TC Electronic is back with the latest edition to the Plethora lineup!
In this TC Electronic Plethora X1 review, I’ll tell you all you need to know about this impressive yet micro multi-effects pedal and how it compares to other iterations.
In a hurry? Here’s our verdict
The TC Electronic Plethora X1 is basically just a smaller version of the X3 and X5, minus a few features for the sake of practicality.
You get a lot out of a little, with loads of cool effects crammed into one pedal. In short, I love it. The Plethora X1 strikes the perfect balance between advanced effects technology and intuitive design.
Pros Cons
14 diverse effects to explore No tuner or distortion and drive effects
Compact design Extremely limited on-board editing, unlike the X3 and X5
MASH footswitch for expressive control
Limitless tone customisation connecting to TonePrint amp
Sound like Steve Vai and other legends thanks to artist TonePrints
TC Electronic Plethora X1 review
First impressions
At first glance, the Plethora X1 looks great. Its sleek white casing, intuitive controls, and singular footswitch scream simplicity. It does what it says on the tin, giving you a “Plethora” of effects to get your teeth into.
Like the X3 and X5, there’s a range of iconic TC Electronic effects. Right out of the gate, you’ve got the Viscous Vibe, Corona Chorus, Hall of Fame II, and more.
Unlike the X3 and the X5, the X1 only runs a single effect or TonePrint at any time, making it ideal for pedalboards that need a Swiss army knife-style versatile stomp to fill out the roster.
Multiple pedalboards in one compact unit
The X1 features seven effects boards, each with two slots, letting you store and recall 14 customisable TonePrints which can be customised using the TonePrint app. In essence, it’s a super compact version of the Plethora X3 and X5.
Such a diversity of effects will keep you busy for hours. The seven boards are composed of iconic TC Electronic tones, with effects such as the resounding “Hall of Fame II” reverb, “Flashback II” delay, and “Viscous Vibe” making a return in the X1.
Like the X3 and X5, the X1 features a MASH footswitch. By applying varying degrees of pressure, you can change the effect’s character and intensity. It’s the same logic as an expression pedal, giving you loads of expressive freedom.
Usability
So many effects in one compact pedal along with advanced MASH technology might seem daunting at first, but it becomes easy once you get going. You can switch between the seven boards easily, using a knob marked with a number for each board.
Universal control knobs let you adjust the parameters of your effects, and each effect has its own unique settings. Better still, the bright LCD screen keeps you on top of things at a glance. It tells you what board you’re on, and which effects are in use and lets you keep track of parameter changes. Every adjustment is easily monitored.
The MASH footswitch might take some getting used to if you’re more familiar with traditional stomp pedals. Put simply, the footswitch allows you to temper your touch to adjust the effect’s character and intensity. With time, it will become second nature, and you’ll feel in complete control of your sound.
Finally, the TonePoint app support makes the X1 the tech wonder that it is. The initial download of the app and connection to the device is straightforward. It’s when you reach TonePoint’s editing software that things become a little trickier.
Like the X3 and X5, you’re given limitless control over effects via TonePoint. Such freedom can feel overwhelming, and the extent of tonal controls takes some technical know-how. Luckily, there are plenty of online resources to help you learn!
Connectivity
As with the X3 and X5, the X1 is fully flexible when it comes to connectivity. With stereo inputs and outputs, you can integrate the X1 into your rig easily, ensuring it quickly becomes part of your pedal board family!
USB connectivity allows you to access firmware updates as soon as they come out, so that you can keep on top of the latest TC Electronic improvements. Like its Plethora pals, the X1 is an ever-evolving unit thanks to frequent updates.
Built-in Bluetooth functionality lets you easily pair the X1 with the TonePoint app, giving you access to artist TonePoints. How awesome is it that you can access Steve Vai’s unique boards in an instant?
Not only can you access professionally crafted TonePoint boards, but you can also spend hours crafting your own perfect parameters using the app. While this might take some time, you’ll get a real sense of satisfaction from the finished product!
Sound quality and signal integrity
The TC Electronic Plethora X1 delivers exceptional sound quality, retaining the pristine clarity of your dry signal thanks to its Analog-Dry-Thru feature. Your original signal remains unaffected by digital processing, keeping the spirit of traditional pedals alive and well!
While smaller in scope than the X3 or X5, the X1 doesn’t compromise on delivering studio-grade audio performance. You even get the option of true bypass or buffered bypass, so that your signal maintains its strength and clarity through a range of effects.
Who is the TC Electronic Plethora X1 suited to?
Given the range of effects on the X1, from space-age pitch shifting to soul-striking reverb, I’m tempted to say that this pedal is suited to anyone. The reality is a little more nuanced.
The X1 is perfect if you already have your drive and distortion effects in order.
Since this pedal (like the X3) doesn’t include any drive or distortion, it’ll work best in rigs that have these effects sorted, whether that’s through an amp or other pedals.
The X3 is better if you’re not pressed for rig space and you want more effects and settings to play with. But be warned, with the X3, you’re getting less of the traditional guitar pedal experience, so if you want old-school simplicity then go for the X1 instead!
While the X3 is a great middle way between the fully fledged X5 and the ultra-compact X1, you’re missing out on a few key features that might sway you towards the X5. If you want an expression pedal input and five boards on the go at once, you’ll prefer the X5.
TC Electronic Plethora X1 specifications
Features Multi-Effect Functionality: Design and store up to 7 pedalboards with 2 slots each, allowing for 14 TonePrints
TonePrint Integration
Real-Time Control MASH footswitch
Pre-Loaded Effects: Includes Hall of Fame II, Flashback II, Sub ‘n’ Up, Corona Chorus, Viscous Vibe, Quintessence, and Pipeline
Display: 1" IPS LCD screen for effect and parameter visibility
3 universal control knobs for quick parameter adjustments
Connectivity Inputs/Outputs: Full stereo in and out
Wireless and Wired: Bluetooth and USB connectivity for mobile devices and computers
Signal integrity Analog-Dry-Thru: Preserves your original signal quality
Bypass Options: Choose between true bypass or buffered bypass
Dimensions and weight Single Unit Dimensions: 122 x 74 x 50 mm (4.8 x 2.9 x 1.9")
Weight: 0.34 kg (0.75 lbs)
Power: Compatible with standard 9V DC power supplies (not included)
FAQs
What happened to TC Electronic?
In August 2015, TC Electronic was purchased by Music Group, which is now known as Music Tribe. Music Tribe is chaired by Uli Behringer, one of the leading figures in audio technology.
Does TC Plethora have a tuner?
TC Electronic added the UniTune Chromatic tuner to the X3 and X5, to help you save even more pedalboard space. Unfortunately, the X1 doesn’t include a tuner, but that doesn’t matter too much. Its small size saves loads of rig space in itself!
Where are TC Electronic pedals made?
TC Electronic pedals are made in Aarhus, Denmark. Brothers Kim and John Rishoj founded the company there. The first product they developed was the legendary Stereo Chorus/Flanger pedal (SCF).
Final thoughts
The TC Electronic Plethora X1 is a really great multi-effects pedal that takes inspiration from its X3 and X5 brothers, while shining in its own right.
Want to learn more? Check out more of our guitar content on the blog.
Our guide to the 12 best multi-effects pedals of 2024 will give you the low-down about other pedals that might pique your interest. What’s more, the X5 made it onto the list, so you can see why that multi-effects pedal is so awesome!
As I mentioned earlier, the X1 is best if you already have your overdrive sorted. If you’re in need of an overdrive pedal, you can read into the TC Electronic MOJOMOJO Paul Gilbert Edition Overdrive.
The legendary status of TC Electronics lives on today. If you want to read about a modern version of the original SCF pedal from 1976, our review of the TC Electronic SCF Gold has everything you need!
0 Comments