Boss DS-1 VS DS-2 Turbo (Comparison)
Our pick: The Boss DS-2 Turbo
Despite having a similar spec and feature sheet, the tone difference between the Boss DS-1 and DS-2 is pretty noticeable, as the DS-2 is far more aggressive and edgy, particularly with the "Turbo" mode engaged.
On the surface the Boss DS-1 and DS-2 Turbo don't have a lot that set them apart.
Sure, you have the four-knob arrangement on the Turbo, necessary for the "Turbo" mode selector, but the two units are otherwise difficult to distinguish.
In this article, we've compared the two and found them to put out two dramatically different sounds. Where the DS-1 is smooth and bluesy, the DS-2 is edgy and gives off an increased midrange boost that is far grungier than its predecessor. To illustrate this, we've put the two pedals side by side and graded them in three tables, listed below.
By the end of this article, you'll have a clearer view of which pedal might be more ideal for you.
Read the full review: Boss DS-1 distortion
Compare to Other Distortion Pedals
In this section, we've included the Boss DS-1 and DS-2 in a table with similar distortion pedals, just for quick browsing and comparison. Please note that we partner with Sweetwater, providing you links to guitar gear at no extra cost to you. If you want to support us in that way, please consider shopping via the orange buttons in the table below. Thank you.
Distortion | DETAILS | RATING | TRY |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Boss DS-1 Distortion | n/a | |
| Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion | n/a | |
 | TC Electronic Dark Matter | n/a | |
 | MXR Fullbore Distortion | n/a |
Want more pedal comparisons?
Compare guitar pedals in our side-by-side comparison tool, that we're updating regularly.
Sound Samples & Demos
I've included sound samples for both of these pedals that were posted by Boss, though I'd recommend taking each one with a grain of salt. For a more complete picture of the tone profile of each pedal, I'd also recommend checking out the YouTube demos below:
Soundcloud
YouTube Demos
Poll: Share your thoughts on the DS-1 & DS-2
Loading ...
To DS-1 or not to DS-1? That is the question.
Boss DS-1 VS DS-2: The Tech Specs
From a technical perspective, these two pedals are essentially identical.
The one major difference is the additional "remote" input on the DS-2. This allows users to add a footswitch like the FS-6, to toggle between the two Turbo modes.
- First Turbo Mode: Lighter
- Second Turbo Mode: Heavier
This also results in the four-knob configuration - as I mentioned earlier - on the DS-2, in contrast to the classic three-knob setup on the DS-1.
Boss DS-1 | Boss DS-2 Turbo | |
|---|---|---|
Pedal Type | Distortion | Distortion |
Inputs | 1 x Instruments | 1 x Instruments, 1 x remote |
Outputs | 1 x 1/4" | 1 x 1/4" |
Power Source | 9V DC power supply | 9V DC power supply |
Batteries | 1 x 9V | 1 x 9V |
Dimensions | 2.4" x 2.9" x 5.1" | 2.4" x 2.9" x 5.1" |
Weight | 1 pound | 1 pound |
The Boss DS-2 has a more vintage-looking three knob setup and is not compatible with an external footswitch.
The DS-2 Turbo gives you a fourth knob to control the Turbo mode, along with a "remote" input allowing you to switch between the modes external.
Feature Comparison
There are only two feature differences and both are based off the control scheme we've already discussed. In both pedals you see the tone, distortion (gain), and level controls, but in the DS-2 you get the added Turbo mode selector
We also consider the gain scope to be a feature, where "gain scope" refers to how varied the saturation level is as the gain knob is adjusted.
With the DS-1, that variance is significantly smaller and more narrow.
The DS-2, by contrast, has a wider range of saturation levels, allowing you to get a much heavier and thicker distorted signal.
Boss DS-1 | Boss DS-2 Turbo | |
|---|---|---|
Controls | Tone, Distortion, and Level | Tone, Distortion, Level, and Turbo |
Input Impedance | 470 ohms | 470 ohms |
Output Impedance | 1 k ohms | 1 k ohms |
Gain Scope | Low to Moderate | Low to High |
Voicing | Blues, Vintage | Grunge, Rock |
In other words, the DS-2 is a lot more versatile than the DS-1, in that it allows you to get a heavier, more aggressive distorted tone. Though the DS-1 doesn't sound bad, it doesn't have that same kind of versatility.
If having something that's more grunge and less blues is important to you, the type of gain and resulting distortion is something you'll need to pay close attention to.
The DS-2 simply does a far better job in this regard.
Our Grading
Admittedly, grading pedals is a bit subjective. However, I wanted to give you an idea of where each pedal is strong and where they might be a better stylistic fit.
For example:
How good of a job does it do producing a "modern" distortion tone? Based on the grade below, you could conclude that the DS-1 does a poor job of this while the DS-2 is somewhere in the middle.
In other words, take my grades with a grain of salt. They're opinion, but keep in mind they're based on actual use and a first-hand account of these two pedals.
Boss DS-1 | Boss DS-2 Turbo | |
|---|---|---|
Modern Tone | D- | C+ |
Grunge Tone | B- | B |
Vintage/Blues Tone | B+ | C+ |
Tightness | C | B+ |
EQ variety | C | C+ |
Overall Versatility | D | C |
Overall Tone Grades | D | C+ |
The only area where I felt comfortable giving the DS-1 a higher rating was in the Vintage/Blues tone category. In that context, it's a decent pedal that has had a place on many pedalboards over the years, both amateur and pro alike.
However, the DS-1 still lacks the added versatility that you get in the DS-2, making it hard to give it a better grade in any of the comparisons.
And while the DS-2 has its limitations, it can do most of what the DS-1 can already do without a ton of effort.
Though the DS-1 doesn't sound bad, it's not as versatile or functional as the DS-2.
In a one-vs-one comparison, the DS-2 wins out by default. It can simply do more than its predecessor.
Concluding our Comparison
While I've always believed the Boss DS-1 is a severely overrated pedal, that was never to say that it sounds bad. It has a good sound, but that sound is just limited in terms of where it can be applied.
For someone into blues or softer styles, perhaps who plays outdoors a lot with a good tube amp, the DS-1 can drive some really nice sounds and smooth gain levels. But for anything else, particularly as it relates to heavier, more modern tones, the DS-1 doesn't have enough power or variety to meet those demands.
And in a side-by-side comparison with the DS-2 Turbo, the Turbo wins out simply by being a more versatile distortion source.
If you're trying to decide between the two, the DS-2 is our recommendation unless you're going for an exclusively blues/soft-sounding distortion pedal.
Questions about these Distortion Pedals
Do you have questions about the Boss DS-1 or DS-2 Turbo?
Perhaps you're wondering something about how I did my comparison.
Either way, feel free to drop a line in the comments section below. I'll jump in and help out as best I can.
We'll see you there.
Related Articles
Written by Bobby on Pedals and Reviews
Written by Bobby on Pedals and Roundups
The ironic thing is you mention the DS-1 isnt really much good for grunge…
You should know that the whole Nevermind album by Nirvana was recorded with an 80s Japanese made Boss Ds-1 right?
It renders your review a little bizarre to be honest.
I also don’t think you would find many actual blues guys using a DS-1 either. the mids are too scooped for blues. Tube screamer style pedals are more popular with the increased mids for blues style guitar work.
Nowhere on this page do I say the DS-1 isn’t much good for grunge. Am I missing something?
And yes, I’m aware Cobain used a DS-1. https://www.guitarchalk.com/nirvana-distortion-pedal/
He used the DS-2 as well.
Keep in mind, this is a comparison and not a review.
I’m pretty sure you said the ds 2 is much grungier than it’s predecessor. That’s the bit I thought eh? how can the pedal that pretty much started the genre or at least thrust it into the public eye be worse than its successor. At that point its kinda the OG of the grunge genre. Perhaps a bad choice of words that’s all. No disrespect was meant to your review though. One thing worth mentioning is the ds 1 circuit itself is great for mods. Far more possibilities to change the sound of ds1 than the ds 2 in the design and layout of the components. Best regards. Duncan
I would say the DS-2 built on what the DS-1 established. Certainly both have a grunge tone though. Also, you make a good point about the mods with the DS-1.
Thanks for sharing, Duncan.
I currently have both pedals on my board and I’m also comparing the two. I agree that the DS-2 is more versatile as it has the mid boost (turbo mode) knob that could be used as some sort of lead boost or just as a thicker “heavier” type or rythm tone. But I don’t agree that the DS-1 is more of a “bluesier” pedal. If someone was looking for a bluesy pedal I think a DS-1 would not be a pedal most would consider for that sound. I think it’s still way grungier sounding than that and has a sharp type of heavy distortion sound that is somewhat mid scooped. And I think the DS-1 and DS-2 are very similar in that sound (if you exclude the turbo mode on the DS-2) I agree that the DS-2 has a wider scope on the gain knob from zero to max but I wouldn’t necessarily say that the DS-2 reaches a that much “gainer” sound at max than the DS-1. Perhaps a little. What I would say is that even in mode 1 the DS-2 has thicker, “heavier”, more prominent lows than the DS-1. The application that I am interested in comparing the two pedals is pretty much solely for that grungy Nirvana type of wide and fat rythm sound where I would have either one on max on the gain knob. And in that application I think they both would work equally well. Especially in a mix I think it would be hard to hear a difference as there would probably be some more layer of guitar. The DS-1 sounds perhaps slightly sharper but that might just be because it has less pronounced lows. I have personally not tried them in a mix yet but if anything there might be a possibility that the DS-2:s heavier lows could possibly interfere with the bass in a mix but that would easily be fixed in mixing. I don’t know. I think I will have to keep both. They are both VERY classic pedals. Also, I read that Nirvanas guitar tech guy said that Kurt Cobain used the DS-1 early on during the times of recording Nevermind and during that tour but at some point it broke and then he bought a DS-2 instead which at first he didn’t like as much but apparently stuck with it anyway, so probably they were similar enough that it didn’t really matter that much to him.
Hey Thor – this is great insight. I think you’re right about the grunge and grain in both pedals, and their similarities make them hard to compare. I like more lows in my distortion, which is probably why I was never really crazy about the DS1.
I agree that in a mix it would really be hard to tell the difference between the two.
And I heard that about Cobain’s use as well. It was my understanding that he got the DS2 and just never used the Turbo mode 😆