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Average Price: $526

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$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

What type of power supply does the Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble require?

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.

Can the Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble be used with instruments other than guitar?

Yes, the Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble can be effectively used with keyboards, saxophones, and harmonicas, providing a versatile rotary effect for various instruments.

How does the Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble simulate rotary speaker effects?

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.

Does the Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble have stereo output capability?

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.

What are the primary controls on the Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble?

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.

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

BOSS RT-20 Rotary Sound Processor

Video thumbnail for BOSS RT-20 Rotary Sound Processor by N Stuff Music

BOSS RT-20 Rotary Sound Processor

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for BOSS RT-20 Rotary Ensemble [BOSS Sound Check] by BOSSchannel

BOSS RT-20 Rotary Ensemble [BOSS Sound Check]

BOSSchannel

BOSSchannel

Video thumbnail for RT-20  Rotary Sound Processor [Overview] by BOSSchannel

RT-20 Rotary Sound Processor [Overview]

BOSSchannel

BOSSchannel

Video thumbnail for The RT-20 Rotary Ensemble by Boss - That Leslie Sound Series by PJ and the Beard

The RT-20 Rotary Ensemble by Boss - That Leslie Sound Series

PJ and the Beard

PJ and the Beard

Video thumbnail for BOSS RT-20 Rotary Ensemble | STEREO DEMO by Pedal Science

BOSS RT-20 Rotary Ensemble | STEREO DEMO

Pedal Science

Pedal Science

Video thumbnail for Boss RT-20 - Rotary Ensemble by Manuel Bastian

Boss RT-20 - Rotary Ensemble

Manuel Bastian

Manuel Bastian

Video thumbnail for Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble (Stereo Record) by Pedal Sessions

Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble (Stereo Record)

Pedal Sessions

Pedal Sessions

Video thumbnail for RT-20 boss rotary demo by Reverend Guitar Man

RT-20 boss rotary demo

Reverend Guitar Man

Reverend Guitar Man

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional Leslie simulator for various instruments

  • Features a Keyboard mode for versatile use

  • Compatible with expression pedals for dynamic control

  • Offers both mono and stereo modes for expanded soundstage

  • Provides convincing rotary speaker emulation

  • Built with durable, "bullet-proof" Boss construction

  • Offers independent speed and dual level controls

  • Overdrive control adds grit to sound (if desired)

  • Allows integration with other effects for creative soundscaping

  • Unique and visually appealing display

CONS

  • Drive potentiometer feature lacks quality sound

  • Could benefit from a smaller form factor

  • 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

  • The virtual rotor display is a standout feature that captures interest and adds visual appeal during performances.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Comparisons

  • When compared to the Strymon Lex, the RT-20 holds its own in terms of sound quality, though the lighting may appear quirky.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The overdrive knob is praised for adding extra 'heft' to the sound, enhancing the rotary effect experience.

    Source
  • The RT-20 paired with a JC amp excels in stereo but may not meet expectations with certain vibe settings, which some users find less compelling.

    Source

User experience

  • Users appreciate the RT-20 for its ability to mimic a Leslie speaker setup effectively, especially in stereo amp configurations.

    Source
  • The rotary effect is particularly enhanced with a touch of drive, though excessive drive is not preferred by some for lead parts with a bluesy feel.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A regular expression pedal is recommended for manual rotary speed control, with the Old Blood Noise slider expression pedal being favored for recording due to its compact size.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Boss RT20

soundonsound.com

The Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble impresses with its robust build, versatile modes, and mesmerizing LED display, offering solid rotary speaker emulation for both guitarists and keyboardists. Its COSM technology delivers a warm, musical sound, although it doesn't fully capture the nuanced shimmer of a real Leslie. The pedal's controllability is a standout, making it ideal for live performances. Some operational noise is present, potentially added for authenticity, but an option to eliminate it would be appreciated. Despite some competition from digital emulations, the RT-20's user-friendly design and quality sound justify its price.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 31 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
amar
amar

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.

peasinafookinpod420

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

stanley_christiaensen

21

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M

to rotate (leslize?) the dx200

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Johnny Marr uses Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Bruce Springsteen uses Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble

Bruce Springsteen

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Bill Kelliher uses Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble

Bill Kelliher

Singer, Guitarist

Mastodon

...
Verified via Photo

Circa 2009-2010, Bill uses the RT-20 in his pedalboard for the Leslie sound at live situations.

See how Peter Frampton uses Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble

Peter Frampton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Greg Howe uses Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble

Greg Howe

Guitarist

Richie Kotzen & Greg Howe

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to the Premier Guitar's article, Howe uses the Boss RT-20 rotary ensemble pedal.

See how Richie Faulkner uses Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble

Richie Faulkner

Guitarist

Judas Priest

...
Verified via YouTube

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."

See how Dave Harrington uses Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble

Dave Harrington

Guitarist, Music Producer

Darkside

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Steven Van Zandt uses Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble

Steven Van Zandt

Guitarist

E Street Band

...
Verified via Photo

As part of Van Zandt's rack in 2008.

See how Adam Smith uses Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble

Adam Smith

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Temples

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Dave Kilminster uses Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble

Dave Kilminster

Guitarist

Bryan Adams & Roger Waters

...
Verified via Dave Kilminster

On his website Dave Kilminster lists this item as part of his 2008 gear.

See how Peter Koppes uses Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble

Peter Koppes

Guitarist

The Church

...
Verified via Photo

Peter uses a Boss RT-20 processor, according to Guitar Geek's rig diagram.

See how Siouxsie Medley uses Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble

Siouxsie Medley

Guitarist

Dead Sara

...
Verified via Photo

Siouxsie relesed this photo in early 2017 - in the time of preparing Dead Sara's fouth album release. She is trying out new sounds for the album with couple of new Boss pedals. RT-20 is among them.

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.

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Community setups

Show yours
oceanbloomin

oceanbloomin

Gear IQ 133

alecani

alecani

Gear IQ 2413

2 alternative and related items for Boss RT-20 Rotary Ensemble, curated by the Equipboard community.

Strymon Lex

$299.00 - $352.00

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound high-end alternative
Boss RT-2 Rotary Ensemble Pedal

$199.99 - $239.99

newer similar sound cheaper alternative

The RT-2 is a more compact and simplified version of the long discontinued, cult classic RT-20.

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