T-Rex Engineering Unveils the Roommate D’Luxe: A New Era of Tube-Driven Reverb
Experience authentic tube-driven warmth with the T-Rex Roommate D’Luxe. Featuring 8 algorithms, stereo I/O, and expression-controlled Shimmer, this handcrafted Danish pedal delivers the ultimate vintage reverb
T-Rex Engineering has officially announced the third generation of its legendary reverb series: the Roommate D’Luxe. By combining authentic vacuum tube warmth with a vastly expanded digital brain, T-Rex aims to reclaim its throne in the premium ambient pedal market.
The Roommate D’Luxe isn’t just a facelift; it’s a complete sonic overhaul. While the core philosophy remains centered on the "space around your sound," the D’Luxe introduces stereo functionality and an arsenal of eight specialized reverb algorithms. From the mechanical splash of vintage spring tanks to the ethereal, soaring textures of the new Shimmer mode, the pedal bridges the gap between old-school analog soul and modern versatility.
Evolution of a Classic
Following their NAMM release of the Binson Stereophonica, T-Rex also has a stereo tube-driven reverb pedal in this year's new release lineup.
The original Roommate was beloved for its simplicity, but the D'Luxe model doubles the control layout to satisfy "tone tweakers." New additions include an Input Gain knob—allowing players to drive the internal tube for added grit—and a multi-functional “Optional” knob. This context-sensitive control adjusts damping, pre-delay, or shimmer intensity depending on the selected mode.
“We wanted the reverb to feel natural and easy to play,” says the T-Rex design team. “The tube adds life and softness, giving every note a gentle color that you just can't get from solid-state circuitry alone.”
Comparison: What’s New?
How does the D’Luxe stack up against its predecessors? Here is the breakdown:
| Feature | Original Roommate | Roommate D’Luxe |
|---|---|---|
| Circuitry | Mono Tube-Driven | Stereo Tube-Driven |
| Algorithms | 4 Basic Modes | 8 Expanded Algorithms |
| Control Set | Mix, Level, Mode | Gain, Volume, Tone, Decay, Level, Optional |
| Exp. Pedal | No | Yes (Controls Shimmer) |
| Build | Denmark Design | Handcrafted in Denmark |
Our Thoughts: FAQ
(The Insider’s Guide to the Roommate D’Luxe)
Is the tube just for show?
Absolutely not. Unlike many "hybrid" pedals where the tube is starved for voltage or used as a buffer, the Roommate D’Luxe uses the tube to shape the signal path. This results in a "compression-like" warmth and a softer clipping on the reverb trails that feels more like a 1960s studio rack unit than a modern stompbox.
What makes the "Optional" knob so special?
It’s the pedal’s "secret sauce." Instead of cluttering the faceplate with twenty buttons, this knob changes its job based on your setting:
- Modes 1 & 2: Controls Low Damping (darkness of the trails).
- Modes 3-7: Controls Pre-delay (the gap before the reverb starts).
- Mode 8: Controls Shimmer intensity.
Does it handle high-gain signals well?
Yes. Thanks to the new Input Gain control, you can calibrate the pedal to your specific guitar pickups. If you have high-output active humbuckers, you can back off the gain to keep the reverb clean, or crank it to get that tube-saturated "bloom."
Who is this pedal for?
The Roommate D’Luxe is for the "feel" player. If you find digital reverbs too "icy" or "sterile," the tube-driven path here provides a three-dimensional depth that is perfect for blues, jazz, and ambient rock.
I own the original version (this new stereo model is the third; the first two are mono), and it's a very usable reverb. This new stereo model will be welcomed by players seeking lush reverb.
Technical Specifications
- Technology: Real Tube-Driven Signal Path
- Input/Output: Stereo In, Stereo Out
- Modes: Spring, Room, Plate, Large Hall, Shimmer, and more (8 total)
- Exp. Input: 1/4" Jack for real-time Shimmer control
- Origin: Designed and Hand-built in Denmark
The Verdict: A Masterclass in Atmospheric Warmth?
The T-Rex Roommate D’Luxe is more than just a reverb; it is a tonal foundation for players who prioritize "feel" over clinical precision. While the market is flooded with digital multi-reverbs that offer hundreds of presets, T-Rex has doubled down on the organic, breathing quality that only a real vacuum tube can provide.
The Pros:
- Sonic Depth: The tube-driven signal path removes the "metallic" edge found in cheaper digital units, offering a creamy, high-fidelity bloom.
- Intuitive Power: The "Optional" knob is a stroke of design genius, providing deep parameter control without the need for menu-diving.
- Dynamic Flexibility: The addition of an expression pedal input for the Shimmer mode transforms the pedal into a performance instrument, allowing for swells and pads that move with your playing.
The Cons:
- Power Hunger: Like most high-quality tube pedals, it requires a robust power supply to keep the tube glowing and the headroom high.
- Size: Its footprint is larger than "mini" pedals, but the stereo image and tonal richness justify the board real estate.
Final Score: 9.5/10
If you are looking to move away from sterile, "plugin-style" pedals and want a reverb that sounds like a vintage studio rack unit, the Roommate D’Luxe is arguably the finest handcrafted option on the market today. It doesn’t just add echo—it adds soul.
Price & Availability
Available now at Sweetwater - $299 Available at Thomann - €299
More Information
#T-Rex #Roommate D’Luxe
