The BOSS RT-2 Rotary Ensemble packs one of music’s most characterful (and sizeable!) modulation effects into a powerful compact pedal. Rotary speaker cabinets like the Leslie 122 model have added swirling depth and motion to guitar tone for generations. Unlike the traditional analog circuits of phasers, flangers, tremolos, vibratos, and choruses, genuine rotary modulation is produced by the physical movement of a mechanical device. This gives it a uniquely organic complexity that has proven challenging to capture perfectly—until now.
Building on decades of modulation expertise, BOSS has successfully bottled this elusive rotary sound into a versatile creative tool for the modern player.
In this article, we’ll explore how the RT-2 can be combined with other BOSS pedals to reveal new sounds and performance options that inspire creativity.
Setup Considerations
The RT-2 Rotary Ensemble expands the sonic scope of your pedalboard significantly, and where you place it in the chain matters.
A common starting point is to position modulation units like the RT-2 after gain pedals and before delay and reverb effects. This helps maintain articulation and clarity with the RT-2’s rich, whirling voice.
That said, placing it before gain can produce a more saturated feel that some players enjoy, and experimenting with the placement of time-based stompboxes often produces interesting results.
While it excels in regular mono operation, the RT-2 also brings stereo versatility into the mix. It can make even the simplest of riffs feel incredibly expansive and alive.
In addition to its regular stereo mode, the RT-2 can be configured to run wet and dry signals separately using Outputs A and B, respectively.
Whether you’re playing live or laying down tracks, that spatial dimension can be a game-changer.
Of course, there’s no rulebook. Trying new setups and moving pedals around could lead to your next signature sound. So, experiment to your heart’s content and have fun!
PEDAL COMBINATIONS
Overdrive
Pairing the RT-2 with the BD-2 Blues Driver yields a gritty churn that lends itself perfectly to expressive blues rock. Kick on the BD-2 for that raw, dynamic crunch, then run it into the RT-2 to add a vocal, three-dimensional movement to your riffs.
The BD-2 brings the blues, while the RT-2 spins it into a purple haze. It’s a fantastic way to evolve classic Texas blues into something more atmospheric. This hot combination is also excellent for soulful fusion solos and liquid gospel licks.

The flexible SD-1 Super Overdrive gives your tone a solid, amp-like backbone, while the RT-2 injects motion, as if your sound is twisting through the air with every note you pick. It’s a killer combo for crafting shadowy “desert noir” rhythms and icy cold-wave hooks with a wash of color.
The SD-1 offers warmth, bite, and vibrant response, while the RT-2 brings a pulsing, rotary depth that shifts and evolves around your playing. In tandem, the SD-1 and RT-2 excel at providing emotive, nuanced tones with visceral energy.
Recommended Pairings
"The BD-2 brings the blues, while the RT-2 spins it into a purple haze."
Fuzz
With the RT-2 and FZ-5 Fuzz, you’re deep in fuzz-drenched, cyclonic psychedelia—bold, saturated, and primed for kaleidoscopic exploration. With digitally modelled recreations of ’60s classics including the FZ-1A Fuzz-Tone, Fuzz Face, and Octavia, the FZ-5 delivers period-correct fuzz that pairs naturally with the RT-2’s lysergic swirl. It’s raw, reactive, and ideal for tapping into the spirit of ‘60s garage and acid rock.
Adjusting the RT-2’s treble/horn and bass/drum rotor Balance ensures your tone stays present without clouding the mix, while its built-in adjustable noise suppressor helps keep things tidy.

For players chasing vintage fuzz with modern flexibility, twinning the RT-2 with the FZ-1W Fuzz is a strong move. The Waza Craft pedal’s touch-sensitive response and tonal range work brilliantly with the RT-2’s dynamic rotary modulation. Careful EQ balancing lets the fuzz cut while keeping the rotary sounding musical, not muddy.
Together, these effects shift with your playing, from gentle gyration to violent vortex, making it a perfect partnership for shoegaze and psych-tinged alt-rock.
Recommended Pairings
"Together, these effects shift with your playing, from gentle gyration to violent vortex."
Organ Sounds
For guitarists looking to tap into authentic-sounding organ tones, matching the SY-200 Synthesizer with the RT-2 is a shortcut to those classy keyboard timbres. Many of the SY-200’s Organ mode variations already have rotary effects baked in, but several remain ready to receive the refined touch of the RT-2.
If you’re going for the most authentic sound possible, select Mode I for a faithful representation of the revered Leslie model 122. Turn up the Drive to conjure a more harmonically saturated sound redolent of psychedelic rock and amped-up acid jazz.

Alternatively, the OC-5 Octave offers organ-like magic aplenty. With up to four combined signal layers available—comprising the dry signal, an octave up, plus one and two below—the OC-5 comes to life when paired with the RT-2 to create lively Hammond-style sounds.
Single-note melodies or polyphonic chord work, this deceptively simple setup means you’ll have instant soul, gospel, or prog tones at your disposal. For a wider frequency range, set the RT-2 to Mode II. Finally, add a splash of reverb to glue everything together.
Recommended Pairings
"Turn up the Drive to conjure a more harmonically saturated sound redolent of psychedelic rock and amped-up acid jazz."
Reverb
Combining the RT-2 with the RV-6 Reverb provides an inspiring palette of studio-grade reverberation. The RT-2 brings classic rotary throb, while the RV-6 shapes the atmosphere with an array of algorithms, including everything from cool retro reverbs to modern ambient washes.
Hooked up in stereo, your sound widens considerably, making it ideal for post-rock and dream-pop styles. It might take up little space on your board, but the sound it produces is anything but small.

Unite the RT-2 with the RV-200 Reverb, and you get a flexible blend of spacious, stirring sounds. Easy to operate yet infinitely deep, the RV-200 features a range of ‘verbs spanning subtle room sounds to cinematic soundscapes. Its detailed controls let you tailor exactly how your rotary-fueled tones sit in the mix.
Whether crafting moody indie parts or building layered textures for soundtracks, this pairing gets you there with minimum fuss.
Recommended Pairings
"It might take up little space on your board, but the sound it produces is anything but small."
Delay
Coupling the RT-2 with the SDE-3 Dual Digital Delay unzips a formidable toolbag of time-based tones. This next-generation compact pedal is a finely tuned echo engine based on Roland’s legendary “vintage digital” SDE-3000 Digital Delay rackmount unit.
The RT-2’s impeccable rotary speaker cabinet emulation brings natural-sounding oscillation and sweetness to every note. At the same time, the SDE-3’s dual delay lines let you dial in everything from clean rhythmic repeats to spaced-out trails. Together, they cover a vast sonic spectrum that spans avant-garde jazz, instrumental post-rock, experimental pop, and beyond.

The award-winning RE-202 Space Echo presents an innovative upgrade to the original Roland RE-201 Space Echo. Carrying the torch of this beloved ‘70s tape echo/spring reverb unit, it fuses vintage analog charm with advanced digital features. Combined with the RT-2, it’s a match made in harmonic heaven.
Working in tandem, both pedals expand guitar tone with unparalleled complexity. Modulated repeats drift, shift, and evolve in organic, undulating patterns. Lo-fi instrumental passages or atmospheric melody lines, this cosmic combination is guaranteed to turn heads.
Recommended Pairings
"Working in tandem, both pedals expand guitar tone with unparalleled complexity."
Rotary Refined and Redefined
Whatever your style, the RT-2 brings a sense of motion and depth that can completely shift your sound. When used alongside these and numerous other BOSS pedals, it opens doors to unexpected textures—aural shifts, sweeps, and colors that give your tone a fresh twist.
More than just a rotary effect, the RT-2 enables further scope for musical expression and creativity.

What makes the RT-2 especially appealing is how accessible it is. You don’t need racks of gear—just a curious ear and a willingness to experiment. This pedal thrives in the hands and at the feet of such players.
Match it with any featured combinations and see where your imagination takes you. With the RT-2, even a modest setup can become a launchpad for something truly inspiring.