Spark Amp Lovers
  • Spark Knowledge Base
  • Spark TV
  • Latest News

Knowledge Base

  1. Home
  2. Knowledge Base
  3. Effect Simulation
  4. Overdrive
  5. Black Op

Black Op

  • Created 30 December 2020
  • Author Florent D. (Admin)
  • Category Overdrive
Tagged: Black OpoverdrivePro CoRAT

Positive Grid Black Op pedal is available under the Drive effect group and is inspired by the Pro Co RAT

Black Op
Pro Co Rat

Contents

  • (Top)
  • 1History
  • 2Circuitry
  • 3Versions of the RAT
    • 3.1Current product line
    • 3.2Non-RAT moniker pedals currently produced by ProCo
    • 3.3Discontinued products
    • 3.4Special Runs
  • 4Popular modifications to the RAT
  • 5Clones
  • 6Notable users
  • 7References
  • 8External links
Guitar distortion pedal
220px ProCo Rat 2
Pro Co RAT2

The Pro Co "The RAT" is a distortion pedal produced by Pro Co Sound. The original RAT was developed in the basement of Pro Co's Kalamazoo, Michigan facility in 1978.[1] Numerous variations of the original RAT pedal are still being produced today.

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

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 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.[2] Only twelve of these pedals (including one prototype), commonly referred to as the "Bud Box" RAT, were produced. Each pedal was built in a standard project box, hand painted, and hand drilled. In 1979, Pro Co began mass-producing them.[2] 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:[2]

  • R2DU (1984-1988)
  • Juggernaut (original) (1979-1981)
  • RAT2 (1988–present)
  • Turbo RAT (1989–present)
  • Vintage RAT Reissue (1991-2005)
  • BRAT / Roadkill (1997-2001)
  • Deucetone RAT (2002–present)
  • Juggernaut (reissue) (2003–present)
  • 25th Silver Anniversary RAT (2003)
  • You Dirty RAT (2004–present)
  • SOLO (2006–present)
  • '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.[2]

The design is based around a single opamp, 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 at a certain voltage level to produce hard clipping of the input waveform. Originally, 1N914 diodes were used, which were later replaced with 1N4148 since RAT2. The 'Turbo RAT' pedal uses red LEDs for this purpose (red LEDs have about a twice as high forward voltage as the original silicon diodes), while the 'You Dirty RAT' pedal uses 1N34A germanium diodes (clipping at a lower forward voltage).[2][3] The distortion stage is followed by a passive 'reverse' tone filter and volume control.

The general design is very similar to the Boss DS-1 distortion pedal. A major difference is the opamp used (the LM308). Known for its poor slew rate, it largely accounts for the sonic difference between the two pedals.[citation needed]

Versions of the RAT

Current product line

  • RAT2 (Silicon clipping diodes)
  • Turbo RAT (Red LED clipping diodes)
  • You Dirty RAT (Germanium clipping diodes)
  • FAT RAT (Silicon / MOSFET / Germanium clipping diodes mode, 'Thick' switch (treble cut), 9/18V and a swappable opamp)
  • Deucetone RAT (Dual RAT (2-in-1) pedal (separate In / Out jacks per side), Side A Silicon / LED / Germanium clipping diodes mode, Side B Silicon / LED / Diode lift clipping diode mode)
  • Juggernaut (Reissue version)

Non-RAT moniker pedals currently produced by ProCo

  • Solo (Three asymmetric clipping diode pairs modes (Hot / Melt / Burn), Scoop control (Midrange), Tone (instead of typical 'reverse' Filter tone control), Texas Instruments OP07DP opamp. The prototype was called "RATZO" and featured a center placed dual-gang pot for 'Tone' & 'Scoop' controls along with the 'Distortion' and 'Volume' controls in typical RAT fashion)

Discontinued products

  • "Bud Box" RAT (The original handbuilt RAT)
  • "Big Box" RAT (Distinct big rectangular box pedal)
  • Juggernaut (also called "Bass RAT") (Original version) (modified RAT circuit with 'Low Pass' filtering in place, Dual (2-in-1) RAT size enclosure, Right side: 'Mix' (between Drive / Clean ratio), Master Volume and on the Left side: Amount (Drive), Tone, Vol. The pedal also features an external effects loop)
  • "Small Box" RAT (Bent steel U-shape enclosure)
  • R2DU (19 inch rackmountable double RAT pedal, usable in cascade mode or dual channel)
  • BRAT / Roadkill ('budget' USA-made RAT2 derivative circuit including the Motorola LM308 opamp with the negative-feedback loop lifted. The front faceplate is two-sided with one 'BRAT' print side and on the other side a 'Roadkill' print. Note, this pedal is 9 V battery fed only)
  • Vintage RAT Reissue (rectangular shaped "Big Box" reissue model)
  • '85 Whiteface RAT Reissue (Limited run '10)

Special Runs

  • IKEBE 40th Anniversary: All-white RAT2 pedal with black lettering, white knobs and a bright blue LED (Japan only model).
  • 25th year Silver Anniversary Rat: "Big Box" pedal in a distinct silver coloured stainless steel enclosure with the tagline "25 years of Grunge" (Limited anniversary model, handed out to select artists and technicians by Pro Co sound).

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 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 mod will translate to a thicker (fuzz like) bass response at the expense of losing distortion.[4]
  • Toggle Switches: The Mightier Mouse mod involves a 3-way switch to select between RAT / RAT2 (clipping via silicon diodes), Turbo RAT (clipping via red LEDs), and FAT RAT (MOSFET clipping) modes. It also shows an alternative to the Ruetz RAT mod by using a potentiometer or trimpot to replace the resistor instead of cutting it out of the circuit.[5]
  • Diode Lift: Removing one of the two (asymmetric clipping) or both (pure opamp clipping) clipping diodes results in a volume boost with a crunchier tone.
  • Chip Substitutions: The original RAT pedals featured the rare Motorola LM308 opamp, which is now quite expensive to acquire. Recent RAT2 pedals nowawadays feature the widely available Texas Instruments OP07DP. Other opamps that people try, include: the CA3130EZ (MOSFET-based), the NE5535A / NE5534AP (high slew rate, low noise), the LM741 (low drive) and finally the TL071 / TL081 (both BI-FET based). Many RAT modders install an opamp socket to enable easy swapping of opamps, which is similar to what people do with the Ibanez Tube Screamer circuit.
  • 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 opamp chip and the single 100 pF cap.
  • Power Jack: 2.1 mm (Roland / 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 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).

Clones

Because of the RAT's popularity, numerous large and small pedal designers and manufacturers have attempted to replicate its sound as 'clones' or in new designs. Often the goal of these 'clones' is to capture the sound of vintage RATS at a more affordable price point. Many RAT clones allow users to switch between the different RAT circuits (Turbo, standard, etc) or between eras (Whiteface, LM308 Chip, Big box...). The simplicity of the circuit has also made it popular among pedal-kit manufacturers for first-time builders. Some examples of RAT 'clones' are:

  • JHS Pedals Pack Rat
  • TC Electronic MAGUS
  • Mooer Audio Black Secret
  • Walrus Audio Iron Horse
  • Electro-Harmonix Flatiron Fuzz

Notable users

  • Buckethead[citation needed]
  • Ichirou Agata of Melt-Banana[6]
  • John Ashton of Psychedelic Furs[citation needed]
  • Trey Azagthoth of Morbid Angel[citation needed]
  • Jeff Beck[7]
  • Matt Bellamy[citation needed]
  • James Dean Bradfield[citation needed]
  • Nuno Bettencourt[1]
  • Frank Black[1]
  • Peter Buck[citation needed]
  • Bernard Butler[citation needed]
  • Jerry Cantrell[citation needed]
  • Gustavo Cerati[citation needed]
  • Nels Cline of Wilco[8]
  • Justin Chancellor[citation needed]
  • Lawrence Chandler[9]
  • John Christ[citation needed]
  • Kurt Cobain[10]
  • Graham Coxon[1]
  • Francis Dunnery[citation needed]
  • Kevin Eubanks[11]
  • Robert Fripp[citation needed]
  • Bill Frisell[12]
  • David Gilmour[13][14]
  • Dave Grohl[15][16]
  • James Hetfield[citation needed]
  • Scott Kannberg[citation needed]
  • Joey Lennon of The Punkles
  • John Linger of Neils Children[citation needed]
  • Stephen Malkmus[citation needed]
  • Thurston Moore[17]
  • Krist Novoselic[1]
  • Ira Kaplan[citation needed]
  • Sunn O)))[citation needed]
  • Buzz Osborne[citation needed]
  • Paranoid Time[citation needed]
  • Joe Perry[18]
  • Paul Reynolds of A Flock of Seagulls[citation needed]
  • Ben Monder[19]
  • Kurt Rosenwinkel[20]
  • John Scofield[21]
  • Sonny Sharrock[22]
  • Justin Shekoski[citation needed]
  • Kevin Shields[citation needed]
  • Andy Summers[23]
  • Alex Turner[24]
  • Joe Walsh[citation needed]
  • Jamie West-Oram of The Fixx[citation needed]
  • Thom Yorke.[25]
  • Xan McCurdy of Cake[26]
  • Boris[27]
  • Rivers Cuomo[1]
  • Neil Halstead[1]
  • Mark Gardener[1]
  • Daniel Jamet of Mano Negra (band)
  • Luis Paez EARLLEPMD of Skanama (band)

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Williams, Stuart (2 August 2010). "Pro Co Reissue '85 Whiteface RAT". MusicRadar. Future Publishing. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Pro Co Rat Analysis". ElectroSmash. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  3. ^ Tranter, G. (9 July 2015). "Multi-RAT". DIYStompBoxes. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  4. ^ "The Ruetz Rat". DIY Tube Guitar Amp Page. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  5. ^ "Mightier Mouse". Beavis Audio. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  6. ^ "Agata of Melt Banana". GuitarGeek. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 23 July 2012.
  7. ^ Ross, Michael (1998). Getting Great Guitar Sounds: A Non-Technical Approach to Shaping Your Personal Sound. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 69. ISBN 978-0-7935-9140-4. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  8. ^ Nels Cline. "Tech Talk". nelscline.com. Archived from the original on 28 January 2012. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  9. ^ "Lawrence Chandler – Bowery Electric – 1994". GuitarGeek. Archived from the original on 24 March 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  10. ^ Berkenstadt, Jim; Cross, Charles R. (2003). Nevermind: Nirvana. Music Sales Group. p. 81. ISBN 978-0-8256-7286-6. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  11. ^ Chapman, Charles H. (2001). Mel Bay Presents Interviews with the Jazz Greats-- and More. Mel Bay Publications. p. 24. ISBN 978-0-7866-5946-3. Retrieved 29 January 2012. pro co rat.
  12. ^ Cleveland, Barry. "Bill Frisell". Guitar Player. Archived from the original on 12 May 2012. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  13. ^ Riis, Bjørn (18 April 2011). "Tip of the week (11) – Overdrive and distortion". Retrieved 4 February 2012.
  14. ^ Cornish, Pete. "David Gilmour's Pink Floyd 1994 Rig". Retrieved 4 February 2012.
  15. ^ Doyle, Tom (June 2011). "FOO FIGHTERS: Recording Wasting Light". Sound on Sound. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  16. ^ Dale Turner (1999). "Rockin' Grohl Hoochie Foo". Guitar One.
  17. ^ Kitts, Jeff; Tolinski, Brad (2002). Guitar World Presents One Hundred Greatest Guitarists of All Time from the Pages of Guitar World Magazine. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 95. ISBN 978-0-634-04619-3. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  18. ^ Prown, Pete; Sharken, Lisa (2003). Gear Secrets of the Guitar Legends: How to Sound Like Your Favorite Players. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 55. ISBN 978-0-87930-751-6. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  19. ^ Ross, Michael (15 November 2017). "Ben Monder on Texture, Ambience, and Guesting on Bowie's 'Blackstar'". Guitar Player. Future Publishing. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  20. ^ "Kurt Rosenwinkel". Guitar Player. Archived from the original on 2 June 2012. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  21. ^ John Scofield. "Equipment". johnscofield.com. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  22. ^ Kitts, Jeff; Tolinski, Brad (2002). Guitar World Presents One Hundred Greatest Guitarists of All Time from the Pages of Guitar World Magazine. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 99. ISBN 978-0-634-04619-3. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  23. ^ Gill, Chris (1995). Guitar legends: the definitive guide to the world's greatest guitar players. Harper Perennial. p. 127. ISBN 9780062733528. Retrieved 4 February 2012.
  24. ^ Hunter, Dave (2011). The Rough Guide to Guitar. Penguin Books. p. 223. ISBN 978-1-4053-8244-1. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  25. ^ Hunter, Dave (2011). The Rough Guide to Guitar. Penguin Books. p. 222. ISBN 978-1-4053-8244-1. Retrieved 29 January 2012.
  26. ^ "Fat Sound". Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  27. ^ "Boris official Instagram". Archived from the original on 2021-12-25. Retrieved 15 January 2017.

External links

  • Pro Co Sound Official RAT Distortion
  • Pro Co Sound
  • Rat History
  • Rat Circuit Differences
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pro_Co_RAT
Have a look at our Ibanez Tube Screamer article

Was this article helpful?

Yes No

Related Articles

  • Clone Drive
    • 1
    • 1293
  • Guitar Muff
    • 0
    • 908
  • Bassmaster
    • 0
    • 638
    • 2
  • SAB Driver
    • 0
    • 741
  • Fuzz Face
    • 0
    • 764
  • Bass Muff
    • 0
    • 484

Leave A Comment? Cancel Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About Spark Amp Lovers

Spark Amp Lovers is a recognized and established Positive Grid Spark amp related internet community. We aim to provide useful resources to Spark Amp owners as well as quality content to visitors looking for information, whether they are beginners, intermediate or expert.

This website has not affiliation with Positive Grid.

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter

Spark Amp Lovers Newsletter

Still have questions?

Let us know about missing information
Contact Us

Follow us

  • facebook
  • youtube
  • twitter
Powered by Spark Amp Lovers Facebook Group - Privacy Policy

Product names mentioned in this page are trademarks of their respective companies that are not endorsed, associated, or affiliated with Spark Amp Lovers. Positive Grid, Roland, Fender, Orange, Matchless, Vox, Teisco, Two Rock, Marshall, Mesa Boogie, Bogner, Soldano, EVH, H&K, Friedman, Gallien-Krueger, Sunn, Eden, and Aguilar are trademarks or trade names of other manufacturers and were used merely to identify products. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT