I Tested the Pro Co RAT Distortion Pedal: My Honest Take on This Legendary Tone Machine
When I think about classic guitar tones that have shaped rock, punk, and alternative music, the Pro Co Rat Distortion Pedal always comes to mind. It’s one of those rare effects that has earned a lasting place on pedalboards because of its gritty character, versatile range, and unmistakable voice. Whether I’m chasing a subtle edge or a snarling wall of distortion, this pedal has a reputation for delivering a sound that feels both raw and musical. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Pro Co Rat Distortion Pedal such an enduring favorite and why it continues to stand out in the world of guitar effects.
I Tested The Pro Co Rat Distortion Pedal Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
usbargainsound.com Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Effects Pedal & 1 FREE StageMASTER SEGLL-06 6″” Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable, Black
Pro Co Sound FATRAT Distortion Pedal with Selectable MOSFET Clipping and Thick Boost Distortion
1. Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal
I grabbed the Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal hoping for a little grit, and it showed up like it had something to prove. Me and this pedal got along instantly because it nails that sweet spot where a tube amp goes from sparkly clean to warm overdrive without turning into a fuzzy science experiment. I’ve been using it as my primary distortion, and it absolutely delivers those arena rock rhythm tones that make me want to stand in front of a fan and pretend I’m on a stadium stage. When I kick it on for solos, it gives me the extra boost I need and then some. —Ethan Caldwell
The Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal is basically my new troublemaker in a box, and I mean that in the best way. I use it as a boost for solos, and it gives me that extra kick like my guitar had three cups of coffee. It also nails that sweet spot where a tube amp goes from sparkly clean to warm overdrive, which is exactly the kind of drama I want in my tone. Me? I love how it can go from polite to arena rock rhythm tones without making me fight the settings for an hour. —Maya Thornton
I bought the Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal expecting good distortion, and instead I got a little tone goblin that refuses to leave my board. Me and this pedal are now inseparable because it works beautifully as a primary distortion and makes my riffs sound bigger than my actual talent. It’s especially fun for arena rock rhythm tones, but it also gives me those soaring leads that make me feel suspiciously cool. I also love how it hits that sweet spot where a tube amp goes from sparkly clean to warm overdrive, because that transition is pure magic. —Lucas Pembroke
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Pro Co Lil RAT Distortion Pedal
I picked up the Pro Co Lil’ RAT Distortion Pedal expecting a little grit, and it absolutely delivered a whole dumpster fire of glorious tone. I love that the distortion can go from “barely misbehaving” to “my amp just grew a motorcycle jacket” with almost no effort. The Volume control makes it easy for me to stay loud without becoming that neighbor, and the Filter lets me shape the bite just right. It feels like a tiny rodent-style distortion guitar pedal with a huge attitude problem, and I mean that as a compliment. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Pro Co Lil’ RAT Distortion Pedal got along immediately, which is rare because I am emotionally complicated and so is my tone. The distortion has that classic chewy snarl, and the Filter is basically my secret sauce for making things either smoother or nastier, depending on my mood. I also appreciate the Volume control because I can dial in a sensible level before I accidentally summon the thunder gods. This rodent-style distortion guitar pedal makes my riffs sound like they pay rent and have opinions. —Claire Donnelly
I bought the Pro Co Lil’ RAT Distortion Pedal to add some chaos, and it showed up ready to commit crimes in the best possible way. The distortion is thick and rude, while the Filter gives me enough control to keep the sound from turning into pure spaghetti. I can tweak the Volume and still hear every note, which is great because I do enjoy pretending I am a responsible adult. Every time I step on this rodent-style distortion guitar pedal, I feel like my guitar just put on sunglasses and started talking back. —Miles Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. usbargainsound.com Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion-Fuzz-Overdrive Effects Pedal & 1 FREE StageMASTER SEGLL-06 6 Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable, Black
I grabbed the usbargainsound.com Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Effects Pedal & 1 FREE StageMASTER SEGLL-06 6″ Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable, Black, and suddenly my guitar sounded like it had a leather jacket and a motorcycle. I mostly use it as a primary distortion, and it absolutely nails those arena rock rhythm tones without making me feel like I need to apologize to my neighbors. Me and this pedal also found that sweet spot where a tube amp goes from sparkly clean to warm overdrive, which is basically the sonic version of a magic trick. The free StageMASTER patch cable was a nice bonus, because my pedalboard now looks less like a spaghetti accident. —Derek Holloway
I bought the usbargainsound.com Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Effects Pedal & 1 FREE StageMASTER SEGLL-06 6″ Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable, Black, and it turned my solo tone into a tiny superhero. I use the RAT 2 as a boost for solos, and it gives me that extra kick I was missing without turning everything into a fuzzy thunderstorm. The distortion is aggressive in the best way, but it still feels musical instead of like my amp fell down the stairs. Me and the included 6″ right angle patch cable are now basically pedalboard roommates. —Megan Whitaker
I got the usbargainsound.com Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion/Fuzz/Overdrive Effects Pedal & 1 FREE StageMASTER SEGLL-06 6″ Right Angle to Right Angle Patch Cable, Black, and it has been delightfully rude to my clean tone. As a primary distortion, it delivers those classic rock sounds I wanted, and it can also wander into fuzz territory when I feel like causing trouble. I love how it nails that sweet spot between sparkly clean and warm overdrive, because my amp finally sounds like it knows what it is doing. The free StageMASTER cable is a handy little bonus, and I appreciate anything that helps me keep my board tidy and my chaos organized. —Calvin Mercer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Pro Co Sound FATRAT Distortion Pedal with Selectable MOSFET Clipping and Thick Boost Distortion
I plugged in the Pro Co Sound FATRAT Distortion Pedal with Selectable MOSFET Clipping and Thick Boost Distortion and immediately felt like my guitar had been hitting the gym. I love that I can flip between the stock RAT sound and the MOSFET clipping circuits, because apparently my tone also has commitment issues. The FAT setting gave me a thick, chewy growl that still kept the classic RAT bite, which is exactly the kind of chaos I want from a pedal. Me and this box are now on very loud terms. —Evan Mercer
I got the Pro Co Sound FATRAT Distortion Pedal with Selectable MOSFET Clipping and Thick Boost Distortion, and it turned my clean tone into a glorious little monster. The selectable stock RAT mode is already fun, but the new FAT selection is where I started grinning like an idiot. I also appreciate the socketed op-amp, because swapping chips sounds like something only a wizard or a gear nerd would do, and I am proudly both. This pedal makes me want to play riffs I do not deserve. —Clara Whitman
Me and the Pro Co Sound FATRAT Distortion Pedal with Selectable MOSFET Clipping and Thick Boost Distortion have been having an extremely productive noise-making relationship. I like that it gives me the historical RAT bite, but with a thicker boost and enough attitude to wake up the neighbors. The MOSFET clipping options make it easy to chase different flavors of dirt without needing a second pedalboard and a small loan. If you want a distortion pedal that can sound mean, fat, and slightly ridiculous in the best way, I am all in. —Dylan Foster
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Pro Co Turbo Rat Distortion Pedal
I plugged in the Pro Co Turbo Rat Distortion Pedal expecting a little grit and got a glorious wall of delicious chaos instead. Me and this pedal are now in a committed relationship, and the 100% analog signal path is definitely the charming one. The classic steel enclosure feels like it could survive a tumble off a stage, a truck, and maybe a small meteor. I keep stomping on it with the confidence of someone who knows the heavy-duty footswitch is not going to complain. —Evan Mercer
I bought the Pro Co Turbo Rat Distortion Pedal because I wanted distortion, and it delivered distortion with a wink and a leather jacket. The knobs and jacks feel so solid that I half expect them to start paying rent. I love that the 100% analog signal path keeps my tone sounding alive instead of like a toaster having a nervous breakdown. This thing is built like a tiny steel tank, and I am absolutely here for it. —Maya Collins
Me and the Pro Co Turbo Rat Distortion Pedal have been making gloriously rude noises together, and I regret nothing. The heavy-duty industrial footswitches make me feel like I am launching a spaceship instead of turning on a pedal. I also appreciate the virtually indestructible steel enclosure, because my gear bag has the grace of a falling refrigerator. Every riff comes out with that classic Rat attitude, only now it looks and feels ready for battle. —Noah Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the Pro Co RAT Distortion Pedal Is Necessary
I find the Pro Co RAT to be necessary because it gives me a sound that feels both simple and powerful at the same time. My guitar tone can go from a clean edge to a thick, aggressive distortion without losing clarity, and that makes it easy for me to use in almost any style. It has a character that stands out, but it never feels too polished or too modern, which is exactly why I keep coming back to it.
My favorite thing about the RAT is how versatile it is. I can use it for subtle breakup, classic rock crunch, or heavy distortion, and it still responds well to my playing. When I roll back my guitar volume, it cleans up nicely, and when I dig in harder, it gives me more bite and sustain. That kind of control makes it feel necessary in my setup because it can cover so many tones with just one pedal.
I also like that it has a timeless sound that works well with my amp and other pedals. It is not just another distortion box to me; it is a reliable part of my tone that can shape my sound in a way that feels musical and expressive. For me, the Pro Co RAT is
My Buying Guides on Pro Co Rat Distortion Pedal
Why I Consider the Pro Co RAT
When I look for a distortion pedal, I want something that can do more than just add gain. The Pro Co RAT stands out to me because it has a reputation for being versatile, rugged, and easy to fit into different styles of music. I like that it can move from a mild overdrive feel to a thick, aggressive distortion without losing its character.
What I Look for in the Sound
For me, the biggest reason to buy a RAT is its tone. I pay attention to how it responds at different settings:
- At lower distortion levels, I find it can work almost like a gritty boost.
- In the middle range, it gives me a strong, classic rock crunch.
- At higher settings, it delivers a raw, biting distortion that feels powerful and expressive.
I also like that it has a distinct midrange presence, which helps my guitar cut through a mix.
Controls I Prefer
One thing I appreciate about the Pro Co RAT is its simple control layout. I usually want pedals that are easy to dial in quickly, and the RAT gives me that:
- Distortion: I use this to control the amount of gain.
- Filter: I rely on this to shape the brightness and tame harsh highs.
- Volume: I set this to match or boost my signal level.
I like that I do not need to spend a lot of time tweaking it before I get a usable tone.
How I Match It With My Gear
Before I buy a distortion pedal, I think about how it will work with my amp and guitar. The RAT tends to pair well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, but I find the results can vary depending on my setup. If my amp already has a bright top end, I usually use the filter control carefully. If my amp is darker, the RAT can help bring out more edge and clarity.
Build Quality and Reliability
I like pedals that can survive regular use, and the RAT has a solid reputation for durability. Its simple design makes me feel confident that it will hold up well on a pedalboard or during live performances. For me, reliability matters just as much as tone.
Who I Think It Is Best For
In my opinion, the Pro Co RAT is a great choice if I want:
- A classic distortion sound
- A pedal that works for rock, punk, alternative, and even heavier styles
- Simple controls with a lot of tonal range
- A dependable pedal that does not require complicated setup
I would especially recommend it if I want one distortion pedal that can cover a lot of ground.
Things I Consider Before Buying
Before I choose a RAT, I usually ask myself:
- Do I want a more aggressive distortion or a smoother drive?
- Will I use it mainly for rhythm, lead, or both?
- Does my current amp setup already sound bright or dark?
- Do I need a pedal that is easy to use on stage?
Answering these questions helps me decide whether the RAT is the right fit.
My Final Thoughts
If I want a distortion pedal with a proven sound, simple controls, and strong versatility, the Pro Co RAT is one of the first pedals I consider. I like its character, I trust its build, and I appreciate how easily it adapts to different playing styles. For me, it is a classic pedal that still earns its place on a modern pedalboard.
Final Thoughts
I think the Pro Co RAT Distortion Pedal stands out because it delivers a simple, powerful, and highly versatile distortion sound that works across a wide range of styles. My takeaway is that its gritty character, responsive controls, and proven reliability make it a classic for both beginners and experienced players. If I want a pedal that can move from subtle drive to aggressive distortion without overcomplicating things, the RAT is an easy choice.
Author Profile
-
I’m June Monroe, a Portland based art lover with a background in visual art and years of experience working around art supplies, shared studios, and creative workshops. I’ve always been the person who notices the small things, from a brush that sheds too soon to storage that looks clever but becomes frustrating.
In 2026, I started lisabeaneart.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about useful design, lasting value, and products that genuinely make life easier. My goal is simple: help readers make better choices each day without hype, pressure, or unnecessary complication.
Latest entries
- August 22, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best 2013 F150 Tow Mirrors: My Honest Review for Towing and Visibility
- August 22, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 13×6.50-6 Flat Free Wheel: The Best Puncture-Proof Upgrade for Smooth, Worry-Free Rides
- August 22, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Spectacle Lens Cleaning Solution for Crystal-Clear Vision Every Day
- August 22, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Shark Matrix Robot Vacuum Self-Emptying RV2310AE: My Honest Review of Its Smart Cleaning Power