Rumors are swirling within the music gear community about an imminent release from BOSS that promises to take rotary speaker emulation to an entirely new level. Leaked information points to a pedal reportedly named the BOSS RT-2, a device that appears poised to become an essential tool for guitarists and keyboardists seeking dynamic and immersive textures.
UPDATE 17 July, 2025
It has now been officially released and should be available from BOSS authorized dealers. The specifications below are all correct. We now have the official demo video, and it sounds great!
MSRP – $239.99/£233/€269
US
Available now at Sweetwater
UK
Available now at Andertons
EU
Available now at Thomann
Experience Classic Rotary Sounds in a Compact Pedal
Get the rich, swirling tones of a vintage rotary speaker, all packed into a space-saving BOSS compact pedal.
Key Features:
- Versatile Tones: Choose from three modes: a classic vintage rotary sound and two unique modified tones with enhanced spatial effects.
- Intuitive Control: A virtual rotor display visually shows treble and bass rotor speeds. Easily switch between fast and slow rotor speeds with dedicated control.
- Tube Saturation: Use the Drive knob to add warm, vintage tube saturation to your sound.
- Adjustable Transitions: The Rise/Fall Time switch lets you fine-tune how quickly the rotor speeds change.
- Flexible Drive/Balance: Assign the Drive knob to control either the saturation amount or the volume balance between the treble and bass rotors.
- Multiple Pedal Modes: Four selectable pedal switch modes offer flexible ways to bypass the effect and control rotor speeds during performances.
- Expandable Control: Connect external footswitches or an expression pedal for advanced control over speed, brake, and other functions.
- Stereo Connectivity: Features mono/stereo input and output, plus two stereo output modes: standard stereo or individual wet and dry outputs.
Plus, it comes with the reliability of a BOSS five-year warranty.
BOSS RT-2
While unconfirmed by BOSS, the leaked details suggest the RT-2 isn’t just another rotary speaker simulator. Instead, it seems to leverage BOSS’s “advanced sound-shaping technology” to deliver everything from the cherished tones of vintage rotary speakers and preamps to “modern variations with richer atmosphere and an expanded distortion range.”
This hints at a versatility that could appeal to a wide spectrum of players, from classic rock purists to experimental soundscapers.
One of the most intriguing leaked features is the “innovative dual-axis controls” paired with a “Virtual Rotor display.” This suggests unprecedented control and visual feedback over crucial parameters like rotor speed, horn/bass mix, and preamp distortion.
The ability to precisely control and visualize these elements, along with “seamless transitions between slow and fast speeds,” of original rotary effects.
Connectivity appears to be robust, with leaked information mentioning inputs for external pedals and an expression pedal for real-time control.
Further enhancing its sonic flexibility are rumored features such as a “Drive/Balance switch” to adjust trumpet/bass volume and act as a high/low pass filter, and a “Rise/Decay time control” for fine-tuning the transition speed between slow and fast.
Technical Characteristics
- Sound: Classic rotary speaker and preamp with enhanced variations for added atmosphere and distortion range.
- Advanced Controls:
- Dual-axis controls for rotor speed, preamp distortion, slow/fast speed, and horn/bass mix.
- Smooth transitions between slow and fast speeds, with detailed tonal nuances.
- Display: Virtual Rotor synchronized to visualize the movement of trumpet and bass rotors.
- Multifunction Pedal: Speed control (slow/fast) and effects (on/off).
Connectivity:
- Dedicated speed connector for external pedals.
- Expression pedal input for real-time control of assigned parameters.
- Drive/Balance switch to adjust trumpet/bass volume balance and act as a high/low pass filter.
- Rise/fall time switch to change the transition speed between slow and fast.
Modes
Perhaps the most exciting revelation for tone-chasers is the mention of “three distinct voice modes”:
- Mode I: Promising “authentic vintage sound from rotary speaker and preamp.”
- Mode II: Described as offering an “extended tonal range for a natural spatial atmosphere, ideal with distortion pedals.”
- Mode III: Alluding to “improved modulation and distortion for a fuller, more present sound.”
RT-20
If these leaks prove true, the BOSS RT-2 could be a more compact version of the previous 2005 model RT20, offering a comprehensive and highly controllable rotary speaker experience in a compact pedal format.
The combination of classic emulation with modern enhancements and advanced control options could make it a truly versatile addition to any pedalboard.
Rumours
As with all leaks, this information should be taken with a grain of salt until an official announcement from BOSS.
However, the sheer detail, images, and promising feature set outlined in these rumors are certainly enough to generate significant buzz and anticipation among musicians worldwide.
Stay tuned for more details as we eagerly await an official word from BOSS.
More Information
#boss #bossrt2 #rotaryspeaker
Video
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