TC Electronic Nova System

NDT - Nova Drive Technology: All-analog programmable overdrive and distortion circuit under preset and expression control.
6 effect blocks taken straight from G-System: Compression, EQ + Noise Gate, Modulation, Pitch, Delay, Reverb - these are all digital
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
Very nice display feature
Anodized aluminum housing - very durable
Great switches

UTILIZATION

The Nova System is designed to replace a pedalboard setup. It is a multi-effects processor, which is a term that makes many guitarists groan - one tends to think of the old cheesy processor units with over a hundred sounds, but zero GOOD sounds - but this unit is full of excellent tones. It has a smaller amount of presets, as well as different effects models, as something like a Line 6 M9 has, but they tend to be higher quality sounds. The unit is really easy to navigate and program.

SOUND QUALITY

First things first - the delays and reverbs are PERFECT. They don't get much better than this, folks - you'd have to get into mega-expensive Axe Fx units to get any noticeable difference. The analog drive unit is surprisingly good. I thought the addition of having analog drive instead of digital distortion was a great move on TC's part - digital distortions frankly typically sound like crap. Now, distortion is one of the most personal of sonic touches that any guitarist looking for their "signature tone" can have, so it won't be everyone's cup of tea, but TC Electronic has made it easy to bypass the distortion signal so one can use one's amp distortion or another external pedal.

OVERALL OPINION

I love this pedal. The functionality is vast, deep, and yet simple. Two gripes - it weighs a lot for the size, so it definitely adds a considerable mass to a pedalboard. That's not totally a bad thing - it seems to be extra durable, but I wanted to mention this in order to be thorough. The other gripe I have is with the switching - it seems like the switch activates the function upon the RELEASE of the switch, and not upon the PRESS of the switch, like 99.99999% of all other units. This is a bit awkward to get used to. It's not the most annoying feature in the world, but for someone that is used to many sound changes in the course of a set, this can make the stomp timing a bit harder to nail.

All in all, this is a great unit.

The TC Electronic Nova System is a multi effects unit designed for use with electric guitar. It is an analog pedal, but has digital features as well. It has 1/4 inch connections and is not a rackable unit as it is a stomp box.

UTILIZATION

The configuration of the TC Electronic Nova System is very easy to follow and to use, which is really one of its best qualities. It is easy to toggle between all of the different effects and it won't take too long to understand how to use everything in this unit. The variations on this are endless and it is great to have so many different types of sounds within one unit. The manual for the TC Electronic Nova System is very thorough and is definitely helpful to have around while you are learning this pedal.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound quality of the TC Electronic Nova System is very good and is what I have come to expect from TC Electronic, as this is just the latest great piece of gear that they have issued in a long line of great products. I only use this pedal with guitar, usually a Fender Stratocaster and a '76 Fender Twin Reverb amp. All of the effects on this unit are great, but I would say I definitely like the reverb and delay effects the best, with the chorus and other modulation effects coming next. Overall, all the sounds are useful and it is great to have so many great sounding effects within one powerful unit.

OVERALL OPINION

I've only been using the TC Electronic Nova System multi effects pedal for less than a year, but since I started using it I have become a big fan of this unit. I'm usually not a big fan of multi effects pedals, but this is an impressive piece of gear. The price isn't cheap, but it is reasonable for what you get and is really aimed at professionals and serious players. I definitely recommend checking out the TC Electronic Nova System if you are a guitar player looking for a multi effects pedal that is compact and sounds great.