TEST: Allpedal Devils Triad

 Some insiders will know Jeff Loomis from his work with “Nevermore”, but he made his final leap into the top league with his entry into “Arch Enemy” in 2014, where, in contrast to Michael Amott, who was primarily responsible for the is responsible for the composition work and takes over the virtuoso parts of the guitar work. I met both of them for a friendly chat at the Alpenflair Festival this year, as they both had the dressing room next to us and entered the stage after us. I was invited to watch their show from the stage, but I couldn't see whether Jeff Loomis was already using his all-pedal Devil's Triad OD/BST/REV/DEL, as he only had a large midi bar at his feet as a control center , although you can of course easily integrate your signature pedal into your setup using a looper. We have the same pedal for testing today.

The concept of the Allpedal Devil's Triad OD/BST/REV/DEL

Allpedal have come up with really nice packaging. Black, visually appealing packaging with a magnetic closure ensures a good first impression. There is also a marketing sticker and four stick-on feet if the pedal is not attached to a floorboard. The pedal itself also looks very appealing with its red, black and white skull appearance and should attract the attention of genre fans.

With his Allpedal Devil's Triad OD/BST/REV/DEL pedal, Jeff Loomis is taking up a trend that has gained massive popularity recently. We're talking about a pedal that reflects the artist's general basic sound, usually in the form of an overdrive/distortion pedal, has one or two preferred effects installed and, in case of doubt, can be used on any amp with a serial FX loop by using the FX -Return is used as a power amp and the pedal as a preamp. In this case, it is important to optimally adjust the output level of the pedal, as the combination preamp / pedal - FX return, preamp / pedal - external 19 inch power amplifier or preamp / pedal - input amp each require completely different output levels and, if adjusted incorrectly, one will be irrelevant produce a thin or muddy over-pressed sound.

The principle of the Allpedal Devils Triad OD/BST/REV/DEL, developed and built in the USA, is to accommodate four different effects in one housing, such as overdrive, boost, delay and reverb. The four functions share three ON-OFF switches, with reverb and delay having to share one switch. The entire hardware is completely black except for the boost controller, which comes in a bright red. The Drive, Reverb and Delay effects each have three control knobs, which are pleasantly stiff and have the following control options:

Drive FX: Drive: Analog op-amp with Soft Clipping 260K @ 1KhZ, Level: Off - 20db, Tone: 10db Boost @ 4KhZ | 15db cut @ 4KhZ - Gain: Increases Signal to the clipping LEDS to increase distortion.

Delay: Analog signal path with digital repeats. - Measured input impedance: 250K @ 1KhZ - Level: Volume of the repeats, dry signal always unity level. - Feedback: Number of repeats. - Delay: Time between repeats ~50ms minimum / ~500ms maximum.

Reverb: Analog signal path with digital plate reverb emulator. - Level: Volume of wet signal, dry signal always unity level. - Tone: Attenuates highs from wet signal only. - Decay: Sets the level of wet signal feedback.

Boost: Analog op-amp - Measured input impedance: 325K @ 1KhZ - Boost: Unity - 20db


Unfortunately, the labels on the respective controls are very small and can only be deciphered if you look closely. It is therefore best for the live situation to learn the respective control functions by heart if you want to access them during the show. The pedal itself is very solid, which suggests a long service life. The respective effects are each provided with an LED, which provides information about the on-off status, while a large red LED provides information about the applied mains voltage. With dimensions (W x D x H): 146 mm x 119 mm x 60 mm and a weight of 547 grams, the pedal still remains within the range of normal parameters. A standard 9V connection with a hollow plug is sufficient for the power supply.

In order to be able to use the total of four effects perfectly and distribute them on the respective amp, the pedal has an input and an output on the front for both the drive boost section and the delay reverb section. With the Allpedal Devils Triad OD/BST/REV/DEL, Jeff Loomis uses the Four Cable Method, which integrates the preamp section of the respective amplifier into the setup with the external pedal. With this method, both the pre-amp of the amplifier can access the effects of the effects pedal, and the pre-amp function of the pedal can access the power amp of the amplifier without having to go through the pre-amp. This generally allows for significantly greater flexibility in terms of sound than standard wiring.


The Allpedal Devils Triad OD/BST/REV/DEL in practice.

As expected, the Allpedal Devils Triad OD/BST/REV/DEL focuses primarily on high gain sounds of different stripes. The pedal offers a highly compressed basic sound, the sharpness of which can be adjusted somewhat. Even though many sound examples on the internet refer to hard rock or classic rock attitudes, yes, you can of course achieve good sounds with this pedal even at lower gain settings, but the primary application of this pedal is not rock, but metal. The interaction with the dynamics of your personal playing style is a bit too limited for a real rock sound, which means that the pedal irons out the level differences relatively strongly to an average level and primarily only differs in the gain range.

But this is by no means meant negatively, because a signature pedal should of course particularly reflect the characteristics of the respective artist in their preferred style and not be an all-rounder in the classic sense. As soon as we get into the metal area, the pedal can fully demonstrate its true strengths. Even at high gain settings, the sound remains comparatively transparent, both in rhythm and in solo areas. Provided you play cleanly, the high compression offers a good basis for pumping heavy sounds, also in the downtuning area.

The level, or boost function, deserves special attention, as the signal level can be increased to +40 dB by combining the two controls. This not only allows you to find the perfect level for the respective power amplifier response, as previously mentioned, but you can also use this boost function to drive somewhat discreet amps into a sweet spot in which the amp can offer its best sound quality. In particular, all-tube amplifiers that are designed to be relatively open in the output stage with a low scoop approach, such as Marshall, Hiwatt, Soundcity or similar, should benefit from the approach of the Allpedal Devils Triad OD/BST/REV/DEL.

In the area of the 4-cable method, the user also benefits from the sound quality of the reverb and delay units, which are spartan in their control but quite effective in their sound design. The two effects offer a good basis, especially if you want to give your guitar a subtle color in solo or clean passages.
For more unusual ambient sounds, I would like a slightly higher resolution and more complex control, but as I said, that's not what the pedal was designed for.

All in all, you have to attest to the pedal's sound being exactly the same as its namesake. The pedal works excellently in metal and all its varieties, which is what it was ultimately designed for. It fulfills the function of a full-fledged guitar preamp, especially for the working musician who has to travel with small equipment, so that you can use almost any amp on site as long as it has a serial FX loop.

Addendum: I initially operated the pedal with a 100 mA power supply, but this resulted in a lot of mains hum. This problem was solved with a current of 250 mA. It is therefore important to ensure that the power supply unit used offers sufficient mA.

Conclusion

With the Allpedal Devils Triad OD/BST/REV/DEL, the American company Jeff Loomis has tailored a pedal that cuts a fine figure in every style of metal. The highly compressed basic sound offers a good basis for pumping palm-muted actions as well as for sustain-rich leads.

In combination with an extensive boost function, a good amp with a serial FX loop on the venue is enough to be able to implement the majority of your personal repertoire without additional equipment, which greatly reduces the workload for the working musician.

A high-quality pedal that deserves to be tested!

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Additional Informations:

Jeff Loomis, an American guitar virtuoso hailing from Appleton, Wisconsin, has left an indelible mark on the world of heavy metal and progressive music. Born on September 14, 1971, Loomis's career is nothing short of a saga, marked by remarkable technical proficiency, creative innovation, and enduring dedication to his craft. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into every nuance of Jeff Loomis's life, career, and his profound influence on the realm of electric guitar.

### Early Life and Musical Genesis

Jeff Loomis's journey into the realm of music commenced in his formative years. Growing up in a family with a strong musical inclination, he was introduced to the guitar at the tender age of 9. It was evident from the outset that young Jeff possessed an innate gift for the instrument. His influences at this early stage included revered guitarists such as Marty Friedman and Jason Becker, whose complex, neoclassical styles would go on to shape Loomis's distinctive approach to the guitar.

### Shaping the Soundscape with Nevermore

Loomis's career breakthrough arrived when he joined the Seattle-based progressive metal band, Nevermore, in 1994. His entrance into the group marked a turning point for both himself and the band. Jeff's unparalleled technical prowess and songwriting skills quickly established him as a pivotal figure in shaping Nevermore's signature sound.

During his tenure with the band, Loomis contributed significantly to a series of critically acclaimed albums, including "Dead Heart in a Dead World" and "This Godless Endeavor." Notably, his composition "The Seven Tongues of God" showcased his ability to craft intricate guitar harmonies, marrying technical complexity with poignant melodies.

### "Zero Order Phase" and the Solo Odyssey

In 2008, Jeff Loomis embarked on a solo career with the release of his debut instrumental album, "Zero Order Phase." This opus showcased Loomis's full spectrum as a musician, intertwining elements of progressive metal, neoclassical shred, and profound melodic sensibility. The album stands as a testament to his prowess, with tracks like "Miles of Machines" and "Shouting Fire at a Funeral" becoming instant classics among guitar enthusiasts.

"Zero Order Phase" heralded Loomis's arrival as a solo artist of paramount importance, establishing him as a modern guitar hero capable of pushing the boundaries of his craft.

### The Arch Enemy Phase

In 2014, Jeff Loomis received a call that would further enhance his reputation in the metal community. He was invited to join the influential melodic death metal band Arch Enemy, stepping into the shoes of guitarist Nick Cordle. His inclusion in the band elevated Arch Enemy's sound to new heights, with Loomis's guitar solos and songwriting contributions injecting fresh energy into their music.

His work with Arch Enemy can be savored on albums like "War Eternal" and "Will to Power." Jeff Loomis's intricate leads and harmonies added depth and complexity to the band's relentless aggression, demonstrating his remarkable versatility as a guitarist.

### Signature Guitars and the Science of Sound

Beyond his playing and songwriting, Jeff Loomis has significantly impacted the world of guitar manufacturing. Collaborating with companies such as Schecter Guitar Research, he has designed signature guitar models tailored to the demands of modern metal guitarists. These instruments typically feature extended scale lengths, high-output pickups, and ergonomic designs, engineered for both precision and comfort during relentless shredding and heavy riffing.

In the realm of gear, Loomis is known for his preference for amplifiers from companies like Kemper and Randall, supplemented by a diverse array of effects pedals. His meticulous attention to his sound has resulted in a tone that is not only powerful but also highly distinctive.

### Legacy and Ongoing Influence

Jeff Loomis's contributions to the heavy metal and progressive music spheres are immeasurable. His innovative approach to guitar playing, characterized by the fusion of technicality with deep emotional expression, has served as an enduring source of inspiration for countless guitarists and bands worldwide. His legacy extends not just through his own music but also through the generation of guitarists he has mentored and influenced.

In summation, Jeff Loomis stands as an undisputed icon in the world of heavy metal guitar. His extraordinary journey, from a young guitar enthusiast in the heartland of America to a globally celebrated virtuoso, is a testament to his unwavering dedication, unparalleled talent, and a boundless passion for music. Whether blazing through complex compositions with bands like Nevermore and Arch Enemy or captivating audiences with his solo work, Jeff Loomis continues to push the boundaries of what is achievable on the six strings, leaving an enduring and indelible mark on the world of music.