Boss Heavy Metal HM-2W Distortion Pedal

Boss Heavy Metal HM-2W Distortion Pedal

A Metal Legend Returns
Produced from 1983 to 1991, the BOSS HM-2 Heavy Metal is a true legend in the history of distortion pedals. Its signature “chainsaw tone” with all knobs maxed is the defining voice of Swedish death metal, and the slightly milder sides of its personality can be heard on tracks from mainstream to shoegaze. After years of requests from hardcore HM-2 fans, the iconic stomp is now reborn three decades later in a special Waza Craft edition. The HM-2W delivers the authentic analog sound of the original in all its glory, coupled with lots of modern refinements for enhanced performance.

Description

Death Metal Legend
When introduced in 1983, the HM-2 was one of the first “amp in a box” pedals ever, using an innovative BOSS circuit to replicate the sound of early ’80s British stack amps favored in the rapidly growing heavy metal genre. Near the end of its production run, seminal Swedish death metal bands adopted the HM-2 for their primary guitar tones, and its uniquely aggressive sound and focused midrange became highly sought after by a new generation of players. The pedal’s vast influence and popularity led to ongoing calls for BOSS to bring it back, and we’re pleased to present the HM-2W to all those devoted fans around the world.

Standard Mode: The Original HM-2 Sound
When the HM-2W is in Standard mode, the tone and response of the original HM-2 pedal is reproduced with 100-percent authenticity. Boss added some modern improvements without affecting the sound, including reducing the noise floor and expanding the maximum level by 3dB. And with the premium Waza Craft buffer on board, the sound is improved when the pedal is bypassed. Cranking every knob all the way up is the sound of Swedish death metal, and you can conjure a wide range of tones for other styles with the sensitive distortion and color controls.

Get Even More Aggressive with Custom Mode
The HM-2W’s Custom mode offers a similar sound character to Standard mode, but with just a little more of everything. The drive stage offers a bit more gain and includes more of the fundamental guitar sound for extra attack and sharpness. In addition, the low and high-mid characteristics have been tweaked to provide increased fullness and definition.

Orange and Black is Back
Along with the original HM-2 sound, we made every effort to capture the pedal’s distinctive orange and black appearance, right down to the size and position of lettering on the panel. Every Waza Craft pedal features a mode switch for extended range, and it’s been moved to the top on the HM-2W to preserve the authentic control layout of the HM-2.

Waza Craft: The Art of Superior Tone
Since the beginning, the engineers at BOSS have been committed to achieving the finest guitar tones using any technology necessary, from old-school analog circuits to high-tech DSP. This enthusiastic spirit continues on with the Waza Craft series, bringing you exceptional tone and touch response through carefully selected analog components, refined circuitry, and meticulous attention to detail. In Japan, “Waza” is the term for art and technique, and these special edition pedals proudly carry the Waza symbol to represent the pinnacle of BOSS design and craftsmanship.

Features

• Special edition Waza Craft pedal for the ultimate BOSS tone experience
• Authentic HM-2 appearance
• Standard mode delivers the original HM-2 tone with lower noise and maximized level
• Custom mode provides a more aggressive sound variation with special Waza Craft tuning
• Premium buffer for clean and clear tone when bypassed
• BOSS five-year warranty

Specs

Nominal Input Level:  -20 dBu

Input Impedance:  1 M ohm

Nominal Output Level:  -20 dBu

Output Impedance:  1 k ohm

Recommended Load Impedance:  10 k ohms or greater

Bypass :  Buffered bypass

Controls

Pedal switch
Mode switch
DIST. knob
COLOR MIX H knob
COLOR MIX L knob
LEVEL knob

Indicator:  CHECK indicator (Used for indication of check battery)

Connectors

INPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
OUTPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
DC IN jack

Power Supply:  Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61 or 6LF22) or Carbon-zinc battery (9 V, 6F22)
AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)

Current Draw:  30 mA

Expected battery life under continuous use

Alkaline: Approx. 24 hours
Carbon: Approx. 8 hours
*These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.

Accessories:  Owner's manual
Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY"
Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61 or 6LF22)Option (sold separately)AC adaptor: PSA series

SIZE AND WEIGHT

Width:  73 mm/2-7/8 inches

Depth:  129 mm/5-1/8 inches

Height:  59 mm/2-3/8 inches

Weight:  (including battery) 440 g/1 lb

Shipping Policy

Flipside Music ships items within 2 days of purchase. UPS, FedEx or USPS will be the parcel carrier used to ship your purchase, if you have a preference for another shipping service provider, please contact Ike or Dylan and we will work with you and the company you choose.

International orders may be subject to destination countries sales, VAT or import tax. Please contact your country's duty center, prior to purchase for more information regarding these fees. Flipside Music will not reduce listed price to avoid said duties, taxes, or export/import fees.

Return Policy

New Items:

We honor a 14 day return window on all new items.

If you feel the need to return an item, it must be in the sellable condition, no paint chips, scratches or broken parts. Sellable Condition means that the product(s) is in exactly the same condition as it was when you received it. The item must have all the original packaging, included accessories owner’s manuals and blank warranty card, no sign of wear or abuse.

Used and Vintage Gear:

We honor a 3 day return window on all used and vintage items.

All our used gear is tested for functionality prior to being available for purchase and therefore only carries a 3 day approval period. If you would like to make a return just let us know within the 3 day window.

Damaged or Defective Items:

We visually inspect all items before shipment. If you believe you have received a damaged or defective product, please contact us immediately so we can work through the issue. Guitars, basses, and other equipment returned to us with pick marks, "buckle-rash", or any other damage or evidence of use may be subject to a 20% restocking fee, repair charge or disqualification of return. All items must be returned to us in the same condition they were when shipped to qualify. We reserve the right to refuse any return if we determine the item has been misused, modified or damaged by the purchaser. If the item turns out not to be defective upon inspection, we will have to deduct the cost of shipping from your return credit.

Shipping Charges incurred through the return of an item:

You will be responsible for the shipping charge for the return of your item, and if your item qualifies for Free shipping on its way to you, this shipping charge will also be deducted from your refund. If your item is determined to be defective, we will pay the shipping charge, equivalent to ground service.