TC Electronics GForce
My guitar rig is really pretty simple. I’ve got a preamp, a processor, and a power amp. The audio processing (modulation/delay/reverb effects, equalization, filtering, etc) is all handled by one smart black box – a TC Electronics GForce. The technical specifications on this device are impressive. It has a 24-bit 128x oversampling processor with over 105 dB of dynamic range, 20 Hz – 20kHz frequency response and 0.005% THD. I ordered my unit before the first shipments had even left Denmark. I had used TC Electronics gear in the studio and knew the company’s reputation for high quality, so when they announced the release of a new guitar-centric processor, it was an easy decision. It replaced a fairly expensive multi-effect unit that I was reasonably satisfied with, but I knew that the GForce would have that legendary TC reverb and chorus. From the first day I received it I was delighted with the audio quality and lush effects. I’m 100% satisfied with it, and no other piece of equipment in my rig can make that claim.
With my previous effect processor, I often layered a light chorus with reverb to get a nice spacious guitar tone. Once I had the GForce inline, I found that the reverb patch was much smoother and more complex. In fact, the reverb alone created a richer overall sound than my old layered presets. I found that fewer effects – and less of each – would deliver the sort of depth that I always wanted. The audio routing options allow series/parallel audio paths with internal mixing, and the MIDI control implementation is so good that you could program this device without using the manual.
On the down side, the GForce is somewhat expensive although I’d argue it’s worth every penny. TC Electronics doesn’t provide a software editor/librarian, although there are some third-party options for that functionality. Overall, this is a phenomenal piece of equipment and I’m very happy with it. It’s also the ONLY device in my signal chain that I have not modified.