The T-Rex Møller 2 is an overdrive pedal with a built-in clean boost, made by T-Rex Effects. It carries the same classic analog overdrive circuit as the original Møller, which T-Rex describes as one of its most sought-after pedals, and adds a separate boost section with its own footswitch that delivers up to 20 dB of clean boost1. A mix control lets you blend your clean amp sound with the overdriven signal, which is what separates it from a straightforward Tube Screamer copy2.
The pedal is named after Danish guitarist Knud Møller, for whom the original Møller was designed. MusicRadar's Trevor Curwen notes that Møller had asked for a good Tube Screamer with a clean boost, and the pedal is the answer to that request2.
A Tube Screamer-style overdrive with a clean boost
The Møller 2 sits in the Tube Screamer tradition, but with two features a stock Tube Screamer does not have: a clean boost of 0 to 20 dB on its own footswitch, and a mix control for balancing clean and dirty signals12. T-Rex describes the result as a classic bluesy overdrive, and says that with the boost rolled all the way up and the distortion maxed, the pedal sounds just like a vintage tube amp at full volume1.
The boost section is independent of the drive section. It has its own footswitch and its own boost knob, so you can leave the overdrive set and kick the boost in for a solo, or use the boost to push the distortion to a second level, as MusicRadar points out2.
The controls
The maker lists the control set as on/off, boost on/off, level, gain, tone, mix and bass boost1. In practice:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Sets the output volume of the overdrive section |
| Gain | Flavors the distortion, from light drive to maxed breakup2 |
| Tone | Shapes the high end of the distortion2 |
| Mix | Dials in a balance between your clean amp sound and the overdriven, valve-like distortion2 |
| Boost knob | Sets the clean boost level, up to 20 dB2 |
| Voice toggle | Metal toggle selecting bass boost or normal; replaced the original push-switch2 |
| On/off footswitch | Engages the pedal |
| Boost footswitch | Engages the clean boost independently2 |
The Voice switch is one of the visible differences from the original Møller: the push-switch became a more robust metal toggle with graphics that, in Curwen's words, leave you in no doubt as to which setting you are on2.
Power and specifications
The Møller 2 runs on a 9V DC power supply, with the T-Rex FuelTank named as the maker's matching supply, and draws 16 mA. It also takes a 9V battery, so it can run without a pedalboard supply1.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Current draw | 16 mA @ 9V DC1 |
| Power supply | 9V DC (T-Rex FuelTank)1 |
| Battery | 9V battery1 |
| Input impedance | > 1M Ohm @ 1KHz1 |
At 16 mA the pedal is light on power, so it will not strain a typical isolated supply1.
Where it came from
The Møller 2 was announced in early 2013 alongside the Sweeper 2, carrying the same classic analog overdrive as its predecessor, one of T-Rex's most sought-after pedals3. Delicious Audio reported the launch with a retail price of $399 and a street price of $2995. The original Møller was designed for Danish guitarist Knud Møller, and the name carried over to the updated pedal15.
The Møller 2 is listed as sold out on T-Rex's webshop, so it may be harder to find new4.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's Trevor Curwen reviewed the pedal and found the mix control a particular strength, letting you dial in a balance between your clean amp sound and the overdriven valve-like distortion. His verdict on value2:
"As is often the case with T-Rex pedals, this is no budget buy, but it's one of the most practical drive pedals around and so is well worth it."2
He also noted that being able to kick in the boost to take the distortion to a second level makes it one versatile pedal, and under reasons to avoid he listed nothing at all2.
The pedal also earned a comparison against one of the most famous overdrives in the boutique world. In That Pedal Show's 2016 video comparing Analog Man King Of Tone alternatives, Mick and Daniel put the Møller 2 up against the King Of Tone, the Lovepedal Amp Eleven, the Tone City King Of Blues, the Fulltone Full-Drive 3, the J Rockett Tim Pierce Signature and the Lazy J Cruiser Deuce. Mick's assessment6:
"the Mel is really great I would say closest yet wouldn't you definitely definitely"6
Mick called the Møller 2 really great and the closest of the pedals tried so far to the King Of Tone, with Daniel agreeing6.
In the video, the pair work through each pedal in turn against the King Of Tone's clean-ish drive character, and the Møller 2's blendable mix and switchable boost are what put it in that conversation: it can sit as a light transparent drive, then add level and push on demand2.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
T-Rex Effects
T-Rex Effects
Questions
Does the T-Rex Møller 2 run on a battery?
Yes. The maker lists a 9V battery alongside a 9V DC power supply such as the T-Rex FuelTank, so the pedal runs either way. Current draw is 16 mA at 9V DC, which is low enough that a battery is a realistic option for players who do not want to power it from a pedalboard supply.
Is the T-Rex Møller 2 analog?
Yes. Premier Guitar's launch announcement described the Møller 2 as fully analog, carrying the same classic analog overdrive circuit that made the original Møller one of T-Rex's most sought-after pedals. The only change to the circuit's switching was a more durable metal Voice toggle replacing the earlier push-switch.
How does the T-Rex Møller 2 compare to the King Of Tone?
On That Pedal Show's 2016 comparison of King Of Tone alternatives, Mick and Daniel tried the Møller 2 against the Analog Man King Of Tone and five other overdrives. Mick called it really great and said it was the closest of the pedals they had heard so far, with Daniel agreeing it was definitely the closest yet.
Who is Knud Møller?
Knud Møller is the Danish guitarist the pedal is named after. T-Rex says the original Møller overdrive was designed for him, and MusicRadar's Trevor Curwen adds that Møller had requested a good Tube Screamer-style overdrive with a clean boost, which is what the pedal set out to be.
What is the difference between the T-Rex Møller and Møller 2?
The Møller 2 keeps the same classic analog overdrive circuit as the original. The visible change is the Voice switch: the push-switch became a more robust metal toggle with clear graphics, selecting between bass boost and normal. Premier Guitar described the Møller 2 as fully analog with the more durable Voice toggle.
How much boost does the T-Rex Møller 2 give?
The clean boost runs from 0 to 20 dB, set by its own boost knob and engaged by its own independent footswitch. With the boost rolled all the way up and the distortion maxed, T-Rex says the pedal sounds just like a vintage tube amp at full volume.
Sources (6)
- → T-REX EFFECTS ← Pedals for guitar and bass players!, T-Rex Effects
- T-Rex Møller 2 review, MusicRadar, 2013-04-08
- T-Rex Introduces Møller 2 and Sweeper 2 Pedals, www.premierguitar.com, 2013-01-01
- Replica DK, T-Rex Effects
- Guitar Pedal News: T-Rex Møller 2 And Sweeper 2, Delicious Audio, 2013-01-15
- That Pedal Show, That Pedal Show (YouTube), 2016-03-25
