Flashback 2 Delay

1
The Z-DSP is an open-source
DSP system that integrates
with a Eurorack modular
environment. It features two channels
of 15kHz, 24-bit audio processing
with voltage control over parameters
and various parts of the audio path.
However, without creating your
own programs or buying a pre-
programmed cartridge, it does very
little. Luckily, TipTop have created a
bunch of cartridges covering granular
synthesis, physical modelling,
pitchshifting, chorus and delay. My
favourites though are the two made
by Valhalla DSP: ‘Shimmer’ and ‘Halls
Of Valhalla’. massive and brilliant.
www.tiptopaudio.com
VerDICt 8.8
2
Adding non-musical
elements to drones is the
perfect way to add movement
and interest. Radio is one source of
such material, especially when
trawling the Shortwave spectrum.
Conveniently, Koma have recently
put together the Field Kit, bringing
together a CV-controlled radio
alongside a bunch of modules for
experimenting with electroacoustic
sound. This provides a perfect use
for contact mics and electromagnetic
pickups, as well as motors, solenoids
and sensors. The optional Field Kit
Expansion pack provides you with
various devices ready-wired for use
with the kit, and the manual has a
wealth of sonic ideas.
www.koma-elektronik.com
VerDICt 9.0
3
First seen at NAMM this
year, and initially coming to
market in a crowd-funded
campaign, the PLUS pedal is neither
a delay or conventional looper pedal.
Looking much like a fancy piano pedal
with knobs on, it uses sampling and
some neat algorithms to ‘catch’ parts
of a note or chord. However it goes
further than being a simple sustain
tool, as up to fi ve layers can be
combined at once, with plenty of
control over fade-in and fade-out
times. It’s not cheap, and benefi ts
from additional ambient processing,
but a great tool nonetheless.
www.pluspedal.com
VerDICt 8.9
4
I great way to add complexity
to drones is to build things
up in layers, especially by
separating the various elements into
distinct frequency areas. The Vermona
twinVCF is perfect for this task, as it
has two multimode fi lters that can be
confi gured for parallel or serial routing.
For example, stereo material can be
routed through similar fi lter types for
each channel, but with offset cutoff
frequencies – then add some
modulation via the CV inputs to create
movement. For more fl exibility, you
can add the tVCF-Extension module
(£128) , which provides access to
the individual fi lter band outputs
www.vermona.com
VerDICt 8.6
5
A simple but effective way to
create drones is by feeding
sounds with a slow attack
into a long delay with the feedback
turned up, so TC’s new Flashback 2
is a perfect candidate, with a hefty
seven-second maximum delay. Using
one of the clear digital algorithms, a
layered drone should go on for hours
with little tonal degradation. Of course,
sometimes imperfection is exactly
what you want. In this case the
Tape, Reverse or new Crystal setting
work well. The pressure-sensitive
‘MASH’ feature adds another layer
of user interactivity.
www.tcelectronic.com
VerDICt 8.7
CREATIVE SOLUTION Originality is key, and
the Koma Field Kit certainly ticks this box – but
be prepared to put in some time for good results.
FM VerDICt
THE MUST-HAVE A delay unit is essential for creating
drones, and Flashback 2 is a great contender that, unlike
many guitar pedals, provides detailed editing via USB.
5
TC Electronic
Flashback 2 Delay
£161
Vermona
twinVCFilter
£362
4
Drones | Reviews
105
FMU326.rev_grouptest.indd 105 29/11/2017 13:49