TC Electronic G-System User Manual

5 (2)

Users Manual

English Version

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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.

1 Read these instructions.

2 Keep these instructions.

3Heed all warnings.

4Follow all instructions.

5 Do not use this apparatus near water.

6Clean only with dry cloth.

7Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

8Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers)

that produce heat.

9Do 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.

10Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12Use 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.

13Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14Refer 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.

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.

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.

a

EMC / EMI & CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMITY

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

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

TC Electronic, Sindalsvej 34, DK-8240 Risskov – tcdk@tcelectronic.com

English Version

Manual revision 2.04 – SW – V 2.01

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Prod. No: E60504713

 

 

 

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

INTRODUCTION

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

Presets 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 parts 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:

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INTRODUCTION

Use presets to organize you basic sounds. Presets are recalled using switches 1-5.

Example:

1 Rhythm 1

2 Rhythm 2

3Crunch

4 Dist

5Lead

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!

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QUICK SETUP GUIDE

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.

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-in- one” 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”.

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QUICK SETUP GUIDE

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.

• Be sure to activate all the pedals that you have connected in the loops.

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 your pedals require a 9V DC power supply, the G- System provides 4 x 9V DC outlets (max 200mA combined), so you won’t need an external powersupply.

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.

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!

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QUICK SETUP GUIDE

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.

10

QUICK SETUP GUIDE

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

To 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.

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QUICK SETUP GUIDE

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 G- System’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.

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G-SYSTEM MENU HIERARCHY

Tap Tempo

 

 

 

Tap Global Tempo using

 

 

 

TAP TEMPO (top right corner)

 

 

Preset recall

 

 

 

Press PRESET switches

Tuner

 

 

to recall presets.

 

 

Press UP/DOWN to

Press and hold TUNER switch

 

 

 

 

change banks.

(top right corner)

 

 

 

Play mode

 

 

 

Fx’s & Loops on/off

 

 

 

Switch effects and loops

 

 

 

on/off using the

 

 

 

assigned effects switches

 

 

 

Press Menu

 

Press EDIT

Menu Mode

Edit Mode

Press and hold any

Preset (handle mode)

Turn PAGE to select effect.

PRESET switch 1-5

Prst Routing

 

 

 

 

Press ENTER to enter effect

to enter Preset Handle

Glb Levels

parameters.

mode

Pedals

 

 

 

 

Switches

 

 

 

 

MIDI

 

 

 

 

Utility

 

 

 

 

Press MENU to exit to

 

 

 

Preset Handle mode

Edit mode

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use PAGE to select:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recall

 

 

 

 

Store

 

 

 

 

Delete

13

TC Electronic G-System User Manual

OVERVIEW

14

OVERVIEW

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.

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.

#

Play Mode

Edit Mode (Press EDIT to access)

1

FILTER On/Off Switch

Press to access the parameters for the effects

 

 

in the Filter block.

 

 

Turn to adjust Input Gain.

2

COMP On/Off switch

Press to access the parameters for the

 

 

Compressor.

 

 

Turn to adjust parameter A in the display.

3

LOOP 1 On/Off switch

Turn to adjust parameter B in the display.

4

LOOP 2 On/Off switch

Turn to adjust parameter C in the display.

5

LOOP 3 On/Off switch

Edit parameters are organized in groups of

 

 

three per page.

 

 

Turn to select pages.

15

OVERVIEW

Play Mode

Edit Mode

 

 

6EDIT/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.

7METERS

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.

8TUNER & 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.

9EDIT DISPLAY

Shows all editable parameters etc.

10TEMPO 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.

11DOWN – ENTER/RETURN

Use this switch to step down from one preset bank to the previous one (e.g. from bank 3 to bank 2).

12UP – MENU MODE

Use this switch to step up from one preset bank to the next (e.g. from bank 2 to bank 3).

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.

16

OVERVIEW

# Play Mode

Edit Mode

13PRESET 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.

Press and hold for 2 seconds to enter Preset Handle Mode. In this mode, you can store presets, delete presets and edit preset names.

14MOD On/Off Switch

Press to activate/deactivate the Modulation effects.

15PITCH On/Off Switch

Press to activate/deactivate the Pitch effects.

16DELAY On/Off Switch

Press to activate/deactivate the Delay effects.

17REVERB On/Off Switch

Press to activate/deactivate the Reverb effects.

18BOOST 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.

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.

17

OVERVIEW

Control Board – Rear

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.

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).

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.

We suggest using a “road-proof”, high quality Cat 5 cable with XLR housing.

18

OVERVIEW

Mounting the G-System in a PedalFlightcase

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.

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.

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.

19

OVERVIEW

GFX01 – Rear

1Input – 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.

2Loop 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”.

3

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.

4Output

Left/Right output to your amp or amps.

5Power 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 (-).

6SW 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.

20

OVERVIEW

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.

7Pedal In – Exp. (Expression)

Connector for an expression pedal to control e.g. pitch in a whammy effect.

8Pedal In – Vol (Volume)

Connector for an expression pedal.

A connected expression pedal will per default control the Input Gain parameter.

9MIDI 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.

10MIDI OUT

The G-System sends out MIDI Program Change messages when a preset is recalled.

11USB

Use the USB port to update the G-System’s software from a computer.

12S/PDIF – Digital Out

Digital output, e.g. for feeding a digital audio recorder.

13Power Input

The G-System’s switch mode power-supply accepts from 100 to 240 Volts AC.

21

TYPICAL SETUPS

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”.

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

IN

OUT

 

Clean ch.

Drive ch.

Poweramp

IN

IN

(stereo)

 

 

Speaker

Speaker

Head

 

Power amp

 

IN/RETURN

 

IN

Preamp OUT/SEND

Speaker

 

Combo

IN

 

 

 

 

Preamp

Loop SEND

 

Power amp

Loop RETURN

Effect

Effect

22

TYPICAL SETUPS

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.

Pedals and Amp

 

 

 

 

Drive Pedals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guitar Input

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return

 

Send

Return

 

Send

Return

 

Send

Return

 

Send

INPUT

Out Insert Loop 4

Loop 3

Loop 2

Loop 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FILTER

COMP

LOOP 1

LOOP 2

LOOP 3

EDIT

TAP TEMPO

 

FORMANT | WAH | EFFECT FILTERS

COMPRESSOR ALGORITHM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENCODER

ENCODER

 

ENCODER

 

ENCODER

ENCODER

 

ENCODER

 

GAIN ADJUST

EDIT PARAMETER A

 

EDIT PARAMETER B

EDIT PARAMETER C

SELECT PAGE

 

LEVEL SET

 

 

 

EDIT A

EDIT B

EDIT C

 

INTEGRATED EFFECTS

 

 

 

 

 

E1: E2: E3: E4: E5:

 

+MANAGEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

COM FLT PIT DLY REV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GLOBAL TEMPO

 

 

 

 

UP

MOD

 

PITCH

 

DELAY

REVERB

BOOST

 

MENU MODE

CHORUS | FLANGER | TREMOLO

WHAMMY | PITCH ALGORITHM

HI-CLASS | TAPE ECHO | DYNAMIC

REVERB ALGORITHM

PRESETABLE BOOST LEVEL

 

DOWN

HOLD TO STORE

 

HOLD TO STORE

 

HOLD TO STORE

HOLD TO STORE

HOLD TO STORE

Combo amp

ENTER | RETURN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expression/VolumePedal

 

ExpressionPedal

 

 

 

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.

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