Boss Rt-2 Rotary Ensemble

Description

Boss Rt-2 Rotary Ensemble

The sound of rotating speaker cabinets is extraordinary, but their size and weight make them impractical for anyone who isn't an absolute vintage enthusiast. With the power of the latest BOSS technological advancements, the RT-2 Rotary Ensemble condenses this expressive spatial effect into dimensions that are easy to integrate into any setup. This powerful pedal authentically recreates the complex sonic magic it's inspired by, supported by three tonal modes, powerful sound-editing capabilities, and advanced operation with the built-in footswitch and external controls.

Originally developed for organs in the 1940s, rotating speakers produced fascinating modulation effects with motor-controlled components that physically rotated inside the cabinet at varying speeds. This impressive sound is a vital part of the classic combo organ voice; guitarists and other musicians have also employed rotating speakers to enrich iconic tracks with their distinctive depth and movement.

The most popular rotating speaker designs include a rotating horn for the high frequencies (treble rotor) and a woofer that projects its sound into a rotating drum (bass rotor). Changing the rotor's rotation between fast and slow creates a continuous flow of tonal variations, which musicians have long used to create expressive effects. The RT-2 realistically replicates these audio behaviors, along with a two-position speed control, a Rise/Fall Time selector to adjust the transition time between speeds, and a colored indicator that shows the current rotation of the virtual rotors.

Use the RT-2's three-position Mode selector to recall the classic rotating speaker voice and two modern variations developed by BOSS.

Mode I—A faithful reproduction of the most famous rotating speaker design, achieved through the latest BOSS physical modeling technologies. This mode adds the traditional rotating speaker color to any instrument, from guitars and basses to organs, electric pianos, synthesizers, and much more.

Mode II—The vintage rotating speaker sound, enhanced with a wider tonal range. This mode provides improved spatial performance when used with overdrive and distortion pedals.

Mode III—Provides improved definition with high modulation and distortion settings, lending power and presence to arpeggiated performances and solos.

Inspired by the tube amplifier circuits of vintage rotating speakers, the RT-2's Drive knob allows you to add a pleasing distortion ranging from the most delicate to a grittier distortion. Via a selector on the rear panel, this dual-function control can alternately adjust the volume balance between the treble and bass rotors to set different sonic characteristics. Your most recent distortion and balance settings are automatically saved in memory and instantly recalled upon next power-up.

Real-time speed control is essential for recreating the rotating speaker experience, and the RT-2 includes many options to achieve it. The footswitch offers four types of operation with many intelligent ways to bypass the effect and change speeds while playing. You can also connect up to two external footswitches for independent speed control and access a "brake" setting that stops the virtual rotors in their current positions for unique sounds. Alternatively, an expression pedal makes continuous control of level, distortion, balance, and speed possible, complete with assignable settings for each parameter. Realistic rotating speaker sounds and behaviors, condensed into a space-saving compact BOSS pedal

Three versatile modes that include a vintage rotating speaker sound and two modified tones with enhanced ambient effects

Virtual rotor display with lights indicating bass and treble rotor speeds

Fast/slow rotor speed control

Drive knob for adding vintage tube saturation

The Rise/Fall Time selector adjusts the transition time between rotor speeds

The Drive/Balance selector assigns the Drive knob to control the intensity of saturation or the volume balance between the treble and bass rotors

Four selectable footswitch modes for bypassing the effect and controlling rotor speed in various ways during performance

Support for advanced control via external footswitches or expression pedal (speed, pause, and other functions)

Mono/stereo input and outputs

Two stereo output modes: standard stereo (default) or individual outputs for direct and effected sound

BOSS 5-year warranty

Specifications

Virtual rotor display with lights indicating bass and treble rotor speeds

Fast/slow rotor speed control

Drive knob for adding vintage tube saturation

The Rise/Fall Time selector adjusts the transition time between rotor speeds

The Drive/Balance selector assigns the Drive knob to control the intensity of saturation or the volume balance between the treble and bass rotors

Four selectable footswitch modes for bypassing the effect and controlling rotor speed in various ways during performance

Support for advanced control via external footswitches or expression pedal (speed, pause, and other functions)

Mono/stereo input and outputs

Two stereo output modes: standard stereo (default) or individual outputs for direct and effected sound

BOSS 5-year warranty