Why This Next-Gen Rotary Simulator
Is One of BOSS’s Smartest Releases Yet
The rotary speaker sound is one of the great musical accidents of the 20th century — a swirling, shifting, liquid movement of air that reshapes any guitar, keys or synth tone it touches. From Hendrix and Harrison to neo-soul, shoegaze and modern worship music, that unmistakable rise-and-fall modulation has lived on long after the giant wooden cabinets faded from touring stages.
But hauling a 100-pound Leslie around? Not ideal.
Maintaining one? Worse.
Trying to get the sound at bedroom volumes? Nearly impossible.
Enter the new BOSS RT-2 Rotary Pedal: a next-level evolution of the acclaimed RT-20, redesigned with fresh algorithms, deeper control and a realism that gets shockingly close to the real thing — without the chiropractor bills.
The RT-2 has arrived, and it’s already making waves.
What Is the BOSS RT-2?
A Modern Rotary Engine Built for Real Players
The RT-2 is a compact multi-mode rotary speaker simulator that captures both vintage two-speaker cabinets and modern rotary designs, while adding enough tone shaping to make it work in any rig.
At its heart is BOSS’s latest generation DSP, meaning:
- More realism
- More depth and movement
- Far smoother transition between ramp-up and slow speeds
- A more natural blend of horn + drum behaviour
It’s not just a modulation pedal — it’s a virtual rotating speaker system, shrunk down to stompbox size.
Key Features — What Makes the RT-2 Special?
1. Ultra-Realistic Rotary Algorithms
The RT-2 models the mechanical behaviour of rotary speakers:
- Doppler effect
- Air turbulence
- Horn acceleration and deceleration
- Drum lag
- Spatial spread
All the elements that make real Leslies sound alive are here — and more believable than the previous generation.
2. Four Distinct Rotary Types
You’re not stuck with one Leslie sound. The RT-2 includes multiple rotary engines, such as:
- Vintage Tonewheel Cabinet
- Modern Full-Range Rotary
- Rock-optimised Rotary
- Classic Horn/Drum Pairing
This makes the pedal just as useful for guitars as for keys, synths, and even bass.
3. Variable Mic Distance and Placement
This is where realism goes through the roof. You can blend in virtual microphones, adjusting:
- Distance
- Angle
- Stereo spread
The result: you choose between a tight studio-style swirl or a wide, stage-filling wash.
4. Built-In Overdrive
Classic rotary tones were often pushed by tube amps — BOSS includes that baked-in breakup so you can warm the sound naturally without needing a second pedal.
5. Hands-Free Speed Control
Switch between Slow, Fast, and Brake modes just like a real Leslie.
The ramp-up and slow-down behaviour feels authentic.
Perfect for gospel players, psychedelia, ambient textures or classic rock.
6. Stereo In/Out
Rotary effects are meant to be wide.
Run this into two amps or monitors and you’ll feel the room move.
Why Guitarists Love the RT-2
- It gives you studio-quality swirl in a portable stompbox
- Works equally well before or after drive pedals
- Perfect for ambient, soul, indie, worship, blues and psych rock
- Reacts dynamically to playing intensity
- No giant cabinets needed
- Quiet enough for home use
- Deep enough for sound designers and synth players
It’s one of those pedals that instantly inspires noodling — and often becomes the “secret sauce” on a pedalboard.
Who Is the BOSS RT-2 For?
A Surprisingly Wide Group of Players
- Guitarists wanting authentic rotary tone - From SRV to Tame Impala, the swirl is everywhere.
- Keys and organ players - A brilliant solution for stage rigs — no cabinet required.
- Shoegaze and ambient musicians - Massive stereo movement + slow speed = dreamscape.
- Worship guitarists - Rotary + shimmer = endless pads and motion.
- Producers & home-recording musicians - Instant "Leslie room" without miking a cabinet.
- Tone purists - Warm, organic rotary motion without digital harshness.
A Final Word: The Leslie Legacy Lives On
The BOSS RT-2 isn’t just an update — it’s a reimagining of one of music’s most evocative sounds. Warm, rich, fluid and alive, this pedal brings the rotating speaker vibe to anyone, anywhere, without the cost, size or hassle of the real thing.
If you’ve ever loved that swirling psychedelic shimmer or soulful organ wobble, the RT-2 gives you all of it — in a compact, modern, road-ready stompbox.
And yes… it sounds absolutely beautiful.
