Introduced in 1987, the Boss RV-2 was one of the first effect pedals with digital reverb. At the time, digital reverb was typically only found in bulky rack mount units—well-suited for studios, but unrealistic for stage use. Groundbreaking when it was released, the RV-2 delivers clear, high-quality reverb sounds in the flexibility of a compact pedal.
The RV-2 digital signal processing (DSP) to create its reverb effects. This was cutting-edge technology in the late 1980s, allowing for more complex and varied reverb sounds than were possible with analog technology. The controls are straightforward:
- Effect Level: Adjusts the balance between the dry signal and the reverb effect.
- Pre-Delay: Controls the time between the original signal and the onset of the reverb, allowing for more pronounced or subtle reverb effects.
- Decay: Adjusts the length of the reverb tail, from short and snappy to long and lush.
- Mode Selector: Chooses between the six different reverb types: Room, Hall 1, Hall 2, Plate, Delay, and Gate
The Boss RV-2 Digital Reverb is a landmark pedal in the history of guitar effects. Its compact size and easy to use design revolutionized the market, offering musicians high-quality reverb sounds in a durable, user-friendly format. Despite advances in technology, the RV-2 remains a beloved piece of gear for its pioneering role and distinctive sound.
This RV-2 was made in Japan in 1987. It shows plenty of paint scuffs and signs of use (see photos), but it functions 100% as it should. It produces a wide range of reverb sounds, and 37 years later, it lives up its reputation.