Boss Rotary Ensemble
Versatile rotary speaker tones with advanced control in a pedalboard-friendly format
Rotary Revolution
Rotary speaker cabinets are known for their incredible sound, but their large size and heavy weight make them impractical for most players outside of dedicated vintage enthusiasts. Powered by the latest BOSS innovations, the RT-2 Rotary Ensemble captures the expressive, immersive nature of this classic effect in a compact pedal that fits easily into any setup.
This powerful stompbox faithfully reproduces the sonic complexity of a rotary speaker, complete with three distinct sound modes, flexible tone shaping, and a variety of performance options using the onboard switch or external controllers.
Standard Features
Authentic rotary speaker tones and behaviour in a compact BOSS pedal
Three selectable modes, including a classic rotary sound and two modern variations with enhanced spatial effects
Virtual rotor display with lights indicating treble and bass rotor speeds
Fast/slow rotor speed control
Drive knob adds vintage-style tube saturation
Rise/Fall Time switch adjusts transition speed between fast and slow settings
Drive/Balance switch lets the Drive knob control either saturation amount or the volume balance between treble and bass rotors
Four pedal switch modes for bypass and rotor speed control while performing
Supports advanced external control via footswitches or expression pedal (speed, brake, and more)
Mono/stereo input and output
Two stereo output options: standard stereo (default) or individual wet and dry channels
Backed by the BOSS five-year warranty
Rotary Magic
Originally created for electric organs in the 1940s, rotary speaker systems use motor-driven components to physically spin inside a speaker cabinet, creating rich modulation effects that evolve with changes in speed. While most commonly associated with classic combo organ tones, guitarists and other musicians have embraced rotary speakers for their unique character, contributing to some of musics most memorable recordings.
Authentic Performance
The most iconic rotary speakers feature a rotating high-frequency horn (treble rotor) and a woofer mounted to a spinning drum (bass rotor). Transitioning between fast and slow rotor speeds introduces expressive tonal shifts that musicians have relied on for decades. The RT-2 recreates these complex behaviours in full detail, with two-way speed control, a Rise/Fall Time switch for setting acceleration and deceleration, and a dynamic LED display that visually reflects rotor movement in real time.
Vintage Saturation and Tonal Balance
Inspired by the tube-driven amplification found in classic rotary cabinets, the RT-2s Drive knob introduces warm distortion, ranging from subtle to gritty. A rear-panel switch allows the same control to be reassigned to balance the volume between the treble and bass rotors, enabling nuanced tonal adjustments. Your latest settings for Drive and Balance are automatically saved and restored the next time the pedal is powered on.
Three Versatile Tones
The RT-2s three-way Mode switch gives you instant access to a variety of rotary tones, from authentic vintage reproduction to bold, modern textures:
Mode I A detailed recreation of the most well-known rotary speaker design, built with BOSSs latest modelling technology. Adds vintage-style colour to guitar, bass, organ, electric piano, synths and more.
Mode II A refined take on the vintage rotary tone with expanded frequency response, ideal for use with overdrive and distortion pedals for a wider stereo image.
Mode III Adds extra definition and presence, with stronger modulation and drive. Well-suited to arpeggios and lead lines that demand power and clarity.
Deep Expressive Control
Real-time control is at the heart of the rotary speaker experience, and the RT-2 offers multiple ways to shape your sound as you play. The onboard pedal switch supports four different modes for bypassing and managing speed changes during performance. You can also connect up to two external footswitches for direct access to speed control and a brake function, which halts the virtual rotors in place for dramatic effect. An expression pedal can be used for continuous control over parameters such as level, drive, balance and speed, with assignable functions for each setting.
