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Practical Applications- TimeFactor vs Timeline
Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2012 11:56 am
by excane
Doodz - need some advice.
Yes, there have been a million threads, discussions, blah blah on the Timefactor vs the Timeline but I'm only interested in a few details concerning live use.
Leaving out all the discussion about tone, what type of sounds each one can do, etc..... which do you prefer for live use? Which is more intuitive and flexible for a real-world setting.
Here are my thoughts - I brought both my Timeline and borrowed my buddys Eventide to take to 3 separate rehearsals in the last 2 weeks.
All 3 times I preferred the Eventide.
1) The need for pressing 2 buttons for banking on the Strymon is a HUGE deal breaker for me. It sucks and sucks BIG TIME. I don't want and shouldn't have to pay for an external controller like the DMC for a $450 pedal.
2) I really like the infinite repeat on the Eventide. Middle button will start it repeating and you're free to walk away from the unit, talk to your audience, grab a drink, etc. It just felt foolish to hold my foot on the momentary Strymon and stand there until I let go.
I've emailed and talked to Strymon on the phone about software updates concerning this and they have told me there is no software coming soon for these specific issues.
More and more I'm leaning towards the Eventide.
Really would enjoy your thoughts on this......
discussion is GO. Time is NOW....
Re: Practical Applications- TimeFactor vs Timeline
Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2012 12:01 pm
by Shish
Using Eventide stompboxes also suck without additional controller. Although they're cheaper then MIDI controllers for Timeline.
Re: Practical Applications- TimeFactor vs Timeline
Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2012 12:16 pm
by jmoote
While I agree that it seems silly to have to buy a separate controller for the Timeline, using it without a MIDI controller is a huge handicap in more ways than just the 2 button bank switching. There are so many features that aren't incredibly accessible on the surface but are very worthwhile.
Re: Practical Applications- TimeFactor vs Timeline
Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2012 12:31 pm
by cheesecats
i considered the eventide, but i have a problem paying 500 bucks for a box made in china. i'm funny that way.
Re: Practical Applications- TimeFactor vs Timeline
Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2012 12:42 pm
by futuresailors
Why not pay half that for a used one?
But the timefactor doesn't have a setting that can cop dem ice toanz, does it?
Re: Practical Applications- TimeFactor vs Timeline
Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2012 12:59 pm
by excane
futuresailors wrote:Why not pay half that for a used one?
But the timefactor doesn't have a setting that can cop dem ice toanz, does it?
See, I know about all the differences in tones, sounds, ice, etc... That's not really what concerns me and not really the topic.
Yes, they are very cool but for my needs it has to be able to function flawlessly in a live setting. I mostly use the digital, analog, and a few other modes not really the crazy wacked out sounds.
cheesecats wrote:i considered the eventide, but i have a problem paying 500 bucks for a box made in china. i'm funny that way.
Timefactor is $400 but can be had slightly cheaper used.
Re: Practical Applications- TimeFactor vs Timeline
Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2012 1:01 pm
by excane
jmoote wrote:While I agree that it seems silly to have to buy a separate controller for the Timeline, using it without a MIDI controller is a huge handicap in more ways than just the 2 button bank switching. There are so many features that aren't incredibly accessible on the surface but are very worthwhile.
Yes, agreed.
I don't have an issue with adding a controller in the
future, but I'm trying to decide which functions better and makes more sense by
itself for a live setting.
Re: Practical Applications- TimeFactor vs Timeline
Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2012 1:23 pm
by futuresailors
excane wrote:futuresailors wrote:Why not pay half that for a used one?
But the timefactor doesn't have a setting that can cop dem ice toanz, does it?
See, I know about all the differences in tones, sounds, ice, etc... That's not really what concerns me and not really the topic.
Yes, they are very cool but for my needs it has to be able to function flawlessly in a live setting. I mostly use the digital, analog, and a few other modes not really the crazy wacked out sounds.

Sorry, that was me asking. I love the ice, but not the price. From what I've seen the timefactor can't do that and I just wanted to confirm.
Re: Practical Applications- TimeFactor vs Timeline
Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2012 1:37 pm
by excane
futuresailors wrote:excane wrote:futuresailors wrote:Why not pay half that for a used one?
But the timefactor doesn't have a setting that can cop dem ice toanz, does it?
See, I know about all the differences in tones, sounds, ice, etc... That's not really what concerns me and not really the topic.
Yes, they are very cool but for my needs it has to be able to function flawlessly in a live setting. I mostly use the digital, analog, and a few other modes not really the crazy wacked out sounds.

Sorry, that was me asking. I love the ice, but not the price. From what I've seen the timefactor can't do that and I just wanted to confirm.
ahh woopsie

I don't own the Timefactor, so didn't really have a chance to mess with it TOO much, but no it doesn't seem like it has some of the cooler sounds of the Strymon.
Re: Practical Applications- TimeFactor vs Timeline
Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2012 1:38 pm
by excane
Damn, do I just buy the Timefactor and have both.... that would be downright silly huh?

Re: Practical Applications- TimeFactor vs Timeline
Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2012 1:54 pm
by futuresailors
Well that way you could compare them, and then you could always flip the timeline for a profit. Bl00z dentists would rather drop an extra $100 than wait a couple weeks...
Re: Practical Applications- TimeFactor vs Timeline
Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2012 4:09 pm
by Muse FTW
I think both pedals necessitate the use of an external controller. From what I've seen, you only get all the features of both through extra footswitches. You'd think for $400+ they'd include one...
That being said, this is from someone who hasn't owned either.
Re: Practical Applications- TimeFactor vs Timeline
Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2012 7:18 pm
by excane
Yeah, an external controller and exp pedal gets the
most out of it but basic things like the banking with 2 footswitches is ridiculous.
hmmm what to do

Re: Practical Applications- TimeFactor vs Timeline
Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2012 9:57 pm
by bronzetalon
For me its about tone first then functionality. But there is nothing wrong having the opposite priority. Ive had both and I prefer the timeline and don't mind using the MIDI controller. To me I get a great looper, delays, and Lofi tones. But use what works for you and that's the right answer.
Re: Practical Applications- TimeFactor vs Timeline
Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2012 12:59 am
by madmax1012
i feel like you could find something that does something similar to the Ice mode. honestly, I think the new Vox Delay Lab looks fantastic. kinda like a DL4 on steroids. 28 second looper, pitch shifting delays...and it's $299 new. I'm curious if anyone gets one to put head to head with the Timeline and the eventide.
http://www.voxamps.com/pedals/delaylab/