With the FS-2, Ashdown targets bassists who want to control their sound without taking their hands off their instrument. In the spirit of the Rootmaster EVO/EVO II range, the goal is simple: to make highly musical functions accessible by foot, allowing seamless switching between tones in a fraction of a second. Rather than adding an external effect to the pedalboard, the FS-2 highlights the amplifier's built-in sections for a more direct and reliable experience on stage.
The Ashdown Engineering FS-2 is particularly suited for bassists playing live (concerts, multi-band lineups, festivals) who need quick, clean, and repeatable changes. In rehearsals, it also helps practice transitions without interrupting the groove: a single press is enough to switch from a rounder tone to a sharper attack.
Style-wise, it naturally fits contexts where the bass's dynamics and presence need to evolve throughout a song: rock, metal, funk, blues, modern pop, or contemporary music requiring very contrasting "verse/chorus" passages. In the studio, it can be useful for triggering character variations during tracking while keeping hands on the instrument and ears on the performance.
The FS-2 is a dual-button control pedal designed for intensive use. Both switches operate with latching, a practical choice for toggling functions on or off without needing to hold the foot down. The result: increased comfort and precision, especially when singing, moving on stage, or managing frequent changes.
Connected to a compatible amplifier, it allows you to engage/disengage the Valve Drive for a richer, more saturated tone, and to activate the Sub Harmonics to thicken the low end when the song calls for it. The 4-meter integrated cable provides enough length to position the pedal comfortably within your playing area without stressing the connectors.
The FS-2 does not alter the sound by itself: it neither colors the signal nor changes dynamics like an effects pedal would. However, it becomes a true "musicality accelerator" by providing immediate access to the tonal variations offered by the compatible amplifier. The Valve Drive can add more bite and presence, while the Sub Harmonics enhance the sense of depth and foundation in the mix.
The main benefit is expressive: you can emphasize a chorus, thicken a bridge, or instantly return to a cleaner sound for a verse without disrupting your rhythmic placement. On a bass-oriented pedalboard, the FS-2 also integrates well as a "minimalist" solution: fewer pedals, fewer cables, and foot control focused on the essentials.