Gallery
Description
Specs
Warranty
Reviews
Q&A

Videos (1)

View Allarrow icon
BOSS MT-2W Metal Zone Sound Examplesplay button

BOSS MT-2W Metal Zone Sound Examples

collapse expand iconDescription

For over 25 years, the MT-2 Metal Zone distortion guitar effects pedal has been one of the most popular and influential compact pedals in the BOSS lineup, with overall sales that are second only to the venerable DS-1 Distortion. Made in Japan and infused with Waza Craft mojo, the MT-2W takes the iconic stomp to new levels of tonal range and versatility. Standard mode delivers an evolved version of the original mid-focused Metal Zone tone, while Custom mode introduces a fresh, wide-ranging voice that’s perfectly suited for today’s diverse high-gain styles.

The Metal Zone: A Milestone in High-Gain Stomps

First released in 1991, and in continuous production ever since, the MT-2 Metal Zone is loved by guitarists everywhere for its thick, rich distortion and distinctive mid-focused character. Capable of producing a versatile range of heavy tones, the MT-2’s innovative dual-stage gain circuit has influenced legions of pedal designers through the years. Another standout feature is its groundbreaking three-band EQ with parametric midrange, which provides deep sound-shaping ability for covering numerous high-gain styles. The pedal was also one of the first BOSS compacts with dual-concentric knobs, offering expanded control without increasing size.

MT-2W: Refined Tones With Waza Craftsmanship

Like all Waza Craft pedals, the MT-2W infuses an original BOSS analog design with artful refinements for enhanced performance and versatility. The dual-stage gain circuit features a discrete design with carefully selected components, providing premium tones with increased clarity. The EQ has been refined as well, with a smoother midrange tone and unique Q values specially tuned for the pedal’s Standard and Custom modes.

Standard Mode: Enhanced Metal Zone

Supported by the discrete components in the MT-2W’s dual-stage gain circuit, Standard mode takes the Metal Zone’s famous mid-driven sound to the next level. The attack is even more responsive, and the definition and clarity has been enhanced as well. Noise has been reduced too, providing improved performance at ultrahigh gain settings.

Custom Mode: Wide and Tight

Engaging the MT-2W’s Custom mode voices the pedal for a huge, wide-ranging sound, making it ideal for nearly any current heavy style. The tone is natural and open, with increased dynamics and rounder lower mids than Standard mode. Even at the highest gain settings, the low end remains full yet tight, focused and well defined, perfect for chugging out low-tuned riffs. The sound also cleans up very nicely when reducing your guitar’s volume, putting an extremely balanced range of tones under your fingers.

Waza Craft: The Art of Superior Tone

Since the beginning, the engineers at BOSS have been committed to achieving he 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, which brings 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.
BOSS MT-2W Metal Zone Waza Craft Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal

collapse expand iconSpecs

  • Nominal Input Level: 20dBu
  • Input Impedance: 1 mohm
  • Nominal Output Level: 20 dBu
  • Output Impedance: 1 kohm
  • Recommended Load Impedance: 10 kohms or greater
  • Bypass: Buffered bypass
    • Controls
    • Pedal switch
    • Mode switch
    • DIST knob
    • EQUALIZER MIDDLE/MID FREQ knob
    • EQUALIZER HIGH/LOW knob
    • LEVEL knobIndicator
    • CHECK indicator (used for indication of check battery)
    Connectors
    • INPUT jack: 1/4" phone type
    • OUTPUT jack: 1/4" phone type
    • DC IN jack
    Power Supply
    • Alkaline battery (9V, 6LR61) or Carbon-zinc battery (9V, 6F22)
    • AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)
    • Current Draw: 35 mA
    • Expected battery life under continuous use
    • Alkaline: Approx. 18 hours
    • Carbon: Approx. 7 hours
    • *These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
    Accessories
    • Leaflet ("USING THE UNIT SAFELY," "IMPORTANT NOTES" and "Information")
    • Alkaline battery (9V, 6LR61)
    Optional Accessories (sold separately)
    • AC adaptor: PSA series
    Size and Weight
    • Width: 2-7/8"
    • Depth: 5-1/8"
    • Height: 2-3/8"
    • Weight (including battery): 1 lb.

    collapse expand iconWarranty

    Boss pedals - 5 year parts warranty
    90 day labor warranty.
    1 year warranty - Multitracks, Jamstations, etc.
    Check with manufacturer for specific product warranty.

    Featured Articles

    collapse expand iconReviews

    4.55

    11 Reviews

    88%

    of respondents would recommend this to a friend

    Works for extended range
    The best distortion pedal! In my opinion.

    Most Liked Positive Review

    4

    "Get Into The Zone, The Metal Zone"!

    Very versatile pedal, custom side is def. more modern and tighter tone and the controls are refined, sounds cool. Standard mode is whatever you want it to be, its def. got some old school lofi vibe going. Controls are very wide and I love the lofi grind and chainsaw sounds you can get from the standard tone. I have not tried it into the loop of my 5153 yet, but I expect it to sound cool. Should be killer with my drum machines as well!

    VS

    Most Liked Negative Review

    1

    Didn't last 6 months with minimal use

    Never gigged with, never transported, sat in same spot since I've owned it. Simply quit working. Relatively expensive pedal

    Filters
    Best Uses
    1. Home Studio8
    2. Performances7
    3. Professional Recording6
    4. Amateur Recording5
    5. Outdoor Events / Games5
    Cons
    1. Not Durable1
    2. Unreliable1
    Describe Yourself
    1. Experienced10
    Pros
    1. Excellent Sound Quality8
    2. Compact6
    3. Good Selection Of Effects4
    4. Responsive4
    5. Versatile3

    Reviewed by 11 customers

    • Didn't last 6 months with minimal use

      1

      submitted2 months ago

      byDerrick

      fromSt. Louis, MO

      Never gigged with, never transported, sat in same spot since I've owned it. Simply quit working. Relatively expensive pedal

    • Yep Fun Fun

      5

      Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

      submitteda year ago

      byJames

      fromUSA

      Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

      Yep Fun FUN

    • MT is a must have for metal-heads

      5

      Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

      submitteda year ago

      byGus

      fromAustin, TX

      Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

      Great quality for a good price.

    • Strong and Steardy

      5

      submitted4 years ago

      byMike D

      fromIowa

      Lots of great tone from a little pedal. Can go from a suttle distortion to full on. The 'WAZA CRAFT' is a good solid pedal.

    • Works for extended range

      5

      submitted5 years ago

      byPicante

      fromFl

      It works great for any type of metal. The custom mode gives you a more beefy and less harsh sound. I really liked it on both my 6 and 8 string. Regular mode is the same, slightly less high end fizz to my ears

    • Excellent Crunch. It will chug.

      5

      submitted5 years ago

      byChubbers

      fromSouthern California

      I bought a Fender XL 2X12 100 Watt Amp., but it didn't give me the crunch I desired, and this heavy duty pedal did the trick.

    • Previous
    • 1
    • 2
    • Next

    collapse expand iconQ&A

    Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

    • submitted4 years ago

      asked byDavid

      fromundisclosed

      I'm a total newbie and I currently have a JHS Angry Charlie V3 (ACV3) that I have been playing around with. How does this Boss Metal Zone compare to a ACV3? Will I be able to get new tones that the ACV3 can't otherwise provide? Thank you.

      I'm a total newbie and I currently have a JHS Angry Charlie V3 (ACV3) that I have been playing around with. How does this Boss Metal Zone compare to a ACV3? Will I be able to get new tones that the ACV3 can't otherwise provide? Thank you.

      Open Reply - Thomas
      The JHS is a great pedal; so is the MT-2W but I don't know about new tones, at least good ones. This is a very subjective thing.

    • submitted4 years ago

      asked bythewificrow

      fromundisclosed

      Does the Boss MT-2W Metal Zone Waza Craft Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal come with a power adaptor?Or is the adaptor sold separately?If it is sold separately can you send me the link to the compatible power adaptor for the Boss MT-2W Metal Zone Waza Craft Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal?Thank you.

      Does the Boss MT-2W Metal Zone Waza Craft Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal come with a power adaptor?Or is the adaptor sold separately?If it is sold separately can you send me the link to the compatible power adaptor for the Boss MT-2W Metal Zone Waza Craft Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal?Thank you.

      Open Reply - Thomas
      It does not include the pedal. Take a look at the "Boss PSA-120S2 AC Power Adapter"