The T-Rex Yellow Drive is a dual channel distortion pedal from T-Rex Engineering, giving you two separate channels of vintage T-Rex gain in one box1. T-Rex describes the sound as "Fat, punchy creamy T-Rex Drive," with Channel A delivering a nice edgy overdrive and Channel B a thick warm distortion1. The idea is simple: instead of stacking two drive pedals, you set each channel once and use the A/B footswitch to move between rhythm, lead, or clean sounds within one device2.
Two channels of T-Rex drive: clean boost to heavy crunch
The two channels are voiced differently to access a wider range of tonal options2. Delicious Audio framed it as adding channels to your amp, with "A" handling clean boost to medium drive and "B" covering heavy crunch and lead settings2. T-Rex says the gain level for Channel B picks up where Channel A leaves off, so the two stages stack in a natural order rather than overlapping1.
Pedal of the Day's reviewer found Channel A to be the lower gain stage of the two, producing sounds from blues to rock, and even some country, while Channel B has more gain on tap out of the box for heavier styles and solos3. He set Channel A as an all-around medium-gain drive with a slight signal boost, which he found great for rhythm playing and jamming3.
"Think of it like adding channels to your amp with 'A' handling clean boost to medium drive and 'B' covering heavy crunch and lead settings."
For players comparing dual-channel T-Rex drives, the same maker's T-Rex Alberta 2 and T-Rex Alberta II Dual Overdrive take a similar two-channel approach, and the Spiral Electric FX Yellow Spiral Drive is a separate pedal by a different maker despite the similar name.
The controls
Each channel has its own complete set of controls, so you can tinker with the sound to your liking3. T-Rex also fits a pair of individually tuned tone controls, one for each channel1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| On/off | Bypasses the pedal |
| A/B switch | Selects which channel is active |
| Gain A | Sets the gain amount for Channel A |
| Gain B | Sets the gain amount for Channel B, picking up where Channel A leaves off |
| Level A | Sets the output level for Channel A |
| Level B | Sets the output level for Channel B |
| Tone A | Individually tuned tone control for Channel A |
| Tone B | Individually tuned tone control for Channel B |
Controls list per T-Rex1.
Delicious Audio noted that the footswitches offer a lighter operation and feel than most other pedals, though the reviewer wondered how they would hold up under enthusiastic use2.
Power and connections
The Yellow Drive runs on a 9V DC power supply, with T-Rex recommending its own FuelTank, and draws 50 mA at 9V DC1. It also takes a 9V 6F22 battery with a stated battery life of 6 to 9 hours1.
The jacks are top mounted, which Delicious Audio called a welcomed addition that keeps things compact and organized, perfect for tight pedalboards and right angle connectors2. T-Rex lists the external connectors as an input jack, output jack, and 9V DC jack1.
T-Rex states the Yellow Drive is only available at Guitar Center and Musician's Friend in the US1.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Input impedance @ 1KHz | Higher than 1M Ohm1 |
| Output impedance @ 1KHz | Lower than 1K Ohm1 |
| Pedal size incl. knobs (W x H x D) | 100 x 55 x 120 mm / 3,9 x 2,2 x 4,7 inch1 |
| Weight excl. packaging | 0,335 kg / 11,8 oz1 |
Specifications per T-Rex1.
What reviewers said
Delicious Audio reviewed the pedal in November 2011 at a listed price of $159.99, calling it a versatile drive pedal whose transparency is unmatched at the price and recommending it without hesitation2.
"which is far less than you'd pay for any other overdrive this transparent. If you are looking for a versatile drive peda"
Pedal of the Day's 2015 review highlighted the two versatile channels for an array of overdriven tones and the per-channel Level, Gain, and Tone controls3.
Videos
T-Rex Effects
Frequency Music
Guitar Center
Questions
Can the T-Rex Yellow Drive run on a battery?
Yes. It takes a 9V 6F22 battery, which T-Rex says gives 6 to 9 hours of use. It also runs from a 9V DC power supply, drawing 50 mA, and accepts supply voltages between 8.5V and 12.5V DC.
Can the Yellow Drive run at 12V?
Yes. T-Rex lists the maximum power supply voltage as 12.5V DC and the minimum as 8.5V DC, so a 12V supply falls within its rated range. The stated current draw is 50 mA at 9V DC.
Are the jacks on the Yellow Drive top mounted?
Yes. Delicious Audio's review notes the top mounted jacks keep the pedal compact and organized, which suits tight pedalboards and right angle connectors. T-Rex lists the external connectors as an input jack, output jack, and 9V DC jack.
How much does the T-Rex Yellow Drive cost?
Delicious Audio listed it at $159.99 in its November 2011 review, calling that far less than you would pay for any other overdrive this transparent. T-Rex says the pedal is only available at Guitar Center and Musician's Friend in the US.
Where can I buy the T-Rex Yellow Drive?
T-Rex states that in the US the Yellow Drive is only available at Guitar Center and Musician's Friend. Players outside the US would need to check T-Rex's own product page for current availability.
Sources (3)
- → T-REX EFFECTS ← Pedals for guitar and bass players!, T-Rex Effects
- Review: T-Rex Yellow Drive, Delicious Audio, 2011-11-30
- T-Rex Effects Yellow Drive, Pedal of the Day (www.pedal-of-the-day.com), 2015-01-14
