TC-Helicon Perform-V User manual

English Reference Manual
Perform-V

Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) a
Safety information 1
Important safety instructions 2
EMC / EMI 4
Explanation of graphic symbols 5
Before you begin 6
About this document 7
Getting support 7
VoiceSupport 7
Please register your Perform-V 8
Introduction 9
Introduction 10
Connection Diagram 11
Effects 13
About Effects 14
Turning Effects On and Off 17
Editing Effects 18
Presets 20
About Presets 21
Importing (Beaming) a Preset 22
Editing a Beamed Preset 23
HIT 24
Tone 26
About Tone 27
Anti-Feedback 29
Pitch Correction and Pitch Guide 31
About Pitch Correction 32
Pitch Guide 33
Phantom Power, Mic Control and
talking to your audience 34
48V (Phantom Power) 35
Mic Control 36
Talk 38
Tap (Tempo) 39
RoomSense and Aux 41
RoomSense 42
Aux Input 42
Switch-3 / Switch-6 remote control 43
About the Switch-3/Switch-6 (Pedal) Input 44
Using Switch-3 45
Using Switch-6 45
Appendix 46
Factory Reset 47
Technical Specifications 48
Product Perform-V
Product (firmware) version 1.0
Document Reference manual
Document version / date 2015-11-17

Safety information
Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) 1
Safety information

Safety information
Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) 2
Important safety instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. In-
stall in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or oth-
er apparatus (including amplifiers) that pro-
duce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the po-
larized or grounding-type plug. A polarized
plug has two blades with one wider than
the other. A grounding-type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The
wide blade or the third prong is provided for
your safety. If the provided plug does not fit
into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked
on or pinched, particularly at plugs, con-
venience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories speci-
fied by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the ap-
paratus. When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods
of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service per-
sonnel. Servicing is required when the ap-
paratus has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply cord or plug is dam-
aged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the appara-
tus has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
Caution
You are cautioned that any change or modifi-
cations not expressly approved in this manual
could void your authority to operate this equip-
ment.

Safety information
Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) 3
Service
►All service must be performed by qualified
personnel.
►There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
Warning
►To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do
not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture
and objects filled with liquids, such as vases,
should not be placed on this apparatus.
►This apparatus must be earthed.
►Use a three wire grounding type line cord like
the one supplied with the product.
►Be advised that different operating voltages
require the use of different types of line cord
and attachment plugs.
►Check the voltage in your area and use the
correct type.
Voltage Line plug according to standard
110 to 125V UL817 and CSA C22.2 no42.
220 to 230V CEE7 page VII, SR section 107-
2-D1 / IEC83 pageC4.
►This equipment should be installed near the
socket outlet and disconnection of the device
should be easily accessible.
►To completely disconnect from AC mains, dis-
connect the power supply cord from the AC
receptacle.
►The mains plug of the power supply shall re-
main readily operable.
►Do not install this device in a confined space.
►For use at an altitude of 2000m or lower.
►Do not open the unit – risk of electric shock
inside.

Safety information
Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) 4
EMC / EMI
Electromagnetic compatibility /
Electromagnetic interference
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital de-
vice, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in resi-
dential installations. This equipment generates,
uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interfer-
ence to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following
measures:
►Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
►Increase the separation between the equip-
ment and receiver.
►Connect the equipment into an outlet on a cir-
cuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
►Consult the dealer or an experienced ra-
dio / TV technician for help.
For customers in Canada
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Ca-
nadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est
conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Safety information
Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) 5
Explanation of graphic symbols
The lightning bolt triangle is used to
alert the user to the presence of unin-
sulated “dangerous voltages” within
the unit’s chassis that may be of suffi-
cient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to humans.
The exclamation point triangle is used
to alert the user to presence of import-
ant operating and service instructions
in the literature accompanying the
product.

Before you begin
Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) 6
Before you begin

Before you begin
Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) 7
About this document
This reference manual will help you learn under-
standing and operating your Perform-V.
You can download the most current version of
this reference manual from:
tc-helicon.com/support/manuals/
To get the most from your TC-Helicon product,
please start by reading the printed quick guide
that came with the product. Then proceed with
this reference manual. Read it from start to fin-
ish, or you may miss important information.
Getting support
If you still have questions about the product af-
ter reading this reference manual, please get in
touch with TC-Helicon Support:
tc-helicon.com/support/product/
VoiceSupport
VoiceSupport is the application that allows you
to fully unlock the potential of your TC-Helicon
product and stay in touch with the latest news,
tips and tricks.
VoiceSupport key features include:
►Professionally authored preset libraries
►Direct access to product manuals
►Drag & drop Preset management
►Customizable content about your products
►Firmware upgrades
►Account management
►Access to TC-Helicon support
You can download VoiceSupport for Microsoft
Windows and Mac OS X from:
tc-helicon.com/products/voicesupport/

Before you begin
Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) 8
Please register your Perform-V
To register your Perform-V using the Voice-
Support software, launch VoiceSupport and
click on the ACCOUNT button.
You can also go to
account.tc-helicon.com
Registration of your product is NOT required to
use VoiceSupport, download Presets, update
firmware or contact support.

Introduction
Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) 9
Introduction

Introduction
Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) 10
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing Perform-V!
Your new mic stand mount vocal processor
opens up a whole new world of performance op-
portunities.
Starting with our Adaptive Tone (automatic EQ,
De-Essing, Gating and Compression), your voice
will punch through the mix and sound great in
any environment. For more information, see
“Tone”.
Add studio-quality Reverb, Double and Echo to
the party, and you’ll easily craft memorable vocal
effects that are perfectly suited to your song. For
more information, see “Effects”.
With the addition of “beamable” Presets you
can expand the sonic capabilities of Perform-V
and include up to four more vocal effects!
Anti-Feedback tames the annoying high pitched
squeals we’ve all experienced at a live show,
keeping your performance professional sound-
ing. For more information, see “Anti-Feedback”.
Our global Pitch Correction gently guides your
voice to the nearest note, ensuring that your
pitches are spot on. For more information, see
“Pitch Correction and Pitch Guide”.
The Guide feature lets you see your vocal pitch-
es in real time, letting you know when you’re ac-
curate and when you might be sharp or flat. It’s
a great tool for both live and rehearsal! For more
information, see “Pitch Guide”.
Read the Quick Start!
We will assume that you have already read
the Quick Start Guide that came with your
Perform-V, got things hooked up and you’re able
to sing through the product.
If you haven’t gotten that far yet, please read the
Quick Start Guide now and come back to this
manual when you’re set up.
Don’t worry, we’ll wait.

Connection Diagram
Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) 11
Connection Diagram

Connection Diagram
Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) 12
SWITCH-3
123
AUX
PEDAL
MIC OUT MIC IN

Effects
Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) 13
Effects

Effects
Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) 14
About Effects
There are three effects available to you in
Perform-V, and up to four more effects can be
accessed via beamed Presets.
Double (onboard)
DOUBLE
TONE PITCH 48V ANTI-
FEEDBACK
REVERB
ECHO
TAP TALK
1
2
3
SET
Double effect active/highlighted
Simulates the classic “double tracked” stu-
dio sound that’s common on recordings of all
genres. Double can include Octave Up and Oc-
tave Down voices, too.
Reverb (onboard)
DOUBLE
TONE PITCH 48V ANTI-
FEEDBACK
REVERB
ECHO
TAP TALK
1
2
3
SET
Reverb effect active/highlighted
Creates a simulated physical space for your
voice. It can be something small, like a shower,
or something big like a concert hall. It’s common
to use a smaller (shorter) Reverb for faster songs
and a larger (longer) Reverb for slower ones.

Effects
Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) 15
Echo (onboard)
DOUBLE
TONE PITCH 48V ANTI-
FEEDBACK
REVERB
ECHO
TAP TALK
1
2
3
SET
Echo effect active/highlighted
Otherwise known as “Delay”, Echo effects re-
peat your voice back to you in various ways and
amounts, just like shouting into a mountain range
or very large space. Some Echoes can have
effects applied to the “taps” or repeats of the
Echo, like Megaphone or Radio.
Harmony (beamable)
Additional voices, created from your own, pro-
vide harmony as your own personal backup
singers. We use a combination of the built-in
RoomSense microphone and music coming into
the AUX input to automatically pick the right key
for the harmony voices. You’ll need to have a
chorded instrument near the RoomSense mic
and/or music with chord information coming into
the Aux input for this to work.
Megaphone (beamable)
Anything that filters or distorts your voice falls
into the Megaphone category. You can sound
like you’re on an old radio or distort your voice
for an edgy attack. Be careful with Megaphone
effects when you’ve got a loud PA. We need to
adjust EQ a lot to create these sounds, so they’re
a bit more prone to feedback than other effects.

Effects
Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) 16
HardTune (beamable)
The name of this effect can be a bit mislead-
ing, because it covers both subtle and T-Pain™
style tuning. There are several styles to help you
hit the pitch perfectly, but some sound much
more natural than others. Conveniently enough,
our natural style is called…well… “Natural”. The
“Pop” style covers the other end of the spec-
trum.
HardTune requires Key information to work cor-
rectly, so just like Harmony you’ll need a chorded
instrument and/or AUX input.
µMod (beamable)
Here’s where you’ll find effects like Flanger, Cho-
rus and other similar effects. These effects are
typically used sparingly, but can add a great
point of interest to your performance.

Effects
Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) 17
Turning Effects On and Off
To activate or deactivate an effect, simply tap the
Reverb, Double or Echo button. The button will
illuminate GREEN when active and WHITE when
inactive.
DOUBLE
TONE
PITCH 48V ANTI-
FEEDBACK
REVERB
ECHO
TAP TALK
1
2
3
SET
Double effect active
DOUBLE
TONE
PITCH 48V ANTI-
FEEDBACK
REVERB
ECHO
TAP TALK
1
2
3
SET
Double effect inactive

Effects
Perform-V – Reference manual (updated 2015-11-17) 18
Editing Effects
Don’t like the Reverb, Double or Echo that you
hear? You can adjust both the Level (volume) and
Style (sound of the effect) to dial in just the right
combination for your music.
To edit an effect, simply press and hold the
respective effect button.
You will know that you are in EDIT mode because
the LED ring surrounding the Control Knob will il-
luminate and the effect button will pulse.
Changing effect level and styles
The LED ring serves as both a Level and Style
control.
As you turn the knob, the LED segments will fill
up, indicating that you are turning up the Level of
the current style.
DOUBLE
TONE PITCH 48V ANTI-
FEEDBACK
REVERB
ECHO
TAP TALK
1
2
3
SET
Changing the Echo level
DOUBLE
TONE PITCH 48V ANTI-
FEEDBACK
REVERB
ECHO
TAP TALK
1
2
3
SET
Echo level set to maximum
When you completely fill the LED ring, the color
will change, letting you know that you have now
changed the Style of the effect.
DOUBLE
TONE PITCH 48V ANTI-
FEEDBACK
REVERB
ECHO
TAP TALK
1
2
3
SET
Color change indicates a new Echo Style has
been selected
Continuing to turn the Control Knob will increase
the Level of that Style and so on.
You can also turn the control knob count-
er-clockwise. E.g., if you lower the level for
Echo Style 3 by turning the control knob count-
er-clockwise and you reach zero, Perform-V will
jump to Echo Style 2 at full level, as indicated by
the LEDs.
Style selection “wraps” in both directions. I.e.,
if you keep on turning the control knob, you will
go from the last to the first style for the currently
edited effect and vice versa.
Each effect has four different styles to choose
from. Three of the styles are available “out of the
box” and one is reserved for a Beamed Preset
Style (described next).