TC Electronic G-Force

I had it for 11 years now. I first reviewed it in 2001 so consider this an updated review. I have forgotten how to use a lot of things since then. Things I rarely use but wanted to learn when I first got it. But what I do use it doesn't seem that hard to manage. For me ease of use is a 10. Effects are simple to setup in the order you want. It's easy to adjust values. You can think of the effects as individual 'stomp boxes' and can put them in any order you want or series/parallel. You can put all of the effects in parallel with each other if you wish. It does so much that I'm still learning new things after having it for 11 years.

Carvin Bolt, MM Axis, and Ibanez RG 770 into a Carvin Legacy combo amp with the G-force in the effects loop, controlling the amp and G-force with a Behringer FCB 1010.
As far as effects processors go this is excellent. I've heard other effects processors and the more I hear others the more I'm impressed with the G-force. Modulated delays sound awesome and are easy to setup thanks to it's flexible effects routing. Anoterh trick I learned was to put the delay in parallel with the reverb. It makes the delay much clearer. The wah using the G-force's overdrive is excellent sounding. Quite a bit recently I have been using an autowah I set up and forgetting about a wah pedal. The chorus's are lush if you setup them up good. The can go from sterile to very warm sounding. I can setup up leslie sounding effects that are very watery and three dimensional sounding. The reverbs are lush and full.
Recently when I record I plug straight into the amp, mic it and run the mic into a mic pre, the mic pre into the G-force, then the spdif out into my computer. I use this for clean and distorted sounds. Very clean recording with stereo effects this way. I have the amp in another room so I can't hear it dry but I can hear the final sound with the G-forces effects through monitors. Sometimes I record direct using a preamp and an ADA Ampulator. The G-force still sounds excellent this way. For an example of both direct and mic'd recording listen to this www.soundclick.com/ularis . Play the hifi setting. All effects were done with the G-force. The rhythm was a mic'd amp with effects added to the mic pre's singal, the lead was done recorded direct with power amp and speaker emulation. Both sound great. I'm not the greatest at setting up effects. I'm sure others can do much better.

Not long after I got the value wheel quit working and it was replaced under warranty and I received it back fast. No problems since then. In 2007 I was in a car accident on my way to a gig in which the car that hit me was totaled. I had my rack in the trunk of my car. Several things in the rack were damaged. The G-force wasn't. It's been 2 years and so far so good. Giving it a 9 here because of the value wheel problem.

When I had the value wheel repaired they were very helpful and got it back to me in no time.

I play mostly blues and southern rock these days. I have used it for 80's metal, country, and 80's rock also. I've been playing since 91'. If it were lost or stolen I'd be heart broken and I'd definitely try and get another I think. I might try out a g-system but I'd for sure miss the modulated delays and internal effects routing capabilities. I'd be lost without this thing if something were to happen to it.

all things considered it is easy to use. unlike many multi-effects units the editing is logical and makes sense. I'm still trying to figure out my tsr24 and i've had that thing 14 years...the g force was easy. READ THE MANUAL!

Here is where your $ goes...the sound. In 1 word, AWESOME! Particularly for guitar players, this thing is a dream. I've always been into subtly effected tone for guitar and this thing delivers but in a pleasing, transparent way. THE BEST delays and reverbs I have ever heard out of a box. They sound clear and full and luscious like the sound david gilmour gets from his live rig. Great control over the sound as well with LOTS of parameters to tweak. get the preset card with patches from vai, vernon reid, etc...there are some very usable patches that you can alter with your own taste to get some top notch effects going. In a sereo set up, this thing is unbelievable. I run this and twin boss GEQ units in my my Marshall JMP preamp effects loops and out to a tubeworks power amp into (2) 2X12 cabs. This gives incredibly detailed and inspiring tone. The midi out controls my marshall as well, so i can get completely different sounds at the stomp of 1 button on my midi pedal board. stereo separation is sublime and everyone raves over my tone. Playing for 27 years, I was always trying different boxes and setups trying to get my dream tone...no more. I have not changed 1 thing in my rig for the last 4 years. It works just as well for recording...I run it in a patchbay and just plug it into a pod xt through my pro tools rig and viola...top notch processing for my recordings.

never a problem in 4 years.

never used. their site never has any action on the user posts for this unit...can't figure out why as it seemd lots of people use this thing.

i would replace it ASAP if it was lost or stolen. bottom line...BEST UNIT I HAVE EVER HEARD. PERFECT for guitar players. make this part of a stereo guitar rig and thank me later.

playing 27 years, rock, metal, blues. I prefer a heavier tone.

it will INSPIRE you to make music!

I was pleased to find the G-Force very easy to use, this was my first effects processor, I was very worried that it would be too much for me. Not at All! Editing patches only took a few minutes step by step with the manual to work through a practice patch and that was all I needed to get under way. Within a few minutes I already had a beautiful sounding delay and chorus.

The manual is good, a few area's could use a little more explaining but so far I've got everything I needed to know out of it. Currently using the latest firmware revision.

Currently using the G-Force with a Mesa Boogie Mark IV and 2x12 vertical recto cab, EB Music Man JP models, Keeley TS-9, DMC Ground Control Pro and Axess Electronics CFX4/GRX4.

The G-Force is very quiet, no noise or hum issues at all. Although I am using high end cable's from lavacable, which is always a good thing. The effects are amazing, very clear, transparent, no tone colouring, really top notch. I'm very impressed with T.C. Delay's Chorus, reverb's all sound terrific. The intelligent pitch shifting is unlike anything I have ever tried/heard.

All in all, really great sounding effects. With the effect routing capabilities there's are tons of options available for creating some of your favorite players tone's or something new and exciting of your own.

So far so Good! It's well built, sturdy, the parameter and value wheels respond well and don't feel cheap, push buttons are strong and seem to be seated well.

No need for a backup,
Quality!

T.C. support is fantastic, I haven't needed them for the G-Force but I have used them in the past with the Nova Delay. Very helpful, fast responses,(within 24 hours) and dedicated to resolving your issue which they promptly did. They put other companies to shame in this respect.

I play mostly play Rock and Metal but the G-Force can handle any style, no question about it. I've been playing for about 12 years and have never been so pleased with a purchase, the G-Force is worth every penny.

If it were stolen it would be on order the next day (although I would be seriously ticked!)

The quality of effects, ease of use and functionality really makes the G-Force stand out, I can't say there is a single thing I dislike about it. Except maybe the constant flashing of a small temp light light.....but that's minor.

I had my heart set on the T.C. G-System but with all of the bugs and user/sofware issues, lack of midi, it turned me off. The G-Force has a great reputation of being a quality, reliable, fantastic sounding processor....and it's well deserved.

Anyone having problems with it colouring your tone, keep in mind that almost all effects processor's were designed with a serial effects loop in mind. They really do work best with serial loops. That's not to say they will not work with parallel loops but more careful consideration must be taken when setting input/output levels, loop mix, effect mix and ensuring the "kill dry" feature is engaged.

If your looking for a great effects processor, the G-Force is definitely the way to go!

I am rating this device with a 10 for the ease of use because we have to take in count this machine was designed for a PROFESSIONAL, if you are expecting it to be like a Boss GT-8 or a PODxt Live or eevn the G-Major, forget about it, for being able to get the most of this processor you should be familiar with LFO??s Modifers etc etc. I am not saying that if you are not a Pro you should not use it but be aware that you will have to spend some time tweaking and make sure you READ THE MANUAL.

the sound of all effects in this unit is outstanding, you can compare it with a lexicon or Eventide, but that would be a matter of "taste" this machine sounds GREAT and works smoothly. you would be VERY happy with your sound once you program this thing properly, it also comes with so many useful presets so you can start having fun as soon as you turn it on.

I cannot say anything because i have noz had it for long enough to tell accurately but it looks really well carfted and strong as a tank, you just make sure u put it into a rack.

This is where these guys REALLY shine, I have owned any kind of gear and i always ask lots of questions, we all like to get the most of our investment, so i write mails , make calls, etc. The TC Elevctronic team is made of EXTREMELY relieable people who really know abouit their products and they are really commited to serve the customers in the highest standards, They always replied my mails inmediately with accurate and "straight to the point answers" (not like people from Boss and line6). i also had my unit bought in Germany and i wrote a mail asking for an English manual and they sent it to me straight away, these guys are the best

I am a professional Guitarrist and Music Producer, currently signed with Peer Music, i tour with artist and i record actively. I have been playing for 20+ years and my style is basicaly POP/Rock stuff. my guitar rig contains: Line6 POD xt Pro, TC Electronic G-Force, BBE Sonic maximizer 482i, dbx 166XL compressor/gate. Hughes & Kettner Trilogy Head with 4X12" Celestion Vintage Cabinets, Atomic Reactor 212 Amp, Senheiser e906 Mics. If it were stolen i would get another one inmediately, it is a device that has been proven and updated for some years already, if you have the money DO NOT hesitate, Get it NOW.

Basically the pre progaming patches on the internal ROM and on the external PCMCIA card can be play without any modifications.
Edit and change presets is another story, as one that comes from a stomp box effects, you really need to be ready with your patches before any performance - edit on the fly during a show, is a disaster.
I wish they made some instant programmable knobs that I can change some effects parameters on the fly (like BOSS are doing on the GT-6/8).
My firmware is 2.04 and it is the last one.

I'm usuing an american strat with Kinman pickups.
My setup is very complicated, but I decide to write my review because after 3 years with the G-Force I discover a new (and its high capabilities).

Up to now My setup was Guitar->GR-33->11 BOSS efects ->PODxt Pro->G-Force->Electrix repeater->BBE482-> Hafler power amps and a modified Fender Blues Devile.

To play via a full range amp or to direct record the podXT is OK, so the G-Force was on Bypass most of the time.
But to play via a tube amp this setup killed the start sound.

I decided to connect the G-Force direct to the Fender (Via the Electrix Repeater), and ... what a sound... a clean sparkle strat sound rounded with the warmth of a tube sound.

And the effects ... Yes I pluge it just as mono, bus the warmth of the sound worth it.
I have more the 40 BOSS effects and few more other brands, that now are sit aside, This is my setup.

No problem for more then 3 years

Return with an answer from their web site very fast

I am playing for a 25 years now, and this is the only unit tht ais not colorin and destroying your guitar sound what so ever, even in a bypass mode is is transparent.

Again, I wish they made at least 6-8 general purpose programming knobs on the front to change an effect critical parameter on the fly.

Easy to use. I say this because I've owned rack-mount effects for some time and am used to learning how to program. I can find my way around the G-Force with ease, now that I know what I'm doing. The manual is sufficient. I just bought my G-Force and have the latest firmware version.

The pitch shift is pretty cool (Santana - Open Invitation for example), although I haven't figured out how to make the most of the Intelligent pitch part yet. I'm not a music theorist. I just play music.

My setup is simple. In addition to in-line stomp boxes, the signal goes from my Triaxis effects send through the G-Force to my VHT stereo power amp.

The G-Force is quiet without having to use the noise gate (which I use and works great). The chorus sounds great, especially when using the advanced chorus. You have full control of the modulation and wet/dry mix. Play around with the phasing settings. You can get a great stereo chorus without that annoying 'swooshing' sound that you get from crap units. Delay, reverb, pitch shift are also excellent. Compression works suprisingly well for being in the effects loop.

I could tell no difference with my original tone when going through the G-Force. It seems unaffected. Just make sure you configure the Killdry feature for your effects loop type (series or parallel).

Take TC Electronic's advice and don't use the distortion on this unit. If you want a great overdrive/distortion tone, get a good preamp and stomp box (Ibanez TS9-808 from Analog Man).

I really like the routing capability with the effect blocks with the G-Force. The manual seems to lack in this area, but I've figured out that the strength of the effect depends on not only where in the routing it is, but how it is routed. Some effects sound good when routed in serial, while others sound good when routed parallel. A little experimentation is needed.

Just bought it. I plan on buying a PCMCIA card for backup just in case.

N/A

I've been playing for 28 years and have tried a LOT of effects. The G-Force is a good effects unit - kind of pricey though. If you can afford it, get one. All effect units have pros and cons. The G-Force, in my opinion, has the most pros and the least cons of all the units I've tried (Alesis, Rocktron, Roland, ART, Line 6, etc.)

I've read reviews below about how the G-Force doesn't work, or makes noises or something. No unit is immune to manufacturing/design flaws. Just stay away from manufacturers who are notorious for putting out crappy products. Shit happens during shipping too.

If it were lost or stolen, I would get another.

I have had it for 5 years. Fairly easy to use, except trying to get the Matrix Grid, LFO's, ADSR, etc. thing to what I want. You can spend a large amount of time programming a patch and tweeking all the settings.

Not Noisy. Does not change your sound. The Reverb, Flanger, Filter and Delay are the best features. The rest I do not use much. Then using the Matrix Grid with an Expression Pedal to make your sound do some more synth type stuff is what I think this thing is made for. I have about 10 patches that really do stuff I have not heard from any other devices. And, I like all the different wacking effects I can get, who wants to use it for the vintage guitar straight away type of sound anyway?

Good. I did have it wig out once and was actually do some really neat things. TC fixed it no problem but it did not do those crazy things it was doing like a video game.

Good, fixed my one issue quickly

overall a six. I play mostly original instrumental music with jazz-rock and classical overtones. I have been playing for 30 years and recording for about 20. I use it for recording direct to my Aardvark 10 and then to my PC mostly, not for live. I like the Reverb, Flanger and the Matrix Grid Feature w/expression pedal for some more unusual and spacial synth type sounds. This matrix expression pedal tuning and tweeking is very time consuming though and I still have not been able to get enough sounds that I know it can and should be able to. The TC is very clean and at times does not change the sound enough on some effects. I also have used it after anolog distortion pedals and has worked well.

I've had the G-Force for about 4 years now and have the latest software version. It has been a piece of cake to get good sounds out of it since day one and it is very easy to edit and save presets. There are some really good presets that you can add right away into your frequently used list. The interesting thing is that the G-Force is still pretty deep processor even though it is user friendly. There are a fair number of presets that are worth studying so you can understand how they are achieved so you can take it a step further. After 4 years, I am still sometimes amazed at some of the interesting and unique sounds you can get out of this. I've played with alot of rack effects and I really like how everything is layed out on the G-Force.

I currently have a Diezel VH4 head with 2 Mesa cabinets, TC D Two delay, Sherman Filterbank2, BBE Sonic Maximizer, Infinitphase MK2 pedal, and Xotic Robotalk pedal. I've owned several Digitech processors, and have played with Lexicons as well as various other processors. I strongly prefer the G-Force to anything I've tried. The G-Force DOES NOT alter your sound if you have it set up properly---trust me. I sat there and turned the bypass on and off trying to hear the slightest change in tone and there was no change. I also put it in a separate loop that totally bypasses it and there is still no difference in tone. The effects that I really like on this are the chorus, flanger, reverb, phaser, intelligent pitchshifter, and delay. These are all very nice sounding and versatile effects and the pitchshifter in particular is very cool because you can customize your own scales. Now there are analog pedals out there that sound better, but they do not have the flexibility of the G-Force. If I were to get rid of the G-Force, I would need alot of pedals to make up for it and I don't think it would be very practical. Who really wants to switch between different chorus pedals, etc.?? The programming would also be a pain if you have a relay system. I've thought about going the analog route, but I keep sticking to the G-Force as the center of my rig. Some of the filter effects and distortion effects are stale and generic sounding but that's only a small part of what it can do. The only thing that I would consider replacing it with is one of the newer Eventide DSP processors. They are more expensive and much more difficult to use though. I give the G-Force an 8 for sound quality understanding that there are analog pedals out there that sound better than the individual effects in the processor. Comparing it to other digial processors, I would say 9.5.

I have used this on many gigs and have never had any problem. I would expect some issues with the dials, but no problem so far.

I've contacted them a few times about MIDI functionality. They are very helpful, have a knowledge of how it interfaces with other hardware, and respond quickly. Great customer service. I never had to get a repair, so I can't comment on that.

I play all kinds of music and the G-Force can cover anything. I've been playing 15 years and I've had this processor longer than any effect I have owned----and there have been many. The G-Force is the central part of my rig and I have no plans on changing that. The Eventide DSP 7000 seems very nice, but it seems to be overkill since it covers 5.1 surround and broadcast applications. This would be the only replacement I would consider. After all this time, I still can learn from the G-Force's presets to give me insight on constructing my own sounds. It's also cool that you can change the order of effects because that can drastically change the overall sound. I wouldn't depend on the G-force or any processor for distortion or filter effects however.

I must say I am a G-Force user from when they first came out and I loved working with it: compact, low noise, dependable, well thought out a real pro piece of gear from top to bottom - even the buildt-in tuner is great! Nethertheless I just got rid of my G-Force because of one single thing: the promised tonal integrity of the guitar signal is just not happening. I effect matrix of the G-Force is great, but it will not allow the original signal to pass through the unit without undergoing analog-to-digital-and-back-to-analog conversion at all times, even if you are using simple add-on effects like delay and reverb. This does not make a huge audible difference in tone. It's just a harder, more aggressive and unpleasant treble end and amp-to-instrument response, notably at stage volumes. I thought this single disadvantage in an otherwies great unit wasn't such a big deal until I ended playing a couple of gigs without any effects and never put this thing back into the signal chain again period. Big difference in feel and tone.

I almost feel sorry for the person I sold the unit to, well, maybe it works for him. I needed the money to get my hands on a couple of old analog pedals again, namely the discontinued t.c. pedals, which are really worth going for.

If you know a thing or two about effects, and take the time to understand the internal structure of the G-Force, it's easy to use. Actually, the programming possibilities are very deep, thanks to the extensive Modifier section - hey, several synth makers could take a hint or two from this how to implement a great modulation matrix. But it IS a sophisticated unit, not a 3-knob thing which a lot of guitarists seem to prefer. Whatever.

The manual looks slim, but it is thorough, and it is WORTH reading the thing.

For guitar rack effects, this is very very good. Great choruses, extremely nice subtle phasers (just as I like them), great delays (hey, this is TC, after all), flangers etc. The compressor is a little basic and could use more adjustable parameters. The drive section is not made to be a guitar preamp, it's made to "dirty up" the effect signal. Pitch shifting works, but it's not an Eventide. Very good though anyway. The reverb is another strong point of the G-Force, fully adjustable, and with a very good sound.

One point, why it is important to READ THE MANUAL, folks!
The previous reviewer gave this thing a "1" for sound quality, complaining that it'd change his amp's tone. He mentions using a H&K Duotone amp. That one has a parallel FX loop. So, you got to activate the "KillDry" parameter in the G-Force (it's all in the manual, with setup examples!), so that the frequency cancellation due to phase differences in the dry signal doesn't occur. Basically, with a parallel FX loop, you want only the WET FX signal fed to your amp, since all digital FX units without hardware bypass cause a slight delay in their dry portion of the signal due to the fact that the AD and DA converters introduce a slight delay. The sound quality of the converters and the overall unit is very transparent overall, so in my opinion the "drastic change of tone" reported by some is mostly due to user error, i.e. NOT having read the manual ;-)

The factory presets of the G-Force are mostly made for serial FX loop use though, so some re-programming or the creation of new presets is in order to use this unit with a parallel FX loop. The results are well worth it, though.

Haven been using this for some years in my live rack. Since I do mostly recording now, it has moved to the studio rack, where it doesn't get pushed around anymore. Never had a problem with the unit. Never treated it very roughly though.

never dealt with them.

These days I'm making mostly some sort of electronic-laden prog rock and prog metal and whatever crosses my mind. Currently I'm using this in series with a pair of Mesa Boogie preamps (Studio and Quad), running into an ADA Ampulator, into the G-Force, for recording.

This unit is a few years old now, but the routing and modulation possibilities make it still very special, and you can do amazing things with it. I wish it could work at different sample rates than the 44.1 kHz.

It's a complex unit; and probably overkill if you just want a few basic effects. For the experimentalists, the FX jugglers, the sound explorers, it's great.