TC Electronics Nova Drive?

[rsm]

I'm really starting to like (verge of GAS for) the TC Electronics Nova Drive. I saw an interview from winter NAMM '09 that said it is the drive circuits from the Nova System. Now I have a compressor (JangelBox) and multi-effect (Damage Control Glass Nexus), so I'm looking at dirt pedals. But, the Nova Drive is $249 while the Nova System, with the analog drive circuits and much more, is another $250 or $499. So, for another $250 (that I don't want to spend, but...) I have an all in one solution, besides the Glass Nexus alone is a very BIG pedal. I also happen to like the other effects in the Nova System, but really just looking for a versatile dirt box (like the Nova Drive).

So, I can justify either. Really dig my GN, but I could always sell it or store it for future regrets (I really dig my GN, not the size though) if I go with the Nova System.

Gear money is tighter than usual, but if I used the features of the Nova System for a few presets, it is worth the added cost. But, I would likely be using the analog dirt mostly, at least initially.

Some pro's and con's for either choice? I'm sure there are other perspectives and thoughts I haven't considered in my deliberations?!

[forum_crawler]

The Nova Drive is a great sounding pedal, and I am sure that you would find lots of use for the pedal. My understanding is that the Nova System does not allow for the use of the Overdrive and Distortion at the same time while the Drive does.

If you ever switch to a midi system, your glass nexus and nova drive will be ready for it, so you will be all set!

[musickbox]

I am kind of interested in the Nova drive. I am mainly concerned with an option to switch od and dist. without stacking. As well as powering the unit. I would love to put my Rat and Tim in the drawer.

For your case, I would check out some used prices for the Nova system. I liked the M13 a bit better because of it's flexibility, but I really think the Nova system had some amazing sounds. Having said that I'm not a fan of these multi-effects board. I think they are getting better, but I'm not sold %100 yet. but they are getting close.

[rsm]

Originally Posted by forum_crawler

The Nova Drive is a great sounding pedal, and I am sure that you would find lots of use for the pedal. My understanding is that the Nova System does not allow for the use of the Overdrive and Distortion at the same time while the Drive does.

If you ever switch to a midi system, your glass nexus and nova drive will be ready for it, so you will be all set!

Great point. I wonder if the restriction of using both drive circuits in the Nova System can be "fixed" via a future software upgrade?

I have MIDI for my rack gear, the GN is fixed on Channel 2. Can the Nova Drive's MIDI channel be changed? I will go and read the manual later today...

I'd also like to see the Nova System have a loop or two for pre preamp / post preamp effect positioning. This is what stopped me from getting one in the past, and why I went with the GN that I run post preamp / in the loop.

Thanks for this info

[rsm]

Originally Posted by musickbox

I am kind of interested in the Nova drive. I am mainly concerned with an option to switch od and dist. without stacking. As well as powering the unit. I would love to put my Rat and Tim in the drawer.

For your case, I would check out some used prices for the Nova system. I liked the M13 a bit better because of it's flexibility, but I really think the Nova system had some amazing sounds. Having said that I'm not a fan of these multi-effects board. I think they are getting better, but I'm not sold %100 yet. but they are getting close.

Yes, its all an opportunity cost! I thought the Nova System effects sounded great, so as MFX's go, it is at the top of my list under $1K (eg. Axe-Fx, G-System,...). I use a Vox ToneLab LE which provides much of what I need as I use it to model Vox, Marshall and Fender tones with some effects though it can't really touch the quality or capabilities of my JangleBox and Glass Nexus even to my tin ears. For what I paid for the ToneLab, it does what I need and more. Not the be all, end all though, so I agree with your take on the current MFX boxes.

Once the Nova System has a loop, and the ability to combine OD and Dist, it may be more viable. But for the price diff, I'm still on the fence.

[forum_crawler]

Originally Posted by musickbox

I am kind of interested in the Nova drive. I am mainly concerned with an option to switch od and dist. without stacking. As well as powering the unit. I would love to put my Rat and Tim in the drawer.

For your case, I would check out some used prices for the Nova system. I liked the M13 a bit better because of it's flexibility, but I really think the Nova system had some amazing sounds. Having said that I'm not a fan of these multi-effects board. I think they are getting better, but I'm not sold %100 yet. but they are getting close.

I think the Nova Drive might put your Timmy and Rat in the drawer.

[musickbox]

Originally Posted by forum_crawler

I think the Nova Drive might put your Timmy and Rat in the drawer.

I would love to save all that pedalboard space. They both are huge monsters. Also they are both hard to replace, God forbid, if I get robbed or something.