Eventide TimeFactor vs. Damage Control TimeLine

[emainge]

Does anyone have any thoughts on which of the Eventide TimeFactor and th Damage Control TimeLine pedals is better in terms of sounds, usability, features, etc.? It seems like the Eventide has an edge based on its featuring two independent delays, but are there other important differences? Thanks in advance.

[williamh]

I've owned both, and currently own the damage control timeline. The eventide is layed out a lot better. With the addition of an external tap-tempo footswitch the eventide makes it super simple to go through presets. It's got a much smaller footprint, and it is a lot more tweakable. Having said all that, based on sound alone, I have the timeline on my board. Its simply the best sounding delay unit I've owned(and I've owned a ton of delays....nova, replica, dl4, memory lane, analogman, dm3, eventide). With the addition of a tech 21 midi mouse, you can go through presets more easily on the timeline, which takes up more space. To me, its worth all the space it takes up though. I love it.

[emainge]

Thanks for getting back to me, Williamh. How responsive is the strum tempo thing on the TimeLine, as opposed to the tap tempo? Also, do you use the multi mode for doing rythmic stuff? I'm hoping I can setup one head at something like eigth notes, another at dotted eighth notes, and use tap/strum tempo to get rythmic delays. Have you done this sort of thing?

[williamh]

I always just use the tap tempo feature instead of strum tempo. The strum tempo works just fine though. I'm pretty much almost always using dotted 8th note delay. It's big downfall is that if you don't have a midi device, using presets takes away your ability to tap/strum tempo. To be honest, the delay itself is a p.i.t.a. because of the size of it, and needing a midi device to use presets and tap tempo. It also depends on what type of sound you want out of a delay. The reason I like it so much is that is provides crystal clear delay without sounding digital. To be honest, the timeline is a pedal I'd say is one of those things you need to try before you buy. Perhaps through musiciansfriend(I think they have a decent return policy)? If the sound isn't exactly what you're looking for, the eventide is definitely a better option.

My story is that I bought a timeline, and it took up too much space on my board. I sold the timeline for a nova which I never clicked with at all, then sold the nova for a timefactor. The timefactor was nice, but never quite captured the sound of the timeline that I'd loved so much. Ended up downsizing the amount of pedals being used on my board and actually had the space for a timeline again. Picked up a timeline and midi mouse and haven't looked back since.

[emainge]

Williamh,
Oddly enough, I already have a MidiMoose, so I'm not far off from your setup. One thing that makes the TimeLine appealing: It seems to be the only one among the recent higher-end delays pedals where the manufacturer is proud enough of its D/A A/D conversion specs to actually publish those specs. What's with the TimeFactor and Nova pedals? Have you seen anything on their sampling rates, internal processing?

[emainge]

Well, I had the Damage Control TimeLine for short time and decided that was enough. It's definitely a good sounding dealy, but wow, what an arcane interface, magic lights and all. Also, I'm not overly convinced about the use of 12ax7s for getting a little grit on a delay, and the pelay is simply too damn big, has to be the largest pedal I've ever seen. What the heck were they thinkinga about with that design? Cmon.

The TimeFactor has only been on my board for a few hours now, so still seeing it through rose-colored lenses. So far, I'd say there's way more functionality there, much better interface, better sample sounds, just all around cooler pedal. What's the scoop with the shielding issue?

[rwe333]

I haven't tried the Eventide - seems it's been back-ordered for ages (I almost wonder how many that voted have actually played it?).

The TimeLine is a great unit - rack effect sound quality, very low noise, musical, versatile...
But, yes, it's a big footprint. Also, w/ the tubes, it's 1000 mA! So, it needs to be powered w/ it's adapter/transformer as it exceeds the limits of available power supplies.

[bkd_guitarist]

I own the Timefactor. I played the Timeline in a music store and liked it, by IMHO the TF blows it away in terms of sound quality and user interface. And it's SO much smaller. I couldn't believe how big the Timeline and other Damage Control effects are. I'd love to buy a Glass Nexus, but I'd have to get rid of half my pedals to make room for one of those manhole covers.

[Passenger84]

Wow. I gotta throw in my lot with the Timeline. The Timefactor was really nice, but I couldn't get over it converting my dry signal. So I bought a Timeline and did a shootout, and I parted with the Timefactor. Maybe my ears are wierd, bought I'm loving the sound of that Timeline right now.