Distributed by: Amber Technology | Expect to pay: $269.99
Something that is often understated is the difference that an organised pedalboard makes on not just your performance, but also your creativity. The RockBoard TRES 3.1, with its incredible range of accessories, takes pedalboard efficiency to another level and is guaranteed to be a game changer. The pedalboard range comes with an impressive selection of compatible accessories; such as, the MOD 1 and 2 V2 Patchbays, the MOD 5 cabinet simulation and direct input patch bay, LED Light, QuickMount Plates, The Tray – Universal Power Supply Mounting Solution, Power Block ISO V10, flat cables, and of course, the ABS case.
Starting with the board itself, it’s slick and sturdy, with a black powder-coated light aluminium body angled at ten degrees for nimble pedal stomping and a slotted design so that you can not only tuck away patch cables, but guide them into specific areas for ease of organisation. The TRES 3.1 in particular is 522 mm wide, 236 mm deep and 71 mm high when including its rubber feet.
The board fits approximately five to ten pedals depending on their size, and RockBoard have ensured a QuickMount Plate to suit each possible size. The TRES 3.1 can certainly be used with conventional hook and loop tape and cable ties, but if you’re looking for a near unmovable, professional solution for mounting your pedals, look no further than the QuickMount Plates. It includes replacement mounting screws and silicone adhesive pad for use with pedals without back plate screws or different mounting hole configurations, so there truly is no need for permanent modification.
Something to be noted is the strength of these plates – many may say a “quick and easy removal”, and it may just be me, but I could remove it with my bare hands. I would certainly recommend getting the QuickRemoval tool they sell separately, but this could all simply be a testament to the strength and security of this pedalboard.
On the topic of strength, the ABS case gives both durability and easy of transportation, as it is secure enough to travel with on tour but not as cumbersome or heavy as a flight case. It has its lightweight ABS shell to thank for its total weight of 3kg, it is reinforced at all supporting edges and comes with high density thick foam padding and thick foam rubber on the lid – which is detachable – making it no surprise that its maximum load weight is 15kg.
Another thing that can change everything for board construction are the MOD 1 and 2 V2 Patchbays. The MOD 2 TRS, MIDI & USB Patchbay specifically designed for MIDI controlled amplifiers and devices, USB connections to a computer, or a sound card/interface. The 4x TRS thru connections accommodate for true stereo setups with keyboards or synthesisers.
The MOD1 is a TRS & XLR, IEC & Barrel Patchbay best suited for guitar and bass players. Both of them can be used to run several pedals from your board through the effects loop of your amp, or simply as a central access point to your pedalboard via the TRS thru connections. For example, you could run your overdrive, distortion or modulation pedals to the front of your amp, and then delay and reverb through the FX send and return.
What about if you have a pedal that requires a different energy supplies? Fear not, it is a pass- through box, meaning you could run multiple power supplies straight though the MODs and only need one power cable. Neat in every sense of the term. Although, the ISO Power Block V10 should be sufficient for most! It has eight isolated 9v outputs at 150 mA and two isolated 18v outputs at 400mA. It’s slim, incredibly light weight and whatever your power situation is, The Tray should keep them all snug and safely secured to the bottom of your board.
Ever gone to a venue that just had the most atrocious backline available? We’ve all been there. With the MOD 5, you can not only use it as a DI with its TRS inputs, but also an Impulse Response. It has a vast array of Cabinet Simulation sounds via their IR Loader Software, but it already comes with six of its own Impulse Responses already built into it too, you can replace any of these through the software and it is very simple to use. You can run it in balanced or unbalanced, stereo or mono, and it has a ground lift too.
There’s a headphone output with its own volume control, a USB port to update firmware. The sounds are incredibly pleasing to the ear, can go directly from. Your pedal board to the front of house and back to your monitors, or if you’re in a recording situation, straight into your interface. All of these MOD blocks make organising and snaking tour cables a breeze, they’re all lightweight and very versatile as you can remove the front plate and have it compatible with any pedalboard, not just the RockBoard TRES.
Honestly, much more could be said about these excellent products. It makes pedalboard building so mess-free, organised and satisfying. The RockBoard TRES 3.1 and all of its accessories really is the best on the market at the moment.
Get in touch with Amber Technology to find out more about the RockBoard range.
