ProCo RAT vs Boss DS-1 Distortion
The RAT wins for versatility — its Filter control sweeps from bright fizz to thick smooth distortion across a much wider usable range than the DS-1. The DS-1 wins for affordability and the classic Cobain/Nirvana grunge character.
ProCo RAT
Harder-clipping distortion with a unique Filter control that runs backwards (clockwise = darker). Warmer and more compressed than the DS-1, with more amp-like harmonic content across a wider gain range.
Blues rock, alternative, post-punk, hard rock — harmonically rich distortion with more low-gain versatility
Boss DS-1 Distortion
The world's best-selling distortion pedal. Hard-clipping circuit with a fixed mid-forward character responsible for Kurt Cobain's Nevermind tones and countless classic rock recordings.
Classic rock, punk, grunge, beginner hard rock — fixed mid-forward distortion character
Tone Character
ProCo RAT
- ✓ Versatile Filter control
- ✓ Warmer character than DS-1
- ✓ Works as overdrive at low gain
- ✓ Classic studio pedal on thousands of records
- ✗ Filter control is counter-intuitive (inverted)
- ✗ Doesn't clean up with guitar volume
- ✗ Noisy at maximum gain
Boss DS-1 Distortion
- ✓ Cheap and universally available
- ✓ Reliable Boss build quality
- ✓ Mid-forward character suits rock
- ✓ Responds well to modding (Keeley, AnalogMan)
- ✗ Fizzy at high Distortion settings
- ✗ Limited tonal range
- ✗ Mid-push can sound nasal
- ✗ Not suited for low-gain styles
When To Choose Each
Alt-rock, grunge and blues-rock players who want a versatile distortion — Kurt Cobain, Jeff Beck and Thom Yorke all used the RAT.
Budget-conscious players wanting classic grunge distortion or a first dirt pedal — ubiquitous at under $60.
Final Verdict — ProCo RAT vs Boss DS-1 Distortion
Best for beginners
ProCo RAT
ProCo RAT scores higher on versatility (62/100) and lower on gain (68/100) — a more forgiving starting point than Boss DS-1 Distortion.
Best for metal tones
ProCo RAT
ProCo RAT leads on gain (68/100) and bass response (45/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
Boss DS-1 Distortion
At £45 vs £79, Boss DS-1 Distortion delivers 43% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is meaningful.
Specification Summary
| ProCo RAT | Boss DS-1 Distortion | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £79 | £45 |
| Category | Distortion | Distortion |
| Gain | 68/100 | 72/100 |
| Warmth | 55/100 | 42/100 |
| Treble | 52/100 | 58/100 |
| Bass | 45/100 | 38/100 |
| Versatility | 62/100 | 52/100 |
| Best for | Blues rock, alternative, post-punk, hard rock | Classic rock, punk, grunge, beginner hard rock |
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Frequently Asked Questions
The RAT — its Filter control sweeps from bright fizz to thick, smooth distortion. The DS-1 has a narrower usable range.
Kurt Cobain, Jeff Beck, Thom Yorke, Dave Grohl, Graham Coxon.
Neither is ideal for high-gain metal, but the RAT at max distortion with filter dark is closer. For metal use a dedicated pedal.
The Turbo has a brighter clipping option. For most players the RAT2 is sufficient.