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Reiep « Well, but to improve »
Published on 01/16/13 at 02:03I will not repeat all the technical details, all information on the site TC Electronic https://www.tcelectronic.com/flashback-x4-delay
This is basically a triple version of the original Flashback with 3 presets and a dedicated tap tempo and more control for the looper. It also has 4 slots for TonePrints well as control via MIDI. Improvements expected very for those who like me have the first version of Flashback, but:
- The X4 is huge. TC would really have improved the design. If width is understandable because of the 4 switches, I do not really understand the depth greater than normal Flashback, especially when there is still a lot of room in the box.
- MIDI control, yes! But ... default mode is the X4 Omni without can change the receive channel, it is impossible to bypass the effect via MIDI, no tap tempo or control looper. This is too rudimentary. I talked to Tore at TC, it is their desire not to complicate things, but they are open to suggestions.
- The Flashback normal aui has a large screw is unscrewed by hand or with a coin, there were seven Torx screws 10. If like me you like to change your position delay (parallel loop with dry kill -> front of the amp) it will quickly become frustrating.
So in the end, if the normal Flashback seemed close to perfection, the X4 seems to me a poorly studied ergonomics point of view.
UTILIZATION
Apart from the concerns mentioned above, we must recognize that the Flashback X4 is very easy to use, large buttons are handy and even should be modified at the base if needed. The 4 switches simplify life for the tap tempo and looper, but I do not use very often.
If TC gives us a real MIDI control it will be perfect.
One feature I would like in the future: when you change a preset, a LED could indicate how close the values recorded Strymon Timeline.
SOUND QUALITY
This is the strong point of Flashback 2. I started with the Flashback normal, then I went on the Eventide Timefactor, Strymon Timeline to the finish with the Flashback X4. All in the loop of a Diezel Hagen.
I enjoyed the Timefactor (dual delay on all modes, Tape and Digital high-flying, good modulation) less the Timeline (typical coloring Strymon, bug kill dry), but the Flashback which remained . As would our friends at Apple: "It just works". No brainer and endless tweaking, it sounds immediately.
Strengths modes are 2290, Tape, Tube, Analog, Analog and Lofi Mod. These are really great delays that have nothing to envy to some delays high-end, unless there is less chance of setting. In particular, the 2290 Tape and really fabulous. I was disappointed by against the 2290 Mod unusable for me. There exists against a TonePrint the same name in the modeling more discreet.
Another strong point is the TonePrints. We can now juggle with 4 slots, it's really nice to be a delay with onions.
Finally, I still love the way 1/4 +1 / 8 rhythmic perfect for clear sound.
OVERALL OPINION
Spend Flashback normal X4 is a good decision for anyone who needs more than one delay. It is a high quality sound that holds a candle to a lot of more expensive delays, while maintaining ease of use disconcerting.
I find however unfortunate that TC did not go through on the design and MIDI support. If the first is fixed, I hope that the next update will make the X4 Flashback near perfection.
This is basically a triple version of the original Flashback with 3 presets and a dedicated tap tempo and more control for the looper. It also has 4 slots for TonePrints well as control via MIDI. Improvements expected very for those who like me have the first version of Flashback, but:
- The X4 is huge. TC would really have improved the design. If width is understandable because of the 4 switches, I do not really understand the depth greater than normal Flashback, especially when there is still a lot of room in the box.
- MIDI control, yes! But ... default mode is the X4 Omni without can change the receive channel, it is impossible to bypass the effect via MIDI, no tap tempo or control looper. This is too rudimentary. I talked to Tore at TC, it is their desire not to complicate things, but they are open to suggestions.
- The Flashback normal aui has a large screw is unscrewed by hand or with a coin, there were seven Torx screws 10. If like me you like to change your position delay (parallel loop with dry kill -> front of the amp) it will quickly become frustrating.
So in the end, if the normal Flashback seemed close to perfection, the X4 seems to me a poorly studied ergonomics point of view.
UTILIZATION
Apart from the concerns mentioned above, we must recognize that the Flashback X4 is very easy to use, large buttons are handy and even should be modified at the base if needed. The 4 switches simplify life for the tap tempo and looper, but I do not use very often.
If TC gives us a real MIDI control it will be perfect.
One feature I would like in the future: when you change a preset, a LED could indicate how close the values recorded Strymon Timeline.
SOUND QUALITY
This is the strong point of Flashback 2. I started with the Flashback normal, then I went on the Eventide Timefactor, Strymon Timeline to the finish with the Flashback X4. All in the loop of a Diezel Hagen.
I enjoyed the Timefactor (dual delay on all modes, Tape and Digital high-flying, good modulation) less the Timeline (typical coloring Strymon, bug kill dry), but the Flashback which remained . As would our friends at Apple: "It just works". No brainer and endless tweaking, it sounds immediately.
Strengths modes are 2290, Tape, Tube, Analog, Analog and Lofi Mod. These are really great delays that have nothing to envy to some delays high-end, unless there is less chance of setting. In particular, the 2290 Tape and really fabulous. I was disappointed by against the 2290 Mod unusable for me. There exists against a TonePrint the same name in the modeling more discreet.
Another strong point is the TonePrints. We can now juggle with 4 slots, it's really nice to be a delay with onions.
Finally, I still love the way 1/4 +1 / 8 rhythmic perfect for clear sound.
OVERALL OPINION
Spend Flashback normal X4 is a good decision for anyone who needs more than one delay. It is a high quality sound that holds a candle to a lot of more expensive delays, while maintaining ease of use disconcerting.
I find however unfortunate that TC did not go through on the design and MIDI support. If the first is fixed, I hope that the next update will make the X4 Flashback near perfection.