The Pro Co RAT Distortion SOLO is an overdrive and distortion pedal and a member of the RAT Distortion family, sitting alongside the classic RAT and the RAT2. Where the RAT2 gives you three knobs, the SOLO adds a fourth, the Scoop mid control, and a three-way selector switch for different levels of distortion. The signal path is 100 percent analog1.
The controls
The SOLO's four knobs and selector switch cover gain, level, tone shaping and midrange1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Distortion | Adds grit and crunch to your signal when the SOLO is turned up1 |
| Volume | Controls the volume1 |
| Tone | Adds or subtracts high frequencies from the overall output1 |
| Scoop | A mid-tone shaper, letting you shape the mids of the output1 |
| 3-way selector switch | Offers a couple of different levels of distortion, from a nice, crunchy overdrive to raging, distorted bliss1 |
The Scoop knob is the control that most sets the SOLO apart from its relatives. On the RAT2, the three knobs are Distortion, Volume and Filter, and the volume knob doubles as a way to push gain for solos or lead parts23. The SOLO keeps that layout and adds a dedicated mid control, so a player who wants to hollow out the mids for rhythm work or bring them back for leads can do it from the face of the pedal rather than the guitar's tone knob.
Enclosure, power and battery
The SOLO is built into what Pedal of the Day's reviewer called Pro Co's classic, virtually indestructible steel enclosure, with heavy-duty, industrial footswitches, knobs and jacks1. Power comes from a 9 volt battery, with a no tools required battery compartment, or from an external supply through the AC jack; Pro Co's RPS-1 power supply is sold separately1.
The SOLO takes a 9 volt battery (not included) and can also run from an external supply through its AC jack. Pro Co's RPS-1 power supply is sold separately1.
Where it sits in the RAT family
The RAT line has grown into a wide family of distortion pedals: the original RAT, the RAT2, the Deucetone RAT, the Turbo Rat, the You Dirty Rat, the Lil' Rat, the FATRAT and the '85 Whiteface RAT reissues. The SOLO sits in that line as an overdrive and distortion pedal in Pro Co's classic, virtually indestructible steel enclosure1. Reviewers welcomed it there: "All in all, the SOLO is a fun little pedal, and a welcome addition (sonically AND visually) to the pedal line from RAT Distortion overall"1.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's reviewer, Mike B, summed the pedal up this way:
"All in all, the SOLO is a fun little pedal, and a welcome addition (sonically AND visually) to the pedal line from RAT Distortion."
He also wrote that plugging in and turning up puts you, in his words, "instantly transported to a jam session with your favorite heavy metal heroes"1.
Videos
Simon Smith
All Music X'cess AMX
Uma Sound IL
Questions
Does the Pro Co RAT Distortion SOLO take a battery?
Yes. The SOLO has a battery compartment that needs no tools to open, and it takes a 9 volt battery, which is not included with the pedal. It can also run from an external supply through its AC jack, with Pro Co's RPS-1 power supply sold separately.
What does the Scoop knob do on the RAT Solo?
The Scoop knob is a mid-tone shaper. It lets you cut or shape the midrange of the pedal's output, which is the extra control that sets the SOLO apart from the three-knob RAT2, where the tone control handles the high frequencies instead.
Is the RAT Solo analog?
Yes. According to Pedal of the Day's review, the SOLO has a 100 percent analog signal path, like the other distortion pedals in the RAT family.
What power supply does the RAT Solo use?
The SOLO runs on a 9 volt battery or from an external supply through its AC jack. Pro Co's RPS-1 power supply is sold separately, so you will need to provide your own supply or battery.
How many knobs does the RAT Distortion SOLO have?
The SOLO has four control knobs, Distortion, Volume, Tone and Scoop, plus a three-way selector switch that offers different levels of distortion, from a crunchy overdrive to full distortion.
What warranty does the RAT Solo have?
The Pro Co RAT Distortion SOLO carries a two year limited warranty, according to Pedal of the Day's 2015 review.
Sources (3)
- Pro Co RAT Distortion SOLO Overdrive/Distortion, Pedal of the Day, 2015-02-18
- Pro Co RAT2 Distortion, Pedal of the Day (pedal-of-the-day.com), 2014-09-10
- ProCo RAT2 Distortion, Delicious Audio, 2022-10-25
