TC Electronic ND-I NOVA DELAY User manual

ND-1
Nova Delay
USER’S MANUAL

INTRODUCTION
Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
SETUP EXAMPLES
Mono/Stereo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Send/Return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
OPERATION
Front view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Knobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Selectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Preset Store function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Input Level Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Delay Spill-over . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Tap Tempo modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Cool Features via ON/OFF
and TAP TEMPO switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Preset Range Limitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Delay Time in BPM or milliseconds . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
APPENDIX
Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
TC Electronic, Sindalsvej 34, DK-8240 Risskov – [email protected] Manual revision 1.0 – SW – V 1.0
Prod. No: E60507012
English Version

4
Nova - Your tone is everything
The sensation of weight, the grandiose design and overall
build quality instinctively tell you these aren’t just ordinary
stompboxes. They’re so much more – the essence of your
tone!
Built upon the legacy and knowledge of TC’s world-
renowned effects processors the Nova pedals raise the bar
for guitar effect pedals and redefine what it means to be
“state-of-the-art”. The ND-1 Nova Delay offer
uncompromised studio quality effects in a compact floor-
based design.
With 6 different stereo delay types and the option to store
up to 9 presets customizable by an array of style
parameters ranging from vintage tape to digital delay this
pedal easily serves all delay requirements of modern guitar
players who want to create unique sounds.
The ND-1 Nova Delay pedal features 6 different delay
types: Delay Line, Dynamic, Reverse, Ping-Pong, Pan and
Slap-back.
Three different types of modulation (light, medium and
heavy) can be applied to any of the delay types. The
modulation is applied to the delay repeats only which
makes the Nova Delay unique compared to setups where
a delay pedal is used in conjunction with a chorus pedal.
The all-new Audio Tapping™ technology enables you to
set the tempo of the delay by playing a rhythm into the
pedal while holding down the TAP TEMPO switch.
Nova Delay Features:
• 6 studio-quality delay types
• Up to 9 storable user presets plus manual mode
• Easy switching between modes and presets
• Audio Tapping™ - audio-generated tap tempo
• Modulated delay
• True delay spill-over
• Easy color control
- from tape style over analog to digital
INTRODUCTION

SETUP EXAMPLE - MONO/STEREO
5
This setup illustrates how to use the Nova Delay
pedal in a mono setup (one amp only) or stereo
setup (two amps). Effects as reverb or delay are
usually placed as the last effects before the
amplifier. Therefore, - place all drive and
modulation effects prior to the Nova Delay pedal.
If you use the amp/amps to create
overdrive see the “SEND/RETURN
example on the following page.
Combo amp
Combo amp
POWER SUPPLY
Amp INPUT
INPUT (Left)
OUTPUT (Left)
Amp INPUT
Optional
- for stereo setups
on/off tap tempo
level
analog
123
tape
hold to STORE preset
hold subdiv for bpm on/off
digital
BPM
3
3
+
+
+
feedback
inputoutputRRL L power
mono mono
color mod level delay
presetmanual type subdivmod style
hold and release
manual/preset
Guitar Effects Technology
ms
slapback
pan
ping pong
reverse
dynamic
delay line
NOVA DELAY
PROGRAMMABLE DIGITAL DELAY

6
SETUP EXAMPLE - SEND/RETURN
This example illustrates how to connect your
Nova Delay pedal as a send/return effect in
an effects loop. This is the correct placement
of the Nova if you use the pre-amp section of
the amp for overdrive sounds.
Expand this setup to stereo by connecting
the Nova pedal right output to the return of a
second amp.
Combo amp
Send
Input
Return
POWER SUPPLY
INPUT (Left)
OUTPUT (Left)
on/off tap tempo
level
analog
123
tape
hold to STORE preset
hold subdiv for bpm on/off
digital
BPM
3
3
+
+
+
feedback
inputoutputRRL L power
mono mono
color mod level delay
presetmanual type subdivmod style
hold and release
manual/preset
Guitar Effects Technology
ms
slapback
pan
ping pong
reverse
dynamic
delay line
NOVA DELAY
PROGRAMMABLE DIGITAL DELAY

7
OVERVIEW
on/off tap tempo
analog
123
tape
hold to STORE preset
hold subdiv for bpm on/off
digital
BPM
3
3
+
+
+
inputoutputRRL L power
mono mono
presetmanual type subdivmod style
hold and release
manual/preset
Guitar Effects Technology
ms
slapback
pan
ping pong
reverse
dynamic
delay line
NOVA DELAY
PROGRAMMABLE DIGITAL DELAY
mix level
feedback color mod level delay

8
Connections
1 - Power
The Nova Delay require 12V DC 300 mA. Use the
power supply provided in the product box or a power
supply with similar specifications.
2 - Inputs
1/4” mono jack connections for signal input. Use left
input for mono signal or use both left and right inputs
for connecting a stereo signal.
3 - Outputs
1/4” mono jack connections for signal output. Use left
output for mono or both outputs for stereo.
Switches
4 - On/Off
This switch has two functions.
- Press and release immediately for standard on/off
function.
- Hold and release for 2 seconds to switch between
manual and preset modes.
5 - Tap Tempo & Audio Tap Tempo
The delay time is always calculated using the current
global tempo and the selected subdivision.
The global tempo can be entered in different ways:
- as dialed using the DELAY knob
- as tapped by tapping the TAP TEMPO switch
- as tapped using the Audio Tap TempoTM feature
Audio Tapping:
Audio tapping is entered by holding down the TAP
TEMPO switch and feeding audio to the input e.g. by
hitting guitar strings.
See also the example in the chapter describing
“Subdivision”.
Example - Tap Tempo using the TAP TEMPO switch
• Tap 1/4 notes on the TAP TEMPO switch.
The TAP TEMPO LED will indicate the tapped
tempo.
This can be done in both “off” and “on” mode.
OPERATION

Example - Tap tempo by audio
• Press and hold the TAP TEMPO switch. When the
outputs are muted, play steady short 1/4 notes on
your instrument. The TAP TEMPO LED will indicate
the tapped tempo.
• Release the switch again.
That’s it - you have now entered the global tempo by
audio.
Knobs
6 - Delay
Adjusts the delay time. When the DELAY knob is in 12
o’clock position the delay time is not altered.
Turn counter-clockwise to reduce the delay time and
clockwise to increase the delay time. The maximum
delay time vary depending on the selected delay type.
Delay Type Max Delay Time
Delay Line 2290ms
Dynamic 2290ms
Reverse 1000ms
Ping Pong 2290ms
Pan 2290ms
Slapback 300ms
7 - Feedback
The FEEDBACK knob sets the amount of delay
returned to the input of the delay line. The higher the
setting the more repeats.
8 - Color
Full control and perfect replica of the source signal
may be the advantage of a digital delay. However, the
delay repeats may at times blend much better if the
high-end frequencies of the repeats are colored.
9
OPERATION

10
The complex Nova Delay color filter allows for shaping
of the delay repeats in styles ranging from tape drive
over analog to digital.
9 - Mod/Level
In addition to the coloration of the delay repeats
controlled by the COLOR knob, you may also add
more or less pitch modulation to the delay repeats.
Pitch modulation on delay repeats is typically known
from older tape-echoes. Three styles of modulation can
be selected pressing the MOD STYLE button.
10 - Mix Level
Sets the overall mix between the dry signal and the
delay repeats.
Selectors
11 - Manual - In manual mode the pedal plays exactly
according to the position of the controls.
12 - Preset - In preset mode the pedal plays according
to the recalled preset. Therefore, if you come from
manual mode the position of the knobs may not match
the currently recalled values.
• Press PRESET once to enter preset mode.
The current preset number is shown. E.g. “P1”
• Press again immediately after to scroll through the
presets: P1, P2, P3......P9, P1, P2 etc.*
When going from manual mode to preset
mode, the position of the knobs probably does
not match the current values.
* It is also possible to scroll through presets using the
TAP TEMPO and ON/OFF switches. Please refer to
the manual section “Additional Features”
OPERATION

Preset Store function:
To edit and store a preset:
• Scroll through the 9 preset locations P1 to P9 by
pressing PRESET several times.
• Edit the preset.
• Press and hold the PRESET button until LEDs 1, 2
and 3 blink rapidly one after the other. The preset
is now stored at the current location.
When you store a preset from manual mode,
this preset will overwrite the preset that was
recalled the last time you were in preset mode.
When storing a preset from manual mode, all
parameters are stored according to the position
of the knobs and LEDs. When storing a preset
from preset mode only the edited parameters
are stored.
13 - Mod Style
Three different styles of modulation on the delay
repeats can be selected. The level of the modulation is
adjusted using the Mod Level knob.
11
OPERATION
14 - Type
Delay Line: Standard high quality delay line.
Dynamic: The Dynamic Delay is a feature that was
initially introduced in the legendary TC 2290. It allows
the dynamics of the input level to reduce the delay
output level while you play and increase the delay level
when you stop playing. The result can be a clear and
undisturbed source signal while you play and a
significant delay level when pausing.
For optimal performance of the dynamic delay
the Nova Delay should be calibrated according
to the input signal. Please refer to the step-by-
step guide on calibrating the input sensitivity.
Reverse: The Reverse delay is a great effect when a
more mysterious, exotic delay style is required. The
input signal is sampled and played in reverse.
With a long delay time (e.g. 1000 ms), try setting
the MIX knob at 100% and the FEEDBACK knob
at 0. This will give you a true feeling of playing
“backwards”

12
PingPong:
The PingPong delay causes the delay to alternate
between the left and right channels, resulting in a very
nice stereo feel.
Pan:
In Pan mode the delay repeats shift between left and
right output channels. The time it takes to pan the
delay repeats depends on the set delay time.
The pan-position shifts from 100% left to 100% right in
5 repeats.
Slap-Back:
Slap-back is the characteristic short delay type. Use
delay times from 80 to 140 ms and go back 50 years in
time or use even shorter delays with a minimum of
feedback to cover the funky sound from the late
seventies to the early eighties.
Try adding one of the modulation styles on a
slap-back delay.
15 - Subdiv - Subdivision
The subdivision options relate to the tapped tempo.
Tap the tempo in quarter notes and then select the
subdivision of your choice.
In the following a few suggestions are added. Take
these as an inspiration, then be innovative and find
your own.
Quarter note - Delay repeats play quarter notes
according to the tapped tempo. E.g. tap quarter
notes at tempo 120 BPM. The delay time of the
repeats is now 120 BPM or 500 ms.
Dotted eight note - A subdivision type often used
when the delay repeats add to the actual guitar
rhythm. Try playing quarter notes with the delay
level set relatively high.
Eight note triplets - Excellent for fifties style rhythm
in 6/8 where you play only on the fourth beat.
OPERATION

Input Level Calibration
Your Nova Delay pedal is per default set up to work
well right out the box - just as any other stomp box
pedal. However, you can optimize the performance of
the Nova Delay pedals AD/DA converters by calibrating
the input sensitivity. Follow this step-by-step guide:
• Calibration of the input sensitivity should be done
to the max. expected input level. Therefore begin
by turning on boosters etc. that are placed prior to
the Nova Delay pedal in the signal chain.
• Press and hold the MANUAL button until the 6
delay type LEDs are lit.
• Play with your loudest* sound for a few seconds
and watch some of the 6 LEDs turn off one by one.
How many that are turned off, depend on the
output of your guitar. When no further changes
seem to appear, the pedal is calibrated.
• Press any key to exit.
• The pedal is now calibrated
* By your “loudest” sound we mean the sound with the highest
dynamic content. This is most likely a clean sound as overdrive
sounds per nature are compressed.
Dual Delay mode
With dual delay mode it is possible to have different
subdivisions for left and right outputs. Three
combinations are available.
Left output: Quarter notes
Right output: Dotted eights
Left output: Quarter notes
Right output: Eight note triplets
Left output: Sixteen notes
Right output: Dotted eights
If only left output is connected and dual delay mode is
used, then left and right delay outputs are summed.
Subdivision example
Tap 500 ms (120 BPM measured in 1/4 notes) with the
Subdivision set to 1/8.
The delay time is now recalculated to 250 ms.
13
CALIBRATING THE INPUT SENSITIVITY

14
Delay Spill-over
The Nova Delay features true delay spill-over. With true
delay spill-over, delay repeats will continue when
changing to manual or preset mode, when changing to
a different preset and also when going to bypass mode.
This feature gives numerous musical possibilities. As
an example you may switch from a long delay with a
high level of feedback to a short slap-back type and still
hear the long delay repeats ring out across your new
delay setting.
Delay spill-over can be set individually for manual
mode and for all individual presets:
• Select manual or preset mode.
• If preset mode is selected, then recall the preset for
which you would like to enable or disable delay
spill-over.
• Press and hold “MOD STYLE” to toggle between
delay spill-over modes.
- In delay spill-over mode - LEDs 1, 2 and 3 will
flash slowly one at a time.
- In delay mute mode (no spill-over) - LEDs 1, 2
and 3 will rapidly flash one time each.
These indications are also given when changing
between manual and preset modes.
DELAY SPILL-OVER
To mute the outputs of the Nova pedal while
calibrating you can press and hold the TAP
TEMPO switch.

Tap Tempo Modes
The Nova Delay always has one global tempo. This
tempo is either tapped in via the TAP TEMPO switch,
audio tap or dialed in via the DELAY knob.
Manual mode
In manual mode it is always the global tempo that
applies.
Preset mode
When switching from manual mode to preset mode
you can set up whether it is the delay time stored in
the preset or the global tempo, that should apply.
As explained earlier the actual delay time also
depends on the selected sub-division.
To switch between using the stored delay time or the
global tempo when entering preset mode:
• Go to preset mode by pressing PRESET.
• Press and hold “TYPE” for 1 second.
- Steady PRESET key LED indicates that you are
using the global tempo.
- Flashing PRESET key LED indicates that you are
using the stored delay time.
Cool Features via ON/OFF and
TAP TEMPO switches
Tap tempo and on/off are the main functions assigned
to the ON/OFF and TAP/TEMPO switches. However,
several other features can be accessed using these
switches thus giving you even more control at the tip of
your feet.
See current preset number
What is the current preset-number? As explained
earlier you can press the PRESET button to see the
current preset number. You can also see the current
preset number following this procedure:
• Press TAP TEMPO once immediately followed by
pressing the ON/OFF switch.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
15

16
Change presets
You may step between the 9 presets (1-9) by pressing
the PRESET button several times. However, you can
also step between presets following this procedure:
• Press TAP TEMPO once and tap the ON/OFF
switch repeatedly to step between presets 1-9.
As opposed to stepping through presets using
the PRESET button, you can change the preset
also from manual mode when using this
method. The advantage using this method is
that the preset will not be recalled/activated until
you go to preset mode.
Preset Range Limitation
Assuming that you never use more than 3 presets, you
may prefer not to step through all nine presets 1-9
when going from e.g. preset #3 to #2.
(#3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8., #9, #1, #2)
Assume that you want to use only presets 1, 2 and 3.
• Press and hold MANUAL until calibration mode is
entered.
• Turn MOD LEVEL and select P3.
• Press any key to exit the menu.
You are now only able to toggle through presets 1, 2 and 3.
To return to using all 9 presets: Follow the procedure
described above and select P9 instead of P3.
Note that limiting the range of presets to scroll
through will NOT delete presets located outside
the selected range.
Delay Time in BPM or Milliseconds
The delay time can be displayed in either milliseconds
or BPM (beats per minute).
To alternate between BPM and ms, press and hold the
SUBDIV button.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Analog Inputs
Connectors:
Input type
Impedance:
Max. Input Level:
Analog Outputs
Connectors:
Max. Output Level:
Output type
Impedance
Sense input impedance
Overall data
D to A Conversion
A to A delay
Dynamic range
THD
Frequency Response
Crosstalk
EMC
Complies with:
17
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
¼” phone jacks w. mono-sense
Single ended
1 MOhm
16 dBu @ 12V supply
¼” phone jacks w. mono-sense
16 dBu @ 12V supply
Balanced/Single ended w. ground sense
0 Ohm
225 ohm
24 bit, 128 x oversampling bitstream
1.65 ms
106/98 dB, 20 Hz to 20 KHz
@ Input level 16/-2 dBu, not A-Weighted
< -90 dB (0.0032%) @ 1 kHz, I/O Level
16 dBu, Load > 2400 Ohm
+0.1/-0.2 dB, 20 Hz to 20 KHz
< -100 dB, 20 H z to 7 KHz, < -94 dB,
7 kHz to 20 KHz
EN 55103-1 and EN 55103-2 FCC part 15,
Class B, CISPR 22, Class B
Environment
Operating Temperature:
Storage Temperature:
Humidity:
General
Finish:
Dimensions:
Weight:
Mains Voltage
Power Consumption
Warranty Parts and labor
32° F to 122° F (0° C to 50° C)
-22° F to 167° F (-30° C to 70° C)
Max. 90 % non-condensing
Anodized aluminum front Plated
and painted steel endcaps
130 x130 x 55mm
765 g
100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz
(auto-select) AC wall adapter.
AC adapter supplies 12VDC
minimum 0.3A to pedal.
<5 W
1 year
Due to continuous development,
these specifications are subject to change
without notice.

The Nova Delay is delivered with the following presets in locations P1 to P9. When storing your own favorite settings, these presets
will be overwritten.
Preset #4 - Slap
Delay time 120 Tap Tempo Preset
Feedback 0% Spill-over Off
Color 50% Mod Style #0
Mod level 0% Type Slapback
Mix 30% Sub-div
Preset #5 - PingPong
Delay time - Tap Tempo Global
Feedback 63% Spill-over On
Color 75% Mod Style #1
Mod level 50% Type PingPong
Mix 20% Sub-div
Preset #6 - Mod Pan
Delay time 2290ms Tap Tempo Preset
Feedback 80% Spill-over On
Color 100% Mod Style #3
Mod level 100% Type Pan
Mix 50% Sub-div
PRESETS
18
Preset #1 - Dynamic
Delay time - Tap Tempo Global
Feedback 30% Spill-over On
Color 80% Mod Style #0
Mod level 0% Type Dynamic
Mix 25% Sub-div
Preset #2 - Tape
Delay time 350ms Tap Tempo Preset
Feedback 40% Spill-over Off
Color 0% Mod Style #3
Mod level 100% Type Delay Line
Mix 40% Sub-div
Preset # 3 - UToo
Delay time - Tap Tempo Global
Feedback 0% Spill-over On
Color 100% Mod Style #3
Mod level 100% Type Delay Line
Mix 50% Sub-div

Preset # 7 - Analog Solo
Delay time - Tap Tempo Global
Feedback 15% Spill-over On
Color 50% Mod Style #2
Mod level 75% Type Dynamic
Mix 28% Sub-div
Preset # 8 - Spacey
Delay time 527ms Tap Tempo Preset
Feedback 38% Spill-over On
Color 100% Mod Style #2
Mod level 100% Type Delay Line
Mix 50% Sub-div
Preset #9 - Reverse
Delay time 1000ms Tap Tempo Preset
Feedback 0% Spill-over Off
Color 100% Mod Style #0
Mod level 0% Type Reverse
Mix 100% Sub-div
PRESETS
19