TC Electronic
Vortex
Flanger
Players who need a broad array of top-shelf
flanging tones in one very small and easyto-use stompbox would be hard pressed to
do better than the TC Electronic Vortex. TC
built its formidable reputation largely on the
quality of its modulation sounds, so it’s only
right that the Vortex is such a flawless and
thoughtfully designed pedal. It will do all
those Eddie Van Halen sounds, the warbly,
watery Andy Summers tones, and much,
much more. Tape flanging devotees love it for
its dedicated Tape mode, which is engaged
by flipping the pedal’s mini toggle switch to
the downward position, and for its overall
ease of use. Stereo input and output and
TC’s TonePrint technology add further layers
of versatility to this already versatile pedal.
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TONE TALK //
Downloading new sounds for it is easy as
pie, and the TC Electronic website is rich with
tape flange TonePrints that are sure to inspire.
Genuine through-zero tape flanging tones
have long been elusive for the guitarist
wanting to recreate studio effects in a live
situation. Traditional flanger circuits can often
come close, but that distinctive through-zero
comb filter sweep is mighty hard to replicate
convincingly, and a portable tape-based
option has, somewhat surprisingly, never
appeared. Yearn no more, my friends! I am
happy to report that tape flanging tones
are here to stay, thanks to the golden era
of guitar effects that we are lucky enough
to love in, and they will fit nicely on your
pedalboard. Go forth and flange.
Better than the Real Thing: 5 Incredible Tape Flangers