Pro Co Rat 2: Review

The Pro Co RAT 2 is a legendary distortion pedal that has earned its place on countless pedalboards since its introduction in the late 1970s. Known for its versatility, it seamlessly bridges the gap between overdrive, distortion, and fuzz, making it a favorite among guitarists across various genres.

Build and Design

The RAT 2 features a sturdy, black steel enclosure with glow-in-the-dark graphics, ensuring visibility on dark stages. Its sloped face design provides easy access to its three simple controls: Distortion, Filter, and Volume. The pedal is built to withstand the rigors of touring, with heavy-duty footswitches, knobs, and jacks. It operates on a 9V battery or a standard DC power supply (not included) .

Sound and Performance

The RAT 2 is celebrated for its wide tonal range. At lower gain settings, it delivers a warm overdrive reminiscent of a tube amp on the verge of breakup. As the Distortion knob is increased, it transitions into a rich, saturated distortion, and at its highest settings, it produces a fuzz-like tone with ample sustain.

The Filter control is particularly noteworthy. Unlike traditional tone knobs, it functions as a low-pass filter, allowing players to dial in the perfect amount of high-end presence or roll off treble for a darker tone. This unique feature contributes to the RAT 2's adaptability in various musical contexts .

Guitar.com praises the RAT 2, stating, "There’s a reason that the RAT 2 has been on pedalboards for decades: it’s basically a flawless distortion unit." They highlight its ability to produce everything from mild overdrive to full-on fuzz, emphasizing its versatility.

User Feedback

User reviews consistently commend the RAT 2 for its tonal flexibility and robust construction.

"dirty, aggressive distortion"

"nice for Rock, Punk, Grunge,"

"hard distortion up to fuzz-ish like distortion" .

- Equipboard

However, some users have noted that the RAT 2 may not blend seamlessly with other boost or overdrive pedals, and its dry tone might not suit everyone's preferences.

It's often described as a fusion of fuzz and distortion, with some players even saying it leans more toward a fuzz pedal than a traditional distortion at times.

Conclusion

The Pro Co RAT 2 stands as a testament to enduring design and sonic versatility. Its ability to traverse the realms of overdrive, distortion, and fuzz makes it a valuable tool for guitarists seeking a wide range of tones from a single pedal. While it may not cater to every player's taste, its robust construction and distinctive sound have solidified its status as a classic in the world of guitar effects.

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