tc electronic PLETHORA X3 User Guide

tc electronic PLETHORA X3 User Guide

Important Safety Instructions

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

****Terminals marked with this symbol carry electrical current of sufficient magnitude to constitute risk of electric shock. Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with ¼” TS or twist-locking plugs pre-installed. All other installation or modification should be performed only by qualified personnel.

**** This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure – voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

 This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the manual.

Caution
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not  remove the top cover (or the rear section). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

Caution
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do  not expose this appliance to rain and moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing liquids and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.

Caution
These service instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operation instructions.
Repairs have to be performed by qualified service personnel.

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. Use only 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 forlong 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.

15. The apparatus shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.

16. Where the MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.

17. Correct disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product must not be disposed of with household waste, according to the WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) and your national law.
    This product should be taken to a collection center licensed for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).

The mishandling of this type of waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will contribute to the efficient use of natural resources. For more information about where you can take your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, or your household waste collection service.

18. Do not install in a confined space, such as a book case or similar unit.
19. Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the apparatus.
20. Please keep the environmental aspects of battery disposal in mind. Batteries must be disposed-of at a battery collection point.
21. This apparatus may be used in tropical and moderate climates up to 45°C.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

Music Tribe accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph, or statement contained herein. Technical specifications, appearances and other information are subject to change without notice. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Midas, Klark Teknik, Lab Gruppen, Lake, Tannoy, Turbo sound, TC Electronic, TC Helicon, Behringer, Bugera, Aston Micro phones and Cool audio are trademarks or registered trademarks of Music Tribe Global Brands Ltd. © Music Tribe Global Brands Ltd. 2022 All rights reserved.

LIMITED WARRANTY

For the applicable warranty terms and conditions and additional information regarding Music Tribe’s Limited Warranty, please see complete details online at community.musictribe.com/pages/support#warranty.

PLETHORA X3 Hook-up

Step 1: Hook-Up

Dual outputs to amps in stereo

Amplifier send/return effects loop with MIDI control

PLETHORA X3 BOARDS, PEDALS, Tone Prints

Step 2: BOARDS, PEDALS, Tone Prints

What is a TonePrint Pedalboard? PLETHORA X3 is a new kind of Multi- effects unit called a TONEPRINT PEDALBOARD.

The concept is very straightforward:

1. Create a BOARD.
2. Populate your BOARD with up to three PEDALS.
3. Select a Tone Print for each PEDAL.

BOARDS

A BOARD is a virtual pedalboard that consists of three PEDAL SLOTs. Each PEDAL SLOT can be populated with PEDALS, customized, and then recalled as a preset (see Fig. 1, BOARDS).

PLETHORA X3 can store and recall up to 127 preset BOARDS.

PEDALS
A PEDAL is a virtual stomp box that you can place on your BOARD in one of the three PEDAL SLOTs (see Fig. 2, PEDALS).

PEDALS can be arranged in any order that you like on the BOARD, and playing with the order of PEDALS can yield very different sounds. In PLETHORA X3, the available PEDALS include the full selection from our extensive Tone Print pedal range (Hall of Fame Reverb, Flashback Delay, etc.), as well as some effects exclusive to PLETHORA X3, such as the Tape Deck Looper.

TonePrints
A TonePrint is like a preset for the selected PEDAL.
When loaded, the TonePrint tells the PEDAL what settings to use for all effect parameters and what the mappings are for each knob, MASH footswitch, and so on (see Fig. 3, Tone Prints).

Changing the Tone Print will completely transform the sound of the PEDAL (also see “More On Tone Prints”).

PLETHORA X3 Controls

Step 3: Controls

1. PLAY/EDIT – Use this switch to toggle between PLAY and EDIT modes.

2. EFFECT – This knob allows you to select and assign PEDALS to the BOARD.
   EDIT MODE – Rotate this knob to scroll through the list of available PEDALS, and then press the knob to assign the selected PEDAL to the currently-active PEDAL SLOT. PLAY MODE – This knob has no function.

3. PARAMETER – Use these three knobs to adjust the effect parameters of your PEDALS.
   EDIT MODE – PARAMETER knobs can be used to adjust specific effect parameters for the selected PEDAL. These parameters are saved on the fly automatically.
   PLAY MODE – These knobs do nothing unless assigned as HOT KNOBZ via the BOARD settings menu. A HOT KNOB can be assigned to control any PEDAL parameter knobs in the whole effects chain for quick, on-the-fly adjustment in PLAY mode. HOT KNOB tweaks are not saved automatically and are just for live tweaking when in PLAY mode.

4. BOARD – This switch scrolls up and down through the BOARDS.

5. TONEPRINT – This knob can be used to scroll through the TonePrints list for the selected PEDAL.
   EDIT MODE – Rotate to scroll through the TonePrint list on the far-right screen. Press to select and assign the TonePrint highlighted on the list to the currently selected PEDAL.
   PLAY MODE – Press and hold to activate the chromatic UniTune tuner. Press the encoder again or any footswitch to exit the tuner.

6. LCD DISPLAYS PLAY MODE – Displays show which effects are currently loaded and active for each PEDAL SLOT on the BOARD.
   EDIT MODE – Displays show the PEDAL list, TonePrint list and PARAMETER knob settings for the selected PEDAL.

7. FOOTSWITCH EDIT MODE – Press one of the three footswitches to select the corresponding PEDAL SLOT.
   Consecutively press the same footswitch to bypass/engage the currently selected PEDAL.
   PLAY MODE – Press a footswitch to turn the PEDAL in the corresponding PEDAL SLOT on and off. Press and hold to activate a secondary FOOTSWITCH FUNCTION such as MASH, RAMP and TAP TEMPO. A secondary FOOTSWITCH FUNCTION can be changed in the BOARD settings menu at the bottom of the PEDAL/EFFECT list.

8. INDICATOR LEDs EDIT MODE- LEDs illuminate to display which PEDAL SLOT is currently selected. If the PEDAL is bypassed the LED will flash, if the PEDAL is engaged the LED will light solid.
   PLAY MODE – LEDs show if the corresponding effect PEDAL is on/ off. For secondary FOOTSWITCH FUNCTIONS such as TAP TEMPO, the LED’s display the current status
   of the effect.

9. INPUT (MONO/STEREO) – These jacks accept standard ¼” TS connectors. For stereo input, use both input jacks; for mono input, use only the MONO input jack.

10. OUTPUT (MONO/STEREO) – These jacks accept standard ¼” TS connectors. For stereo output, use both output jacks; for mono output, use only the MONO output jack.

11. DC IN – Connect the included external power supply (9 V DC, >600 mA). For safe operation, please only use the included power supply that comes with your product.

12. USB – This mini-USB Type B jack connects the unit to a computer or mobile device for connection to the TonePrint App, and to perform firmware updates.

13. MIDI (IN/THRU) – These MIDI jacks allow you to remotely control footswitches, BOARD changes and various FX parameters in real-time via external MIDI devices (like a foot controller or your DAW)

PLETHORA X3 Creating a BOARD

Step 4: Creating a BOARD

To create and populate a new BOARD in PLETHORA X3, follow these steps:

1. Flip the PLAY/EDIT switch into the EDIT position

2. Create a new BOARD:

   • Press the BOARD switch UP to open the CREATE/DUPLICATE BOARD menu.
   • Rotate the EFFECT knob to highlight CREATE on the menu.
   • Press the EFFECT knob to select CREATE.
     NOTE: Pressing DOWN on the BOARD switch will present options to DELETE and CLEAR your current BOARD.

3. Populate the new BOARD with PEDALS:

   • Press any FOOTSWITCH to edit its corresponding PEDAL SLOT.
   • Rotate the EFFECT knob to highlight an effects PEDAL from the list on the far left screen.
   • Press the EFFECT knob to select the highlighted PEDAL and populate your PEDAL SLOT.
     NOTE: Scroll to the bottom of this list to access GLOBAL and BOARD settings.

4. Select and apply a TonePrint to the PEDAL:

   • Rotate the TONEPRINT knob to highlight and select a TONEPRINT from the list on the far right.
   • Press the TONEPRINT knob to load the TonePrint into the PEDAL.
   • Use the three PARAMETER knobs to adjust the sound of the PEDAL.
     NOTE: You can edit the list of TonePrints for each PEDAL by connecting your PLETHORA X3 to the TonePrint App. You can also collate a list of up to 75 of your favorite TonePrints for each PEDAL, allowing quick recall directly on your PLETHORA X3.

5. Repeat steps 3 through 4 for the other two PEDAL SLOTS on your BOARD:

   • Press any footswitch to select that PEDAL SLOT and edit its PEDAL. The corresponding FOOTSWITCH LED will illuminate to reflect which PEDAL SLOT is selected.
   • Consecutively press the same footswitch to toggle the corresponding PEDAL on/off.
   • When a PEDAL is bypassed, the FOOTSWITCH LED will flash.

6. Finish and begin playing:

   • Flip the PLAY/EDIT switch into PLAY MODE.
   • All settings made in EDIT mode are automatically saved on the fly

NOTE: Many customizable options are available in the SETTINGS menu at the bottom of the EFFECT list, such as HOT KNOBZ, 2ND FSW FUNCTION and MIDI options.

PLETHORA X3 More on Tone Prints

Step 5: More on Tone Prints

On the surface, each Tone Print PEDAL has just three parameter knobs like any normal stomp box. This arrangement keeps things fun and simple during play. But under the hood, there can be hundreds of parameters and options available, which means that each PEDAL’s sound can be configured to create a huge array of effects.

PLETHORA X3 comes with a selection of Tone Prints pre-installed, however you can edit that list of Tone Prints and collate up to 75 of your favorites for each pedal, allowing quick and easy recall on the fly, directly from PLETHORA X3.

ARTIST TonePrints
Tone Prints are available through the free Tone Print App, where you will find pre-made Tone Prints that have been meticulously crafted and fine-tuned by some of the world’s greatest musical artists in collaboration with the TC tone technicians. This selection of Tone Prints gives you options to find the perfect sound for each effect, no matter what genre or style you want to play. Simply loading in one of these TonePrints will drastically transform the sound and control of the effect within the pedal.

Create Your Own TonePrints
For those of you who like to get deep into sound creation and the crafting of your very own signature effects, you can also create your own unique TonePrints using the TonePrint Editor within the App. Not only does the TonePrint Editor unlock access to hundreds of hidden effect parameters for sound design, but you can also customize each knob, MASH footswitch and EXP to control up to three parameters simultaneously, any way you want it.

After creating and storing your custom TonePrints in the App, you can then upload your custom TonePrints to PLETHORA X3 and add them to your list of favorites for quick recall when creating new BOARDS.

Transferring TonePrints to Your PLETHORA X3

There are two ways of transferring TonePrints to your PLETHORA X3.

1. Desktop – You can download a version of the TonePrint App for your desktop computer from the official TC Electronic website. Once downloaded and installed, this app gives you access to the complete online TonePrint library and the TonePrint Editor.
   • Connect your computer to your PLETHORA X3 using the included USB cable.
   • To transfer a TonePrint to your device, launch the TonePrint App, find PLETHORA X3 in the product list and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Mobile – If you have a smartphone or tablet, download the free TonePrint App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Once downloaded and installed, this app gives you access to the complete online TonePrint library and the TonePrint Editor.
   • To transfer a TonePrint to your device, launch the TonePrint App, find PLETHORA X3 in the product list and follow the on-screen instructions.

Apple App Store is a trademark of Apple Inc. Google Play Store is a trademark of Google, Inc.
The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks is under license. Apple App Store is a trademark of Apple Inc. Google Play Store is a trademark of Google, Inc.

To prevent possible hearing damage, do not listen at high volume levels for long periods. As a guide to setting the volume level, check that you can still hear your own voice, when speaking normally while listening with the headphones.

PLETHORA X3 Bluetooth Pairing

Step 6: Bluetooth Pairing

PLETHORA X3 can be paired via Bluetooth with a mobile device running the Tone Print App (version 4.2 or higher). The Tone Print App can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store*.

Open Bluetooth Pairing
To open Bluetooth PAIRING mode on PLETHORA X3, follow these steps:

1. Put PLETHORA X3 into EDIT mode by flipping the PLAY/EDIT switch down to the EDIT position.
2. Scroll down to SETTINGS in the leftmost LCD display by rotating the EFFECT knob clockwise.
3. Press the EFFECT knob to enter the SETTINGS menu.
4. When in the SETTINGS menu, use the EFFECT knob to navigate GLOBAL > BLUETOOTH.
5. Select CONNECT by pressing the EFFECT knob. CONNECT will change to CONNECTING to indicate that PLETHORA X3 is now open to pairing with your mobile device.

Pairing with a Mobile Device
To pair PLETHORA X3 with your mobile device, follow these steps:

1. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your mobile device.
2. Launch the Tone Print App (version 4.2 or higher) on your mobile device.
3. Go to the Settings menu in the Tone Print App by pressing the small cogwheel in the top right corner of the app window.
4. Under BLUETOOTH in the app’s Settings menu, select “Connect to a Bluetooth enabled pedal”.
5. Select PLETHORA X3 from the pop-up list of available Bluetooth devices.
6. When pairing is successful, PLETHORA X3 will automatically exit the SETTINGS menu and return to EDIT mode.
7. To confirm PLETHORA X3 is paired with your mobile device, repeat steps 1–4. If pairing was successful, the BLUETOOTH menu should display CONNECTED.

NOTE: Only one device can be connected to PLETHORA X3 via either USB or Bluetooth at any one time.

Specifications

600 mA (included)
Controls| EFFECT knob, TONEPRINT knob, parameter knobs

(assignable), effect slot / MASH footswitches (assignable), PLAY / EDIT selector switch, BOARDS selector switch

Latency| 0.8 — 2.4 ms
USB port| _     Mini-B USB connector

Bluetooth

(wall and structures may affect range of device)
Dimensions (H x W x D)| 56.02 x 176.53 x 116.75 mm (2.2 x 7.0 x 4.6″)
Weight| _    0.775 kg (1.71 Ibs)

Other important information

1. Register online.
   Please register your new Music Tribe equipment right after you purchase it by visiting musictribe.com. Registering your purchase using our simple online form helps us to process your repair
   claims more quickly and efficiently. Also, read the terms and conditions of our warranty, if applicable.

2. Malfunction. Should your
   Music Tribe Authorized Reseller not be located in your vicinity, you may contact the Music Tribe Authorized Fulfiller for your country listed under “Support” at musictribe.com. Should your country not be listed, please check if your problem can be dealt with by our “Online Support” which may also be found under “Support” at musictribe.com. Alternatively, please submit an online warranty claim at musictribe.com BEFORE returning the product.

3. Power Connections.
   Before plugging the unit into a power socket, please make sure you are using the correct mains voltage for your particular model. Faulty fuses must be replaced with fuses of the same type and rating without exception.

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION COMPLIANCE INFORMATION

TC Electronic
PLETHORA X3 

Responsible Party Name: Music Tribe Commercial NV Inc.
Address: 122 E. 42nd St.1,
8th Floor NY, NY 10168,
United States
Email Address: legal@musictribe.com

Contains FCC ID: SQGBT850

PLETHORA X3

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 a residential installation. 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.
This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1.  this device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Important information:
Changes or modifications to the equipment not expressly approved by Music Tribe can void the user’s authority to use the equipment.

Caution!
The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modification to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user authority to operate the equipment.

FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement:

1. This Transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
2. This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance of 20 centimeters between the radiator and your body.

Declaration Of Conformity

 Hereby, Music Tribe declares that this product is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU, Directive 2014/30/EU, Directive 2014/35/ EU, Directive 2011/65/EU and Amendment 2015/863/EU, Directive 2012/19/EU, Regulation 519/2012 REACH SVHC and Directive 1907/2006/EC.

Full text of EU DoC is available at https://community.musictribe.com/
EU Representative: Music Tribe Brands DK A/S
Address: Gammel Strand 44, DK-1202 København K, Denmark
UK Representative: Music Tribe Brands UK Ltd.
Address: 6 Lloyds Avenue, Unit 4CL London EC3N 3AX, United Kingdom

References

• Music Tribe
• Music Tribe
• Music Tribe
• Music Tribe

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