Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion

Overview and History

The Pro Co RAT 2 represents one of the most enduring designs in the history of guitar effects. Originating from the Pro Co Sound company, the RAT series has become a staple on pedalboards worldwide. The RAT 2 version continues the legacy of the original 1970s circuits, providing a rugged, reliable housing and a simplified interface that has influenced the sound of influential rock bands for over thirty years. It is designed to bridge the gap between overdrive, distortion, and fuzz, making it a versatile tool for various musical genres.

Design and Key Features

The pedal is housed in a robust metal enclosure, built to withstand the rigours of touring. Its interface consists of three primary knobs:

• Distortion: Adjusts the amount of gain, ranging from a subtle grit to high-gain saturation.
• Filter: A signature RAT feature, this control allows users to roll off brittle high-end frequencies or allow the natural brightness of the instrument to cut through the mix.
• Volume: Controls the overall output level of the effect.

The layout is intuitive, allowing for quick adjustments during live performances. The pedal is powered by a standard 9V battery or an external power supply.

Sound Character

The RAT 2 is celebrated for its 'vintage' distortion character. At lower settings, it acts as a boost or light overdrive, adding harmonic richness to a signal. As the gain is increased, it moves into a compressed, thick distortion that shares characteristics with fuzz pedals. The unique 'Filter' control is pivotal to its sound, as it works in reverse compared to standard tone controls—turning it clockwise cuts the treble, which is ideal for smoothing out harsh amplifiers or matching the pedal to different guitar pickups.

Target Audience and Usage

Because of its broad gain range, the RAT 2 is suitable for musicians across various genres, including rock, punk, blues, and jazz. It is particularly favoured by those who need a single pedal that can cover multiple roles, from a lead boost to a heavy rhythm crunch. Its popularity is reflected in its use by professional musicians such as Victoria De Angelis and David Gilmour, demonstrating its capability in both modern rock and classic progressive contexts.

Comparison with Alternatives

When compared to other drive pedals, the RAT 2 offers a more aggressive and harmonically dense sound than standard overdrives. Unlike the Electro Harmonix Big Muff, which provides a smoother, mid-scooped fuzz, the RAT 2 maintains a more prominent mid-range presence. For users seeking different textures, alternatives like the Boss DS-1 or the Behringer UC200 Ultra Chorus (for modulation) are often considered, though the RAT 2 remains distinct for its specific filter circuit and transition into fuzz territory.