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How To Get CRAZY Distortion With The ProCo Rat 2

How To Get CRAZY Distortion With The ProCo Rat 2

WILL IT CHUG? - RAT DISTORTION

WILL IT CHUG? - RAT DISTORTION

ProCo

Description

For over 40 years, the ProCo RAT2 distortion guitar effects 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.

Restock ProCo RAT2 Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal
Restock ProCo RAT2 Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal
Restock ProCo RAT2 Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal

Features

  • 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

Specs

Dimensions & Weight
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 3.5" (8.9 cm) x 3.13" (7.9 cm) x 4.06" (10.3 cm)
  • Weight: 0.82 lb. (0.37 kg)

Reviews

4.39

76 Reviews

88%

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. Performances40
  2. Amateur Recording29
  3. Home Studio29
  4. Professional Recording22
  5. Outdoor Events / Games17
Cons
  1. Poor Sound Quality7
  2. Limited Selection Of Effects3
  3. Not Durable2
  4. Buggy1
  5. Bit large1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced44
  2. Novice12
  3. Professional Musician8
Pros
  1. Excellent Sound Quality47
  2. Responsive37
  3. Versatile33
  4. Compact28
  5. Good Selection Of Effects14
  • I would by this product again and again

    5

    submitted2 months ago

    byDustin

    fromKansas City, MO

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Perfect for all the heavy rockers out there. Great punk rock tone that I use all the time. Very easy to use. I would 100% recommend this to all my friends. This pedal is 🔥🔥🔥Rock on! 🤘

  • Pro co rat pedal

    4

    submitted7 months ago

    byRyan

    fromCanyon lake ca

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    The pedal was on sale at a really good price, ray pedals are awesome. I run it low gain high volume.

  • Just what kiddo wanted

    5

    submitted7 months ago

    byRonda

    fromUtah

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    It was an "emergency purchase". Kiddo wanted that kind of sound for the concert, not overdrive, not even Boss-ds. Sounds just the way she wanted, "muddy" grunge from 90s for Smashing Pumpkins songs. Needed a battery (some pedals come with a battery, this one doesn't). So far so good. Did you notice two kids fighting over RAT at the GC in "Metal Lords"? We laughing so hard at that scene! #sweepstakes

  • Great pedal, does exactly what I wanted, sounds AWESOME!

    5

    submitted8 months ago

    byWilliam

    fromOklahoma

    Boosted with a TS9 into 6505II doesn't get any better then this. Well at least for now. TS9 = level-9 drive-1 RATT = level-10 distortion-0.5 6505II = gain somewhere between 4 and 7 adjust to liking.

  • Worst distortion pedal ever??

    1

    submitted10 months ago

    byJessie

    fromHammond, IN

    It genuinely sounds like it just amplified the sound a tiny bit. Would not recommend to anyone who is looking for an actual distortion pedal.

  • Must have pedal

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    bySebastian

    fromNew York, NY

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    The Rat is a must have pedal. It's a classic that you have to experience for yourself.

Q&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?

    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?

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

    fromNewport Beach

    How do I power this distortion pedal?

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