TC Electronic John Petrucci Signature Dreamscape Pedal

by | Oct 24, 2012 | Best Guitar Picks, Effects Pedals, & Accessories

PROS: Good selection of musical modulations, true bypass or buffered bypass.

CONS: None.

TC Electronic’s Dreamscape pedal brings the modulation effects contained in John Petrucci’s monstrous racks to the tip of your foot.

While it’s digital, the controls are very simple. Speed, Depth and Level knobs are the main controls and a mini toggle switch provides options for Bright, Dark and Normal tonal sounds. It’s selectable between true and buffered bypass, depending upon the pickups and the other items in the signal path; this option can really make a difference.

The first three effect modes are optimized for clean tones, and are all very lush and rich. The second set of three modes is more refined for distorted sounds. It’s nice to have this pointed out, and makes a bit more sense than trying to figure out which setting works best. The tone print selection is interesting. Connect the pedal via a USB cable, and settings can be downloaded to the unit. There’s also a free app that allows settings to be sent wirelessly to the pedal via a smart phone – a nice, modern feature. 

The range of the modulations have been set by Petrucci, meaning their sounds are what he believes make the most sense. The choruses are well done, and are reminiscent of TC’s legendary Stereo Chorus pedal. The flangers may not have as much range as some players may like, but they’re usable ones – just shy of “Unchained” territory, more in the “The Spirit of Radio” realm. Consider it an “advanced modulation.” The vibrato modes really vary, and are almost two entirely very different effects, one being a Leslie-type warble, and the second one being a bit more subdued.

The tone selection switch does make a difference; the bright mode is great for cutting through with a humbucker guitar, for example, and in each effect setting it interacts a little differently. Overall, for the chorus modes alone this pedal is worth checking out, and while the flangers might not be super flange-y, they’ll work great for most musical applications. Recommended.

FEATURES
I/O: (2) 1/4″ Inputs, (2) 1/4″ Outputs
Stereo: Yes
Controls: Speed, Depth, FX Level, Tone Print, Dark/Normal/Bright Switch
Weight: 1.5 lbs.
Dimensions: 3.75″ x 6″ x 4″