Videos (2)

View Allarrow icon
How To Get CRAZY Distortion With The ProCo Rat 2play button

How To Get CRAZY Distortion With The ProCo Rat 2

WILL IT CHUG? - RAT DISTORTIONplay button

WILL IT CHUG? - RAT DISTORTION

ProCo

collapse expand iconDescription

For over 40 years, the ProCo RAT2 distortion pedal has been the secret weapon of iconic guitarists. This stompbox packs a punch with its hard-clipping distortion circuit that injects tube-like warmth and sustain into any rig. Whether you need to saturate a sparkling clean amp, boost a high-gain head into new realms of distortion or simply want to add a layer of rich harmonic overtones, the RAT2 delivers. With a straightforward 3-knob layout controlling distortion amount, filter and volume, this pedal is easy to dial in but capable of a surprisingly wide range of tones from mellow overdrive to fuzz-like mayhem. The RAT2's enclosure features an LED status indicator, durable construction and a battery compartment that requires no tools to access.

Highly Responsive Distortion Circuit

At the heart of the RAT2 is a distortion circuit that reacts dynamically to your playing. Roll back the guitar's volume knob and the distortion cleans up while still retaining a slight grit. Dig into the strings and the RAT2 breaks up into a singing, saturated overdrive. This interactive quality allows for a level of expressiveness not found in many distortion pedals. The RAT2 also excels at enhancing a tube amp's natural overdrive without muddying up the tone.

Versatile Tone-Shaping Controls

Don't let the RAT2's simple 3-knob layout fool you—this pedal is capable of a wide range of tones. The Distortion control dials in the amount of gain and determines the overall character of the distortion. At lower settings, the RAT2 produces a warm, tube-like overdrive. As you increase the distortion, the tone develops into a thicker, fuzzier distortion. The Filter control adjusts the amount of high frequencies in the signal. Roll it down for a darker, bassier tone or increase it for more treble content. Finally, the Volume control allows you to match the RAT2's output level with your amp's input gain so you can achieve maximum distortion without excess noise.

Roadworthy and Gig-Ready

With its solid metal enclosure and footswitch, the RAT2 is built to stand up to the rigors of the road. The pedal's iconic graphics are not just for show—they glow in the dark so you can easily locate the controls on a dimly lit stage. Powered by a 9V battery or optional power supply, the RAT2's current draw is low enough that a battery can last for months. A battery access door allows for quick battery changes between sets without tools. For over 40 years, the ProCo RAT2 has been the go-to distortion pedal for guitarists worldwide seeking a flexible, tube-like overdrive.

ProCo RAT2 Distortion Effects Pedal
ProCo RAT2 Distortion Effects Pedal
ProCo RAT2 Distortion Effects Pedal

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Distortion ranging from a mellow twin to a raging English stack
  • Extra punch in rhythm work and makes solos cut through with authority
  • Glow-in-the-dark luminescent control graphics
  • LED status indicator
  • No-tools battery compartment
  • True bypass

collapse expand iconWarranty

Nontransferable limited warranties vary with product.
Guardian cables - lifetime warranty.
Lifeline cables - 20 years.
Excellines cables - 10 years.
Speaker, MIDI, XLR, patch cables - 3 years.
StageMASTER cables - 3 years.
SnakeMASTER snakes - 3 years.
RoadMASTER snakes - 5 years.
E-Cords - 1,2,5 year warranties, terms vary.
Check with manufacturer for specific product warranty.

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.41

70 Reviews

89%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

best sounding distortion I've found

this pedal has a great sound to it at any level of distortion and is very versitle. you can easily dial in tones of a great punchy sounding guitar like david gilmours on animals or get a deep, rich distortion. no complaints in the sound department does exactly what I want. I did however encounter some wiring problems with the battery compartment but it was easily fixed. I highly recommend this distortion pedal over any other because of it's versitility and amazing sound

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

1

Hisses like a RAT

I really tried to embrace this pedal. I've seen numerous professional guitarist use the RAT and produce great distorted tones. The initial deluge of sound from this pedal was exactly what I wanted. I has a great saturated distortion tone. However, at the tail of the sustain, as the tone decayed and faded, I would hear this noisy hiss coming from the pedal. After I silenced the strings with my hand, there was no hiss. I checked my connections and verified it was not the amp or any other distortion pedal on my pedalboard. At the time, I was trying out numerous distortion pedals with my guitar and amp. Again, none of the other pedals had this issue. Since I returned the pedal, I did see there is a JHS/ RAT version. Maybe this version is the one to get where this issue is corrected.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Performances36
  2. Amateur Recording26
  3. Home Studio25
  4. Professional Recording20
  5. Outdoor Events / Games15
Cons
  1. Poor Sound Quality6
  2. Limited Selection Of Effects3
  3. Not Durable2
  4. Buggy1
  5. Bit large1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced39
  2. Novice12
  3. Professional Musician8
Pros
  1. Excellent Sound Quality42
  2. Responsive33
  3. Versatile31
  4. Compact26
  5. Good Selection Of Effects12
  • I don't know why I waited so long to buy this pedal.

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted16 days ago

    byChris

    fromVisalia, CA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I've been playing guitar for over 30 years. I don't know why I waited so long to buy this pedal. It sounds amazing. It's intuitive to use. And it doesn't break the bank. #sweepstakes

  • Yep. It's a Rat.

    4

    submitted23 days ago

    byGreg

    fromCleveland

    Me and Rats go back to the late 80's. They're considered classic for a reason. I've had White Face, original Rat 2, Big Box reissue, I've had LM308 and OP07 rats. They all sound like Rats. That's a good thing. This is the sound of a lot of 80's rock and a lot of Grunge. It's does everything from light distortion to full out gnarly fuzz. Yeah, it's a little noisy. Rock and roll is supposed to be. A lot of boutique tributes and imitations address it, I don't feel a need to. It's a Rat. These things are well built and crazy reliable. Little bricks full of hard clipping goodness. Distortion comes and goes with me. I'm usually more of a light overdrive guy and don't need nearly this much gain. But when I get the itch for it, I go pick up another Rat. This new one seems the same as all the other ones. Nice and Ratty.

  • Good but,

    3

    submitteda month ago

    byMatthew

    fromDenver, CO

    I am a big fan of the pixies and found out they use this distortion pedal. When I first bought it , it was great, then I was in a show trying to use it and the pedal would not work and kept bugging out and feeding back and making very loud buzzing sounds and my amp would not pick up my guitar. It works great if your pedal is not defective and works as advertised.

  • ProConRat

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted4 months ago

    byKen

    fromAlexandria, VA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Great pedal that has stood the test of time and has been one of the workhorses of the guitar world for over four decades. Lives up to the hype and continues to rock. While not one of my all time faves, is a must in every guitarsenal due to its time tested history and current price that you can still find them brand new under $70 as of 01/'25.

  • Great Pedal

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted4 months ago

    byJosh

    fromSalem, OR

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    The Pro Co Rat is a classic and super versatile a must have for any rock enthusiast IMO

  • This is legit

    5

    submitted4 months ago

    byNoah

    fromDayton, OH

    I was looking for a pedal that was a little more aggressive than a Boss Blues Driver and I found it. This thing sounds great and takes my whole rig up a notch. I haven't used it with the band yet but it sounds great solo. Would highly recommend.

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byPurdy S

    fromBakersfield ca

    Is it still made in USA?

    Is it still made in USA?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    This pedal is made in the U.S.
  • asked byZen

    fromSeattle Wa

    How does the rat-2 compare to the original rat?

    How does the rat-2 compare to the original rat?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Minor design upgrades. The sound is practically identical.
  • asked byDeYoung

    fromNewport Beach

    How do I power this distortion pedal?

    How do I power this distortion pedal?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    This pedal is powered with a 9V adapter.