DigiTech has added a follow-up to its band creation pedal, Trio, with the launch of the new Trio+ adding synced loops to the drum and bass features.
As with the original, the TRIO+ listens to what is played and automatically generates
bass and drum accompaniments that match the player’s rhythmic feel and chord progressions. Users simply plug a guitar into the TRIO+, select the preferred genre, press the footswitch to teach the TRIO+ the chords and rhythm, then press the footswitch again to start playing.
“The TRIO+ is borne entirely out of demands from the market after the TRIO was first introduced. We compiled a list of the top five most requested features and made them the priority for TRIO+ and I’m proud to say that we’ve incorporated all five into this irresistible new product. The new pedal includes a built-in synced looper, SD Memory Card expansion, and we’ve added an FX loop that provides improved operation with existing pedals,” said Tom Cram, Marketing Manager, DigiTech. “Now, one musician can sound like a full band with one TRIO+ pedal. For solo artists, it adds a whole new dimension to their creativity and performance. This is a great tool for any musician who wants to write, practice or jam out with some excellent, always-ready accompaniment.”
It provides 12 musical genres to choose from including Rock, Pop, Country, Folk, Metal, Blues, R&B, Hip Hop, Latin, and Jazz. Up to 12 song styles are available for each genre and the player can select between 4/4 and 3/4 time signatures. The TRIO+ can learn up to five different song parts– verse, chorus and bridge, for example–which can then be recalled on the fly as the song plays back. Each part has the capability to be programmed for higher intensity, perfect for adding song dynamics when going into choruses and bridges.
In addition to its Genre and Style selector knobs, the TRIO+’s Bass and Drums controls provide volume adjustment for both instruments and the Tempo knob locks in the groove. A Simple Bass button has been added and, when selected, this will force the TRIO+ to play a simplified bass line.
The Loop control adjusts the level of your recorded loop and overdubs in the mix. An integrated Micro SD card slot allows for up to 12 songs with loops to be stored to an included 8GB Micro SD card that can be connected via the guitar amplifier input and removed, as needed.
The Alt Time button selects an alternate half time or double time setting for each song part. The TRIO+ even provides a selection of built-in effects for your guitar that vary according to the genre selected, letting users play in a power trio, jazz trio or other ensemble at the touch of a button.
The TRIO+ can be connected to a guitar amp or directly into a mixer for use with a PA system. A headphone jack with level control is also included. An optional DigiTech FS3X footswitch can be connected to the TRIO+ for hands-free selection of song parts and styles. The TRIO+ comes with a power supply and its rugged, stage-worthy metal enclosure ensures reliable operation gig after gig.
You can see a video of it in action, here.
