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Description

Looking to elevate your guitar's sound with smooth, sustaining power? The Chorus CS-2 Compressor Sustainer is a stellar choice for any musician seeking to enhance their tone with clarity and precision. Hailing from the golden era of effects pedals, this compressor has been a favorite among guitarists since the early '80s, thanks to its renowned ability to deliver even response and sustain. Whether you're playing clean or adding a touch of overdrive, the CS-2 ensures your notes are consistently balanced, bringing out the nuances of your performance without losing the natural tone of your instrument.

The CS-2 is built to endure the rigors of the road while offering intuitive controls that make it easy to craft your ideal sound. With simple yet effective knobs for Level, Attack, and Sustain, it's straightforward to dial in the perfect amount of compression and sustain for your style. This pedal is perfect for those who want to add a polished, professional edge to their sound without the need for complex settings or menus. The CS-2's robust build quality ensures it will remain a staple on your pedalboard for years to come.

Key Features:

  • Smooth, even compression and sustain
  • Simple controls for Level, Attack, and Sustain
  • Renowned for its ability to maintain natural guitar tone
  • Robust construction ideal for both studio and live performance
  • Classic design from the early '80s, sought after by guitarists worldwide

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model CS-2 Compression Sustainer (Black Label)
Finish Blue
Year 1981 - 1986
Made In Japan
Categories Compressor Pedals

FAQs

What does the Boss CS-2 Compressor Sustainer pedal do?

The Boss CS-2 Compressor Sustainer enhances your guitar's tone by smoothing out volume peaks and increasing sustain. It adds warmth and thickness to your sound, making your playing smoother and more articulate.

Is the Boss CS-2 suitable for bass guitar?

Yes, the Boss CS-2 is popular among bass players for its ability to enhance tone, add sustain, and smooth out dynamics. It provides a distinct character that adds warmth and thickness to bass sounds.

Where should I place the Boss CS-2 in my pedal chain?

The Boss CS-2 should be placed early in your pedal chain, ideally right after your guitar. This positioning ensures it effectively compresses the natural tone before other effects, maintaining clarity and dynamics.

Does the Boss CS-2 Compressor Sustainer reduce noise?

The Boss CS-2 can amplify the noise floor as it compresses your signal. While it smooths out dynamics, it may also increase the perceived noise level, so it's important to use it with a clean signal chain.

What are the key features of the Boss CS-2 Compressor Sustainer?

The Boss CS-2 features controls for sustain, attack, and level, allowing precise adjustment of compression and sustain. Its unique character adds warmth and thickness, making it a favorite for both guitarists and bassists.

intheblues

intheblues

BOSS Compression Sustainer CS-2 Pedal (1980's)

Video thumbnail for BOSS Compression Sustainer CS-2 Pedal (1980's) by intheblues

BOSS Compression Sustainer CS-2 Pedal (1980's)

intheblues

intheblues

Video thumbnail for Vintage Boss CS-2 Compressor Sustainer by shnobel

Vintage Boss CS-2 Compressor Sustainer

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for Boss CS-2 compressor demo and tutorial by Gearfacts

Boss CS-2 compressor demo and tutorial

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for Boss CS 2 Compressor Sustainer - VGW by Vintage Guitar Workshop

Boss CS 2 Compressor Sustainer - VGW

Vintage Guitar Workshop

Vintage Guitar Workshop

Video thumbnail for BOSS Compression Sustainer CS-2 Pedal (1982) Demo Test (2022) by Julian Doe

BOSS Compression Sustainer CS-2 Pedal (1982) Demo Test (2022)

Julian Doe

Julian Doe

Reviews

PROS

  • Retains clarity and Stratocaster bell-like tones

  • Simple three-knob interface for easy use

  • Excellent for both guitar and bass applications

  • Provides classic compressor sound with organic feel

  • Enhances sound with smooth, punchy compression

  • Effective at smoothing and controlling high headroom or bright amps

  • Highly favored for vintage models, particularly 1982 version

  • Quick to dial in desired compression settings

  • Offers distinct, non-transparent sound for specialized applications

  • Known for its snappy picking effect and focused sound

CONS

  • Buffer quality is subpar

  • Not very subtle; may not suit everyone

  • Can become noisy at extreme settings

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Chorus CS-2 Compressor Sustainer.

Comparisons

  • The Kokko compressor is suggested as a similar alternative to the CS-2 in terms of sound quality.

    Source
  • The Boss CE-5 is noted as a significant improvement over the CE-2, offering mix and tone controls and available in both analog and digital versions.

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  • The Walrus Audio Mira compressor is highlighted for its value, being sold new for $129, suggesting it as an alternative to more traditional options.

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  • The Way Huge Saffron Squeeze and Keeley 4 knob compressors are recommended for their clean blend and tone knob, providing more tweakability than Dyna Comp styles.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Open Music Labs offers a BA662 chip clone for those looking to replicate the original CS-2 circuit.

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  • Unique hybrid modifications, like combining the CS-2 with parts from other pedals, are praised for their creativity and recycling benefits.

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User experience

  • One owner has a backup CS-2 due to their strong preference for its unique 'squish' effect.

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  • A CS-2 with a swapped cover from a submerged SD-1 pedal still functions, indicating robust build quality despite harsh conditions.

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Value and pricing

  • The production cost of compressors impacts profitability, with cloned IC chips making up a significant expense.

    Source

Build quality

  • The CS-2 can function with parts from other Boss pedals, as seen with a cover swap from an SD-1, suggesting compatibility in certain components.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some users highlight the CS-2's utility on bass, recommending proper power supply (9V battery or 12V unregulated) to reduce noise and enhance headroom.

    Source
  • The Boss CS-2 is praised for its 80s sound signature, making it ideal for recreating classic tones from that era.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • A hybrid CS-2 with SD-1 features suggests potential for Boss to explore crossbreed series, with combined circuits offering new sound possibilities.

    Source

Critic Reviews

CS-2 Compression Sustainer Review: It's a great match, because it gives the subtle squeeze I... | Boss | Guitar Effects | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Boss CS-2 Compression Sustainer shines with its warm, smooth sound and impressive sustain, making it a favorite among blues, jazz fusion, and indie/pop players. Its ability to maintain dynamics while providing clear string definition is commendable. However, it does come with its share of noise, which may be an annoyance for some users; a noise gate is recommended to mitigate this issue. Despite the subtlety of its effect, the CS-2 stands out for its organic tone compared to competitors, making it a worthy addition to any pedalboard. If you can overlook the minor noise concerns, this classic pedal could become an indispensable part of your rig.

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