Boss LM-2 Limiter

^# 96

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$100.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (2)

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Boss LM-2

4 wishlisted

11 saved

Page last updated Jun 09, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 9, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (9)

$100.00 9 available Used

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Average Price: $100

Standard/Professional

$50

$201+

Price Tier

In the Compressor Effects Pedals category, Boss LM-2 Limiter is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Unleash the full potential of your guitar with the Boss LM-2 Limiter, a pedal that's as adept at smoothing out your solos as it is at beefing up your chords. Crafted with precision in Japan, this classic gem from 1987-1992 remains a sought-after tool for musicians aiming to achieve a consistent sound without sacrificing tone quality. Its straightforward interface allows for easy manipulation, ensuring your performance is always top-notch, whether live or in the studio. Not just any pedal, the LM-2 is a testament to Boss's commitment to quality and durability, making it a reliable addition to any pedalboard.

Key Features:

Made in Japan, guaranteeing top-notch craftsmanship
Ideal for balancing volume between single notes and chords
Simple interface for easy control
Durable construction, typical of Boss products
Serves well in both live performances and studio sessions

Product specs

Brand	Boss
Model	LM-2 Limiter (Black Label)
Finish	Blue
Year	1987 - 1992
Made In	Japan
Categories	Compressor Pedals

FAQs

What does the Boss LM-2 Limiter do?: The Boss LM-2 Limiter is designed to control the dynamic range of your guitar signal, ensuring consistent output levels by reducing peaks in volume without altering the overall tone.
How does the Boss LM-2 Limiter differ from a compressor pedal?: While both limiters and compressors manage dynamic range, the LM-2 focuses on preventing signal peaks from exceeding a certain threshold, offering a more subtle effect than a typical compressor.
Is the Boss LM-2 Limiter suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Boss LM-2 Limiter is well-suited for live performances, providing consistent volume levels and preventing unwanted volume spikes, which is particularly useful in dynamic live settings.
Can the Boss LM-2 Limiter be used with bass guitars?: Yes, the Boss LM-2 Limiter can be effectively used with bass guitars to maintain a consistent output and prevent distortion from high dynamic peaks.
What power supply does the Boss LM-2 Limiter require?: The Boss LM-2 Limiter requires a 9V power supply, compatible with standard Boss power adapters or a 9V battery for portable use.

Videos

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roger brainard

Vintage Boss Limiter Compressor Buffer Booster LM-2 LM2 guitar or bass

roger brainard

Boss Pedal Review 67: LM-2 Limiter

Cameron Johnson

BOSS LM-2 Limiter

Cryptic Mask Guitar

Compression vs Limiting Pedals : Boss CS-2 and LM-2

Clifton Wright

Reviews

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PROS

Subtle yet effective at leveling peaks with low noise
Enhances sustain and evens out attack for balanced input
Offers a wide range of tone adjustment options
Works well with distortion pedals, improving overall sound
Can subtly compress and bring forward nuances in playing
Useful for both live and studio applications across instruments

CONS

Can be perceived as redundant or unnecessary next to standard compressors
May have a learning curve for optimal use and understanding its purpose

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss LM-2 Limiter.

Use cases and applications

0 0

Ideal for stabilizing output levels after gain pedals without affecting tone, especially with pedals having varied output levels.
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0 0

Effective for controlling volume spikes from self-oscillating delay pedals, preventing distortion without compressing dynamics.
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0 0

Placing the LM-2 in the amp's FX loop can help consistently limit the preamp signal before it reaches the power amp, managing overall amp volume.
Source

Comparisons

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Provides a sound similar to the Boss CS-2 but lacks the practical application for some setups compared to compressors.
Source

User experience

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Owners appreciate its ability to prevent peaks in guitar and vocal recordings, serving as a non-intrusive alternative to a compressor.
Source
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A user with no FX loop found settings at 10-12-12-10 o'clock to be effective for managing volume spikes without an FX loop feature.
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Other

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No longer readily available in the UK, pushing some users toward using compressors as alternatives.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Running the LM-2 after distortion pedals may reduce noise by avoiding the raised noise floor that dirt pedals create.
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

jimmarchi1

40997

over 7 years ago

why did I have this?

I wound up with this in a trade or something in the 90s. I never figured out what I should do with it. A compressor for guitar? SURE! Sign me up. I love country. A limiter though? That's peetty extreme. I'm giving this 3 stars because it wasn't a bad brickwall limiter at all. It did what you expected and gave you adequate front panel control. I did use it from time to time on synths or in the studio to make a clean infinite sustain guitar sound for someone but generally it was pretty sueless and it went off with someone I was recording for who wanted it. Its not a bad pedal, really it isn't... but it does happen to be a WTF pedal. Why the fuck do you need this when boss's compressor will do most of what it does in front of an amp.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Orchestra Alternative rock

david_koala_petersson

almost 11 years ago

Great sound enchancer!

I pretty much always have this pedal on! It really gives a much nicer tone. It does work slightly as a compressor but kind of attached in a diffrent way.

jimmarchi1

40997

11 years ago almost 11 years ago

I had one of those in the 90s when I didn't know what the difference between a limiter and a compressor was... kinda weird to brickwall limit your guitar, but it had its uses though it mostly sat around unused til I sold it.