Editing Pro Co RAT

[[File:ProCo Rat 2.jpg|thumb|Pro Co RAT2]]
The '''Pro Co "The RAT"''' is a guitar [[effects pedal]] produced by Pro Co Sound. The original RAT was developed in the basement of Pro Co's Kalamazoo, Michigan facility in 1978.<ref name="MusicRadar 85 reissue review">{{cite web|last=Williams|first=Stuart|title=Pro Co Reissue '85 Whiteface RAT|url=http://www.musicradar.com/gear/all/guitars/fx/distortion/reissue-85-whiteface-rat-267067/review|work=[[MusicRadar]]|accessdate=29 January 2012|date=2 August 2010}}</ref>  Numerous variations of the original RAT pedal are still being produced today.

The basic RAT has changed in appearance over the years, but its tone has remained largely the same. Pro Co has also introduced tonal variations of the RAT, including the Turbo RAT, and You Dirty RAT, among others.

The Pro Co RAT became very popular in the early 1980s, thanks in part to fame gained by its use by several artists.

The '''ProCo Rat''' is a distortion pedal made by ProCo, a company based in Michigan.  Invented in the 1970s, it became popular in the 1980s.  There are several varieties, all made with durable steel housings.  These pedals draw very little current and a 9-volt battery will last a long time in them.  They also have a very musical-sounding distortion compared to other distortion pedals.

==Rats==
*[[Rat 2]]
*[['85 Whiteface Rat]]
*[[Turbo Rat]]
*[[You Dirty Rat Distortion]] - germanium diode clipping
*[[Deucetone Rat]]

==History==
The origins of the Pro Co "The RAT" can be traced back to the mid-1970s, when Pro Co engineers Scott Burnham and Steve Kiraly repaired and hot-rodded existing distortion pedals, such as the [[Fuzz Face|Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face]]. Burnham decided he could build a superior product from the ground up, and designed "The RAT" pedal.

In 1978, "The RAT" was being built as a custom-order product. Only twelve of these pedals, commonly referred to as the “Bud Box" RAT, were produced. Each pedal was built in a standard project box, hand painted, and hand drilled. By 1979, as the pedal became more popular, Pro Co began mass-producing them. This iteration was built in a custom designed, rectangular sheet-metal enclosure, with an L shaped removable top/back section giving access to the internals. The top panel was labeled with Pro Co Sound "The RAT" and the three control knobs as Distortion, Tone and Volume.

In 1983, Pro Co switched to a smaller, U-shaped enclosure. Finally, in 1988, the RAT2 was introduced, which included an on/off LED. Various RAT2 circuit board layouts and wiring configurations have surfaced in the last few years, including the noted "RAT3 version A and B" all under the RAT2 moniker. The RAT2 model is still available today, but in 2008 production moved to China and is now manufactured by Neutrik for Pro Co Sound.

Other models of RAT products include:<ref name="es">{{cite web|url=http://www.electrosmash.com/proco-rat|title=Pro Co Rat Analysis|work=ElectroSmash|accessdate=18 April 2016}}</ref>
*Juggernaut (1979)
*R2DU (1984)
*RAT2 (1988)
*Turbo RAT (1989)
*Vintage RAT (1991)
*BRAT (1997)
*Deucetone RAT (2002)
*Juggernaut Bass RAT (2003)
*You Dirty RAT (2004)
*'85 Whiteface RAT Reissue (2010)

==Circuitry==
The Pro Co "The RAT" is a distortion pedal with a quite simple circuit, which can be broken down into four simpler blocks: distortion stage, tone control, output stage and power supply.<ref name="es"/>

The design is based around a single [[Operational amplifier|op-amp]], originally the [[Motorola]] LM308 (switched to [[Texas Instruments]] OP07DP around 2002-2003). The distortion is produced using a variable gain circuit with diodes shorting the output to ground to produce hard [[Clipping (music)|clipping]] of the input waveform. Originally, [[1N914]] diodes were used, which were later replaced with [[1N4148]] since RAT2. Turbo RAT modification uses red [[LED]]s for this purpose (red LEDs have about twice as big forward voltage, as original diodes), while the You Dirty RAT modification uses 1N34A [[germanium]] diodes.<ref name="es"/><ref name="Tranter">{{cite web|url=http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/diyuser/GGBB/Multi-RAT.png.html|title=Multi-RAT|last=Tranter|first=G.|date=July 9, 2015|work=DIYStompBoxes|accessdate=18 April 2016}}</ref> The distortion stage is followed by a passive tone filter and volume control. 

This scheme is similar to the [[Boss DS-1]] distortion pedal, although there are major differences between the two circuits. A major difference is the opamp used, the LM308, known for its poor slew rate; it accounts for the sonic difference between the two pedals. The most popular RAT pedal, the RAT2, features true-bypass switching.

==Versions of the RAT==

===Current product line===
* RAT 2 (Made in China)
* Turbo RAT
* Deucetone RAT
* You Dirty RAT
*Solo
*Fat Rat

===Discontinued products===
* '85 Whiteface RAT Reissue
* "Bud Box" RAT
* The RAT
* Juggernaut
* "Small Box" RAT
* Vintage RAT
* BRAT
* Roadkill (same circuit as the BRAT with a different enclosure)
* Juggernaut Bass RAT

===Non-RAT pedals produced by Pro Co===
* Solo

==RAT clones==
The Rat is one of the most copied pedals in history.
* JHS Packrat
* Keeley Rodent

==RAT Mods==
The Rat lends itself well to modification.

==Popular modifications to the RAT==
The RAT is a popular pedal for modifying. Some of the possible modifications include:

* Resistor Mods: The ''Ruetz RAT'' mod which involves simply cutting the 47 [[Ohm|Ω]] [[resistor]] to disengage half of the drive circuit. Gain is reduced somewhat and the bass is no longer attenuated. Additionally, the 560 Ω resistor controlling the lower half of the distortion filter can receive similar treatment. Either can translate to thicker (fuzzier) bass response at the expense of less distortion.<ref>[http://www.diyguitaramp.com/rat.html DIY Tube Guitar Amp Page<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
* Toggle Switches: The ''Mightier Mouse'' mod involves a 3-way switch to select between RAT 2 (clipping via [[op-amp]] only), Turbo RAT (clipping via red [[Light-emitting diode|LEDs]]), and [[MOSFET]] clipping modes. It also shows an alternative to the Ruetz RAT mod using a [[potentiometer]] or trimpot to replace the resistor instead of simply cutting it.<ref>http://www.beavisaudio.com/Projects/FKR/images/MightierMouse.gif</ref>
* Diode Removal: Removing one of the two silicon clipping diodes for a volume boost crunch tone.
* Chip Substitutions: The original RAT pedals featured the LM308 op-amp which is now quite expensive. Recent RAT pedals now feature the Texas Instruments OP07DP. Other op-amps that people try include the CA3130EZ (MOSFET-based), NE5535A, NE5534AP, LM741 and TL071 (FET-based). Many install an IC socket to enable easy swapping of ICs, very much similar to what people do with the [[Ibanez Tube Screamer]].
* Capacitor Mods: "softening" ceramic caps replaced with silver mica or metal film caps for better tonal fidelity. These include the 30 pF cap riding the IC chip and the single 100 pF cap.
* Power Adapter: 2.1&nbsp;mm (Boss-style) 9 V DC adapter socket mod. Because the tip on the Boss-style adapter is negative, one needs to install a plastic 2.1&nbsp;mm socket to avoid shorting out the barrel of the plug against the RAT's steel chassis.  Note, the official website says it uses a positive tip adapter.
* [[Robert Keeley (instrument maker)|Robert Keeley]] does a popular mod involving replacement of the existing op-amp for an original LM308, a capacitor upgrade (using film and tantalum capacitors) to improve bass response and a 3 way mode switch. The first mode is the ''Classic RAT'' which is the original RAT circuit. The second mode is the ''Phat RAT'' which has an extra diode added to the original circuit in attempt to achieve a more tube-like sound. The final mode is the ''Mighty Mouse'' in which a diode is removed from the original circuit causing it to behave more like a boost pedal.<ref>[http://www.robertkeeley.com Robert Keeley Electronics Guitar Effects Pedals Mods, Custom Built High Fidelity Compressor RKFX BOSS IBANEZ Ross Boost Overdrive Distortion Chorus Analog Delay<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
* Electronics modders Vodka Mods perform a popular RATsputin mod that includes dual toggle switches to the drive and clipping sections, a Texas Instruments NE5534AP op-amp upgrade and an extra case mounted potentiometer, which allows maximum control over tonal variables.<ref>[http://www.vodkamods.com Vodka Mods - High Quality Guitar Effects Pedal Mods<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
* Msm Workshop's ModeRAT mod includes a three-way clipping switch (RAT, Turbo RAT, booster mode), two-way gain switch, and a third switch to flip between a bright or normal setting. Offers original LM308 chip or metal can version.<ref>[http://www.msmworkshop.fr/crbst_76_m.html ModeRAT] – Msm Workshop. {{ref-fr}}</ref>

==Notable users==
{{columns-list|3|
*[[Ichirou Agata]] of [[Melt-Banana]]<ref>{{cite web |title=GuitarGeek |url=http://vintage.guitargeek.com/rigview/262 |accessdate=23 July 2012}}</ref>
*[[John Ashton (musician)|John Ashton]] of [[Psychedelic Furs]]
*[[Jeff Beck]]<ref>{{cite book|last=Ross|first=Michael|title=Getting Great Guitar Sounds: A Non-Technical Approach to Shaping Your Personal Sound|year=1998|publisher=[[Hal Leonard Corporation]]|isbn=978-0-7935-9140-4|url=http://books.google.com/?id=CddgbKkAoxYC&pg=PA69&dq=guitar+proco+rat#v=onepage&q=guitar%20proco%20rat&f=false|accessdate=29 January 2012|page=69}}</ref>
*[[Matt Bellamy]]
*[[James Dean Bradfield]]
*[[Nuno Bettencourt]]
*[[Peter Buck]]
*[[Bernard Butler]]
*[[Jerry Cantrell]]
*[[Nels Cline]] of [[Wilco]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Tech Talk|url=http://nelscline.com/tech.html|work=nelscline.com|accessdate=29 January 2012|author=[[Nels Cline]]}}</ref>
*[[Justin Chancellor]]
*[[Lawrence Chandler]]<ref>http://www.guitargeek.com/lawrence-chandler-bowery-electric-guitar-rig-and-gear-setup-1994/,</ref>
*[[John Christ]]
*[[Kurt Cobain]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Nevermind: Nirvana|year=2003|publisher=[[Music Sales Group]]|isbn=978-0-8256-7286-6|url=http://books.google.com/?id=No3CKSsCRQcC&pg=PA81&dq=guitar+proco+rat#v=onepage&q=pro%20co%20rat&f=false|author=Jim Berkenstadt|author2=Charles R. Cross |accessdate=29 January 2012|page=81|authorlink2=Charles R. Cross}}</ref>
*[[Graham Coxon]]<ref name="MusicRadar 85 reissue review" />
*[[Francis Dunnery]]
*[[Kevin Eubanks]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Mel Bay Presents Interviews with the Jazz Greats-- and More|year=2001|publisher=[[Mel Bay Publications]]|isbn=978-0-7866-5946-3|url=http://books.google.com/?id=jXSy9e3eAvkC&pg=PA24&dq=guitar+proco+rat#v=onepage&q=pro%20co%20rat&f=false|author=Charles H. Chapman|accessdate=29 January 2012|page=24}}</ref>
*[[Robert Fripp]]
*[[Bill Frisell]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Cleveland|first=Barry|title=Bill Frisell|url=http://www.guitarplayer.com/article/bill-frisell/2|accessdate=29 January 2012|newspaper=[[Guitar Player]]}}</ref>
*[[David Gilmour]]<ref>{{cite web |first=Bjørn |last=Riis |title=Tip of the week (11) – Overdrive and distortion |date=18 April 2011 |url=http://www.gilmourish.com/?p=262 |accessdate=4 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Pete |last=Cornish |title=David Gilmour's Pink Floyd 1994 Rig |url=http://petecornish.co.uk/pfrig.html |accessdate=4 February 2012}}</ref>
*[[Dave Grohl]]<ref>{{cite news|last=Doyle|first=Tom|title=FOO FIGHTERS: Recording Wasting Light|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun11/articles/foo-fighters.htm|accessdate=29 January 2012|newspaper=[[Sound on Sound]]|date=June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Rockin’ Grohl Hoochie Foo|accessdate=29 January 2012|newspaper=Guitar One|author=***[[Dale Turner (songwriter)|Dale Turner]]|year=1999}}</ref>
*[[James Hetfield]]
*[[Scott Kannberg]]
*John Linger of [[Neils Children]]
*[[Stephen Malkmus]]
*[[Thurston Moore]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Guitar World Presents One Hundred Greatest Guitarists of All Time from the Pages of Guitar World Magazine|year=2002|publisher=[[Hal Leonard Corporation]]|isbn=978-0-634-04619-3|url=http://books.google.com/?id=Fg838EcECUwC&pg=PT187&dq=guitar+proco+rat#v=onepage&q=proco%20rat&f=false|author=Jeff Kitts|author2=Brad Tolinski |accessdate=29 January 2012|page=95|authorlink2=Brad Tolinski}}</ref>
*[[Krist Novoselic]]
*[[Ira Kaplan]]
*[[Sunn O)))]]
*[[Buzz Osborne]]
*[[Paranoid Time]]
*[[Joe Perry (musician)|Joe Perry]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Gear Secrets of the Guitar Legends: How to Sound Like Your Favorite Players|year=2003|publisher=[[Hal Leonard Corporation]]|isbn=978-0-87930-751-6|url=http://books.google.com/?id=vqQjuzPrqIwC&pg=PA55&dq=guitar+proco+rat#v=onepage&q=proco%20rat&f=false|author=[[Pete Prown]]|author2=Lisa Sharken|accessdate=29 January 2012|page=55}}</ref>
*[[Paul Reynolds (musician)|Paul Reynolds]] of [[A Flock of Seagulls]]
*[[Kurt Rosenwinkel]]<ref>{{cite news|first=Bill|title=Kurt Rosenwinkel|url=http://www.guitarplayer.com/article/kurt-rosenwinkel/67|accessdate=29 January 2012|newspaper=[[Guitar Player]]}}</ref>
*[[John Scofield]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Equipment|url=http://www.johnscofield.com/equipment.html|work=johnscofield.com|accessdate=29 January 2012|author=[[John Scofield]]}}</ref>
*[[Sonny Sharrock]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Guitar World Presents One Hundred Greatest Guitarists of All Time from the Pages of Guitar World Magazine|year=2002|publisher=[[Hal Leonard Corporation]]|isbn=978-0-634-04619-3|url=http://books.google.com/?id=Fg838EcECUwC&pg=PT187&dq=guitar+proco+rat#v=onepage&q=proco%20rat&f=false|author=Jeff Kitts|author2=Brad Tolinski |accessdate=29 January 2012|page=99|authorlink2=Brad Tolinski}}</ref>
*[[Justin Shekoski]]
*[[Kevin Shields]]
*[[Andy Summers]]<ref>{{cite book |title=Guitar legends: the definitive guide to the world's greatest guitar players |year=1995 |publisher=[[Harper Perennial]] |url=http://books.google.com/?id=k_ZDAQAAIAAJ&q=guitar+pro+co+rat&dq=guitar+pro+co+rat |first=Chris |last=Gill |accessdate=4 February 2012 |page=127}}</ref>
*[[Alex Turner (musician)|Alex Turner]]<ref name="Rough Guide Arctic Monkeys">{{cite book|last=Hunter|first=Dave|title=The Rough Guide to Guitar|year=2011|publisher=[[Penguin Books]]|isbn=978-1-4053-8244-1|url=http://books.google.com/?id=TtMsIjwZELQC&pg=PA222&dq=guitar+proco+rat#v=onepage&q=guitar%20proco%20rat&f=false|accessdate=29 January 2012|page=223}}</ref>
*[[Joe Walsh]]
*Jamie West-Oram of [[The Fixx]]
*[[Thom Yorke]].<ref name="Rough Guide Radiohead">{{cite book|last=Hunter|first=Dave|title=The Rough Guide to Guitar|year=2011|publisher=[[Penguin Books]]|isbn=978-1-4053-8244-1|url=http://books.google.com/?id=TtMsIjwZELQC&pg=PA222&dq=guitar+proco+rat#v=onepage&q=guitar%20proco%20rat&f=false|accessdate=29 January 2012|page=222}}</ref>
}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://ratdistortion.com Pro Co Sound Official RAT Distortion]
* [http://procosound.com Pro Co Sound]
* [http://webpages.charter.net/daosmun/  Rat History]
* [http://www.aronnelson.com/gallery/main.php/v/diyuser/GGBB/Multi-RAT.png.html Rat Circuit Differences]

==Affiliate link==
* [https://amzn.to/47GSEbX Buy a Rat on Amazon]

[[Category: Effects units]]
[[Category:Guitar effects pedals]]