TC Electronic TC 2290 Dynamic Digital Delay

TC Electronic TC 2290
When the TC Electronic TC 2290 arrived in 1986, it changes the landscape for digital delays forever and it is still in use around the world today because of its unique abilities. The TC Electronic TC 2290 was so iconic during the mid to late eighties, and it continued to show up everywhere in both studios and on stage with some of the biggest guitarists in history.

TC Electronic TC 2290 Dynamic Digital Delay Details

In recording studios, PA rigs and guitar racks all over the world the TC Electronic TC 2290 is known as the industry standard Digital Delay. The explanation behind the achievement of this position is crystal clear sound quality combined with unique features, that allow you to work with effects and music in a creative way.

Five programmable effect loops and MIDI allow the TC Electronic TC 2290 to control your rack boxes and your favourite pedals at the same time. The Dynamic Control and Learn function provide you with a very unique tool to create new and exciting effects. The unique Dynamic Function enables you to suppress the effects when you are playing and let the effects reappear when you stop playing or the opposite.

The 100 dB dynamic range, 20-23000Hz soft roll off frequency response and 1 MHz sample rate are part of the TC Electronics’ design philosophy. In the studio it means no compromise where recordings for compact disc are concerned, and to the performer, the 100 dB dynamic range means crystal clear sound, eliminated hiss and the headroom for all the ‘punch’ needed.

The TC Electronic TC 2290 features a large number of dynamic echo effects allowing you to add delay echo and repeats controlled by your playing. Numerous delay modulations allow you to create exiting chorus, ADT, synchronised flanging, even chorus effects on long delay settings. The stereo panning facilities create new ways of using the stereo image dynamically. Also, the modulation effects can be made simultaneously to make effects like a ‘dynamic echo chorus with stereo panning’.

The built-in connections to control other equipment enables very practical ‘total’ performance systems to be set up, controlling all the TC Electronic TC 2290 delay effects simultaneously with 5 external effects racks or pedals as well as MIDI controllable effects (& keyboards). All of it is remote controllable with simple ‘press a button’ commands from e.g the TC 0144 SRC stage remote control panel.

All music performers come across the wish to make some specific change of settings ‘at the push of a button’. 100 Preset sound combinations certainly helps doing easy changes. But often there is more to it. ‘I would like a simple remote delay time setting button’, a ‘bypass’ or maybe a ‘change volume key’. That is why we have included a number of ‘programmable’ keys and personalisation facilities. This also means that any key(s) on the front of the TC Electronic TC 2290 are readily made remote keys when you need.

The software control of the TC Electronic TC 2290 and membership of the TC Software Club will allow you to add new effects and controls with the TC Electronic TC 2290 through the simple change of a low cost ‘software chip’. The TC Electronic TC 2290 has the facilities for adding options like half a minute delay memory with no sacrifice in sound quality, connections to your needs whether it be remote controls, computer sequencer or control, or maybe the next generation of MIDI.

With extra memory for longer delay times fitted, the sample record and playback option really become a use full tool for recording, modifying and playing back sequences of sounds live and in the studio. Up to 100 preset samples can be recorded and played back in various extractions. When shifting back and forth between delay echo and sample effects, the sampled sounds can remain unaffected ‘in memory’.

At T.C. Electronics we realised that there is a genuine need for a digital delay capable of meeting the studio demands for compact disc quality recordings. Also, for live performances a high-quality delay unit were missing. A delay unit capable of doing better than ‘hiss and clip’ of the precious details and the ‘punchy’ parts of live music. The vital sound quality of the TC 2290 was specified.

A tendency within digital audio equipment is an ever-increasing complexity, not only in the effects provided but also in the control of them. What was lacking was the means to integrate previous, new and coming effects into a ‘system’ that can be set up and used in a simple and trouble-free manner. The inclusion of the external effects control, the TC LINK and MIDI provided the answer to this.

We also found that there is a need for a piece of equipment, that is capable of lasting longer than the typical short product lifetime of most delay units. Software programmability of all TC Electronic TC 2290 effects and control and the facilities to add hardware options provided the answer to this. With low-cost software, adding new effects and interfaces is possible. Effects and interfaces with capabilities beginning to appear limitless as time goes by. The 32 seconds optional delay time for sampling possibilities is a ‘hardware’ option example, others are future interface possibilities through a built-in option-bus connector.

Finally, the TC Electronic TC 2290 had to be able to meet the stringent demands of an on-the-road life or 24-hour studio use for many years. This called for a durable construction with reliable top-quality components for a lasting and trouble-free operational lifetime. Easy serviceability through full documentation (Service Manual) fault-diagnostics software and easy identification of components.

Features

  • Industry-standard digital delay unit renowned for exceptional sound quality and creative flexibility
  • Five programmable effect loops for integration with external rack units and pedals
  • Full MIDI implementation for seamless control of connected devices
  • Dynamic Control and Learn functions for creating interactive, performance-based effects
  • Dynamic Function allows effects to respond to playing dynamics, appearing or fading based on input level
  • 100 dB dynamic range for crystal-clear audio and wide headroom
  • 20 Hz to 23 kHz soft roll-off frequency response for full-range clarity
  • 1 MHz sampling rate for uncompromised CD-quality sound reproduction
  • Extensive dynamic echo effects, including delay, echo, and repeat variations
  • Multiple modulation options for chorus, ADT, synchronised flanging, and long-delay modulation
  • Stereo panning with dynamic control for enhanced spatial imaging
  • Ability to combine modulation and echo effects simultaneously for complex layered sounds
  • Built-in connectivity to control up to five external effects units or pedals
  • MIDI control of additional devices such as keyboards and external processors
  • Remote control capability using the TC 0144 SRC stage remote control panel
  • 100 user presets for instant recall of sound combinations
  • Programmable and customisable front-panel keys for personalised control
  • Software-upgradable architecture via low-cost software chip replacement
  • Membership in TC Software Club for access to new effects and updates
  • Expandable delay memory for up to 32 seconds of sample recording and playback
  • Sample record and playback feature for capturing and replaying audio sequences
  • Up to 100 preset samples storable and retrievable in memory
  • TC LINK system for integrating and synchronising multiple TC devices
  • Built-in option-bus connector for future hardware and interface expansion
  • Designed for professional studio and live use with robust, durable construction
  • Reliable, long-life design with top-quality components for 24-hour operation
  • Comprehensive service documentation and fault-diagnostics software for easy maintenance

Specifications

Released in: 1986
Made in: Denmark
  • Dynamic Range (Delay Path): Greater than 100 dB
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 23 kHz ±0.5 dB
  • Soft Roll Off: -3 dB at 25 kHz, -12 dB at 30 kHz
  • Distortion: Less than 0.05% at 1 kHz, 0 dB PPM
  • Conversion Principle: Dynamic differential conversion, 1 MHz sample rate
  • Direct Path Performance: Dynamic range, frequency response and distortion better than delay path
  • Delay Time: Standard 1023 ms, sockets for up to 4 seconds, expandable with options +4 to +28 seconds
  • User Presets: 0–99 (1–79 user presets, preset 0 autostore)
  • Factory Presets: 20 (from 80–99, user changeable and recallable)
  • Preset Parameters: All except common setup, input gain and power
  • Preset Data Retention: More than 10 years
  • Modulation Effects: Delay modulations with automatic depth correction by sine or random; supports chorus, flanger, ADT, delay+chorus and input level–triggered effects
  • Dynamic Modulations: Of direct, delay and feedback levels via sine or random for tremolo, compression, expansion, ducking and gating
  • Panning Modulations: Of direct, delay or both using sine, random, or envelope-triggered modulation
  • Input (High Z): Instrument input, 1 MΩ impedance
  • Input Sensitivity: +2 dBm to -22 dBm for 0 dB PPM
  • Headroom: 12 dB at 1 kHz
  • Output Impedance (Jack): 750 Ω
  • Maximum Output (Jack): +16 dBm
  • XLR Input: Balanced, 20 kΩ impedance
  • XLR Sensitivity: +14 dBm to -10 dBm for 0 dB PPM
  • Headroom (XLR): 12 dB at 1 kHz
  • Common Mode Rejection: Greater than 50 dB
  • XLR Output Impedance: 100 Ω balanced
  • XLR Maximum Output: +26 dBm
  • External Effects Sends (1–5): 100 Ω, output level equals input level minus 6 dB, max +16 dBm
  • External Effects Returns (1–5): 220 kΩ, max +16 dBm input
  • Logic Control Outputs: Drives external bypass, mute, start/stop and trigger circuits at +5 to +15 VDC
  • MIDI Connections: MIDI IN/THRU/OUT with standard DIN connections, passes preset shifts and external control commands
  • TC Link: Bidirectional jack/chord interface for remote panels and communication, 31.25 kHz data rate
  • Assign Switch: Up to five user-programmable remote switches
  • Analog Pedal/CVIN: Optional control via variable resistor (0–50–100 kΩ) or voltage input (0 to +5 V)
  • Voltage Selections: 100/120/220/240 VAC
  • Power Consumption: 30 W
  • Dimensions: 482 mm x 89 mm x 242 mm
  • Weight: 5.7 kg
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TC Electronic TC 2290
User Reviews

TC Electronic TC 2290 Dynamic Digital Delay User Reviews

Classic DDL

By Simon Alexander

Sound Quality 100%
Build Quality 95%
Usefullness 100%
Mojo/Funk 100%
Reliability 85%

I’m not sure I’m going to give it all 10’s but it’s pretty close. TC got the design of this absolutely spot on. It’s more suited for guitar than keyboard, but still sounds phenomenal on Keyboards too. You’ll find 2290’s in a lot of big studios today and it’s become a bit of a cult classic. Ease of use, functional design and sound are so simple and good. There were various memory upgrades including sample options for the 2290, so if your after one, check and see what’s fitted as an extra. Push button contacts (like all similar type of age) need cleaning after time.

Review

By Jordi

Sound Quality 100%
Build Quality 100%
Usefullness 100%
Mojo/Funk 100%
Reliability 100%

Used it? Leave your rating and review.

Effects Presets
Audio Samples

TC Electronic TC 2290 Dynamic Digital Delay Audio Samples

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Classic Tracks

TC Electronic TC 2290 Dynamic Digital Delay Used on these Recordings

Jump

Van Halen

The Joshua Tree

U2

Wicked Game

Chris Isaak

Under Rug Swept

Alanis Morissette

Famous Racks

TC Electronic TC 2290 Dynamic Digital Delay Appears in These Famous Racks

Coldwater Canyon, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
3 Abbey Road, St. John’s Wood, London NW8 9AY, UK
Albany House Claremont Lane, Esher Surrey KT10 9FQ, UK
Los Angeles, California, USA
1073 Main Street Housatonic, MA 01236
3b Ellis Ave Alexandria, NSW, Australia
1616 Butler Ave. Los Angeles, California
7265 Santa Monica Blvd. West Hollywood, CA
Plugins

TC Electronic TC 2290 Dynamic Digital Delay Plugins

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Further Reading on the TC Electronic TC 2290 Dynamic Digital Delay

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The details provided above are drawn from historical documents like advertising brochures or user manuals. They’re shared without bias or review. This info is given solely for your consideration, helping you gauge its usefulness to you.

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