Shootout! TC Electronic Flashback Delay Comparison
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- Опубликовано: 6 авг 2019
- The TC Electronic Flashback Delay shootout you have been waiting for. I compare the 2290, tape and 2290 Mod delays of the Flashback 2 X4, Flashback 2 and the Flashback Triple Delay. What do you think of the comparison? Which do you like better? Comment below!
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Equipment used in this video (in order of the signal chain):
Heet Sound EBow Plus amzn.to/2DWGf7l
PRS SE-277 Baritone Guitar amzn.to/2Ys0KBr
Wampler Ego Compressor amzn.to/2ZOSX15
Morley Little Alligator Volume Pedal amzn.to/2V72TEN
TC Electronic Flashback 2 X4 Delay
TC Electronic Flashback 2 amzn.to/2GPhzPy
TC Electronic Flashback Triple Delay amzn.to/2yFdQ2H
Avid Eleven Rack
Focusrite Saffire Pro 40
Apple Logic Pro X
Chords of Orion - Ambient guitar music for the mind and heart.
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oh boy. they all sound nice. The best thing to do in this dire situation would probably be to send me the one you hate.
Just wanted to say, all your videos are great man, clear and interesting !
Thanks!!!
Once again a wonderful video, thx!! I have the Flashback x4 (and other delay pedals), absolutely great, no need to upgrade to version 2 as my needs are covered already.
No comparison, the Triple sounds, reacts and bounces better than the others.
Very nice tape delay song on triple, sounds real! However,
all of these pedals are wonderful and would be great addition to any pedalboard!
Thanks for a very helpful RUclips, always love what you do!
They all sound similar enough to me to not worry about which one other than the obvious different applications, so for me I will go with the the 2 for the small size and convenience. Thanks for the comparison video! Well done
Awesome demo as always.
Nice side by side comparison ! With the first flashback they was an option to set up tempo by scratching strings while kept pushing the connector
Flashback 2 is absolutely incredible
Hey Bill, they all sound the same to me. The X4 is my pick for midi tempo sync and the tone print slots. The tone print editor is a bonus! I like to operate the big knobs with my feet too... A simple keyboard sustain pedal is a "normally open" switch can be used for tap tempo if you have one in your stash.
Hi Bill, I really appreciate your in depth videos. I like all TC pedals. My favorite delay for small pedal boards is Flashback 1 ..... the original, because you can do tap time without any extra control pedal. I bought a used one for $90 Canadian dollars a couple weeks ago. :)
Flashback 2 now does tap tempo with the button using the latest firmware.
StormdriverOne Good to know!
Thx Chords of Orion. Nice to know they are so close ...and if there is a variant , it might not really matter once it is plugged into a mono amp and the drummer hits his cymbals
Very good point!
I’ve played a bunch of delays…I LOVE the 2290, analog, and especially tape delay of this pedal. Honestly, my favorite.
I looped one of your Riffs and made a song with it, thanks🎶🎶
For the gigging musician the flashback II is probably the most useful little pedal ever, I can get reverb, modulation, delay, loop, and special fx all out of this thing which fits in your pocket. couple it with a drive pedal and you’ve got a great fly rig.
@@kretzschMusic Eh, not everyone uses midi
Yes for gigging musicians FB 2 is the way to go. I am a home recordist and to me the Triple Delay is great in the studio.
Boss DD-8 and Electro Harmonix Canyon are in the same league. I prefer the EHX Canyon because I found myself using the DMM (Deluxe Memory Man) setting almost exlusively. I should just get a DMM or the Nano Memory Man. I put DD-8 with a digital delay after the EHX delay and stack them. I use DMM or tape on the EHX with longer repeats (upwards a whole second) and a much shorter/quicker delay on the DD-8.
Agreed on the FB2 plus a distortion! 😊
@@tomserotoninandthedopamine4375 dog gone it the triple has a wonderful full sound to its repeats.
Nice conclusion! Very sound.
They're all sound very good. I've got the triple delay and I'm very happy with it. Great pedal...
It’s clear that all three has the same digital engine, so you’re right Bill, it depends on what extra features one demands from a tc electronic delay pedal. the little tone differences could be covered tweaking the parameters on the Tone Print software.
I’m really happy with my flashback2, really a big little giant. other “more complex” delays that I use are empress echosystem and the time factor algos on my trusty eventide h9 max
First test was awesome, so dang close I’d go with any of them… and I have the 2 and X4😝👍 🎉
A pleasure to watch this epic comparison. As a synth ambient/post-industrial producer I initially started with the old version of the TC Electronics Flashback x4 which I lend from a friend (a guitar player). Then a few months later I bought the Triple delay because of the easier control over the droning process of my tracks and I'm so glad with it. Your review on the Triple delay actually is still one of my favorites and it showed me for a first time your YT channel which made me a total fan of yours. If there are new people here - they should definitely watch it!
The new Flashback 2 x4 really sounds brighter and it's like a slightly better choice for guitar players - bigger size knobs, a looper, rather the Triple delay with its tiny white knobs better stays on table with the rest of the synths and pedals and creating simultaneously endless drones in any of the two modes. The x2 really seems like a good start for new adventurers with low budget or if they already got some loopers or processors with them included. But anyway - all of them are great for any instruments, all the differences are so microscopic.
3:16 = # Triple Delay - Tape Delay | 3:51 = # 2X4 - Tape Delay | 4:19 = # 2 - Tape Delay
Never heard these 3 compared this directly, neither do i know all details on the triple delay or the 2x4 delay. At this point (stopped at 04:48) i tend to like the triple delay best, since it adds something (room, colour) to the wet part of the sound. Many may say that's not good, but for me it is (the reason why i'm saving up for an el capistan).
Really appreciate this video, to see three renowned delay pedals compared this close by someone who knows how to make videos and who knows what the ins and outs of these devices are. Thanks! (and now quickly returning for the remainder of the video and a replay).
I have to agree with your about the Triple Delay - it's got a more "organic" kind of tone when compared with the other two. Not sure what the difference would be if the same toneprint was loaded into each - am curious to find out.
The differences we "heard" could also be attributable to how the author struck the strings without thinking about it. Not one sound was even mediocre--- all were very good.
2:48 = # Triple Delay - Nicest sound | 2:55 = # 2X4 - thick delay | 3:03 = # 2 - thick delay
Anyone knows if is it true that with an external tap tempo switch, the flashback 2 can only be used as mono? Is the ony thing holding me back from buyin it
I wonder whether MASH might be added to the Triple Delay sometime soon. Until that happens, the X4 is the one that fits my needs best.
Awesome....
The Triple is a darker blue, that's about it!
It plays three delays in series or parallel, more subdivisions, more sound scaping options. Now after that I can say that's about it. The smaller flashback pedals can't do that.
The 2X4 sounds brighter on all settings. Annoyingly (but not painfully) bright.
The Flashback 2 sounds grittier, in a good way. My fave.
The first fella just sounds kinda no-personality.
All sound GREAT, and in the context of a mix / additional reverbs / etc these differences will continue to be less clear. I agree on the feature set *for one's needs and use* being the choosability factor. Oh, and price :-D
Thanks, as always, Bill!
to my ears the Flashback II offers a lot of bang for the buck. And can store 3 Tone Prints + has a Looper, too. I have one on my pedalboard (Mono)
The Triple delay wins of course it can do anything the smaller pedals do and then some.
I want to have 3 delays available at my feet: slapback, an ambient reverb style and a something in the middle. I've no particular need to run them in series .Someone tell me which one is best between these and the Alter Ego, I'm so confused.
Did I miss where you use the tap tempo in the FB 2 by holding down the switch for 2 seconds and strumming the tempo? Or is that only on the FB original?
A comparison between the x4 and Line 6 DL4 would be great.
1st test: Triple Flashback.
2d test: Equal.
3d test: Flashback 2.
Differences: very little and testing could be colored by sound over the internet, speakers, phones, etc.
All are perfectly acceptable. Very nice tune. Guitar sounded good with no effects.
Preference: Triple Flashback. Serial and parallel is big advantage. You can make sounds you never heard before. The only "complaint" I ever had with TC effects is the phaser and flange stomp box effects are not capable of going as slowly as I would like for some applications.
Tip: any metal distortion will clean up very clear to cut through with the slightest amount of delay. Experiment with delay post distortion, one repeat/ping, shortest time possible to clean it up. It works much better than a compressor.
Tip: Triple Flashback works exceptionally well with original Gibson RD Artist electronics, circa 1978 and later.
for the triple flashback delay, does the delay only enter that ping pongy stereo sound when you change the subdivision knob to combine two subdivisions delays together? What I really mean to ask is, if I picked just a quarter note delay on the pedal would it continue to ping pong back and forth OR does the signal stay mono until you change the subdivision ,or change it to a stereo mod delay? I own a source audio nemesis and one of my favorite features is that no matter what setting you pick, it ping pongs and gives such a wide stereo sound. I want another delay pedal that does that, like the source audio nemesis or pigtronix echolution 2 deluxe but the price is a little much right now. I hope someone can answer this! suggestions of other pedals that do this too would be greatly appreciated as well!
Cool video. I think the 3ple sound bettet for me, Fatter & dark. Hey what pick ups have your guitar, sound very good
HEY !really good pedals and great demos of each as usual -they are reasonably priced too. I am currently using alexander pedals that have multi function features and a small pedalboard footprint for a lighter ,smaller pedalboard.Good new when using public transport to get to gigs and rehearsals !
Everyone dislike the triple because it's not so clear and bright, but for the analog-tape old school delays a darker-muddy sound Is better, more organic...
The Triple sounds best of them all, it has crystal clear and great tape and analog algorithms, love it.
Not hearing the "muddiness" Honestly they all sound quite similar. Although the tripple has the most options. Stacking in series or parralel. And a lot more time divisions
Hello! I have one question. Can I use an external tap tempo pedal in the smallest stereo version, and still going out in stereo into two different amps?
Nice one Bill all sound cool . I think I would go triple delay ..... Only coz I have one 😀😀😀😀
With the toneprint app, can I set up a preset that contains 3 delay settings in one slot?
The modulation seems a little heavier and sweeter on the Triple and X4. However, it's not as subtle as the FB2.
I just wish the FB2 had tap.
To be honest I like to hem all , I own the triple , and I own the flashback via .tc/helicon pedal , the all have there place!👍 thanks for the shootout!
I liked the T C Electronic ones . . . .
That being said I like presets a lot!
I don't know why but the clarity on the original flashback is super standout. I personally like the flashback 2x 4 for it's additional functionality...I'd maybe layer the small one and the 2x4. Stack them up.
Listening with headphones I can hear some differences between the FB4 and the Triple Delay. The repetitions on the Triple sound more open, warmer and less compressed, compared to FB4. The FB2 is kind of in between those two. Triple delay for the win
Maybe I need something better than my KRK Rokit RP6 G3 monitors, but all of them sounded pretty much the same to me.
There is also price, which is why I have the FBII.
I think the characteristics are different in each. For me personally i like the sound of the flashback x4 most.
The original standard Tape setting on any Flashback sounds really nothing like tape, but it is one of the most brilliant sounding modulated delays I know, and I've owned more than 30... That first repeat with single-coils into a clean high headroom amp is just epic. Now TC have changed the Tape algo into something that much more resembles a tape sound, with low end roll-off and a bit of degradation on the repeats, but to me it is nowhere near as fantastic as the original. As for X4's, old or new, just way too large imo.
Don’t all of these, and even the Alter Ego delay have the same guts, but just different presets? If you use the app and adjust the Alter Ego settings to the same as the Flashback settings, they are identical.
Very useful video thanks so much! Does the modulation on the 2290 on the 2 x4 tweak able from the app?
I have not yet seen an update for the TonePrint app that supports the 2 X4, but when it comes, you should be able to control the modulation parameters when creating a custom toneprint.
Let's say on the Triple Delay, you want a ping-pong stereo delay set on the third delay to play the outrageous effects break in Zep's "Whole lotta love", but the delay one and two on it both on to play the two series delays on Pink Floyd's "Run like Hell". Is it possible to have it set on series mode, but play only delay three, or do you always have to start with delay 1 ?
You can do It.
Sent back the triple delay because of losing the high frequenies. Am totally satisfied with the flashback 2 X4 now. Even my analog DOD rubberneck delay stayes untouched eversince. I'm a big stereo delay fan though
Fidelity wise -- seems like the Flashback 2 was sweetest/richest, Flashback 2 X4 a lil less fidelity, and the Flashback Triple Delay least- fidelity/tone full spectrum rich:: is it just settings, or??? less 'tone suck' in the simpler hardware / signal flow within the pedal??? Love to hear what you think Bill and anybody.
Which is best for live performance, if you don't do sound scapes but rather just want to do good quality classic rock ? It would seem the X4 or X4 II would be the thing vs. the Triple Delay, yes?
Yes, I would agree that the X4 2 might be a little more practical, given that you can easily switch between presets.
Nice vid. Beautiful guitar. Are those P90 pick ups?
thanks! and yes - they are stock PRS P-90 style.
Hi Bill, first of all thanks for the great videos. I need advice. I have a Flashback2, I'm happy with the sound. I'm thinking about Tripple delay or Flashback2 X4. I'm more interested in Triple delay for layering delays. I'm wondering which one is more practical in terms of preparing multiple songs for live use when playing with a group? Or use Triple delay and keep FB2 as well? How many sounds can you prepare in advance so that you only use your foot to play and you don't need to bend down to the pedal and use your hand? Thank you!
Both are similar in that you can have a total of 3 presets. The differences are that 1) the X4 has a looper and can only have 1 active preset and 2) the Triple has no looper, but allow up to 3 preset to be active. The bottom line is if you can get by with 3 presets in a show, then you are good. If you need to switch between more settings, then you will need to bend down and twist the knobs on either pedal.
@@chordsoforion Thank you Bill. Michal.
4:51 = # Triple Delay 2290 Mod | 5:26 = # 2X4 - 2290 Mod | 5:55 = # 2 - 2290 Mod
Now i want to buy this pedal just to play this riff :D
Me too!
And already got the triple delay
@Vladimir Devyatoff I was very happy with it. Damn amazing delay pedal. I got the alter ego too, and the nova system. Cant go wrong with any of tc's time based effects
On the Triple - is the mod rate linked to the tempo? Also, is it possible to adjust the mod depth and level?
You could create a TonePrint and link the modulation parameters to one or more knobs to achieve this, however there are no dedicated knobs.
The Flashback 2 X4 sounds brighter and more pristine than the Triple Delay - could it have a more powerful processor? Of the three I'd buy the Triple Delay for its ability to combine delays - you can create some great soundscapes. I wonder if a Flashback Triple Delay 2 will be released soon?
A TD 2 would be great for sure. In addition, it would be interesting to create a TonePrint with the exact same settings and load it into all 3 pedals to see if there is a difference.
@@chordsoforion Just checked the specs and TC claim they have new algorithms for the Flashback 2 x 4 and the Flashback 2. I'm intrigued by the Crystal Delay setting which takes inspiration from TC’s Sub ‘N’ Up Octave pedal, using part of its algorithm. With each delay repeat, the pitch will raise by an octave to deliver an incredible shimmer effect. Have you tried it Bill? The Flashback 2 is great value for money - whilst I have a Tripe Delay I think I'll pick up a Flashback 2 when I only need a single delay. EDIT: I see you did a demo in 2017 ... I don't follow gear that much so didn't know the Flashback 2 had been out that long .. :-)
Yes - The Crystal delay is pretty cool!
@@chordsoforion Yes, indeed COO :-) So, can the TD directly use toneprints for Flashback 2? This would open a huge library for the TD (on the edge of getting one here).
@@jmproductions59 While I have never tried to load a Flashback 2 Toneprint into a Triple Delay, the Toneprint app is showing pretty much the same Toneprints for the TD as the FB 2. When they add a TP to one, they must add it to the other.
They all sound cool but the Triple Delay sounds a bit muddier or murkier to me, the x4 sounds the clearest
This is just what I was looking for, The triple Delay seems much warmer...
Its more unique
I got the Triple Delay. For me it's the best delay unit because it's warm but the sound remains clear and definite! Generally the dark delays are more natural and organic but tend to be muddy, while the clear delays have more definition but sometimes tend to be artificial and robotics. Flashback Triple is the best compromise, and I tried A LOT of delay machines...
The Triple Delay is the best because that is the only one in my arsenal.
It feels like there is some difference, but all of them are pretty close. In a way, I would not be surprised if all of the TC pedals here have similar engines, which mean sound have to be kind of identical. But, Bill, what is your favorite, perhaps all of them, but what do you use more often, or how do you choose between them when starting to create something? What would be also interesting it is to check at least 2 identical models of pedals just to see if there might be any slight difference (due to the quality of parts, etc.)
I can't say about the new FB 2 X4, as I have not had it very long, but I use the Triple Delay more frequently than the FB 2. The reason is the ability to stack 3 delays in parallel or series. Not a sound quality difference.
Thank you, Bill! That was quite an elaborated answer. Still interesting, how do you make your choices for the gear you are going to use for your next piece, do you plan it ahead, or it comes in a process. I guess it is not limited in some particular way, but perhaps with your experience, you have kind of "your way" of creating.
A real drawback is the fact that you can't make a preset with two independent delays in series. For example, I like to use an extremely short delay to fatten the tone, followed by a dotted eights note delay with modulation. The pedal has by far enough processing power to do that, it's a limitation that could be fixed with a software update. But that will never happen in this company.
Although the Triple Delay can be set up to do what you suggest, it is true that you can't create a preset that will switch the 2 delays accordingly. You might want to consider a Source Audio Collider. There's a mode that allows you to select 2 different delays and link them together as a single preset. You can also set the 2 delays (or 2 reverbs or 1delay+1reverb) to series or parallel.
I didn't hear much of a difference between the Flashback 2 and the x4, and even the Triple Delay didn't sound strange or out of place in comparison. Might just be my headphones, though..
But I guess the slight differences between the Flashback 2 Delays and the Triple Delay might be down to the Triple Delay still being one of the first generation Flashbacks, thus using the older codes (or whatever is used in those pedals)? I'd be surprised, if we didn't see an updated version of the Triple Delay with Mash and all the good stuff by next year...
That being said, I'm very happy with my small Flashback 2 and don't see the need to update to the x4 just yet :)
It will be a chaos, if the introduce the mash buttons on the Triple Delay. There delays in serial or parallel is already enough imagine adding additional modulation in real time on top of each three delays it will be a complete mess. I think they should leave it as it is. And no thee are no old codes on the Triple Delay. All TC Toneprint pedals have the same electronics inside, what differs is the algorithms that's all. Oh and the mash technology , which I find quite lame.
Michael Hedges meets TOOL vibes here
so the triple is like x4 with the only difference it can run 3 delays simultaneously right?
There's a little more to it than that. The Triple Delay does not have a looper nor does it have the MASH buttons.
@@chordsoforion oh I see, thanks for that.
@@chordsoforion What are these MASH Buttons? Does the original X4 not have these?
mucho mass delay!
Hi Bill, the Triple Delay hands down, to me it's the more interesting and musical sounding delay. It would be great if you could do a similar shootout betweeen the Plethora versions of FB2 and HOF2 and the separate pedals, comparing them side by side. My impression of the Plethora judging from demos and reviews so far is that it is a bit thin and flat sounding compared to the separate pedals.
The Triple delay is the king. Hence the crown on its face plate.
Weird! To my ears, in the beginning, Flashback 2 sounds slightly better than 2x4. Triple Delay sounds slightly darker but more clear in every setting. Don't get me wrong. All of them are good pedals! Based on this video, because of slight differences, I prefer Triple Delay. I hope I can compare 3 of them in real life to get a solid idea.
I really would like to hear your personal opinion in this videos
I gave my personal opinion about how I think about choosing one at the end of the video. Are you looking for something different?
@@chordsoforion My apologies. I didn't finished this video. But i love the videos you make. Great work.
I say use them all at once ahaha
Yep! I spent an hour doing volumes swells with all 3 after shooting this vid. 😎
The II sags more
Bro the little is the cheaper and its a great pedal, thats my winner
If cheaper is your main deciding factor, then absolutely. But if you want 3 delay lines going all at once, then the Triple Delay - no question!
@@chordsoforion I bought the flashback 2, at the moment I think is the accurate for me (I'd love to have the triple but u know $$$). PS: I really love ur videos, great job Bro, greetings from Spain.
Triplle delay is more muddy,flashback x4 has more clear crystal sound and flashback 2 is similar to flashback x4 but with deeper stereo sound in all the types of delay
The Triple Flashback is not muddy in the least when played live. The first time I used one I played through two Blackstar Flys with extension speakers---- yep, four 3 inch speakers cranking a whole 12 watts----- on my dining room table. It took a few minutes to aim the speakers at the walls to find the sweet spot but it was more than worth it. If I had not done it myself I would not believe those baby boxes can do what they do so well. Until you try the Triple's parallel mode you have no idea of what you are missing. BTW, I didn't use Tone Prints or the Tone Print Editor. You have more than enough combinations to play with using only the dials and footswitches.
No idea if he’s being paid by them he doesn’t say at start but A a on gives them pesos not great reviews - difficult to find a non bias review.
Nope - no one paid me for this video.
why You dont play rock solos to show how to play !!
Because this is not a rock solo RUclips channel. I only play ambient guitar here.
4:51