TC Electronic PLETHORA X3 Quick Start Guide

Your guide to the TonePrint Pedalboard with 127 Boards, 3 Pedal Slots, TC Effects, MASH Footswitches, and Tape Deck Looper.

Introduction

The TC Electronic PLETHORA X3 is a revolutionary TonePrint Pedalboard, offering a powerful and versatile platform for guitarists. It allows you to create custom virtual pedalboards, load up to three virtual pedals (PEDALS) per board, and assign unique TonePrints to each pedal for a vast array of sounds.

Key Features:

Up to 127 customizable BOARDS (virtual pedalboards).
3 PEDAL SLOTS per BOARD.
Access to TC Electronic's extensive TonePrint effects library, plus exclusive effects like the Tape Deck Looper.
75 TonePrint slots per effect.
3 MASH footswitches for expressive control.
Bluetooth connectivity for mobile app integration (TonePrint App).

Hook-Up

Connecting your PLETHORA X3:

Basic Stereo Connection:

Connect your guitar to the PLETHORA X3's INPUT jack. Then, connect the PLETHORA X3's OUTPUT jacks to your amplifier(s) for stereo sound.

Stereo Connection with Effects Loop and MIDI:

For advanced setups, connect your guitar to the INPUT. Utilize the Send and Return jacks to integrate the PLETHORA X3 into your amplifier's effects loop. MIDI connections allow for external control of parameters and board changes.

Understanding Boards, Pedals, and TonePrints

BOARDS: A BOARD is your virtual pedalboard, acting as a preset. You can populate it with up to three PEDALS, customize their order and settings, and save it for quick recall.

PEDALS: These are the virtual effect units you place on your BOARD. PLETHORA X3 offers a wide selection of TC Electronic's renowned effects, including reverbs, delays, and more, along with unique creations like the Tape Deck Looper.

TonePrints: A TonePrint is a custom preset for a specific PEDAL. It defines all effect parameters, knob assignments, and footswitch functions, allowing for a complete transformation of a pedal's sound and behavior.

Controls Overview

The PLETHORA X3 features intuitive controls for easy operation:

PLAY/EDIT Switch: Toggles between PLAY mode (for performance) and EDIT mode (for configuration).
EFFECT Knob: Selects and assigns PEDALS to your BOARD. In EDIT mode, it scrolls through the PEDAL list; press to assign.
PARAMETER Knobs (x3): Adjust effect parameters for the selected PEDAL. These save automatically in EDIT mode. In PLAY mode, they can be assigned as HOT KNOBZ for live adjustments.
BOARD Switch: Navigates up and down through your saved BOARDS.
TONEPRINT Knob: Scrolls through available TonePrints for the selected PEDAL. In EDIT mode, it selects and assigns TonePrints; press to confirm. In PLAY mode, it activates the UniTune chromatic tuner when held.
LCD Displays: Show current effects (PLAY mode) or lists/settings (EDIT mode).
Footswitches (x3): Select PEDAL SLOTS (EDIT mode) or engage/bypass PEDALS (PLAY mode). Holding a footswitch can activate secondary functions like MASH, RAMP, or TAP TEMPO.
Indicator LEDs: Show selected PEDAL SLOT (EDIT mode) or PEDAL status (PLAY mode). Flashing indicates bypass, solid light indicates active.
INPUT (MONO/STEREO): 1/4" TS jacks for connecting your instrument.
OUTPUT (MONO/STEREO): 1/4" TS jacks for connecting to your amplifier or other audio gear.
DC IN: Connect the included 9V DC power supply.
USB: For connecting to a computer or mobile device for TonePrint App and firmware updates.
MIDI (IN/THRU): For external MIDI control of parameters and board changes.

Creating a BOARD

Follow these steps to build your custom pedalboard:

Set PLAY/EDIT switch to EDIT mode.
Create a new BOARD: Press BOARD switch UP, rotate EFFECT knob to highlight CREATE, then press EFFECT knob to select.
Populate BOARD with PEDALS: Press a footswitch to select a PEDAL SLOT, rotate EFFECT knob to choose a PEDAL from the list, and press EFFECT knob to assign.
Select and apply a TonePrint: Rotate TONEPRINT knob to highlight a TonePrint, press TONEPRINT knob to load, and use PARAMETER knobs to adjust.
Repeat steps 3-4 for the remaining PEDAL SLOTS.
Flip PLAY/EDIT switch to PLAY MODE. Settings are saved automatically.

More on TonePrints

TonePrints offer deep customization, allowing artists and users to craft unique sounds. You can explore Artist TonePrints or create your own using the TonePrint Editor. Transfer TonePrints to your PLETHORA X3 via USB or the mobile app.

Bluetooth Pairing

Connect your PLETHORA X3 to a mobile device via Bluetooth to use the TonePrint App:

Put PLETHORA X3 into EDIT mode.
Navigate to SETTINGS > GLOBAL > BLUETOOTH.
Select CONNECT.
On your mobile device, enable Bluetooth, launch the TonePrint App, and select your PLETHORA X3 from the list of available devices.
Confirm connection in the app.

Specifications

Bypass mode	True Bypass
Input connectors	2 x 1/4" TS, unbalanced
Input impedance	1 MΩ
Output connectors	2 x 1/4" TS, unbalanced
MIDI in/thru	2 x 5-pin DIN
Power input	9 VDC, centre negative, >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 Version	4.2 Low Energy
Operating frequency	2.402 to 2.48 GHz
RF output power	8 dBm
Working distance	Up to 10 m (open space)
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 lbs)

Important Safety Information

[Warning] Terminals marked with the electrical shock symbol carry sufficient voltage to pose a risk.

[Warning] Do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

[Warning] Do not remove covers; refer servicing to qualified personnel.

[Warning] Use only the provided power supply.

Always follow the safety instructions provided in the manual. Ensure proper ventilation and avoid extreme temperatures.

Disposal: This product must be recycled according to WEEE regulations. Do not dispose of with household waste.

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