Boss RT-2 Rotary Ensemble

Rotating Magic

Rotary speakers were originally developed in the 1940s for use in organs and create fascinating modulation effects using motor-driven components that rotate inside the speaker cabinet at different speeds. This impressive sound is a key element of the classic combo organ tone. Guitarists and other musicians have also used rotary speakers to give legendary songs a special depth and vibrancy.

Authentic Performance

The most familiar rotary speakers consist of a rotating horn tweeter (high-frequency rotor) and a woofer that projects into a rotating drum (bass rotor). Switching between fast and slow rotation speeds produces continuous pitch shifts that have long been used as expressive effects. The RT-2 reproduces this acoustic behavior faithfully, and adds a two-step speed control, a Rise/Fall Time switch to set the transition time between speeds, plus a color display to show the rotation of the virtual rotors.

Three Versatile Sounds

With the RT-2’s three-position mode switch you can call up both the classic rotary-speaker sound and two modern variations specially developed by Boss.

Mode I

Faithful reproduction of the most iconic vintage rotary-speaker design using Boss’s advanced modeling technology. In this mode instruments — from guitar and bass to organs, electric pianos, synthesizers and more — receive the classic rotary coloration.

Mode II

The vintage rotary sound with an extended frequency range. In combination with overdrive and distortion pedals this mode delivers greater spatial depth and dynamics.

Mode III

Provides more definition at intense modulation and drive settings; gives arpeggios and solos more punch and presence.

Vintage Saturation and Tone Balance

The RT-2’s Drive control is inspired by the tube-amplifier circuits in vintage rotary speakers and adds harmonic distortion to the sound — from subtle to gritty. A switch on the rear panel can be set so the control alternatively adjusts the volume balance between the high-frequency and bass rotors, creating different tonal characters. The current Drive and Balance settings are stored automatically and recalled when the unit is powered on.

Dynamic Control

Real-time speed control is crucial for rotary effects, and the RT-2 offers several options. The footswitch features four operating modes and provides various ways to bypass the effect and adjust speeds while playing. You can also connect up to two external footswitches to control speed individually and access the "Brake" function. This lets you stop the virtual rotors in their current positions, producing unique sounds. An expression pedal enables continuous control of Level, Drive, Balance and Speed, including assignable settings for each parameter.