Eventide Timefactor----Open Letter/Wish List for Software Upgrades

[Angle Loss]

Hey guys, I though we might collaborate on giving suggestions to Eventide for the future downloadable upgrades. Here is a list of mine so far (update: I have included the other requests up until Fri Aug 24 am) and I am looking for those of you with Timefactors to post your requests here. I will then email the thread to them.

Lets keep this thread on topic of upgrades though--there are other valuable threads for general discussion of the unit going right now. I really love this pedal and am looking forward to what will be offered by Eventide as upgrades.


Vintage Delay—please take away the digital noises from bit rate reduction control. The lo-fi delay sounds so good but is completely unusable because of the odd noises. Noise is heard even in higher bit rate modes. Perhaps the extreme setting could switch to an “analog” mode, with dirty filtered repeats like that of the Deluxe Memory Man.
Tape Delay—change “Hiss” to a tape saturation or preamp overdrive control in order to grunge up the sound a bit and make it less hi-fi. Having purposeful hiss/noise is neither nostalgic nor useful. The tape delay freq response and dirtiness could be worked on.
Modulated Delay---please allow a delay modulation like the Deluxe Memory Man where the delay signal is modulated rather than adding chorus after the delay. It would prefered as an addition to the other modulation modes (on the Xnob) rather than a replacement.
Looper (1) Mix volume needs to be fixed. Dry signal must be unity until at least noon (like the delay A-B mix knob is). Some prefer to have the control still diminish dry volume (see Halted's post) at appropriate settings while others here would prefer to set dry to unity and have mix only control loop volume. As long as dry unity gain is maintained during the lower half of the knob sweep either would be acceptable (to Angle Loss anyways). (2) A reverse looped mode would be cool--perhaps a double tap of footswitch? (3) Allow a delay to still be used in loop mode like Line 6 DL-4.
Infinite Repeats-when depressing the footswitch the dry volume goes down from unity making it useless live. Please make dry unity gain in that function.
Global Tap Tempo per Preset Allow each preset to either be connected or disconnected to global tap tempo individually.
Pitch Detune Allow limited harmonizer capability in the Timefactor. The ability to detune +/- 15 cents each channel's delay. I realize Eventide might be considering a dedicated Harmonizer pedal, but some limited capability in the Timefactor would be helpful, like the old ModFactory algos (see Starfish post).
Manual Mode Whatever the physical knobs on the unit set to to be what comes up on Play Mode. If I'm in Play Mode, and switch to Bank Mode, and then back, my Play Mode is what I had in Bank Mode, or at least the Delay Type and Tempo mode are what I had in Bank Mode - this isnt of use to me. I want Play Mode to not change unless I actually turn the knobs and make it change.....just like the DD20's Manual Mode (see radcliff post)
Bank Down In bank mode allow a bank down ability by hitting two footswitches together (see radcliff post).
General Unit Noise including bypass noise and/or hum. Stop the tempo bleed-over noise in the dsp and dsp + modes (even when bypassed), (see LouV and hbentley posts).
Upgrading----Make changes able to be picked by user and be completely customizable to user. User would be able to pick to change software for a chorus type or knob function. Please don’t make a broad upgrade which would indiscriminately change things for all users---some may want to keep the way a certain feature works (like a Tap Tempo feature for instance—as we may have different uses). This would truly make this a top class unit. The ability to customize your own unit through selected upgrades is highly desirable! Let the user determine what upgrades to take. It is understood that this is not the usual course for software upgrades, but would be much loved.

Many thanks to Eventide for putting out this delay. We look forward to future upgrades to make it “Even” better.

Post/Thread Update I have updated this post Aug 24 and will continue to add request to this first post. If I have inaccurately represented a request please PM me and I will fix it.

[starfish]

Vintage Delay—please take away the digital noises from bit rate reduction control. The lo-fi delay sounds so good but is completely unusable because of the odd noises. Perhaps the extreme setting could switch to an “analog” mode, with dirty filtered repeats like that of the Deluxe Memory Man.
Tape Delay—change “Hiss” to a tape saturation or preamp overdrive control in order to grunge up the sound a bit and make it less hi-fi. Having purposeful hiss/noise is neither nostalgic nor useful. The tape delay freq response and dirtiness could be worked on.

+1. At 10bit - the vintage delay is unusable. Even 12bit is pushing it. Yet when I have used real vintage digital delays, you have a usuable delay with a low bandwidth repeat not the wailing scratchy noise. Ditto for tape hiss. I've played some really poorly serviced space echos in my time and while they can sound grungey, they don't hiss like the hiss knob.

[starfish]

I formally passed a feature request to Eventide which they said they will consider for V 2.0. Global tap tempo enable per preset.

This request came from a discussion with javahut in which he explained losing his corrected tap tempo when switching to another preset and back again. Global tap tempo is the feature already built-in that will allow a tapped tempo to persist between presets. Allowing global tap tempo to be enabled per preset would allow a user to switch presets and not lose a performance corrected tapped tempo, but still have presets where the global value does not apply.

BTW - great thread idea Angle Loss! :)

[starfish]

Pitch detune.

I would like to see limited harmonizer capability in the Timefactor. The ability to detune +/- 15 cents each channel's delay. I realize Eventide might be considering a dedicated Harmonizer pedal, but some limited capability in the Timefactor would be helpful, like the old ModFactory algos.

[teefus]

good ideas on the 10 bit delay and the hiss control. other than that, and i never really thought about it much myself, i couldn't be happier with mine.

[alex_law]

Yup. 10-bit delay and it's golden.

[Angle Loss]

Man, I'm getting bad noise at a lot higher bit rate settings than just 10-bit also. I can't even use 15 without a lot of noise. :(

These are some great ideas, keep them coming!

[placebo62]

I just wish you could use the looper with one of the delay effects applied.

[javahut]

The Looper having a reverse mode would be highly desireable. :AOK

[halted]

Looper ---------Mix volume needs to be fixed. Dry signal must be unity until at least noon. Better yet, set dry to unity and have mix only control loop volume.

Upgrading----Make changes able to be picked by user and be completely customizable to user. User would be able to pick to change software for a chorus type or knob function. Please don’t make a broad upgrade which would indiscriminately change things for all users---some may want to keep the way a certain feature works (like a Tap Tempo feature for instance—as we may have different uses). This would truly make this a top class unit. The ability to cusstomize your own unit through selected upgrades is highly desirable! Let the user determine what upgrades to take.

I disagree with these two items.

Looper - There are situations where the flexibility to adjust mix volume of the dry signal would be very useful.

Upgrading - This pedal is very complex, and allowing users to selectively apply updates would only increase the complexity. This could be a problem if anyone is in a situation where they have to use a Timefactor that is not their own, with an unknown "update history." Information on installed updates could certainly be shown at startup, but it still wouldn't be the same -- once you get to know a pedal very well, you twist knobs and punch buttons almost automatically. Having to remember that the pedal in front of you functions differently in 5 or 10 significant ways from the pedal you have at home would only serve to get you out of the flow of music and into thinking about how your pedal works. Of course, if you happen to be on stage, that could prove disastrous. Sometimes less is more. :)

[JoshuaLogan]

I second the ideas of being able to use a delay at the same time as the looper and being able to play back loops in reverse.... Although, I think they would have included both of these from the start if they were possible...

[Angle Loss]

I disagree with these two items.

Looper - There are situations where the flexibility to adjust mix volume of the dry signal would be very useful.

Upgrading - This pedal is very complex, and allowing users to selectively apply updates would only increase the complexity. This could be a problem if anyone is in a situation where they have to use a Timefactor that is not their own, with an unknown "update history." Information on installed updates could certainly be shown at startup, but it still wouldn't be the same -- once you get to know a pedal very well, you twist knobs and punch buttons almost automatically. Having to remember that the pedal in front of you functions differently in 5 or 10 significant ways from the pedal you have at home would only serve to get you out of the flow of music and into thinking about how your pedal works. Of course, if you happen to be on stage, that could prove disastrous. Sometimes less is more. :)

Halted, thanks for your input :AOK

Perhaps I could make myself a little more clear about my ideas. With the upgrading feature, if they made an interface on their website with several menus (say regarding a tap tempo feature mentioned earlier by starfish/javahut for instance) you would have something like this:

1. Allow individual preset to have option of Global Tempo (more complex)
2. Keep master Tap Tempo feature (simpler)

You would then choose which option works better for you and download it. Not knowing the "update history" wouldn't be an issue for if you bought a used unit, you could reset it or upgrade the switchable features to what you prefer. You make the choice about changing a feature. Those that are tweakers can change stuff, those that aren't don't need to.

Still, I don't realistically see a situation where someone would be using somebody else's unit. A backline situation is usually only done with amps not pedals, and if they did do so, it wouldn't be a complex unit like an Eventide. It would be a Boss delay or maybe a Line 6--something fairly standard just like they do with amps (a Fender or a Marshall generally). It would be a very very rare situation that wouldn't justify limiting a user. Even with a user selectable feature it still would remain much simpler than most rack units that people regularly in their rigs. Besides, if you want simplicity you wouldn't start with the Eventide to begin with! :D

[radcliff]

Would love to add to this:



1. I want whatever I have the physical knobs on the unit set to to be what comes up on Play Mode. If I'm in Play Mode, and switch to Bank Mode, and then back, my Play Mode is what I had in Bank Mode, or at least the Delay Type and Tempo mode are what I had in Bank Mode - this isnt of use to me. I want Play Mode to not change unless I actually turn the knobs and make it change.....just like the DD20's Manual Mode.

2. I would also LOVE a way to "Bank Down" without adding footswitches.....maybe hitting two footswitches at once?? I know the two at once thing is possible since that type of switch is used on the Looper for the "Clear" function.

I think these two things along with what was already mentioned above would make me pretty much convinced that this Delay is the best ever.

As icing on the cake..... I would love the ability to do Reverse Looping on the Looper, and an Auto Swell Delay module......but I know those are a stretch....
Maybe a double tap on the Looper could reverse it?

[radcliff]

I disagree with the anti-upgrading opinion above, and for the same reasons as above...

It is EXTREMELY rare that you would have to use a loaner Timefactor....I mean a 400 delay pedal on loaner????

I'm all for the software upgrades:))

[halted]

I disagree with the anti-upgrading opinion above, and for the same reasons as above...

It is EXTREMELY rare that you would have to use a loaner Timefactor....I mean a 400 delay pedal on loaner????

I'm all for the software upgrades:))

I don't have an "anti-upgrading" stance. I'm all for software upgrades, just not user-selectable piecemeal upgrades. Case in point:

1. Allow individual preset to have option of Global Tempo (more complex)
2. Keep master Tap Tempo feature (simpler)

IMO, there is no need for option 1 to be a "selectable" upgrade. It should be part of the overall upgrade, since option 1 is better, and also includes option 2. It's not just a matter of complexity, it's a matter of consistency.

As far as using a Timefactor that is not your own, I agree that "loaner" Timefactors wouldn't be a common thing. But gear can be stolen, it can be crushed by an amp, fried by power spikes etc. When you replace gear under time pressure, would you want to have to download ten separate upgrades to have a pedal that functions the way your previous pedal did? If you're lucky enough to have a tech/roadie to do your work for you, would you always be 100% secure in the knowledge that the proper set of upgrades were installed? Of course, none of this would apply to home studio tweakers, but that's only one small segment of the market for Timefactors.

[starfish]

I don't have an "anti-upgrading" stance. I'm all for software upgrades, just not user-selectable piecemeal upgrades. Case in point:

1. Allow individual preset to have option of Global Tempo (more complex)
2. Keep master Tap Tempo feature (simpler)

IMO, there is no need for option 1 to be a "selectable" upgrade. It should be part of the overall upgrade, since option 1 is better, and also includes option 2. It's not just a matter of complexity, it's a matter of consistency.

As far as using a Timefactor that is not your own, I agree that "loaner" Timefactors wouldn't be a common thing. But gear can be stolen, it can be crushed by an amp, fried by power spikes etc. When you replace gear under time pressure, would you want to have to download ten separate upgrades to have a pedal that functions the way your previous pedal did? If you're lucky enough to have a tech/roadie to do your work for you, would you always be 100% secure in the knowledge that the proper set of upgrades were installed? Of course, none of this would apply to home studio tweakers, but that's only one small segment of the market for Timefactors.


IME/IMO no company would offer a user-selectable piecemeal upgrade path for an OS anyway. Generally, good software design is exactly what you describe - a superset of functionality, and of course I'll add - bug fixes.

[Angle Loss]

I agree that it is unlikely, but they do have the opportunity to provide a superior way to do upgrades. Innovation should be something Eventide would be looking for.

As far as the response against it, an argument based on rare or unlikely events doesn't seem to be enough to outweigh the benefits of such a system--if they do it. If a user was that concerned about being able to quickly replace it, he would have a backup unit. Consider many professional musicians often have two delay units in their rack, one as a backup. Nobody is going to "quickly" program a Timefactor for a dozen presets right before a show---no matter what the upgrade software is like.

Mainly for me the unity volume and noisy vintage delay issues are paramount, followed software upgrade system and other minor tweaks. We are looking at possibly the best digital delay pedal ever built and I would hate to see the lowest common denominator be the rule.

[radcliff]

I agree that it is unlikely, but they do have the opportunity to provide a superior way to do upgrades. Innovation should be something Eventide would be looking for.

As far as the response against it, an argument based on rare or unlikely events doesn't seem to be enough to outweigh the benefits of such a system--if they do it. If a user was that concerned about being able to quickly replace it, he would have a backup unit. Consider many professional musicians often have two delay units in their rack, one as a backup. Nobody is going to "quickly" program a Timefactor for a dozen presets right before a show---no matter what the upgrade software is like.

Mainly for me the unity volume and noisy vintage delay issues are paramount, followed software upgrade system and other minor tweaks. We are looking at possibly the best digital delay pedal ever built and I would hate to see the lowest common denominator be the rule.

+1 here

[starfish]

I agree that it is unlikely, but they do have the opportunity to provide a superior way to do upgrades. Innovation should be something Eventide would be looking for.

As far as the response against it, an argument based on rare or unlikely events doesn't seem to be enough to outweigh the benefits of such a system--if they do it. If a user was that concerned about being able to quickly replace it, he would have a backup unit. Consider many professional musicians often have two delay units in their rack, one as a backup. Nobody is going to "quickly" program a Timefactor for a dozen presets right before a show---no matter what the upgrade software is like.

Mainly for me the unity volume and noisy vintage delay issues are paramount, followed software upgrade system and other minor tweaks. We are looking at possibly the best digital delay pedal ever built and I would hate to see the lowest common denominator be the rule.

Pointing out that it is unlikely is certainly not a knock on your idea per se :), but in the realm of software design, recognize it is a bleeding edge concept. But there are good reasons established practice became what it is. There are too many variables in software engineering, introducing unintended consequences (i.e. incompatibility with the rest of the codebase), supportability, the list goes on.

IME as a programmer, practical software design strives for: solutions to problems, new features, time-to-market (meaning get it done as quickly as possible), and supportability.

An a la carte OS upgrade could: create new problems, "new features" takes on unintended meaning (a la Microsoft Windows - "it's a feature"...erm not), time to market increases due to splitting the codebase "x" ways, and a supportability nightmare ensues. It's hard enough to troubleshoot one set of variables, let alone several. Noise issue case in point. Can you imagine the calls a company could get? User: Your product is not functionaing properly. Company: Which version software? User: V. 2.0 Company: V. 2.0 a, V.2.0 a+b, V.2.0 a+c but b is V. 1.0....? You can see where this is going.

I'm only trying to illustrate why industry practice is what it is. Software has been around for 50+ years. It is a mature model. In the end I do believe that the best approach is for any company to offer a superset of features with the ability to use what you need within the OS.

[Angle Loss]

I think we see each others points. :BEER

I hope for an even better guitar future. However, I guess we should move back to the other upgrade suggestions as I fear I toil in vain on this idea as you have politely explained. Hopefully more people will also chime in here to give their input. I really do think whatever upgrade is given will be a huge step in usability of the Timefactor. I already think it is great, but once the kinks are worked out it will truly be a killer delay. ;)

[lv]

I'd consider buying another if the static noise on the true bypass when not using a buffer was gone.

[g-nem]

So to get clear on this- as you turn the mix knob towards wet, the dry signal starts to decrease in level? This has always bugged me to no end- if I want an equal wet-dry level, I want the dry level to still be the same volume as the bypassed volume. Is this a problem with all of the delay settings or just he looper?

[JoshuaLogan]

somebody should compile everything into a short, single post that can be edited and added onto...

[starfish]

I really do think whatever upgrade is given will be a huge step in usability of the Timefactor. I already think it is great, but once the kinks are worked out it will truly be a killer delay. ;)

+1. I think it was pretty great out of the box but room for improvements and certainly room to add even more killer features. If they do this and fix the noise I'll be quite happy.

[hbentley]

stop the tempo bleed-over noise in the dsp and dsp + modes (even when bypassed).

[Angle Loss]

somebody should compile everything into a short, single post that can be edited and added onto...

Thanks Joshua for the suggestion, I just did it and will continue to maintain. I will email Eventide on Monday to make them aware of the thread. Hopefully they are already listening.

[JoshuaLogan]

Do you guys think adding the capability to have a delay during looping and the ability to reverse loops is possible with software updates? or do you think those are probably features they can't do now?

[radcliff]

I think since the reverse algorithm is already in the box, they could do it.

[Angle Loss]

Just wanted to bump this up for anyone else who might have some new submissions or strongly agree with some that have already been mentioned before it goes to Eventide.

[starfish]

I thought of another one. When you are in BPM tempo mode, allow the Encoder knob to fine tune BPM. Right now it selects an algorithm. I think it should control fine tune over BPM in BPM mode and selection of algorithm in millisecond mode because the delay knobs control the fine tuning.

Otherwise, there is no way to enter an exact BPM except to tap it exactly. This sucks if you want to precisely match 55 bpm and somehow can't tap it in which is quite difficult. Try it, you'll come up with 52, 54, etc.

[Angle Loss]

I thought of another one. When you are in BPM tempo mode, allow the Encoder knob to fine tune BPM. Right now it selects an algorithm. I think it should control fine tune over BPM in BPM mode and selection of algorithm in millisecond mode because the delay knobs control the fine tuning.

Otherwise, there is no way to enter an exact BPM except to tap it exactly. This sucks if you want to precisely match 55 bpm and somehow can't tap it in which is quite difficult. Try it, you'll come up with 52, 54, etc.

I just sent the email to Eventide inviting them to view our requests.

I do find it hard to dial in exact bpm. I like being able to set the delay times as subdivisions of beats but like viewing that in bpm on the screen when I tap tempo. I was trying to dial in some Edge type stuff getting delay times of a website, but found I couldn't dial in "350ms" exactly.

[starfish]

I just sent the email to Eventide inviting them to view our requests.

I do find it hard to dial in exact bpm. I like being able to set the delay times as subdivisions of beats but like viewing that in bpm on the screen when I tap tempo. I was trying to dial in some Edge type stuff getting delay times of a website, but found I couldn't dial in "350ms" exactly.

I think you can do this by switching out of bpm mode and using the delay time knobs to dial in 350ms, then switch back to bpm and tune the same knobs to select the subdivisions. Of course, you would then want to save this to a preset because it's not the type of thing you can do during a performance. :(

Conversely, I don't see a way to fine tune bpm, which I would like to do without solving a math equation on the fly for milliseconds.

[Angle Loss]

I was trying to fine tune it while in the ms mode using the knob and couldn't get it. I just tried it again. I can get 350ms and 354ms but nothing in between.

[radcliff]

I dont think you can hear the difference between 350ms and 352ms, which may be why they dont allow for the selection that fine.

I do agree it would be useful for matching up to electronic sources that are programmed to a certain bpm, tho.

[Angle Loss]

Yeah, its not a big deal. I was just thinking of certain recording situations. Live use wouldn't matter because of the tap tempo. It's just that stuff gets particular--like when I hear one half of my lawn growing faster than the other half. Damn near makes me crazy! :crazy:p

The volume and vintage delay noise issues are still tops for me to get changed.

[ACDelco]

You can fine tune delay times in Tempo mode or non-Tempo mode simply by pressing the Tap footswitch once and then turning the encoder knob. (If you aren't using an external footswitch then you must be in Play Mode to do this.)

[starfish]

You can fine tune delay times in Tempo mode or non-Tempo mode simply by pressing the Tap footswitch once and then turning the encoder knob. (If you aren't using an external footswitch then you must be in Play Mode to do this.)

Beautiful! Thank you. This works. Scratch the request from the list.

[Angle Loss]

Thanks for the tip, don't know how I missed it after reading the manual that many times. :jo

I have recieved word back from Eventide thanking all of you for your contributions to this thread. They have taken these requests to their development team and are currently working on it. I'll let you guys know when I hear word of anything. They are continuing to monitor this thread for our user feedback (alright, pun intended...) if anyone wishes to contribute more or echo in agreement for things already mentioned.

I have to say that I've been unusually impressed with their attentiveness to our requests and inquiries. Thank you Eventide.

[Angle Loss]

Just thought I'd bump this thread for anymore input from new users (or old ones with new ideas)

[Eventide]

Eventide has identified the source of noise that has been reported by a small number of Time Factor users.

We have found that when certain guitars with very high impedance pickups are connected directly to TimeFactor’s input, the input circuit becomes sensitive to stray noise. This noise does not occur with all guitars nor when TimeFactor is preceded by another pedal or connected in the amp’s effects loop.

This issue has been resolved by adding shielding to the input circuitry to protect it from outside noise. This shield will be a standard part of all TimeFactors, and effective immediately, all new units will ship with this shielding installed.

If you are experiencing this noise issue and wish to have the shielding installed in your unit, please contact the Eventide support department to schedule the installation. Eventide will provide this retrofit at any time during the lifetime of the product.

We are currently awaiting the arrival of the shields from our supplier, and expect to begin retrofitting units in early October. Unfortunately, the installation can only be performed by our factory technicians and will therefore require shipping your unit to Eventide. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

[Andre357]

Eventide has identified the source of noise that has been reported by a small number of Time Factor users.

We have found that when certain guitars with very high impedance pickups are connected directly to TimeFactor’s input, the input circuit becomes sensitive to stray noise. This noise does not occur with all guitars nor when TimeFactor is preceded by another pedal or connected in the amp’s effects loop.

This issue has been resolved by adding shielding to the input circuitry to protect it from outside noise. This shield will be a standard part of all TimeFactors, and effective immediately, all new units will ship with this shielding installed.

If you are experiencing this noise issue and wish to have the shielding installed in your unit, please contact the Eventide support department to schedule the installation. Eventide will provide this retrofit at any time during the lifetime of the product.

We are currently awaiting the arrival of the shields from our supplier, and expect to begin retrofitting units in early October. Unfortunately, the installation can only be performed by our factory technicians and will therefore require shipping your unit to Eventide. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Thank you for your honesty regarding this issue. Could you please let us know when the new units with sheilding will begin hitting stores. Or from what serial number on will be the enhanced model ?

Are there any unsheilded units that will be released and shipped that may already have gone through the manufacturing process ??

[Spellbound]

I'd like to know when my timefactor that supposedly came from the OCT 8th batch will be getting sent to me by ZZounds where i ordered and paid in full for it. Since Im writing this on OCT 26th it seems there is some sort of LAG time between the 8th when they were released and the time they get to the respective stores?

[Angle Loss]

I'd like to know when my timefactor that supposedly came from the OCT 8th batch will be getting sent to me by ZZounds where i ordered and paid in full for it. Since Im writing this on OCT 26th it seems there is some sort of LAG time between the 8th when they were released and the time they get to the respective stores?

This thread is about the software update. I don't know what ZZounds told you, but evidently they didn't have them in stock! I haven't heard about any OCT 8 batch. All I know is that mine has been given the upgraded shielding just last week, so I imagine you would be getting yours not too long from now. You are welcome back to post you comments about the software after you get yours. Good luck.

[Angle Loss]

btw, I just got a Digitech FS300 footswitch and it works great with the TF. I now use the TF's switches for bank mode, and the FS for play mode.