The TC Helicon Play Acoustic is a versatile, all-in-one vocal processor and effects unit designed specifically for acoustic performers, combining a range of vocal effects, guitar processing, and looping capabilities in a compact, user-friendly interface. It's well-suited for solo acoustic artists, singer-songwriters, and musicians who perform live or record with acoustic guitar and vocals.
Here are the key specifications of the TC Helicon Play Acoustic:
General Overview:
- Model: TC Helicon Play Acoustic
- Type: Vocal and Acoustic Guitar Effects Processor
- Target Users: Solo performers, singer-songwriters, acoustic musicians
- Connectivity: XLR, 1/4" (TRS), and USB for various audio inputs and outputs
- Power Supply: 12V DC (adapter included), or can run off 9V with an adapter for lighter power needs
Features & Capabilities:
Vocal Processing:
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Harmony and Doubling:
- Automatic Harmonies: Generate harmonies based on the key and chord changes of your guitar. The Play Acoustic can create natural-sounding vocal harmonies in real-time, with options for 1, 2, or 3-part harmony.
- Doubling: Adds a thick, doubled vocal effect to your singing.
- VoiceLive Technology: Built-in TC Helicon voice processing for a polished vocal sound.
- Reverb, Delay, and Echo Effects: Adjustable reverb and delay effects to enhance vocal tone.
- Adaptive EQ: Automatically adjusts to improve the clarity and warmth of your vocals.
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Pitch Correction:
- Auto-Tune: Provides pitch correction to ensure your vocals stay in tune without sounding artificial.
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Vocal Effects:
- Vocal Reverb: Adjustable reverb for natural or spacious effects.
- Delay: Analog-style delays that can be adjusted for different sounds.
- Compression: To smooth out the dynamics of your vocals.
Guitar Effects:
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Tone and Effects for Acoustic Guitar:
- Reverb and Delay: In addition to the vocal reverb and delay, you can also apply reverb and delay effects to your guitar sound.
- Guitar EQ: An automatic tone control system that tailors your acoustic guitar sound for a cleaner, richer tone.
- Tuning: The Play Acoustic includes a built-in tuner for both the guitar and the vocals, so you can stay in tune easily during performances.
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Guitar Feedback Suppression:
- The Play Acoustic can help reduce unwanted feedback that is common with acoustic guitars during live performances by intelligently detecting and eliminating the issue.
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Reverb/Delay for Guitar: Separate controls for adding reverb or delay to the guitar signal.
Looping:
- Built-in Looper:
- The Play Acoustic includes a built-in looper, which allows you to record and loop your vocals or guitar performances. You can layer multiple loops on top of each other for more complex arrangements.
- Loop Time: Up to 15 minutes of looping time.
- Undo/Redo: Undo and redo the last loop layer for flexibility in live performances.
- Overdubbing: You can overdub your guitar and vocals in real-time.
Input and Output:
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Inputs:
- Mic Input: XLR input for microphones, with built-in preamp and phantom power for condenser mics.
- Guitar Input: 1/4" (TS) input for connecting your acoustic guitar.
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Outputs:
- Main Output: XLR balanced output for connecting to PA systems or recording devices.
- Instrument Output: 1/4" (TS) output for sending the processed guitar signal to an amp or other device.
- Headphones Output: 1/4" headphone jack for monitoring.
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USB Connectivity:
- USB port for updating software, backing up settings, or for use with a computer for further integration with music software.
User Interface:
- Screen: The Play Acoustic features a color LCD screen for easy navigation of effects and settings.
- Knobs & Buttons: The unit uses intuitive knobs and buttons for adjusting parameters like harmony, reverb, delay, and more.
- Presets: The Play Acoustic comes with factory presets designed for different styles and needs, and you can store your own custom presets.
Additional Features:
- Adaptive Tone: The unit automatically adjusts EQ, compression, and gating to optimize your vocal sound.
- Footswitch Control: You can connect a footswitch (sold separately) for hands-free control of loops, effects, and other functions.
- Tuner: Built-in tuner for both guitar and vocal pitch accuracy.
Dimensions & Weight:
- Dimensions: 7.5 x 8.2 x 3.1 inches (19 x 21 x 8 cm)
- Weight: 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg)
Power:
- Power Supply: 12V DC, 1A power adapter included. The device also operates at 9V with a standard adapter, but 12V is required for full functionality.
Summary:
The TC Helicon Play Acoustic is a powerful, compact unit designed for solo acoustic performers looking to enhance their sound with real-time vocal and guitar effects, harmonies, and looping capabilities. Its features, such as pitch correction, adaptive EQ, harmony generation, and reverb/delay effects, make it a comprehensive tool for live performances and recording, offering everything needed to create a full-band experience on stage.
It's particularly useful for singer-songwriters, acoustic guitarists, and solo performers who want to expand their sound with minimal gear.