Roland EV-5, etc.; sold separately) to continuously change the effect settings for the expression pedal’s pushed-up (horizontal) position and for the pushed-down (slanted) position.

For more about function settings, refer to “4. Controlling the Knobs Using an Expression Pedal

(EXP FUNCTION)(P.8)”.

6| Pedal switch| ●   On/off switch
 | Turns the effects on/off.

Long-press this switch to use tap tempo. When you do this, the CHECK indicator alternately lights up red and green.

●   Tap tempo

You can set the tempo of the slice pattern with the timing at which you press the pedal switch.

The tempo can’t be set using the SL-2 if this device is receiving MIDI clocks from an external device, since this device is synchronized with the tempo of the external device.

Hold down the pedal switch for at least two seconds (the CHECK indicator blinks red/green). Press the pedal switch at quarter-note intervals in synchronization with the tempo of the song. You can use the [TEMPO] knob to control the level of the effect sound.

Hold down the pedal switch for at least two seconds to complete the setting.

---|---
7| [BALANCE] knob| Adjusts the balance between the effect sound and the direct sound.

Turn the knob all the way clockwise to hear only the effect sound, and turn the knob all the way counterclockwise to hear only the direct sound.

8| [ATTACK] knob| Adjusts the volume of the attack waveform for the slice pattern.
9| [VARIATION] knob| Selects the pattern variations.
10| Type knob| Switches between different slicer types.
SINGLE (1, 2)| A type that uses a single slicer effect.
DUAL (3, 4)| A type that uses two slicer effects.
TREMOLO (5)| A tremolo pattern.
HARMONIC (6)| A modulated slice pattern.
SFX (7, 8)| Slice patterns to which various effects are applied.
11| [TEMPO] knob| Sets the tempo (BPM 40–300).

• The tempo can’t be set using the SL-2 if this device is receiving MIDI clocks from an external device, since this device is synchronized with the tempo of the external device.

12| [DUTY] knob| Adjusts the ratio (sound length) with which the slice pattern sounds.

Turn the knob counterclockwise to make the sound shorter (            ). Turn the knob clockwise to make the sound longer ( ).

13| MIDI IN connector| This connector receives timing clocks, start/continue/stop messages and control change messages from an external device.

●   Use TRS/MIDI connecting cables (BMIDI series, BCC series; sold separately) to connect this unit to an external MIDI device.

●   Do not connect to audio devices. Doing so may cause a malfunction.

14| USB port| Connect your computer to the SL-2 with a USB cable. You can swap slice patterns by using the dedicated app, “BOSS TONE STUDIO for SL-2”.

For details, refer to “Using BOSS TONE STUDIO for SL-2”.

Do not use connection cables that contain a built-in resistor.To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections.

Turning the power on/off
Once everything is properly connected, be sure to follow the procedure below to turn on their power. If you turn on equipment in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction or equipment failure.

Turning the Power On
Turn on the power to your amp last.

Turning the Power Off
Turn off the power to your amp first.

• Before turning the unit on/off, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some sound when switching the unit on/off. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

Connecting External Pedals
Use only the specified expression pedal. By connecting any other expression pedals, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to the unit.

Selecting Various Ways of Outputting the Effect Sound (OUTPUT MODE)

Here’s how to select how the effect sound is output.

1. Turn the type knob to “SFX (8)”.

2. Turn the other knobs besides the type knob all the way clockwise.

3. While holding down the pedal switch, turn on the power by inserting a plug into the INPUT A (MONO) jack.
   The CHECK indicator blinks orange.

4. Use the [VARIATION] knob to select how the effect sound is output.
   [VARIATION] knob| Explanation
   ---|---
   1| FIXED| The same signal is output from the OUTPUT A (MONO) and OUTPUT B jacks.

When the effect is off, the direct sound is output from the OUTPUT A (MONO) and OUTPUT B jacks.

2| EFX/DIR| The effect sound is output from the OUTPUT A (MONO) jack, and the direct sound is output from the OUTPUT B jack.

When the effect is off, nothing is output from the OUTPUT A (MONO) jack. The direct sound is output from the OUTPUT B jack.

3 | RANDOM| Randomly outputs from the left, right and center positions.
4 | PING-PONG| Alternately outputs from the left and right.
5 | AUTO| The sound pans smoothly from left to right and back again across the stereo field.
6 | 3D CROSS| The sound pans both back and forth and left-right across the stereo field.
7 *| 3D ROTATION| Gives a three-dimensional feeling of rotation.

The settings are saved automatically whenever you turn the [VARIATION] knob. When making the settings, you can hear the effect sound from the OUTPUT A (MONO) and OUTPUT B jacks. Note that the sound that’s output uses the effect settings as they were just before the power on this device was last turned off. If you’re hearing an effect sound that’s hard to distinguish, set the effect settings to simple settings (such as type knob = “SINGLE (1)”, [VARIATION] knob = “1” and so forth), turn off the device and start again from step 1.

5. Press the pedal switch.
   The CHECK indicator rapidly blinks red. The device can be used normally after around two to three seconds.

Assigning Functions to a Footswitch (CTL FUNCTION)

Here’s how to assign functions to a footswitch that’s connected to this device.

1. Turn the type knob to “SFX (7)”.

2. Turn the other knobs besides the type knob all the way clockwise.

3. While pressing this device’s pedal switch, turn on the power by inserting a plug into the INPUT A (MONO) jack.
   The CHECK indicator blinks orange.

4. Use the [VARIATION] knob to select the function to assign to the footswitch.
   [VARIATION] knob| Explanation
   ---|---
   1| MOMENTARY/TAP   Use this setting when connecting two footswitches or a dual footswitch externally.

The CTL 1 footswitch is assigned to the tap tempo function, and the CTL 2 footswitch is assigned to the momentary switch (*) function.

2| TAP TEMPO| Assigns the tap tempo function.
3| MOMENTARY| Assigns the momentary switch (*) function for switching the effect on/off.

When making the settings, you can hear the effect sound from the OUTPUT A (MONO) and OUTPUT B jacks. Note that the sound that’s output uses the effect settings as they were just before the power on this device was last turned off. If you’re hearing an effect sound that’s hard to distinguish, set the effect settings to simple settings (such as type knob = “SINGLE (1)”, [VARIATION] knob = “1” and so forth), turn off the device and start again from step 1.

5. Press this device’s pedal switch.
   The settings are saved. Also, the CHECK indicator rapidly blinks red. The device can be used normally after around two to three seconds.

Controlling the Knobs Using an Expression Pedal (EXP FUNCTION)

If an expression pedal is connected, you can use it to externally control the knobs on the SL-2. Use the following settings to select the knob (parameter) that’s controlled by the expression pedal.

1. Turn the type knob to “HARMONIC (6)”.

2. Turn the other knobs besides the type knob all the way clockwise.

3. While holding down the pedal switch, turn on the power by inserting a plug into the INPUT A (MONO) jack.
   The CHECK indicator blinks orange.

4. Use the [VARIATION] knob to select the knob (parameter) to assign to the expression pedal.
   [VARIATION] knob| Explanation
   ---|---
   1| The expression pedal controls the [DUTY] knob.
   2| The expression pedal controls the [ATTACK] knob.
   3| The expression pedal controls the [TEMPO] knob.
   4| The expression pedal controls the [BALANCE] knob.

5. Use the knob to set the value (setting) that’s used when the expression pedal is at minimum.

6. Press the pedal switch.
   This stores the value (knob position) that’s used when the expression pedal is at minimum.

7. Use the knob to set the value (setting) that’s used when the expression pedal is at maximum.

8. Press the pedal switch.

Controlling the Output Level Using an Expression Pedal

You can use an expression pedal to control the level of the effect sound that’s output from the OUTPUT A (MONO) jack.

1. Turn the type knob to “TREMOLO (5)”.

2. Turn the other knobs besides the type knob all the way clockwise.

3. While holding down the pedal switch, turn on the power by inserting a plug into the INPUT A (MONO) jack.
   The CHECK indicator blinks orange.

4. Use the [TEMPO] knob to set the level that’s used when the expression pedal is at minimum.

5. Press this device’s pedal switch.
   This stores the output level that’s used when the expression pedal is at minimum.

6. Use the [TEMPO] knob to set the level that’s used when the expression pedal is at maximum.

7. Press this device’s pedal switch.

Controlling This Unit from an External MIDI Device
You can send MIDI messages to control the SL-2 from an external device. You can also make the tempo of the SL-2 match that of the external device, so that the slice patterns on the SL-2 play back in sync with the external device.

Controlling the SL-2 using control change messages

This gives the same effect as when you’re operating an externally-connected expression pedal.

CC#80| EFFECTS

ON/OFF

| Turns the effects of the SL-2 on/off.
CC#81| TAP TEMPO| Sets the tempo of the SL-2 in time with the interval in which control change messages are received.

Using MIDI clocks to synchronize with an external MIDI device
When the SL-2 receives a timing clock (F8H), a start message (FAH), a continue message (FBH) or a stop message (FCH), this device synchronizes its tempo to the external device.

• You can’t use the following operations to set the tempo of the SL-2 while it is synchronized to MIDI clocks.
  • Tempo settings (tap tempo) using the pedal switch of the SL-2 or a footswitch connected to the SL-2
  • Tempo settings by receiving control change messages (CC#81)
• Tempo settings made via MIDI clocks are not stored in this device.
• MIDI clocks are part of the MIDI system common information (system real-time messages). As such, they don’t have MIDI channel settings.
• When a start (FAH) message is received, the slice pattern is output from the beginning.

Setting the MIDI Receive Channel

Here’s how to set the channel used for receiving MIDI messages from a MIDI device.

1. Turn the type knob to “DUAL (4)”.

2. Turn the other knobs besides the type knob all the way clockwise.

3. While holding down the pedal switch, turn on the power by inserting a plug into the INPUT A (MONO) jack.
   The CHECK indicator lights up red.

4. Use the [VARIATION] knob to select the receive channel.
   [VARIATION] knob| Explanation
   ---|---
   1| 1 ch
   2| 2 ch
   3| 3 ch
   4| 4 ch
   5| 5 ch
   6| 6 ch
   7| 7 ch
   8| 8 ch
   9| 9 ch
   10| 10 ch
   11| All channels

5. Press the pedal switch

Restoring the Factory Settings (Factory Reset)

This shows you how to return the SL-2 to its factory settings.

1. Turn the type knob to “DUAL (3)”.

2. Turn the other knobs besides the type knob all the way clockwise.

3. While holding down the pedal switch, turn on the power by inserting a plug into the INPUT A (MONO) jack.
   The CHECK indicator blinks orange.

4. Press the pedal switch.
   The CHECK indicator rapidly blinks orange. Once the CHECK indicator lights up orange continuously, the SL-2 is restored to its factory settings.

5. Turn off the power (unplug the cable from the INPUT A (MONO) jack).
   This sets the SL-2 as follows. Parameter| Value
   ---|---
   OUTPUT MODE

→2. Selecting Various Ways of Outputting the Effect Sound (OUTPUT MODE)(P.6)

| FIXED (1)
CTL FUNCTION

→3. Assigning Functions to a Footswitch (CTL FUNCTION)(P.7)

| MOMENTARY/TAP TEMPO (1)
EXP FUNCTION

→4. Controlling the Knobs Using an Expression Pedal (EXP FUNCTION)(P.8)

| TEMPO (3)
MIDI CH

→7. Setting the MIDI Receive Channel(P.11)

| All channels (11)

Changing the Battery

When operating on battery power only, the CHECK indicator gets dimmer when battery power gets too low. Replace the battery as soon as possible.

• Batteries should always be installed or replaced before connecting any other devices. This way, you can prevent malfunction and damage.

1. Hold down the pedal and loosen the thumbscrew, then open the pedal upward.
   You don’t need to take the thumbscrew out completely to open the pedal.

2. Remove the old battery from the battery housing, and remove the battery snap connected to it.

3. Connect the battery snap to the new battery, and place the battery inside the battery housing.
   Be sure to carefully observe the battery’s polarity (+ versus -).

4. Slip the coil spring onto the spring base on the back of the pedal, and then close the pedal.
   Carefully avoid getting the snap cord caught in the pedal, coil spring, and battery housing.

5. Finally, hold down the pedal while tightening the thumbscrew into the guide bush hole.

Battery Usage

• Use alkaline batteries if you are running the unit on battery power.
• If you handle the battery improperly, you risk explosion and fluid leakage. Make sure that you carefully observe all of the items related to battery that are listed in the “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (the leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”) for proper use.
• This device contains a battery when shipped from the factory. This is a test battery, which may not last as long as a new battery.
• The sound may distort if the battery is nearly depleted. This is not a malfunction. If this happens, replace the battery or use the AC adaptor (sold separately).

Main Specifications

type

PATTERN IMPORT port| USB B
DC IN jack
Power Supply| Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61 or 6LF22, commercially available)
AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)
Current Draw| 95 mA
Expected battery life under continuous use

• These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.

| Alkaline: Approx. 2.5 hours
Dimensions| 73 (W) x 129 (D) x 59 (H) mm

2-7/8 (W) x 5-1/8 (D) x 2-3/8 (H) inches

Weight (including battery)| 450 g

1 lb

Accessories| Leaflet (“USING THE UNIT SAFELY”, “IMPORTANT NOTES”, and “Information”)

Dry battery (9 V, 6LR61 or 6LF22)

Options (sold separately)| AC adaptor: PSA-S series Footswitch: FS-5U

Dual footswitch: FS-6, FS-7

Expression pedal: FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30, Roland EV-5 TRS/MIDI connecting cable: BMIDI series, BCC series

• 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
• This document explains the specifications of the product at the time that the document was issued. For the latest information, refer to the Roland website.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Even if batteries are installed, the unit will turn off if you connect or disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet while the unit is turned on, or if you connect or disconnect the AC adaptor from the unit. You must turn off the power before you connect or disconnect the power cord or AC adaptor.
• Before sending the unit away for repairs, be sure to make a backup of the data stored within it; or you may prefer to write down the needed information. Although we will do our utmost to preserve the data stored in your unit when we carry out repairs, in some cases, such as when the memory section is physically damaged, restoration of the stored content may be impossible. Roland assumes no liability concerning the restoration of any stored content that has been lost.
• Any data stored within the unit can be lost as the result of equipment failure, incorrect operation, etc. To protect yourself against the irretrievable loss of data, be sure to make a backup of the data stored within it; or you may prefer to write down the needed information.
• Roland assumes no liability concerning the restoration of any stored content that has been lost.

SUPPLIER’S DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Compliance Information Statement

• Model Name: SL -2
• Type of Equipment: Guitar Effects
• Responsible Party: Roland Corporation U.S.
• Address: 5100 S. Eastern Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938
• Telephone: 323-890-3700

Intellectual Property Right

• This Product uses the Source Code of μT-Kernel under T-License 2.0 granted by the T-Engine Forum (www.tron.org).

• This product includes third party open source software.
  Copyright © 2009-2020 ARM Limited. All rights reserved.
  Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the “License”);
  You may obtain a copy of the License at http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0

• Roland, BOSS, SLICER are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Roland Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

• Company names and product names appearing in this document are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

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