Build Quality: | |
Hardware: | |
Electronics: | |
Sound: | |
Value: | |
Average: |
Pros:
- Extremely versatile
- Rich phase notes
- Additional effects with the help of the TonePrint
Cons:
- Lacks some harmonics of analog pedals
- Mixed signal is not very audible at certain settings
In this day and age, there is not even a single doubt that the products from TC Electronic are versatile. Throughout the years they have established a certain pattern that lets us stay assured about their pedals. This tendency has especially grown after the creation of their TonePrint Editor and a mobile App that enable the users to fine-tune their sounds with the included software.
This way you can access onboard parameters whenever needed, but also experiment with the options that open up with the help of the Editor and App. This does also mean that you can access countless sonic possibilities, be it the emulation of renowned devices or presets that are created by prominent musicians. Either way, you get submerged in the sea of options as soon as you plug their pedals and start playing.
This is why we all love everything that TC Electronic releases – we are confident in the results. Their Helix Phaser is not an exception either and continues the patterns that were established by the brand. It is a unit that can easily be at the same level as boutique pedals at a budget-friendly price point. When you have such a diverse and powerful device on hand, there is not much else you could ask for. Let’s begin this article and discuss all the specific details!
Features
If you own TC Electronic products in your collection, you will know that there is a certain set of features that has turned into a recurrent theme. They usually repeat capable properties from unit to unit, which is wonderful in my personal opinion. This guarantees that you get your beloved qualities in every single pedal – what could be better than that? As I have underlined above, Helix Phaser is compatible with TonePrint Editor and App.
This way you can easily access the library and make very detailed adjustments whenever onboard parameters seem limiting. The App enables you to play with famous musicians or recreate the beloved character of more vintage pedals. In addition, this baby gives you the option to move from a true bypass to a buffered one whenever you think it is necessary. Typically, it has a Kill-Dry function that cuts the off-dry signal path in order to give way to parallel loops.
This baby has two inputs and outputs, meaning that it can be utilized in stereo mode. This way your sound will become even more dimensional and cover the entire scope of sonic possibilities. We do also have a USB port that connects the pedal to your computer. What is more, Helix Phaser is made out of high-grade components that are protected with a durable, rugged shell.
Its small footprint will make sure that it can fit on any pedalboard without any problems. This puppy can be powered with a 9V adapter, allowing for uninterrupted performance. This is a sort of pedal that will keep you detained in your practice room for a while since you will want to experiment with everything at once and explore all the features. It is a very interesting unit and you will not regret it if you decide to spend your money on it.
Controls
The onboard controls of TC Electronic Helix Phaser are definitely a no-brainer. They do not need sophisticated approaches or manual scrutiny. You simply plugin and start playing – it is as easy as that. The TonePrint Editor is not that complicated either and these are the reasons why we all adore TC Electronic so much. Most of the controls are freaking self-explanatory, but I am sure there is no harm in going through them all over again. Shall we see what we are dealing with here?
The first one here is Speed. Yeah, you have guessed it, it modifies the rate of the LFO and lets you explore the phase shifting in slow or fast mode and even in between. Depth adjusts the amount of the effect and lets you intensify to your liking. Then we have Feedback, which changes the number of repetitions and peaks in your signal, and Mix blends together original and effected sounds.
There is also a toggle that lets you choose between three different modes: Vintage, TonePrint and Smooth. Each has its own character and can easily take you back in time. Finally, we have a footswitch that either turns on or deactivates Helix Phaser.
TC Electronic Helix Sound
The sound of TC Electronic Helix Phaser is so diverse and multi-dimensional that you will be forced to keep on experimenting for hours on end. Its scope is really wide which makes it possible to dial in any sound with ease. The vintage mode will remind you of the famous MXR Phase 90 or EHX Small Stone – you simply have to dial in the desired settings and those prominent tones will start to flow through. This way you have the opportunity to create the ambiance of vintage times without investing in the actual pricey pedal.
The smooth mode delivers more interesting vibes in terms of being somewhat too swirly for phasers and entering the flange territory. It has a very noticeable character – something that cannot be unheard. It turns every performance into an unforgettable one, of course if you are into that kind of thing. The controls have enough range to give off versatility themselves. And I have not even touched up on the TonePrint yet! Pretty amazing, don’t you think? The app I just mentioned will deliver literally any sound right at your fingertips and ease up the whole thing. The creative process has never been more enjoyable!
Conclusion
To sum up everything said above, TC Electronic Helix Phaser is something that will make a huge statement in any collection. No matter how you like your phasing to be – this fella has it all. Its sonic quality is out of this world and the sonic variety will turn your world upside down. Plug it in, emit some notes and go from there. I am sure you will be fascinated soon enough. Good luck!
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