TC Electronic Flashback X4 Guitar Delay Effects Pedal User Manual

Introduction

The TC Electronic Flashback X4 is a versatile guitar delay effects pedal designed to provide a wide range of delay types, looping capabilities, and advanced tone-shaping options. This manual will guide you through its features, setup, and operation to help you get the most out of your pedal.

Safety Information

• Do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
• Do not use near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat.
• Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Package Contents

Ensure all items are present in your Flashback X4 package:

• TC Electronic Flashback X4 Delay Effects Pedal
• Power Supply (9V DC, 300mA)
• USB Cable
• User Manual (this document)

Controls and Connections

The Flashback X4 features a comprehensive set of controls and input/output options for maximum flexibility.

Top Panel Controls

Image description: A top-down view of the blue TC Electronic Flashback X4 pedal, showing five black rotary knobs and four footswitches. The knobs are labeled "TONEPRINT", "DELAY TIME", "FEEDBACK", "DELAY LEVEL", and "LOOPER LEVEL". The footswitches are labeled "REC (A)", "PLAY/PAUSE (B)", "ONCE (C)", and "UNDO/REDO (TAP)".

• TONEPRINT Knob: Selects between 16 delay types including Tape, Tube, Space, Analog, Analog w/Mod, Reverse, Dynamic, 2290, 2290 w/Mod, Slap, LoFi, Ping Pong, and three TonePrint slots.
• DELAY TIME Knob: Adjusts the delay time.
• FEEDBACK Knob: Controls the number of delay repeats.
• DELAY LEVEL Knob: Sets the volume of the delayed signal.
• LOOPER LEVEL Knob: Adjusts the volume of the looper playback.
• REC (A) Footswitch: Engages/disengages recording for the looper.
• PLAY/PAUSE (B) Footswitch: Starts/pauses looper playback.
• ONCE (C) Footswitch: Plays the loop once.
• UNDO/REDO (TAP) Footswitch: Tap tempo functionality and undo/redo for looper.

Rear Panel Connections

Image description: A rear view of the blue TC Electronic Flashback X4 pedal, showing various input and output jacks. From left to right: Mono/Stereo Input jacks, Mono/Stereo Output jacks, EXP Pedal input, 9V DC power input, USB port, MIDI IN, and MIDI THRU ports.

• INPUT (MONO/STEREO): Connect your guitar or other audio source. Supports mono or stereo input.
• OUTPUT (MONO/STEREO): Connect to your amplifier or other audio equipment. Supports mono or stereo output.
• EXP PEDAL: Connect an expression pedal for real-time control over parameters.
• 9V DC/300mA: Power input for the included power supply.
• USB: Connect to a computer for TonePrint editing and firmware updates.
• MIDI IN/THRU: MIDI connectivity for advanced control and synchronization.
• BYPASS Switch (BUFFER/TRUE): Select between buffered bypass (maintains signal integrity over long cable runs) and true bypass (completely removes the pedal from the signal path when off).
• KILL DRY Switch (ON/OFF): Removes the dry signal from the output, useful for parallel effects loops.

Setup

Power Connection

Connect the included 9V DC power supply to the 9V DC/300mA input jack on the rear panel.

Audio Connections

Mono Setup

• Connect your guitar to the MONO INPUT jack.
• Connect the MONO OUTPUT jack to your amplifier.

Stereo Setup

• Connect your stereo source to both INPUT jacks (left and right).
• Connect both OUTPUT jacks (left and right) to your stereo amplifier setup.

USB Connection

For TonePrint editing or firmware updates, connect the USB cable from the pedal to your computer.

Operating the Flashback X4

Selecting Delay Types

Rotate the TONEPRINT knob to select from the 16 available delay types. Each type offers a unique sonic character.

Adjusting Delay Parameters

Use the DELAY TIME, FEEDBACK, and DELAY LEVEL knobs to fine-tune your desired delay sound. Experiment with these controls to create subtle echoes, long ambient trails, or rhythmic repeats.

Tap Tempo

The UNDO/REDO (TAP) footswitch allows you to set the delay time by tapping your foot. Tap at least twice to set the tempo.

Looper Functionality

The Flashback X4 includes a 40-second looper.

• Record: Press the REC (A) footswitch to start recording.
• Play/Stop: Press the PLAY/PAUSE (B) footswitch to play or stop the loop.
• Overdub: While playing, press REC (A) again to overdub.
• Undo/Redo: Press the UNDO/REDO (TAP) footswitch to undo or redo the last overdub.
• Play Once: Press the ONCE (C) footswitch to play the loop once.

TonePrint Feature

TonePrint allows you to load custom-tuned effects created by famous guitarists directly into your pedal.

• Via USB: Connect the pedal to your computer and use the TonePrint Editor software to load custom TonePrints.
• Via Smartphone App: Download the TC Electronic TonePrint App. Select a TonePrint and "beam" it to your pedal by holding your smartphone's speaker near your guitar's pickup.

Official Product Video: Flashback X4 Delay & Looper - 5 Things to Know

This video provides a quick overview of the TC Electronic Flashback X4 Delay & Looper pedal, highlighting its key features such as amazing sounds, instant access to 3 presets, TonePrint technology, tap tempo, and ease of use. It demonstrates how to load TonePrints via USB or smartphone app.

Maintenance

• Keep the pedal clean by wiping it with a soft, dry cloth.
• Avoid exposing the pedal to extreme temperatures or humidity.
• Disconnect power when not in use for extended periods.

Troubleshooting

• No Sound: Check all cable connections, ensure the power supply is connected and working, and verify that the pedal is engaged.
• Weak/Distorted Sound: Check guitar and amplifier volume levels. Ensure correct input/output impedance.
• Looper Issues: Ensure sufficient power. Refer to the detailed looper instructions in the full manual for specific recording/playback issues.
• TonePrint Not Loading: Verify USB connection or ensure the smartphone speaker is close to the guitar pickup. Check app/software for updates.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or further assistance, please visit the official TC Electronic website or contact their customer service.

Official TC Electronic Store: Visit the TC Electronic Store