BOSS HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal

BOSS HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal

The BOSS HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal is an all-analog recreation of the 1983-1991 HM-2, adding a selectable Custom mode, lower noise, 3 dB higher maximum output, and a premium buffer. Standard mode preserves the original response, while Custom mode increases gain, attack, fullness, and definition.

For players building Swedish death metal guitar tones, Standard mode delivers the focused midrange and aggressive distortion associated with the original design. The separate COLOR MIX L and H controls independently shape low and high-mid frequencies, while Custom mode provides a heavier alternative for modern metal, high-gain pedalboards, and aggressive rhythm or lead sounds.

The HM-2W uses a 1 M ohm input, buffered bypass, and standard 1/4-inch connections for straightforward pedalboard integration. Power comes from an included 9 V alkaline battery or an optional PSA-series adapter. BOSS rates alkaline battery operation at approximately 24 hours and carbon-zinc operation at approximately eight hours under continuous use.

Key Features

• All-Analog Circuit: Recreates the original HM-2 response with updated circuitry and modern performance refinements.
• Standard Mode: Preserves the original HM-2 character while reducing noise and increasing maximum output by 3 dB.
• Custom Mode: Adds more gain, stronger fundamental tone, sharper attack, and increased low and high-mid definition.
• Dual Color Controls: COLOR MIX L and H independently shape low-frequency and high-mid response.
• Dedicated Distortion Control: Adjusts drive intensity from restrained crunch to heavily saturated distortion.
• Premium Buffered Bypass: Maintains a clear signal path when the effect is disengaged.
• Waza Craft Configuration: Retains the original orange-and-black control layout while adding the S/C mode switch on the top panel.
• Flexible Power: Runs from an included 9 V alkaline battery or an optional BOSS PSA-series adapter.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: BOSS
• Model: HM-2W
• Series: Waza Craft
• Effect Type: Distortion
• Instrument Compatibility: Guitar / Bass
• Circuit: All-analog
• Modes: Standard, Custom
• Preset Storage: None
• Nominal Input Level: -20 dBu
• Input Impedance: 1 M ohm
• Nominal Output Level: -20 dBu
• Output Impedance: 1 k ohm
• Recommended Load Impedance: 10 k ohms or greater
• Bypass: Buffered bypass
• Controls: Pedal switch, Mode switch, DIST. knob, COLOR MIX H knob, COLOR MIX L knob, LEVEL knob
• Indicator: CHECK indicator with battery-status function
• Input: 1 x 1/4-inch phone-type jack
• Output: 1 x 1/4-inch phone-type jack
• Power Connector: DC IN jack
• USB: None
• Wireless: None
• Power Supply: 9 V alkaline battery, 9 V carbon-zinc battery, or optional PSA-series AC adapter
• Compatible Alkaline Battery: 6LR61 or 6LF22
• Compatible Carbon-Zinc Battery: 6F22
• Current Draw: 30 mA
• Expected Alkaline Battery Life: Approximately 24 hours under continuous use
• Expected Carbon-Zinc Battery Life: Approximately 8 hours under continuous use
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 2.9 x 5.1 x 2.3"
• Weight: 1 lb including battery
• Package Dimensions (L x W x H): 5.8 x 3.7 x 2.6"
• Package Weight: 1.2 lb
• Manufacturer Warranty: 5 years

What's In the Box

• BOSS HM-2W Waza Craft Heavy Metal Distortion Pedal
• 9 V alkaline battery
• Safety and operating information leaflet