Pro Co's RAT pedal had been in existence since the late '70s & it's still around today. It seems that this little ditty possesses that unique character to differentiate itself from its close counterparts. It's a distortion but nothing like the DS-1, it's a boosting overdrive but nothing like the Tube Screamer, it's also a menacing fuzz but nothing like any Muff units out there. The allusion to all 3 modes the RAT is capable of pulling off is of course, via various tweaking. Obviously, the RAT is a simple, 3-knob affair with no mode switch to facilitate easy emulation but the distortion range on tap is one of the most dynamic offerings out there. Without further ado:
Likes
- impressive distortion range
- good dimensions, neither too small nor too big + not heavy
- easy, 3-knob offering
- battery option
- price
Dislikes
- FILTER function is not an EQ knob
Please manage expectations when dealing with the RAT. There are many demo videos out there pushing it as an intense distortion unit which it is not. As a stand alone pedal, the RAT is rather mild-mannered. With the distortion maxed out, the RAT is a full fledged fuzz unit, it will definitely disappoint those who are hoping it would bring them into metal territory; it will not. The FILTER function is indeed a low-pass filter. Anything before noon makes it bright-sounding, past noon, things get rather muffled & would only complement fuzzy settings well. The implication is rather clear, past noon, it contributes to harder clippings, hence its fuzzy accentuation.
If you wish to use the RAT as a pre-amp booster, avoid fuzzy settings. Also, the RAT won't blend well with your amp's high gain. During this audition, best results were manifested with the amp's gain at about 11 o'clock. All in all, the RAT won't do much for shredders, single note clarity is just not its thing. However, if you are plying your trade in the doom territory, that's where the RAT excels. It also loves power chords.
Rating: 80%
Availability: Davis GMC (out of stock at time of review) / Hung Brothers
Please refer to the respective dealers for prices.
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