Overview

The ProCo RAT2 is a legendary distortion pedal whose raw, aggressive clipping circuit has been a staple on pedalboards since the original RAT launched in 1978. The three-knob control layout of Distortion, Filter, and Volume provides a deceptively powerful range of tones from a simple interface. The Distortion knob sweeps from a gritty, low-gain overdrive through a thick, saturated crunch to an all-out fuzz-like sustain at maximum settings. The Filter control is unique in that it operates in reverse " turning it clockwise rolls off treble, producing a darker, thicker sound, while counterclockwise settings allow more high-frequency content through for a brighter, more biting tone. This filtering approach gives the RAT2 a tonal versatility that sets it apart from other distortion pedals. The hard-clipping op-amp circuit produces a thick, compressed distortion with excellent sustain and a slightly ragged edge that sits between traditional distortion and fuzz territory. It pairs exceptionally well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, and it responds well to different amplifier voicings. The rugged steel enclosure has proven its reliability over decades of touring and gigging. The RAT2 is essential for rock, punk, grunge, and indie players who want a raw, characterful distortion with genuine personality. The pedal's aggressive voicing and hard-clipping circuit may not provide the smooth, transparent drive that some blues and country players prefer.

Effects Pedals

A legendary distortion pedal since 1978 with raw, aggressive hard-clipping tone, unique reverse Filter control, and thick sustain that sits between distortion and fuzz territory.

Instrument Details

$79 All Levels
Brand ProCo
Type Distortion Pedal
Made In USA
Year 1988
4.8 1 vote

AI Reviews

4.8 /5

The ProCo RAT2 is a masterclass in utilitarian design. Its iconic sloping steel chassis isn't just for show; it's built to withstand decades of heavy-footed abuse. Sonically, the RAT2 occupies a unique space where overdrive, distortion, and fuzz intersect. The magic lies in the 'Filter' control"a reverse-taper low-pass filter that allows you to tame the aggressive high-end sizzle without losing the pedal's signature mid-range bite. At lower gain, it provides a gritty, transparent boost; pushed past noon, it transforms into a thick, harmonically rich wall of sound that defined the grunge and indie-rock eras.

While some purists obsess over vintage chip variants, the modern RAT2 remains remarkably consistent, delivering that classic 'snotty' character that cuts through any mix. The pedal's main limitation is its tendency to compress heavily and lose low-end definition at maximum distortion, which can feel 'mushy' for modern metal players requiring tight palm-muting. However, for its price point, the versatility is staggering. It's a rare piece of gear that feels equally at home in a jazz fusion rig as it does in a d-beat punk setup. Whether you are a beginner looking for your first 'real' dirt box or a pro needing a reliable workhorse, the RAT2 is an essential addition to any signal chain.

Category Ratings

Effects Pedals
4.8
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Google API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more
ProCo RAT2 Screenshot

Added: Feb 11, 2026

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