PedalTrain 2 Review
This review focuses on the PedalTrain 2 pedal board. I recently switched my rig from a rack based
setup to head, cab and pedals. Only took 1 gig with having to setup and tear down 3 pedals to
realize this was not the way to gig. After researching the various commercially available
pedal boards I settled on the PedalTrain 2 which is the mid sized product from PedalTrain.
On of the reasons I chose this boards was weight. The PedalTrains are made from aluminum which make
them much lighter that the plywood based boards. The PedalTrain 2 also comes with a tour grade
flight case with recessed latches and handle is included. Case interior has additional storage
space for cables, spare pedals, and accessories. Another reason is that I intend to go back to a
small rack setup with my pedals mounted on a shelf and the rig controlled by the Axess FX-1. This
board is the perfect size for the FX-1, StroboStomp and Wah.
Dimensions:
frame 24x12.5x2 inches / weight 4 lbs.
case 25.5x18x8 inches / weight 16 lbs.
Board Layout
Before applying the fuzzy size of the included velcro I took some time and moved my pedals to
try and determine the optimal position. The one thing that really dictates where pedals go is
power. My setup features a Keeley modded Line6 MM-4 in the FX loop of my amp along with a StroboStomp
tuner, OD808, OCD, GE7, DD-3 delay and a Vox wah. The MM-4 requires it's own power and you want
to keep effects in the loop seperated from those in front of the amp power wise. This will prevent
ground loops which cause a very bad hum.
Once locations were set I applied the velcro to the board and the pedals, ran the power daisy chain
and cut GeorgeL's to the appropriate size. Once everything was connected I used the included
wire ties to secure the power daisy chain and cables to the bottom of the PedalTrain.
Final Thoughts
Once I got the pedal layout finalized it was very easy to secure the pedals and neatly run the
necessary power and audio lines. This will help present the band in a more professional manner
(every little bit helps).
I would also like to take a moment and talk about PedalTrain's incredible customer service. The
first unit I bought was not square and wobbled across the diagonal pretty badly. I sent an email
to PedalTrain late Wednesday night and received a reply first thing Thursday morning with instructions
on how to get the unit back into square. Numerous email from the PedalTrain folks checking up to
make sure everything was going smoothly as well. Can't say enough about the support I received.
If I ever need to purchase another pedal board there will be only 1 choice - PedalTrain. This is
one product I can highly recommend based on the product quality and more importantly the incredible
customer service.
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