They won't bogart the space on your pedalboard, nor break the bank, and they've got all the tones and MASH expression of their bigger siblings. As long as you don't mind using an app to change effects, you'll love these.
Pros
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Tiny footprint.
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MASH expression.
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Large range of possible sounds available for loading.
Cons
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Computer or phone needed to change the effect type.
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Following in the footsteps of its larger X4 and standard-sized siblings, TC Electronic’s mini pedal versions of the Flashback delay and Hall Of Fame reverb pedals were revamped to ‘2’ status at the tail end of 2019 bringing in a new level of expressive parameter control – all carried out via the new MASH pressure-sensitive footswitch.
The two pedals still have the same extremely pedalboard-friendly footprint as their predecessors with offset jacks but now feature an extra LED that lights up more intensely as you increase pressure on that footswitch. The HOF also goes from a single knob to a three-knob control setup matching the Flashback.
Both single-sound pedals, the Flashback 2 offers the sound of a tape delay as shipped, while the HOF 2 comes configured as a hall reverb. The beauty of them, though, is that you can load them with any sound that you want (all of the different variations found in the larger versions of each pedal) courtesy of TC’s TonePrint software editor and librarian facility.
All the standard reverb and delay sounds are there as well as the more esoteric, such as shimmer reverb and polyphonic octave delays
This is accessed either via USB connection to a computer or via a mobile device, and you can simply load a new sound into a pedal by using your mobile phone to beam it directly into your guitar’s pickups. All the standard reverb and delay sounds are there as well as the more esoteric, such as shimmer reverb and polyphonic octave delays.
There are loads of editable parameters for each effect including a dedicated page for setting the parameters adjusted with the MASH switch, featuring a useful graphical display allowing mapping of the selected effect’s response to your foot pressure (note: you can select tap tempo rather than MASH for the Flashback 2).
That MASH feature is great for an extra layer of onstage expression, enabling the likes of spiraling your delay repeats off into feedback or bringing in modulation to your reverb trail, or just providing an alternative to the main effect while held down.
Verdict
The undoubted bonus here is that even without the MASH feature, these pedals would still be solid purchases for anyone wanting delay or reverb in a small package – they’re practical while still being extremely versatile, as long as you don’t mind embracing a little hi-tech.
Specs
(Image credit: TC Electronic)
PRICE: $94.95 / £79
ORIGIN: USA
TYPE: Reverb pedal
FEATURES: Selectable true or buffered bypass, MASH footswitch for real-time parameter control, TonePrint editing
CONTROLS: Decay, Tone, Level, Bypass footswitch
CONNECTIONS: Standard input, standard output
POWER: 9V battery or 9V DC adaptor (not supplied) 30mA
DIMENSIONS: 55 (w) x 93 (d) x 50mm (h)
(Image credit: TC Electronic)
PRICE: £79 / $94.95
ORIGIN: USA
TYPE: Delay pedal
FEATURES: Selectable true or buffered bypass, MASH footswitch for real-time parameter control, TonePrint editing
The EchoVerb similarly packs a lot of signal processing into its small enclosure. The switch on the top toggles between reverb and digital delay, with the two smaller black dials on either side for adjusting Time/Tone and Feedback/Decay, and a big white control for level. It's simple but effective.
(Image credit: EHX)
Electro-Harmonix Oceans 11 – $151 / £134
Relatively compact and definitely practical, the Oceans 11 reverb has a choice of 11 different 'verbs with a decent amount of tweakability from the front panel.
(Image credit: Electro-Harmonix )
Electro-Harmonix Canyon – $151 / £134
With an all but identical setup to the Oceans 11, EHX's affordable Canyon multi-delay and looper packs 11 effects into its enclosure and offers excellent value.
(Image credit: TC Electronic)
TC Electronic Hall Of Fame 2 – £148.99 / £99
If you want the same range of different reverbs but would like to instantly select several from the front panel, check this out: it is larger and more expensive than the Minis but still fairly compact.
(Image credit: Future / Phil Barker)
TC Electronic Flashback 2 – £148.99 / £99
As with the Hall Of Fame 2, the regular size Flashback houses the same effects but allows you to control them on the front of the enclosure. For those averse to using their phones except for emergency calls, this might be a better option.
Trevor Curwen has played guitar for several decades – he's also mimed it on the UK's Top of the Pops. Much of his working life, though, has been spent behind the mixing desk, during which time he has built up a solid collection of the guitars, amps and pedals needed to cover just about any studio session. He writes pedal reviews for Guitarist and has contributed to Total Guitar, MusicRadar and Future Music among others.
