BOSS IR-2 IR Amp and Cabinet Processor Owner’s Manual

BOSS IR-2 IR Amp and Cabinet Processor

Product Information

Specifications

• Product Name: Amp & Cabinet IR-2
• Owner’s Manual: Included

Panel Descriptions

1. Name: DC IN jack
2. Function: Accepts connection of an AC adaptor (PSA series; sold separately).
3. Important Note: 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.
4. Name: CHECK indicator
5. Function: Shows whether the effect is ON/OFF, and also shows the channel as well as the battery state (battery check). When the effect is ON, the indicator switches between green (lit) and red (lit) each time you press the pedal switch. 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.
6. Name: SEND jack
7. Function: Connect an external effect unit here. This unit sends signals from the SEND jack to an external effect unit, and receives signals from an external effect unit via the RETURN jack.
8. Name: RETURN jack
9. Function: Connects to an external effect unit. Receives signals from an external effect unit via this jack.
10. Name: OUTPUT A (MONO), OUTPUT B jacks
11. Function: Connect these to your mixer, guitar amp or other audio equipment. If you’re using this unit in mono, connect only the A (MONO) jack.
12. Name: INPUT jack
13. Function: Doubles as the power switch. Power to the unit is turned on when you plug into the INPUT jack; the power is turned off when the cable is unplugged. When you’re not using this unit, disconnect the plug from the INPUT jack to prevent the battery from draining.
14. Name: CH SEL jack
15. Function: Connect a footswitch (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7; sold separately) to switch between channels. When a footswitch is connected, the pedal switch only activates the bypass function.
16. Name: Pedal switch
17. Name: [AMBIENCE] knob
18. Name: [LEVEL] knob
19. Name: [GAIN] knob
20. Name: [BASS] knob
21. Name: [MIDDLE] knob
22. Name: [TREBLE] knob
23. Name: Type knob
24. Name: PHONES jack
25. Name: USB port

Product Usage Instructions

Connecting the AC Adaptor

1. Use the specified AC adaptor (PSA series; sold separately).
2. Connect the AC adaptor to the DC IN jack on the unit.
3. Connect the other end of the AC adaptor to an AC outlet of the correct voltage.

Using the CHECK Indicator

1. The CHECK indicator shows whether the effect is ON/OFF.
2. The indicator also shows the channel and battery state.
3. When the effect is ON, the indicator switches between green (lit) and red (lit) each time you press the pedal switch.
4. 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.

Connecting External Effect Unit

1. Connect an external effect unit to the SEND jack on the unit.
2. Connect the RETURN jack on the unit to the external effect unit.

Connecting to Mixer or Guitar Amp

1. Connect OUTPUT A (MONO) or OUTPUT B jacks to your mixer, guitar amp, or other audio equipment.
2. If you’re using this unit in mono, connect only the A (MONO) jack.

Specifying the Amp Type

1. Make sure that the amp type setting matches the amp you’ve connected.
2. Refer to the owner’s manual for details on specifying the amp type.

Turning the Power On/Off

1. The INPUT jack doubles as the power switch.
2. Power to the unit is turned on when you plug into the INPUT jack.
3. The power is turned off when the cable is unplugged.
4. When you’re not using this unit, disconnect the plug from the INPUT jack to prevent the battery from draining.

FAQ

Q: Can I connect a footswitch to switch between channels?
A: Yes, you can connect a footswitch (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7; sold separately) to the CH SEL jack on the unit to switch between channels. When a footswitch is connected, the pedal switch only activates the bypass function.

Panel descriptions

sold 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 also shows the channel as well as the battery state (battery check).
• When the effect is ON, the indicator switches between green (lit) and red (lit) each time you press the pedal switch. (The indicator goes dark when the effect is OFF.)
• 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 “Changing the battery(P.21)”.

3

4

| SEND jack RETURN jack| Connect an external effect unit here. This unit sends signals from the SEND jack to an external effect unit, and receives signals from an external effect unit via the RETURN jack.

• When using the RETURN jack, you must change the setting (mono/stereo) to match the input signal. For details, refer to “Selecting the input signal for RETURN(P.18)”.

5| OUTPUT A (MONO), OUTPUT B jacks|

• Connect these to your mixer, guitar amp or other audio equipment. If you’re using this unit in mono, connect only the A (MONO) jack.
• To maximize the performance of the IR-2, make sure that the amp type setting matches the amp you’ve connected. For details, refer to “Specifying the amp to connect(P.9)”.

6| INPUT jack|

• Connect your guitar or effect unit here. Use a 1/4” phone type (TS) Ð 1/4” phone type (TS) cable to connect to this jack.
• This unit does not feature IR for bass guitar amps/cabinets, so the sound does not effectively change when you plug in a bass guitar.

Turning the power on/off
The INPUT jack doubles as the power switch. Power to the unit is turned on when you plug into the INPUT jack; the power is turned off when the cable is unplugged.

• When you’re not using this unit, disconnect the plug from the INPUT jack to prevent the battery from draining.

7| CH SEL jack|

• Connect a footswitch (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7; sold separately) to switch between channels. When a footswitch is connected, the pedal switch only activates the bypass function.
• When you connect an FS-6 or FS-7, you can only use them for momentary operations.

---|---|---
8| Pedal switch| Switches between channels. Hold down the switch to activate bypass, which turns the effect off.
For details, refer to “Switching between the channels(P.12)”.
9| [AMBIENCE] knob| Adjusts how much ambience is applied.
10| [LEVEL] knob| Adjusts the amp’s output level.
11| [GAIN] knob| Adjusts the amp gain (amount of distortion).
12| [BASS] knob| Adjusts the tonal character of the low frequency range for the amp.
13| [MIDDLE] knob| Adjusts the tonal character of the midrange frequencies for the amp.
14| [TREBLE] knob| Adjusts the tonal character of the high frequency range for the amp.
15| Type knob| Switches between the amp and speaker cabinet combinations.

For details, refer to “Amp/cabinet list(P.5)”.

16| PHONES jack| Connect your headphones here.
17| USB port| You can connect this port to a computer or similar device and use it as a USB audio interface, or connect the dedicated IR Loader app to load the IR files you like.

• Use a commercially available USB cable that supports USB 2.0.
• Do not use a USB cable that is designed only for charging. Charge-only cables cannot transmit data.

Download IR Loader from the BOSS website. https://www.boss.info/global/products/ir-2/downloads/

• 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.

Using the USB port or PHONES jack
The batteries tend to drain faster when the USB port or the PHONES jack is being used, so we recommend using an AC adaptor.

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.

• 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.

When turning the power on
Turn on the power to your amp or similar equipment last.
When turning the power off
Turn off the power to your amp or similar equipment first.

Amp/cabinet list

Amp

idiosyncrasies, such as its trebly character and boomy low end.
TWN| This models a Fender Twin Reverb.
TWEED| This models a Fender Bassman 4 x 10” Combo.
DIAMOND| This models a VOX AC30.
CRUNCH| Crunch sound that uses MDP to deliver a crisp tone from all strings.
BRIT| This models a Marshall 1959.
HI-GAIN| High-gain sound that uses MDP to obtain high-gain sound with a wide range and a great-feeling sense of separation.
SLDN| This models a Soldano SLO-100.
BROWN| Lead sound with a distinct edge.
MODDED| Core sound that uses MDP to preserve the definition of the sound even with extreme gain.
RFIER| Models the sound of the Channel 2 MODERN Mode on the MESA/Boogie DUAL Rectifier.

Cabinet
This unit comes preset with the Celestion IR data,which lets you play with high-quality sound right away using the factory settings.

Celestion V-Type

| CLOSED| ROYER R-121| V-Type 112 C R-121 Balanced Celestion.wav
TWN| 2 x 12”

Celestion A-Type

| OPEN| SENNHEISER MD421 + ROYER R-121| A-Type 212 O Lo-Gn 421+121

Celestion.wav

TWEED| 4 x 10”

Celestion G10 Gold

| CLOSED| ROYER R-121 + SHURE SM57| G10 Gold 410 C Lo-Gn 121+57

Celestion.wav

DIAMOND| 2 x 12”

Celestion Blue

| OPEN| SENNHEISER MD421 + ROYER R-121| Cel Blue 212 O Hi-Gn 421+121 Celestion.wav
CRUNCH| 2 x 12”

Celestion G12-65

| OPEN| SENNHEISER MD421 + ROYER R-121| G12-65 212 O Lo-Gn 421+121

Celestion.wav

BRIT| 4 x 12”

Celestion G12M-Heritage

| CLOSED| SENNHEISER MD421| G12M-Heritage 412 C MD421 Balanced Celestion.wav
HI-GAIN| 4 x 12” Celestion G12M Creamback| CLOSED| SENNHEISER MD421| G12M Creambk 412 C MD421 Balanced Celestion.wav
SLDN| 4 x 12” Celestion Vintage 30| CLOSED| SENNHEISER MD421| V30 412 C MD421 Balanced Celestion.wav
BROWN| 4 x 12”

Celestion G12M-Heritage

| CLOSED| SENNHEISER MD421| G12M-Heritage 412 C MD421 Balanced Celestion.wav
---|---|---|---|---
MODDED| 4 x 12” Celestion G12K-100| CLOSED| SENNHEISER MD421| G12K-100 412 C MD421 Balanced Celestion.wav
RFIER| 4 x 12” Celestion Vintage 30| CLOSED| SENNHEISER MD421| V30 412 C MD421 Balanced Celestion.wav

Using the IR-2
This unit features a high-quality preamp/cabinet IR, which gives you just the sound you want in all kinds of situations such as practicing, recording and playing live onstage.

Practicing
When you connect a pair of headphones to the PHONES jack, you can listen to your playing in headphones with the pedalboard settings applied as-is.
This unit also supports USB audio, so you can connect your computer or iOS device to play back the backing tracks.

• A Lightning-USB Camera Adapter (commercially available) is required to connect to an iOS device.

Recording
When you connect the USB port of this unit to a computer or iOS device, you can record what you play with the pedalboard settings applied as-is.

• A Lightning-USB Camera Adapter (commercially available) is required to connect to an iOS device.

Studio and onstage
By connecting the OUTPUT A (MONO)/OUTPUT B jacks to your mixer or guitar amp, you can enjoy playing with the pedalboard settings applied as-is.

• To maximize the performance of the IR-2, make sure that the amp type setting matches the amp you’ve connected. For details, refer to “Specifying the amp to connect(P.9)”.

Specifying the amp to connect

Here’s how to set the type of amp that’s connected to the OUTPUT (A/MONO, B) jacks. This lets you calibrate the sound to give you the optimal sound for that amp.

1. Turn off the power (unplug the cable from the INPUT A (MONO) jack).

2. Set the type knob to “TWEED”.

3. Turn the [AMBIENCE], [LEVEL] and [GAIN] knobs all the way counterclockwise, and turn the [BASS],[MIDDLE] and [TREBLE] knobs all the way clockwise.

4. While holding down the pedal switch, turn on the power by inserting a plug into the INPUT A (MONO) jack.
   After the CHECK indicator lights up green, it cycles between blinking orange three times and staying lit.

5. Use the type knob and the [AMBIENCE] knob to select the type of amp that’s connected.

   • You can’t use separate settings for the OUTPUT A (MONO) and OUTPUT B jacks.
   • When a pair of headphones is connected to the PHONES jack, the LINE setting is used, regardless of the type knob and [AMBIENCE] knob settings.
   • When connecting to a PA system onstage, use monitor speakers or in-ear monitors to check the sound.

6. Press the pedal switch.
   The CHECK indicator rapidly blinks red, and the settings are saved. You can play normally with this unit after around two to three seconds.

Operating the channels

Two channels are available on this unit, green and red.
You can save the changes to the sound that you make using the knobs for each channel.
This lets you set different sounds beforehand and switch between them when you play to match the situation, like the channel function on an actual amp head.

• Settings are saved for all of the knobs.

Switching between the channels

1. Press the pedal switch to select either the green channel or the red channel.
   • The channel switches each time you press the pedal.
   • When the CHECK indicator lights up green, the green channel is in use; and when the CHECK indicator lights up red, the red channel is in use.
   • The sound for the channel you select is recalled when you switch between channels, so the current knob position may not reflect what you hear.

Using an external footswitch to switch between channels
You can use a footswitch (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7; sold separately) connected to the CH SEL jack to switch between channels.

MEMO
When a footswitch is connected, the pedal switch only activates the bypass function.

When a stereo cable is connected to A & B (jacks) on the FS-6 or FS-7, use pedal switch B.

Editing and saving tones

• When you operate a knob, the edited setting is immediately applied to the sound.
• When you’ve edited the sound saved to a channel by operating the knobs, the sound is automatically saved to the channel that’s currently selected.

NOTE

• However, the settings are not saved if you switch between channels or turn the power off right after editing.
• To make sure that the settings are properly saved, wait about two seconds before you switch between channels or turn off the power.

Example of editing and saving

1. For the green channel, turn the type knob to “BRIT”, and adjust the settings of the various knobs. This sound is automatically saved to the green channel.

2. Press the pedal switch to select the red channel.
   This recalls the sound for the red channel.

3. Turn the type knob to “BROWN”, and adjust the settings with the various knobs. This sound is automatically saved to the red channel.

4. Press the pedal switch to select the green channel. The “BRIT” sound that you made the settings for in step 1 is recalled.

   • The sound for the channel you select is recalled when you switch between channels, so the current knob position may not reflect what you hear.

Turning the amp or cabinet on/off

It’s possible to turn on only the amp or cabinet.

1. Turn off the power (unplug the cable from the INPUT A (MONO) jack).

2. Set the type knob to “CLEAN”.

3. Turn the [AMBIENCE], [LEVEL] and [GAIN] knobs all the way counterclockwise, and turn the [BASS],[MIDDLE] and [TREBLE] knobs all the way clockwise.

4. While holding down the pedal switch, turn on the power by inserting a plug into the INPUT A (MONO) jack.
   After the CHECK indicator lights up green, it cycles between blinking orange once and staying lit.

5. Use the type knob to select the settings.

Turns on both the amp and cabinet.
This is the factory setting.

TWN| AMP ON / CAB OFF:

Turns on only the amp.
Select this when you want to use an external cabinet simulator or the like.

TWEED| AMP OFF / CAB ON:

Turns on only the cabinet.
Select this when you want to use IR Loader by itself.

1. Press the pedal switch.
   • This saves the settings.
   • Also, the CHECK indicator rapidly blinks red.
   • You can play normally with this unit after around two to three seconds.

Setting the ambience type
You can change the ambience type to the setting you like.

1. Turn off the power (unplug the cable from the INPUT A (MONO) jack).

2. Set the type knob to “TWN”.

3. Turn the [AMBIENCE], [LEVEL] and [GAIN] knobs all the way counterclockwise, and turn the [BASS],[MIDDLE] and [TREBLE] knobs all the way clockwise.

4. While holding down the pedal switch, turn on the power by inserting a plug into the INPUT A (MONO) jack.
   After the CHECK indicator lights up green, it cycles between blinking orange twice and staying lit.

5. Use the type knob to select the ambience type.

** Simulates the reverberations of a small room. This offers a warm reverberation sound.

• This is the factory setting.

TWN| HALL:
Simulates the reverberations in a concert hall. This offers a milder reverberation sound.
TWEED| PLATE:
Simulates plate reverb (a reverb unit with a metallic plate that vibrates to create reverb). Provides a  metallic sound with a distinct upper range.

1. Press the pedal switch.
   • This saves the settings.
   • Also, the CHECK indicator rapidly blinks red.
   • You can play normally with this unit after around two to three seconds.

Selecting the input signal for RETURN

The RETURN jack on this unit is a stereo (TRS) jack.
When using the RETURN jack, change the setting (stereo/mono) to match the input signal.

1. Turn off the power (unplug the cable from the INPUT A (MONO) jack).

2. Set the type knob to “DIAMOND”.

3. Turn the [AMBIENCE], [LEVEL] and [GAIN] knobs all the way counterclockwise, and turn the [BASS],[MIDDLE] and [TREBLE] knobs all the way clockwise.

4. While holding down the pedal switch, turn on the power by inserting a plug into the INPUT A (MONO) jack.
   After the CHECK indicator lights up green, it cycles between blinking orange four times and staying lit.

5. Use the type knob to select the input signal for RETURN.

Select this when you have connected a mono (TS) plug to input a mono signal.
This is the factory setting.

TWN| STEREO:
Select this when you have connected a stereo (TRS) plug to input a stereo signal.

1. Press the pedal switch.
   • This saves the settings.
   • Also, the CHECK indicator rapidly blinks red.
   • You can play normally with this unit after around two to three seconds.

Setting the USB mode
If you are using USB audio, set the USB mode to match the device you’ve connected, so that this unit works correctly.

1. Turn off the power (unplug the cable from the INPUT A (MONO) jack).

2. Set the type knob to “CRUNCH”.

3. Turn the [AMBIENCE], [LEVEL] and [GAIN] knobs all the way counterclockwise, and turn the [BASS],[MIDDLE] and [TREBLE] knobs all the way clockwise.

4. While holding down the pedal switch, turn on the power by inserting a plug into the INPUT A (MONO) jack.
   After the CHECK indicator lights up green, it cycles between blinking orange five times and staying lit.

5. Use the type knob to set the USB mode.

This uses the standard driver of the respective OS.
Use this setting when you connect an iOS device.

TWN| VENDOR:

This uses a dedicated driver.
Use this setting when you connect to a Windows or macOS device. Install the IR-2 driver that you downloaded from the Roland website.
This is the factory setting.

1. Press the pedal switch.
   • This saves the settings.
   • Also, the CHECK indicator rapidly blinks red.
   • You can play normally with this unit after around two to three seconds.

NOTE
This setting is not applied when a USB cable is plugged into the USB port. Disconnect and the reconnect the USB cable to apply the setting.

Restoring the factory settings (Factory Reset)
This shows you how to return the IR-2 to its factory settings.

1. Turn off the power (unplug the cable from the INPUT A (MONO) jack).

2. Set the type knob to “BROWN”.

3. Turn the other knobs besides the type knob all the way counterclockwise.

4. While holding down the pedal switch, turn on the power by inserting a plug into the INPUT A (MONO) jack.
   After the CHECK indicator lights up green, it switches to blinking orange.

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

6. Turn off the power (unplug the cable from the INPUT A (MONO) jack).

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 snap cord 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.

Use of battery

• 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 batteries that are listed in “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (the leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”).
• This device already contains a battery when shipped from the factory. This is a test battery, which may not last as long as a new one.
• 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).
• The batteries tend to drain faster when the USB port or the PHONES jack is being used, so we recommend using an AC adaptor.

Main Specifications

DC IN jack
Power Supply| Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61 or 6LF22, commercially available)
AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)
Current Draw| 160 mA
Expected battery life under continuous use| Alkaline: Approx. 3.5 hours (6LR61)

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

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 series Footswitch: FS-5U
Dual footswitch: FS-6, FS-7

• 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.

Intellectual Property Right

• ASIO is a trademark and software of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
• 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 and BOS 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.

IR-2
Owner’s Manual 01
©2023 Roland Corporation

References

• Apache License, Version 2.0
• TRON Forum
• BOSS - IR-2 | Amp & Cabinet

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