| Tag Archives: tc electronic

Ze Ditto Looper

Posted on February 11, 2013 by weak Posted in GAS Leave a comment

I’ve always ~~needed~~ wanted a looper on my rig. This would be perfect at home (or live) as functionality is so simple and footprint will be a non issue.

Product Description from the TC site –

Lots–a–Looping
Ditto Looper provides 5 minutes of looping time which is more than you’ll ever need. Realistically, how many songs do you wanna have that are 10 hours long and still expect to get booked?

Dream big
Ditto Looper has an ultrasmall footprint, meaning you’ll always be able to fit one! It takes up almost zero space on your pedalboard, saving you precious realestate *cough* more TC pedals *cough*.

Undo/Redo
Yeah, it’s great for quickly getting rids of parts you are not feeling, but we found many people actually use this to change parts during as live performance, say from verse to chorus Ditto works great in either scenario.

A Looper To Remember
Ditto Looper stores your loops when you power down or disconnect the power plug. This means absolutely zero worries, as the music you’ve created stays stored and is ready to go when you need it be it just jamming on ideas, rehearsal, live performance or studio.

Loop Level
It’s the only knob on there, and allows you to set the level of your loops (surprise!). This means your loops can serve as a subtle background to what you are doing or you can turn this up for a mindblowing performance.

Analog Dry–Through
Ditto Looper always let’s your ‘dry sound’ pass without ever converting it to digital, keeping your original tone just that original and purely as you intended it coming through with zero latency.

Go on, play with yourself
Can’t get enough of playing with yourself? Ditto allows unlimited overdubs, so do your worst!

True Bypass
When Ditto Looper is bypassed, it’s REALLY off, and has zero influence on your tone, making sure you have optimum clarity and zero loss of highend.

Continue reading →

Ze Flashback X4

Posted on September 18, 2012 by weak Posted in GAS Leave a comment

Here is a great contender that can cross out all my delay-looper options on my GAS list. *facepalm* I was seriously considering getting a Flashback pedal. This one, because of the 3 presets, technically provides you 3 Flashbacks in one stompbox. It has a dedicated tap tempo and is a full feature looper.

Features

16 delays types
4 TonePrint slots
3 preset switches
60-second looper (w/ Overdub, Start-Stop, Play once, undo functions)
MIDI port
Expression pedal port
USB port
True Bypass or switchable Buffer Bypass

This pedal will be released around October so I currently don’t have an idea of how much it costs (roughly around $300). I’ll add more details as soon as the pedal is released.

Video demo and overview of this awesome new pedal –

Ze Alter Ego

Posted on March 29, 2012 by weak Posted in GAS Leave a comment

Here’s another awesome delay pedal from TC Electronic. Want that Pink Floyd vibe? This. \m/

Description from PGS (currently priced at $165) –

TC Electronic Alter Ego Flashback Delay
A joint collaboration between TC Electronic and Pro Guitar Shop, the Alter Ego Delay is a new take on the very successful TC Electronic Flashback. Featuring two new presets modeled after a couple classic delays: the Binson Echorec, and the EHX Deluxe Memory Man.

In February of 2010 TC Electronic flew Andy and I to the TC Electronic headquarters in Denmark. Andy went along to create a number of Toneprints, and I was presented with the possibility of a custom Flashback. I saw this as a really fun project to work on. We get to do some really cool custom products with our manufacturers, and it ‘s the part of my job that I enjoy the most. I mean really, who get’s to do this kind of stuff?

After spending about 30 minutes with the Toneprint software, I realized that this software could create nearly any sound that you want it to. My mind began to race with the possibilities, and I knew relatively quickly what we would create.

Being a complete delay geek, I own so many delays that it’s quite frankly embarrassing. There is no excuse for it it’s an addiction. There are two delays that I own that I consider some of my most prized possessions. Very dear to my heart are my original Binson Echorec, and a vintage Electro Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man.

The Echorec

In the mid 80’s I was a teenager in high school and I had just discovered Pink Floyd. I remember coming home from school everyday for weeks and sitting in my room and listening to Dark Side of the Moon on my gigantic Sony Walkman. I barely knew how to play guitar back then, but later on in life when I was gigging in Portland I had the opportunity to pick up a Binson Echorec . I couldn’t resist the chance to have one of those rare units that Gilmour had made famous.

After I had the Echorec for a few years it began to develop a very unique modulation that I fell in love with. Typically when you think of delay and modulation you think of a chorusing effect. My unit developed more of a vibrato than a chorus. On lower settings it just added a very subtle 3D effect, but if you would crank the volume (mix) it would give you a nice warble, giving you a slight leslie type effect. This is what we modeled the ER setting of the Alter Ego after. You will notice this warble at around 300ms repeat times. It morphs into some great swirling upper harmonics at higher delay time settings.

The DMM Setting

The other delay that fits into my all time favorites category is the Electro Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man. I have had one of the early models for years and it is a delay that I continue to come back to. The DMM is a classic delay that everyone is very familiar with. We aren’t the first to model it, but I think we did a pretty darn good job of capturing the original sound. We really focused on capturing the nuances of the echo and mimicking the unique decay heard in it’s repeats. The DMM setting is based upon my Memory Man pedal.

One thing I do want to say about the Alter Ego pedal is that we aren’t claiming that it’s better than the original Flashback. It was just intended to be an alternative to the original Flashback pedal with a couple of unique presets not found on the original. This pedal was a labor of love for the PGS crew and me, and we really enjoyed putting the project together.

Ze Polytune Mini

Posted on January 19, 2012 by weak Posted in GAS Leave a comment

Just found out that TC Electronic released a “mini” version of the Polytune pedal. Imagining this would fit nicely on my board. GAS face on.

PolyTune® Mini

We introduced polyphonic tuning to the world and since then guitarists everywhere have welcomed this next-generation way of tuning with open arms. PolyTune® Mini is the world’s smallest polyphonic tuner and it will fit on any pedal board. Sometimes size actually does matter and in such cases, PolyTune Mini is the perfect solution as no other pedal tuner in the world will take up so little space, which means more room for other pedals.

PolyTune Mini shows you the tuning state of all strings simultaneously by simply strumming your guitar, allowing you to get back to playing in a matter of seconds. PolyTune Mini is among the most precise tuners in the world, tuning with +/- 0.5 cent precision in chromatic mode and +/- 1 cent accuracy in polyphonic mode. Also, it automatically switches between chromatic and polyphonic modes depending on whether you strum all strings at once or pick each string individually.

Further, PolyTune Mini features Drop-D and Capo modes as well as True Bypass for zero tone coloration and a super-bright LED display.

PolyTune Mini – Tiny Meets Awesome
Tuning used to be a necessary evil. The last barrier before you could get truly rocking. But now, tuning is ready to get blasted into the 21st century with PolyTune Mini – a downright tuning miracle! The original PolyTune was the world’s first polyphonic tuner – a multiple patents pending, game-changing total tuning turnaround that will have future guitarists wondering how we ever got by without it.

PolyTune Mini Main Features
Ultra-small Footprint – Will Fit on Any Pedal Board
PolyTune – Tune All Strings Simultaneously
+/- 0.5 Cent Tuning Accuracy
True Bypass w/ Silent Tuning
Super-bright LED Display
Up to 5 Semitones Flat Tunings
Drop-D and Capo Tuning

It couldn’t be done – until we did it.
The magic lies in a never before seen approach to tuning aimed at speed, accuracy and ease of use. With PolyTune Mini, you simply strum all strings on your guitar at once, and it will immediately tell you which strings need tuning! This cutting-edge tuning technology revolutionizes the way you tune and accomplishes what has been deemed ‘impossible’ until now: tuning all strings simultaneously! It really is as simple as strum – tune – rock, and this quantum leap forward allows you to get in tune fast, and back to doing what you love: playing. Crowds don’t want to wait around, they want to rock, and, let’s face it, so do you.

Fever Pitch
PolyTune is extremely flexible as well. The reference pitch can be set to your preference and ranges from 435Hz to 445Hz. This guarantees you’ll be able to play along with anyone, with any instrument and in any situation.

Chromatic champion
Besides the Polyphonic tuner, PolyTune Mini has a chromatic tuner that can hang with the best current tuning technology out there, with an amazing 0.5 cent accuracy. But we are never satisfied with the current norm, and added some features to make this tuner’s chromatic section stand out from the crowd. Let’s start with the two separate chromatic tuning modes, which cater to your individual preferences and needs. Needle mode is for those that are used to the classic view on a tuner. If you want a little more real-time information, we have included stream-mode, which measures even the slightest pitch variation and instantly feeds the info back to you via a rotating motion on the display.

Tuning Magnet
Key to both these great chromatic modes is an ultra-fast and precise response, which is achieved via the use of the unique tuner magnet feature. This slows down the needle once you get close to the desired pitch, making it much easier to get the job done quickly.

MonoPoly
Whether you want to use the polyphonic tuner to get in tune, or prefer to go the chromatic route, this pedal has you covered. PolyTune Mini features “MonoPoly”, a jaw-dropping new technology that recognizes whether you play one or more strings and instantly replies with the appropriate poly- or monophonic tuning mode.

Total Recall
Of course, all of these amazing features would not mean a thing if they were a pain to use or set up. So, we added some traits to ensure this tuner is calibrated to the guitarist. Unlike most other tuners, PolyTune stores your preferences. From pitch reference to tuning mode, it hangs on to this information even after it is powered down, making sure you only have to set how you want things to happen once. The next time you power up again, it will show you the settings, so you instantly know Everything is exactly how you want it to be.

PolyTune® Tech Specs

Tuning Range: A0 (27.5Hz) – C8 (4186 Hz)
Tuning Accuracy: +/- 0.5 cent
Reference Pitch: 440 Hz
Input Impedance: 1 MOhm (pedal on)
Power Supply: AC adapter (9V DC), – sold separately
Current Draw: 40 mA (typical use)
Dimensions (WxDxH): 51 mm x 93 mm x 45 mm
Weight: 160 g/10.6 oz
Included items: 2 pcs. rubber feet

Let’s call this the Punytuner \m/

Ze Polytune App

Posted on December 10, 2011 by weak Posted in Gear Leave a comment

Sharing this awesome iPhone app from TC electronic. Really comes in handy when testing out guitars in music stores.

Details from the TC electronic site.

PolyTune for iPhone
The PolyTune® iPhone app is a 1:1 port of the award-winning PolyTune® pedal tuner, and it offers the exact same, patents pending tuning technology and amazing features as the pedal version.

In short, guitar tuning has been revolutionized at a stroke – or strum – with PolyTune®, the world’s first polyphonic guitar tuner. This cutting-edge technology revolutionizes tuning and accomplishes what has been deemed impossible until now: tuning all strings simultaneously – it’s as simple as: Strum. Tune. Rock!

Where the PolyTune® pedal is the perfect live solution, the iPhone version ensures perfect and swift tuning whenever you’re off-stage – and with the iPhone’s built-in microphone, polyphonic tuning is now available for acoustic instruments, too! The PolyTune app is fully compatible with iPhone4, iOS 4 and provides full Retina display support for the ultimate viewing experience when you’re tuning.

It couldn’t be done – until we did it
The magic lies in a never before seen approach to tuning aimed at speed, accuracy and ease of use. With PolyTune® for iPhone, you simply strum all strings on your guitar or bass at once, and it immediately tells you which strings to tune, allowing you to get in tune fast, and back to doing what you love the most: playing.

Fever Pitch
Equally effective for guitar and bass, PolyTune® for iPhone is extremely flexible as well. The reference pitch can be set to your preference and ranges from 435Hz to 445Hz. This guarantees you’ll be able to play along with anyone, with any instrument and in any situation.

Drop it like it’s hot
If you are a guitarist that likes to play at a different pitch than standard, this is the perfect tool, allowing for dropped tunings from E-flat all the way down to B. Whatever your pitch or tuning, PolyTune® for iPhone is a sure-fire way to be spot-on, with an accuracy of just plus/minus 0.5 cent.

Chromatic champion
Besides the Polyphonic tuner, PolyTune® for iPhone has a chromatic tuner that can hang with the best current tuning technology out there, but we are never satisfied with the current norm and added some features to make this tuner’s chromatic section stand out from the crowd.

Tuning modes
Let’s start with the two separate chromatic tuning modes, which cater to your individual preferences and needs. Needle mode is for those who are used to the classic view on a tuner. If you want a little more real-time information, we have included stream-mode, which measures even the slightest pitch variation and instantly feeds the info back to you via a rotating motion on the display.

Tuning Magnet
Key to both these great chromatic modes is an ultra-fast and precise response, which is achieved by the use of the unique tuner magnet feature. This slows down the needle once you get close to the desired pitch, making it much easier to get the job done quickly.

MonoPoly
Whether you want to use the polyphonic tuner to get in tune, or prefer to go the chromatic route, this pedal has you covered. PolyTune® for iPhone features ‘MonoPoly’, a unique patent-pending technology that recognizes whether you play one or more strings and instantly switches to the appropriate tuning mode.

Swap the colors
PolyTune for iPhone also has a ‘colorblind’ feature that allows you to swap the default green/red colors with yellow/blue. Just choose whatever suits your eyes the best.

Tuning as it should be
PolyTune® for iPhone was our chance to build the ultimate tuning tool from the ground up and finally get rid of some of the current tuner drawbacks that guitarists run into time and time again. Tuners have been around for some 30 odd years and we felt it was high time they got in tune with today’s guitarists.

PolyTune® for iPhone works with the original iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3Gs, iPod touch and iPad.

Here’s a short video on the app’s features.

Ze iB Nova Delay

Posted on October 17, 2011 by weak Posted in GAS, Gear 6 Comments

Ok, I was all praises for the Nova Delay on my last post, dreamt of having another one and then I saw this –

Hoooomay. I want one!

This claims that it has a greatly improved tone both engaged and bypassed.

TC Electronic on the the iB Modification

We are proud to present an improved and exclusive ‘iB Modified’ version of our highly-acclaimed Nova Delay pedal. iB Modified refers to a specific modification that elevates this exclusive version of the Nova Delay to a whole new level in terms of sonic purity! In the northern part of Italy, a tech wizard carries out modifications and designs complete guitar effects systems for some of the best guitar players in Europe that center around our guitar effects such as G-System and Nova Delay. His name is Massimo Mantovani, and one of his most popular mods is a Nova Delay input buffer tweak. We have collaborated with Mantovani to develop the ultimate input buffer modification. By changing the analog input design as well as a number of components, a super transparent tone that offers loads of punch and a snappier response has been created for you – and your crowd – to enjoy! Further, this exclusive, custom-run version is a genuine looker with its new, red finish that will add both class, style and superior delay processing to any pedal board!

The pedal may cost around $250.

Ze Nova Delay

Posted on October 16, 2011 by weak Posted in Gear 2 Comments

One of the pedals in my rig that I can’t play without. The only hassle is it needs a separate 12v adapter other than the usual 9v I get from my trusty 1Spot. Though I think you can use a standard 9v power supply but only if for low gain setups. It will lack the needed headroom.

For those who want prominent delay tones, very easy dotted eights config, usable reverse delay and bonus modulations, this is it.

ND-1 Nova Delay

With 6 different stereo delay types and the option to store up to 9 presets customizable by an array of style parameters ranging from vintage tape to digital delay this pedal easily serves all delay requirements of modern guitar players who wanna create unique sounds.Built upon the legacy and knowledge of TC’s world-renowned TC 2290 Dynamic Digital Delay the ND-1 Nova Delay raises the bar for guitar effect pedals and redefines what it means to be “state-of-the-art”. ND-1 Nova Delay offers uncompromised studio quality digital effects in a compact floor-based design.

The Nova Delay pedal features 6 different delay types:
• Delay line
• Dynamic
• Reverse
• Ping-pong
• Pan
• Slap-back

Each of these types can be modified with a delay style – a unique feature of ND-1 Nova Delay that allows you to mix and match your delay type and style infinitely.

Both single delay and dual delay lines can be applied to any type and style using the tap tempo switch or delay time knob to determine the delay time that ranges from 1 to 2290 ms.

Three different types of modulation (light, medium and heavy) can be applied to any of the delay types – a feature originating from the legendary TC 2290 Dynamic Digital Delay processor.

The all-new Audio Tapping™ technology enables you to set the tempo of the delay by playing a rhythm into the pedal while holding down the tap tempo switch. You can now set the tempo of the delay using your most important asset: Your playing.

Other great ND-1 Nova Delay features include the ability to choose between ms (milliseconds) and bpm (beats per minute) readout, decide if you want spillover on individual settings and turn global tempo – where tap tempo determines delay time on user presets – on and off.

ND-1 Nova Delay Features:
• 6 studio quality digital delay types
• Two switchable settings:
» manual and preset
• 9 user programmable presets
• Up to 2290 ms delay time
• Audio Tapping™ – audio-generated tap tempo
• Modulated delay
• Delay spillover

You can get the basic manual here.

Quick Tips:

To set the number of presets, hold down the manual button. Then rotate the mod level knob to the desired number (the display will show P1-P9). Press any button to save setting.
To set the pedal to use preset tempos (presets using global tempo can be a pain in the arse – if you change the tempo of a preset, all presets with global tempo will use that ms/bpm setting), go to each preset individually and hold the type button. If the led light on the preset button is blinking, then you’re all set. Just hold the preset button to save changes.

You could also try a Line6 DL-4 or a Boss DD-20.