The ProCo Rat 2 is an absolute powerhouse of a pedal and has quickly become a staple in my rig. What sets it apart from other distortion pedals is the way it handles hard clipping—it’s aggressive but controlled, giving you that sharp, biting distortion that feels almost alive. I’ve tried it with a clean amp, and the range it offers is amazing, from a smooth overdrive to an absolutely snarling fuzz. It doesn’t just stop at one sound; it covers everything from hard rock crunch to full-on grunge and shoegaze.
One thing I love about this pedal is how versatile it is, yet it retains a unique character no matter how you dial it in. The tone control is definitely sensitive, and there’s a wide range of sound depending on where you set it. While at the extremes it can be a little too much—either muffled or too piercing—you can find a perfect sweet spot right around the middle. I’ve found that at noon, the sound is just right for most situations, but I enjoy pushing it a little higher for solos.
Paired with my Vox AC15, it feels like the perfect match. The Rat 2 adds a whole new layer to the classic Vox sound, giving me the crunch I need for heavy riffs and soaring leads without sacrificing clarity. It does color the sound depending on how much gain you’re using, but that adds a nice depth to my tone, especially when combined with P90 pickups.
Surprisingly, the pedal is quiet for the amount of distortion it pumps out. I was expecting more noise, especially at higher gain levels, but it’s shockingly clean in operation, which is a huge plus. Also, the build quality is rock-solid—this thing feels indestructible.
For the price, it’s a steal. I’ve used more expensive distortion pedals, but none of them have the same raw edge and versatility that the Rat 2 delivers. It’s hard to believe you can get this much quality in such an affordable pedal. If you’re looking for a distortion that can cover a wide tonal range, from crunchy blues to heavy metal, the ProCo Rat 2 is a no-brainer.
