Two Notes Reload 2: The Ultimate Load Box for Modern Guitarists

Hey everyone, Andy here with Noisegate! After spotting the brand-new Two Notes Reload 2 at the Melbourne Guitar Show, I knew we had to get hands-on with it. I asked the team at Two Notes very nicely (and maybe with a little bit of begging!), and they let us borrow one to dive deep. Let me tell you – this thing is seriously impressive.

The Reload 2 isn’t just another reactive load box. It’s a complete reimagining of what a load box can be for home recording, live gigs, and studio use. Stereo operation, built-in stereo effects loop, wet/dry/wet mixing, direct recording… it’s absolutely packed with features that immediately made me rethink what’s possible with a traditional amp setup.

Key Features

• True stereo reactive load box lets you split into dual-cab or wet/dry setups without needing a second amp.
• Built-in stereo effects loop means you can run all your reverbs, delays, and modulations properly after your amp’s overdrive.
• Celestion-certified load response gives you that authentic speaker feel – officially approved by Celestion themselves!
• Direct XLR outputs for silent recording or live use (with external cab sim recommended for best results).
• Comes with Genome software including a massive library of DynaCab virtual cabinets, mics, amps, and effects.

How I Set It Up

Setting up the Reload 2 couldn’t have been easier. I plugged my favorite single-channel amp straight into it, cranked it to a good overdriven roar, and used the Reload 2 to tame the volume. This let me push my amp into its sweet spot without shaking the walls or waking up the household (always a win when you’ve got a young one sleeping nearby!).

The fact that I could patch in my stereo pedals after the amp’s preamp section, thanks to the stereo effects loop, was honestly a game-changer. Running stereo tremolos and delays through two cabs sounded absolutely huge — way bigger than I expected from a setup this compact.

Cool Touches I Didn’t Expect

One thing I noticed straight away – the unit’s slightly angled top panel. Initially, I thought it was just for easier control if you had it on a desk. But when I plonked it on top of my amp, I realised the angle leaves space for your amp handle! That little detail shows just how much thought went into designing this thing. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference when you’re setting up quickly at a gig or in a crowded studio.

The “Mojo” button is another really cool feature – it gives your amp a bit of extra juice and feel, especially if you’re running at lower power levels. It’s subtle, but when you turn it on, you definitely notice that tube-like sag and chime coming back into the feel under your fingers.

Things I Loved and Minor Gripes

Using the Reload 2 felt natural straight away. Having real-time control over wet/dry balances, stereo spread, and cabinet levels is incredibly intuitive. Plus, the depth and presence controls meant I could tweak the response of each cab to suit the room without needing an extra EQ pedal or outboard gear.

Now, if I’m being honest, I would’ve loved to see an onboard speaker sim built into the direct XLR outs. Right now, you need to run into an external cab sim like Two Notes’ Wall of Sound plugin or the included Genome software (which, to be fair, are both excellent). Just having a baked-in option would make it an even easier all-in-one solution, especially for simple live rigs.

Also, the Reload 2 is a bit larger than some other load boxes out there – but honestly, when you consider how much it’s doing (handling high wattage, true stereo operation, full reactive load capabilities, effects loop routing), it’s a fair trade-off.

Final Thoughts

All up, I think Two Notes have absolutely nailed it with the Reload 2. It feels like it’s been designed by real musicians for real-world use – every connection, every control, and every feature just makes sense.

If you’ve ever wanted to crank your amp, run full stereo wet/dry rigs, record silently late at night, or bring a real amp onto a modern quiet stage, I honestly reckon this could become a must-have piece of gear for you.

Massive thanks again to Two Notes for letting us borrow the unit – and if you get the chance to try one yourself, definitely do it. You’ll wonder how you lived without it.