Eventide Timefactor

[The Pup]

I just received my Eventide Timefactor.

Since I am slightly susceptible to Honeymoon Reviews...I will wait a nominal period of time to post a brief report.

(30 seconds later) Wow! This thing is amazing!!!

...more to follow later.

[g-nem]

(30 seconds later) Wow! This thing is amazing!!!

...more to follow later.

LOL- that's very restrained of you.

Looking forward to the full review- say sometime in sept?

[radcliff]

I have one big question.....is there hiss or white noise?

[Plexihead]

Another big question ... does the basic tone change at all upon engaging the pedal?

[The Pup]

I have a few very quiet amps (low resistor noise) and I do not detect any inherent noise being contributed by the ETF...but you can add noise/hiss if desired when using the Tape/Echo function (see pg 18 of the owners manual).

The filter knob allows you to simulate "old-school" delays tones...otherwise, the delay can be made to leave your signal uncolored.


http://www.eventidestompboxes.com/TimeFactor_Manual.pdf

http://www.eventidestompboxes.com/TFPresets.pdf

http://www.eventidestompboxes.com/media/stompboxes_cutsheet%20_timefactor.pdf

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a166/RCA6L6GC/timefactor_photo_websm.jpg

[Angle Loss]

Does it color your tone at all when on?

btw, thanks for the info --- I'm still waiting for mine :AOK

[hbentley]

look up, he just answered that :)

[Plexihead]

look up, he just answered that :)

Right, I don't really care if the "delays" are colored at all, like a tape echo or analog delay.

The best way to find out if the pedal changes the basic tone is to engage and disengage the pedal with the echo's dialed out.

[The Pup]

Here's an excerpt from http://rontech.blogspot.com/:

Eventide Timefactor Sneak Peek

Today I got some to spend some advance-release time with a prototype of Eventide's long-anticipated Timefactor delay stomp box. As you can see by the photo, it still has labeling stickers on it prior to the screenprinting that the shipped version will have.

http://rondaniel.com/techblog/TimeFactorSneakPeek.jpg

Eventide (http://eventide.com/) is known in the pro audio world for its high-end Harmonizer effects processors and plug-ins. The last thing most of us ever expected from them was a stomp box. But sure enough, at this year's Winter NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) show, Eventide elicited a collective "whoa" from observers who marvelled at their first foray into this realm.

The Timefactor is a twin delay stompbox featuring two completely independent delays, each capable of three seconds. And it has ten distinctly different stereo effects: Digital Delay, Vintage Digital Delay, Tape Echo, Modulated Delay, Ducked Delay, Band Delay, Filter Pong, Multitap Delay, Reverse Delay, and Looper.

With both instrument and line level inputs, the box is not only ideal for guitarists, but also keyboard players, home studios, and even touring front-of-house engineers for whom space is at a premium.

Originally slated for a March release, the pedal has been undergoing continued refinement with input from a handful of users on the road. One of these is the band Blonde Redhead (http://www.blonde-redhead.com/), who will forever have the distinction of giving the Timefactor its television debut just last week on the Conan O'Brien (http://www.nbc.com/Late_Night_with_Conan_O'Brien/index.shtml) show. Also offering beta testing input is the band Ours (http://www.ours2.net/), whose guitar player is ridding himself of his two Line 6 DL4's - one each at the beginning and end of his signal chain - in favor of a couple of Timefactors.

Some of the changes that have taken place with these musicians' input include: the preset scrolling has changed from a set rate to one every tap, and bank selection (which used to happen on release of the button) is now on the press. Seemingly little concessions like that are actually pretty involved re-engineering tasks, but Eventide clearly wants the best possible product, even at the expense of pushing back production by a couple of months.

I have no doubt that this will be the DL4 of the next decade. As soon as I heard it the first time, the first word I thought was, "Clean." This pedal sounds VERY clean. And I don't mean in a sterile, digital way, because the digital conversion doesn't sound like digital conversion. And the great thing is that the analog-sounding effects are just that: analog-sounding. This is the most studio-quality stomp box I've ever heard.

It's also completely usable. The program changes are instantaneous - essential for live use - and there are 27 user presets to customize your settings.

And what can I say about the sounds? You just have to hear this thing. But here are some highlights:

- The Timefactor's tape delay is beautiful. Hearkening back to the early days of the 60's tape echo, I was stunned by how genuine it sounded. Very analog, and very practical.

- Ever since the 80's over-use of chorused guitar (think Prince and The Police), I've tended to shy away from its use. But the Timefactor's chorus invited me in, captivating me with its understated beauty. It's just plain dreamy.

- Band delay allows only certain frequencies to be repeated, in a fully-customizable pattern, creating an effect much like a wah pedal, but far more complex. Great for unique special effects.

- The multi-tap delay makes for a great reverb sound. It's very much like the old spring reverbs we used to have in guitar amps years ago. A perfect emulation of that "Wipe Out" surf tone, and not digital sounding at all.

- The looper function features a sound quality that can't be touched by the JamMan or the BOSS RC-2. There is no discernible "degenerated and recorded" sound like the other loopers have.

- Another great thing about the Timefactor is that the knobs feel good and respond with a very natural and organic feel.

The only halfway negative aspect I can mention about this unit is the reverse delay. As with any delay box that does reverse, there's just no substitute for running tape backwards and adding the effect on, so that when played forwards, every sound comes in with the suction of a vacuum cleaner. There's no exception here - the reverse delay really wasn't too convincing. However, on its own, the effect made for some great ethereal sounds. Just don't expect to recreate any of Jimi Hendrix's cool backwards solos.

http://rondaniel.com/techblog/TimefactorTop.jpg

In summation, the Timefactor is simply awesome. I'm thoroughly impressed.

[Plexihead]

Interesting read, thanks for the info Pup!

[hbentley]

anyone wanna sell me theirs? :)

[The Pup]

Interesting read, thanks for the info Pup!

I think the person who wrote it is also selling them (classic buyer beware)...however, I haven't found anything yet to dispute his initial impressions. I would also add that the reverse delay is the first one I've experienced where I might actually try to use it. ;)

[Plexihead]

I think the person who wrote it is also selling them (classic buyer beware)...however, I haven't found anything yet to dispute his initial impressions. I would also add that the reverse delay is the first one I've experienced where I might actually try to use it. ;)

Ahh right, I just clicked on the link and saw sweetwater. Well, I'm sure it's still a great delay pedal but I hear about the source.

Nice to hear about the reverse feature, I'd probably use it just for fooling around but if they managed to pull off a pretty good simulation you never know.

[Angle Loss]

look up, he just answered that :)

Thanks hbentley, I did see that but it looks like he was just refering to the delay, whereas I was concerned with the dry signal preservation/degredation. As Plexihead mentioned, I would be interested in knowing if the signal without delay gets colored at all. Pup?
:BEER

[starfish]

I just can't imagine this being a big deal. If the TF is anything remotely like the rack series algos (i.e. H3000), there is no tone loss. If you don't like AD/DA conversion regardless of how good it sounds, you'll probably fulfill self prophesy mojo.

[The Pup]

Thanks hbentley, I did see that but it looks like he was just refering to the delay, whereas I was concerned with the dry signal preservation/degredation. As Plexihead mentioned, I would be interested in knowing if the signal without delay gets colored at all. Pup?
:BEER

There are three forms of bypass available...one of them being true-bypass. I cannot discern any signal/tonal degradation when the effect is bypassed (see pg 13 of the owner's manual for details).

Note: Having the option for true-bypass or buffered bypass is a good thing for all of those folks who are now suffering from pedal board true-bypass-pedalitis.

[Angle Loss]

Perhaps I should restate for clarification :D I've read the manual and I like the bypass options, but I was wondering about when the pedal is on, if the dry (going through the pedal but delay mix down) colors the tone. I'm not worried about their AD/DA convertors, after all it is Eventide and I'm not opposed to digital, but sometimes the circuitry will color the tone (again not worried about the actual convertors). Does this make sense?

[The Pup]

Turning the mix to dry, sounds like the guitar when in true-bypass...no discernible coloration.

[Angle Loss]

Cool, exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for the info!

[The Pup]

Cool, exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for the info!

In all things...try before you buy (or marry).

[javahut]

I just received my Eventide Timefactor.

Just wondering... where you got your's? Curious as to who got more in recently that's shipping them, as they still seem pretty rare & I've got one on order.

[starfish]

Perhaps I should restate for clarification :D I've read the manual and I like the bypass options, but I was wondering about when the pedal is on, if the dry (going through the pedal but delay mix down) colors the tone. I'm not worried about their AD/DA convertors, after all it is Eventide and I'm not opposed to digital, but sometimes the circuitry will color the tone (again not worried about the actual convertors). Does this make sense?

Perfect sense, but it's unlikely to pinpoint "circuitry" from AD/DA should you not like the pedal on with mix down setting. You would hear a sum of everything in circuit including all components and AD/DA.

[Angle Loss]

Perfect sense, but it's unlikely to pinpoint "circuitry" from AD/DA should you not like the pedal on with mix down setting. You would hear a sum of everything in circuit including all components and AD/DA.

Yes, I agree. I merely meant that I was not opposed to convertors or digital if it sounds good, so "circuitry" sounded good and general to me. :)

[Plexihead]

I just can't imagine this being a big deal. If the TF is anything remotely like the rack series algos (i.e. H3000), there is no tone loss. If you don't like AD/DA conversion regardless of how good it sounds, you'll probably fulfill self prophesy mojo.

I agree, it probably won't be a problem considering it's an Eventide. But I loved my Hughes & Kettner Replex delay pedal's echo's but sold it due to the fact it changed my tone upon activation (my tone got slightly darker), so I was just asking an innocent question to someone who has one of these things (Timefactor) in his hands.

[Plexihead]

Yes, I agree. I merely meant that I was not opposed to convertors or digital if it sounds good, so "circuitry" sounded good and general to me. :)

I knew what you were talking about ;)

It looks like we have our clarification, all systems are a go.

[Idlewilde]

I have one and have to admit the bypass and buffer are perfect. I'm really happy with the chorus sound and the delays are truely kick ass!

[Plexihead]

I have one and have to admit the bypass and buffer are perfect. I'm really happy with the chorus sound and the delays are truely kick ass!

I'm jealous :puh

Seriously though, great to hear!

Can't wait to try one :AOK

[Idlewilde]

I'm jealous :puh

Seriously though, great to hear!

Can't wait to try one :AOK

Thanks! You won't be sorry!

[placebo62]

please post clips and/or photos!

[jbro]

Here's a couple burning questions for you timefactor owners..

1. (I'm assuming there is delay trailoff when you turn the unit off in buffered bypass mode) -- so, if you have a preset with a long delay/decay, and you turn it off.. while the delays are still repeating, can you turn it back on and add to it, or does it stop abruptly when you turn it back on? This is my favorite aspect of my DD20's, and it'll be a deal-breaker if the Eventide doesn't do it.

2. Is there delay trail/spillover when you switch presets? Is the switching instantaneous, or does it cut out the dry signal for a second like some other processors?

[hbentley]

good questions...looking forward to the answers

[rudileo]

How many presets can you have when you are using midi?

[starfish]

Yes, I agree. I merely meant that I was not opposed to convertors or digital if it sounds good, so "circuitry" sounded good and general to me. :)

Cool. In re-reading my previous posts, I realize I sounded a little cranky suffering from near heat stroke yesterday. Anyway, I'm sure we will both love this pedal. I have missed my H3000's ever since I sold them, mostly because the Eventide delays are the best of anything I've ever used including several boutique analog delays which I still have. Like I've said before, if I could only have one desert island effect, it would be an Eventide, any model would do.

[The Pup]

Here's a couple burning questions for you timefactor owners..

1. (I'm assuming there is delay trailoff when you turn the unit off in buffered bypass mode) -- so, if you have a preset with a long delay/decay, and you turn it off.. while the delays are still repeating, can you turn it back on and add to it, or does it stop abruptly when you turn it back on? This is my favorite aspect of my DD20's, and it'll be a deal-breaker if the Eventide doesn't do it.

2. Is there delay trail/spillover when you switch presets? Is the switching instantaneous, or does it cut out the dry signal for a second like some other processors?

When switching between effects or turning them on/off, you can set the ETF to permit an uninterrupted trail-off (see pg 13 of the owner's manual for configuring the DSP+DLY Bypass mode).

[jbro]

When switching between effects or turning them on/off, you can set the ETF to permit an uninterrupted trail-off (see pg 13 of the owner's manual for configuring the DSP+DLY Bypass mode).

What happens if you switch it back on while the delay is still trailing? Does it cut out? And are the preset changes instantaneous?

[theatomicjeff]

Where are you guys getting your TFs? Everywhere I look I see "estimated expected delivery" dates in the future.

[javahut]

Yeah, come on!... inquiring minds want to know... where did you get your TimeFactors? I ordered from SameDayMusic when their site said more expected by 7/23. 7/23 has come and gone... no pedal. Now their site says more expected by 8/16. I'm more than a little curious as to who is actually getting the pedals in stock and shipping them out. Thanks.

[The Pup]

What happens if you switch it back on while the delay is still trailing? Does it cut out? And are the preset changes instantaneous?

I'm afraid you may run off and order one based on my answers here and my understanding of your advanced questions...so you'll have to promise to try one out in person first if possible before you get on a preorder waiting list...okay?

Switching seems instantaneous and if configured correctly, switching to a different patch merely adds to the previous trailing delay sound (relative to the previous feedback setting).

Note: One cool feature is the Catchup Mode (pg 20).

Catchup

You would expect that when you turn a Parameter Control Knob, the parameter’s value would change instantly and, unless Catchup is enabled, it does. Instant changes, however, may not be desirable for all situations and users. Consider the following example:

You have just loaded a Preset and the Preset’s value for Dly Time A is 10 ms. Now, let’s say that the Dly Time A Control Knob happens to be at the full clockwise position corresponding to a delay time of 3000 ms.

If you’d like to tweak the actual delay time by a small amount (for example, from the Preset’s value of 10 ms to 20 ms), you would reach down and turn the knob only to find that the delay at first abruptly jumps from 10 ms to 3000 ms and then decreases to the desired value as you continue to turn the knob. If this happens as you’re
playing, it could be a tad distracting.

TimeFactor’s Catchup feature is designed to prevent parameter values from abruptly changing when the knob positions don’t correspond to the Preset values. When Catchup is ON and a Control Knob is turned, the parameter value doesn’t change instantly.

Instead, the display alternates between the Preset value and the word “TURN” which is displayed accompanied by
either a left or right pointing arrows as appropriate. The parameter (and hence the Effect) does not change until the knob position passes the current parameter value at which point TURN and the arrow disappear, the parameter name and value are displayed, and the knob
becomes active.

Returning to our example, if Catchup is ON, Dly Time A would not change until the Control Knob is turned from its full clockwise position to nearly its full counterclockwise position where it corresponds to the 10 ms value. At that point, the Control Knob becomes “live,” thereby avoiding any abrupt change in the sound of the Effect.

[The Pup]

I ordered my ETF in late May and was also jerked around by unkept delivery promises and unexplained delays (which I now understand were due to last-minute refinements to address inputs from pre-release beta testers).

At one point I got mildly infuriated and contacted the company's sales management. As a recognized "power-buyer," I was told that they would put me at the very top of the waiting list (a rhetorical nursing ring) and hand-carry my shipment order upon receipt; they also gave me a significant discount on a pending guitar purchase. Over the phone, the manger asked for my discretion in this transaction.

Sorry for the obfuscation, but there it is.

[The Pup]

Although not intended to be a looper's looper...I was able to get satisfying results at just under one minute (48 seconds) loop time by following the owner's manual directions:

Dly Time B/Loop Length:

When the Loop is Empty, sets the Loop Length. Note that audio recording quality is degraded at slower recording speeds (1/2X and 1/4X). The maximum loop
length is determined by the setting of the Speed parameter as follows:

Speed 2X, 1X, 1/2X, 1/4X
Max Loop Length 6 sec 12 sec 24 sec 48 sec

When a Loop is in memory, Dly Time B sets the Loop Length that is played starting with the Loop Start Point. In other words, if a 12 second Loop is recorded and the Loop Start Point is set to 2 seconds and the Loop Length is set to 4 seconds, the recorded Loop will play from 2
seconds to 6 seconds into the 12 second Loop.

The Loop Length is automatically set to Loop Length at the beginning of new loop.

Note that Catchup is always enabled to prevent the end point from changing bruptly.

[Idlewilde]

I got one of the two that arrived at musictoyz.

[The Pup]

I got one of the two that arrived at musictoyz.

Have I answered these incoming questions well enough so far based on your experience?

[Idlewilde]

Have I answered these incoming questions well enough so far based on your experience?


I haven't had a chance to explore on the level you have. I'm still trying to adapt to the basics. I'm getting use to the interface though. Give me another month. I've just been having alot of fun with it. :crazy

[placebo62]

Anyone care to comment on the overall sound quality? I imagine its a higher standard than the dd-20 or dl4?

[GtrWiz]

Just wondering... where you got your's? Curious as to who got more in recently that's shipping them, as they still seem pretty rare & I've got one on order.


I was told today by a local dealer that Eventide is only shipping one or two pedals at a time. So it may still be a while...:puh

[Stevo]

So it is a "Twin Delay", does that mean I can use two different delays at the same time? For example, a digital delay and a analog delay can be used at the same time?

[Angle Loss]

No, if you read the manual it says only two of the same type (as in digital).

[Boogie92801]

Chris,
have you received yours?

[Glowing Tubes]

I've been on the wait list for one of these for about 3 months with Sweetwater and keep getting pushed back. Anybody know where I can get one?

RC

[Stevo]

Does anyone have any ideas about what the USB port might be used for in the future?

[teefus]

Does anyone have any ideas about what the USB port might be used for in the future?



downloads and updates iirc.

[The Pup]

I finally placed the TF in my "mini" board where I intended it to go when I bought it (in front of the amp) and I now can hear the noise floor creeping in during subtle playing...it's quite annoying.

My circa 1981 DM-2 is significantly quieter (yes...even with the TF in DSP bypass mode) and arguably more transparent with this intended setup.

After a couple of weeks with the TF...I have decided to send it back; it's not ready for prime-time yet in my opinion.

Cool pedal...huge capabilities...but the background static is disconcerting; even the ISP Decimator had trouble eliminating the background static in a way I find acceptable (trailing note hand-off to a not-so-smoothly accepted static background...yuck).

Perhaps a small nit...but I want it all and for $399.00; I don't think I got it. The noise may be a very small issue for most players...I just happen to have some very quiet amps and very quiet connections and wiring (which I built and soldered myself...old school).

Anyone try the new Nova delay yet?
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/images/misc/progress.gif

[jazzguitarplay]

Ya gotta be careful, Dont ya know hype is a 4 letter word

[starfish]

I finally placed the TF in my "mini" board where I intended it to go when I bought it (in front of the amp) and I now can hear the noise floor creeping in during subtle playing...it's quite annoying.

My circa 1981 DM-2 is significantly quieter (yes...even with the TF in DSP bypass mode) and arguably more transparent with this intended setup.

After a couple of weeks with the TF...I have decided to send it back; it's not ready for prime-time yet in my opinion.

Cool pedal...huge capabilities...but the background static is disconcerting; even the ISP Decimator had trouble eliminating the background static in a way I find acceptable (trailing note hand-off to a not-so-smoothly accepted static background...yuck).

Perhaps a small nit...but I want it all and for $399.00; I don't think I got it. The noise may be a very small issue for most players...I just happen to have some very quiet amps and very quiet connections and wiring (which I built and soldered myself...old school).

Anyone try the new Nova delay yet?
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/images/misc/progress.gif

I agree I'm quite ticked about the static noise issue. It isn't enough for me to send the unit back YET. I'd like to see what Eventide does to SOLVE the issue first. IIRC someone mentioned the Nova has an issue in an effects loop while the TF has one in front. Looks like we can't win. But I'm in agreement, I want it all for $400, or at least don't mess with the foundation - tone/noise. This type of problem just seems so out of character for Eventide.

Ditto on the DM-2. I have an early version that sounds whisper quiet and just stellar tone wise.

[jcshirke]

As far as I can tell, my TF doesn't have noise problems. Has Eventide cleared up the problem? Just curious if anyone is still following this thread.

[datguytim]

Problem has been fixed - no noise. Best delay pedal out there - hands down. Check the rest of your rig if there's noise.

[starfish]

Holy thread back from the dead! :eek:

Yeah, I brought this issue to Eventide's attention. I think I was actually the first to receive the shielding fix and I can confirm - it solved the static noise issue 100%.

[popsongsmith]

This might be an ingnoramus--as opposed to ignor-anus--question, but does the original signal get converted to digital and then back to analog, or does it keep the original signal in the analog domain and add the effected signal in parallel? Again, sorry for the ingorance.

[Angle Loss]

Everything is coverted to digital. Fear not though, we are talking Eventide coverters. I actually switched from the true-bypass (relay) to dsp+delay bypass because it sounds so transparent and allows delay trails.

[jcshirke]

I've been comparing my TF with my Memory Lane. Basically I've been trying to see if the TF can get a convincing analog sound w/modulation, in case I decide to sell the ML. So far I'm able to get fairly close using the TF's vintage delay + modulation, but it's not 100% there. I think the TF vintage delay needs to have more mod available, and I've posted that suggestion in the Eventide forum. I've also tried the tape echo delay in the TF. Again, I can get fairly close, but it's not so great that I'm thinking of selling the ML>

Has anyone else tried to get a convincing analog sound out of the TF? If so, what have you come up with?

Thanks.

[starfish]

I think the tape delay sounds stellar and I own a lot of vintage delays. But, I'm not really sure the TF is trying to cop analog sounds or do analog modeling. It's a top digital delay that can be sculpted to sound great and sit perfectly and musically in many diverse rigs. I think of it as a pedal form of the H3000 delay and mod delay sections. FWIR, those were not trying to fake an analog sound.

My opinion - different delays for different applications. That's why I have so many covering classic analog and tape as well as digital.

[starfish]

This might be an ingnoramus--as opposed to ignor-anus--question, but does the original signal get converted to digital and then back to analog, or does it keep the original signal in the analog domain and add the effected signal in parallel? Again, sorry for the ingorance.

I have to second Angle Loss' perspective - the converters sound great and the the delay is musical and fat when on. However, I prefer relay bypass so that my tone remains analog when the TF is off. When it's on, who cares? It sounds superb.

[jcshirke]

I think the tape delay sounds stellar and I own a lot of vintage delays. But, I'm not really sure the TF is trying to cop analog sounds or do analog modeling. It's a top digital delay that can be sculpted to sound great and sit perfectly and musically in many diverse rigs. I think of it as a pedal form of the H3000 delay and mod delay sections. FWIR, those were not trying to fake an analog sound.

My opinion - different delays for different applications. That's why I have so many covering classic analog and tape as well as digital.

I guess my first question is whether or not (for Eventide) "vintage delay" = "analog delay". The answer is probably no. I have a "vintage" Korg SDD-3000 delay, for instance. It's obviously not analog, but it's certainly more grainy sounding and warmer than most new digital delays, so it's sort of analog sounding. I suppose that's what the vintage delay in the TF is emulating, not real analog delays per se.

I do wish the TF had a specific analog delay, although fine tuning the vintage delay can get roughly similar.

As for the TF's tape delay, I'll just have to A/B it with my TTE and see how it stacks up. I think the TF tape echo sounds very, very good. I just want to see if it's spot on or not.

There's no way I'm selling my TTE. The jury is still out about my Memory Lane. I'm not sure the TF can really replace it.

[Angle Loss]

In regards to starfish, I do have a loop setup with all my ambient effects so that I can take it out if needed to a completely analog signal, or leave it on and bypass with the TF for delay trails. It works great! Most of the time I do leave the loop on though, because the converters do sound that good.

jcshirke, I too have been experimenting with getting analog sounds. The "Vintage Delay" is only to simulate the bit reduction and filtering of older digital units. Two of my suggestions have been to take the last bit rate selection (which results in absolute fuzzy distortion of repeats--in a digital clipping kind of nasty way...) and make that last selection on the Xnob a "analog" BBD style sound with the grunginess and low fidelity of a analog unit. Secondly, make the "Hiss" control of the tape echo into a tape saturation/preamp drive control for just the echo/wet portion of the sound. My problem has been that the tape echo, although enhanced now with a better filter on beta 2.0 software, is still way too clean sounding. It needs to be dirtied up a bit. I haven't heard one positive comment on the Hiss control either, so it would an excellent function to lose for the other.

I currently have a vintage Deluxe Memory Man that I recently tuned up myself, but it is too big for my board. I had an Echoczar last year that was buttery goodness, but alas had to sell for school bills. I've had a ton of other vintage analog stuff too (DM-2/3, AD-9/900/999, MXR, etc) and would love to see the software of the TF be enhanced to get as close as possible to the nasty dirty tones of analog BBD and tape echo units (and then go to the pristine modulated delays of the TF!).

I dream! :drool :p

[alex_law]

But, I'm not really sure the TF is trying to cop analog sounds or do analog modeling. It's a top digital delay that can be sculpted to sound great and sit perfectly and musically in many diverse rigs.

Yup.

The way I see it, the concept of analog as the holy grail of delay tone goes out the window when you start to dig in to the TimeFactor. Digital used to be second-rate in terms of warmth and musicality; now digital can be musical too!

BTW, I buckled this morning and ordered a ModFactor. Just had to.

[52ftbuddha]

Angle Loss you are spot on I would gladly drop the hiss control for a tape saturation. jcshirke I quite understand your comment on wishing for a model of a specific delay but I must admit I am glad it does not. When I first got the Timefactor I A/B it with my DD20 and was frustrated that I could not easily replicate the Tape effect. With more time on the unit I am finding myself using my ears more and loving it. I think time will pass and hopefully those with old delays at home will make presets and upload them. I will once again suggest that eventide bundle a patch editor librarian for this device.

rob

[popsongsmith]

I have to second Angle Loss' perspective - the converters sound great and the the delay is musical and fat when on. However, I prefer relay bypass so that my tone remains analog when the TF is off. When it's on, who cares? It sounds superb.

Hmmm... I wonder about this approach. So much effort to preserve the integrity of the original signal, only to turn it into 1's and 0's, and then back again. Something has GOT TO suffer.

I prefer the DLS EchoTap approach, where the digital repeats are blended back in with the analog signal.

Thoughts?

[jcshirke]

Angle Loss you are spot on I would gladly drop the hiss control for a tape saturation. jcshirke I quite understand your comment on wishing for a model of a specific delay but I must admit I am glad it does not. When I first got the Timefactor I A/B it with my DD20 and was frustrated that I could not easily replicate the Tape effect. With more time on the unit I am finding myself using my ears more and loving it. I think time will pass and hopefully those with old delays at home will make presets and upload them. I will once again suggest that eventide bundle a patch editor librarian for this device.

rob

I'd just like to see the TF have an analog style delay, not necessarily an emulation a *specific* analog unit. Maybe that's what you meant, but I just wanted to clarify what I said.

When you compared the TF to the DD20 what were your conclusions? Were there any ways in which you thought the DD20 was better? I did some quick comparisons with my DD20, but I just sold it. I thought the DD20 did better analog sounding delays, but otherwise the TF was better and more versatile, since you can have so many presets. So I sold the DD20 and, at least for now I'm hanging onto my Memory Lane and my Maxon AD-999 (btw, I liked the AD-900 a bit better, but mine crapped out on me...fwiw).

Maybe if we pound the Eventide forums they will incorporate more BBD/analog sounds and parameters into subsequent software revisions.

[blood5150]

I got mine yesterday... hands down the best stompbox sized delay out there.. not as creamy as a tape echo, but you cant beat it for the price and the amount you get for your money...

[Angle Loss]

I'd just like to see the TF have an analog style delay, not necessarily an emulation a *specific* analog unit. Maybe that's what you meant, but I just wanted to clarify what I said.

When you compared the TF to the DD20 what were your conclusions? Were there any ways in which you thought the DD20 was better? I did some quick comparisons with my DD20, but I just sold it. I thought the DD20 did better analog sounding delays, but otherwise the TF was better and more versatile, since you can have so many presets. So I sold the DD20 and, at least for now I'm hanging onto my Memory Lane and my Maxon AD-999 (btw, I liked the AD-900 a bit better, but mine crapped out on me...fwiw).

Maybe if we pound the Eventide forums they will incorporate more BBD/analog sounds and parameters into subsequent software revisions.

Pound away! :D I've already bugged them a bunch about the analog/tape stuff. They are probably sick of hearing from me. In regards to the DD20, I used to have one as well as a L6 DL-4 and currently have an Echo Park. The DD20 was nice, but the TF just way out does it in function and sounds better as well, though it did sound good. The DD-20 just did not do convincing analog or tape to me, for the same reasons the TF doesn't--way too clean for that sound. I got closer with the TF though. In my opinion, the DL-4 was much better a analog simulation (their Memory Man patch) and the Echo Park is still the tops for Tape delay sims--no other rack or pedal comes close (though my Deluxe Memory Man does pretty good).

I believe that for effects there are two which companies often slack on. One is tape delay simulation--it is too easy just to offer a filtered/chorused delay as tape without the vibe of it. The second is rotary speaker sims. Most just sound like bad modulation of either chorus/trem or phaser. I am not getting my hopes up for the Modfactor's rotary, but I hope that they will spend a lot of time getting it right. The Boss RT-20 is the only one that has gotten close in my opinion--but I'm getting off topic now, and will stop this rant ;)

Please don't get me wrong, I don't slag digital delay at all, I love that also. It is just that the TF does it so damn well that I don't need to even comment on it. I hope their tape/analog sounds will meet the sound quality that their awesome digital delays sounds already accomplish.

[alex_law]

Hmmm... I wonder about this approach. So much effort to preserve the integrity of the original signal, only to turn it into 1's and 0's, and then back again. Something has GOT TO suffer.

I prefer the DLS EchoTap approach, where the digital repeats are blended back in with the analog signal.

Thoughts?

This is an easy one to field. :) Although in theory, the EchoTap should mess with the tone less, I found it to unacceptably change the original guitar signal when engaged. At the time I owned one, DLS suggested to me that I change capacitor values in the unit in order to tweak the tone.

No thanks, I'll stick with Eventide's excellent A/D D/A converters!

[jcshirke]

Pound away! :D I've already bugged them a bunch about the analog/tape stuff.

I just saw your post about Mod Factor clips. Check out my post in the same forum about vintage delays and modulation. Maybe if you chime in there, others will too.

Thanks for the other info. in your last post. Very helpful.

[blood5150]

I know people may hate this but.. I had a DL4 and I thought it was terrible, too processed and overly dark... I sold it on ebay almost immediately....

I havent tried the DD20, but right now i own or have owned....

Boss DD-3 (still own)
Ibanez DL-10 (still own)
Maxon AD-999 (still own)
Line 6 DL-4 (sold)
UNIVOX EC100 tape echo (still own)
Timefactor (own)

So I have played a few delay pedals in my day, so far I really cant complain about the TF

[Angle Loss]

I just saw your post about Mod Factor clips. Check out my post in the same forum about vintage delays and modulation. Maybe if you chime in there, others will too.

Thanks for the other info. in your last post. Very helpful.

Thanks, I will make it over there and comment on your post.

So I have played a few delay pedals in my day, so far I really cant complain about the TF

I've had probably somewhere between 30 and 40 different analog and digital delays, and I still affirm that the TF is the best digital delay pedal ever made. :BEER

[andyland6]

I love mine.

Had a Boss

DD-20=microphonic junk

[Angle Loss]

For those that don't know, Eventide has set up a new forum. Check under "Stompboxes" for some new discussions.

http://www.eventide.com/AudioDivision/Support/Forum.aspx

[alex_law]

I'm on there as "18watt", and you're "Crysstalized", right? Interesting forum, fairly blunt answers. :)

[Angle Loss]

I'm on there as "18watt", and you're "Crysstalized", right? Interesting forum, fairly blunt answers. :)

Crysstalized is correct. :AOK

I'm glad they have the forum, because the moderator is very fast to give responses from the company. It is nice to know that something you say is at least being heard. Imagine commenting on a Boss pedal here...:o:)

Eventide has been very good with the customer service. I don't say that lightly or often because people rave about their favorite company all the time here and it gets a little old and unbelievable. But they have earned my respect, especially D. Rooney (sorry, don't know their real or full names).

[popsongsmith]

Thanks, I will make it over there and comment on your post.



I've had probably somewhere between 30 and 40 different analog and digital delays, and I still affirm that the TF is the best digital delay pedal ever made. :BEER

Just curious, where does the Akai Headrush II fit in to the rankings?

[Angle Loss]

Just curious, where does the Akai Headrush II fit in to the rankings?

Out of all of those, I actually have never owned a Headrush. I believe I played one many years ago...but too far ago to remember, sorry!

[jcshirke]

Crysstalized is correct. :AOK

But they have earned my respect, especially D. Rooney and IDeangelis (sorry, don't know their real or full names).

I'm not sure about Rooney's first name, but the other person is Italo De Angelis. He ran the old Eventide support list for several years. He's always very quick to respond and is very helpful. Sometimes a little blunt, yes, but very helpful.

[alex_law]

The thing about the TimeFactors is that I'm always excited to power them up. Always a feeling of, "I wonder what I'll try now!".

[Priestunes]

Received mine today. Have been tinkering all day long. Very nice sounds, indeed. I'm pleasantly surprised at how nice the "reverb" settings are. Extremely good purchase, this is.

[starfish]

I read somewhere a long time ago that Nick McCabe of The Verve used an H3000 in the studio for the "reverb" sounds on A Storm in Heaven. I was able to nail that with my H3000 D/SE, and surprise of surprises, that sound is in the Timefactor as well. :)

[starfly59]

Wow, so this thing does reverb too? I'm a huge fan of the modulated reverb on the Boss RV-5...can the eventide do something similar??? Since the unit is "dual delay", can you set one delay to be a reverb and the other a regular delay?

[teefus]

if anyone is looking for a timefactor pedalgeek.com updated their website stating that they are in stock.
fwiw, they are great to deal with. that's where i got my tf back in july.

[Angle Loss]

Wow, so this thing does reverb too? I'm a huge fan of the modulated reverb on the Boss RV-5...can the eventide do something similar??? Since the unit is "dual delay", can you set one delay to be a reverb and the other a regular delay?

It can do reverb by using the multi-tap algorithm. That is one of the few algorithms that do not have modulation though. Any program can be dual delay, however, both delays have to the same type (i.e. both reverse or tape or digital etc). You can do some neat things like make a modulated delay and make one of the delay lines super short, say 0-10ms for a chorus, and then have a longer (like 450ms say) delay that is modulated, so that you are getting chorus+delay.

[AlexK]

I just got my Timefactor yesterday (haven't had a chance to install the beta 2.0) and what really stands out to me is the dead time / glitch that happens when enabling or disabling. I've tried both DSP bypass modes (I figured the relay mode would be even worse), and it's really killing me. I've never experienced a pedal that had such a noticable noise (actually a non-noise) when enabling or disabling. I haven't really heard other people mentioning this problem, which I think is horrible, so it makes me think I got a dud. Is anyone else noticing this?

If you guys notice it too, did the 2.0 update help?

[alex_law]

Nobody else has mentioned this. Email tech support.

[jcshirke]

I just got my Timefactor yesterday (haven't had a chance to install the beta 2.0) and what really stands out to me is the dead time / glitch that happens when enabling or disabling. I've tried both DSP bypass modes (I figured the relay mode would be even worse), and it's really killing me. I've never experienced a pedal that had such a noticable noise (actually a non-noise) when enabling or disabling. I haven't really heard other people mentioning this problem, which I think is horrible, so it makes me think I got a dud. Is anyone else noticing this?

If you guys notice it too, did the 2.0 update help?

Mine doesn't exhibit these problems at all. I think your unit may be defective.

But, just to make sure, can you tell me *exactly* what you're doing, so I can try to replicate it?

[g-nem]

I just got my Timefactor yesterday (haven't had a chance to install the beta 2.0) and what really stands out to me is the dead time / glitch that happens when enabling or disabling. I've tried both DSP bypass modes (I figured the relay mode would be even worse), and it's really killing me. I've never experienced a pedal that had such a noticable noise (actually a non-noise) when enabling or disabling. I haven't really heard other people mentioning this problem, which I think is horrible, so it makes me think I got a dud. Is anyone else noticing this?

If you guys notice it too, did the 2.0 update help?

Yes- it was horrible. with the update it is MUCH better. I have it set up as wet only into a second amp, so don't know how it affects the dry sound when enablin, but have heard it is improved, but the spillover is great, albeit with a few quirks. Definitely try the beta- it makes it way more useable.

[AlexK]

Mine doesn't exhibit these problems at all. I think your unit may be defective.

But, just to make sure, can you tell me *exactly* what you're doing, so I can try to replicate it?

In both DSP modes I tried most of the bank presets (to make sure it wasn't just a weird artifact of one of the presets) and would hit and hold a note or chord and then enable or disable the TF. Sometimes I would do it a couple times in a row. Every single time, the notes would disappear for a split second right as I hit the switch. This is killing me.

[AlexK]

Yes- it was horrible. with the update it is MUCH better. I have it set up as wet only into a second amp, so don't know how it affects the dry sound when enablin, but have heard it is improved, but the spillover is great, albeit with a few quirks. Definitely try the beta- it makes it way more useable.

Well, I guess it's good to hear I'm not the only one. I think it's weird that no one else has mentioned it though. I feel like most of the guys on TGP are WAY pickier than I am ;)

[lifeinsong]

Email D. Rooney at Eventide...I'm sure they'd be happy to help you out.

[jcshirke]

Email D. Rooney at Eventide...I'm sure they'd be happy to help you out.

Better still, post in the Eventide help forum.

[AlexK]

Better still, post in the Eventide help forum.

Yeah, I had posted in there this morning and hadn't gotten an answer for a while, so I just thought I'd see if anyone here had the same problem.

An update though, I installed the 2.0 tonight, and it's much better. I'm way happier with it. I wouldn't say it's PERFECT, but it's almost imperceivable now.

[jcshirke]

Yeah, I had posted in there this morning and hadn't gotten an answer for a while, so I just thought I'd see if anyone here had the same problem.

An update though, I installed the 2.0 tonight, and it's much better. I'm way happier with it. I wouldn't say it's PERFECT, but it's almost imperceivable now.

Well, good news, I guess. Maybe they will make it perfect by the time version 2.0 is official (not beta). Or is it already an official release?? Hmm...

Anyway, I'd keep after them on this and other issues. I will be posting there a lot about my Eventide gear. There's power in numbers, so I hope you guys chime in regularly too.

Apparently the looper still needs to be fixed, btw. So there's another thing to post about.

[Angle Loss]

I will be over there as well. The only bummer about there forum is that they have to first approve the post. I replied to your bypass drop out thread, Alex, but it took a while for it to finally show.

[DrGonzo]

I'm really digging the 2.0 Beta. I thought it was a nice improvement over the 1.0 software. How cool is it that you can update the pedal in the first place? I can't wait to check out the final 2.0 software in Feb. Kudos to Eventide for putting out such a great pedal.

PS: I really like the cheap addition of the 3 button digitech FS300 switch. It really opens up the unit for live use.

[Priestunes]

If you're interested, here's a 50 second clip with a looper synched via midiclock to the TF. This feature is exactly why I bought it and it works like a charm.
Dry then On.
http://www.priestunes.com/audio/loop_tf.mp3

[alex_law]

Excellent work with that midiclock!

[The Pup]

Cool.

[fusionbear]

I have had my Timefactor for only a few days and love it. I use the looper as well as the tape delay mostly. This is the perfect delay for my pedal board.....
I find this pedal very intuitive. Well worth the cost....