Nobels TR-X Tremolo
(Discofreq’s Effects Database page.)
The Nobels TR-X has more features than most other low-to-mid-priced tremolo pedals. It offers a choice of four waveforms - although, there are actually only two available waveforms (sine and square) with two variations of each (soft and hard)... And there is a lot of overlap across the waveforms, to the point where I don't think many people would complain if there were only two choices. Plus, the square wave settings aren't that choppy - there is a definite ramp up/down to the waveform (particularly evident at slower speeds), so I'd describe this as more of a retro tremolo pedal.
It scores points over other pedals by having a volume control. [I've read other reviews which claim that, even with this all the way up there is a volume drop, but that isn't the case with mine (unity with the bypassed signal is at around 2:00, thereby giving plenty of scope to boost level).] A very interesting, noteworthy feature is the 'Tone' control. This doesn't work as you'd expect, and the manual doesn't go into any great depth to offer an explanation.
The Tone control acts on the high frequencies, so at it's minimum position, you will get a standard, full-range (tonally transparent) tremolo. As you turn the Tone up, you will notice the treble frequencies are less modulated and seem to sit on top of the effect. At the maximum position, the treble frequencies are practically untouched and the bass will be pulsing away. It's a great feature.
The metal casing and general construction inspire confidence, but the potentiometers are of the plastic-post variety (and are not chassis-mounted), so I could easily envisage them getting broken if you're not careful.
(Discofreq’s Effects Database page.)
The Nobels TR-X has more features than most other low-to-mid-priced tremolo pedals. It offers a choice of four waveforms - although, there are actually only two available waveforms (sine and square) with two variations of each (soft and hard)... And there is a lot of overlap across the waveforms, to the point where I don't think many people would complain if there were only two choices. Plus, the square wave settings aren't that choppy - there is a definite ramp up/down to the waveform (particularly evident at slower speeds), so I'd describe this as more of a retro tremolo pedal.It scores points over other pedals by having a volume control. [I've read other reviews which claim that, even with this all the way up there is a volume drop, but that isn't the case with mine (unity with the bypassed signal is at around 2:00, thereby giving plenty of scope to boost level).] A very interesting, noteworthy feature is the 'Tone' control. This doesn't work as you'd expect, and the manual doesn't go into any great depth to offer an explanation.
The Tone control acts on the high frequencies, so at it's minimum position, you will get a standard, full-range (tonally transparent) tremolo. As you turn the Tone up, you will notice the treble frequencies are less modulated and seem to sit on top of the effect. At the maximum position, the treble frequencies are practically untouched and the bass will be pulsing away. It's a great feature.
The metal casing and general construction inspire confidence, but the potentiometers are of the plastic-post variety (and are not chassis-mounted), so I could easily envisage them getting broken if you're not careful.
