Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $130
Standard/Professional
$100
$301+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "TC Electronic Brainwaves". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Discover the TC Electronic Brainwaves, a harmonizer and octave effects pedal that pushes the boundaries of musical creativity. With its powerful 4-mode pitch engine, this pedal offers a diverse range of sound possibilities from classic octave effects to avant-garde pitch bending. Whether you're aiming for Hendrix-inspired octave tones or Morello-style pitch bends, the Brainwaves allows your creativity to flourish.
At the heart of this compact powerhouse is the revolutionary MASH footswitch, a pressure-sensitive control that transforms your playing dynamics into expressive pitch shifts and effects manipulation. This isn't just a pedal; it's a tool for real-time sound sculpting, letting you dive into new dimensions of musical expression effortlessly.
Equipped with TC's acclaimed TonePrint technology, the Brainwaves pedal offers unparalleled customization. With the free TonePrint app, you can wirelessly beam artist-designed presets to the pedal or craft your own signature sounds. The dual independent Voice controls and Mix knob offer precise control over your sound, allowing you to blend harmonies, octaves, and detune effects to perfection.
Designed to be intuitive, the Brainwaves keeps your focus on creativity, not complexity. Its versatile interface with dedicated knobs for each effect parameter makes it a breeze to dial in your desired sound, from lush harmonies to radical pitch shifts. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Brainwaves ensures your sound remains pristine with selectable true or buffered bypass options, preserving tonal integrity at all times.
Key Features:
- 4-mode pitch engine with octaves, pitch shifting, harmonization, and doubling
- Revolutionary MASH footswitch for real-time expressive control
- TonePrint technology for wireless preset management and deep parameter control
- Dual independent voices with blend control
- Selectable true/buffered bypass
- Compact design with stereo inputs and outputs for versatile connectivity
Owner's manual
TC Electronic Brainwaves User ManualProduct specs
| Pedal Type | Pitch Shifter |
| Analog/Digital | Digital |
| Effects | Polyphonic Pitch Syndrome, Polymath, Atomic Pink, Great Wide Open Detune, MASH Pressure Switch |
| Inputs | 2 x 1/4" TS |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4" TS |
| USB | 1 x Mini-B (firmware, TonePrints) |
| True Bypass | Switchable: True Bypass, Buffered |
| Features | TonePrint App (iOS, Android) |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply required (sold separately) |
| Power Usage | 100 mA |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V |
| Height | 2.0" |
| Width | 2.8" |
| Depth | 4.8" |
| Weight | 0.75 lbs. |
FAQs
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What are the primary effects available on the TC Electronic Brainwaves Pitch Shifter Pedal?
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The TC Electronic Brainwaves features Polyphonic Pitch Syndrome, Polymath, Atomic Pink, and Great Wide Open Detune effects, along with a MASH Pressure Switch for dynamic control.
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Is the TC Electronic Brainwaves Pitch Shifter suitable for both guitar and bass?
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Yes, the TC Electronic Brainwaves is compatible with both guitar and bass, offering versatile pitch shifting capabilities for various musical styles.
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How does the MASH Pressure Switch on the TC Electronic Brainwaves work?
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The MASH Pressure Switch allows you to control effect parameters dynamically by applying pressure to the pedal, providing expressive real-time modulation.
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Can I customize the effects on the TC Electronic Brainwaves using the TonePrint app?
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Yes, the TonePrint app allows you to customize and download new effect settings directly to the Brainwaves pedal via USB, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities.
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What power supply is required for the TC Electronic Brainwaves Pitch Shifter Pedal?
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The TC Electronic Brainwaves requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately, and it has a power usage of 100 mA.
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Does the TC Electronic Brainwaves offer true bypass switching?
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Yes, the TC Electronic Brainwaves features switchable true bypass and buffered bypass options, ensuring your signal remains clean and unaffected when the pedal is not engaged.
Videos
Chords Of Orion
TC Electronic Brainwaves - Does it Suck? | Pitch Shifter Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Superior pitch shifting, even with chords
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Highly responsive to playing dynamics
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Three custom presets for personalized sounds
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TonePrint programming offers extensive customization
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Excellent tracking, comparable to high-end competitors
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True stereo output enhances sound dimension
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MASH button enables instant modulation effects
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Affordable price for its feature set
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Fun and creative tool for live performances
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Low power consumption compared to similar pedals
CONS
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TonePrint editor is not user-friendly, lacks helpful instructions
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Custom TonePrints cannot be shared, limiting community collaboration
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Some users report difficulty seeing pedal settings due to color scheme
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Volume control for individual octaves not directly accessible on pedal
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Output level drops when mix setting is above 50%
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No expression pedal input for traditional foot control adjustments
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Switch sometimes fails to turn off on first tap
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about TC Electronic Brainwaves.
Features and functionality
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The detuner function provides a warbly sound, enhancing otherwise bland melodies with a unique tonal character.
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The pedal can mimic power chords by setting voice 1 a 5th up with an 8ms delay and voice 2 an octave up with a 16ms delay.
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The mash button acts as a substitute for an expression pedal, allowing for dynamic control during live performances.
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The pedal blends octaves and pitch effects smoothly with the dry signal, unlike some other pedals that struggle with integration.
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Software and compatibility
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Users recommend downloading the desktop software to explore additional functionalities and TonePrints that can be loaded onto the pedal.
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Use cases and applications
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Combining the pedal with reverb and a volume pedal can create ambient textures, expanding its use for atmospheric music styles.
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User experience
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Tracks well on bass, providing reliable pitch shifting across different instruments without losing accuracy.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
160
90s Van Halen in a box
Once I setup the parameters on the TonePrint app, this pedal is on nearly 95% of the time I play. I love how it tackles the Van Halen sound and I’ll leave it on for other things too. I set the mash switch to give me a slightly more pronounced detune effect when I want it. Great pedal.
Artist usage
Add artistGenre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use TC Electronic Brainwaves, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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