Radial Engineering TriMode

TriMode - Usage & Applications

Owning a Trimode is like having two Tonebone Classic tube distortion pedals in a single pedal – only better. It features a footswitch to easily switch between Rhythm and Lead channels with a single switch. Using Trimode is easy and intuitive. The following information explains some of the basic functionalities built into the Trimode. For full details, we recommend downloading the complete manual by clicking on the icon to the left.

Overview

Following the block diagram from left to right, the Trimode is designed to provide perfect true bypass tone, meaning that when Trimode is not engaged, the guitar signal passes directly to the amplifier, even if the power is disconnected.

There are two gain stages in the Trimode. The first is a solid state/tube combination that allows you to adjust the overall distortion using a 3-position selector switch. At low settings, Trimode will give you the effect of a small pumped guitar amp, while at high settings, it will produce Mesa-Boogie style sustain with incredible harmonics. Most players set the Drive Gain to the MED (middle) position and then adjust the Drive and Level controls of the two channels to their liking.

You will notice that the channel selector is located between the Drive Gain switch and the individual channel Drives. This design allows you to distort each channel by adjusting it independently. The Rhythm channel is equipped with an Interstage™ gain control that allows you to optimize the signal coming from the first gain stage before it reaches the second stage. This control is recessed to prevent accidental adjustments and is accessible with a screwdriver through a small hole located on the right side.

Since some players will use the Trimode for two different Solo settings, both the Rhythm and Lead channels are equipped with a 3-position switch to adjust the mid-range boost. This allows you to add more or less boost to the signal for greater definition and sustain. For equalization, the Trimode features three rotary potentiometers. The HIGH and LOW controls use Radial's exclusive 'passive-interactive' circuit, which combines musicality with an extreme range to provide you with a wide range of tones. A high-frequency roll-off FILTER acts as an 'anti-presence' and is used to compensate for excessively bright amplifiers that can sound 'harsh' when pushed to high levels. Finally, there is a 3-position top-end switch that allows selection between Dark, Normal, and Bright to modify the overall character of the Trimode to suit your setup and style. Combining these features allows you to choose from a variety ranging from classic overdriven amps of the '60s to today's ultra-thick saturated tones.