10
Radial Engineering
Classic Trimode
11
Radial Engineering
Classic Trimode
True to the Music
True to the Music
FAQ
Q: Why do you call it a Trimode when it only has two distor-
tion settings?
A: We felt that getting the ‘clean, rhythm, lead’ point across was
so important that we had to come up with a name to relate the
function. Trimode says it all.
Q: Is the Trimode like having a Classic and a Hot British in
a single pedal?
A: Yes and no. The Trimode’s two channels have been voiced
slightly differently to capture the very best rhythm and solo tones
in a single unit. This allows the Trimode to get close to some of
the fat tones that can be created with the Hot British. However,
the Classic employs two internal gain stages while the Hot Brit-
ish employs three and a different circuit topology.
Q: What is a hybrid design?
The Tonebone Classic Trimode combines tube and solid-state
circuitry to create the tone. The tube provides harmonics and
warmth while the solid-state gain stages provide the saturation.
We found that this winning combination provides great tone, lots
of dynamics and low noise.
Q: What kind of tube is inside the Trimode?
The Trimode employs a standard 12AX7. Because we are ‘starv-
ing the tube’ with low voltage, the tube will last a long time and
will never get very hot. The ‘air vents’ on the side panel provide
sufficient ventilation to keep the Trimode running cool.
Q: I thought tubes required high voltage to work?
This is true. To make tubes sound good and clean, they need lots
of voltage. But we are not trying to get the tubes to sound clean.
We are trying to get the tubes to distort, so we starve them of
voltage to suit our purpose. It’s an old trick, but it works!
Q: Why does the Trimode require 15VDC to work?
Even though we are starving the tubes, we still need sufficient
voltage to get the heater coils to "light up". The typical 9V sup-
plies just do not have sufficient voltage to do the job.
Q: Can I use a multi-pedal power supply with the Trimode?
Please check with the manufacturer and your dealer on this mat-
ter to be sure. Some pedalboard power supplies are equipped
with 16VDC outputs and the Tonebones may be run with these
so long as the polarity is correct and the supply can output
400mA of current.
Q: What is the benefit of having an effects loop?
There are several advantages in using the Trimode's effects
loop. The primary advantage is you can augment the tone of
the lead channel-2 by inserting effects or combinations of effect
pedals. Another advantage is the ability to prep several pedals
"off-line" and then engage with your lead sound simultaneously.
The effects loops also allows you to
take pedals out of the sig-
nal chain when they are not in use. This reduces noise and will
provide you with a better tone. Most pedals are not ‘true-bypass’
and therefore introduce a load on the signal which will affect the
clean tone.
Q: Can I not simply connect all my pedals in series?
As for using all of your pedals in series, you can of course do
this. You would, however, be losing the benefits of the Trimode's
effects loop that allows you to engage effect pedals along with
your lead sound. The Trimode's effects loop also lets you keep
the pedals connected to it out of the main circuit. This will trans-
late into better dynamics and less noise, especially when in
rhythm and clean modes.
Q: Can I get ‘Marshall’ style tones with the Trimode?
Tone is subjective. If you read the user comments on Har-
mony Central, (http://www.harmony-central.com/Effects/Data/
Tonebone/) you will find that some users find the Classic’s tone
to be very much like a ‘Marshall’ while others insist the Hot Brit-
ish is the best ‘Marshall in a pedal’ made. I think it is safe to say
that if you combine the Classic with a good amp, a good guitar
and a good pair of hands, you can get some very good sounds
and be able to perform most musical styles.
Q: Can I use the Trimode for two different lead tones?
Yes of course. We only refer to channel-1 as the rhythm channel
for reference sake. The Trimode’s rhythm channel is voiced very
much like the original Classic while the solo channel has been
voiced for a bit more bite. Both will yield exceptional lead tones.
If you are using channel-1 for lead work try increasing the chan-
nel-1 INTERMEDIATE DRIVE control for more distortion.
Q: How can I get more sustain with my tone?
Generally, there are two types of sustain: a heavily distorted
tone will provide plenty of sustain at low levels; a clean sustain
is generally played louder and is created by controlled feedback
with added mid-range. The Trimode is able to do both.
Q: Can I record 'direct' using the Trimode?
Yes. Many musicians use Tonebone pedals to record direct.
When you do, keep in mind that these pedals have been de-
signed to work best when connected to a guitar amplifier. Most
professional guitar amps use 12" speakers which tend to have
lots of mid-range. This means that you wil have to adjust your
EQ to suit. A good place to start is reducing the high end with the
Trimode's FILTER control. Most players find the high-end often
needs to be attenuated when recording direct.
