Boss RT‑2 Rotary Ensemble: Big Rotary Sound in a Compact Package
Boss RT‑2 Rotary Ensemble: Big Rotary Sound in a Compact Package
BOSS has unveiled the RT‑2 Rotary Ensemble, a pedalboard‑friendly stompbox that captures the immersive magic of a vintage rotary speaker in a compact format. Designed for guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, and synth players alike, this is the modern answer to the bulky Leslie cabinet.
Key Features at a Glance
- Three selectable modes:
- Mode I delivers a faithful vintage rotary tone
- Mode II expands it with richer spatial width
- Mode III adds more bite and definition—ideal for solos and arpeggios
- Virtual rotor display with colored LEDs shows separate treble and bass rotor speeds—great for stage visibility and expressive timing
- Drive knob for tube‑inspired saturation (from subtle to gritty), switchable to Balance control to shift between horn and woofer emphasis
- Rich speed control: Fast/Slow knob, Rise/Fall Time switch, and four configurable footswitch modes—including a "brake" function that freezes rotor position for unique tonal effects
- External control support via expression pedal or footswitches for real‑time manipulation of level, drive, balance, speed, and braking
- Flexible routing: Mono/stereo I/O, with standard stereo or separate wet/dry outputs—perfect for ambient textures, dual‑amp setups, or routing in the studio
The RT‑2 delivers true rotary cab realism without the size, noise, or fragility of mechanical rigs. With its three carefully crafted modes and powerful tonal shaping—including tube‑style grit and rotor balance control—it offers a sonic palette ranging from classic Hammond organ swirl to punchy, modern modulation and ambient wonderland.
Its configurable footswitch logic and expression inputs make it live‑friendly, allowing seamless speed transitions, classic Leslie braking, and on‑the‑fly tone morphing—all while staying underfoot and pedalboard‑friendly.
For ambient composers, the RT‑2 is a tool for cinematic spatial design—adding motion to pads, evolving tonal drama in soundtracks or synth patches. In pop and rock contexts, its subtler textures bring elegance, while Mode III shines for solos and cutting tones.
Final Spin
The Boss RT‑2 Rotary Ensemble strikes a perfect balance: rich, realistic rotary textures, deep control flexibility, and a compact form. Whether you’re chasing Hendrix‑style swirl, lush ambient motion, or synth depth, this new pedal takes the iconic Leslie vibe into a modern, pedalboard-ready era. What music are you planning to feed it? Let this pedal spin a new dimension into your sound.
