New Firmware for PLETHORA X3 & X5

We are happy to present the new Firmware update for PLETHORA X3 and X5. Some basic yet highly requested control features are in the latest FW update. It will help PLETHORA to be much more capable as a performance tool.
00:00 Introduction
00:34 Tap Tuner
01:32 Tempo Sync
03:00 Global Tempo
04:14 Midi Clock Sync
Global Tap Tempo and new MIDI
Set the tempo of multiple slots at once, either by synchronising them or by using an all-new Tap/Tuner block. We added a Tap Tempo MIDI CC and standard MIDI Clock for external control. We also added a list of new MIDI CCs, such as Tuner ON/OFF and Expression control.
Other Features
Now you can save, load, export and import a restore point of your PLETHORA. These features are a complete "save-state" of all settings and TonePrints to back up or perhaps even share with your friends.
Download the FW:
Plethora X3 (Product Library/Firmware Version 1.4.3):
www.tcelectronic.com/product....
Plethora X5 (Product Library/Firmware Version 1.4.3):
www.tcelectronic.com/product....

[@aronfebles]

I'm just glad to see that the project hasn't been abandoned... Pretty cool features and hope more are to come!

[@sharonedigitale]

Whaaaaa! OH MY GOD FINALLYYYY!! Gettin my THREE year old X5 out of storage! Was so bummed that it didn’t have midi global tempo control at the onset, as I’d so surely believed it would from the emphasis on midi capability in the advertising-I ended up just shelving it. But now, the original idea of buying a multi-effects pedal that could synchronize with my setup can actually happen-I mean, hey-better late than never guys, seriously👏! Whatever the hold-up was about, my weary frustration has washed away with the surprise of it even making it here after so long, THANK YOU to whoever in the company finally saw the importance of this and made the decision to prioritize granting many disappointed customers what they were initially expecting from a device with 5pin connections on the back. You are APPRECIATED and you are the reason I will start being able to use this pedal in my performances.🎸💥

[@Mathias-TCElectronic]

Hey Sharone, Thank you for the kinds words, as well as your patience. As one of the developers of the update, this kind of message warms my heart :) BR, Mathias :)

[@yikelu]

YES. Global tap sync and MIDI clock sync is *the* upgrade I've been waiting for! Thanks TC!

[@JamTagg]

Please add Infinite Sustainer!!! As for this mod, excellent updates and I will definitely be taking advantage. Also relieved to see the project and platform is continuing to grow. Also thanks for designing the Flashback Delay. It’s soooooo good. I’m super picky and detailed in what I want from certain delays. I use every menu and modifier in the Toneprint software.

[@tcelectronic]

We see your request for INFINITE and you are not the only one. Glad you appreciate the ongoing firmware updates. We are still working on the PLETHORA. Did you manage to get the FW update working?

[@JamTagg]

@@tcelectronic Yes, I did and thanks for following up! I posed the solution so other folks could find it. Turns out the install was, though not intuitive, much easier than I thought. Just want to double down on my other comment/request for keeping the audio of a dealy going while hot-swapping blocks a la Mooer Ocean Machine! ;-)

[@steverussell7645]

Great to see ongoing investment in what is a superb piece of kit. Thanks guys!

[@hejduke9060]

Thank you for the continued updates! Love my Plethora. I also own the INFINITE but would absolutely welcome it in a Plethora board. On my wish list for the Plethora would be an option for a 'parallel' effects chain. For example, the Triple is the most incredible delay, in no small part to its 'parallel' powers. The Plethora sports the awesome Flashback but the serial-chain-only implementation, offers limited effective potential. Whether parallel happens or not, thank you TC, for making so many great products!

[@fraxyl]

Love the idea of the tap/tune. Getting super sick of having to tap dance for the tuner only to realise I've tapped too many times. XD

[@TheSatanTV]

Good to see you are making updates for both those pedals

[@Brandon18valensi]

Hope you can add the freeze pedal to it

[@MrJbangoy]

Freeze is EHX some of the delays with Mash you can get a single note to hold much like the first setting on the Infinite

[@MurphSchnitzel]

I love my PLETHORA X3. But I have a request for the next firmware update: Please integrate an equalizer. Although there is no TonePrint EQ pedal, I think it shouldn't be hard to program an EQ for a slot. That would be brilliant.

[@mikoajczaja9464]

you can just create your own equalizer toneprint for the compressor (3 band, parametric, whatever else you can come up with by utilizing hi/mid/low gain + crossover)

[@MurphSchnitzel]

@@mikoajczaja9464 That is a very good idea. Thank you for that. The only downside is that it only works in the TonePrint App. An EQ that could be directly adjusted on the device with the 3 Hotknobs would be nice.

[@Drew_Vernon]

Great update TC! This now makes the Plethora a real alternative to something like the BigSky or Meris pedals.

[@MarkoPavicMusic]

Thanks! Love my X5

[@spaceshipable]

Tap tempo finally makes this a viable product for me to buy. Been waiting so long for that.

[@tcelectronic]

Happy this update answered your needs.

[@makingmusiconline2309]

This is great! Thank you. Glad to see that the Plethora X-series is still being updated. Any chance that some of the programs that were special for Transitions, Arena, T2 etc. will be made available for Plethora? Like you did with Alter Ego ... :D

[@LukeJackandWill]

Great to see. I just got one of these earlier this week and was wondering if you guys still done firmware updates for an already amazing unit. Cheers!

[@Kattemageren]

Very cool. Great to see Mathias in a video too. I do have one comment though; wasn't there time to edit the video in regards to cutting out some of the "ummmh" pauses? It also seems slightly un-enthusiastic. But maybe that's just me. Great features none the less, happy to see the promised fw updates haven't been abandoned.

[@larsfrederiksen3005]

Hey Marcus! Yes, it could have been edited, but the whole "TC TV" concept is more a "rolling camera dialogue" setup. Faster turnaround time on the video. I agree we may have seemed a little 'off', but we were thinking too much and relaxing too little :-)

[@Wezly]

Exiting news, please consider adding audio tapping for setting a tempo too!, and how often should we expect firmware updates like these?

[@YousifYaseenMusic]

Awesome update

[@tornadoluke]

Plethora X5 question/request...I'm still missing an EQ function this was asked years ago by many users. Even the 109 USD Nux Mighty Plug pro has a 10 band Equaliser which is so very useful in tweaking a sound/tone. IR's are kind of the same but not being able to assign an IR per board prevents that from being an option.😢 Both I would like to see changed.

[@logrinn]

Very cool! Woohoo!

[@sacredsources1463]

That's a cool update! I think it would have been even better if we could sync the speed of modulation pedals (vibe, flanger, vibrato, chorus, etc) with the tap tuner thing.

[@Ebutouy5180]

Oh, that's cool. No, really cool. No doubts! Any new sounds we all've been waiting for?

[@adrianogalanti2691]

good job! what about updating the tuner algorythm too: I always need to tune my bass E string (often tuned to Eb or D) on the 12th fret otherwise it won't catch it.

[@robertchapan1390]

How about being able to scroll/pick boards via bluetooth from the Toneprint App. That would be a great update. Similar to the Boss Katana Tone Studio.

[@GillRockatansky]

Thanks for the midi update, it is really appreciated. What is the likelihood of a plugin for more user friendly use with a DAW? I've already made a template in Maschine for controlling my X5 and Nova Drive, now i judt need to add the new parameters, but an official plugin whose GUI is a mini Plethora with the controls mapped would get a lot more people using the midi, by removing the need to learn about PC and CC messages.

[@itsstatic2477]

Hey TC! Just wondering if adding midi controll for the cab sim is on the table!? would be pretty sweet to get a midi command to toggle on and off the cabsim! Thanks!

[@gianlucacagliari4327]

will you please add a dedicated rotary simulator in the next update along with a freeze pedal? The viscous vibe has a leslie toneprint, but it's far from accurate enough without the separate twitter and drum speeds

[@RileySullivan]

Where can we submit feature requests? I think it would be great if we had an option to set certain boards to be wired in parallel, rather than in series. This pedal could easily be the ultimate ambient machine.

[@PachitoZignin]

finally tap tempo and midi clock synch on board

[@georgwassner9427]

Can this pedal handle all the interesting Toneprints for Bass Guitar? If so I´m interested. Thanks for answers.

[@gabrielnunes5448]

The Plethora also have the analog dry though like the tone print pedals have?

[@ryanthenormal]

No, the dry signal is routed through a digital converter. This makes no discernible difference to the sound of the signal.

[@faben70]

When a chain icon is displayed, over a parameter, in the TonePrint app, is it possible to know what controller it's linked to?

[@dustintimbrook]

Pretty please can we get midi clock to work with the looper? 🙏🏼 I use a drum machine with the Ditto x4 and the synced looping is a godsend. Would love to do this in the Plethora as well.

[@bremki]

So this is still not possible?! :(

[@MotoRiff77]

Can we get a new updated brain for the G-System. The pedal is still one of the best platforms

[@Rob_B_93]

Does this tempo apply to the tremolo? I haven't been using the tremolo since I couldn't figure out how to tap the tempo in.

[@larsfrederiksen3005]

For the tremolo (like if you decide to add tap tempo directly to a delay) you need to hold the footswitch down for around a second. Then you can tap. If you choose to do this on a delay it can't be combined with MASH, you need to choose which secondary footswitch function to have. With this update you can control the tempo of the Delay or the Tremolo, with another block/FX and retain the MASH option for your Delay, if you so please.

[@bremki]

The midi clock sync is nice, but there’s so much more that could be done for the Looper mode that’s been unexplored. Hopefully this is an area you’ve been focusing on at TC! Especially with the X5, you have such an opportunity to allow for some really cool looper functionality that could have the potential to really set the X5 apart from any looper competitors. Having multiple loopers running at the same time, but out of sync isn’t very helpful. Take some notes from the Boomerang looper for inspiration! Allowing for loops to be perfect, set, multiples of each other would be amazing! I’m probably reaching too far, but reverse, double time, half time, octaves, etc would be cool for extra slots on the looper. Or even allowing for command slots for overdubbing, undo, fade, etc would be cool. Please, PLEASE consider expanding upon the looper features and BPM sync! :)

[@Parariddle]

Great Update all some much desired updates Will we see additional effects added in future updates?

[@tcelectronic]

Thanks. Definitely not out of the question. Can't promise anything yet. What would be your request for a new effect?

[@Parariddle]

@@tcelectronic I would love to see the infinity sustainer added or maybe some replicas of the echobrain etc.

[@Los_Kartoflos]

Envelope Filters please!@@tcelectronic

[@faben70]

@@tcelectronic is a Triple Delay possible?

[@domands]

hmmm, so when will be the download available? no v1.4.3 on the website yet.

[@spaceshipable]

Hey, is there the ability to use an external tap tempo switch to control tap tempo?

[@valvuladaguitarra7655]

Would anybody help? Somehow my x5 maps the knobs parameters when I save toneprints

[@JoeBearDotCom]

Looks great. Where's the list of MIDI message mappings to parameters?

[@GillRockatansky]

in the update release notes.

[@ryanthenormal]

The release notes are comprehensive.

[@JoeBearDotCom]

@@ryanthenormal and @GillRockatansky - thanks

[@fbgtr]

I can't get Quick Swap working while in Edit mode. Is it not supposed to work?

[@mortenagerlinpetersen1855]

Can the restore be used to move all my boards from my X3 to a new X5?

[@STV_DG99]

hello good! I just purchased the plethora x3, and I am quite confused about the things that can be done with this unit, is there a guide to all the functions that this equipment has? Greetings

[@Mathias-TCElectronic]

Hi Dan, Understandable, as it does indeed do a lot of things! I found it a bit daunting as well when I started using it, but fortunately I think it's relatively easy to get a grasp of once you get started. For the very basics, I would like to refer you to the quick start guide on the product page of PX5. For a deeper dive I would like to refer you to Pedal Platform, who does a great job at explaining and demonstrating all of the Plethora's capabilities.

[@thomasyoung1978]

Hi TC, after so many time waiting for a new firmware update and you came with a basic update. Why you don´t focus on CabSim or add new pedal like Quincentennial, where is a kill switch? In my opinion this realese should already be available before the unit came out. Well Thank you anyway. Hope the next one you can put more efforts on that. Regards

[@Kattemageren]

If you are referring to the Quintessence Harmonizer pedal, it's already there. Has been since day 1, I believe.

[@paulsharp5473]

Mine won’t upgrade stays on it current previous version no matter how many times I try.

[@Diederle]

For me the most important thing would be that you can also synchronize the speeds of tremolo, phaser, chorus, etc. with the Global Tap function. If that doesn't work, the update is nice, but I'll throw the thing off the board willy-nilly...Back then I was so excited to have a Helix Phaser with Tap Tempo and then I was so bitterly disappointed that the Plethora couldn't do that...

[@larsfrederiksen3005]

Not trying to apologize, but the main reason is the the original TonePrint pedals, phaser, chorus etc. that didn't have tap-tempo in the original algorithms aren't tied to an "external" tempo. It could be done, it would just mean updates to the code in the original "FX product", which hasn't been the focus of the current update. The tremolo IS included in the current synch scheme since it has tap tempo in the original product :-)

[@tj10777]

Is that a PRS Mira S2? Looks like it. Didn't know they made one with p-90s.

[@larsfrederiksen3005]

Hi. It's a PRS Mira 25th anniversary 245 Soapbar. US made, but not an S2. Only made the year of the anniversary afaik, which was in 2010.

[@tj10777]

@@larsfrederiksen3005 Very cool man. Thanks for the reply.

[@JamTagg]

One more thing…the ability to keep a delay going while hot-swapping the position on the board. I bought my plethora thinking I could do this like on the Mooer Ocean Machine but it’s not the case. This would be a powerful sound design tool and since the ocean has been discontinued and has reliability problems, fill a need/hole in thethe industry’s pedal offerings!

[@lancecox8084]

I am very underwhelmed, not any new effects? after how long waiting for an update? While I appreciate any new functionality, I don't have time to play with Midi controls when actually playing music, I can see the Tap Tempo updates being useful, I know some users want extended Midi features, but I think you forgot about us users whom, just want sound updates and features for gigging musicians.

[@kylerodgers1732]

I second this

[@ryanthenormal]

A universal tap tempo seems like a feature for gigging musicians.

[@lancecox8084]

@ryanthenormal I do believe I said so, it is the use of Midi , when playing live that I was criticizing, unless you have a guitar tech to trigger your gear, good luck using it

[@ryanthenormal]

@@lancecox8084 Do a quick Google for programmable MIDI foot controllers. If the kind of control MIDI provides would be useful a gigging guitarist, there are ways of making it work. But that global tap tempo block though, that's a game changer.

[@faben70]

It seems that if one uses the TonePrint app on multiple devices, new TonePrints created on one device (say, a desktop PC) are not editable on another device (i. e. a laptop). I get the message "The TonePrint you have selected on the pedal is unknown to the app". What if I have to reinstall / replace my PC? Do I lose the ability to edit the TonePrints that I created? Is there an Export / Import functionality, to backup app data? Not being able to syncing the mobile TonePrint app with my TonePrints is also a limitation; I use to edit using the desktop app at home, and refine using the mobile when outside. Aside from the multiple devices scenario, what would be really bad is the inability to recover user data of the app (it seems that the user TonePrints are only available there) in case of a change of device (failure, replacement, reinstallation).

[@SuperReverbious]

This is the #1 reason I would never recommend anyone buy a plethora, in fact, I’d tell them don’t do it (and I have) and the #1 reason mine mostly gathers dust and has only ever been used on a gig 1 time, for a very specific setup, for one song. I’d be afraid if it went down at a gig, there’s no way to restore it on the fly. I don’t like that sort of uncertainty on stage. So it sits in my home studio, mostly unused. I occasionally tinker with it for some song, but it remains mostly a novelty I’d never consider a professional piece of kit. I can’t believe they set it up this way. Ridiculous. Similarly the inability to share toneprints among users, as well as the inability to port toneprints from plethora to regular or mini pedal tc products or vice versa is super annoying. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I want to put all my tc pedals and my plethora up for sale!

[@Los_Kartoflos]

Can we see an Infinite in that? I know this pedal is cannibalizing the others. I would even pay a small 2 digit amount for single pedal upgrades!

[@rogerwolff319]

what about the lag when switching boards via a external midi controller? still there?

[@Mathias-TCElectronic]

Hi Roger, Just to clarify, this lag is not related to using MIDI controllers, but is inherent to the way the product works. Unfortunately there's no way around it, as when we load up a new board, the device needs a little time to start up the new effect chain. BR, Mathias

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

Is there anyway to connect a second expression pedal?

[@Mathias-TCElectronic]

Unfortunately not, no. I'm curious, what is your specific use case for this? I'm wondering if some of it could be solved with the MASH functionality?

[@darryldoesit966]

I cant seem to perform the firmware update...thats why i looked at this video. I did it last update...but forget now how to do it. I cant find any help either online or a simple easy to follow youtube either ???

[@Mathias-TCElectronic]

Hi Darryl, In case you haven't figured it out by yourself already, I would like to refer you to the firmware release notes, which contains a detailed description on how to perform the firmware update. BR, Mathias

[@darryldoesit966]

finally figured it out...thx@@Mathias-TCElectronic

[@elquesaez9180]

Will be great if the effect can play in paralel too, thats be insane 😅

[@DarrenPrice333]

I’ve just got a x5 and I can’t get it to update at all ☹️😡

[@ukguitarnoodle]

Tap tempo stopped working after 24 hours, tuner still activates though........

[@vince8081]

Ok that's great, but i don't use it in midi... I would love some 3 adds to make it perfect : spark boost, EQ, Infinite Sustainer. Maybe next time ! Love my Plethora.

[@JamTagg]

Just downloaded the update and install procedure is not obvious or easy to find in the manual. The .bin file is "an unsupporterd format" and won't unzip with my Macbook Pro. Anyone else having this problem? Tried downloading several times and same result.

[@JamTagg]

Update...the "bin" file appears on Mac like a zip file. Don't unpack. Just drag and drop on the PLETHORA mass storage item in available drives, then disconnect and power cycle the pedal. It performs the update on next boot. A better manual would be on my request list, or at least collate it so that all the pages of a single language are sequential. The pdf manual is pretty terrible to navigate and read.

[@castrolhi-octanerocknroll398]

I can't find a "temporary mode" when i push and release the button..will be cool for octaver and other stuff

[@Mathias-TCElectronic]

Are you suggesting a "momentary" foot switch mode, where the effect is enabled, only while you're holding down the footswitch?

[@castrolhi-octanerocknroll398]

@@Mathias-TCElectronic yes exactly. It Will be Amazing! I am Singer/guitarist and I have to be very fast when I use my pedalboard, sometimes without look at It and "temporary mode" Will solve a lot of trouble :)

[@Mathias-TCElectronic]

@@castrolhi-octanerocknroll398 Duly noted... ;)

[@ogmakefirefiregood]

Would you say I have a Plethora of piñatas? Next pedal: The 3 Amigos.

[@hongoapatico2308]

Podrían haber acomodado los pedales, ponele voluntad

[@therealvisualscream]

i bought an x5 from a guy who deleted all of the factory boards. is there any way to do a factory reset?

[@Mathias-TCElectronic]

Factory reset can be found under Global Settings.

[@jm-zf2gy]

​@@Mathias-TCElectronic I tried but it did not recall the factory preset sounds

[@Mathias-TCElectronic]

@@jm-zf2gy That is curious, that is exactly what the Factory Reset is supposed to do. Can you walk me through how you did it, just so I can verify that you did it correctly?

[@whssy]

I only have one complaint about this. And it's the fact that it took four months for me to notice this update.

[@oscarm4154]

EQ…. Please

[@guitarpunkcovers8405]

The only thing that will make this the best multi effect product on the market is snapshots using the footswitches and/or pedalboard switching using the footswitches

[@ryanthenormal]

You can change boards with the footswitches. I can't remember how because it's not something I need to use, but you can do it.

[@guitarpunkcovers8405]

@@ryanthenormal I’m pretty sure you can’t. I’ve looked at the manual and looked at countless videos, never have I seen anybody change a board with footswitches only.

[@ryanthenormal]

@@guitarpunkcovers8405 The channel Pedal Platform has a video called "TC Electronic PLETHORA X5 - 10 Tips & Tricks | Quick Guide, Deep Dive" which shows how to do that starting at 32 seconds. It's an old video though, and I seem to recall the process has been improved, but it is absolutely possible.

[@guitarpunkcovers8405]

@@ryanthenormal you are right, just watched the video. How in the hell didn’t anyone else cover that in any other video. Even the manual doesn’t say that. Thanks so much for this, this now becomes a viable option for me! Do you know if you change a board the parameter stay the same? (For example, first song in the set requires certain delay settings and second song requires different settings).

[@ryanthenormal]

@@guitarpunkcovers8405 No worries my dude, there are a lot of "hidden" features. The release notes are useful to finding most things it can do though. When boards load in, they remember the last settings the effects had. The current positions on the knobs are ignored until they're changed. For future reference, Pedal Platform is an amazing resource for Plethora users.

[@Bigfamilyhomestead]

This video is the reason you don't have engineers doing product pitch videos... I really wanted to buy this, but now... hmmm...

[@martinhjerrild7159]

Når man flipper rækkefølgen på X3'eren bør de midterste knapper også følge med ☺️

[@larsfrederiksen3005]

Du tænker på hvis man har sat "hot knobs" op for de effekter?

[@JorgBarrett]

I need to sell this brand new plethora X5 it’s too big and clunky and it doesn’t sound good at all, so many much better offerings out there

[@tomaskysel7197]

My one started to crash after this update. Great job 😡

[@Mathias-TCElectronic]

Hi Tomas, We are aware of several issues causing the device to crash, which of course is unfortunate. Currently we are aware of the following causes for crashing: 1) Using tap tempo on footswitch 5. Once the tap tempo "session" stops, the unit crashes. 2) Changing to a board which uses Tempo Sync on 4 or more slots. I totally understand the frustration, and please know that we are working on solving these issues. BR, Mathias

[@theuserthatishere]

why not add some drive, fuzz,distortion, etc.? make it all inclusive, otherwise i still need a pedal board +power supply+case. also do i have to pay for additional tone prints? if so, how much?

[@Mathias-TCElectronic]

Hi there, All TonePrints are free. The app (available for PC, Mac, iOS and Android) contains a number of Artist TonePrints as well as templates for creating your own custom TonePrints.

[@MrJbangoy]

Mildly disappointed, but with no new toneprint pedals excepr the Infinite recently ita kind of understandable. Global backups make it worth the install though.

[@thaddeusgreear6349]

Now tap tempo delay and MASH

[@Mathias-TCElectronic]

Hi there, I am unsure of whether this is a feature request, or whether you're stating that it is now possible. Just to clarify, it is now possible to use MASH and Tap Tempo for the same delay unit, by enabling Tempo Sync on the given slot, while using MASH as the secondary footswitch function on that slot. You can then use another linked slot (e.g. another delay or a Tap/Tuner-block) to control the tempo, while using MASH on the slot itself. BR, Mathias

[@santiagocuellodm]

PLEASE this pedal needs an EQ, its so simple and low resource consuming. PLEASE I beg you 🙏

[@gregbull11]

I know im about to be "That Guy" and I apologize if I am But I want to be honest since I do love your products and I mean this not in a disrespectful way but because i struggled watching the video. And Maybe it is only me but would it be possible for a more structured Video maybe next time possibly with only 1 presenter. I Found it Very Difficult and distracting to follow and pay attention to the different features of the video because of the choppy stop and go conversation and talking over each other. I still don't understand what was being explained with the tap tempo tuner thing and was pulled away from the information because of the lack of structure .

[@Mathias-TCElectronic]

Hi Greg, No worries, we appreciate constructive feedback. We are very aware that there is ample room for improvement with regards to both planning and execution of this video. If there's anything specific that you still don't understand about the new features, please feel free to ask, and I will try to explain to the best of my abilities. BR, Mathias

[@tomaskysel7197]

To be honest, I expected just a tiny bit more.

[@tcelectronic]

We understand. This was more or less some core functionality that was highly requested. We are working on the next update already, so hopefully there is something for you in that one. Anything specific you have in mind?

[@starflek]

@@tcelectronic I would love an easier way to make some EQing than creating a compressor toneprint (I am sure that yours will be a lot better than mine) I would love some boost options (still some kind of EQing actually) And it maybe too new to be cramed into the plethora but adding the infinite would be a lot of fun. Well, maybe I just have to add a good eq on my pedalboard 😀

[@oscarm4154]

The EQ is a big one

[@LukeJackandWill]

Great to see. I just got one of these earlier this week and was wondering if you guys still done firmware updates for an already amazing unit. Cheers!