Here, the male tinkering instinct with a penchant for gigantic dimensions lead to sometimes square meter-like board outgrowths, which require their own case, in which otherwise only live mixers from AC/DC are transported. To avoid such excesses, which is particularly due to the excessive cable routing, the company Pedaltrain raised the two-dimensional wooden board to a three-dimensional ramp and a system was born, which offered plenty of space for underground cable routing due to the strut-based frame construction. Simple, but effective.
For the test we have not only a selection of the current Pedaltrain boards, but also 2 power supplies from our own production along with a small detail solution, which has it in itself.
Construction
All effect pedal boards are based on the same concept. A frame made of aluminum is strengthened by cross braces and offers through the slots the possibility to lay the cabling under the board. The former manufacturing from the USA has now also been moved to China, which unfortunately led to losses in the quality of the gig bags. The small weaving errors here and there and the sometimes somewhat lovelessly riveted rubber feet of the boards are not particularly noticeable, the consistently inferior zippers of the bags unfortunately are. Not one that would not display the usual hooking in the corners, here Pedaltrain should definitely improve in my opinion.
The test selection:
Pedaltrain Nano+
Space for 3-5 floor effects
(W x H x D): 45.7 x 12.7 x 3.5 cm
Weight: 0.51 kg
Scope of delivery: gig bag, velcro strap and cable ties
Small, cute, handy and a good playmate for BOSS style effects. The center slot allows the cable routing to be placed under the board, and with the Pedaltrain Volvo (see review below) you can even create a self-sufficient system.
Pedaltrain Metro 20 SC
Space for 5-10 floor effects
(W x H x D): 50.8 x 20.3 x 3.5 cm
Weight: 0.79 kg
Scope of delivery: gig bag, velcro strap and cable ties
Conceptually very similar to the Nano+, however, larger effect pedals in Digitech format or "real" pedals like Wah Wah find their place here. Like the Nano+, both boards do not yet have a bevel due to their small size.
Pedaltrain Classic 2 SC
Space for 10-15 ground effects
(W x H x D): 60.9 x 31.7 x 8.9 cm
Weight: 1,47 kg
Scope of delivery: gig bag, velcro strap and cable ties
With the Pedaltrain Classic 2 SC, we come for the first time in the area that Pedaltrain has applied for a patent, due to the sloping support surface. Due to the height of over 30 cm, 2 small pedals can be mounted one behind the other, which almost doubles the number of effects compared to the previous two models. In order not to perish in the battery swamp, it is at the latest here time to think about an external power supply. Due to the design, it is now possible to mount a narrow multi power supply in the upper area of the board below the struts.
Pedaltrain Novo 24 SC
Space for 10-15 floor effects
(W x H x D): 60.9 x 36.8 x 8.9 cm
Weight: 2.27 kg
Scope of delivery: gig bag, velcro strap and cable ties
From the approach almost identical to the Pedaltrain Classic 2 SC, but due to the height of almost 37 cm on 2 larger pedals find space on the board in a row.
Pedaltrain Powertrain 1250
While in the beginning one was still dependent on third-party manufacturers such as Voodoo Lab, Pedaltrain has now also gone over to offering its own products for this market segment. Of course, the special features of their own designs can be taken into account, such as the low installation height below the struts. The Pedaltrain Powertrain 1250 meets the specified dimensions and can be attached with the bombproof method of screwing in addition to the Velcro variant.
To do this, take the supplied drilling template, get extended threaded screws (be careful, it could be inch thread, try carefully!) and place the power supply in a suitable place. In terms of features, the Pedaltrain Powertrain 1250 is an ornament to its guild. Firstly, the product has a voltage selection between 220 - 240 V, respectively 110 - 120 V. For the internationally touring musician an existential advantage, as I could experience myself recently. Go to Brazil, partly 2 different mains voltages in the same city ...
Furthermore, the Pedaltrain Powertrain 1250 is one of the few power supplies which also provides 18 V DC if required. The corresponding output can even be switched between 18 V, 15 V, 12 V and 9 V at 150 mA. Three additional 9 V outputs at 210 mA each can mimic a weakening 9 V battery in their voltage output by means of a small screwdriver to capture the legendary sound of Eric Johnson. Lastly, we have 4 regular 9 V outputs, which do not exceed 500 mA in their total output. However, since most pedals get by on 100 - 200 mA anyway, this shouldn't be a problem.
Pedaltrain Volto
The highlight of the test setup, however, is a soap mold-like white plastic case and goes by the name Volto. Basically nothing more than a 2000 mA high-capacity battery, it replaces the flood of 9 V batteries in a very slim case that can even be stuck under Nano and Metro 20 boards. Equipped with 2 pieces of 9 V outputs and two daisy-chain cables, theoretically 6 effect pedals can be supplied with sufficient power. At about 200 mA on average, this would mean an average of 10 hrs.
A new charge of the product takes about 6 hours, an appropriate power supply along with a short cable is included with the product. In case of doubt, however, the cigarette lighter of the band bus or the local mobile charger will also do.
Pedaltrain Pedal Booster PBK
What a help a bent piece of sheet metal can be. Short problem description: Two identically high pedals behind each other on the board, you want to switch the rear effect on/off and thereby adjust the potentiometers of the front effect unit or break them off in the worst case. Remedy: The Pedal Booster removes the slant of the board, the On/Off switch is raised, the problem is solved. So simple, so good!
Practice
The practical operation of the boards can be dealt with quickly. They do exactly what they are supposed to do. Thanks to the aluminum construction, the boards are very light and can be transported easily. In terms of workmanship, a little more care could be taken here and there, but let's be honest, with a pedalboard, it doesn't really matter if there is possibly still a weld on the underside.
The included Velcro is neat, however, I personally always prefer the attachment with cable ties. Even the strongest Velcro can jerk loose, for example, when transported upright in the band bus. The gig bags protect the effects very well, but as already mentioned suffer from the below-average zippers.
The two power supplies Pedaltrain Powertrain 1250 and Powertrain Volto leave a very good impression, although one should think again around the corner with the flagship battery Volto. 10 hrs of use means "can", not "must". If you have, for example, a high-quality reverb in FX mode, you may gladly deal with 2-3 hours of operation.
Furthermore, effects in the serial FX loop of your amp, Volto empty, means amp dead! My tip, leave an emergency battery in the effect pedal, pull the power plug in an emergency and bring the show to an end with battery voltage. Furthermore, once the Volto is empty it needs a minimum charge to be able to supply the effects with voltage again during the ongoing charging operation. The Volto is not an iPhone battery!
And last but not least, test if your effects work in daisy chain mode. There are some effects that require their own output, no matter how much mA is behind it, which in turn means that in the worst case you will only have power for 2 effects pedals!
Conclusion
The class leader in terms of effect boards shows many strengths and marginal weaknesses in the current edition. As before, Pedaltrain shines with an innovative concept and fills the gap to a very good sole supplier by upgrading the portfolio with stand-alone power supplies and additional products. The Powertrain 1250 and Volto power supplies show excellent detailed solutions and will quickly become an industry standard in my opinion.
The quality drop in the workmanship caused by the Chinese production should be easily controlled by better final inspection and higher-quality components.
Additional Informations:
Comprehensive Report on Pedaltrain Floorboards
1. Introduction:
Pedaltrain Floorboards is a renowned company specializing in the design and manufacturing of premium quality pedalboards for musicians and guitar enthusiasts. Founded in 2002 by John Chandler in Nashville, Tennessee, the company has since gained a prominent position in the music industry, catering to the needs of professional musicians, hobbyists, and touring artists alike. This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Pedaltrain Floorboards, covering its history, product range, design philosophy, manufacturing processes, customer satisfaction, and its impact on the music gear industry.
2. History and Founding:
Pedaltrain Floorboards began as a passion project for John Chandler, an avid guitar player and pedal enthusiast. Dissatisfied with the limited options available in the market at the time, Chandler decided to design his own pedalboard, one that would be lightweight, durable, and versatile. In 2002, he launched Pedaltrain Floorboards with its first product, the PT-1, which quickly gained popularity among musicians due to its innovative design and functionality.
3. Product Range:
Over the years, Pedaltrain has expanded its product range, offering a diverse selection of pedalboards to cater to varying needs and preferences. They offer various models, such as the Classic Series, Novo Series, and Terra Series, each featuring different sizes and configurations. The Classic Series is known for its time-tested, robust design, while the Novo Series incorporates improved features like open-front designs and enhanced cable management. The Terra Series is tailored for professional touring musicians, providing ample space for larger setups. Additionally, Pedaltrain also offers a wide range of accessories, including soft cases, hard cases, and power supply mounting brackets.
4. Design Philosophy:
Pedaltrain Floorboards' design philosophy revolves around three key principles: simplicity, durability, and functionality. Their pedalboards feature minimalist designs, free from unnecessary frills, focusing on providing a solid and reliable platform for guitar pedals. The use of lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum ensures portability without compromising on strength. Their open-frame designs facilitate easy cable routing and organization, reducing the risk of tangling and signal interference. By adhering to these principles, Pedaltrain has set a standard for pedalboard design across the industry.
5. Manufacturing Processes:
Pedaltrain Floorboards prides itself on its commitment to producing high-quality products. The manufacturing process starts with precision-cutting aluminum sheets using computer-controlled machinery to ensure consistency and accuracy. After shaping the pedalboard frames, they go through a rigorous quality control process to detect any imperfections. The pedalboards are then finished with a powder-coated surface, providing a durable and scratch-resistant finish. The attention to detail and high-quality materials contribute to the longevity of Pedaltrain products.
6. Customer Satisfaction:
One of Pedaltrain Floorboards' most significant achievements is its exceptional customer satisfaction. Musicians worldwide have praised the company for its reliable, well-designed, and user-friendly pedalboards. Reviews often highlight the durability and stability of the boards, even during extensive touring and live performances. Pedaltrain's commitment to customer feedback and constant improvements has fostered a loyal and supportive community of users.
7. Impact on the Music Gear Industry:
Pedaltrain Floorboards has played a crucial role in revolutionizing the music gear industry. Their innovative pedalboard designs have set new standards for functionality, ease of use, and portability. The success of their open-frame design has inspired numerous competitors to adopt similar approaches. Moreover, Pedaltrain's dedication to sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices has also encouraged other companies in the industry to prioritize environmental responsibility.
8. Conclusion:
Pedaltrain Floorboards' journey from a passion project to an industry-leading brand showcases the power of innovation, dedication, and a commitment to quality. Through their minimalist and functional pedalboard designs, Pedaltrain has empowered countless musicians worldwide to organize and optimize their pedal setups effectively. As they continue to evolve and expand their product line, Pedaltrain remains a driving force in the music gear industry, consistently raising the bar for pedalboard design and contributing to the enrichment of the music-making experience.
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