Putting a modern twist on the classic 2290 Delay, TC Electronic has produced the Flashback Delay, which offers many delay modes and options, plus a couple of cool added bonuses.
The selection of delay modes on this compact pedal are really quite impressive, 11 all together, making your sonic spectrum broad and far-reaching. The 2290 setting is one of my favorites, and emulates the sounds (I would imagine, having never heard an original) of the famed 2290 Delay that TC Electronic became sort of famous for back in the day. Analog, Tape Echo, LoFi, Dynamic, Modulated, Ping Pong and Slap Back follow the trend of great modes for you to work with, each having their own unique characteristics, and each allowing for hours of delayed goodness. The Reverse feature is always a plus in my book, adding that extra layer to your recording or live sound, and there’s a 40-second Looper function as well, which is a great bonus feature to have on any pedal, delay or not!
Finally, the TonePrint feature is one of the coolest things around, and a great feature that TC Electronic has added to a number of their pedals. You can hear different delayed settings, created by some of the world’s most incredible guitarists, and once you find one you really dig, you just upload it to the pedal, and you’re off! Connect to a computer or do it wirelessly through the TonePrint App on your smartphone – this is a genius idea, one that will surely sell lots of TC pedals for years to come.
This compact version may not have as many bells and whistles as its older brother, the Flashback x4, but it takes up less space on your board, and still has a number of great features onboard. We’ll have a review of the x4 coming soon, so keep your eyes peeled for that as well. Until then, check out this little mammoth of a delay, and continue sculpting your tone.
Specs:
11 delay types including looper
Audio Tapping
6 seconds delay
TonePrint enabled
40 second looper
Stereo in & out
True Bypass
Analog-Dry-Through
Delay Time, Feedback and Repeat controls
Spillover on/off
Easy battery access
Small footprint
High quality components
Road-ready design
Users: Andy Summers, Govan Guthrie, Mastodon, Pete Thorn
Submitted by Mike B, Website
June 2, 2014
I think I demo’d this unit at the store. If I recall correctly, it may have failed my pitch shift test. Pick any delay mode. Crank up the feedback and set the delay time in the middle of its range. Get a nice echo going, then crank the delay time knob up and down. On analog delays, and some digital delays, the pitch will shift up and down as the delay time is changed shorter and longer. I call these delays “useful.” On some other digital delays, there will be a horrible zipper noise until the new time setting is set and echos will repeat at the new delay time. I call these delay pedals “not so useful.” But really, it just means this is not useful for table-topping dub effects. Different players have different needs.