Eventide TimeFactor User manual

User Guide
WARNING
Use only with supplied power supply.
Avoid spilling liquids onto/into the unit.
Do not expose to excessive heat or moisture.
Do not open –there are no user serviceable parts inside.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device pursuant to Part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Complete TF UG Part # 159020
TF UG Contents Part # 141131 Rev E
Eventide and Harmonizer are registered trademarks of Eventide Inc. ©2014 Eventide Inc.

TimeFactor User Guide Table of Contents
Introduction...........................................................................................................5
A Few Words of Advice...........................................................................................5
Key Features ..........................................................................................................5
The Website ...........................................................................................................5
Overview................................................................................................................6
The Basics..............................................................................................................6
Connections...........................................................................................................9
Typical Setups........................................................................................................9
Bypass .................................................................................................................16
Mix Control..........................................................................................................17
Peak LED..............................................................................................................18
The Effects...........................................................................................................19
Control Knobs/Effect Parameters .........................................................................20
Dly Mix......................................................................................................................... 21
Dly Time A & Dly Time B................................................................................................ 22
Fdbk A & Fdbk B ........................................................................................................... 22
DigitalDelay .................................................................................................................. 22
VintageDelay ................................................................................................................ 22
TapeEcho...................................................................................................................... 22
ModDelay..................................................................................................................... 23
DuckedDelay................................................................................................................. 23
BandDelay .................................................................................................................... 23
FilterPong ..................................................................................................................... 23
MultiTap....................................................................................................................... 23
Reverse......................................................................................................................... 24
Looper .................................................................................................................25
Empty .......................................................................................................................... 25
Recording..................................................................................................................... 26
Dubbing....................................................................................................................... 26
Playing ......................................................................................................................... 26
Stopped ....................................................................................................................... 26
Emptying the Loop........................................................................................................ 26
Bank Mode................................................................................................................... 27
Looper Control Knobs ................................................................................................... 27
Tempo Mode and MIDICLK Sync.................................................................................... 29

TimeFactor User Guide Table of Contents
Catchup ...............................................................................................................31
Expression Pedal..................................................................................................32
The Footswitches - Play and Bank Mode...............................................................34
Play Mode .................................................................................................................... 34
Bank Mode................................................................................................................... 35
Tempo .................................................................................................................36
Tempo ON/OFF ............................................................................................................. 36
Tap Tempo ................................................................................................................... 37
Adjusting Tempo & Tweaking Delays ............................................................................. 37
Global - Tempo............................................................................................................. 37
Edited Preset Indication........................................................................................37
Saving Presets......................................................................................................38
Naming Your Presets..................................................................................................... 38
Organizing Your Presets in Banks................................................................................... 39
Dumping (Backing-up) Presets and System Settings........................................................ 39
Restoring Presets and System Settings............................................................................ 39
Auxiliary Switches ................................................................................................40
MIDI.....................................................................................................................40
System Mode .......................................................................................................41
To Enter/Exit System Mode ............................................................................................ 41
System Mode Navigation............................................................................................... 41
System Menu Tree................................................................................................41
[BYPASS] –Select Bypass Mode ..................................................................................... 41
[AUX SW] –Program Auxiliary Switches ......................................................................... 42
[MIDI] - MIDI Functions ................................................................................................. 45
[GLOBAL] - Global Functions.......................................................................................... 50
[UTILITY] - Utility Functions............................................................................................ 51
H9 Control ...........................................................................................................53
Restoring Factory Settings/Software Updates .......................................................54
Restoring Factory System Settings.................................................................................. 54
Restoring Factory Presets and System Settings ................................................................ 54
Software Updates ......................................................................................................... 54
MIDI Implementation Chart ..................................................................................55
Specifications.......................................................................................................56

TimeFactor User Guide Table of Contents
LIMITED WARRANTY .............................................................................................57

TimeFactor User Guide Introduction
5
Introduction
Congratulations on choosing an Eventide Effects Processor. For years we’ve dreamed of
putting our rack mount effects in the hands of performing musicians and, in particular, at the
feet of guitar players. TimeFactor is the realization of that dream; bringing true studio-quality
audio, massive processing power, world-class effects, and unmatched flexibility to your live
sound.
A Few Words of Advice
TimeFactor packs an unprecedented degree of processing and flexibility into a small package.
Our goal in creating TimeFactor was to give you the power to transform your sound. From
the start, we recognized that the key to realizing this goal was to give you the flexibility to
bend and twist this power in the service of your creativity.
We’ve worked hard to make TimeFactor easy to use. We’ve done our best to design an
intuitive User Interface to manage and control the awesome power and flexibility packed into
every Factor Effects processor. We hope that you will take the time to master it.
We know that you’re eager to get going and hope that you’ll read this User Guide. However,
if you read nothing else, please read The Basics.
Key Features
Eventide’s 9 best delay effects plus a Looper
Twin delays with up to 3 seconds of delay each
Support for instrument and line level connectivity
External Expression Pedal and Aux Switch for external control
100 User Presets - Instant access to any 2 Presets at a time
Bright, easy-to-read Billboard Display
Extensive MIDI functionality
Software upgrades via USB
The Website
www.eventide.com/AudioDivision.aspx is where you’ll find Versions of this User Guide in
other languages, Frequently Asked Questions, accessories information, and Instructions for
downloading software updates.

TimeFactor User Guide Overview
6
Overview
The Basics
There are a few basic concepts that you’ll have to grasp to use TimeFactor successfully. If you
read nothing else, please read this section.
The Effects
There are ten distinct delay types which we call “Effects.” Select an Effect by turning the
Encoder knob. Only one Effect can be active at a time.
Controlling the Effects
Each Effect has parameters that can be modified by turning the ten Control Knobs. The
control knobs allow you to set delay time, feedback, mix levels and adjust other parameters
that change the sound of each Effect. Also, certain aspects of the Effect can be controlled by
the Footswitches.
Using the Footswitches
The Footswitches can be used in two ways- Play Mode and Bank Mode.
In Play Mode, the Footswitches are used to control certain aspects of the Effects, like Tap
Tempo and Infinite Repeat. In Bank Mode, the Footswitches are used to instantly recall saved
versions of the Effects.

TimeFactor User Guide The Basics
7
Before we describe the Footswitch modes, we’ll need to define some terms.
The Presets
TimeFactor lets you save an Effect after you’ve adjusted the Control Knobs. An Effect along
with a particular setting of its parameters is called a “Preset.” TimeFactor lets you save up to
100 Presets. Instructions on saving Presets are covered later in this User Guide.
The Banks
TimeFactor lets you quickly switch between two Presets. In Bank Mode, just press either the
Left or Middle Footswitch to instantly call up your Preset.
Presets are stored in pairs and each pair of Presets is called a Bank. There are a total of 50
Banks to hold the 100 Presets. The Preset Banks are accessed by tapping the Right Footswitch
in Bank Mode.
If you have updated the TimeFactor from an earlier software release, you may need to
increase the number of banks in the UTILITY menu to make all of the banks visible.
Play and Bank Footswitch Modes
To switch between Play and Bank mode press and hold the Right Footswitch for a few
seconds. Notice that the Billboard display changes.
In Play Mode, you’ll see the name of the Effect that’s currently loaded, for example
DigitalDelay [DIGIDLY]. An ORANGE LED located above the Left Footswitch indicates that the
Effect/Preset is Active (not Bypassed).
In Bank Mode, you’ll see a number, a colon, another number, and the preset name. For
example, [1:1 Prist] indicates Preset 1 of Bank 1, named Pristine Digital Delay. A RED LED over
either the Left or Middle Footswitch indicates that an Effect/Preset is Active.
Each time that you press and hold the Right Footswitch, the mode will change from one
mode to the other.
Using Play Mode
When you’re in Play Mode, the Footswitches are used to control the Effect that’s currently
loaded. For all nine of the Delay Effects, the Left Switch toggles Bypass/Active, the Middle
Switch toggles infinite Repeat On and Off, and the Right Switch lets you tap a Tempo. For the
Looper, the Play Mode Footswitches are used as transport controls, Record, Play and Stop.
Using Bank Mode
Go to Bank mode. The Billboard displays the number of the current Preset - for example you
might see [1:1 Prist]. This means that you’re in Bank 1 and that Preset 1, named Pristine
Digital Delay, is loaded. If the Preset is Active (not Bypassed), you’ll also notice that the Left
Footswitch LED is solidly lit. If Preset 2 is currently loaded and Active, the LED above the
Middle Footswitch will be solidly lit.

TimeFactor User Guide The Basics
8
Try alternately pressing the Left and Middle Footswitches to load the Presets in the active
Bank. The Billboard displays either Preset 1 or Preset 2 from the same Bank and the associated
Footswitch LED is lit RED.
To bypass the currently loaded Preset, press the Footswitch associated with the lit LED. The
LED will turn OFF and the Billboard will briefly display [BYPASS] and then display the Preset #
that’s in Bypass. Press the same switch again to enable the Preset. The Billboard briefly
displays [ACTIVE] to indicate that the Preset is enabled.
Changing Banks
In Bank Mode, 2 of the 100 Presets are instantly accessible. In order to access the other 98
Presets, you’ll have to change Banks. TimeFactor gives you the ability to turn Banks on and
off. This ability is important for performance –you can choose to only activate the Banks and
Presets that you’ll need. TimeFactor ships with all Banks (1-50) Active.
Let’s try changing Banks. First, be sure that you’re in Bank mode. Now, tap the Right
Footswitch. As you tap, the display will increment through the Bank numbers from 1 to 50.
When a new Bank is displayed, the Bank is cued and 2 new Presets are ready to go. To load
the new Preset though, you must press one of the other 2 Footswitches. Press the Left Foot-
switch to load Preset 1 from the new Bank or press the Middle Footswitch to load Preset 2.
While in Bank Mode, the Encoder knob can also be used to select banks in either direction if
turned within 2 seconds of pressing a bank change footswitch.
TimeFactor Power Up
When TimeFactor turns on it remembers what it was last doing and powers up in the same
mode, running the same Effect, with the same parameter values, same tempo, same system
settings, etc. With power off, relays connect TimeFactor’s inputs directly to its outputs.
Twin Delays
TimeFactor has two inputs and two outputs and gives you the ability to control two delays of
up to 3 seconds each. These two delays are designated as Delay A and Delay B. Depending on
the Effect and your Input/Output connections, the delays may work on independent inputs
and outputs or the delays may be fed from the same input and the delay outputs combined.
While having the ability to use two delays for your effects is a boon to mankind, it can also
make life a bit interesting. When creating your sounds, we recommend setting Dly Mix to
100% Delay A to adjust Delay A’s delay time and feedback first. Then set Dly Mix to 100%
Delay B to adjust Delay B’s delay time and feedback. By adjusting the delays independently,
you’ll be able to clearly hear what each is doing. Once each delay is set the way you like it,
use Dly Mix to mix the delays and, if necessary, tweak the twin delays settings again.
Can Two Effects Be Used Simultaneously?
No. When you load an Effect it runs on both channels. Effects can be used as Stereo In/Stereo
Out, Mono In/Stereo Out, or Mono In/Mono Out. (Looper is an exception –it’s Mono
In/Mono Out only.) TimeFactor is smart enough to know what cables are connected and to
automatically route the twin delays for your set up.

TimeFactor User Guide Connections
9
Connections
TimeFactor is designed to be flexible and can support both instrument and line-level inputs
and outputs. Rear panel toggle switches allow you to independently select input and output
levels. Audio Inputs and Outputs accept standard mono (unbalanced) ¼” phone plugs.
TimeFactor can be connected directly to your guitar, behind another pedal, in your Amp’s
effects loop or to your mixer’s send/return or insert. Given the variety of guitars, effects
pedals, amps and mixers, we can’t describe a ‘best’ setup. The setup should be driven by you
and the sound that you’re going for. That writ, here are some suggestions and typical setups.
Note: It’s best to connect TimeFactor after distortion effects, compressors, EQs, and noise
gates.
Typical Setups
Here are some suggested ways of connecting to your rig and suggested I/O level switch
settings:

TimeFactor User Guide Typical Setups
10
Guitar > TimeFactor > Amp - Mono In/Mono Out
This is the simplest way to connect TimeFactor. Connect your guitar cable to TimeFactor Input
1 and a cable from TimeFactor Output 1 to your amp. Input and Output Level switches (In Lvl
& Out Lvl) should be set to GUITAR and AMP.
If you are using other stompboxes or pedals, it’s best to connect them in front of TimeFactor.
Connect TimeFactor’s Input 1 to the output of the last pedal. If TimeFactor’s peak LED lights
solidly, set TimeFactor’s In Lvl to LINE.

TimeFactor User Guide Typical Setups
11
Guitar > TimeFactor > Amp 1/Amp2 –Mono or Stereo In/Stereo Out
Connect your guitar cable to TimeFactor Input 1 and a cable from TimeFactor Output 1 to
one amp and a second cable from TimeFactor Output 2 to the other amp. Input Level switch
(In Lvl) should be set to GUITAR and Output Level switch (Out Lvl) set to AMP.
If you are using other stompboxes or pedals, it’s best to connect them in front of TimeFactor.
Connect TimeFactor’s Input 1 to Output 1 of the other pedal. If the other pedal has stereo
outputs, connect its Output 2 to TimeFactor’s Input 2. If TimeFactor’s peak LED lights solidly,
set TimeFactor’s In Lvl to LINE.

TimeFactor User Guide Typical Setups
12
Guitar > Amp Effects Send > TimeFactor > Amp Effects Return
If your Amp has an Effect Loop, you can connect TimeFactor’s Input to the Amp Effect Loop
Send and TimeFactor’s Output to the Amp Effect Loop Return. Most guitar amp’s Effects
Loop run at Line Level so set TimeFactor’s Input and Output Level Switches to “Line.”

TimeFactor User Guide Typical Setups
13
Mixer Effects Send> TimeFactor > Mixer Effects Return
When connecting TimeFactor to a Mixer, set TimeFactor’s Input and Output Level Switches to
“Line.”

TimeFactor User Guide Setting and Monitoring Levels
14
Setting and Monitoring Levels
The TimeFactor’s output levels can be adjusted to optimize performance in most setups.
It is sometimes desirable to adjust the output level of a given Effect/Preset. For example, an
effect like DuckedDelay may have changes in amplitude and, depending on a given Preset’s
parameter settings, you may find it too quiet or too loud. This is a consequence of the effect
and not a question of level matching to best fit in a setup. For this reason, Output Level
settings can be tweaked and saved with the Preset.
Setting Preset Output Level
To set Preset Output Level in PLAY Mode, hold down the Left Footswitch for 2 seconds from
the Bypass state. This puts the unit into Active, as well as Preset O/P Level Adjust Mode.
While the Footswitch is pressed and held, the display will show “OP 0dB” (default). While
continuing to hold the footswitch down, you can optionally turn the Encoder Knob to adjust
Preset Output Level from -20dB to +6dB in 1dB increments. Preset must be saved to store
this setting.
To set Preset Output Level in BANK Mode, press and hold the Left or Middle Footswitch while
in Bypass.
Monitoring Input Level
To make it easier to control input noise (hiss), we have added an input signal level.
To access the meter, make sure the TimeFactor is in PLAY Mode. Press and hold both the Left
and Right Footswitches. A vertical bar will appear in the middle display, and a meter will light
from left to right when there is an input signal present. For best signal-to-noise performance,
each input signal peak should go past the bar in the middle. If it does not, it indicates that
the input level is on the low side. In this case, a buffer or preamp should be used to boost
the input level.

TimeFactor User Guide SpillOver
15
SpillOver
SpillOver provides smooth transitions when changing Presets by fading the lingering echoes
of one Preset into the echoes of the next Preset.
SpillOver [SPILL] can be turned ON or OFF from the Utility section of the System menu.
Default is OFF. Here’s how to change this:
1) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few seconds
to enter System Mode. Release the Encoder.
2) Turn the Encoder until [UTILITY] is displayed.
3) Momentarily press the Encoder.
4) Turn the Encoder until [SPILL] is displayed.
5) Momentarily press the Encoder.
6) Turn the Encoder to select [ON] or [OFF].
7) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few seconds
to exit System Mode.

TimeFactor User Guide Bypass
16
Bypass
It’s important to select the TimeFactor Bypass function that works best with your setup.
TimeFactor gives you the choice of three types of Bypass –DSP Bypass, Relay Bypass, and
DSP+FX Bypass. TimeFactor’s default Bypass setting is DSP Bypass.
DSP Bypass
TimeFactor’s default is [DSP] Bypass. When set to [DSP] Bypass, bypassing sends the audio at
the DSP’s inputs directly to the outputs without any effects processing. This type of bypassing
works well in most situations.
Relay Bypass/True Bypass
Some guitar players prefer a “true bypass” in which the pedal’s electronics are completely
disconnected from the signal path. When [RELAY] Bypass is selected TimeFactor uses relays to
“hard wire” your inputs to your outputs. (In fact, whenever TimeFactor’s power is off, the
relays are disabled and TimeFactor’s electronics are completely bypassed.)
Relay Bypass is not a good choice, however, if TimeFactor’s input is your guitar and you’ve
connected TimeFactor’s output directly to a non-instrument level input device or have
connected to your amp over a long cable. Non-instrument inputs are often low impedance
(typically 10K ohm) and will load the guitar output and change its tone. DSP Bypass allows
TimeFactor to act as a buffer, providing a low impedance output (500 ohm) capable of
driving any device input or cable length.
Note: Relay Bypass should not be used if the Input/Output Lvl switches are set opposite to
one another. Specifically, if the Input Lvl switch is set for GUITAR and the Output Lvl switch is
set to LINE or the Input Lvl switch is set for LINE and the Output Lvl switch is set to AMP,
TimeFactor will not have unity gain. In this case, using Relay Bypass will result in a level
change whenever you Bypass TimeFactor.
DSP+FX Bypass
TimeFactor also supports a type of Bypass called DSP plus Effects ([DSP+FX]). When [DSP+FX]
is selected, Bypass combines the audio at the DSP’s inputs with the DSP’s outputs AND stops
feeding any new input signal to the DSP Effects inputs. DSP+FX makes it possible to Bypass
an Effect without abruptly killing the tail of the Effect that you’ve been using.
Selecting Bypass Type
The Bypass mode is selected in System Mode under [BYPASS]. [DSP] is the default. Here’s how
to change it:
1) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few
seconds to enter System Mode. Release the Encoder.
2) Turn the Encoder until [BYPASS] is displayed.
3) Momentarily press the Encoder.
4) Turn the Encoder until [BYP TYP] is displayed.
5) Momentarily press the Encoder.
6) Turn the Encoder to select [DSP], [RELAY] or [DSP+FX].

TimeFactor User Guide Mix Control
17
7) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few
seconds to exit System Mode.
Note: TimeFactor has been carefully designed to not mess with your tone in any of the Bypass
settings.
Note: When connecting TimeFactor to a computer, we suggest that you use a dedicated
audio interface (e.g. a Firewire Interface) and to select the type of Bypass that works best for
your application.
Note: When TimeFactor is turned Off, the relays automatically Bypass the unit. This means
that if power should accidentally go down while you’re playing, your guitar signal will not
disappear because of TimeFactor. Of course, if power is down, you may have bigger
problems.
Mix Control
The Mix control sets the relative levels of the input signal (Dry) and the Effect (Wet).
Mono/Stereo
TimeFactor detects which input and output jacks have cables plugged in and the action of the
Mix Control behaves appropriately. With a Mono Input (Input 1) and Stereo Outputs, the dry
contribution for both outputs comes from the Mono Input (Input 1). With Stereo Inputs, the
dry contribution at Output 1 is from Input 1 and the dry contribution at Output 2 is from
Input 2, thereby maintaining the original signal stereo image.
Killdry –Send/Return Loop
If you’ve connected your TimeFactor using an effect send/return loop (either your amp’s or a
mixer’s), TimeFactor’s Killdry feature can be enabled. With Killdry enabled, the Mix Control
works as a Master Effects Level Control.
When Killdry is enabled, the Mix Control does not send any dry signal to the outputs; only the
Effect. The Mix Control simply adjusts the Effect level. Note that when Killdry is enabled,
Bypassing will mute the Effect rather than Bypass it.
Killdry’s factory default is disabled. It can be enabled in the [BYPASS] menu of the System
Mode. Here’s how:
1) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few seconds
to enter System Mode. Release the Encoder.
2) Turn the Encoder until [BYPASS] is displayed.
3) Momentarily press the Encoder.
4) Turn the Encoder until [KILLDRY] is displayed.
5) Momentarily press the Encoder.
6) Turn the Encoder to select either [YES] or [NO].
7) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few seconds
to exit System Mode.

TimeFactor User Guide Mix Control
18
Global - Mix
Mix values are always saved with each Preset. Often however, it’s useful to set the same Mix
values for all of the Presets that you’re using. To do this, use the MIX function under the
System GLOBAL command. When MIX is ON, the Mix values saved with the Preset are
ignored and the current Mix value is used for all Presets.
Turning MIX ON or OFF. The factory default is OFF.
1) Press and hold the Encoder and Right Footswitch simultaneously for a few seconds
to enter System Mode. Release the Encoder.
2) Turn the Encoder until [UTILITY] is displayed.
3) Momentarily press the Encoder.
4) Turn the Encoder until [GLOBAL] is displayed.
5) Momentarily press the Encoder.
6) Turn the Encoder until [MIX] is displayed.
7) Momentarily press the Encoder.
8) Turn the Encoder to select [ON] or [OFF].
Peak LED
The Peak LED lights to indicate that the input signal level is near clipping. Occasional flashing
is OK. If Peak LED is lit solidly, reduce the input level either by reducing the signal level fed to
TimeFactor or by setting the rear panel input switch to the Line position.

TimeFactor User Guide The Effects
19
The Effects
TimeFactor has nine distinct delay Effects –DigitalDelay, VintageDelay, TapeEcho, ModDelay,
DuckedDelay, BandDelay, FilterPong, MultiTap, Reverse - and a Looper.
DigitalDelay –
Twin 3 second delays with independent delay time and feedback controls.
VintageDelay –
Simulates the sound of analog and digital delays from days gone by.
TapeEcho –
Simulates the saturation, wow and flutter of analog tape delay.
ModDelay –
Modulated delays –great for creating chorus effects and chorused delays.
DuckedDelay –
The delay levels are dynamically lowered while you’re playing and restored to their normal
levels when you stop playing.
BandDelay –
Delays are followed by user selectable modulated filters.
FilterPong –
The dual delays ping pong between the outputs with filter effects added for good measure.
MultiTap –
10 delay taps with controls for delay time, diffusion, tap levels and tap spacing.
Reverse –
Reverse audio effects.
Looper –
12 second Looper with Dubbing and speed control.
Selecting Effects
The nine delay Effects and the Looper can be selected by turning the Encoder. Using the
Encoder to select Effects is a good way to get a feel for what TimeFactor can do.
Turn the Encoder to step through and load each of the Effects. As each Effect is selected, the
Effect is loaded, the green LED to the left of the Effect name is lit and the Billboard displays
the Effect name.

TimeFactor User Guide Control Knobs/Effect Parameters
20
Control Knobs/Effect Parameters
When an Effect is selected using the Encoder, the Effect’s parameter values are set by the
current position of the ten control knobs. When a control knob is turned, the Billboard
displays the parameter’s name and value. The controls are arranged in two rows and grouped
according to their functions.
The control knobs located along the top row are the primary level setting, delay times and
feedback controls. The top row knobs allow you to independently set delay and feedback for
each of the twin delays.
The bottom row control knobs set modulation and filter parameters as well as parameters
that are specific to each Effect. In most cases, the bottom row control knobs simultaneously
set values for both delays and don’t provide independent settings for each of the twin delays.
Note: The Encoder can be used to fine-tune all knob parameters if turned within 2 seconds of
turning the parameter’s knob.