TC Electronic HyperGravity Mini Compressor

About this Manual

Use this manual to learn how to set up and operate your TC product. To get the most from this manual, please read it from start to finish, or you may miss important information.

This manual is only available as a PDF download from the TC Electronic website. We encourage you to use the PDF version, which has both internal and external hyperlinks. For example, clicking the logo in the upper left corner of each page will take you back to the table of contents.

To download the most current version of this manual, visit tcelectronic.com/support/manuals/

Getting support

If you still have questions about the product after reading this manual, please get in touch with TC Support: tcelectronic.com/support/

Enjoy your TC product!

About this pedal

Thank you for spending your hard-earned money on this TC Electronic product! We have done our best to ensure that it will serve you for many years to come, and we hope that you will enjoy using it.

HyperGravity Mini Compressor

HyperGravity Mini Compressor is the missing link that will take your tone from good to great. Its advanced multiband dynamics algorithm is the same MD3 compression algorithm found in the studio production masterpiece, System 6000, a preferred dynamics tool for top producers for over ten years. This technologically superior engine applies perfectly tailored compression for your highs, mids and lows, offering more transparent and musical compression than standard singleband compressors.

True Bypass

At TC, we have a simple philosophy: When you are using one of our products, you should hear something great – and if you don't, you shouldn't hear it at all. This is why this pedal sports True Bypass. When it is bypassed, it is really off and has zero influence on your tone, resulting in optimum clarity and zero loss of highend.

TonePrint

This TC Electronic product supports TonePrints. To learn more about TonePrints, go to tcelectronic.com/toneprint/Operation

What are TonePrints?

While your TC Electronic effect pedal may have few knobs, there's a lot more to it than meets the eye. TonePrints allow you to explore a pedal's hidden tonal potential, redefining controls and creating personal sounds.

Star-tweaked signature sounds

TC Electronic pedals are designed with input from developers, musicians, and product specialists. This provides an excellent starting point with well-balanced controls. TonePrints allow world-famous guitar players to virtually rewire pedals, defining custom sounds.

Create Your Own TonePrint

This is exactly what TonePrint allows you to do. TC Electronic works with top guitar players to redefine controls and create custom TonePrints, making them available to you. Uploading them is easy via the TonePrint app, and the TonePrint Editor lets you create your own signature pedal sounds.

You can change the TonePrint in your pedal as often as you like, and it's totally free.

Transferring TonePrints to your pedal using the TonePrint app

The TonePrint app is free software for smartphones that allows you to “beam” new TonePrints right into your effect pedal.

Steps:

• Launch the TonePrint app on your smartphone.
• Find the TonePrint you want to use (browse by Artist or Product type, or Featured TonePrints).
• Plug your guitar or bass into your TonePrint pedal.
• Turn your TonePrint pedal on.
• Turn up the volume on your instrument and set the pickup selector to one pickup.
• Hold the speaker of your smartphone next to the chosen pickup and touch “Beam to pedal”.

Editing TonePrints with TonePrint Editor

The TonePrint app allows you to use TonePrints created by your favorite guitar and bass players. Using TC's TonePrint Editor, you can create your very own signature pedal sounds.

TonePrint Editor features:

• Build your own custom sounds.
• Enjoy complete control over all effect parameters and effect behavior.
• Customize knob function and knob range to suit your needs and sounds.
• Audition your sonic creations in real-time – make changes on the fly and listen to results immediately.
• Works with both PC and Mac.

TonePrint Editor is absolutely free!

Obtaining TonePrint Editor

For Windows or OS X computer: download from tcelectronic.com/toneprint-editor/

For Apple iPad: download from Apple's App Store.

Version 2.0 or higher of the TonePrint Editor is required for TC Electronic Mini pedals. Version 2.0 includes a Library function to access TonePrints without an internet connection.

Obtaining the TonePrint Editor manual

Download the TonePrint Editor manual from tcelectronic.com/toneprint-editor/support/

Setup

Ready...

Your TC Electronic effect pedal box should contain the following items:

• Your TC Electronic effect pedal
• 1 TC Electronic sticker
• 1 leaflet about TC's guitar FX product range

Inspect all items for signs of transit damage. In the unlikely event of transit damage, inform the carrier and supplier. If damage has occurred, keep all packaging, as it can be used as evidence of excessive handling force.

Set...

• Connect a 9V power supply with the [9V DC POWER INPUT SYMBOL] to the DC input socket of your TC Electronic effect pedal. This product does not come with a power supply. TC Electronic recommends using the PowerPlug 9 (sold separately).
• Plug the power supply into a power outlet.
• Connect your instrument to the in jack on the right side of the pedal using a 1/4" jack cable.
• Connect the out jack on the left side of the pedal to your amplifier using a 1/4" jack cable.

Inputs, Outputs and Controls

Power / computer connection

Power input

To power up your pedal, connect a power supply to its power input socket. The power input socket is a standard 5.5 / 2.1 mm DC plug (centre = negative). Your TC Electronic effect pedal requires a 9 V power supply providing 100 mA or more (not supplied). TC Electronic recommends using the PowerPlug 9. To minimize hum, use a power supply with isolated outputs.

USB port

Use the standard Mini-B USB port on your TC Electronic effect pedal to connect your pedal to a computer. This allows you to load TonePrints into the pedal or create your own TonePrint using TC's TonePrint Editor. For more information, see "TonePrint". If there are firmware updates for this pedal, they can also be installed using the USB port – see "Updating the firmware".

Audio in and out

Audio input (mono)

The audio input on the right side of this pedal is a standard 1/4" jack (mono/TS). Connect your guitar to the audio input using a regular 1/4" mono cable.

Audio output (mono)

The audio output on the left side of this pedal is a standard 1/4" jack (mono/TS). Connect the audio output of your pedal to the next device in the signal chain using a regular 1/4" mono cable.

Effect controls

Please note that the knob assignments on your TC Electronic effect pedal are the default assignments. Using the TonePrint Editor, you can rewire all knobs to control one or several parameters of your choice. For more information, see the TonePrint Editor manual.

A compressor reduces the dynamic range of a signal, helping to “even out” signal level variations by reducing signal peaks dynamically. Reducing the dynamic range gives you more headroom to increase the overall signal level, resulting in a more consistent signal that is easier to work with for both the guitar player and the sound engineer. Compression can be used subtly or as a pronounced effect.

HyperGravity Mini is a multiband compressor. This means it splits an audio signal into several frequency bands before compressing, which helps fight undesired “breathing”/pumping. It acts like multiple compressors targeting and processing low, mid, and high frequency ranges independently and efficiently.

Use HyperGravity Mini Compressor's controls to shape the character and intensity of the compression applied to your guitar signal.

Sustain knob

Use the Sustain knob to set the amount of compression applied to the signal. This corresponds to the Threshold parameter found in most studio compressors.

• Set the Sustain parameter to high values to lower the compression threshold. A low threshold means compression kicks in more often, reducing the dynamic range. Combined with high Level settings, this provides a consistent signal with lots of squeeze, squash, and nearly endless sustain.
• Set the Sustain knob to a low setting for a high threshold, meaning compression kicks in less often. This gives a hint of compression when the signal exceeds the threshold, perfect for clean rhythms.

Level knob

Use the Level knob to control the overall signal level. Crank this knob up for a massive level boost that will make your solos and lead lines sing like never before.

Attack knob

Use the Attack knob to define how fast full compression should be applied. The shorter the Attack time, the sooner the signal's dynamics will be compressed. Use low settings for a superfast chicken pickin' style attack, or maximize it for a more open and punchy compression tone.

Attack and note transients

Use the Attack knob to ensure that the transients (the onset of the notes and chords you are playing) can pass HyperGravity Mini Compressor uncompressed. Transients are usually much louder than the rest of the signal, and if they are compressed too strongly, this may introduce artefacts. The "right" setting depends on your playing style, instrument, and other factors. Be sure to experiment!

Footswitch

• To turn the effect on, tap the footswitch.
• To turn the effect off, tap the footswitch again.
• The LED will light when the pedal is engaged.

Updating the firmware

TC may provide updates for the built-in software (firmware) of your pedal. Updating your TC pedal's firmware requires:

• A computer running Microsoft Windows or OS X with a standard USB interface.
• The specified DC power supply for your pedal.

Preparing the firmware update

• Download the newest firmware from the "Support" page for your TC pedal. Updaters are available for Microsoft Windows (ZIP archives) and OS X (disk image files).
• Unplug all cables (including the power supply) from your TC pedal.
• Connect the pedal to your computer using a USB cable.
• Press and hold the footswitch on your TC pedal. If your TC pedal has more than one footswitch, press and hold the leftmost footswitch.
• Insert the DC power supply plug.
• The LED on your pedal should turn green. If your TC pedal has more than one LED, the leftmost LED should turn green. This indicates that the pedal is ready to receive the software update.
• Release the footswitch.
• Your TC pedal will now be recognized as an updatable device.

Applying the firmware update

• Quit all MIDI-related applications (e.g., your DAW) on your computer and launch the firmware updater.
• In the firmware updater app, select your TC pedal from the drop-down list under the "STEP 1" heading.
• When the "Update" button under the "STEP 2" heading turns green, click it.

The updated firmware will now be transferred to your TC pedal. Wait for the progress bar to reach 100%. When the update procedure is complete, the pedal will automatically restart.

Links

TonePrint resources

• TonePrint: tcelectronic.com/toneprint/
• TonePrint products: tcelectronic.com/toneprint/toneprint-products/
• TonePrint app: tcelectronic.com/toneprint-app/
• TonePrint Editor: tcelectronic.com/toneprint-editor/
• TonePrint Editor manual: tcelectronic.com/toneprint-editor/support/Specifications

Support resources

• TC Electronic Support: tcelectronic.com/support/
• TC Electronic - product software: tcelectronic.com/support/software/
• TC Electronic - all product manuals: tcelectronic.com/support/manuals/
• TC Electronic user forum: forum.tcelectronic.com/

TC Electronic on...

• The web: tcelectronic.com/
• Facebook: facebook.com/tcelectronic
• Google Plus: plus.google.com/+tcelectronic/
• Twitter: twitter.com/tcelectronic
• YouTube: youtube.com/user/tcelectronic

Specifications

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 1/4" TS or twist-locking plugs pre-installed. All other installation or modification should be performed only by qualified personnel.

[WARNING: HIGH VOLTAGE]

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.

[INFORMATION: REFER TO MANUAL]

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: DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE]

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: SERVICE BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY]

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.

Safety Checklist:

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 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.
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. [DISPOSAL: DO NOT DISPOSE OF WITH HOUSEHOLD WASTE] 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 associated with EEE. 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 bookcase or similar unit.
19. Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the apparatus.
20. [DISPOSAL: DISPOSE OF BATTERIES AT COLLECTION POINT] Please keep the environmental aspects of battery disposal in mind. Batteries must be disposed-of at a battery collection point.
21. Use this apparatus in tropical and/or moderate climates.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

MUSIC Group 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, TURBOSOUND, TC ELECTRONIC, TC HELICON, BEHRINGER, BUGERA and DDA are trademarks or registered trademarks of MUSIC Group IP Ltd. © MUSIC Group IP Ltd. 2017 All rights reserved.

LIMITED WARRANTY

For the applicable warranty terms and conditions and additional information regarding MUSIC Group's Limited Warranty, please see complete details online at music-group.com/warranty.

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION COMPLIANCE INFORMATION

Responsible Party Name: Music Group Services NV Inc.

Address: 5270 Procyon Street, Las Vegas, NV 89118 USA

Phone Number: +1 702 800 8290

HYPERGRAVITY MINI COMPRESSOR

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 CAN ICES-3B.