Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $526
High-end/Boutique
$100
$251+
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Description
Unleash your inner rock legend with the Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble, an essential addition to your guitar rig. Emulating the iconic rotary-speaker sounds, the RT-20 uses advanced COSM®-modeling technology to craft authentic soundscapes that echo with the styles of guitar greats like Santana, Jeff Beck, and the Beatles. Whether you're after the classic twirl or looking to create unique overdrive and pulsating effects, the RT-20's adjustable settings provide a wide range of sonic versatility.
Key Features:
- COSM®-modeling technology for authentic rotary-speaker sounds
- Adjustable Rise Time
- Horn and Bass speed control
- Overdrive for creating unique sound effects
- Pulsating effects for added versatility
Product specs
| Brand | Boss |
| Model | RT-20 Rotary Ensemble |
| Finish | White |
| Year | 2005 - 2025 |
| Made In | Taiwan |
| Categories | Chorus and Vibrato |
FAQs
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What type of power supply does the Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble require?
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The Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble requires a BOSS PSA Series power adapter and draws 85 mA of current. Any PSA adaptor with at least 200 mA will be compatible.
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Can the Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble be used with instruments other than guitar?
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Yes, the Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble can be effectively used with keyboards, saxophones, and harmonicas, providing a versatile rotary effect for various instruments.
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How does the Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble simulate rotary speaker effects?
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The Boss RT-20 uses COSM technology to emulate the classic rotary speaker sound, offering adjustable parameters such as speed, rise time, and horn/rotor balance for a customizable effect.
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Does the Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble have stereo output capability?
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Yes, the Boss RT-20 features stereo outputs, allowing you to create spacious, immersive rotary effects by connecting to two amplifiers or a stereo PA system.
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What are the primary controls on the Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble?
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The Boss RT-20 includes controls for effect level, direct level, rise time, speed, and horn/rotor balance, enabling detailed customization of the rotary effect to suit your sound preferences.
Videos
N Stuff Music
BOSS RT-20 Rotary Sound Processor
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional Leslie simulator for various instruments
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Features a Keyboard mode for versatile use
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Compatible with expression pedals for dynamic control
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Offers both mono and stereo modes for expanded soundstage
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Provides convincing rotary speaker emulation
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Built with durable, "bullet-proof" Boss construction
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Offers independent speed and dual level controls
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Overdrive control adds grit to sound (if desired)
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Allows integration with other effects for creative soundscaping
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Unique and visually appealing display
CONS
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Drive potentiometer feature lacks quality sound
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Could benefit from a smaller form factor
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Requires workaround for braking effect without dual foot use
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble.
Features and functionality
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The virtual rotor display is a standout feature that captures interest and adds visual appeal during performances.
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The ramping feature is appreciated, though users wish for independent control over ramp-up and ramp-down speeds, suggesting a need for more customizable modulation control.
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Comparisons
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When compared to the Strymon Lex, the RT-20 holds its own in terms of sound quality, though the lighting may appear quirky.
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The RT-20 may not satisfy those seeking authentic analog stereo Uni-vibe tones, as digital processing is perceived as more accessible and effective for this purpose.
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Use cases and applications
User experience
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 31 Ratings
263
One of my favorites!
This is one of my all-time favorite pedals. I LOVE the rotary sound. You can choose to do so much with this. Fast, slow, moderate. combine it with a tremolo, flanger/phaser, chorus, or even a delay pedal, and you can do wonders.
The imitation of a leslie speaker.
I have too much fun with this.
2423
great pedal
it was one of the first Pat got. he liked the name and the sound. we use it if we cannot use the actual Leslie speakers
Artist usage
Add artist
In the second video of the "Making of Council Skies" series, Johnny Marr is observed preparing to contribute to Noel Gallagher's "Council Skies" record. During this segment, a Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble is clearly visible as the third pedal from the left on the upper half of Johnny's pedalboard, specifically between the 11:16 and 11:20 mark. This visual evidence confirms Johnny Marr's use of the Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble, as documented in the YouTube video directed by Anaïs Gallagher.
On this picture of the Boss' pedalboard, we can see a double Boss pedal on the right side above the Boss purple flanger. The light-gold colour, the 'rotary led' on the top and the 8 knobs make immediately thing of the RT-20 Rotary Speaker Sound.
Circa 2009-2010, Bill uses the RT-20 in his pedalboard for the Leslie sound at live situations.
On XTS's website, they shared photos of pedalboard they built for Peter Frampton. Boss RT-20 can be seen under the Framptone Amp Switcher on pedalboard.
According to the Premier Guitar's article, Howe uses the Boss RT-20 rotary ensemble pedal.
In a guitar rig tour video by Sweetwater, Richie Faulkner of Judas Priest discusses using the Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble to achieve the distinctive rotary effect heard at the beginning of "Sinner." Faulkner notes that this pedal captures the Hendrix-like sound he was seeking, reminiscent of the effect used in "House Burning Down." He appreciates the pedal not only for its sound quality but also for its aesthetic, likening its color to a "brown 80s Porsche."
In the Premier Guitar Rig Rundown video for Darkside, Dave Harrington confirms his use of the Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble as part of his pedalboard setup.
As seen in this photo of Adam Smith's pedalboard, he uses the Boss RT-20 Rotary Speaker guitar pedal. It can be seen in the middle of his pedalboard setup. This photo was taken at a Temples show at the Parish in Austin, TX in Oct 2014.
On his website Dave Kilminster lists this item as part of his 2008 gear.
Peter uses a Boss RT-20 processor, according to Guitar Geek's rig diagram.
Album Usage
The Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation2 alternative and related items for Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble, curated by the Equipboard community.
$299.00 - $352.00
$199.99 - $239.99
The RT-2 is a more compact and simplified version of the long discontinued, cult classic RT-20.
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