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.