TC Electronic Nova System User Manual

NOVA System

User’s Manual

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.

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.

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.

Warning!

• To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose
this apparatus to rain or moisture and objects filled with
liquids, such as vases, should not be placed on this
apparatus.

• 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:

NOVA System

- Effects Processor for electric guitars

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

EN 55103-1 Product family standard for

EN 55103-2 Product family standard for

With reference to regulations in following
directives:
73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC

related apparatus for household
and similar general use

audio,video, audio-visual and
entertainment lighting control
apparatus for professional
use. Part 1: Emission.

audio, video, audio-visual and
entertainment lighting control
apparatus for professional
use. Part 2: Immunity.

Issued in Risskov, January 2008

Mads Peter Lübeck

Chief Executive Officer

b

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .a

EMC/EMI & Certificate of Conformity . . . . . . . .b

Table of contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

OPERATION

NOVA System – Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

NOVA System – Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

SETUPS

Basic Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

NOVA System in a an effects loop . . . . . . . . .11

MENUS

Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Boost Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

The Tuner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

MIDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Edit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Delete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

EQ and Noise Gate

EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Noise Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Modulation - Mod

Phaser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Tremolo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Panner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Chorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Flanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Vibrato . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Modulation - Pitch

Detune . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Whammy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Octaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Pitch Shifter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Intelligent Pitch Shifter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Delay Types

Common Delay Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Clean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Analog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Tape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Dynamic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

PingPong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Dual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Spillover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

EFFECTS

Drive

Overdrive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Distortion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Compression

Sustaining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Percussive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Advanced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

TC Electronic, Sindalsvej 34, DK-8240 Risskov – [e-mail] Manual revision 1.2 – SW – V 1.10

Reverb Types

Common Reverb Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Spring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

APPENDIX

Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

English Version

Prod. No: E60508712

3

INTRODUCTION

NOVA System - All-in-One Extravaganza

The Audible Choice

NOVA System is the complete, floor-based effects solution for the dedicated guitar player who knows quality when he
sees it. Its unique inclusion of an all-analog distortion/overdrive section under preset and expression control makes it the
perfect choice whether you want to trim down your rack setup, step up from your pedal patchwork or simply just want the
ultimate combination of operational simplicity and audio superiority.
Add to this an array of effects taken straight from the king of floor-based processors; G-System and you have top-notch
compression, EQ, noise gate, modulation, pitch, delay and reverb right at your feet. All you need is a guitar and an amp
and you’re good to go – first class.

Genuine, Analog Drive Circuit

What makes NOVA System so remarkably different is the NDT™ - NOVA Drive Technology - a unique, new drive and
distortion circuit that gets you the best of both worlds: World-class analog distortion and overdrive with digital control. This
is the real deal – no modeling. While the NDT™ is 100% analog and physically separated from the digital effects, its
control potmeters are digital. This way you can tweak, store and recall as many drive settings as you want - you can even
hook up an expression pedal and control the amount of distortion in real-time. Its wide gain range covers your every need
from light breakup to heavy distortion.

Top-notch Effects

Equipped with TC branded quality effects from delays
and reverbs to compressor, EQ and modulation, NOVA
System is the obvious all-in-one solution for any guitarist
who wants setup simplicity without sacrificing tonal
fidelity. All neatly programmable and storable in 60 user
presets. Its 30 factory presets give you a demonstration
of just what this unit provides; great sound quality and an
immense versatility of effects combinations – all
designed to get you started right out of the box.

The current manual revision number is found at the bottom of page 3.
Latest manual revision can always be downloaded via www.tcelectronic.com.
To seek additional information and support please visit TC Support interactive
that also can be accessed via www.tcelectronic.com

Features

• All-analog overdrive and distortion under preset and
expression control.

• 6 effect blocks taken straight from G-System:

- Compression

- EQ + Noise Gate

- Modulation

- Pitch

- Delay

- Reverb

• 30 factory and 60 user presets

• Two footswitch layouts: preset and pedal

• Hi-Z and balanced input + balanced stereo outputs

• Optional G-Switch for added control

5

OVERVIEW

6

OPERATION

1 - Effects edit / Select buttons

Press once to enter edit mode for the current effect.
Press again to toggle between the different effect types.
Press and hold to exit the effects edit mode without
saving.

2 - Variations

For each selected effect type, 4 instant variations can be
stored. When creating new presets this function makes is
very easy to combine your favorite reverbs with your
favorite compression settings etc.

Example:

- Press COMP edit to enter the compression block.

- Edit the compression settings using encoders A-D.

- Now press and hold VARIATION key #1 to save this
compression setting as one of your favorites. Note
that the preset is not stored at this point, you have
simply set up a favorite compression setting.

- Recall a different preset using the preset keys where
you would like to apply this compression.

- Press COMP followed by VARIATION key #1.

- Your favorite compression setting #1 is now recalled
into the current preset.

The VARIATION key LEDs
When a VARIATION key LED is lit you have previously
stored a variation with that key.

To delete a variation
Press and hold “FACTORY DEFAULT” while pressing
one of the VARIATION keys 1-4. This will delete the
variation stored with that key.

3 - Factory Default

TC Electronic has predefined factory default settings for
each algorithm. Press FACTORY DEFAULT to recall the
default settings for the currently selected algorithm.

Example:
Assume that you have a very nice preset with a nice

:

:

combination of compression, EQ, mod and maybe delay
settings. However, you feel that you have edited the
reverb parameters to a point where you find yourself a bit
lost. - What would TC Electronic suggest?

- We assume that you are in reverb edit, thus the
REVERB EDIT LED is lit.

- Press FACTORY DEFAULT.

Note that there is a factory default setting for each
effect sub-type.

4 - Edit A to D

EDIT encoders A to D is used to adjust parameters.

5 - Tuner Indications

In Tuner mode this section of the display indicates
whether the input note is above or below correct pitch.

6 - Store

Storing a preset can be done in two ways. We call them
“Quick store” and “Normal store”. “Quick store” is
typically used when you have made changes to a preset
and want to store the preset with the same name at the
same location. “Normal store” is used if you want to
change preset location and maybe the name as well.

Quick store
preset is now stored at the current location.

Normal Store - press STORE once:

Now the following controls are available:

- Encoder A selects preset location

- Encoder B selects preset name characters

- press and hold STORE for 2 seconds. The

If you are trying to store a factory preset using
“Quick store”, you will automatically be directed to
“Normal store” mode.

7

OPERATION

- Encoder C changes characters

- Encoder D selects recall, delete or store mode

When selections are made press STORE to confirm.

7 - Levels

Output levels can be set for each preset. All other
parameters in the levels menu are “global” parameters
and do not change with presets.

All preset parameters are marked with a “P” in the
right side of the display.

8 - MENU button

Press to enter the following menus:

- Routing

- Pedal

- Modifiers

- MIDI

- Utility

The menus are described in later chapters of this
manual.

9 - Effect status LEDs

The LEDs indicate which effect is selected in each block.

10 - MOD

On/off switch for the modulation block.

Secondary function
Press and hold to increase preset bank.

:

13 - TAP (Tempo) & Hold for TUNING

This switch has two functions.

Tap Tempo
By tapping the switch you enter the global tempo for
NOVA System. This tempo can be used for delay and
modulation effects.

Tuning
Press and hold to enter Tuner mode. Per default the
outputs are muted when in Tuner mode, but via the
Tuner menu chose between setting the “Tuner Out” to
mute or on. The Tuner parameters are automatically
accessible when Tuner mode is accessed.

14 - PITCH

On/off switch for the Pitch block.

Secondary function
Press and hold to decrease preset.

15 - REVERB or PRESET 1

In Pedal mode this switch acts as an on/off switch for the
Reverb.

In Preset mode you may press this switch to recall preset
#1 in the current bank.

16 - COMP or PRESET 2

In Pedal mode this switch acts as an on/off switch for the
Compressor.

:

:

:

11 - DELAY

On/off switch for the Delay block.

12 - BOOST

On/off switch for the Boost function. different boost levels
can be set for individual presets from 0 to 10 dB.

8

In Preset mode you may press this switch to recall preset
#2 in the current bank.

17 - DRIVE or PRESET 3

In Pedal mode this switch act as an on/off switch for the
Drive section. In Preset mode you may press this switch
to recall preset #3 in the current bank.

REAR PANEL VIEW

1 - Drive Input

Input for guitar. Use this input to utilize the programmable
analog drive section of NOVA System.
Connection type: 1/4” jack.

2 - Line Input

In case you want to use the NOVA System in an effects
loop of an amp, the “Effects Loop Send” should be
connected to the NOVA System Line In. Then the NOVA
System pre-amp section is bypassed and you use the
preamp section of your amp for drive.

3/4 - Balanced Outputs

Balanced outputs on 1/4” TRS jack. Use the left output if
you do not play in stereo and connect to a single amp.

5 / 6 / 7 - MIDI In / Thru / Out

Standard MIDI interface.

8 - Pedal In

Several types of external pedals can be connected and
used to control parameters.

- Connect a G-Switch for preset change and thereby
utilize all 8 switches on NOVA System as effects
bypass switches.

- Connect an expression control e.g. volume.
For perfect response when using an expression
pedal, the pedal must be calibrated. This is done via
the pedal menu.

- Via the pedal menu you can set up which parameter
the expression pedal should control.

9 - Power In

The switchmode power-supply accepts from 100 to 240
VAC.

9

TYPICAL SETUPS

Basic setup

This is a typical basic setup combining NOVA System
with one combo amp (or two for stereo) running a clean
channel. All effects and overdrive/distortion are
generated by NOVA System. A G-Switch (optional) is
connected and the NOVA System is then automatically in
stomp mode. Presets are then recalled using the G­Switch.

Connections

• Connect your guitar to the NOVA System’s Drive
input

• Connect Left output to a guitar amp running a clean
channel

• Connect the right output to a second guitar amp for
stereo (optional)

• Connect G-Switch (optional) to the pedal input
pedal input

10

Basic settings

• Set input sensitivity via the Levels menu

With a G-Switch connected

• Activate/deactivate effect blocks pressing the effects
switches

• Change presets using G-Switch

With no G-Switch connected

• Select the Footswitch parameter in the Utility menu
and select Pedal (stomp) or Preset mode

• Select preset - if in preset mode

• Activate/deactivate effect blocks pressing the effects
switches

:

:

NOVA System in an effects loop

TYPICAL SETUPS

In this setup we use the preamp section of your combo
amp to generate the drive. We use the Line input on the
NOVA System and thereby bypass the NOVA Systems
drive section. An expression pedal is connected to pedal
in for real-time control of e.g. volume.

Connections

• Connect guitar to the input of the combo amp.

• Connect the effects loop “send” of the amp to NOVA
Systems Line input.

• Connect left output to the effects loop return (=power
amp in) of your amp. For a stereo setup connect the
NOVA System right output to the effects loop return
(power amp in) of the other amp.

• Connect an expression pedal to the NOVA System
Pedal in.

Basic settings

• Set input sensitivity via the Levels menu according to
the highest pedal level

• Select the Footswitch parameter in the Utility menu
and select Pedal (stomp) or Preset mode

• Select preset (if in preset mode)

• Activate/deactivate effect blocks pressing the effects
switches.

• Calibrate the expression pedal via the pedals menu

• Assign parameters to the expression pedal via the
Pedal menu

11

MENU - ROUTING

Routing

NOVA System has three ways of routing the chain of effects: Serial, Semi Parallel and Parallel.

Basics

• Press MENU

• Select Routing using encoder D

• Press MENU to confirm

• Set values using encoders A, B and C

• Change pages using encoder D

• Confirm by pressing MENU

• Exit by pressing MENU again

Serial

The Serial routing connects all effect blocks “in a straight line”. This means that each effect block affects the following
effect(s).

If a delay with a long delay time is used in combination with a reverb, you may find the added reverb on the delay
repeats disturbing. In that case, use either the Semi Parallel or Parallel routing.

12

MENU - ROUTING

Semi Parallel

The Semi Parallel routing connects most effect blocks serially, but the reverb and delay blocks are now connected in
parallel. Consequently, the delay and reverb effects do not affect each other. This means that no reverb is added to the
delay repeats.

Parallel

In the Parallel routing, the same signal is fed to the input of the modulation, delay and reverb sections, and therefore
these effects will not affect each other.

13

MENU - LEVELS

Levels menu

Basics

• Press LEVELS to access

• Set values using encoders A, B and C

• Change pages using encoder D

Where nothing else is stated the range of the level
parameters is -100 dB to 0 dB.

Volume

Range: -100 dB to 0 dB
Level control that can be positioned either pre or post
effects processing. The position of the volume control is
set by the Position parameter (see also routing
schematic).

Input Gain

Range: 0 dB to 24 dB
Guitars have different output levels. So has pedals you
may have placed before the NOVA System. This is how
you set the correct gain.

• Switch on any pedal in your signal chain that is
placed prior to NOVA System and may boost the
signal

• Strum your guitar as hard as you do when you play

• Adjust the line gain until the “0” appears:

• Then back off a few dB:

Clipping indication
If you change the input gain considerably, e.g. by
switching to a different guitar or changing levels on a
pedal placed before the NOVA System, the input of the
NOVA System may be clipping. This is indicated by the
small dot in the far rightmost side of the numeric display:

Left Output & Right Output

Range: -100 dB to 0 dB
Individual level control for left and right outputs. These
levels can be set per preset.

Input

Range: Drive or Line
Selects the input. Select “Drive” if you have connected
your guitar to the Drive input and want to utilize the
NOVA Systems Drive effect block.
Select “Line” if you have connected your guitar to the
Line input. (see also routing schematic).

Volume Position

The Volume parameter is typically controlled by an
expression pedal. If you connect an expression pedal to
the pedal input the pedal will control this parameter per
default.
The Volume Position parameter defines where the
volume is controlled. The options are:

The volume is controlled right after the Drive section

Pre:
and before the effects. This allows for effects such as
Delay and Reverb to “hang”, even if you lower the level
using an expression pedal.

• The correct gain is now set and you have unity gain
through NOVA System.

14

The volume is controlled after the effects. This

Post:
means that the volume of the entire signal, including
effects, is controlled.