Radial Engineering Trimode

True Bypass Clean Mode
Dynamic Rhythm Distortion Mode
Dynamic Lead Distortion Mode
12ax7 tube for natural overdrive tone
Effects loop on lead channel

Individual controls: Level, Drive, Midboost
Shared controls: Filter, High, Low, Top End, Drive Gain

FX loop is quite cool for the lead channel, you're able to hook up a set of pedals that you'd use for your leads like a delay as most players do.

This is a 2 channel distortion pedal that has a tube in it and is thus a 'hybrid' distortion pedal. The overall features are good but they aren't 2 completely seperate channels as most of the important controls are shared. It's more like 1 and a half channels to be honest. Which might be all one needs? Or maybe not. Depends on the player and how they use it. I used to own two of these at one time just to make sure I had everything covered.


UTILIZATION

The manual does help if ones needs it however it's all pretty simple to me. The mini switches are preset EQs so that you can't adjust them except for the preset positions that are provided. Most, if not all the controls are active, meaning they are very sensitive and don't require extreme settings to have tonal changes, even the most subtle turn will change a lot.

The FX loop is also pretty self explanatory, you do need an 'insert' cable though to get this working properly, refer to the manual for more info.

This lets you kick in to the lead channel and turn on your effects in one stomp. Very usable.

SOUND QUALITY

I like the sound but it's not my preferred sound. Yes it is very dynamic and sounds great with almost any guitar, especially if it's plugged into a tube amp. If you plug this into a solidstate amp your results will definitely vary. I believe the Trimode is meant to be plugged into a clean amp, being that the Trimode would be the pedal to provide all your distortion needs.

The sound is very scooped to my ears. A very american modern overdrive sound, if you will. There is a lot of clarity and presence and the lead channel is a tad sharper sounding as well. I like it but bear in mind this is not a high gain box, though it does provide quite a bit of overdrive, you will not get a nice heavy metal modern sound out of this pedal without some help from the amp or other pedals combined.

Maybe for lead it can sound great, for high gain metal rhythm I don't believe this will do the trick. Other than that, it's a great sounding pedal! Very tube like and tweakable!

OVERALL OPINION

I think this is a great pedal for that american overdrive, bluesy type sound. Maybe a bit of classic rock sounds too. Although it has enough gain on tap to do anything, I personally think it's more suited for lower to medium gain applications. Paired with a good tube amp you can't go wrong with this pedal! The power supply is very unique on it's own though, which means extra space on your board cause it's hard to find power supplies that would work with such a device. I don't even know if one exists at this moment.

The quality of the pedal is great, it's really well-made of course as is all Radial stuff. So it's definitely a good american overdrive/distortion pedal, but it's not the magic box for ALL my distortion needs.

Comes in a beautiful box with non-slip pads and adapter. It's solid, well Designed.

UTILIZATION

Not need the manual. Trs is intuitive and simple. You turn the knobs and rings!

SOUND QUALITY

The PDAL is simply a killer, I use it with an SG standard and as a Vox AC30 amp and sometimes a Fender HotRod. I think the pedals is just one of the best distortions that can be obtained on a clear, particularly on a Fender tube amp, the Vox as duller and accepting a little less pedals.
The Trimode it's really more for fans of the Tonebone Classic Trimode because in fact it's just two in a Classic! So a can have two channels. I use one myself for my rhythmic sound and another for the lead, it's really very convenient.
Otherwise I would say that the sound is warm enough (pedals requires a lamp), with lots of harmonics, we really sustain a big crazy with! You can really do almost any style or with the pedals.

OVERALL OPINION

This is simply gniale pedals! It evolves a version of the Classic. I use it for over 4 months and I am satisfied compltement. You can really do everything with the possible exception of mtal and still dpend the stuff with which it is used.
I would resume again if c'tait probably the same. I tried a lot of high-end pedals that's really the one that stands out!

Pedal "three CHANNELS". In reality there are only two channels or to + bypass. If we start from this principle all the pedals have two channels! (I say this because a vendor tried to argue it here by the three channels are the main selling point ....).
This pedal is a pedal lamp. I leave you went to the manufacturer's website to see all the settings.
She is very well finished and very solid.
However watch out for the person who has a power supply to multiple outputs to feed all their pedals simultaneously without having 10kg of transformers: Power is 15V!
Nothing to say regarding the features.

UTILIZATION

Setup is simple. The settings are very sensitive. What can really shape the sound as you want. The possibilities are very extensive. Quickly found a sound and appropriate in all cases was the manual that offers settings. Which allows sounds from existing. Note that audio examples are available on the manufacturer's website and they match what is in the manual.
The use is not complicated at all.

SOUND QUALITY

So for distortion, I must say I found no better. There is a particular grain. Then we like it or not ....
In contrast to overdrive I must say that I prefer my Vox Duel Overdrive. The sound is less round with the tri-mode, more modern.
But what quality for distos!
It really can all do.
I play with a blues junior, the bypass is really good and keep my clean sound intact unlike some other pedals.
Also note that the sound of the guitar is well respected. Unlike some pedal, you can easily get a clean sound or a crunch by adjusting the volume knob on the guitar.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had two weeks. Worth to do much testing of sounds and not be satisfied with the first sound you get (which is very good). You can really fine tune.
I suggest you went to trial on this pedal:
http://www.guitaretv.com/

And of course to try it!
It's expensive but I will not buy a distortion pedal any time soon!