TC Electronic Flashback x4
Flashback X4 has the same delay, feedback, and level knobs as the Flashback, but with 12 different delay types and four TonePrint slots. It also contains a high functioning looper, which is much easier to use than the one in the Flashback, as the X4 has record, play/pause, and play once knobs that are absent from the smaller version. But beware. This pedal is HUGE.
External Control: MIDI/EXP/APP/TPRINT
Cost: $$
HornFX Review
Interface: 4.5/5
With all of that physical space opened up, one would expect an advanced interface over its little cousin. In this respect, the X4 delivers. The dual function as looper and delay pedal are incredibly easy to use and understand. This pedal’s looper controls are quite nice. The addition of optional midi control is another game changer. It is also impressive how inviting and simple to understand this pedal is, considering how big it is.
Versatility: 4.5/5
This pedal certainly gets a versatility bump over its smaller family members due to its expanded presets and TonePrint slots. The highly usable looper gives it an extra boost as well. This is a fantastically wide ranging pedal.
Tonal Reproduction: 4/5
This pedal is another brick in the stronghold of quality tone and sonic integrity that is TC Electronics.
Complexity: High
Live application: 3/5
Although this pedal does give you an amazing set of truly simple tools to use on stage, it is so goddamn big. The size truly does limit its usability, but that is still not enough to overshadow how fantastically this pedal would function on your board if space was unlimited.
User Reviews
Product Information
Nicolo, Flute - "It has kept me from buying much else, because it is so diverse. It's strong and large, but not clunky. The hardware and electrical work is super high-quality, useable (no noise) without a transformer (just XLR to 1/4"). Delay is such an integral part to the history of effected flute! I use it in my setup with a mic -> transformer -> EHX Nano POG -> TCE Flashback x4."
Blair, Trumpet - "I have owned the Flashback x4 for three years and use it all the time, in a variety of situations. Combination pedals that work well are amazing, and this pedal does not disappoint. This pedal has great delays, three presets, tap tempo delay, online customizable delays, AND a looper. What more do I need to say? MAYBE it could have more presets? It is great by itself or in combination with other effects. In spite of its many options and variety, I would say the Flashback x4 is still quite simple to use."
40 second looper with undo function
Independent loop and delay engines
True Bypass (optional buffered)
Analog-Dry-Through
Expression pedal input
Stereo in- and output
MIDI enabled
Subdivision selector including dual delay
9 Volt DC power supply included
Legendary delay pedal with 3 pressure-sensitive footswitches, new algorithms and 6 presets
3 footswitches with MASH let you toggle between delay sounds instantly
New pristine Crystal algorithm along with hyper-realistic Analog and Tape algorithms
Preset bank switch lets you easily access up to 6 stored delay presets
10 quality delay types plus 6 TonePrint slots that let you store effects and artist TonePrints
Dedicated tap tempo switch keeps your delay effects right on the beat
MASH footswitches give you powerful effect-specific real-time parameter control
Subdivision knob with 11 tempo settings for a wealth of rhythmic delay possibilities
Craft delays and customize MASH functionality with free TonePrint App (PC, Mac*, iPhone*, Android* and iPad*)
Analog-Dry-Through maintains integrity of analog dry signal path when delay is on
Expression pedal and MIDI inputs control parameters and preset changes remotely and lock delays to external MIDI tempo
40 second looper with footswitches for Record, Play/Pause, Play Once and Undo/Redo for total creative freedom
3-Year Warranty Program*
Designed and engineered in Denmark
FLASHBACK 2 X4 DELAY
Awesome delays are part of our DNA here at TC Electronic. It’s something we take very seriously. So, when it comes to making flagship delay pedals, you know we’re swinging for the fences. With the power of 4 FLASHBACK 2’s and an expanded interface that offers 3 MASH switches, tap tempo, 6 slots for storing artist or custom TonePrints in 2 banks with 3 presets each, FLASHBACK 2 X4 is our most powerful delay machine ever.
Open Delay Buffet
FLASHBACK 2 X4 features a colorful palette of studio-grade delays, including the all-new and improved Analog and Tape delay algorithms, which set a new standard in realism. Our hauntingly, lush Crystal algorithm, developed around our proprietary polyphonic octave algorithm from our lauded SUB ‘N’ UP Octaver, creates an other-worldly shimmer that is as inspiring – as it is spine-tingling! Plus, we’ve added a brand-new dual delay algorithm with two individual engines for intertwining 2 echo lines at the same time – for epic Gilmour-esque soundscapes. FLASHBACK 2 X4 is even backwards compatible, which means you can still use the original FLASHBACK presets you know and love.
Tapper’s Delight
When your creative juices are really flowing, and you’ve got gallons of hot adrenaline rushing through your fingertips, you need the ability to adjust your settings quickly and dynamically. FLASHBACK 2 X4’s dedicated tap tempo switch lets you stomp out any time signature you want for airtight echoes that right on the beat. There’s even a convenient global tempo mode that lets you sync up all of your delay presets in about 2 seconds.
Preset Paradise
Once you get into the deep magic of delay tones, you won’t want to limit yourself. FLASHBACK 2 X4 lets you link a preset to each of the 3 MASH switches for fast and easy toggling between tonescapes. A nifty little mini-switch lets you toggle between preset banks 1 and 2 for a total of 6 sumptuous delay presets on speed dial. Holding down the Tap footswitch lets you switch banks mid-song for an instant change of echo.
Making it Personal
Look we get it – TonePrints are addictive. When you can customize your effects in minutiae, going back to predetermined settings can be hard. That’s why we’ve expanded the X4 design to hold a whopping 6 TonePrint slots, giving you the freedom to fill up your preset bank account with your own range of fine-tuned, unique delay tones. And since there’s a modulation engine in FLASHBACK 2 X4, you can even make a dedicated chorus or flanger TonePrint if you like. Go ahead – make this pedal your own!
Thrice the MASHing Capacity!
We’re crazy about the MASH footswitch and its sonic possibilities! As the flagship of our delay pedal range, it seems only fitting that we decked out FLASHBACK 2 X4 with no less than 3 MASH switches. Each footswitch holds a delay preset and the ability to control 3 parameters at once by varying your foot pressure on the switch.
Crossing T’s & Dotting Eighth Notes
Whether you like your delay for subtle slap backs, thickening that heroic spandex solo, or for a full-out fusillade of fiery echoes that pulsate to the beat – FLASHBACK 2 X4’s got what you need. You can even have them all programmed next to each other as presets. With 11 subdivisions including a custom setting you can dial on yourself, Flashback 2 X4 makes it easy and convenient to achieve any kind of delay effect you can imagine.
Product info from the TC Electronic website.