Boss DS-1 VS. ProCo Rat 2 - Guitar Pedal Sound Comparison

Boss DS-1
ProCo Rat 2:

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Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
1:22 Low Gain Comparison
3:12 Low Gain Tune
4:15 Mid-High Gain Comparison
6:03 Mid-High Gain Tune
7:08 Boost Comparison
8:29 Boost Tune
9:48 Conclusion

[LordAahzz]

This video is a great reminder of how important it is to listen in a mix. Listening to the pedals by themselves, I tend to prefer the DS-1...but once the band kicks in and it's sitting in a mix, I greatly prefer the Rat.

[josefk.]

I loved my DS-1 as a beginner, but I have to say, the EQ on the RAT sounds so much better. I’d argue the DS-1 is really good for punchier genres like pop punk and rock and roll, and the RAT sounds better for what I’m trying to play: doom metal, black metal and classic 90’s grunge

[sixxbrisbane]

I have both. I have no idea what I’m doing but all your videos truly help me feel more educated and disciplined. For me it’s the Rat.
Thank you

[satevo]

After playing guitar for 30 years or so, I finally got a Rat for the very first time and I love the versatility of it. It can sound like SO MANY other pedals and has a great low gain sound and a great saturated Fuzz sound. I'm loving it.

[VikingHero]

I just got my Pro Co Rat 2. After dialing in my desired settings, I must say that this is the sound that I've been searching for. I had the Boss DS 1, but it just didn't fit my style. Thank you for the compared demo.

[tinroof]

A loose rule is Rats go with Fender amps because they need mids and DS-1s go with Marshalls that have mids already. But if you need an all in one the Rat is more versatile (overdrive/distortion/fuzz.)

[CC-fipp]

The RAT is an overdrive and it can do anything from blues to metal. It fuzzes better then a big muff and it boosts better then a klon - the RAT is better then any boutique pedal you can buy. Most underrated circuit ever.

[deadlegs]

Get both. I use the ds1 for nirvana/ Jane's addiction. And the rat for Metallica and doom metal. Both brilliant at what they do.

[PedroMachadoBorges]

This is not only elucidative but also enjoyable. Thank you 🙏🏻

[TheCleaner]

2 very different shelved eq pedals. The pickups you use with a DS-1 have a huge impact on the tone it likes to see lower gain pups. The RAT can get you into fuzz too it's also more mid focused & cuts better. I think the RAT is more versatile.

[brettmckay]

awesome. Been looking for this particular video of these two pedals

[MrGuitardedOne]

Got a DS-1 which has been my main distortion for almost 10 years. I stack it with an OD in front, currently an SD-1. MXR Distortion + and Rat is on my to-buy list. Just to have them and try out.

[dagony]

I'm 58 been playing metal since I was 13 and have had both models, vintage and current and it's always been the rat hands down..ds1 has always sounded way too thin for me.but everyone's taste is different so pick what's best for kill em all album was recorded with the rat by the way.boost mine with a tubescreamer through a 100 watt fender solid state on clean channel, it's a beast!!!

[James-egnf]

Both circuits are awesome and useful in their own way. I use my DS-1 stacked with an MXR Sugar Drive and can get huge pallet of tones this way. I would assume the Rat could be used the same way.

[huskybrutor]

Nice thing about a board is the Velcro and you can switch things out. It’s always a combo of ds-1, ts9, sd-1, and a rat.

[ThaiThom]

I prefer the Rat in a mix but I did have fun with the DS-1 in the 80s.

[filmfunken]

Nice review!🙂 I bet your cat prefers the Rat(I saw the tail😁)!

[octtrinittolavg]

Just one thing: a lot people here that Rat has better fuzz pedal characteristics than DS-1 - I wouldn't agree.
I prefer Rat distortion, but if we talk about fuzz role, it's more noticeable on DS-1, at least IMO.

[SuperciliousLLC]

The Rat2 just sounds cleaner and better to me. I think I will go with that one. Great review + #loveandHUNDREDS

[caelenselke-minogue]

Also you can boost a rat with a tube screamer run with gain at 0 and maxed out volume.