TC Electronic Plethora X5 TonePrint Multi-FX Pedalboard

Much to the pleasure of our orthopedists, professional-grade modeling gear keeps getting smaller and more powerful every year. While there will always be a purpose and a place in our hearts for massive amplifier stacks and sprawling pedalboards, lugging around a backbreaking rig is now an option rather than a requirement. The impeccable authenticity and endless sonic possibilities of modern pedals were unthinkable for guitarists and bassists of the past, much less the fact that these devices can now quite literally fit in the palm of your hand. It's a golden age for guitarists and bassists, to be sure. This fact is exemplified by three of our favorite modern multi-effects and modeling pedals: the TC Electronic Plethora X1, the Line 6 HX One, and the IK Multimedia ToneX One. Each of these "ones" boasts its own distinct advantages for the modern musician, so we'll start with a quick review of each pedal's features then finish by helping you nail down which of the three is right for you! Along the way, we'll include a few sound samples of our favorite effects to show you what these premium pedals are capable of! Full disclosure: the HX One and Plethora X1 samples were recorded through a Universal Audio Dream '65 Reverb Amp pedal while the ToneX One samples utilize a black-panel Fender Deluxe Reverb emulation that was loaded into the pedal. TC Electronic Plethora X1 We'll kick off our discussion with the TC Electronic Plethora X1, the newest of our three devices. This ultra-portable stereo multi-effects pedal plays one effect preset at a time, features seven dual-slot banks for a total of 14 possible effects, and hosts seven preloaded all-time-classic TC Electronic effects to choose from out of the box. While it's technically correct to say that the Plethora X1 comes equipped with seven effects, each one offers sonic variations pulled directly from the modeled TC Electronic pedal. For example, the Plethora X1's reverb doesn't merely unlock a single reverb patch; it grants you all the time-tested reverb tones of the TC Electronic Hall of Fame II reverb pedal from splashy spring sounds and moody modulated 'verbs to angelic shimmery tones. Cycling through presets is as simple as turning the pedal's dedicated preset knob, and you can switch between two effects using the A/B mode. Plus, it's a breeze to swap presets for fresh, new effects by connecting via USB-C or Bluetooth to the Plethora X1's TonePrint companion app. Although the trio of parameter knobs and the 1-inch color LCD allow intuitive sculpting of your currently selected effect, the TonePrint app provides access to a panoply of in-depth parameter options to craft the presets of your dreams. Yet, if you're more of a plug-and-play type of guitarist, then the TonePrint app also contains countless artist-curated presets. Add to list Add to cartLearn More Line 6 HX One At first glance, the Line 6 HX One appears to be a close analogue to the Plethora X1. Both pedals feature a robust collection of effects; both pedals can play a single effect at a time; both pedals have stereo ins and outs; and both pedals have "one" in the name. However, a closer look reveals that these two stompboxes are aimed at different players -- let's quickly go over the HX One's features to set the record straight. The HX One clocks in about the size of two standard pedals placed side by side and is positively crammed with effects fueled by Line 6's industry-leading HX technology. How many effects? It has 128 onboard preset slots and more than 250 total effects, and the list grows larger all the time. From fan-favorite Line 6 delays and reverbs to exacting sonic emulations of legendary overdrive pedals, the HX One's effects collection truly encompasses all -- it would be far easier to list what effects the HX One can't cover. Add to list Add to cartLearn More Add to list Add to cartLearn More Add to list Add to cartLearn More Add to list Add to cartLearn More Navigating this comprehensive collection is a joy, thanks to the HX One's straightforward workflow, Effect knob, and OLED screen, while the top three knobs ensure lightning-fast editing of your current effect's parameters. What's more, if you're running a complex stage rig or require extensive in-the-moment dynamics control, then you'll be sure to appreciate the HX One's 5-pin MIDI connections and handy expression-pedal input. Finished with an inspiring Flux feature that transitions between two presets, USB-C, and a powerful desktop editor, the Line 6 HX One puts a treasure trove of professional-grade effects at your command. https://youtu.be/SitWOzMaH7E?si=6lhJa_DwH52TGzKW IK Multimedia ToneX One Finally, we come to IK Multimedia's ToneX One. It's the black sheep of the "ones" since the ToneX One is primarily a modeler that plays IK's AI machine-modeled Tone Models. What's a Tone Model? Effectively entire signal chains unto themselves, Tone Models comprise seven blocks: Noise Gate, Amp, Cab, Comp, Modulation, Delay, and Reverb. ToneX One comes loaded with 20 Tone Models right out of the gate, and the pedal's included TONEX SE software provides access to 200 additional Premium Tone Models and more than 25,000 (and constantly growing!) Tone Models to load up on ToneNET. Best of all, you can craft your own custom Tone Models by mixing and matching the software's extensive arrangement of exquisitely captured amps, cabs, and stomps (modeled boost, overdrive, distortion, fuzz, EQ, and preamp pedals). Did we mention that this pedal also doubles as a full-fledged USB audio interface? Once you've dialed in your 20 preferred Tone Models from TONEX SE's nearly endless options, the ToneX One pedal offers an impressive degree of fine-tuning on the pedal itself with its trio of mini dual-function knobs (Bass/Gate, Mid/Comp, Treble/Reverb). Plus, the ToneX One features two modes to aid you in your recording and performing endeavors: a Stomp mode that engages and disengages your currently selected Tone Model and a Dual mode that swaps between two Tone Models with a click of the footswitch. All in all, the ToneX One presents an entire rig that fits in the palm of your hand. Add to list Add to cartLearn More Add to list Add to cartLearn More https://youtu.be/-UACiMGJRXw?si=RE7x_y5zBascvVw2 Which Pedal Is Right for Me? Now that we've gotten the hardware specs and features out of the way, it's time for the main event: which of these three pedals is right for you? https://youtu.be/nO3OklFYSAg?si=PJP0xJFCyjC8d_GS Why Would You Choose the TC Electronic Plethora X1? TC Electronic's Plethora X1 is lean and clocks in at the most economical price point. Onboard control isn't quite as robust as the others, although connecting to the TonePrint app via Bluetooth or USB supplies a seriously massive assortment of tonal tools to explore. Furthermore, while the Plethora X1's 14 effects may pale in comparison on paper to the HX One's 250 and the ToneX One's 25,000 available through ToneNET, it's important to remember that each of those 14 are entire modeled pedals with their own subsets of effect types and patches. When you add up all the distinct variations -- along with the extremely in-depth editing options and artist-curated presets of TC Electronic's TonePrint app -- the race for sounds is a lot closer than it might appear when simply comparing spec sheets! Taking all these points into account, we'd recommend the Plethora X1 to the player who requires a versatile multi-effects library with all the hits yet also favors a standard stompbox workflow. In fact, once you've set your seven presets with the TonePrint app, navigating the Plethora X1 is essentially identical to dialing in sounds on any of TC Electronic's stompboxes, only you get a convenient screen to check your presets and parameters. Add to list Add to cartLearn More Add to list Add to cartLearn More Why Would You Choose the Line 6 HX One? Of these three pedals, the Line 6 HX One boasts the richest range of effects to choose from. These effects cover everything from the chorus, reverb, delay, and so on offered by the Plethora X1 and the ToneX One to esoteric and experimental effects such as ring modulators and bitcrushers. The HX One also provides a rock-solid set of overdrive, distortion, and fuzz models to explore -- a key fact to consider if you're going between the HX One and the Plethora X1, which does not feature these effects. When it comes time to adjust your parameters, almost everything you need is right on the pedal. Who would we recommend the Line 6 HX One to? We recommend it for any guitarist or bassist who can't live without every effect at their disposal. Slapping an HX One onto your pedalboard dramatically opens up your sonic options, and it's a no-brainer for gigging musicians tackling diverse set lists that might need a vibe pedal for one song and a guitar synth for the next. The HX One also leverages superior in-the-moment control and functionality, featuring an expression-pedal input, MIDI, and a dedicated tap tempo/Flux footswitch. Why Would You Choose the IK Multimedia ToneX One? There's no doubt about it: the IK Multimedia ToneX One is markedly different from the reasonably similar HX One and Plethora X1. Still, with AI machine modeling and the ability to emulate boost, overdrive, distortion, fuzz, EQ, and preamp pedals, there's a compelling argument to be made that the ToneX One is the effects (and amp) modeler for you! This pedal's 20 onboard Tone Models can be configured via USB with TONEX SE to include most bread-and-butter effects, though ToneNET's constantly rising number of downloadable community Tone Models dwarfs anything else by comparison. That said, the ToneX One's bonus ability to capture stomps gives it a leg up when it comes to dirt boxes. Another point to consider is that the ToneX One is highly dependent on its included software. The pedal itself offers strong adjustability, yet ceaseless tone chasers will regularly need to venture back into TONEX SE to switch up their sounds. For this reason, ToneX One is a superb option for any musician already invested in IK Multimedia's ecosystem -- especially if you're interested in digitally capturing your current rig and loading it on your ToneX One as a Tone Model! Add to list Add to cartLearn More Add to list Add to cartLearn More Add to list Add to cartLearn More Software-shy musicians and those obsessed with modulation, time-based, and other such effects may opt for our other two offerings, yet the ToneX One makes up ground with its ability to play multiple effects simultaneously and its massive library of modeled amps and effects. So, while the HX One and Plethora X1 are squarely aimed at rounding out an existing rig with their multi-effects mastery, the ToneX One is our recommendation for the guitarist or bassist who wants their entire rig -- several amps and cabs alongside an assortment of effects -- in one ultra-portable package. In short, the ToneX One works better as a centerpiece than as a supplement. Three Are Better Than One ToneX One, HX One, Plethora X1 -- our three pint-size "one" pedals offer guitarists and bassists myriad professional-grade sonic possibilities that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago. Modern musicians are truly spoiled when it comes to affordable tonal tools, so we'll leave you with one last intriguing prospect: a setup that combines these pedals would be a formidable rig, indeed. A ToneX One paired with an HX One or a Plethora X1 (or both!) could serve as your home studio or stage rig with a little finagling. It's no exaggeration that these three pedals together cover any tone you can dream of, from effects-laden shoegaze soundscapes to swampy blues attitude to modern gain-drenched metal mayhem. No matter which of these pedals you choose, there's no going wrong -- each is a welcome addition to any adventurous guitarist's or bassist's rig. And if still you need help nailing down which "one" would best fit your setup, then simply call up your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700 for expert advice on everything gear!