TC Electronic Legendary Dynamic Delay Plug-in with Optional Hardware User Manual
- June 7, 2024
- tc electronic
Table of Contents
Legendary Dynamic Delay Plug-in with Optional Hardware
User Manual
TC2290 NATIVE / TC2290-DT
Legendary Dynamic Delay Plug-in with Optional Hardware Desktop Controller and
Signature Presets
2020-02-24, Rev. 2.0
2 TC2290 User Manual
Table of Contents
Important Safety Instructions ……………………………….. 3 Legal Disclaimer
……………………………………………………. 3 Limited warranty…………………………………………………… 3 1. Introduction
……………………………………………………… 4 2. Plug-in Installation……………………………………………. 4
2.1 Installation on a PC……………………………………………………. 4 2.2 Installation on a Mac
………………………………………………… 4 3. Activate your TC2290 iLok License …………………….. 5 3.1
Activation when you have purchased the
NATIVE version……………………………………………………….5 3.2 Get a Free Demo License
…………………………………………. 5 4. Connection and Setup ………………………………………. 5 4.1 Connecting
the TC2290-DT Desktop Controller
(when you have purchased the DT Desktop Controller
version)…………………………………………………5 4.2 Operating the TC2290 ……………………………………………… 5 4.3
Insert vs Aux Effect……………………………………………………. 6 4.4 Mono/Stereo
Operation…………………………………………… 6 4.5 Travel Period and Module Connection (when you
have purchased the DT version): …….6 4.6 Primary and Secondary Controls
……………………………. 7 4.7 Connection Status to the Hardware Unit………………. 7 5. Plug-in
and Hardware Controls………………………….. 8 5.1 Primary Plug-in and Hardware
Controls………………… 8 5.2 Plug-in Controls – Secondary Parameters……………. 10 6.
Operation ……………………………………………………….. 12 6.1 Delay
Parameters…………………………………………………….. 12 6.2 Modulation
Effects………………………………………………….. 13 7. Presets…………………………………………………………….. 15 8.
Software Updates …………………………………………… 16 8.1 Hardware Unit Software Updates
(optional) ………. 16 9. Specifications………………………………………………….. 17 10. Signal Flow
Diagram ……………………………………… 18
3 TC2290 User Manual
Important Safety Instructions
Terminals marked with this symbol carry electrical current of sufficient
magnitude to constitute risk of electric shock. Use only high-quality
professional speaker cables with ¼” TS or twist-locking plugs pre-installed.
All other installation or modification should be performed only by qualified
personnel.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated
dangerous voltage inside the enclosure – voltage that may be sufficient to
constitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and
maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the
manual.
Caution To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the top cover (or
the rear section). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel.
Caution To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this
appliance to rain and moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping
or splashing liquids and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall
be placed on the apparatus.
Caution These service instructions are for use by qualified service personnel
only. To reduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any servicing other
than that contained in the operation instructions. Repairs have to be
performed by qualified service personnel.
1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6. Clean
only with dry cloth. 7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 8. Do not install near any
heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug.
A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-
type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit
into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete
outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
11. Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
injury from tip-over.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. 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 normally, or has been dropped.
15. The apparatus shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
16. Where the MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
17. Correct disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product
must not be disposed of with household waste, according to the WEEE Directive
(2012/19/EU) and your national law. This product should be taken to a
collection center licensed for the recycling of waste electrical and
electronic equipment (EEE). The mishandling of this type of waste could have a
possible negative impact on the environment and human health due to
potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with EEE. At
the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will
contribute to the efficient use of natural resources. For more information
about where you can take your waste equipment for recycling, please contact
your local city office, or your household waste collection service.
18. Do not install in a confined space, such as a book case or similar unit.
19. Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the
apparatus.
20. Please keep the environmental aspects of battery disposal in mind.
Batteries must be disposed-of at a battery collection point. 21. Use this
apparatus in tropical and/or moderate climates.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Music Tribe accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any
person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph,
or statement contained herein. Technical specifications, appearances and other
information are subject to change without notice. All trademarks are the
property of their respective owners. Midas, Klark Teknik, Lab Gruppen, Lake,
Tannoy, Turbosound, TC Electronic, TC Helicon, Behringer, Bugera, Auratone and
Coolaudio are trademarks or registered trademarks of Music Tribe Global Brands
Ltd. © Music Tribe Global Brands Ltd. 2020 All rights reserved.
LIMITED WARRANTY
For the applicable warranty terms and conditions and additional information
regarding Music Tribe’s Limited Warranty, please see complete details online
at musictribe.com/warranty.
4 TC2290 User Manual
1. Introduction
Read this manual to learn how to install and use your TC Electronic TC2290
delay unit. This manual is only available in PDF format from the TC Electronic
website. To get the most from this manual, please read it from start to
finish, or you may miss important information.
To download the most current version of this manual, visit the web page:
www.tcelectronic.com/Categories/c/Tcelectronic/Downloads
If you still have questions about your TC Electronic product after reading its
manual, please get in touch with TC Support:
www.tcelectronic.com/brand/tcelectronic/support
2. Plug-in Installation
Visit www.tcelectronic.com/tc2290-dt/support/ to download the installer file.
The plug-in requires either an iLok license (delivered when you purchase the
NATIVE version) or the TC2290 DT Desktop Controller (when you purchase the DT
Desktop Controller version) or an iLok Trial License. All parameters are
available in the plug-in and most are available on the DT Desktop Controller.
Select the Mac or PC version and save the file to your hard drive. The latest
firmware for the TC2290 DT Desktop Controller will be included in the software
as well.
Click Next’ to begin the installation. When installation is complete, click Finish’.
2.2 Installation on a Mac
Open the zip folder and double click the installer icon.
2.1 Installation on a PC
Open the zip file and double click the executable file. If you get a security
warning, click `Run’.
Proceed through the prompts to begin installation.
Accept the license agreement and click `Next’.
Click `Continue’ and accept the license agreement.
Select which VST and/or AAX components you want to install. Pro Tools uses AAX and most other DAW programs use VST. The installer will offer a default location to save the file, but you can choose another location by clicking the `Browse’ button.
A default location will be selected for installation, or you can select another folder manually. If you have administrator authorization in place, you will need to enter your password before beginning installation.
5 TC2290 User Manual
3. Activate your TC2290 iLok License
3.1 Activation when you have purchased the NATIVE version
Step 1: Install iLok
The first step is to create an iLok user account at www.iLok.com and install
the PACE iLok License Manager on your computer if it’s your first time using
iLok.
Step 2: Activation In the received mail (when buying the NATIVE version) you
will find your personal Activation Code. To activate your software, please use
the Redeem an Activation Code feature in the PACE iLok License Manager.
4. Connection and Setup
4.1 Connecting the TC2290-DT Desktop Controller (when you have purchased the
DT Desktop Controller version)
Getting the Desktop Controller up and running couldn’t get any easier. Plug
the included USB cable into the unit’s rear micro-USB port, and connect the
other end to a free USB port on your computer. The Desktop Controller is bus
powered so no other power cables are necessary, and no additional drivers need
to be manually installed.
TC2290-DT
Laptop
3.2 Get a Free Demo License
Make use of this hassle-free offer to try out our plug-ins before you buy. ·
14-Day Trial Period · Fully Functional · No Feature Limitations · No Physical
iLok Key Needed
Step 1: Install iLok
The first step is to create a free iLok user account at www.iLok.com and
install the PACE iLok License Manager on your computer if it’s your first time
using iLok.
Step 2: Get your free license Go to
http://www.tcelectronic.com/brand/tcelectronic/free-trial-TC2290-native and
enter your iLok User ID.
Step 3: Activation Activate your software in the PACE iLok License Manager.
The Desktop Controller will light up upon successful connection. You can now
apply the plug-in to a channel in your DAW to begin using the effect. This
process may vary slightly depending on your software, but generally should
require these steps: · Select a channel or bus in your DAW to which you would
like to add the effect
Access the mixer page where you should see a section dedicated to effect slots
· Open the menu where you can select from a list of effect types, which
probably includes many stock plugins that are included with the DAW. There
should be submenu to view general VST/AU/AAX options.
· The plug-in will likely be found in a dedicated TC Electronic folder. Select
the TC2290 and it will now be added to the signal chain.
Double click on the effect slot that contains the TC2290 to view the plug-in
UI. There should be a green link icon at the bottom, and text that indicates
successful connection between the plug-in and the Desktop Controller.
Note: The iLok License Manager needs to be installed on your computer also if
you have purchased the DT Desktop Controller version. In this case you don’t
need to create an iLok account or activate any license.
4.2 Operating the TC2290
After you have installed the plug-in, and either activated the iLok license or
connected the TC2290-DT Desktop Controller via USB, you can begin inserting
the plug-in to your tracks.
Adjustments to the effect are done in two ways. Either by using the plug-in
user interface or via the physical Desktop Controller.
6 TC2290 User Manual
4.3 Insert vs Aux Effect
The TC2290 can be inserted directly into an effect slot on a single channel,
as described above, which passes the entire signal through the effect. In this
case, note that the direct input signal becomes mono before it is panned,
either statically or modulated. This occurs when the PAN/DYN section DIRECT
button is engaged.
However, the TC2290 can also be added to an auxiliary bus, and one or more
channels can send a portion of their signal to this bus to be processed by the
effect. The output of the effect is then mixed back in with the rest of the
tracks. This differs from an insert effect in that the TC2290 isn’t affecting
the track’s entire signal, so the direct signal cannot be modulated using the
MOD buttons in the PAN/DYN section. In this setup, the Mix parameter should
always be set to 100%.
4.4 Mono/Stereo Operation
The TC2290 can be used both as a mono instance on mono tracks and a stereo
instance on stereo tracks. Depending on the specific DAW, a mono in/stereo out
may also be available.
In the case of a mono out instance, the output signal is made by outputting
the left plug-in channel only. In this case, panning should not be used.
4.5 Travel Period and Module Connection (when you have purchased the DT
version):
You can try out the plug-in before purchasing or receiving your purchased
Desktop Controller by requesting a Free iLok Trial License, which will enable
full functionality for 14 days. When you receive and connect your purchased
Desktop Controller you will no longer need an iLok License to have full
functionality in the plug-in or via the Desktop Controller.
60-day Travel Period If the Desktop Controller is disconnected, full plug-in
functionality will be available for 60 days, after which the plug-in requests
re-connection to the hardware unit. Once the hardware unit is re-connected,
all controls become available.
Download and install the plug-in and connect the module Full Fuctionality
Disconnect Module
Processing, controls available for 60 days countdown
60 days…
Processing Only
Reconnect Module Full Fuctionality Restored
Link to product page with store finder
60 day count down
7 TC2290 User Manual
4.6 Primary and Secondary Controls
After you have installed the plug-in and activated the iLok license or
connected the TC2290 via USB, you can begin adding the effect to your tracks.
If the hardware unit is disconnected from the computer, but the countdown has not yet expired, a yellow chain icon without the yellow frame will appear. See “Travel Period and Module Connection” section for details.
All other “Not connected” states are indicated by a red chain icon. This could happen if the USB cable is disconnected, the TC2290 connection is disrupted, or other issues.
To summarize the connection status possibilities:
The plug-in is divided into two sections, which are both visible when the
“I+II” button at the top left is selected. The left section is identical to
the hardware unit and could be considered Primary parameters. These include
common items such as delay time and feedback. The right side contains the
Secondary parameters. The secondary parameters are the ones that were known as
“SPEC KEYS” (Special Keys) on the original 2290. These parameters can be
called from the hardware unit using the SPEC KEYS. To reduce plug-in size on
your screen you can select “I” or “II” in the top left of the plug-in. “I”
will show the left section of the plug-in only and “II” will show the right
section. Setting “II” can be a complementary setting when using the hardware
unit.
4.7 Connection Status to the Hardware Unit
The TC Icon family all use the same method to show the connection status
between the plug-in and the hardware unit.
Connection status is indicated on the lower left side of the plug-in window.
Successful connection is indicated with a green chain icon. When using the
NATIVE version only, this chain icon will remain grey.
There are 3 conditions that will result in a “Not connected” status. If another instance of the plug-in already exists on another track, the chain icon will appear yellow with a yellow frame, and the text box will notify you where the plug-in is currently active. Click the chain icon to connect the hardware unit to the new plug-in location. The yellow icon may also appear while the connection is being made between the TC2290 unit and the plug-in, accompanied by “Connecting…” text.
Most DAWs offer the ability to move or drag plug-ins from one track/bus to
another, and TC2290 supports this as well.
Most DAWs also feature an on/off switch for plug-ins, accessible inside the
plug-in window and/or the track itself. Muting the plug-in will make the
effect inaudible, but will not shut down the connection to use the hardware
unit.
8 TC2290 User Manual
5. Plug-in and Hardware Controls
Control of the TC2290 is done in the plug-in or optionally done using the
hardware unit (when you have purchased the DT version) . All primary
parameters of the 2290 are also accessible through the DT Desktop Controller.
These include parameters that control major parts of the effect, such as delay
time, modulation, preset changes, mix (via ‘Special’ control) and much more.
Secondary parameters that are needed less often are handled in the plug-in
window in its right section. These are parameters like modulation thresholds,
subdivision, preset save and more.
5.1 Primary Plug-in and Hardware Controls
Meters
DEPTH Pressing UP or DOWN once will bring focus to the DEPTH parameter, and
additional presses will move the value by one step. The DEPTH value is
displayed in percentage of maximum modulation.
Pressing the SPEED or DEPTH arrow keys will first bring focus to that
parameter, which also allows a specific value to be entered on the KEYBOARD,
followed by the ENTER key. When either parameter is active, a green LED will
flash above and the display will show the current value.
The yellow OSC/THRESHOLD LED in the upper left corner of this section shows
modulation speed when using periodic modulations (SINE, RANDOM) and indicates
when the input level passes the threshold for ENV or TRIG effects.
PAN/DYN
The meter section gives feedback about the incoming and outgoing audio signals. The input level displays the audio as it enters the plug-in, and is not affected by adjustments to the input level control or any other parameter. The output meter is affected by the results of the effect as well as the output level control parameter.
MODULATION
Press either of the MOD buttons beneath the PAN and DYN labels to engage those functions respectively. The red LEDs above each button indicate the on/off status. The parameters for each effect are adjusted in the MODULATION section.
The DELAY/DIRECT button determines if the PAN effect is applied to the delay signal only, the direct signal only, both or neither. This also applies to the static pan set in the plug-in, so if neither DELAY nor DIRECT is lit, there is no panning at all.
This section controls parameters of the modulation effects. Note that the
modulation is actually engaged with the MOD buttons located in the PAN, DYN
and DELAY sections.
Pressing the SELECT button scrolls through the parameter sets for the DELAY,
PAN and DYNAMICS, essentially selecting the focus of the other buttons in this
section. The types of modulation effects include:
· Delay time modulations chorus, flanger, pitch, auto-doubling.
· Pan position modulations auto-panning of the direct signal, delay signal,
or both.
· Dynamic modulation tremolo, delay compressor/expander, ducking and gating.
When neither DELAY nor DIRECT is lit, the delay signal is phase inverted in
the right channel. This is nice for creating wide chorus/flanger effects, but
may not be desired for delay effects. To circumvent this, set PAN in the plug-
in to 50, disengage PAN MOD, and enable PAN DELAY (not DIRECT). This will give
the same result minus the phase inverse of right delay signal.
Note that whenever DIRECT is lit, the direct signal will first be summed to
mono and then panned. When DIRECT is not lit, the direct signal will be stereo
(if the plug-in is a stereo instance).
The REVERSE button causes the selected Dynamic effect to function in an
opposite way. With the Waveform set to SINE or RAND, a tremolo effect is
achieved which produces a modulated increase/decrease in volume. When the
REVERSE button is activated, this creates a modulation that enhances delay
volume when direct volume is suppressed and vice versa.
With the Waveform set to ENV or TRIG, the REVERSE button changes the usual
Compression/Ducking effects into Expansion/Gating effects.
Each of these parameter sets consists of the following values:
WAVEFORM determines the modulation waveform, between sine wave (SINE), random wave (RAND), input signal envelope controlled (ENV), or input level triggered (TRIG). The modulation target determines the function of ENV and TRIG.
SPEED Pressing UP or DOWN once will bring focus to the SPEED parameter, and additional presses will move the value by one step. The SPEED parameter is shown in Hz (cycles per second). Depending on the modulation target, when the ENV or TRIG Waveform is selected, the parameter controls the speed from no effect to maximum effect. A setting of “1” means a ramp time of 1 second, whereas a setting of “5” means a ramp time of 1/5 of a second.
9 TC2290 User Manual
DELAY
The main function of this section is to control the delay time. The yellow LED
above the display will flash in rhythm with the current tempo, and the exact
time in ms will be displayed. There are several ways to adjust the delay time:
· Using the UP/DOWN arrows · Using the KEYBOARD (after pressing UP/DOWN arrows
once) · Pressing the LEARN button in rhythm with your desired tempo · Pressing
the SYNC button to synchronize the tempo with the
DAW tempo A single press of the UP or DOWN arrow keys will bring focus to the
delay tempo setting. Doing so causes the green LED to flash, and the tempo can
now be adjusted. Pressing UP or DOWN will change the tempo by single digit
increments, or holding the button will allow the parameter to scroll quickly.
However, once the green LED is flashing, the KEYBOARD can also be used to
manually enter a delay time, followed by the ENTER key. If you use the
KEYBOARD to enter the delay time, please note that you can enter values with
decimals, including values below one millisecond by pressing the dot. For
example, a delay time of 8.5 ms can be dialed by pressing [8] [dot] [5]
[ENTER]. If you don’t know the exact tempo measurement for your desired tempo,
you can get fairly close by tapping the LEARN button in rhythm. The time
between the first and second press will used as the new tempo. The TC2290 can
also follow the tempo currently set in your DAW. Press the SYNC button to
enable this. Once enabled, the UP and DOWN buttons will change the subdivision
of the beat. To enable modulation of the delay signal, press the MOD button.
See the MODULATION section in this chapter as well as Chapter 5 for details.
FEEDBACK
This section primarily controls the number of delay repeats, but it also
affects other functions. Pressing the SELECT button scrolls through the 3
adjustable parameters in this section feedback LEVEL, HIGH cut, and LOW cut
filters. The display will indicate the current selection as well as the value
for that parameter.
Pressing the UP or DOWN arrow buttons will activate the adjustment for the
selected parameter, causing the green LED to flash. Further presses will
change the value by one step, or holding the button will scroll rapidly. With
the green LED flashing, an exact value can be entered on the KEYBOARD,
followed by the ENTER button. The possible values for the 3 parameters are as
follows:
· Feedback 0-99%
· High cut 2, 4, 8, 33 kHz (33 kHz = off)
· Low cut 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 kHz (0 = off, 0.1 = 100 Hz, etc.)
Pressing the INV button inverts the feedback signal, which may not be
noticeable with echo effects, but is more pronounced when applied to
modulation such as flanger.
PRESET/SPEC
Pressing the DELAY ON button toggles the delay effect on and off, indicated by
the red LED. However, after turning this switch off, the direct signal is
still heard along with any panning effects. Note that the static pan position
(set by PAN in plug-in) is only used when DELAY ON is not lit when Spec key 26
(MUTE) is set to 0 (IN). Otherwise (Spec 26 non-zero), the direct pan position
is center.
Pressing the UP or DOWN arrow once will engage the preset selection, allowing
presets to be scrolled one-by-one, or a specific preset can be entered on the
KEYBOARD, followed by the ENTER button. See Chapter 6 for details.
The SPEC (Special) button allows control of some parameters that are otherwise
only accessible in the plug-in window. Pressing the SPEC button accesses the
Special Number (SNO) and the Special Value (SVA). The Special Number can only
be entered on the KEYBOARD, followed by the ENTER button, whereas the Special
Value can be entered with the KEYBOARD or preset arrow keys. The following
chart shows the available parameters that can be controlled:
Special Number
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 26
Parameter
Input Level Delay Mix (default) Output Level Pan Invert Delay DAW Sync
Subdivision DAW Sync Mode Delay Deep Mod Invert Delay Mod Delay Mod Threshold
Pan Mod Threshold Dynamic Delay Volume Dynamic Feedback Mute Method
Possible Values
0-99 (off 0 dB) 0-99% 0-99 (off 0 dB) 0-99 0 (off), 1 (on) 0-6 (64th note
whole note) 0 (straight), 1 (dotted), 2 (triplet) 0 (off), 1 (on) 0 (off), 1
(on) 1-9 1-9 1-9 1-9 0 (In), 1 (Out), 2 (Both)
10 TC2290 User Manual
Knowing that DELAY MIX will likely be the most common plug-in parameter that users will need to access regularly, this has been programmed as the default Special Number. As soon as the SPEC button is pressed, Special #2 (DELAY MIX) will appear as the SNO entry, and the SPEC button can be pressed again to toggle focus to the DELAY MIX value (SVA). Use the arrow keys or KEYBOARD to enter the desired value. Press SPEC again to return to the normal preset select state.
Click and drag the MIX parameter to adjust the balance between the direct and
delay signals.
Click the right side of the MUTE mode parameter to select whether muting
affects the input or output signals, or both. Muting the input will allow the
echo tail to fade naturally after the effect is bypassed.
OUTPUT
To access a Special number other than DELAY MIX, press the SPEC button until SNO is highlighted with a red LED. Dial the desired Special Number on the KEYBOARD and press ENTER, which will automatically toggle the SPEC focus to Special Value (SVA). Dial the value using the UP/DOWN arrows or the KEYBOARD.
KEYBOARD
The KEYBOARD section is used to enter specific values or presets instead of
scrolling with arrow buttons. Generally, when entering a specific value, the
green LED associated with that parameter section must be flashing in order for
the KEYBOARD to take effect. After a value has been chosen, press the ENTER
button to confirm.
Click and drag up or down to adjust the output level from 0 to 99. A setting
of 0 is -, and a setting of 1 is -96 dB. The level increases in 3 dB
increments at lower settings, and by 0.5 dB increments above -40 dB.
Adjust the pan position of the signal by clicking and dragging the PAN
parameter. Panning is only applied to signals chosen with the DELAY/DIRECT
button in the PAN section of the hardware unit. With a setting of 50, both the
direct and delay signals are centered. A setting of 0 places the direct signal
hard right and delay hard left. A setting of 99 places the direct signal hard
left and the delay signal hard right.
When the INV DLY button is activated, the output of the delay signal is phase
inverted.
Lock Symbol
5.2 Plug-in Controls – Secondary Parameters
INPUT
Click and drag up or down to adjust the input level from 0 to 99.
Alternatively, double click on the numeral to enter a value manually. A
setting of 0 is -, and a setting of 1 is -96 dB. The level increases in 3 dB
increments at lower settings, and by 0.5 dB increments above -40 dB.
Some of the parameters can by locked from being recalled when a new preset is
selected. Locked parameters will always keep their values no matter which
preset you recall.
A great example of use is using it with the MIX parameter.
The default presets provided in the plug-in are typically created with the
intent that the effect will be inserted on the track (as an insert effects). A
MIX value has been chosen that will work for that preset.
However, if you’d like to use the TC2290 as a send/parallel effect, the MIX
parameter should typically be set to 100%. After setting the MIX to 100%, use
the lock function to make sure it stays at 100% even if you load another
preset.
DAW SYNC
DELAY ON
11 TC2290 User Manual
When the DAW SYNC selection is active (by pressing the SYNC button on the
unit), some parameters can be adjusted to control the relationship between the
delay and the DAW tempo.
The delay subdivision (SUBDIV) can be set anywhere from 1/64th note to a whole
note. Note that this can also be adjusted using the arrow buttons in the DELAY
section on the unit.
The subdivision can also be heard in straight time, dotted, or triplet feel by
adjusting the MODE setting.
PRESET
Use the PRESET section to recall and save presets as well as assigning them as
favorites. See Chapter 6 for details.
DELAY MOD
Bottom section
When engaged, the INV DLY MOD button inverts the flanger sweep start and the
envelope pitchshift direction. This only applies to Delay Mod Waveforms ENV
and TRIG.
Engage the DEEP MOD by pressing the button. DEEP MOD disables the automatic
modulation depth mapping known as “Golden Ratio”. This makes it possible to do
much deeper modulation with wild pitch shifts, but it is somewhat
uncontrollable.
THRESHOLDS
The bottom portion of the plug-in window displays connection status as well as
plug-in instance name, and has several options available.
The green chain icon indicates successful connection between the hardware unit
and the plug-in. Connection issues will be indicated by yellow or red icons;
see Chapter 3 for details.
The current name of the plug-in instance appears in the middle field. If the
DAW is able to provide the name of the track where the plug-in instance is
inserted, the plug-in instance will be named after the track name. The
instance can be renamed by clicking the pencil icon.
If you install the plug-in without connecting the hardware unit to your
computer, a red dot will appear on the shopping cart icon. This will link you
to more information about buying the TC2290 unit. Once the plug-in detects a
connected hardware unit, the red dot will disappear.
The Settings icon accesses a menu with several links and options. This user
manual is available, along with links to the TC Electronic website, relevant
news, additional signature artist presets, and the user license agreement. If
a red dot appears over the Settings icon, a new version of the plug-in or
firmware may be available. Click “Check for Updates” to download and install
the new file. See Chapter 7 for details.
All 4 of these items offer 9 threshold settings for their respective
parameter. Range for each parameter is 1-9.
DLY MOD Delay ENV and TRIG waveforms.
PAN MOD Pan ENV and TRIG waveforms.
DYN DLY VOL Determines the threshold for the volume modulation of the delay
(and direct for ENV REVERSE) signal when DYN modulation is ENV or TRIG.
DYN FB Determines the threshold for the modulation of the feedback level
when DYN modulation waveform TRIG is selected (not ENV).
These set the thresholds associated with the Envelope (ENV) and Trigger (TRIG)
modulation forms. The higher the value, the higher input signal is necessary
to get the same modulation effect. Delay, Pan and Dynamic thresholds are
adjustable in 3 dB steps. The OSC./THRESHOLD LED indicates the current
operating state, and can therefore be used as help for setting the threshold.
With the “Help” option selected, hovering the mouse over a certain item in the
plug-in window will give a brief description of the parameter’s function and
the Special key number (if applicable).
With the “Take over on focus” option selected, the currently viewed plug-in
instance will take over control of the physical hardware unit as soon as it is
brought into focus.
Also, when a new instance of the plug-in is inserted on a track or bus, that
instance will take over immediately.
12 TC2290 User Manual
6. Operation
This chapter will discuss the details of creating certain effects and how to
adjust each parameter. After you have inserted the plug-in in a channel or
bus, and optionally connected your DT Desktop Controller, you are now ready to
start experimenting with the capabilities of the TC2290.
On the hardware unit, in the PRESET/SPEC section, make sure the DELAY ON
button is active (LED lit). Most of the significant effect parameters are
accessed on the hardware unit, so we’ll focus attention there.
6.1 Delay Parameters
The TC2290 is, first and foremost, a delay unit, so we can start with the 3
main parameters:
· Delay time This controls the rate of the echoes.
· Feedback This controls how many echoes are heard.
· Mix This adjusts the volume balance between the delay echoes and the
direct signal.
Delay Time
If you select a default preset that uses delay (#80 for example), you’ll see
that the yellow TIME LED above the DELAY display will flash in rhythm with the
current tempo, and the exact time in ms will be displayed.
If you don’t know the exact tempo measurement for your desired tempo, you can
get fairly close by tapping the LEARN button in rhythm. The time between the
first and second press will used as the new tempo. You can see on the display
that the first press causes the numbers to start from 0 and ascend very
quickly (these are milliseconds after all). If you do this several times, you
may notice that you get a slightly different result each time, so the tempo
may still need to be tweaked manually using the arrow buttons. The TC2290 can
also follow the tempo currently set in your DAW. Press the SYNC button to
enable this. Let’s say your DAW tempo is set to 120 BPM, which tends to be the
default setting in a new project/session.
Press the SYNC button, and the TC2290 will convert the tempo into ms, which is
250. Once SYNC is enabled, the UP and DOWN buttons will change the subdivision
of the beat. The subdivision is currently set to eighth notes in the DAW SYNC
section of the plug-in window, which gives us 250 ms at 120 BPM.
There are several ways to adjust the delay time:
· Using the UP/DOWN arrows
· Using the KEYBOARD (after pressing UP/DOWN arrows once)
· Pressing the LEARN button in rhythm with your desired tempo
· Pressing the SYNC button to synchronize the tempo with the current DAW tempo
A single press of the UP or DOWN arrow keys will bring focus to the delay
tempo setting. Doing so causes the green LED to flash, indicating that the
tempo can now be adjusted manually.
This can be changed to quarter notes by pressing the UP button in the DELAY
section of the hardware unit, or making the change in the DAW SYNC section of
the plug-in window. Making a change to one will cause the other to be altered
as well. Change the subdivision to quarter notes, and you now have a delay
time of 500 ms.
Even with DAW SYNC enabled, the LEARN button can still be used to set the
tempo. When this is done, the TC2290 will grid to the nearest subdivision and
mode (Straight, Dotted, Tripled) within the DAW-synced tempo, and set the
delay time accordingly. FEEDBACK Feedback controls the number of echoes that
are created by the effect.
Pressing UP or DOWN will change the tempo by single digit increments, or
holding the button will allow the parameter to scroll quickly. However, once
the green LED is flashing, the KEYBOARD number pad can also be used to
manually enter a delay time, followed by the ENTER key.
Press the SELECT button until the LED next to LEVEL is lit. This ensures that
we are adjusting the feedback parameter and not the high or low cut filters.
Pressing the UP or DOWN arrow buttons causes the green LED in this section to
flash. We can now adjust the feedback parameter, either by pressing or holding
the UP/DOWN buttons, or by entering a value with the KEYBOARD followed by the
ENTER key.
13 TC2290 User Manual
MIX The last parameter to adjust a basic delay setting is the MIX between the
echoes and the direct signal. To access this parameter, press SPEC twice and
use the UP/DOWN arrows to set the MIX.
Alternatively, the MIX setting can be adjusted using the plug-in UI.
If using the plug-in as an insert on a channel, you will likely want a setting
below 50% to avoid a muddy-sounding result. However, if using the plug-in as a
send/aux effect, set the MIX to 100%.
6.2 Modulation Effects
The TC2290 has 3 kinds of modulation effects available: · Delay Time
modulations chorus, flanger, pitch modulation, auto-doubling effects. ·
Dynamic modulations tremolo, compress/expand, ducking/gating effects. · Pan
position modulations auto-panning effects.
Each of these effects has its own MOD on/off button.
The parameters for each of these modulations are controlled in the MODULATION
section on the hardware unit. By using the SELECT button within this section,
you can scroll through the 3 types of modulation.
SPEED Pressing UP or DOWN once will bring focus to the SPEED parameter, and
additional presses will move the value by one step. The SPEED parameter is
shown in Hz (cycles per second).
Depending on the modulation target, when the ENV or TRIG Waveform is selected,
the SPEED parameter controls the rate of change from no effect to maximum
effect. A setting of “1” means a ramp time of 1 second, whereas a setting of
“5” means a ramp time of 1/5 of a second.
DEPTH Pressing UP or DOWN once will bring focus to the DEPTH parameter, and
additional presses will move the value by one step. The DEPTH value is
displayed in percentage of maximum modulation.
Pressing the SPEED or DEPTH arrow keys will first bring focus to that
parameter, causing a green LED to flash above and the display to show the
current value. This means the arrow buttons can change the value by single
steps, and also allows a specific value to be entered on the KEYBOARD,
followed by the ENTER key.
Note- the feedback parameter of the delay may also have an effect on
modulation effects.
Each of these parameters affects the sound differently depending on the
specific effect. Let’s review each type of modulation and how it can be
adjusted.
6.2.1 Dynamic Effects
In the MODULATION section, use the SELECT button to highlight the Dynamics
(DYN) parameters. Ensure that the MOD button is engaged in the center PAN/DYN
section.
Ducking Delay
A ducking delay uses the input signal to attenuate the delay signal, causing
the echoes to stay “out of the way” while you’re playing, but still allow the
echo tails to be audible during gaps in your playing.
Press the WAVEFORM button until TRIG is selected. This selects the ducking
effect.
Press the DEPTH UP or DOWN button to shift focus to this parameter. The green
LED will flash above and the current value is displayed. This parameter
controls how much the delay signal is attenuated. Lower the value for small
amounts of attenuation, or raise it to make the effect almost inaudible while
you’re playing.
Press the SPEED UP or DOWN button to shift focus to this parameter. This
controls the rate at which the attenuation is released. Lower values allow a
longer period of time to pass after you stop playing before the echoes
increase to their normal volume. Higher values let the echoes come in quickly.
Gated Delay
By pressing the REVERSE button in the PAN/DYN section, the ducking effect
becomes a gated delay. Set this way, the effect will only be heard while you
are playing, and will be attenuated when you stop.
After the modulation type has been selected, the 3 parameters in this section
can be adjusted, which are:
WAVEFORM determines the modulation waveform, between sine wave (SINE),
random wave (RAND), input signal envelope controlled (ENV), or input level
triggered (TRIG). The modulation target determines the function of ENV and
TRIG.
Tremolo Effect
Press the WAVEFORM button until SINE or RAND are selected. This creates a
tremolo effect where the volume of both the direct and delay signals are
attenuated and then return to full volume, up and down at a constant rate
(SINE only). Use the SPEED parameter to adjust the specific rate, and the
DEPTH to adjust the amount of attenuation.
14 TC2290 User Manual
By engaging the REVERSE button, the direct signal and delay signal are attenuated opposite one another, with the direct reaching full volume while the delay is at maximum attenuation, and vice versa.
Compressor/Expander Effect
Press the WAVEFORM button until ENV is selected. This produces a compressed
delay sound similar to the ducking effect, but less pronounced and leaves the
feedback unaffected.
Engaging the REVERSE button produces an expander effect that affects the
direct and delay signals. Initial transients are attenuated, creating an
`attack-kill’ effect. The SPEED parameter controls how quickly the volume
swells to normal level, and the DEPTH parameter controls the amount of initial
attenuation.
6.2.2 Chorus/Flanger/Doubling Effects
In the MODULATION section, use the SELECT button to highlight the DELAY parameters. Ensure that the MOD button is engaged in the DELAY section.
Several types of modulation can be achieved by setting very short delay times, which are not heard as an echo, but rather as an extra, synchronized voice. Some common delay and feedback levels are outlined here:
Delay Time
Effect
MOD button
Feedback Setting
Mix
0-10
Flanger
ON
Very High
50
5-50
Chorus
ON
Slight or none
50
20-80
Double Track
ON
Slight or none
50
100-up Delayed Chorus
ON
Set for repeats
50
The ENV setting produces a ramp that starts and stops with the input level.
Higher SPEED settings and moderate DEPTH settings might be necessary.
Selecting TRIG creates a sine sweep that stops whenever the input signal
stops. This allows the sweep to be synchronized along with the music.
Auto Doubling
This effect is a specific type of chorus that gives the impression of 2
identical players/singers performing the same part in unison. Try low DELAY
times around 20-80 ms, low FEEDBACK setting, slight pitch shift, slight volume
modulation, and changes in panning position. This effect requires all 3 MOD
buttons to be active.
Default presets 95 and 97 and good examples of this effect, so starting with
those settings would be wise.
6.2.3 Panning Effects
In the MODULATION section, use the SELECT button to highlight the PAN
parameters. Ensure that the MOD button is engaged in the center PAN/DYN
section.
The panning effect can be applied to the direct signal, the delay signal, both
or neither. This is selected using the DELAY/DIRECT button in the PAN/DYN
section. Pressing repeatedly toggles through the 4 possible settings. One of
the LEDs must be lit in order for any panning effects to be heard.
Chorus
Chorus effect is achieved my mixing the direct signal with a modulated delay
signal. The result is a multi-voice character that sounds like more than one
instrument playing in unison, with small variations in pitch and time.
In the DELAY section, set the time very low around 20-25 ms. In the FEEDBACK
section, reduce the level all the way to 0.
Press the WAVEFORM button to select SINE, which is very common for Chorus
effects. Other waveforms will be discussed later in this chapter.
In the MODULATION section, ensure that DELAY is selected, and adjust the DEPTH
parameter to control the intensity of the effect. Higher values create a
deeper detune. Adjust the SPEED parameter to control the rate of the
modulations.
Note that setting the MIX control to 99 produces a pure vibrato effect, where
the pitch is modulated up and down without the direct signal to create the 2
voices.
Flanger
Flanger effects produce sweeping wave-like modulations that create a thick,
often psychedelic sound. This will operate similarly to the chorus effect,
with a few adjustments.
In the FEEDBACK section, raise the feedback level parameter to 50. The higher
the feedback setting, the more resonant the flanger effect will be. Settings
below 90 are recommended.
For classic jet flanger effects, set the DELAY time around 2 ms.
In the MODULATION section, try setting the SPEED parameter very low to make
the sweeps slower. Increasing the DEPTH parameter produces wider sweeps.
Other Waveforms
Though the SINE option will give you recognizable chorus and flanger sounds,
there are other effects achievable with different waveforms. The RAND setting
will yield a random sweep instead of the continuous form of the SINE.
The fixed pan position can be adjusted in the plug-in window using the PAN
control in the OUTPUT section. When DELAY/DIRECT is selected, a setting of 50
is centered, 0 is far right, and 99 is far left for the direct signal, and the
delay signal will be the opposite.
Pressing the PAN MOD button, you will hear audio traveling from one speaker to
the other, depending on the setting on the DELAY/DIRECT button. In the
MODULATION section, select the SINE waveform, then use the SPEED parameter to
adjust how quickly the audio is panned back and forth. The DEPTH parameter
adjusts how wide the panning effect drifts from left to right and back. A
setting of 99 will pan fully to either side, while a setting of 50 only goes
half way before changing direction again. Selecting the ENV waveform causes
the static pan position to switch each time the signal falls below the
threshold. If both the DELAY and DIRECT signals are selected for the effect,
they trade sides. Fairly fast SPEED settings and high DEPTH setting are more
effective for this sound. The TC2290 can be used as an autopanner on the
direct signal only by setting the MIX control in the plug-in window to 0.
15 TC2290 User Manual
7. Presets
The TC2290 offers a collection of default and signature presets, as well as
the option to create and save your own custom settings. Note that most DAWs
have a built-in preset function that appears on every plug-in, which is often
found at the top of the plug-in window.
It is not recommended to use this as your primary method of saving presets as
it has limited functionality and does not allow the saved presets to be
transferred easily to other DAWs. Instead, we suggest using the included
Preset section at the bottom of the window:
Factory and Signature presets have unique icons that appear next to the preset
name.
When recalling a default or saved preset, the name will appear in plain text
as shown. However, as soon as you make an alteration to any of the parameters
in that preset, the text changes to italics to indicate a deviation. This is
also indicated by a red dot after the preset number on the hardware unit and
in the plug-in window. You can click in the PRESET window, then select the
Save option, or discard the changes when you navigate away from that preset.
Presets can also be recalled from the hardware unit in the PRESET/SPEC
section.
A single click on the PRESET window brings up a menu with several
presetrelated options. Recall a factory or user preset from the libraries,
save the current preset, or create a new user preset with the ‘Save as’
option.
Pressing the preset UP or DOWN arrow buttons shifts the focus to that section,
causing the green LED to flash. You can now press the UP and DOWN buttons to
scroll through presets one slot at a time, or use the KEYBOARD to enter a
specific preset number, followed by the ENTER button.
Favorite Preset
The presets menu is divided between a Factory Presets and a User Presets
section.
The Factory Presets are built into the plug-in and cannot be overwritten, so
if a factory preset is modified and you’d like to keep the changes, you need
to save it as a user preset. User Presets can be edited and organized as you’d
like.
The Factory Presets section includes a sub-section called Signature Presets.
Signature Presets are custom-made presets designed by world-class artists and
recording engineers. The library of signature presets is constantly being
expanded, and you can check for more Signature Presets that might be available
for download by accessing the Settings menu and selecting ‘Signature Presets’.
Creating your own presets will make them accessible from the Preset menu, but they will only appear in the list of 100 presets in the hardware unit if you set them as a favorite. This is done by assigning a favorite slot number to the preset using the Favorite menu. Click the FAVORITE button, then select one of the first 8 banks of 10 (presets 80-100 are default and cannot be saved over). Assign one of your custom presets to a favorite slot, then save the preset.
16 TC2290 User Manual
When a preset is assigned a favorite slot number:
-The preset is part of the 100 presets that can be recalled on the hardware unit
-The favorite number will be displayed on the hardware unit when recalled
-The favorite number will be locked so that other presets can not be assigned to the same favorite slot number. This is shown in the Favorite menu by graying out the number in question.
-The favorite number will be displayed in brackets when you browse the presets menu
8. Software Updates
New versions of the software may be released to add new features and improve
performance. Updates can be detected from the plug-in directly and can be
installed after download from the website. See Chapter 2 for plug-in
installation.
The hardware unit firmware will be included in each plug-in update.
If the ‘Automatically check for updates’ option is checked inside the update
menu, the red dot will appear on the settings icon when a new plug-in is
available.
You can remove the favorite assignment by selecting the “Remove Assignment”
feature in the Favorite menu, then saving the preset.
Sort only favorites
The ‘Sort only favorites’ option in the preset menu allows the UP/DOWN arrows
on the hardware unit to scroll only through the favorites list. Otherwise,
scrolling goes through all presets.
Click the gear icon and select “Check for Updates” to perform a scan.
Make Current Preset Default
Selecting ‘Make current preset default’ will cause this preset to appear every
time a new instance of the plug-in is created.
Reveal User Preset Folder in Explorer
To change the name of a preset, select ‘Reveal User Preset Folder in Explorer’
and modify the file name. This will open a Finder (Mac) or Explorer (PC)
window where the user presets are stored. You can rename as well as delete,
copy and paste presets. This allows you to share presets with other users
online, simply pasting the new ones in this folder.
8.1 Hardware Unit Software Updates (optional)
After you have installed a new plug-in, the system will detect mismatched
firmware and indicate a need for update via a small red dot on the gear icon.
Click the “Upgrade to x.x.xx” field to start the update. Progress will be
indicated in the plug-in, and the Feedback LED on the hardware unit will
flash.
17 TC2290 User Manual
9. Specifications
Sound Max. delay time Sample rates
Software Support Operating systems
Drivers
Plugin formats
USB Connection (DT version) Type
Power (DT version) Power supply Power consumption
Physical (DT version) Dimensions (HxWxD) Weight
9999 ms 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
Mac OS X 10.13 Sierra or above, Windows 7 or above No additional drivers
required, uses standard USB HID drivers AAX-native, Audio Units, VST2.4, VST3.
64 bit
USB 2.0, type micro-B
USB bus powered Max. 2.5 W
43 x 109 x 135 mm (1.7 x 4.3 x 5.3″) 0.4 kg (0.88 lbs)
18 TC2290 User Manual
10. Signal Flow Diagram
9 – INV DLY MOD 10 – DLY MOD Threshold 8 – DEEP MOD
11 – PAN MOD Threshold
12 – DYN DLY VOL 13 – DYN FB
19 TC2290 User Manual
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION COMPLIANCE INFORMATION
TC2290
Responsible Party Name: Address:
Phone Number:
Music Tribe Commercial NV Inc.
901 Grier Drive Las Vegas, NV 89118 USA
+1 702 800 8290
TC2290
complies with the FCC rules as mentioned in the following paragraph:
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 a
residential installation. 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
installation. 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
· Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
This device complies with Part 15 of the 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.
Important information:
Changes or modifications to the equipment not expressly approved by Music
Tribe can void the user’s authority to use the equipment.
References
- Music Tribe
- iLok.com
- TC Electronic | Free Trial TC2290 Native
- TC Electronic | Support
- TC Electronic | Downloads
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