Getting Started with TC Electronic Hardware Plug-in Controllers
The TC Electronic ICON controllers are plug-in controllers that change the game when mixing within your DAW. Instead of relying on your mouse, you can change plug-in parameters just like you can with analog rack gear. So, this guide will show you how to set up, connect, and use the ICON plug-in controller for the first time. Follow the instructions below to get started.
Register Your ICON Plug-in Controller
Before getting set up and connected, you must register your controller with TC Electronic. Upon registration, you will receive an extended warranty. Follow the instructions in our guide below.
Download the Quick Start Guide from the TC Icon Dock product page on the TC Electronic website. Click Downloads.
Plug-in Installation
IMPORTANT: Activation and installation are all dependent on what controller you purchased!
After registering your ICON controller, the next step in the process is downloading, installing, and activating the plugin. If you purchased a TC 2290, DVR 250, TC 8210, or TC 1210, you simply need to download the plugin directly from its TC Electronic product page.
However, if you purchased a PEQ 3000, DYN 3000, BRICKWALL HD, or MASTER X HD, you must activate the plugin via iLok.
TC 2290, DVR 250, TC8210, and TC1210
NOTE: If you disconnect the controller and, for example, take the computer elsewhere, you can use the plugins for 60 days until the computer asks you to reconnect the remote controller. If you don’t connect the remote controller within 60 days, you will still be able to hear the plug-ins in your projects, but the user interface will go black.
If you have purchased one of these, go to its product page on the TC Electronic website:
- TC 2290 Legendary Dynamic Delay
- DVR 250 Digital Vintage Reverb
- TC 8210 Classic Mixing Reverb
- TC 1210 Unique Spatial Expander
On the product page, click Downloads. Under “Mac” or “Windows,” select the newest version of the plugin for your system. Download and install the plugin.
If you are on Windows, you must also download and install
While you are on the product page, be sure to download your model’s owner’s manual and quick start guide.
PEQ 3000, DYN 3000, BRICKWALL HD, and MASTER X HD
NOTE: The plugin’s iLok activation code is located on the back of the included Quickstart Guide in the product’s box.
The PEQ 3000, DYN 3000, BRICKWALL HD, and MASTER X HD plug-ins are activated via iLok. If you don’t already have an iLok account, you will need to create one and install the iLok License Manager app. Follow the steps below to get started.
iLok Setup
Follow all the steps in our iLok Setup Guide.
- Visit iLok’s registration page and complete the registration form. Take note of your User ID and password.
- Open the iLok Account Activation email and click on the verification link.
- Download and install the iLok License Manager.
- Launch the iLok License Manager app and sign in to your iLok account.
- (optional) Connect an iLok and click Yes to register it to your account when prompted.
- Launch the iLok License Manager app and sign into your account.
- Click Licenses and then select Redeem Activation Code. Alternatively, click the “…I” button next to the search bar to view the activation prompt.
- Enter the activation code you received located on the back of the product’s Quickstart Guide card, then click Next.
- Click the Available tab, and then drag and drop the license onto the computer icon.
Downloading the Plugin
Go to the product page on the TC Electronic website: plug-in controller product page, click the Software dropdown located on the right side of the page, and select the latest version for your OS.
- PEQ 3000 Versatile 2×12 Midas EQ
- DYN 3000 Midas Channel Dynamics
- BRICKWALL HD Master Limiter
- MASTER X HD Easy Multiband Dynamics
On the product page, click Downloads. Under “Mac” or “Windows,” select the newest version of the plugin for your system. Download and install the plugin.
Be sure to download your model’s owner’s manual and quick start guide while you are on the page.
ICON Setup and Connections
After you have downloaded, installed, and activated your TC-Electronic plug-in, the next step is to set up and connect the ICON hardware controller.
- Install the controller to the dock, then connect the dock to your computer with a USB data cable.
- Launch your DAW and add the controller’s native plug-in to an audio track.
- When you open the plug-in’s GUI, look at the chain icon at the bottom left of the window.
- Green: The hardware controller is detected and is synced with the plug-in.
- Gray: The controller is not connected, and the plug-in is running in Native mode.
- Yellow: There is another instance of the plug-in that is currently synced with the controller. Click this to sync the controller with the track you want to use it.
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