Unleash the mesmerizing, swirling sound of a vintage rotary speaker without the bulk and maintenance. The Boss RT-2 Rotary Ensemble Pedal authentically recreates the complex sonic magic of classic Leslie cabinets, distilling their iconic high-frequency horn and rotating bass drum into a powerful, pedalboard-friendly stompbox. Whether you're a guitarist, keyboardist, or bassist, this compact powerhouse delivers unparalleled rotary richness, ready to infuse your music with captivating depth and movement. Experience the difference firsthand at Tone Tailors Guitar Shop in Lancaster PA.
The Boss RT-2 is engineered to authentically recreate the intricate sonic magic of its vintage inspirations, meticulously mimicking the distinct behaviors of a spinning high-frequency horn (treble rotor) and a woofer feeding into a rotating drum (bass rotor). This high-fidelity emulation is achieved through Boss's latest modeling technology, ensuring a nuanced and precise replication of classic rotary speaker designs like the Leslie 122, 147, and 981.
Underpinning this authentic sound is the pedal's high-fidelity audio processing. The RT-2 operates with a 48 kHz sample rate, features 24-bit AD conversion utilizing Boss's proprietary AF method (Adaptive Focus) for vastly improved signal-to-noise ratio, and employs 32-bit DA conversion. These specifications ensure pristine audio quality and a clean signal path, which is critical for discerning musicians who prioritize sonic integrity.
The RT-2 offers exceptional tonal versatility through its three distinct sound modes, accessible via a convenient 3-way mode switch. These modes cater to a broad spectrum of musical tastes and applications:
Mode I: This mode provides a faithful reproduction of the most famous vintage rotary speaker designs, such as the Leslie 122. It imparts a traditional rotary color suitable for a wide range of instruments, including guitar, bass, organs, electric pianos, and synthesizers. This mode typically features a slightly more pronounced low-end drum response by default.
Mode II: An enhancement of Mode I, this setting offers a wider tonal range and increased spatial performance. It is particularly effective when paired with overdrive and distortion pedals, providing a natural sense of spaciousness. This mode is often described as more focused and mid-rangy.
Mode III: This mode introduces a new dimension of rotary sound, characterized by enhanced definition, intense modulation, and prominent drive settings. It emphasizes attack feel, sonic definition, and distortion, adding power and presence specifically for arpeggio playing and solos.
Beyond these core modes, the RT-2 provides extensive tonal shaping through its "Drive" knob. This control allows users to add vintage tube saturation, ranging from subtle warmth to gritty distortion, inspired by the amplification circuits of classic rotary speakers. A rear-panel "Drive/Balance" switch further enhances versatility, allowing the Drive knob to alternately adjust the volume balance between the treble and bass rotors. This sophisticated control enables precise fine-tuning of tonal characteristics, mimicking the intricate adjustments of a physical Leslie speaker. The pedal automatically stores the most recent settings for drive and balance, ensuring instant recall upon power-up.
The Boss RT-2 is engineered for dynamic, real-time control, making it an ideal tool for both studio recording and live performance. A unique "Virtual Rotor Display" provides intuitive visual feedback, with colorful lights indicating the speeds of both the treble and bass rotors. This "really cool LED display" uses blue and magenta LEDs to beautifully reflect the relative motion of the virtual horn and drum components , enhancing real-time control and user engagement.
For even greater expressive control, the RT-2 supports external footswitches (up to two) or an expression pedal. These external controls can manipulate speed, engage a "brake" function that naturally slows the virtual rotors to a halt for unique airy tones, and manage other parameters. While one source mentioned some purists might lament the absence of a brake function , official product information and other reviews consistently confirm its inclusion, describing it as a built-in feature that naturally brings the rotors to a stop.
Key Features at a Glance:
Authentic Rotary Emulation: Recreates iconic vintage rotary speaker tones with unparalleled fidelity.
Three Versatile Modes: Explore classic shimmer, enhanced spatial effects, and intense modulation.
Drive/Balance Control: Add vintage tube saturation or precisely balance treble and bass rotor frequencies.
Real-time Speed Control: Dynamic fast/slow transitions with adjustable ramp times.
External Control Support: Connect footswitches or expression pedal for advanced manipulation, including "Brake."
Virtual Rotor Display: Intuitive visual feedback of virtual rotor speeds.
Mono/Stereo I/O with Wet/Dry Output: Professional connectivity for diverse setups.
BOSS Compact Pedal Durability: Built to withstand the rigors of the road, backed by a 5-year warranty.
Multi-Instrument Compatibility: Perfect for guitar, bass, organs, keyboards, and synthesizers.
Ready to add the iconic rotary sound to your rig? Visit Tone Tailors Guitar Shop today at 617 N Prince St Unit C, Lancaster PA 17603, or shop online for the Boss RT-2 Rotary Pedal. Our Lancaster PA guitar pedal experts are here to help you find your perfect tone!
PRS SE Models 20% off / S2 models 15% off


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