TC Electronic M300 Review

Overview

If you are looking for a versatile and affordable multi-effects processor mainly for reverb and delay in rack mounted format, then you might want to check out picking up a used TC Electronic M300. This 1U rackmount unit features two independent engines, one for multi-effects and one for reverbs, that can be configured in serial or parallel modes. The M300 has 16 different multi-effects algorithms, including chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, delay, and pitch, and 15 different reverbs, including hall, plate, room, spring, and gated. You can also combine the effects and reverbs to create your own custom pre-sets.

Physical patching

I always prefer rack mounted gear with integrated power supply, which the m300 has. Alongside are the analog 1/4 inch TRS ins and outs, as well as digital inputs and outputs with S/PDIF RCA connectors. Originally I was only using the Analog inputs, but I found the digital can handily be connected straight to an Audio interface, such as the Focusrite Scarlet 18i8. This means when I am not working with DAWless, but on the laptop, I can just use the Focusrite control software to make any analog input in the focusrite feed into the digital input and output. And there is a selector button on the front that can be used to switch between digital and analog inputs. Also included is MIDI DIN for control, which I have not got a use for in my simple studio setup. The only annoyance on the rear panel is the selector switch for whether the FX are chained or separated for using with two different synths.

The M300 is designed to be easy to use, with no menus or submenus to navigate. You can access all the parameters with the 11 knobs on the front panel, which are clearly labelled and color-coded. You can also store and recall up to 256 pre-sets using the four buttons and the large LED display. The M300 also has a tap tempo function and a bypass footswitch for live performance. Its this hands on control that attracted me to this unit for a dawless setup enabling simple tweaks of reverb levels without having to dive into a menu.

The sound quality of the M300 is impressive, and the effects and reverbs are crisp and clear, with no noticeable noise or artifacts. I find it gives a very pleasing warm sound when connected to Synths. I frequently hook it up to devices like the Behringer Crave, or the Artuira Microfreak, which due to their lack of onboard effects can sound thin and weedy. Putting them through the M300 brings with settings to stereo ping-pong delay and a hall reverb really brings them to life.

I used this effect extensively on a DAWless EP I made earlier this year, you can hear it on tracks like this giving the Arpeggios some depth.

The TC Electronic M300 could be a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and affordable multi-effects processor in a rack format. It offers a lot of features and sound quality for a reasonable price. I picked mine up for around £80 ($100) on eBay and it has become an essential part of my DAWless setup.

Alternatively

For other rack mounted alternatives at similar prices, be sure to include Lexicon MPX series in your search