Roland TR-2 User Manual

Owner's Manual

DCAC

AC & BATTERY

POWERED

FET

1

Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of BOSS TR-2 Tremolo.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”

and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (p.16; p.4). These sections provide important information
concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you
have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, this manual should
be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient
reference.

Copyright © 1997 BOSS CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the
written permission of BOSS CORPORATION.

2

FEATURES

• The TR-2 is an effect that periodically changes only the volume of the sound. This
means that the tone will not be altered with the TR-2.

• The Wave knob allows you to select very delicate changes in the volume, or more rapid
and extreme ones—whatever you need.

3

IMPORTANT NOTES

In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on page 16, please read
and observe the following:

Power Supply

• Do not use this unit on the same power circuit

with any device that will generate line noise
(such as an electric motor or variable lighting
system).

• The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat

after long hours of consecutive use. This is
normal, and is not a cause for concern.

• Batteries should always be installed or re-

placed before connecting any other devices.
This way, you can prevent malfunction and/or
damage to speakers or other devices.

• A battery was installed in the unit before it left

the factory. The life of this battery may be
limited, however, since its primary purpose
was to enable testing.

4

• Before connecting this unit to other devices,
turn off the power to all units. This will help
prevent malfunctions and/or damage to speak­ers or other devices.

Placement

• Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other
equipment containing large power transform­ers) may induce hum. To alleviate the prob­lem, change the orientation of this unit; or
move it farther away from the source of inter­ference.

• Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight,
place it near devices that radiate heat, leave it
inside an enclosed vehicle, or otherwise sub­ject it to temperature extremes. Excessive heat
can deform or discolor the unit.

Maintenance

• For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a
soft, dry cloth or one that has been slightly
dampened with water. To remove stubborn
dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a mild, non­abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to
wipe the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.

• Never use benzene, thinners, alcohol or sol­vents of any kind, to avoid the possibility of
discoloration and/or deformation.

Additional Precautions

• Use a reasonable amount of care when using
the unit's buttons, sliders, or other controls;
and when using its jacks and connectors.
Rough handling can lead to malfunctions.

• When connecting / disconnecting all cables,
grasp the connector itself—never pull on the
cable. This way you will avoid causing shorts,
or damage to the cable's internal elements.

• To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to
keep the unit's volume at reasonable levels.
You may prefer to use headphones, so you do
not need to be concerned about those around
you (especially when it is late at night).

• When you need to transport the unit, package
it in the box (including padding) that it came
in, if possible. Otherwise, you will need to use
equivalent packaging materials.

5

PANEL DESCRIPTIONS

1
2

3

4

5

6

1. AC Adaptor Jack

Accepts connection of an AC Adaptor (op­tionally available BOSS PSA-Series). By
using an AC Adaptor, you can play without
being concerned about how much battery
power you have left.

* If there are batteries in the unit while an AC

6

adaptor is being used, normal operation will
continue should the line voltage be inter­rupted (power blackout or power cord dis­connection).

* If you are going to use an AC adaptor, be sure

to use the specified unit (BOSS PSA-Series).
Use of any other adaptor may result in dam­age, malfunction or electric shock.
Also, if you are not going to be using it for an
extended period of time, disconnect the AC
adaptor from the AC outlet.

2. CHECK Indicator

This indicator shows whether an effect is
ON/OFF, and also doubles as the Battery
Check indicator.
The indicator lights when an effect is ON.
If this indicator goes dim or no longer lights
while an effect is ON, the battery is near
exhaustion and should be replaced imme­diately.

3. OUTPUT Jack

The output jack is used to connect the unit
to an amplifier or another device.

4. Pedal Switch

This switch turns the effects ON/OFF.

5. Thumbscrew

This thumbscrew is loosened to open the
pedal, allowing battery replacement. For
instructions on how to replace the battery,
please refer to “CHANGING THE BAT­TERY (p.12).”

6. INPUT Jack

This jack accepts input signals (coming
from a guitar, some other musical instru­ment, or another effects unit).

* The INPUT jack also serves as the power

switch. Power is turned on whenever a plug is
inserted into the INPUT jack, and is turned off
when the plug is disconnected. When not
using the unit, you should disconnect any
cord connected to the INPUT jack.

7

RATE Knob DEPTH Knob

CHECK

RATE Knob

This adjusts the rate of the tremolo. The
further you move the knob clockwise, the
faster the rate becomes.

WAVE

RATE DEPTH

WAVE Knob

8

DEPTH Knob

This adjusts the depth of the tremolo. When
it is turned fully counterclockwise, no
tremolo effect will be created.

WAVE Knob

This controls the waveform of the tremolo.
You can go from smooth volume changes
to more dramatic ones.

MAKING THE CONNECTIONS

OUT 9V DC/200mA

Guitar Amplifier

AC Adaptor
BOSS PSA-series
(option)

Electric
Guitar

9

* Inserting a plug into the INPUT Jack will automatically switch the unit on.
* To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the

volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections.

* If there are batteries in the unit while an AC adaptor is being used, normal operation will continue

should the line voltage be interrupted (power blackout or power cord disconnection).

* Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to your various devices in the order

specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage
to speakers and other devices.
When powering up: Turn on the power to your guitar amp last.
When powering down: Turn off the power to your guitar amp first.

* Always make sure to have the volume level turned down before switching on power. Even with

the volume all the way down, you may still hear some sound when the power is switched on, but
this is normal, and does not indicate a malfunction.

* When operating on battery power only, the unit’s indicator will become dim when battery power

gets too low. Replace the battery as soon as possible.

* The CHECK indicator shows whether the effect is being applied or not. It does not indicate

whether the power to the device is on or not.

10

OPERATING THE UNIT

3

4

5

1. When you have made the necessary

connections, set the knobs as shown in
the illustration.

2. Depress the pedal switch to turn the

effect on. (Make sure the CHECK indi­cator lights.)

3. Adjust the rate of the tremolo using the

RATE knob.

4. Adjust the depth of the tremolo using

the DEPTH knob.

5. Adjust the waveform of the tremolo

using the WAVE knob.

11

CHANGING THE BATTERY

When the indicator goes dim or no longer
lights while an effect is on, it means that the
battery is nearly dead and must be re­placed.
Replace the battery following the steps
below.

Battery Snap Cord

Battery Snap

9V Battery

12

Spring Base

Battery
Housing

Thumbscrew

Pedal

Coil Spring

Guide
Bush
Hole

1 Loosen the thumbscrew at the front of the

pedal, then lift the pedal upwards to open
the unit.

* The thumbscrew can be left in the pedal

while changing the battery.

2 Remove the old battery from the battery

housing, and remove the snap cord con­nected to it.

3 Connect the snap cord to the new battery,

and place the battery inside the battery
housing.

* Be sure to carefully observe the battery's

polarity (+ versus -).

4 Slip the coil spring onto the spring base on

the back of the pedal, then close the
pedal.

* Carefully avoid getting the snap cord

caught in the coil spring.

5 Finally, insert the thumbscrew into the

guide bush hole and fasten it securely.

SETTING EXAMPLES

Vintage Tremolo

Electric Piano sound

CHECK

WAVE

RATE DEPTH

Switching technique sound

CHECK

WAVE

RATE DEPTH

CHECK

WAVE

RATE DEPTH

Rotary Speaker sound

CHECK

WAVE

RATE DEPTH

13

SPECIFICATIONS

TR-2: Tremolo

Nominal Input Level ........ -20 dBu

Input Impedance .............. 1 MΩ

Nominal Output Level ..... -20 dBu

Output Impedance ........... 1 kΩ

LFO Rate.......................... 90 to 900 ms

Residual Noise Level........ -90 dBu (IHF-A Weighted, Typ.)

Controls ........................... Pedal Switch, RATE Knob, DEPTH Knob, WAVE Knob

Indicator .......................... CHECK Indicator (Serves also as battery check indicator)

Connectors ...................... INPUT Jack, OUTPUT Jack, AC Adaptor Jack (DC 9 V)

Power Supply................... DC 9 V: Dry Battery (6F22/ 9 V)

AC Adaptor (PSA Series: Optional)

Current Draw................... 20 mA (DC 9 V)

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* Expected battery life under continuous use:

Carbon: 10 hours

These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.

Dimensions...................... 73 (W) x 129 (D) x 59 (H) mm

2-7/8 (W) x 5-1/8 (D) x 2-3/8 (H) inches

Weight ............................. 400 g/ 15 oz (including battery)

Accessories ...................... Owner's Manual, Dry Battery; 6F22/ 9 V (Carbon),

Leaflet

(“USING THE UNIT SAFELY,” “IMPORTANT NOTES,” and “Information”)

Options............................ AC Adaptor PSA-Series

* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
* In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are

subject to change without prior notice.

15

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

ALWAYS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING

Used for instructions intended to alert
the user to the risk of injury or material
damage should the unit be used
improperly.

* Material damage refers to damage or

other adverse effects caused with
respect to the home and all its
furnishings, as well to domestic
animals or pets.

Used for instructions intended to alert
the user to the risk of death or severe
injury should the unit be used
improperly.

The ● symbol alerts the user to things that must be
carried out. The specific thing that must be done is
indicated by the design contained within the circle. In
the case of the symbol at left, it means that the power­cord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.

WARNING

CAUTION

The symbol alerts the user to important instructions
or warnings.The specific meaning of the symbol is
determined by the design contained within the
triangle. In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for
general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger.

The symbol alerts the user to items that must never
be carried out (are forbidden). The specific thing that
must not be done is indicated by the design contained
within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it
means that the unit must never be disassembled.

16

• Before using this unit, make sure to

WARNING

read the instructions below, and the
Owner's Manual.

..........................................................................................

• Do not open (or modify in any way)
the unit or its AC adaptor.

..........................................................................................

• Do not attempt to repair the unit, or
replace parts within it (except when
this manual provides specific instruc­tions directing you to do so). Refer all
servicing to your dealer, or qualified
Roland service personnel.

..........................................................................................

• Never use or store the unit in places
that are:

• Subject to temperature extremes

(e.g., direct sunlight in an enclosed
vehicle, near a heating duct, on top
of heat-generating equipment); or
are

• Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on

wet floors); or are

• Humid; or are

• Dusty; or are

• Subject to high levels of vibration.

..........................................................................................

• Make sure you always have the unit
placed so it is level and sure to
remain stable. Never place it on
stands that could wobble, or on
inclined surfaces.

..........................................................................................

17

• Use only the specified AC adaptor
(PSA-Series), and make sure the line
voltage at the installation matches
the input voltage specified on the AC
adaptor's body. Other AC adaptors
may use a different polarity, or be
designed for a different voltage, so
their use could result in damage,
malfunction, or electric shock.

..........................................................................................

• Avoid damaging the power cord. Do
not bend it excessively, step on it,
place heavy objects on it, etc. A dam­aged cord can easily become a shock
or fire hazard. Never use a power
cord after it has been damaged.

..........................................................................................

18

• This unit, either alone or in combina­tion with an amplifier and head­phones or speakers, may be capable
of producing sound levels that could
cause permanent hearing loss. Do
not operate for a long period of time
at a high volume level, or at a level
that is uncomfortable. If you experi­ence any hearing loss or ringing in
the ears, you should immediately
stop using the unit, and consult an
audiologist.

..........................................................................................

• Do not allow any objects (e.g., flam­mable material, coins, pins); or liq­uids of any kind (water, soft drinks,
etc.) to penetrate the unit.

..........................................................................................

• Immediately turn the power off,
remove the AC adaptor from the out­let, and request servicing by your
dealer or qualified Roland service
personnel when:

• The AC adaptor or the power-sup-

ply cord has been damaged; or

• Objects have fallen into, or liquid

has been spilled onto the unit; or

• The unit has been exposed to rain

(or otherwise has become wet); or

• The unit does not appear to operate

normally or exhibits a marked
change in performance.

..........................................................................................

• In households with small children, an
adult should provide supervision
until the child is capable of following
all the rules essential for the safe
operation of the unit.

..........................................................................................

• Protect the unit from strong impact.
(Do not drop it!)

..........................................................................................

• Do not force the unit's power-supply
cord to share an outlet with an unrea­sonable number of other devices. Be
especially careful when using exten­sion cords—the total power used by
all devices you have connected to the
extension cord's outlet must never
exceed the power rating (watts/
amperes) for the extension cord.
Excessive loads can cause the insula­tion on the cord to heat up and even­tually melt through.

..........................................................................................

• Before using the unit in a foreign
country, consult with your dealer, or
qualified Roland service personnel.

..........................................................................................

19

• Batteries must never be recharged,

CAUTION

heated, taken apart, or thrown into
fire or water.

..........................................................................................

• The unit and the AC adaptor should
be located so their location or posi­tion does not interfere with their
proper ventilation.

..........................................................................................

• Always grasp only the plug or the
body of the AC adaptor when plug­ging into, or unplugging from, an
outlet or this unit.

..........................................................................................

• Whenever the unit is to remain
unused for an extended period of
time, disconnect the AC adaptor.

..........................................................................................

20

• Try to prevent cords and cables from
becoming entangled. Also, all cords
and cables should be placed so they
are out of the reach of children.

..........................................................................................

• Never climb on top of, nor place
heavy objects on the unit.

..........................................................................................

• Never handle the AC adaptor body,
or its plugs, with wet hands when
plugging into, or unplugging from,
an outlet or this unit.

..........................................................................................

• Before moving the unit, disconnect
the AC adaptor and all cords coming
from external devices.

..........................................................................................

• Before cleaning the unit, turn off the
power and unplug the AC adaptor
from the outlet (p.9).

..........................................................................................

• Whenever you suspect the possibility
of lightning in your area, disconnect
the AC adaptor from the outlet.

..........................................................................................

21

• If used improperly, batteries may
explode or leak and cause damage or
injury. In the interest of safety, please
read and observe the following pre­cautions (page 12).

• Carefully follow the installation

instructions for batteries, and make
sure you observe the correct polar­ity.

• Remove the batteries whenever the

unit is to remain unused for an
extended period of time.

• If a battery has leaked, use a soft

piece of cloth or paper towel to
wipe all remnants of the discharge
from the battery compartment.
Then install new batteries. T o avoid
inflammation of the skin, make
sure that none of the battery dis­charge gets onto your hands or
skin. Exercise the utmost caution
so that none of the discharge gets
near your eyes. Immediately rinse
the affected area with running
water if any of the discharge has
entered the eyes.

22

• Never keep batteries together with
metallic objects such as ballpoint
pens, necklaces, hairpins, etc.

..........................................................................................

• Used batteries must be disposed of in
compliance with whatever regula­tions for their safe disposal that may
be observed in the region in which
you live.

..........................................................................................

This product complies with the requirements of

For EU Countries

European Directive 89/336/EEC.

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G601725903