Table of Contents
The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone holds a unique position in guitar history—simultaneously the most mocked and second-best-selling Boss pedal of all time. For over three decades, it’s been the internet’s favorite punching bag, spawning countless memes about angry bees and Halloween costume jokes. Yet somehow, this orange beast continues outselling nearly every other compact pedal on the market, trailing only the legendary DS-1.
Here’s the truth behind the infamy: the MT-2 isn’t a bad pedal—it’s a misunderstood one. Released in 1991 as Boss’s highest-gain offering, it introduced revolutionary EQ controls that were years ahead of their time. The problem? Most players use it completely wrong, plugging it straight into clean amps and cranking every knob to maximum chaos.
Today’s metal scene has evolved, and so has our understanding of how to properly deploy the Metal Zone. Used correctly through an effects loop or as a preamp, it transforms from internet meme into legitimate metal machine. Whether you’re chasing that classic 90s death metal grind or need surgical EQ control for modern high-gain applications, the MT-2 deserves a fresh evaluation.
What Makes the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone Revolutionary?
The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone broke new ground when it debuted in 1991, replacing the discontinued HM-2 Heavy Metal as Boss’s flagship distortion pedal. It became the first Boss compact to feature dual concentric controls, packing six knobs into the standard enclosure: Level, High, Low, Mid, Mid Frequency, and Distortion.
This EQ section remains one of the most sophisticated ever crammed into a compact pedal. The semi-parametric midrange control offers variable frequency selection and cut/boost capabilities that rival studio processors. The high and low controls provide surgical precision for tone shaping that was unimaginable in early 90s pedalboards.
But this sophistication creates the MT-2’s greatest challenge—these controls are incredibly sensitive. The slightest knob movement can transform crushing metal tones into unusable noise. This hair-trigger responsiveness, combined with decades of “gain on 10, mids scooped” advice from guitar magazines, created the pedal’s notorious reputation.
The internal circuitry features both pre and post-gain filtering that creates the MT-2’s distinctive character. A pre-gain mid boost emphasizes attack and definition, while post-gain filtering scoops mids and boosts surrounding frequencies. This built-in tone shaping explains why the pedal sounds so extreme even with modest settings.
Breaking Down the Metal Zone Experience
The Dual-Gain Circuit Advantage
The MT-2’s dual-gain circuit design provides the massive sustain and thick saturation that defined 90s death metal. Unlike single-stage distortion pedals, this cascaded approach builds harmonic complexity that cuts through dense mixes while maintaining note definition.
The circuit generates enough gain to transform any clean amplifier into a high-gain monster, which explains its popularity among players stuck with practice amps and solid-state combos. However, this same abundance of gain creates the noise floor issues that plague direct-input applications.
EQ Section: Blessing and Curse
The three-band EQ with semi-parametric mids offers tonal flexibility that surpasses most amplifier controls. The frequency sweep covers 200Hz to 5kHz, allowing precise targeting of problematic frequencies or surgical enhancement of desired characteristics.
This power becomes dangerous in inexperienced hands. The EQ can boost or cut frequencies by extreme amounts, making it trivially easy to create unmusical tones. The infamous “scooped mids” settings that dominated 90s metal magazines demonstrate this perfectly—removing midrange frequencies that provide definition and punch.
The Distortion Character
At moderate settings, the MT-2 produces tight, focused distortion with excellent note separation. The character emphasizes upper harmonics and presence frequencies, creating the cutting edge that helps guitar parts slice through busy mixes.
Push the gain beyond 2 o’clock, and the pedal enters extreme territory where notes blur together and noise becomes problematic. This saturation level works for specific applications—drone metal, industrial textures, or experimental sounds—but exceeds what most metal players actually need.
The Right Way vs. The Wrong Way
Traditional Method: Direct Input Disaster
The standard approach—guitar to MT-2 to clean amplifier input—creates most of the pedal’s negative reputation. This signal path forces the MT-2 to provide both distortion and amplification, pushing it beyond its optimal operating range.
The result sounds exactly like its critics describe: fizzy, harsh, and lacking the warmth and dynamics that make great metal tones. The built-in tone shaping becomes exaggerated when driving amplifier inputs directly, creating the signature “angry bees” texture that spawned countless internet jokes.
Effects Loop Revolution: Preamp Application
The game-changing discovery involves using the MT-2 in amplifier effects loops rather than direct inputs. This approach treats the pedal as a preamp device, utilizing the amplifier’s power section for final tone shaping and projection.
Through an effects loop, the MT-2’s harsh edges smooth out significantly. The fizzy high-end mellows into usable presence, while the low-end tightens and gains definition. The EQ controls become surgical tools rather than chaos generators, allowing precise tonal adjustments that complement rather than fight the amplifier’s natural character.
The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone DOES NOT SUCK!!! THIS is HOW you make it sound GREAT!!
Ready to finally understand why the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone is Boss’s second-bestselling pedal despite all the internet hate? Guitar educator Pat tackles the controversy head-on in this essential tutorial that reveals the real secret behind making the Metal Zone sound incredible. Spoiler alert: it’s not the pedal that sucks—it’s how most people use it.
Pat demonstrates the dramatic difference between the traditional “plug it straight into your amp” approach versus the game-changing effects loop method that transforms this orange beast from# Guitar Effects Pedal of the Week: Boss MT-2 Metal Zone – The Most Misunderstood Pedal in History
Real-World Applications
Studio Recording
In recording environments, the MT-2 excels when used as a texture tool rather than a primary distortion source. The surgical EQ capabilities make it valuable for fixing problematic frequencies in amp tracks or creating layered guitar textures.
The pedal works particularly well for creating contrast within arrangements—using it on rhythm parts that need to cut through without competing with lead guitars, or for creating background textures that add density without muddying the mix.
Live Performance Situations
For live applications, the MT-2 shines in effects loop configurations where stage volume and venue acoustics require precise frequency control. The EQ section can compensate for room problems or amplifier limitations that become apparent at performance volumes.
The pedal also serves well as a backup distortion for tube amps prone to failure. Having an MT-2 in your effects loop provides insurance against preamp tube problems or amplifier malfunctions during critical performances.
Practice and Recording Interfaces
Despite its reputation, the MT-2 works excellently for home practice through audio interfaces and amp simulators. The built-in EQ helps shape direct signals for headphone monitoring or digital recording applications where external amplification isn’t available.
Modern amp simulation software often responds well to the MT-2’s output, treating it as a preamp device that drives virtual power sections and cabinet simulations for realistic recorded tones.
Competition Analysis: High-Gain Distortion Market
The modern high-gain pedal market offers numerous alternatives that address the MT-2’s traditional weaknesses. Pedals like the Horizon Devices Precision Drive, Fortin 33, and Revv G3 provide similar saturation levels with more musical default settings and less extreme EQ ranges.
However, none match the MT-2’s unique combination of aggressive mid-forward character and surgical EQ control. The Precision Drive offers tighter low-end response but lacks the MT-2’s frequency-shaping precision. The Fortin 33 provides smoother saturation but without the cutting presence that defines the Metal Zone sound.
Budget considerations also favor the MT-2. At $110 new (often less used), it costs significantly less than boutique alternatives while providing functionality that overlaps with studio processors costing ten times more.
Technical Specs – Boss MT-2 Metal Zone
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Input Level | -20 dBu |
| Input Impedance | 1 M ohm |
| Output Level | -20 dBu |
| Output Impedance | 1 k ohm |
| Controls | Distortion, Level, High, Low, Mid, Mid Frequency |
| Bypass Type | Buffered Bypass |
| Power Supply | 9V Battery or PSA Adapter |
| Current Draw | 30 mA |
| Dimensions | 2-7/8″ x 5-1/8″ x 2-3/8″ |
| Weight | 14 oz (with battery) |
| Battery Life | Carbon: 12.5 hours, Alkaline: 23.5 hours |
| Construction | Boss compact pedal standard |
Pricing and Value Analysis
At $109.99 new, the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone represents exceptional value in the high-gain distortion market. This pricing sits well below boutique alternatives while providing EQ capabilities that rival studio processors costing significantly more.
Used market pricing typically ranges from $60-80, making the MT-2 one of the most affordable ways to access professional-grade tone shaping. The robust Boss construction ensures these used units remain reliable for decades, making them excellent long-term investments.
The real value proposition lies in the pedal’s versatility. Beyond primary distortion duties, the MT-2 functions as an EQ pedal, preamp, boost, and tone-shaping tool. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate processors in many applications.
Who Should Buy the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone?
Perfect for:
- Players needing surgical EQ control for problem frequencies
- Musicians working with solid-state amps requiring character enhancement
- Studio engineers wanting analog tone-shaping for tracking
- Budget-conscious players seeking professional capabilities
- Collectors interested in pedal history and cultural significance
- Experimental musicians exploring extreme distortion textures
Maybe not ideal for:
- Players wanting plug-and-play simplicity without EQ tweaking
- Musicians preferring warm, vintage-style overdrive characteristics
- Performers needing subtle, transparent boost effects
- Artists seeking only modern, tight high-gain sounds
Practical Tips for Metal Zone Mastery
The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone rewards patience and systematic approach over random knob turning. Start with all EQ controls at noon and distortion below 2 o’clock, then make small adjustments while listening carefully to the results.
The effects loop application transforms the pedal’s character completely. If your amplifier lacks an effects loop, consider this upgrade before writing off the MT-2 entirely. The difference is genuinely dramatic and addresses most common criticisms.
Use the midrange frequency sweep to target specific problem areas in your tone. Boosting around 1-2kHz adds presence and cut, while frequencies around 400-800Hz provide body and warmth. Small movements yield significant results.
The MT-2 works excellently as a boost for tube amps when used conservatively. Set distortion to minimum, adjust EQ to taste, and use level to push your amplifier’s preamp section harder for increased saturation and sustain.
The Cultural Impact
Beyond its musical applications, the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone has achieved genuine cultural significance. It represents the democratic nature of heavy music—providing accessible high-gain tones for players who couldn’t afford expensive tube amplifiers.
The pedal’s internet meme status actually demonstrates its cultural penetration. Products that generate passionate responses, positive or negative, achieve a level of recognition that most gear never reaches. The MT-2 joins ranks with instruments like the Telecaster or Marshall stack as instantly recognizable cultural touchstones.
Professional artists including members of Cannibal Corpse have used the MT-2 successfully in high-profile recordings, proving that proper application yields professional results. These endorsements help counter the narrative that the pedal is inherently unusable.
Boss MT-2 Metal Zone – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does the MT-2 have such a bad reputation despite being a bestseller? A: The reputation comes from decades of misuse—most players run it directly into clean amps with extreme settings copied from 90s guitar magazines. Used properly through effects loops with moderate settings, it sounds dramatically better.
Q: What’s the difference between using the MT-2 in front of the amp versus the effects loop? A: The effects loop method treats the MT-2 as a preamp, using your amp’s power section for final tone shaping. This eliminates much of the harshness and fizz that characterizes direct-input applications.
Q: How do I set the EQ controls without making it sound terrible? A: Start with all EQ at noon and make small adjustments. The controls are extremely sensitive—tiny movements create large tonal changes. Avoid extreme settings until you understand how each control affects your sound.
Q: Can the MT-2 work well with tube amps? A: Absolutely. Many players use it as a boost to push tube amp preamps harder, or in effects loops for additional saturation and EQ control. Set distortion low and use it primarily for tone shaping.
Q: Is the MT-2 suitable for genres other than metal? A: While designed for metal, the surgical EQ makes it useful for any genre requiring frequency control. It can clean up muddy rock tones, add presence to jazz fusion leads, or create unique textures for experimental music.
Q: Why are the EQ controls so sensitive compared to other pedals? A: Boss designed the MT-2 with studio-grade EQ precision, allowing extreme boost and cut ranges. This sensitivity provides professional capabilities but requires more careful adjustment than typical guitar pedal EQs.
Q: How does the MT-2 compare to modern high-gain pedals? A: Modern pedals often provide more musical default settings and tighter low-end response, but few match the MT-2’s EQ precision or cultural significance. It remains unique rather than obsolete.
Q: What artists have used the MT-2 successfully? A: Members of Cannibal Corpse, various death metal bands, and numerous studio musicians have used it professionally. The key is understanding proper application rather than following internet stereotypes.
Boss MT-2 Metal Zone – The Bottom Line
The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone deserves reconsideration based on modern understanding of its proper applications. Used correctly through effects loops or as a preamp device, it provides legitimate high-gain tones that justify its continued popularity.
The sophisticated EQ section remains ahead of many modern pedals, offering surgical frequency control that addresses real-world tonal problems. This functionality extends the MT-2’s usefulness beyond primary distortion into professional tone-shaping territory.
For $110 new or $60-80 used, the MT-2 provides exceptional value for players willing to invest time learning its capabilities. The learning curve exists, but the payoff includes access to tones and controls typically found only in much more expensive equipment.
The cultural significance alone makes the MT-2 worth experiencing. Understanding why this pedal generates such strong reactions—both positive and negative—provides insight into guitar culture and the evolution of heavy music over the past three decades.
Whether you love it or hate it, the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone has earned its place in guitar history. For adventurous players seeking maximum versatility at minimum cost, it remains one of the most interesting pedals ever created.
👉 Check out more deals and gear reviews on the Get My Guitar Blog.
👉 Join our guitarist community to share your finds and discuss all things guitar!
About the Author: David Bandler
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Recent Posts
Welcome to the first installment of "The Guitars that Powered the Genre," where we take a deep dive into [...]
Look, I'm gonna be straight with you - $3,999 is serious money for a guitar. That's rent money. That's [...]
The impossible just happened. After 16 years of silence, two feuding brothers walked hand-in-hand onto a Cardiff stage while [...]
Blog Categories
Tags
Table of Contents
The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone holds a unique position in guitar history—simultaneously the most mocked and second-best-selling Boss pedal of all time. For over three decades, it’s been the internet’s favorite punching bag, spawning countless memes about angry bees and Halloween costume jokes. Yet somehow, this orange beast continues outselling nearly every other compact pedal on the market, trailing only the legendary DS-1.
Here’s the truth behind the infamy: the MT-2 isn’t a bad pedal—it’s a misunderstood one. Released in 1991 as Boss’s highest-gain offering, it introduced revolutionary EQ controls that were years ahead of their time. The problem? Most players use it completely wrong, plugging it straight into clean amps and cranking every knob to maximum chaos.
Today’s metal scene has evolved, and so has our understanding of how to properly deploy the Metal Zone. Used correctly through an effects loop or as a preamp, it transforms from internet meme into legitimate metal machine. Whether you’re chasing that classic 90s death metal grind or need surgical EQ control for modern high-gain applications, the MT-2 deserves a fresh evaluation.
What Makes the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone Revolutionary?
The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone broke new ground when it debuted in 1991, replacing the discontinued HM-2 Heavy Metal as Boss’s flagship distortion pedal. It became the first Boss compact to feature dual concentric controls, packing six knobs into the standard enclosure: Level, High, Low, Mid, Mid Frequency, and Distortion.
This EQ section remains one of the most sophisticated ever crammed into a compact pedal. The semi-parametric midrange control offers variable frequency selection and cut/boost capabilities that rival studio processors. The high and low controls provide surgical precision for tone shaping that was unimaginable in early 90s pedalboards.
But this sophistication creates the MT-2’s greatest challenge—these controls are incredibly sensitive. The slightest knob movement can transform crushing metal tones into unusable noise. This hair-trigger responsiveness, combined with decades of “gain on 10, mids scooped” advice from guitar magazines, created the pedal’s notorious reputation.
The internal circuitry features both pre and post-gain filtering that creates the MT-2’s distinctive character. A pre-gain mid boost emphasizes attack and definition, while post-gain filtering scoops mids and boosts surrounding frequencies. This built-in tone shaping explains why the pedal sounds so extreme even with modest settings.
Breaking Down the Metal Zone Experience
The Dual-Gain Circuit Advantage
The MT-2’s dual-gain circuit design provides the massive sustain and thick saturation that defined 90s death metal. Unlike single-stage distortion pedals, this cascaded approach builds harmonic complexity that cuts through dense mixes while maintaining note definition.
The circuit generates enough gain to transform any clean amplifier into a high-gain monster, which explains its popularity among players stuck with practice amps and solid-state combos. However, this same abundance of gain creates the noise floor issues that plague direct-input applications.
EQ Section: Blessing and Curse
The three-band EQ with semi-parametric mids offers tonal flexibility that surpasses most amplifier controls. The frequency sweep covers 200Hz to 5kHz, allowing precise targeting of problematic frequencies or surgical enhancement of desired characteristics.
This power becomes dangerous in inexperienced hands. The EQ can boost or cut frequencies by extreme amounts, making it trivially easy to create unmusical tones. The infamous “scooped mids” settings that dominated 90s metal magazines demonstrate this perfectly—removing midrange frequencies that provide definition and punch.
The Distortion Character
At moderate settings, the MT-2 produces tight, focused distortion with excellent note separation. The character emphasizes upper harmonics and presence frequencies, creating the cutting edge that helps guitar parts slice through busy mixes.
Push the gain beyond 2 o’clock, and the pedal enters extreme territory where notes blur together and noise becomes problematic. This saturation level works for specific applications—drone metal, industrial textures, or experimental sounds—but exceeds what most metal players actually need.
The Right Way vs. The Wrong Way
Traditional Method: Direct Input Disaster
The standard approach—guitar to MT-2 to clean amplifier input—creates most of the pedal’s negative reputation. This signal path forces the MT-2 to provide both distortion and amplification, pushing it beyond its optimal operating range.
The result sounds exactly like its critics describe: fizzy, harsh, and lacking the warmth and dynamics that make great metal tones. The built-in tone shaping becomes exaggerated when driving amplifier inputs directly, creating the signature “angry bees” texture that spawned countless internet jokes.
Effects Loop Revolution: Preamp Application
The game-changing discovery involves using the MT-2 in amplifier effects loops rather than direct inputs. This approach treats the pedal as a preamp device, utilizing the amplifier’s power section for final tone shaping and projection.
Through an effects loop, the MT-2’s harsh edges smooth out significantly. The fizzy high-end mellows into usable presence, while the low-end tightens and gains definition. The EQ controls become surgical tools rather than chaos generators, allowing precise tonal adjustments that complement rather than fight the amplifier’s natural character.
The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone DOES NOT SUCK!!! THIS is HOW you make it sound GREAT!!
Ready to finally understand why the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone is Boss’s second-bestselling pedal despite all the internet hate? Guitar educator Pat tackles the controversy head-on in this essential tutorial that reveals the real secret behind making the Metal Zone sound incredible. Spoiler alert: it’s not the pedal that sucks—it’s how most people use it.
Pat demonstrates the dramatic difference between the traditional “plug it straight into your amp” approach versus the game-changing effects loop method that transforms this orange beast from# Guitar Effects Pedal of the Week: Boss MT-2 Metal Zone – The Most Misunderstood Pedal in History
Real-World Applications
Studio Recording
In recording environments, the MT-2 excels when used as a texture tool rather than a primary distortion source. The surgical EQ capabilities make it valuable for fixing problematic frequencies in amp tracks or creating layered guitar textures.
The pedal works particularly well for creating contrast within arrangements—using it on rhythm parts that need to cut through without competing with lead guitars, or for creating background textures that add density without muddying the mix.
Live Performance Situations
For live applications, the MT-2 shines in effects loop configurations where stage volume and venue acoustics require precise frequency control. The EQ section can compensate for room problems or amplifier limitations that become apparent at performance volumes.
The pedal also serves well as a backup distortion for tube amps prone to failure. Having an MT-2 in your effects loop provides insurance against preamp tube problems or amplifier malfunctions during critical performances.
Practice and Recording Interfaces
Despite its reputation, the MT-2 works excellently for home practice through audio interfaces and amp simulators. The built-in EQ helps shape direct signals for headphone monitoring or digital recording applications where external amplification isn’t available.
Modern amp simulation software often responds well to the MT-2’s output, treating it as a preamp device that drives virtual power sections and cabinet simulations for realistic recorded tones.
Competition Analysis: High-Gain Distortion Market
The modern high-gain pedal market offers numerous alternatives that address the MT-2’s traditional weaknesses. Pedals like the Horizon Devices Precision Drive, Fortin 33, and Revv G3 provide similar saturation levels with more musical default settings and less extreme EQ ranges.
However, none match the MT-2’s unique combination of aggressive mid-forward character and surgical EQ control. The Precision Drive offers tighter low-end response but lacks the MT-2’s frequency-shaping precision. The Fortin 33 provides smoother saturation but without the cutting presence that defines the Metal Zone sound.
Budget considerations also favor the MT-2. At $110 new (often less used), it costs significantly less than boutique alternatives while providing functionality that overlaps with studio processors costing ten times more.
Technical Specs – Boss MT-2 Metal Zone
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Input Level | -20 dBu |
| Input Impedance | 1 M ohm |
| Output Level | -20 dBu |
| Output Impedance | 1 k ohm |
| Controls | Distortion, Level, High, Low, Mid, Mid Frequency |
| Bypass Type | Buffered Bypass |
| Power Supply | 9V Battery or PSA Adapter |
| Current Draw | 30 mA |
| Dimensions | 2-7/8″ x 5-1/8″ x 2-3/8″ |
| Weight | 14 oz (with battery) |
| Battery Life | Carbon: 12.5 hours, Alkaline: 23.5 hours |
| Construction | Boss compact pedal standard |
Pricing and Value Analysis
At $109.99 new, the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone represents exceptional value in the high-gain distortion market. This pricing sits well below boutique alternatives while providing EQ capabilities that rival studio processors costing significantly more.
Used market pricing typically ranges from $60-80, making the MT-2 one of the most affordable ways to access professional-grade tone shaping. The robust Boss construction ensures these used units remain reliable for decades, making them excellent long-term investments.
The real value proposition lies in the pedal’s versatility. Beyond primary distortion duties, the MT-2 functions as an EQ pedal, preamp, boost, and tone-shaping tool. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate processors in many applications.
Who Should Buy the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone?
Perfect for:
- Players needing surgical EQ control for problem frequencies
- Musicians working with solid-state amps requiring character enhancement
- Studio engineers wanting analog tone-shaping for tracking
- Budget-conscious players seeking professional capabilities
- Collectors interested in pedal history and cultural significance
- Experimental musicians exploring extreme distortion textures
Maybe not ideal for:
- Players wanting plug-and-play simplicity without EQ tweaking
- Musicians preferring warm, vintage-style overdrive characteristics
- Performers needing subtle, transparent boost effects
- Artists seeking only modern, tight high-gain sounds
Practical Tips for Metal Zone Mastery
The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone rewards patience and systematic approach over random knob turning. Start with all EQ controls at noon and distortion below 2 o’clock, then make small adjustments while listening carefully to the results.
The effects loop application transforms the pedal’s character completely. If your amplifier lacks an effects loop, consider this upgrade before writing off the MT-2 entirely. The difference is genuinely dramatic and addresses most common criticisms.
Use the midrange frequency sweep to target specific problem areas in your tone. Boosting around 1-2kHz adds presence and cut, while frequencies around 400-800Hz provide body and warmth. Small movements yield significant results.
The MT-2 works excellently as a boost for tube amps when used conservatively. Set distortion to minimum, adjust EQ to taste, and use level to push your amplifier’s preamp section harder for increased saturation and sustain.
The Cultural Impact
Beyond its musical applications, the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone has achieved genuine cultural significance. It represents the democratic nature of heavy music—providing accessible high-gain tones for players who couldn’t afford expensive tube amplifiers.
The pedal’s internet meme status actually demonstrates its cultural penetration. Products that generate passionate responses, positive or negative, achieve a level of recognition that most gear never reaches. The MT-2 joins ranks with instruments like the Telecaster or Marshall stack as instantly recognizable cultural touchstones.
Professional artists including members of Cannibal Corpse have used the MT-2 successfully in high-profile recordings, proving that proper application yields professional results. These endorsements help counter the narrative that the pedal is inherently unusable.
Boss MT-2 Metal Zone – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does the MT-2 have such a bad reputation despite being a bestseller? A: The reputation comes from decades of misuse—most players run it directly into clean amps with extreme settings copied from 90s guitar magazines. Used properly through effects loops with moderate settings, it sounds dramatically better.
Q: What’s the difference between using the MT-2 in front of the amp versus the effects loop? A: The effects loop method treats the MT-2 as a preamp, using your amp’s power section for final tone shaping. This eliminates much of the harshness and fizz that characterizes direct-input applications.
Q: How do I set the EQ controls without making it sound terrible? A: Start with all EQ at noon and make small adjustments. The controls are extremely sensitive—tiny movements create large tonal changes. Avoid extreme settings until you understand how each control affects your sound.
Q: Can the MT-2 work well with tube amps? A: Absolutely. Many players use it as a boost to push tube amp preamps harder, or in effects loops for additional saturation and EQ control. Set distortion low and use it primarily for tone shaping.
Q: Is the MT-2 suitable for genres other than metal? A: While designed for metal, the surgical EQ makes it useful for any genre requiring frequency control. It can clean up muddy rock tones, add presence to jazz fusion leads, or create unique textures for experimental music.
Q: Why are the EQ controls so sensitive compared to other pedals? A: Boss designed the MT-2 with studio-grade EQ precision, allowing extreme boost and cut ranges. This sensitivity provides professional capabilities but requires more careful adjustment than typical guitar pedal EQs.
Q: How does the MT-2 compare to modern high-gain pedals? A: Modern pedals often provide more musical default settings and tighter low-end response, but few match the MT-2’s EQ precision or cultural significance. It remains unique rather than obsolete.
Q: What artists have used the MT-2 successfully? A: Members of Cannibal Corpse, various death metal bands, and numerous studio musicians have used it professionally. The key is understanding proper application rather than following internet stereotypes.
Boss MT-2 Metal Zone – The Bottom Line
The Boss MT-2 Metal Zone deserves reconsideration based on modern understanding of its proper applications. Used correctly through effects loops or as a preamp device, it provides legitimate high-gain tones that justify its continued popularity.
The sophisticated EQ section remains ahead of many modern pedals, offering surgical frequency control that addresses real-world tonal problems. This functionality extends the MT-2’s usefulness beyond primary distortion into professional tone-shaping territory.
For $110 new or $60-80 used, the MT-2 provides exceptional value for players willing to invest time learning its capabilities. The learning curve exists, but the payoff includes access to tones and controls typically found only in much more expensive equipment.
The cultural significance alone makes the MT-2 worth experiencing. Understanding why this pedal generates such strong reactions—both positive and negative—provides insight into guitar culture and the evolution of heavy music over the past three decades.
Whether you love it or hate it, the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone has earned its place in guitar history. For adventurous players seeking maximum versatility at minimum cost, it remains one of the most interesting pedals ever created.
👉 Check out more deals and gear reviews on the Get My Guitar Blog.
👉 Join our guitarist community to share your finds and discuss all things guitar!
About the Author: David Bandler
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Recent Posts
Welcome to the first installment of "The Guitars that Powered the Genre," where we take a deep dive into [...]
Look, I'm gonna be straight with you - $3,999 is serious money for a guitar. That's rent money. That's [...]
The impossible just happened. After 16 years of silence, two feuding brothers walked hand-in-hand onto a Cardiff stage while [...]
Blog Categories
Tags
Phil Collen: Mastering the Iconic Guitar Sound #77
Billie Joe Armstrong: Mastering the Iconic Guitar Sound #78Leave a Comment
Other Posts
Introduction to the Mojotone Z457389-500 Solderless Strat Harness The Mojotone Z457389-500 Solderless Strat Harness represents a leap in guitar modification technology, offering unprecedented ease and [...]
Joe Satriani, a virtuoso of the electric guitar, has long been revered in the world of instrumental rock and beyond for his incredible technique, melodic [...]
Every guitarist, from beginner to seasoned shredder, has one universal challenge: chords. They’re the foundation of your music, the secret sauce to epic jams, and [...]
