The Boss HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal is a long-awaited recreation of the iconic heavy metal pedal. Originally produced from 1983 to 1991, it became one of the most influential pedals of all time and played a significant role in the Swedish death metal genre. The new version retains the HM-2’s unique character while adding some upgrades for modernization. It has been praised by musicians like David Gilmour and Entombed for its distinctive and powerful tones.
The common setting for this pedal is to crank every control to the maximum, resulting in untapped gain, hard asymmetrical clipping, and the signature suspension bridge EQ curve. This combination creates a roaring sound that is perfect for those seeking true sonic destruction. The HM-2W also features a Custom mode that pushes it into even more extreme sonic territory, with more gain, a more responsive EQ, and a lower noise floor. Despite the upgrades, the pedal maintains the original black and orange color scheme for authenticity. With its devastating distortion and expanded functionality, the HM-2W lives up to the hype.
The HM-2’s reputation has become near-mythical due to its unique distortion properties and rarity. The Boss HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal builds on this legacy by faithfully recreating its tonal character. It takes the chainsaw-like toneset of the original and updates it for the modern age. The suspension bridge EQ curve, with its two prominent peaks and trough, optimizes tonal brutality. The low peak sits on the fundamental frequency of the low E string, delivering a powerful punch for chugging riffs. The mid-bass dip removes muddiness, while the second peak boosts the midrange for a crunchier sound. Combined with the extreme gain boost, this creates a crushingly powerful distortion with the distinctive grit of the chainsaw tone.
The layout of the HM-2W is the same as its predecessor, making it easy to dial in mammoth tones. The four orange knobs control global output volume, bass response, treble response, and the intensity of the effect. The higher settings on the “Dist.” knob maximize gain for devastating distortion. The pedal has a lower noise floor and delivers even heavier tones. It also features a robust and reliable enclosure, making it tour-ready and suitable for any setting. With its eye-catching aesthetic, it is sure to become a mainstay on any pedalboard.
In terms of specifications, the HM-2W has a nominal input level of -20 dBu and an input impedance of 1 M ohm. The nominal output level is also -20 dBu, with an output impedance of 1 k ohm. The recommended load impedance is 10 k ohms or greater. The pedal can be powered by an alkaline or carbon-zinc battery or an AC adaptor (sold separately). It has a current draw of 30 mA and an expected battery life of approximately 24 hours with alkaline batteries or 8 hours with carbon batteries. The dimensions of the pedal are 73 (W) x 129 (D) x 59 (H) mm, and it weighs 440 g (including the battery).
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