Boss RT-2 Rotary Ensemble

Boss RT-2 Rotary Ensemble

With the Boss RT-2 Rotary Ensemble, BOSS brings the characteristic sound of a classic rotary speaker to a compact, modern effects pedal. The complex surround sound once produced by large, heavy speaker systems is now available in a portable device - without compromising on authenticity. Three different modes, finely tuned tone controls, a dynamic control concept and versatile connection options make the RT-2 a comprehensive solution for guitarists, keyboardists and all musicians who want to integrate the legendary rotary sound into their setup.

The RT-2 produces a faithful, three-dimensional effect based on the latest modeling technology from BOSS. With three sound modes, an intuitive LED rotary display, a drive control for classic tube saturation and a variety of control options, the pedal offers professional rotary effects in a robust housing - for stage, studio and beyond.

Vintage meets modern: the technology behind the RT-2

The origins of the rotary sound date back to the 1940s, when rotary speakers were developed to amplify organs. The combination of rotating tweeter horn and bass rotor creates characteristic modulation effects that add depth and movement to legendary songs. The Boss RT-2 Rotary Ensemble faithfully reproduces this acoustic principle - including alternation between slow and fast rotation, controlled acceleration/deceleration times and LED rotor display to visualize the movement.

With digital precision and analog warmth, the RT-2 reproduces this iconic sound, complemented by modern functions that go far beyond the possibilities of classic rotary speakers. Whether as a subtle motion effect or as an expressive sound alienation - the RT-2 covers a broad sonic spectrum.

Three rotary modes for maximum sound diversity

A special highlight of the RT-2 Rotary Ensemble is the three-stage mode switch. It allows access to three different rotary simulations:

Mode I - Vintage classic

An authentic emulation of a classic rotary speaker design. Ideal for organ, guitar, electric piano or synthesizer and perfect for the characteristic sound of earlier decades.

Mode II - Wider soundstage

An extended vintage sound with a wider frequency range - ideal in combination with overdrive or distortion. This mode provides additional depth and a sense of space.

Mode III - Definition and assertiveness

Optimized for modern requirements. With intense modulation, stronger drive and improved presence for leads, arpeggios or solo tracks.

Comprehensive tone control and control

The RT-2's Drive control gives the sound a warm, harmonic saturation inspired by classic tube amps. Alternatively, the control can be used to control the balance between the treble and bass rotors via a switch on the rear panel. Transition times between slow and fast can also be finely adjusted via a separate switch - for natural, realistic sound progressions.

With four pedal modes, the option of expansion via external foot switches and expression pedals as well as mono and stereo I/O, the pedal offers maximum flexibility in use. The brake function allows the rotors to be stopped in their current position - a feature for creative sound experiments.

Technical data of the Boss RT-2 Rotary Ensemble

The RT-2 not only impresses with its sound, but also with its inner values. 24-bit AD conversion, 32-bit DA conversion and internal processing at 48 kHz guarantee the highest audio quality. The adaptive focus method (AF) improves the signal-to-noise ratio and ensures finely tuned dynamics.

Connections & operation

The pedal offers inputs for mono or stereo (Input A/B) as well as outputs for standard stereo or wet/dry configurations. Control is via knobs for Slow, Fast, Drive and Level, supplemented by dedicated switches for Mode, Rise/Fall Time, Drive function and more. An LED display visualizes the virtual rotor movement and also serves as a battery monitor.

The pedal is powered either by a 9V battery or an optional PSA series mains adapter. The compact design (73 x 129 x 59 mm) and the low weight of just 450 g (incl. battery) make the RT-2 the perfect companion on any pedalboard.

Authentic rotary sound in a compact effects pedal

The Boss RT-2 Rotary Ensemble brings the magic of classic rotary speakers into a portable format - no maintenance, no weight, no compromise. With versatile models, intuitive control and impressive sound quality, it is suitable for both classical and modern music styles. Whether in the studio or on stage, the RT-2 delivers rotary effects to perfection - flexible, dynamic and full of musical possibilities.

Features:

• Authentic rotary speaker sounds in a space-saving BOSS compact pedal
• Three versatile modes, including a vintage rotary sound and two modified sounds with amplified room sound effects
• Virtual rotor display with LEDs to show the rotation speed of the simulated horn and bass speaker
• Rotation speed control (fast/slow)
• Drive control adds vintage tube saturation
• Rise/Fall Time switch controls the transition time between rotor speeds
• Drive/Balance switch specifies that the Drive knob controls either the saturation level or the volume balance of the treble and bass rotors
• Four selectable pedal switch modes to bypass the effect and control the rotor speed in a variety of ways while playing
• Advanced control via external footswitches or an expression pedal (speed, brake and other functions)
• Mono/stereo input and output
• Two stereo output modes: standard stereo (default) or separate wet and dry output
• Sample rate: 48 kHz
• AD conversion: 24 bit + AF method (Adaptive Focus method to improve the signal-to-noise ratio)
• DA conversion: 32 bit
• Nominal input level: INPUT A (MONO), INPUT B: -20 dBu
• Maximum input level: INPUT A (MONO), INPUT B: +7 dBu
• Input impedance: INPUT A (MONO), INPUT B: 1 MΩ
• Nominal output level: OUTPUT A (MONO), OUTPUT B: -20 dBu
• Maximum output level: OUTPUT A (MONO), OUTPUT B: +7 dBu
• Output impedance: OUTPUT A (MONO), OUTPUT B: 1 kΩ
• Recommended load impedance: OUTPUT A (MONO), OUTPUT B: 10 kΩ or greater
• Bypass: Buffered bypass
• Controls: SLOW knob, FAST knob, DRIVE knob, LEVEL knob, MODE switch, pedal switch, RISE/FALL TIME switch, DRIVE KNOB switch
• Display: CHECK display (for tempo and battery status), VIRTUAL ROTOR
• Connections: INPUT A (MONO), INPUT B, OUTPUT A (MONO), OUTPUT B (1/4-inch jack plug each); CTL/EXP socket (1/4-inch TRS jack); DC IN
• Power supply: Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61 or 6LF22) or mains adapter (PSA series, sold separately)
• Current consumption: 115 mA
• Expected battery life: approx. 2.5 hours (alkaline, depending on use)
• Accessories: Instruction sheet ("Safe use of the device", "Important notes"), 9V dry cell battery
• Options (available separately): Mains adapter (PSA series), foot switch (FS-5U), double foot switch (FS-6, FS-7), expression pedals (FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30, Roland EV-5)
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 73 x 129 x 59 mm
• Weight (incl. battery): 450 g

Specs:

• Color: Grey
• Effect Type: Rotary Effect
• Type: digital Effects Processor
• Theme: Guitars and Basses

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