The T-Rex RoomMate D'Luxe is a reverb pedal with a real tube inside: T-Rex describes it as "a reverb shaped by the real tube inside the pedal," and Guitar.com's review confirms a full-size preamp valve at its heart, a JJ ECC83S12. It is the third generation of the Room-Mate line, which T-Rex revived after the original Room-Mate had been out of production for a while, now with eight reverb modes instead of four, a new Optional knob and a Shimmer effect2. It is designed and hand-built in Denmark, and the enclosure has changed from white to blue21.
A reverb pedal with a real tube inside
The tube is the headline. Where most reverb pedals are entirely digital, the RoomMate D'Luxe puts a full-size preamp valve, a JJ ECC83S, in a fairly compact pedal, and Guitar.com notes there is "a warm glow from the JJ ECC83S valve" while it works1. T-Rex frames the intent as a reverb that "feels warm, natural, and easy to play"2.
The eight modes cover the standard territory and then some. T-Rex names plate, spring, room and large hall reverbs, plus Shimmer, and says the spring reverb has "that true vintage character, just like the old amps with real spring tanks"2. Guitar.com's verdict on the set as a whole: "Eight excellent reverbs covering all the main bases"1.
"It's still a fairly compact reverb pedal with stereo output and a full-size preamp valve at its heart."
The controls
The pedal keeps its face simple: a small set of knobs that behave differently depending on the mode.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Tone | Warms or brightens the sound2 |
| Decay | Shortens decay for a tight room, or lets it bloom into something big and open2 |
| Optional | Controls low-end damping for the two spring effects, adds a pre-delay in the next five modes, and sets the level of the octave in Shimmer mode1 |
The Optional knob is the new addition in this third generation, and it is the knob that changes character with the mode: damping on the springs, pre-delay on the plate, room and hall settings, and octave level on Shimmer1. An expression pedal input is provided for controlling the Shimmer effect, so the octave level can be ridden from the foot2.
There are no presets. Guitar.com's reviewer puts it plainly: "this thing is strictly manual"1. Every setting change is a knob turn.
Power, stereo and practicalities
The RoomMate D'Luxe runs from a 12VDC supply with a 2.1mm barrel plug, which is included, and draws 600mA at 12VDC2. That combination rules out battery power and rules out most daisy-chain arrangements: 600mA is beyond what a typical multi-output pedal supply delivers per outlet. It also has stereo inputs as well as stereo outputs, so it fits a stereo rig or a stereo effects loop1. Input impedance is greater than 1M Ohm at 1KHz, and the pedal measures 2.36 x 4.45 x 4.61 inches (W x H x D) including knobs2.
What reviewers said
Guitar.com's Richard Purvis reviewed the pedal in September 2026 and came away positive on the range of sounds, calling them "Eight excellent reverbs covering all the main bases"1. He also flagged the practical trade-offs: no presets, and a pedal that is compact but carries a full-size valve1.
Videos
T-Rex Effects
Alberto Barrero
Gear Sounds
Questions
Does the T-Rex RoomMate D'Luxe have presets?
No. Guitar.com's reviewer, Richard Purvis, describes the pedal as strictly manual: there are no preset slots, so whatever the knobs are set to is what you get. Players who switch between reverb types mid-song will need to turn knobs or use a second pedal rather than recall a saved setting.
What power supply does the RoomMate D'Luxe need?
T-Rex specifies a 12VDC supply with a 2.1mm barrel plug, and one is included with the pedal. The current draw is 600mA at 12VDC, which is well beyond what most pedalboard power supplies deliver on a single outlet, so plan your power accordingly.
Can the RoomMate D'Luxe run on a battery?
No. The pedal draws 600mA at 12VDC according to T-Rex's specifications, and it is powered from a 12VDC, 2.1mm barrel plug supply. A 9V battery cannot provide that voltage or current, so battery operation is not on the cards for this tube-driven design.
What does the expression pedal input control?
The expression pedal input is for controlling the Shimmer effect, according to T-Rex's product page. That lets you bring the octave-up shimmer in and out with your foot while playing, rather than reaching down to turn a knob.
Is the RoomMate D'Luxe stereo?
Yes. Guitar.com's review notes that the pedal has stereo inputs as well as stereo outputs, so it can sit in a stereo rig or an effects loop with a stereo send and return.
Where is the RoomMate D'Luxe made?
T-Rex states that the RoomMate D'Luxe is designed and hand-built in Denmark. The company is Danish, and the pedal continues the Room-Mate line's association with the country's pedal building.
Sources (2)
- T-Rex RoomMate D’Luxe review, Guitar.com, 2026-09-25
- → T-REX EFFECTS ← Pedals for guitar and bass players!, T-Rex Effects
