TC Electronic Brainwaves Review
The TC Electronic Brainwaves is a pitch shifter with four polyphonic voices (and two independent) that can be used to generate various synthy effects. It also has detune functionality which adds warble and lower octaves, plus switchable harmony mode. Being polyphonic, the Brainwaves responds to whole chords for some truly unique sound creation.
Voice one and Voice 2 can be controlled independently with a variety of step settings that range from unison to two semitones or even two octaves. This mode is ideal for creating double-tracking effects. Detune can add chorus-like sounds to the mix if you’re searching for something thicker.
You can also combine the two voices to create unique harmonies. Plus, there’s a V1>V2 mode which lets you bend Voice 1 up towards Voice 2.
With its multiple voices and dual algorithms, this pitch shifting effect offers endless creative options. From classic whammy dive bombs to pedal steel pitch bends with ease – there’s something here for everyone.
It also features the pressure-sensitive footswitch MASH, which responds to how much pressure you apply with your foot – acting like a mini expression pedal. Plus, it’s compatible with TC’s TonePrint app which lets you design custom intervals and save them as presets that can be recalled when needed.
To utilize this pedal, you need the latest version of TC Electronic TonePrint app installed on your device. You can either download it from TC’s website or access it via Apple’s App Store free version. With that installed, you can beam artist presets wirelessly to the Brainwaves and gain full control over all effect parameters such as Mash switch, filtering, intervals and more with precision.
TonePrints that you create within the app can be edited and shared with other users. This is an excellent way to build up a library of presets for this pedal and can be an enjoyable challenge!
TC Electronic Brainwaves have been designed with input from musicians and product specialists who understand how to craft an excellent-sounding pedal. It’s clear they’ve put a lot of thought into what you can achieve with the Brainwaves. It features an array of controls, such as FX selector, wet/dry mix and two knobs per voice for precise control.
With all this in place, it’s clear why TC has released one of their most thrilling and intuitive pedals ever: with its programmable MASH switch that gives you note-bending abilities similar to an expression pedal plus its integrated delay engine!
