Some of the most inspiring built-in modes include Mod, which adds a slight and very pleasing vibrato effect akin to Echoplex tape warble that sounds fantastic on hanging, slow-strummed chords and slow- to medium-tempo arpeggios. Tape mode has many similar qualities with the addition of a fairly authentic-sounding high-end decay, while Lofi mode sounds like a tape delay that’s done about 40 years on a fishing boat—very nice for skuzzy garage rock.

The first thing I noticed about the Flashback was how quiet it is—even on settings with lots of feedback—and how intuitive it is to operate. The three-position Subdivision Selector is a particularly nice touch, as it works in tandem with the tap-tempo function to choose eighth-, quarter-, and dotted-quarter-note subdivisions. (...) One of the things I like most about the Flashback is that long delays with Feedback turned way up build to a clear and steady state, rather than go into hyper oscillation and become distorted.

The Flashback delay is a full-featured digital stereo unit with up to seven seconds of delay available. The presets range from the pristine playback of the TC 2290 Digital Delay to the warm and fuzzy response of analog pedals. There is an emulation that really captures the signal degradation of the old tape delay systems, as well as Lofi , Dynamic, Modulated, Ping Pong (stereo only), Slapback, and Reverse delays.

TC Electronic Flashback pips it to the post here thanks to its array of features. It's compact, high-spec'd and a joy to explore. We want one.

This is an excellent pedal, and is sensibly priced. It would be very good value even without the TonePrint feature, but it's this that really sets it apart from the herd. TC has brought something to the table that other compact pedals don't have!

The versatility of this pedal is evidenced by the huge variety of Toneprints on offer, Nathan East’s lyrical solo delay (which also features elements of his chorus Toneprint), Justin Meldal-Johnsen’s deep, soundscape or Janek Gwizdala’s and Divinity Roxx’s offerings. All the Toneprints are different and show off just what you can achieve with this fantastic pedal.

Plugging in the Flashback Delay first, the quality and diversity of sounds is outstanding. The lower right dial offers various settings such as pristinely clean 2290-type delay, warm tape emulation echos, a chorus+delay combination, a reverse delay and a looper to name a few.

Stereo ins and outs allow for a stereo set-up, or for studio use and the delays are so clean and noiseless that even pro users should be excited. (...) TC has included the ability to hold down the pedal switch and physically play a tempo using the audio tap function. It's very effective and probably more accurate than the standard tap tempo approach.

Simply setting FX level, delay time and feedback controls at noon and dialing through the different delay modes on offer heralds the start of a very enjoyable time ahead. The sheer quality of these delay sounds is remarkable.

(This review is based on Flashback loaded with Steve Morse's TonePrint) I found it to be possibly one of the best compact delay units I have ever used. (...) After using this delay, I shall definitely be adding it to my pedal board, and I should mention that the price is as appealing as the tone!

The unit's case is very sturdy, so it's a good long-term investment, and you can run in and out of the device in mono or stereo. Ping-pong delay obviously works best in stereo and we enjoyed the wide sound of the pedal when we wired it to our studio inserts. We tested true bypass, which is noticeably transparent, and were also impressed by the low noise floor.

This pedal offers excellent value for money: you get an innovative, reliable and extremely effective delay sound for less than 150 Euro. We'd recommend it as an addition to any player's setup, both in the studio and playing live.

Whether or not you take full advantage of the TonePrint setting, the TC Electronic Flashback Delay and Looper is a terrific sounding and highly versatile stompbox in a pedalboard-friendly size, and with a pocketbook-friendly price.