TC Electronic FLASHBACK X4 User manual

FLASHBACK X4
DELAY & LOOPER
User Manual

a
Dynamic 8
2290 8
2290 w/mod 8
Slap 8
Lofi 8
Ping Pong 8
1 – Audio inputs and outputs 9
Audio inputs 9
Audio outputs 9
2 – Expression pedal input 10
Choosing an expression pedal 10
Assigning delay parameters and parameter ranges to an expres-
sion pedal 10
Resetting parameters and parameter ranges 11
3 – Power input 12
4 – USB jack 12
5 – MIDI IN / MIDI THRU jacks 12
MIDI IN jack 12
MIDI THRU jack 12
6 – Delay type selector 13
Table of contents
Introduction 1
Important safety instructions 2
Warning 2
Service 2
EMC / EMI 3
For customers in Canada 3
Unpacking and setting up 4
Ready… 4
Set… 4
Play! 4
Setup example: regular mono signal path 5
Setup example: amplifier effect loop 6
Delay types 7
Tape 7
Tube 7
Space 7
Analog 7
Analog w/mod 7
Reverse 7

b
14 – TAP footswitch 23
Using the Looper module 24
Using the delay in Looper mode 24
Recording a loop 25
Playing a loop continuously 25
Stopping loop playback immediately 25
Playing a loop once 25
Stopping loop playback at the end of the loop 25
Undoing a loop recording 26
Deleting a loop completely 26
Loops cannot be stored 26
Bypass modes 27
True Bypass mode 27
Buffered Bypass mode 27
Kill-Dry feature 28
The TonePrint concept 14
Transferring TonePrints to the pedal 15
Transferring TonePrints to the pedal via USB 15
Transferring TonePrints to the pedal by beaming 15
7 – DELAY TIME knob 16
8 – Subdivision selector switch 16
9 – FEEDBACK knob 17
10 – DELAY LEVEL knob 17
11 – LOOPER/DELAY switch 18
12 – LOOPER LEVEL knob 19
13 – Preset footswitches (A / B / C) 20
Recalling a preset 20
Factory presets 20
Preset off / Bypass mode 20
Storing presets 21
Delay spill-over 21
TonePrints and presets 22

1
Introduction
About this manual
This manual will provide you with a quick overview of how to get
rocking fast as well as an in-depth look at the pedal’s more ad-
vanced features. Happy reading!
Please note: TC Electronic reserves the rights to change the con-
tents of this manual at any time.
The latest revision of this manual can be downloaded from
http://www.tcelectronic.com/manuals.asp
This is version 1.0 of the Flashback X4 Delay & Looper manual.
If you still have questions after reading this manual, please use
TCElectronic Support:
http://support.tcelectronic.com/
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your new Flashback
X4 Delay & Looper.
Flashback X4 Delay & Looper builds on the success of TC’s
popular Flashback pedal. It provides 12 delay types in pristine TC
Electronic quality, tap tempo and three preset slots for an instant
classic.
Flashback X4 Delay & Looper is TonePrint-enabled, allowing you
to load up to four signature Flashback delay settings as created and
used by the biggest names in rock – from Steve Morse and Doug
Aldrich to Joe Perry, Steve Stevens and many, many more.
We believe that Flashback X4 Delay & Looper offers the best
sounding delay as well as enormous flexibility within a compact
delay pedal – and we are certain that you will feel the same.

2
Important safety instructions
Important safety instructions
– Read these instructions.
– Keep these instructions.
– Heed all warnings.
– Follow all instructions.
– Do not use this apparatus near water.
– Clean only with dry cloth.
– Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
– Do not install near heat sources such as radiators, heat reg-
isters, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
– Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufac-
turer.
– Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate nor-
mally, or has been dropped.
Warning
To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this
equipment to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects
filled with liquids, such as vases, are placed on or near the equip-
ment.
Do not install this product in a confined space.
Service
All service must be performed by qualified personnel.
Caution
You are cautioned that any change or modifications not expressly
approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
When replacing the battery follow the instructions on battery
handling in this manual carefully.

3
EMC / EMI
EMC / EMI
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B Digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in residential installations. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular instal-
lation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
– Consultthedealeroranexperiencedradio/TVtechnicianforhelp.
For customers in Canada
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme
NMB-003 du Canada.

4
Unpacking and setting up
Set…
– Attach the plug applicable to your region to the power supply.
Connect the power supply to the 9V jack on the back of the
Flashback X4 Delay & Looper and plug the power supply into
a power outlet.
– Make sure the LOOPER/DELAY switch is set to “Delay”.
– Connect your instrument to the INPUT MONO jack on the back
of the pedal (see page 5).
– Connect the OUTPUT MONO jack on the back of the pedal to
your amplifier.
Play!
Unpacking and setting up
Ready…
The Flashback X4 Delay & Looper box should contain the follow-
ing items:
– 1 Flashback X4 Delay & Looper pedal
– 1 TC 9V DC power supply with interchangeable plugs
– 2 rubber feet for “non-velcro” pedal board mounting
– 1 USB cable for transferring TonePrints from the computer to
the pedal and updating the pedal firmware
– 1 TC Electronic sticker
– 1 leaflet about TC’s guitar FX product range.
Inspect all items for signs of transit damage. In the un-
likely event of transit damage, inform the carrier and
supplier.
If damage has occurred, keep all packaging as it can be used as
evidence of excessive handling force.

5
Setup examples
Setup example: regular mono signal path
Modulation
Pedals
Drive
Pedals
Input
FX Loop Return
FX Loop Send
Modulation
Pedals
Drive
Pedals
Input

6
Setup examples continued
Setup example: amplifier effect loop
Modulation
Pedals
Drive
Pedals
Input
FX Loop Return
FX Loop Send
Modulation
Pedals
Drive
Pedals
Input

7
Delay types
Delay types
“OK… So what does this thing do?”
“Glad you asked. First and foremost, the Flashback X4 Delay &
Looper is a top-notch delay unit – so let’s talk delays!”
TAPE
Who doesn’t love the smooth sound of an old tape echo machine?
The “Tape” setting makes for an overall great starting point with
its mellow and “warbling” sound.
TUBE
This delay type has been tweaked to sound like an old tube tape
echo – much like the “Tape” setting, but with a bit more warmth.
Use this setting if you want your fans to check the stage for hidden
vintage gear…
SPACE
It’s hard not to like the luscious tape sound of the original Roland®
Space Echo*. The “Space” setting instantly gives you rich echo
sounds with a bit of Space Echo*mojo.
ANALOG
This is as close as you can get to the charming nature of an old
analog transistor bucket-brigade delay without buying the real
thing! With every repeat you get more of that old-school “fade to
grey” vibe.
ANALOG W/MOD
Take a trip down Memory Lane with this rich and larger-than-life
sounding delay. “Analog w/mod” will definitely spice up your sound.
REVERSE
If you’ve been around for some time, you know the drill: Record a
guitar part on tape. Flip the tape over. Play it back. This is a classic
effect made famous by guitar legends such as Jimi Hendrix – and
although it’s kind of “old school”, the reverse effect still seems to
inspire people to try out new things.
Try this:
Turn the FEEDBACK knob all the way down to hear only the re-
versed signal.