Pocket-size Percussion Synthesizer

The Boss PC-2 was introduced in 1983, at the same time as the conceptually similar HC-2 Hand Clapper. The PC-2 is a simple and easy-to-use analogue synthesizer which produces a variety of intriguing electronic percussion sounds.

• Sound generation
  The Boss PC-2 sports a VCO which produces a triangular waveform. It has a very wide frequency range from 85 Hz to 3 kHz. The VCO can be modulated by a LFO which generates triangular and rectangular waveforms. It has a frequency range from 2 Hz to 400 Hz and allows for comprehensive frequency modulation, thanks to going into audio rate. Release time can be adjusted between 30ms and five seconds. The Sweep control governs a simple envelope which can be used to modulate pitch, either with positive or negative polarity.
   
• Performance tools
  The Boss PC-2 can be triggered from its own built-in drum pad as well as from some external source, for instance trigger outputs of drum computers and synthesizers, or audio signals from microphones. The Sens control is used to adjust touch response.
   
• Tone
  The Boss PC-2 not only produces synth-type toms and a variety of bleeps but also experimental metallic-sounding timbres, thanks to its wide-ranging LFO. Beefy bass drums are not part of its sonic repertoire, however, due to the VCO being limited to 85 Hz as its lowest frequency.
  Due to its rather low output level, we recommend using an additional preamp.
   
• manufacturing period: 1983-1985