TC Electronic GFX01 User Manual
Users Manual
Users Manual
English Version
1 Read these instructions.
2 Keep these instructions.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
6 Clean only with dry cloth.
7 Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions.
8 Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.
9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with
one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug
does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10 Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11 Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
12 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.
13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
14 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing
is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid
has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus,
the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does
not operate normally, or has been dropped.
• This equipment should be installed near the socket
outlet and disconnection of the device should be easily
accessible.
• To completely disconnect from AC mains, disconnect the
power supply cord from the AC receptacle.
• The mains plug of the power supply shall remain readily
operable.
• Do not install in a confined space.
• Do not open the unit – risk of electric shock inside.
Caution:
You are cautioned that any change or modifications not
expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to
operate this equipment.
Service
• There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
• All service must be performed by qualified personnel.
Warning!
• To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose
this equipment to dripping or splashing and ensure that no
objects filled with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the
equipment.
• This apparatus must be earthed.
• Use a three wire grounding type line cord like the one
supplied with the product.
• Be advised that different operating voltages require the use
of different types of line cord and attachment plugs.
• Check the voltage in your area and use the correct type.
See table below:
Voltage Line plug according to standard
110-125V UL817 and CSA C22.2 no 42.
220-230V CEE 7 page VII, SR section
107-2-D1/IEC 83 page C4.
240V BS 1363 of 1984.
Specification for 13A fused
plugs and switched and
unswitched socket outlets.
The lightning flash with an arrowhead symbol within
an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to
the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the product.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
a
EMC/EMI
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B Digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in residential
installations. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on. The user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
For Customers in Canada:
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian
ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la
norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Certificate of Conformity
TC Electronic A/S, Sindalsvej 34, 8240
Risskov, Denmark, hereby declares on own
responsibility that the following product:
G-System – Guitar Effects Processor,
Loop System and MIDI controller
that is covered by this certificate and
marked with CE-label conforms with
following standards:
EN 60065 Safety requirements for mains
(IEC 60065) operated electronic and
related apparatus for household
and similar general use
EN 55103-1 Product family standard for
audio,video, audio-visual and
entertainment lighting control
apparatus for professional
use. Part 1: Emission.
EN 55103-2 Product family standard for
audio, video, audio-visual and
entertainment lighting control
apparatus for professional
use. Part 2: Immunity.
With reference to regulations in following
directives:
73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC
Issued in Risskov, June 2005
Mads Peter Lübeck
Chief Executive Officer
EMC / EMI & CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY
b
TC Electronic, Sindalsvej 34, DK-8240 Risskov – tcdk@tcelectronic.com Manual revision 2.04 – SW – V 2.01
Prod. No: E60504713
English Version
INTRODUCTION
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .a
EMC/EMI & Certificate of Conformity . . . . . . . .b
Table of contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Quick setup guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Menu Hierarchy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
OVERVIEW
Control Board – Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Control Board – Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
GFX01 – Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Mounting G-System in a pedal-flightcase . . .19
GFX01 – Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
SETUPS
Explanation of amp-types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
G-System on the floor:
Pedals + amp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Pedals + pre-amp + amp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Pedals + head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
3-way system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Dual Amp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
G-System split with “GFX01” in a rack . . . . . .28
Additional setup information . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
GENERAL OPERATION
Play Mode & Edit Mode
Play Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Edit Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Selecting effect types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Preset Handle mode
Store presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Delete presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Copying effects between presets . . . . . . . . . .33
MENU MODE
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Routings
Serial Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Semi Parallel routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Parallel Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Routing Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Input Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Levels
Optimizing your noise level . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Level parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Boost Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Pedals
Expression pedals – for what? . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Connecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Setting up your pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Pedals menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Volume function – Expression function . . . . .42
Calibrating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Letting expression pedals control
specific parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Switches
Custom Setup of Switch functions . . . . . . . . .44
MIDI
MIDI related parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Backup via MIDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Utility
Tap Master . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Lock parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Clear parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Relays for amp channel switching
Switch 1 / Switch 2
The Relay switching menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Setting up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
The Tuner
The Tuner in Play Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Tuner Mode parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Tap Tempo
Tap Tempo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
EFFECTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Filter
Resonance Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Touch Resonance Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Auto Resonance Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Wah Wah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Touch Wah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Auto Wah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Formant Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Touch Formant Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Auto Formant Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Compressor
Compressor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Advanced mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Sustaining & Percussive modes . . . . . . . . . . .57
Mod
Classic Chorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Advanced Chorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Classic Flanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Advanced Flanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Vibrato . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Vintage Phaser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Smooth Phaser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Tremolo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Panner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Pitch Shifter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Octaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Whammy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Detune . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Intelligent Pitch-shifter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Delay
Single Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Reverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Lo Fi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
PingPong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Dynamic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Dual Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Reverbs
Reverb Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Common Reverb Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Parametric EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Noise Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
APPENDIX
MIDI implementation chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Frequently asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Preset List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
4
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations
At TC Electronic we are more than proud to present the new G-System that will be the center of your guitar setup in years
to come. Presenting a new piece of equipment to guitarists is always exiting due to the very different demands they have.
As you know, guitar gear is not comparable to “just a new keyboard with better sound” or “just a slightly better
microphone”. Just think about it: Do you know anyone who has a guitar setup 100% identical to your own? Most likely not!
Bearing that in mind, the task of building a piece of equipment like the G-System has been a tremendous challenge, well
received by the entire dedicated staff at TC Electronic.
Utilizing the experience we have gained with its successful predecessors – the G-Force and the G-Major – and from the
vast input and response we have received over the years from our customers, the G-System was born.
Features
• Floor-based Multi-effects processor.
• Up to 9 effects can be used simultaneously.
• Fast and smooth preset changes featuring Delay spill-overs.
• 4 switchable mono-loops for integration of your favorite effect pedals.
• 1 additional loop/insert point dedicated for pre-amps.
• 4 x 9V DC outlets powering your effect pedals.
• USB connector for software updates.
• Ultimate flexibility as the Control Board can be separated from the
GFX01. This allows you to place the GFX01 with loops etc. in a 19" rack
while leaving the Control Board on the floor.
• MIDI for control of additional external MIDI units.
• Connectors for 2/4 expression pedals.
Should this manual leave any of your questions
unanswered, please use the TC Support service, which
you can access via our website www.tcelectronic.com.
Over a period of time, we will collect the most frequently
asked questions and update the manual accordingly.
Manual updates are available for download on our
website in PDF format. The current manual revision
number is found at the bottom of page 3.
5
Once you are up and running …
… what can you do?
How you get where you want to go is explained in later
chapters in this manual – this section is only meant to
serve as an inspiration while you are getting ready for
building your dream setup.
The Five PRESET and BANK UP/DOWN Switches
Presets are organized in banks of five. Using the five
PRESET switches together with the bank UP/DOWN
switches allows you to make radical changes to your
sound by pressing a single switch.
Preset Switches
Preset
s consist of:
– Effect Blocks (Reverb, Delay etc.) – both active and
inactive ones.
– Settings for all Effect Blocks – for both active and
inactive ones.
– Status (active/inactive) for all loops.
– The assignment of the connected expression pedals.
– Various other parameters.
The EFFECT BYPASS & LOOP Switches
These switches allow you to turn effects (such as Delay,
Reverb, Pitch, Modulation Filter, Compression and the
Loops) on or off as p
arts of a presets. These switches
are similar to the On/Off switches on regular stompboxes.
Three, four or five Loops
There are four loops – for drive pedals etc. – plus the
Insert loop, which is especially designed to insert a preamp. For each preset you can decide which of the five
loops should be active.
Additionally, you can switch loops 1 to 3 on and off using
the Control board. If you also want to have access to the
fourth loop via the board and maybe even to the Insert
loop of a pre-amp (or a fifth pedal), you can set up your
switches accordingly using the “Custom Switch
Functions”.
What? How? Why?
You may find your own way of utilizing the system, but
the following describes part of the philosophy that has
been the basis of the G-System’s design.
For the purpose of the following example, let us assume
that you have connected overdrive pedals to some or all
of the four loops and maybe a pre-amp to the Insert loop.
Expression pedals are excellent for either Volume control
or real-time parameter control such as pitch in a
“whammy” effect.
For the following example, your setup should resemble
this one:
INTRODUCTION
6
INTRODUCTION
• Use presets to organize you basic sounds. Presets
are recalled using switches 1-5.
Example:
1 Rhythm 1
2 Rhythm 2
3 Crunch
4 Dist
5 Lead
Note that these names are just suggestions – this is not
an actual set of presets. It is up to you how to benefit
from the G-System’s flexibility.
If you need more than five presets, simply press BANK
UP and use another five. You have access to up to 40
banks with five presets each.
• Each G-System sound (preset) stores which loops
and effect blocks are active and which parameters
the expression pedals control.
• Presets hold all settings for all effect blocks – both
the ones that are active in the preset and those that are
not.
• Settings are stored both for active and inactive
effects.
Once you have a basic set of presets such as the one
above, you can switch between them in the different
parts of a song using the preset switches. In addition,
you can activate/ deactivate Effect Blocks within presets
using the Effect On/Off switches. You can also
activate/deactivate Loops 1 to 3 as desired.
Example: You may start out your solo with a lead sound
with a bit of Reverb, but as it evolves you may feel like
adding some Delay, a Panner, an Octaver or maybe
boosting the level using the BOOST switch.
Note that these are just ideas – it is up to you to explore
the G-System’s potential.
Custom Switch Functions
After some time, you may want to customize your
setup.
For example, you may not be happy with the way the
switches are positioned on the board.
You may want to access all five loops using the
switches.
You may require eight preset switches, but you could
e.g. live without bypass switches for FILTER, COMP
and PITCH.
Go ahead! The G-System’s board layout is a default
suggestion based on input from numerous guitar players
we have talked to.
You can customize this layout to your liking, making each
switch do exactly what you want it to.*
To customize switch layout, press EDIT, press MENU
and go to “Switches”.
* Please note that the EDIT switch and the UP/DOWN switches can not
be reassigned to other functions!
7
Unpacking
• Open the box. Be careful not to damage the items
within the box with sharp objects, such as knives or
scissors.
• Make sure that the package contains the following
items:
– G-System
– Users Manual
– Power cord
– CAT5 cable
– 4 x 50cm power cables for pedals
– Labels for switches
– Product registration card.
Register you G-System either by sending in the
registration card or via www.tcelectronic.com.
Rackmount or Floormount?
Right out of the box, the entire G-System is assembled
as one floormount unit. But check this out …
The G-System consists of two main parts.
1) The Control Board – this is the board itself with the
1/4" stereo jack connectors for expression pedals and
the RJ45 connector for the GFX01.
2) The GFX01 – this is the 19" rack unit that contains
the signal processing unit, connectors for loops, the
power supply etc.
Per default, the two units are assembled as an “all-inone” floor processor. However, if you wish to have all
loop connectors to your pedals and e.g. a pre-amp neatly
packed away in a 19" rack instead of spreading them all
over the floor, you can easily detach the Control Board
from the GFX01 and mount the GFX01 in your rack. For
more details on the this procedure, please refer to the
“Connections – Rackmount” section on the following
pages.
Connections – Floormount
Now let us connect your G-System. We assume that you
are using the G-System as one floormount unit – as it
was assembled in the factory.
Let’s take a look at the rear panel of the GFX01.
Input Instrument
• Connect your guitar to the socket labeled “Input
Instrument”.
This Quick Setup Guide will help you get started if you already have a basic idea of how you would like to use the G-
System. If you are new to the world of multi-effect processors, you may feel that you need some more “in-depth”
information. In that case, please refer to the relevant chapters of this manual. You may find the “Overview” section (pages
14 to 21) showing connectors, switches and encoders especially useful.
QUICK SETUP GUIDE
8
You must decide whether you use the Input on the
front or on the rear of the GFX01. This is
configured using the Input Select parameter in the
Global (Glb) Levels menu.
Loops 1 to 4 and Insert
• Connect up to four Overdrive/Distortion pedals – or
other mono effects – to the G-System’s four loops.
Connect “Send” to the pedal’s Input and connect the
pedal’s Output to “Return”.
• If you also wish to connect a pre-amp, use the Insert
loop. Connect the G-System’s “Insert Send” to the
pre-amp's input and connect the pre-amp's output to
“Insert Return”. Alternatively, a fifth stomp-box pedal
can be used in the Insert loop.
• Be sure to activate all the pedals that you have
connected in the loops.
• If your pedals require a 9V DC power supply, the GSystem provides 4 x 9V DC outlets (max 200mA
combined), so you won’t need an external powersupply.
If you are in doubt as to which type of power your pedals
require, you should consult the documentation that came
with the pedal. On some pedals there is also a small
label next to the power inlet, which you should check.
We are quite confident that once you have become
familiar with the G-System, you will find that it is both
easy to set up and customize. On the other hand, the
flexibility the G-System offers means that it comes with a
wealth of features that you may not want to utilize right
away. You may also come across features that you didn’t
know you needed – until now!
QUICK SETUP GUIDE
9
Connections – Rackmount
As previously mentioned, the G-System can be
separated into the Control Board and the 19" unit called
GFX01. To detach the GFX01, simply unscrew the four
rack mounting screws.
The GFX01’s mounting screws are 6mm in
diameter. However, some rackmount units require
5mm screws. Use appropriate screws!
To ensure maximum stability, a blank 19" faceplate
must be mounted instead of the GFX01 after it
has been removed from the Control Board.
• Connect pedals and pre-amps in the same way as
described in the previous section for floormount
operation.
• Once separated, connect the GFX01 and the Control
Board using a long Cat 5 cable (not included).
• Connect the Guitar to “Input Instrument”.
• To avoid having to run long cables from your
expression pedals to your rack, the Control Board is
equipped with duplicates of the two Expression Pedal
connectors found on the GFX01.
Levels
Set your drive pedals and the pre-amp to “reasonable”
levels. Setting levels to maximum may cause internal
overload, resulting in clicks and unwanted digital
distortion.
When the red OVERLOAD LED on the INPUT meter
lights up, the signal is too hot.
Not Good Good Overload LED
Depending on how the Input gain is set on the
G-System, you may slightly have to adjust your
drive settings on pedals and pre-amp when these
are connected using the G-System loops.
QUICK SETUP GUIDE
10
Presets
• The G-System holds 100 Factory presets.
• You can store up to 200 User presets.
• Presets are organized in banks of five.
The 20 Factory banks are labeled: “A0” to “A9” and
“B0” to “B9”
Each Factory bank holds five presets “1” to “5”
User banks are labeled: “0” to “39”
Each User bank can hold 5 presets “1” to “5”
Recalling (Loading) a Preset
• Recall a preset by pressing one of the PRESET
switches (1-5). You select a preset bank using the UP
and DOWN switches.
• Press both the UP and DOWN switch to quickly
switch between the Factory and the User bank.
• It is up to you to which loops pedals should be
connected (if at all). This is why no loops are active in
the Factory presets.
• Loops 1 to 3 can be activated by simply pressing the
LOOP 1 to 3 switches.
Editing Presets
T
o access effect parameters:
• Press EDIT. You are now in Edit Mode.
• Select which effect to edit using PAGE.
• When sou have selected an effect to edit, press
ENTER.
• Select a parameters page by pressing PAGE.
• Change parameter values using encoders A, B and
C.
To switch effects on/off in Edit Mode:
• Press EDIT to enter Edit mode.
• Press PAGE to select an effect. Press ENTER.
• Turn PAGE clockwise to scroll through the parameter
pages. At the bottom of the list you will find the
“On/Off” parameter for the selected effect, which you
set using encoder C.
Example
Effects that have a switch assigned to them can also be
toggled on/off via the corresponding switch.
Loop 4, the Insert loop and effects that per default
have no dedicated switches are accessed from
Edit Mode.
Storing (Saving) Presets
To keep the changes you have made to a preset, the
preset must be stored in the User bank.
• To enter Edit Mode (unless it is already active), press
EDIT.
• Press and hold any of the five PRESET switches.
You are now in Preset Handle mode and the Store
function is selected per default.
• Select the desired storage location using encoder A.
• Now store the preset by pressing ENTER. If you want
to change the name of the preset first, use encoders
B and C.
QUICK SETUP GUIDE
11
Other Important Issues
The following is a list of other important issues you
should take care of when setting up your system. Please
refer to the relevant sections of this manual. Use the
Table of Contents (page 3) for directions.
Read the Section “Setup Examples”
The “Setup Examples” sections gives a good overview of
how the G-System can be connected to the rest of your
gear.
Use correct cables for …
- Loops 1 to 4
- the Insert loop
- Expression pedals
Calibrate your expression pedals
Expression pedals must be calibrated for best
performance.
Make good use of the Boost feature
You can set a boost level in each preset and activate it
using the BOOST switch.
Use the Locking functions to protect settings
- Lock the Insert loops if you have a pre-amp
connected in that loop and wish to use the pre-amp in
all presets.
- Lock the Boost level to have the exact same boost
level in all presets.
- Lock the EQ section if you use the same EQ in all
presets (i.e., as a “master EQ”).
- Lock Relays to keep the same relay settings
regardless of how the relays are set in presets.
- Lock the Routing type if you only need to use one
routing.
All Locking functions are located in the Utility menu.
Get the most out of your amp(s)
using switch options
You can switch channels on your amp using the GSystem’s four relays. Of course, these settings can also
be stored as parts of presets.
Input Select
You must decide whether you want to use the Input on
the front or on the rear of the GFX01. This is configured
using the Input Select parameter in the Global (Glb)
Levels menu. Press EDIT->MENU->turn PAGE.
QUICK SETUP GUIDE
12
Preset recall
Press PRESET switches
to recall presets.
Press UP/DOWN to
change banks.
Tap Tempo
Tap Global Tempo using
TAP TEMPO (top right corner)
Fx’s & Loops on/off
Switch effects and loops
on/off using the
assigned effects switches
Tuner
Press and hold TUNER switch
(top right corner)
Press Menu
Menu Mode
Preset (handle mode)
Prst Routing
Glb Levels
Pedals
Switches
MIDI
Utility
Press MENU to exit to
Edit mode
Play mode
Edit Mode
Turn PAGE to select effect.
Press ENTER to enter effect
parameters.
Press and hold any
PRESET switch 1-5
to enter Preset Handle
mode
Preset Handle mode
Use PAGE to select:
Recall
Store
Delete
Press EDIT
G-SYSTEM MENU HIERARCHY
13
OVERVIEW
14
1 FILTER On/Off Switch
2 COMP On/Off switch
3 LOOP 1 On/Off switch
4 LOOP 2 On/Off switch
5 LOOP 3 On/Off switch
Press to access the parameters for the effects
in the Filter block.
Turn to adjust Input Gain.
Press to access the parameters for the
Compressor.
Turn to adjust parameter A in the display.
Turn to adjust parameter B in the display.
Turn to adjust parameter C in the display.
Edit parameters are organized in groups of
three per page.
Turn to select pages.
This section contains a brief description of the G-System’s switches and their functionality in Play Mode and Edit Mode. To
enter Edit Mode, simply press EDIT. These pages are meant as a general overview or quick reference. For more detailed
information, please refer to the relevant chapters in this manual.
Naming conventions
Please note that most of the G-System’s switches and encoders have more than one function and are labeled accordingly.
So for example, we may refer to the first encoder either as FILTER or INPUT, depending on the context.
# Play Mode Edit Mode (Press EDIT to access)
General Navigation – Basics
• The six top switches also act as encoders. They are
used to change parameter values in the different
menus. A menu is a group of related parameters.
• To access menus:
Press EDIT, turn PAGE, press ENTER or
Press EDIT and press EFFECT or
Press one of the LOOP switches and press ENTER
• Each page in the display has up to three parameters.
• The values of these parameters are adjusted using
encoders A, B and C.
• Use PAGE to scroll through pages of parameters.
OVERVIEW
15
6 EDIT/TAP Tempo
Press to enter Edit Mode or tap to enter the global
tempo. A given tempo can be subdivided to adapt it to
a particular effect. The subdivision is set in the Effect
Blocks using the Tempo parameter.
7 METERS
The meter on the left indicates the Input level. Set the
Input level so that the red LED lights up occasionally.
The meter on the right indicates Noise Gate and
Compressor activity.
8 TUNER & PRESET NUMBER Display
The left side of the display indicates whether the
incoming pitch is in tune. When both arrows are lit,
the played note is in tune. In Tuner Mode, the tuner
information can also be shown in the full display, e.g.
combined with Output mute.
9 EDIT DISPLAY
Shows all editable parameters etc.
10 TEMPO LEDs
These two LEDs indicate the current Global tempo.
This tempo can be tapped using the EDIT/TAP
TEMPO switch. Use the Subdivision parameter to
adapt the settings for each effect to this tempo.
11 DOWN – ENTER/RETURN
Use this switch to step down from one preset bank to
the previous one (e.g. from bank 3 to bank 2).
12 UP – MENU MODE
Use this switch to step up from one preset bank to
the next (e.g. from bank 2 to bank 3).
Play Mode Edit Mode
Press to enter Edit Mode.
In Edit Mode, this encoder adjusts the Preset Output
level.
In Edit Mode, use this switch to enter and exit various
menus or to confirm important operations.
To enter Menu Mode, first press EDIT and then press the
UP switch. In Menu Mode you can adjust various settings
such as MIDI, Utility I/O and many more. For more
detailed information, please refer to the relevant chapter
in this manual.
OVERVIEW
16
#
13 PRESET Switches 1 to 5
Press once to recall presets 1 to 5 in the current
bank.
When you have made changes to presets (such as
switching effects and loops on or off), you have to
store them.
14 MOD On/Off Switch
Press to activate/deactivate the Modulation effects.
15 PITCH On/Off Switch
Press to activate/deactivate the Pitch effects.
16 DELAY On/Off Switch
Press to activate/deactivate the Delay effects.
17 REVERB On/Off Switch
Press to activate/deactivate the Reverb effects.
18 BOOST On/Off Switch
Press to activate/deactivate the Boost function.
On each preset you can set a boost level of up to
10dB. Press to activate/deactivate this function.
Play Mode Edit Mode
Press and hold for 2 seconds to enter Preset Handle
Mode. In this mode, you can store presets, delete
presets and edit preset names.
Press to access the parameters for the effects in the
Modulation block.
Press to access the parameters for the effects in the
Pitch block.
Press to access the parameters for the Delay block.
Press to access the parameters for the Reverb block.
Press to go straight to the Boost level parameter.
Note that the maximum boost level is set in the Levels
menu.
OVERVIEW
17
Control Board – Rear
GFX01 – Front
Control Link
Use a standard Cat 5 cable to connect the Control Board
to the GFX01. A short cable is already mounted upon
delivery when the G-System is assembled.
When you detach the GFX01 from the Control Board and
mount it in a rack, use a Cat 5 of suitable length (max.
15 meters).
There are three connectors on the Control Board.
When the G-System is assembled, the Control Link
connectors on the Control Board and on the GFX01 are
connected with a short Cat 5 cable.
When the GFX01 is mounted in a rack, a longer Cat 5
cable (not supplied) is used. Use a high quality Cat 5
cable with XLR housing for maximum stability.
Expression pedals can be connected to either the GFX01
(when the unit is assembled) or to the Control Board
when the GFX01 is mounted in a rack.
It is possible to connect two expression pedals to the
Control Board and at the same time connect two
expression pedals to the GFX01. This gives you two
“handles” for each of the parameters assigned to these
connectors, which you can place on stage where
required.
For more information on expression pedals, please refer
to the relevant sections of this manual.
OVERVIEW
18
We suggest using a “road-proof”, high quality Cat 5 cable
with XLR housing.
Instrument Input
The Instrument input on the front of the GFX01 is
identical to the Instrument input on the rear. This is very
convenient when the GFX01 is mounted in a rack and
you wish to connect your guitar to the front.
Mounting the G-System in a Pedal- Flightcase
Though the G-System is built from heavy-duty materials,
you may wish to mount it in a flightcase for extra
protection on the road.
Therefore, the G-System’s side panels have four screw
threads (Ø 4mm).
Be sure to use the correct type of screws (M4) to
avoid damaging the threads.
OVERVIEW
19
You cannot connect guitars to both of these inputs
at the same time. Which input to use is set up via
the Input Select parameter located in the Global
Levels menu. - See also page 35.
GFX01 – Rear
Input – Instrument
This is the input for your Guitar.
Note: If the G-System is separated and the
GFX01 is mounted in a rack, you may use the
identical Input on the front instead.
Loop 1 to 4
These loops are intended for connecting e.g.
drive/distortion pedals. Use regular unbalanced
jack/jack cables.
Connect a G-System’s “Loop Send” to the input
of the pedal and connect the output of the pedal
to the same loop’s Return connector.
All four loops are constantly sending. A loop only
breaks when the 1/4" Return jack is connected.
This allows you to split your lead signal, feeding
multiple destinations, so you can e.g. use a
Loop Send as a dry signal for a “3-way setup”.
Insert
This loop is intended for a pre-amp. If cables
longer than 3 feet are used, they should be
balanced, even if the connectors on the pre-amp
are unbalanced. When balanced cables are
used, a special pseudo balanced circuit will
reduce the noise which would occur when using
unbalanced cables.
Output
Left/Right output to your amp or amps.
Power Outputs
4 x 9 Volt DC to power connected pedals.
Maximum combined load on these outlets is
200mA. Please check the specifications on
connected pedals: Ring (+), Pin (-).
SW Out (Switch Out)
The two 1/4" stereo jack switch connectors can
be used to switch channels e.g. on a pre-amp or
a combo amp either at preset change or when
sending a CC change.
Switching options are:
– Tip to Ground
– Ring to Ground
– Tip and Ring to Ground
– No Connection
for each of the two connectors.
Depending on the channel switching facilities on
your pre-amp, different cables should be used.
1
2
3
4
5
6
OVERVIEW
20
Schematics for some amps are available at
www.tcelectronic.com. If you cannot find your
amp type there, please contact the manufacturer
of your amp.
Pedal In – Exp. (Expression)
Connector for an expression pedal to control e.g.
pitch in a whammy effect.
Pedal In – Vol (Volume)
Connector for an expression pedal.
A connected expression pedal will per default
control the Input Gain parameter.
MIDI IN
On the MIDI IN port, the G-System can receive
MIDI information such as MIDI Program Change
messages (for preset changes) and Continuous
Controllers (MIDI CCs). You can use these to
remote-control G-System parameters.
MIDI OUT
The G-System sends out MIDI Program Change
messages when a preset is recalled.
USB
Use the USB port to update the G-System’s
software from a computer.
S/PDIF – Digital Out
Digital output, e.g. for feeding a digital audio
recorder.
Power Input
The G-System’s switch mode power-supply
accepts from 100 to 240 Volts AC.
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
OVERVIEW
21
TYPICAL SETUPS
22
Pre-amp
The pre-amp generates your basic tone. It usually has 2
or more channels. E.g:
Channel 1 Clean
Channel 2 Lead
The Pre-amp could also be viewed as an advanced
overdrive or distortion pedal.
Power-amp
The power-amps main object is to amplify the sound
generated by the pre-amp and effects that are placed in
front.
Head
A “head” is a pre-amp and a power amp built into one
box. It is as simple as that.
The Input on the front is the pre-amp input.
The effect loop Send – is the pre-amps output.
The effects loop Return – is the Input of the power-amp.
Combo
The Combo amp is identical to the Head but also has
built in speakers – hence the “combo” or “combination”
expression.
We are quite aware that not all amps are built and
labeled exactly alike and the generic explanations above
must therefore be considered as a basic guide. We also
recognize the importance and tone-differences of the poweramp models, tube-types etc. - This page is a reference for basic
understanding of the principles of guitar amplification only.
Preamp
Clean ch. Drive ch.
IN OUT
Power amp
(stereo)
Speaker
IN IN
Speaker
IN
Head
Preamp OUT/SEND
Power amp
IN/RETURN
Effect
Speaker
Combo
IN
Loop SEND
Loop RETURN
Preamp
Effect
Power amp
If you an experienced gear “nerd” already, this page will not apply to you. This page gives information on a few
basic issues regarding amp types.
Generally said - all setups include both a pre-amp and a power-amp. This applies whether it is a Head, a Combo or a split
system with separate pre/power-amp. How to enter and exit these components is a different story. However, “Send” is
usually equal to “Pre-amp out” and “Return” is usually equal to “Power-amp in”.
Pedals and Amp
In this setup, we are using up to four drive pedals
and a single combo amp. If you add another amp,
you have a stereo setup.
The two expression pedals are optional. If
connected, you can use them to control e.g. a
volume parameter or a pitch for “whammy”.
Connecting
• Connect your guitar to the Instrument Input.
• Connect up to four drive pedals to the loops.
• All pedals connected to the loops must remain
switched on at all times. The G-System
activates/deactivates the loops – not the pedals!
• Connect expression pedals using a single standard
1/4" jack cable. Depending on the expression pedal
model, the cable must be mono or stereo.
• Connect the G-System’s Out to your amp’s input or to
the amp’s effect loop return. Use two amps for stereo
operation.
• Connect expression pedals and calibrate these using
the Pedals menu.
Drive Pedals
Combo amp
TAPTEMPO
EDITPARAMETER B EDITPARAMETER C SELECTPAGE
EDITPARAMETER A
GAINADJUST
HOLDTO STORE HOLDTOSTORE HOLDTOSTORE HOLDTOSTOREHOLDTO STORE
PRESETABLEBOOST LEVEL
LEVELSET
EDITA EDIT B EDIT C
GLOBALTEMPO
FORMANT| WAH | EFFECT FILTERS COMPRESSOR ALGORITHM
MODEMENU
WHAMMY| PITCH ALGORITHMCHORUS| FLANGER | TREMOLO
| RETURNENTER
HI-CLASS| TAPE ECHO | DYNAMIC REVERBALGORITHM
INPUT DAMP
EDITED
COM FLT PIT DLY REV
E1: E2: E3: E4: E5:
INTEGRATEDEFFECTS
+MANAGEMENT
FILTER LOOP LOOP LOOP EDIT123COMP
UP
DOWN
MOD PITCH DELAY REVERB BOOST
ENCODER ENCODER ENCODER ENCODER ENCODER ENCODER
Send
Return
Send
Return
Send
Return
Send
Return
Loop 1
Expression Pedal
Loop 2Loop 3Lo op 4
Expression/Volume Pedal
INPUT
Out Insert
Guitar
Input
PUSH
In this section we will take a look at some examples of how the G-System can be connected to your gear. There
are probably no two setups that are 100% identical. We suggest you look for the setup that comes closest to your
own.
TYPICAL SETUPS
23
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