Why you might not like TC Electronic's Infinite Sample Sustainer Pedal
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- Опубліковано 18 лют 2022
- Bought the Infinite Sample Sustainer on pre-order, but within an hour of having it, it was up for sale.
The sound from this unit has a heavily modulated, unstable quality which may not suit everyone - but this isn't always obvious in the demos online. I've compared the basic sound of this pedal with the EH Freeze and the HX Stomp to help people identify their preferences.
Sound is subjective of course, so if you're loving the pedal, as many are - please carry on - there's nothing to see here!
Gear used:
Fender '65 custom shop Strat
TC Electronic Infinite Sample Sustainer Pedal
EH Freeze
HX Stomp
Logic X
TRUST THIS COMPARISON. I was after a sustainer pedal for a fly rig, so I done what we all do and checked out every youtube demo going of both the EHX and TC. This was the ONLY video putting me off the TC.... so I ended up picking up an EHX.....but, the TC would remove my need for a separate reverb pedal so curiosity got the better of me and after all.... no other review video of the TC highlighted this uneasy warble at all. Well what can I say.... plugged in the TC and boom... the uneasy warble - went straight up for sale that night. As Jeremy suggests, the EHX has this very rich harmonium-like sustain. It happily handles anything from single notes to chords with ease, doesn't matter where after the attack you engage it, works exactly as you'd expect and hope it to in your head. The TC on the other hand... it's like they've nailed all the extras in the pedal but not the actual sustain function. Whilst you might perceive this warble as providing 'movement' in the sustain... it warbles at a fixed rate...one that you'd want to adjust - but can't. Granted by the time you play your reverb'd lead over the top of the sustain this warble isn't as noticeable but if it's exposed on it's own at all, it does feel rather uneasy when compared with the EHX. I will also say that the TC really doesn't handle chords well, ended up having to settle for single notes... and even then it becomes a game of luck knowing when to engage it after the initial note attack to actually get the best sustained sound. So yeah, don't do what I did, trust Jeremy and this very valuable comparison. EHX Freeze hands down, and if you want more features, EHX Superego + is the way to go.
Thanks for sharing this Michael, we had about the same experience I think. Great detail here as well, I'll have to pin it to the top! Cheers 🍻
As of the recently released Pico Deep Freeze, you get all the functionality in Superego+ in a smaller form factor.
Honestly, I prefer the Infinite! The Freeze actually sounds more uneasy to me, and the Infinite’s random, warbley quality makes it feel more natural and less “tense” to me!
Yep some seem to prefer it, at least hearing them side by side - you know what you're getting!
Not sure if something is wrong with my ears, but the Infinite actually sounded more organic and natural to me. The Freeze sounded more processed to me.
Nah, quite a few people like the sound of it...your ears are working just fine. Wish I had your tastes. Enjoy the pedal!
I sold my freeze because of its static sound
I agree infinite is a more natural wayyy more interesting and useful pedal.
BEST review comparison ever for these sustainers!, thank you and I agree with you!
Cheers Alex, thanks for the comment, much appreciated 🙏
Great review. Each of these has its own place. I use my Infinite for creating semi-ambient pads, along with reverb, delay, EQ, and looper into a recorder/mixer. Based on your review, I'm now considering adding a Freeze for less modulation (which I can add with the other pedals, when desired). But I love my Infinite and it stays right where it is on my board LOL! Good job - very helpful.
That's an interesting idea to blend them...hadn't thought of that!
This is actually the reason I prefer the Infinite. I haven't tried it but supposedly you can do anything with the modulation using the TonePrint editor.
If you prefer the movement in the sound then get the infinite - but you can’t get rid of it in the editor, even if you want to.
I love this video. Thanks for providing all the comparison clips and the spectrum view at the end. This totally wouldn’t be the pedal for me too!
Thanks Kapil, pleased there are few people finding the video helpful…I was kind of bracing for an onslaught of TC electronic fanboys (and girls!)
Thank you! I was considering this but decided on the Freeze pedal instead. I did that before watching this review, but this just confirms my decision. Thank you.
Good call - be good to know if the switch on your freeze, assuming it's a new one, is super clicky of more quiet. The old ones like mine or super noisy!
Excellent comparison of infinite sustain pedals. Thanks for validating what I have observed with the tc electronics infinite pedal-the erratic, warbly-like sustain signal. For some time now I thought there was something wrong with my pedal-but hearing you say that tc support indicated that this is a feature of the pedal and cannot be changed addressed my concerns. Thank you!!!
Cheers Chris- i kind of felt the same way about mine at first. Especially after you read all these glowing reviews…you can tell mine isn’t sponsored 😅
Very helpful! I don't want TC warbling. The harmonium comparison is excellent 👌
Cheers Tyler, pleased you found it helpful.
Meanwhile the warble of the infinite giving it that analog tape loop feel that you can adjust the swell and decay on is why I wanted it over the lifeless digital freeze sound. I preferred the HX to the freeze as well
An analogue tape loop?? You should definitely buy it!
@@JeremyJames_studio yep the warble of the Infinite reminds me of the gigantic old Roland Space Echo unit my uncle has or even a Melotron as it isn't just modulation but a bit of volume fluctuation. It's just more pleasant to my ears. That's why I bought it.
@@MrJbangoy Perfect then! You knew exactly what you were getting and you dig it. The video was for people like me who didn't 🙂
thanks. i had been curious about that pedal. not at all what i thought it would do
Not what I thought either…to be fair to the pedal, all the functionality is great IF you can accept the sampled sound of the unit. I thought I was the only one who took exception to it, but it turns out that there’s plenty
Very nice demonstration with the analyzer! Yes they all sound different and i am one of those who really like the random modulation of the tc. I hope your complain doesnt disturbe them and change their sound design concept haha
I don't think it's an easy 'fix' so you're safe I'd say. If I thought it would be an easy software update I would have held onto it! Anyway I envy you - if you're fine with the base sound then it's a terrific unit. The extra functionality on superego+ which i now have doesn't bring that much more to the table - but man, it's like 5 times the size of the TC pedal!
The Infinite immediately sounds infinitely better to me than the Freeze or the HX Stomp. Thanks for demonstrating to me in about 100 seconds which I need to buy.
More than welcome 👍
Whatever kind of tone one’s after - very well made comparison anyway, thanks a lot!
Many thanks for that, all the best.
Thanks for the comparison. I usually like TC but for what i would like to do with it, the Freeze will suit me better. For learning harmonies over a standing chord the TC has way to much modulation for me. Musically the infinite may be interesting but i like the pure approach of the freeze. In this case less is maybe more.
Agreed- less here is much, much more!
Thank you for the comparison and taking the time.
I have a real harmonium but I still like the sound samples from the TC.
You could try a compressor going in to the TC after Ditto... too to soften the initial attack.
That is an idea re the compressor, but the movement is so profound that I doubt it would be able to level it out sufficiently....you should try it out if you have a unit
Thanks so much for this man! Worth getting the freeze i think
Yeah it's still the best option for me as well...I am waiting for someone else to add in some more functionality with the same smooth algo but until then...
Thanks, man. Excellent comparison.
Welcome 🙏
Appreciate the video. I’m in the market for one of those and your take is interesting.
Cheers David, good luck with the decision.
Such a great video. Thank you
Thanks for that. Happy to be of help 🙏
Great video, thanks for this!!
Aha! I knew someone might find the comparison useful eventually 😆
Enjoy the pedal, it's a keeper
Very helpful and well done, thanks!
Welcome 🙏
I would prefer to handle modulation with a dedicated modulation pedal. It is a fundamental sound alteration like those provided by oscillation and filters. Like most TC pedals, it does a lot of integration and many may prefer editing and being able to download settings on the fly. This makes handling live gigs easier to manage sound wise.
Agree with your first sentence 100% 👍
I had noticed this on other demos and thanks for confirming it. Who wants this unintended tremolo like effect? Not me for sure.
Yeah it's not for everyone. I felt some of the other demos masked this flanging quality by playing busy solos over the top so wanted to lay it bare here. Man I was disappointed when I first plugged in this unit...
It's a real shame as I was going to order it, but held off due to the flanger effect I was hearing. I really want a freeze style pedal and this ticked all the boxes.. but I don't think I can order with that flanger which I find irritating. I am hoping TC Electronics have an update which allows the captured compressed sound to drone and not modulate/ flange. Keep us updated if you find out more,
@@panmo2110 The thing is when I contacted support they said that the flanging sound was "a feature and not a bug" so if they are framing it that way they won't even try. I guess if enough people complain about it online they may have a second look, but from what I've seen most commentary, or at least more than half, is positive....
Jeremy, thanks for sharing your experience with everyone. As I'm a bit later than the other commenters, I'm wondering if you ever found a fix for this issue or if you did end up selling the pedal. Thanks!
Hi Mike, no I wasn't able to change the fundamental sound of it. Support don't see it as a problem so I don't think they'll try and change it. I sold at a loss a few days after making the video 😞
I did pick up a superego + pedal to have a go with though...haven't had too much time with it yet but I might do a video comparing the freeze, superego and the hx stomp because that's kind of the decision I'm making right now 🧐
@@JeremyJames_studio That's too bad. On paper, it looked like a decent pedal! Thanks again for sharing your experience.
I assume you cycled through all the fx type settings to see about eliminating that warble...TC infinite looked cool, but glad to see a EHX pedal that does basically the same cuz I'm a big fan of all they do.
Yes indeed I checked all the settings...still quietly hoping for a firmware update. I'd buy it again.
Thank you. You just saved me from buying the tc electronic. Great comparison! I agree with you. Such a pity because like you say the functionality is great but the sound of the drone produced is inferior to the freeze pedal.
You’re welcome - happy to help!
I can't quite tell if you were running the TC pedal with the reverb on or off. From another YT vid, I've seen that the L1 Toneprint for the "standard, as supplied loaded onto the pedal" Toneprint has modulation on the reverb. I'm waiting for mine to arrive, so I can't tell for myself. Just curious...
Hi Norman, reverb was off for the demo. Didn't really dig in to the possibilities there. If you find a way to stabilise the samples on the unit please let me know. Thanks 🙏
Will do.
Thank you so much because I was going to get one of these things
More than welcome Martin :)
Hi, great video. a quick question: some people complain about clicking noise and hard switch on Freeze.. compared to TC...tho I can't hear any clicking or noise through your video any experience with the bad behavior of freeze? thanks
Hi Tomas, nope no audio clicking sound at all. The switch clicks yes, on the older ones - think the newer ones have a softer switch mechanism. I'd like to upgrade actually I don't like those clicky switches. But as for audible clicks in the audio signal on the freeze when you turn it on- no. Not for me.
The TC pedal has a great switch by the way! IF you can get on with the sound of the thing...
Thanks a lot. And yes I do like that TC as well but on other side it's got probably too much under the hood 😅
The Mooer A7 is the best pedal when it comes to infinite effects! the most natural sounding out of the bunch! I tried them all.
Is that so? Easy for me grab a mooer here in Hong Kong. Will pick up one to try. Thanks
I guess tc uses crossfaded ring buffer while ehx uses phase vocoder as the implementation. I have just finished my new pedal prototype "advanced freezer", it has similar characteristic with ehx freeze but with more advanced features: continuous fade out speed control, adjustable trigger delay, and automatic transient avoidance.
You working above my pay grade there mate! Not sure how TC organised their pedal to be honest. But your prototype sound brilliant!! Will you release something soon?
@@JeremyJames_studio actually I have 5 new pedal prototypes but still don't know when it will be released. Still trying to find local partner (indonesia) for co-founding a new pedal brand.
@@deeptronic1978 Sounds exciting! Keep me posted for sure 🙏
I just ordered the tc. I hope the warble doesn't bother me too much. The most important feature to me is the multiple layering.
Yes, if you don't mind that sound signature it's a great pedal for sure!
This is a very interesting point. Ive been looking at getting the tc electronic pedal for a while. But if you are showing that the freeze is better with the way it sustains samples then i wonder if i should get the freeze pedal instead?
If you like the movement (or warble as I call it) in the sustained sound definitely get it. Understand though, you can never remove it for an even sample. If you don’t like that type of thing or prefer to use other effects to change the sound, get the freeze. Simples!
I feel like you are neglecting the TonePrint technology here. I would be surprised if you can't turn down/disable modulation using the toneprint editor. Almost anything inside TP pedals are costumisable through that.
Yes toneprint is great. I did try to change the initial captured sound but wasn't able to.
You can alter what the pedal does with the captured sound in millions of ways but you can't change the way it captures a sample in the first instance. TC electronic support confirmed this...unless you've found a way to do it?
@@JeremyJames_studio I wonder if TC is paying attention and might do a firmware upgrade that would address the issue.
@@stagnatic I wondered the same, but when I contacted support they said the 'sound' was a feature not a bug. I think if enough people mention it to them, they'll have a look but as it stands they're selling so I don't see them changing it in the short term.
I just picked up a superego plus the other day, will do a short video comparing it to the freeze some time soon. Hopefully they didn't mess with the basic sound 🤞
@@JeremyJames_studio "feature not a bug"... That's hilarious. That is a very old joke from IT guys in enterprise. If a client complains you just say "it's a feature not a bug". It's funny/sad that tech guys are still giving this answer and that any end users are still accepting it.
And thanks for this. It is exactly what I need to know about the pedal. Same problem as the Gamechanger.
Here is a link for a tone print video - ua-cam.com/video/2SCaXWr-wbA/v-deo.html
it's funny because the reason you DONT like it, is the reason I DO like it- I use it as ambient pad underneath to fill in for keys.
Similar to the sound of the hold mode on the Mad Professor Cosmos reverb...before it shit the bed and its going to cost me 170 to ship back to Finland!
Nothing worse than when a pedal shits the bed 🤣
You're not the only one who likes the sound of the pedal...I'm sure there's lots. Just wanted to warn people with similar needs to my own. Cheers for the comment Michael - made me laugh 😆
I have the EHX Freeze and I think both are great
Yes indeed, lots of choice these days Oscar.
Jeremy, thanks for the video. I'm wondering if using the TonePrint settings (TP1-TP3) would allow you to have a less modulated drone? I know you sold it off already, but there has to be a way (I would think) to limit the modulation/trem effect by adjusting the TP manager thing...maybe someone else has tried that? I'm still leaning towards the Infinite, but haven't completely decided yet.
Hi Bob - I was fairly sure it would be possible to even the drone out using toneprint and I did try. When I couldn’t I went through to support, and they told that the unstable sound of the algorithm was a ‘feature not a bug’. This comment made it fairly clear that a software update to even things wasn’t on the cards, so I sold it at a loss. You’ll see in the comments that more than a few people like the sound of it, but for people like me with ‘freeze pedal’ expectations….the sound isn’t useable. Maybe pick up second hand and have a play with it, perhaps they’ve made some changes?
@@JeremyJames_studio I ordered the Infinite yesterday and it should be here tomorrow, so we'll see how I like it. There's a YT video out there that explains the Toneprint editor specifically with the Infinite and there is a toggle for Modulation On/Off for every Toneprint, so apparently the Infinite can be turned into more of a "Freeze" in theory, but I'll have to try it out myself to prove that. In any case, it's not a simple switch on the pedal to clean it up if you wanted that...hopefully it works for me. Thanks again for your video!!
@@BFRedrocksArizona Cheers Bob- hope it works out great. I was hopeful about the modulation settings, but I remember them adding modulation on top of the original sound but removing it. That may well have changed and if it has, PLEASE let me know. If the unit can be tweaked to sound like the freeze or polysustain patch on the stomp - I'd make a note in the description of this bid. And probably buy it again!
@@BFRedrocksArizona Have you had the opportunity to check whether that chorus-y modulation that is so obvious in this video can be turned off in the toneprint settings? I´m currently in the market for a freeze pedal too, and this would be the one factor turning me on/off the TC pedal.
@@nobuyoshikitano3305 I finally got around to it and I got pretty close to a clean, straight infinite sustained note. No matter what I do though within the TP Editor, turning off all reverb and modulation, there is still a bit of warble/mod for about a second or two after the switch is pressed, but then the held note seems to clean up and not warble at all. So I think the answer is yes, it can be turned off and not noticeable with a long held note, but there is still some of that modulation-type sound right at the start of the hold, if that makes sense. I've had the pedal for a few weeks so far and really like it. I love the control it gives and being able to do multiple single notes or even hold chords is a lot of fun and a great practice tool for me anyways. YMMV as always.
You can also look at the Boss SY-1. This is a synthesizer pedal that als has a freeze function. I use the pad function a lot. It brings a ambient pad under my playing that follows my playing and can be freezed if needed.
Sounds useful indeed. I’ll keep an eye out 🙏
Yeah, the infinite sampler isn’t a “clean” freeze. In fact, it’s got several on-board switches and presets for various modulation options. (and you can reprogram them with your own tone prints if you want), and multiple Layers!
you know that meme with Tiger Woods and John Daly? lol; that would be the Infinite Sample & Sustain! It’s wild. I love it.
Yeah you can add huge amounts of modulation and effects. Pretty amazing. I just wish you would start with a clean slate!
Thanks for sharing this!
Welcome 🙏
Have you checked out the EHX Ravish Sitar pedal? Might give you that droning sound you are seeking plus adds the traditional Indian sounding tones.
Nope I haven't tried it. The freeze has just enough of that quality I think...anymore and I'd be moving too far into Indian music I think. Would like to give it a whirl though
I haven't the pedal but I've the freeze ... I think it's good , but limited especially looking on wet and dry sound and how it's treated... but all of that you're saying about the infine I think is valid but the manual give you the possibility of no modulation and "special treatment" about wet and dry signals .... I like this video because I didn't know the line 6 stomp ... which I would consider to buy BASED on this video , thank you for that!
Hi Gabriel, yes you have further options for modulation plus the reverb of course, but the thing is, they all start with the wobbling sampled tone which I couldn’t stand. The poly sustain patch is super! But a couple of things you should bear in mind - one it is much less usable close to the strike of the chord (whereas the freeze does just fine) and the switch turns it off so it’s harder to put the sampled notes in series. (Two taps for another sustained note)This is probably tweakable in the settings but I haven’t looked as yet. Cheers
Your voice has a similar cadence to Nick Cave's. Not sure I you've gotten that before haha. But thanks for sharing, man! Im new to this category of pedal. I think I'll wait on the freeze being in stock unless you have other recommendations. Cheers!
Never had any Nick cave comparisons, no - until now! Love Nick Cave. Have been thoroughly enjoying his red hand files. Such a gift with language.
Being such a old pedal you should be able to track a freeze down second hand. They're built like tanks so that's what I'd do. The superego might be an option (I've the superego+ and deciding whether to keep it) but they get big fast. Game changer audio make a plus pedal (looks like a pianos sustain pedal) but if you listen to the demo it also has some of that baked in modulation though not as bad as the TC - so I've never been tempted by that.
What sucks about the Freeze is it's not very small and the switch is the loud, clicky kind instead of a quiet one like TC's mini pedals. TC is coming out with an Infinite Mini now, which is tempting, but I definitely don't want to be stuck with that tremolo effect built in. I wish a brand would make the best of both worlds.
That clicky freeze switch annoys me too! Though I read someone that the newer ones are quieter. Not sure.
I went and watched the demo after reading your comment Alex....if anything the warble is more prominent. For the price I am tempted to get one and see how the tone print app has been updated...but I don't think I'll bother after seeing the demos. If you do, and it's better, let me know!
What I'm waiting for is something from EH. Something redesigned with more functionality. Or perhaps a mini from them.
Is it possible to take the warble effect of the TC out in the tone hub app?
Nope you can’t. TC have put out a mini version and I asked if the warble is still there in the comments - they answered saying that it’s there because they find it musical and you cannot take it out. Pretty definitive 😓
Awesome review. Tne new EHX string 9 has 2 patches that utilise the freeze functionality
Is that so? Immediately interested. Going to search for videos right now!
Thanks for the video, have you tried the EHX superego? I'm doubtful between that one and the infinite :(
Yes I had the superego pedal. Didn't quite use the other functions as much as I thought I would - freeze function is the same as on the freeze pedal so I just kept that.
@@JeremyJames_studio So, what you're trying to say is that it doesn't have the problems that you had seen in the infinite?
@@luispereztasso hi luis, no I wasn't saying or trying to say that actually. Just that I didn't use the extra functions that the superego (and superego +, I had that too) offered over the freeze. So I kept the freeze.
All the EHX pedals have the same great 'freeze' algorithm that I love. None of them sound anything like the tc pedal.
@@JeremyJames_studio ohh!! I'm sorry I didn't ask correctly, I just wanted to confirme that it had the same algorithm. Thanks from Peru!
@@luispereztasso Yes, all of the EHX use the same algorithm as far as I can tell. I expected to use the 'gliss' a lot but I never did - so I keep the freeze. 🤓
Thank you for the demo. I might just get a Line 6 HX stomp or a similar modeler with a sustain pedal.
I just want a pedal that can sustain one note for my leads without getting a sustainiac pickup.
Yes that would do nicely I think. I was looking at one of the ed obrian signature Strats awhile back until I realised that I much MUCH preferred the sound of the pedals. Good luck with the purchase!
That instability might be a nice feature IF you had some control over how severe it is, but if it's just stuck like that all the time, that definitely puts me off. Thanks for the demonstration.
Exactly my thoughts!
Gamechanger Audio Plus pedal has the worst incidental/accidental modulation imaginable. Tried every which way to get it right, but sold it in the end. I’m wondering, and maybe someone else has asked already, but might it be an interaction with the Ditto? How is it if the Infinite is ordered in your chain after some compression or gain? Or even before or after some kind of Lo-if modulation? The effects loop, attack/decay, and Tone Print features all put this on my get list, though your demo does give me some pause. Thanks very much.
Yes, I thought the game changer was just what I was after, a bit big of course, but the functions looked spot on. Then I heard some demos, and dropped the idea straight away. I don’t know why I didn’t pay the attention to the TC pedal demos…cause when you listen the unstable modulation is there, though sometimes hidden under overplaying on top.
As far as the ditto is concerned, I only introduced it to film the video. so no impact on the sound. I didn’t put any pedals before it, it’s about the only thing I didn’t try. I wonder if heavy compression would help, I’m not so sure it would. As even if you take a sample right at the tail of the chord you still get the same movement in the sample. For me, I’m now looking at the superego (and +). EH absolutely nailed the algorithm for this type of pedal, and seemingly it’s not an easy thing to do! Good luck with your decision.
@@JeremyJames_studio thank you, will also consider the Superego, too.
Hi, Was this test done with the TC's verb switch on or off? Surely, if the switch is off then it doesn't happen?
Unfortunately this is all with the verb off…what you’re hearing is the algorithm they developed that has that swirling, moving character
You were at the L1 setting, did the same thing happen on the Infinite mode as well?
Yes, I went through all the settings….they sound all consistently the same.
I heard a comment in another video that the Infinite captures the original sample, but also plays back a reverse version on top of the "original" -- supposedly to offer a larger, bigger "modulated" sound. Maybe there is a way to turn that off with the TonePrint app? I do not know that answer.
Interesting- that might be right. Re the toneprint 100% you can’t turn off or lessen the warble. It’s baked in.
@@JeremyJames_studio The only thing I can figure is that if you actually _desire_ a modulated version of the original tone, and was expecting that, perhaps the Infinite would be OK to get.
hmm, you're right:I didn't notice this in the demos. It seems like I'll have to settle with the Superego and its EHX stupid big box, instead. Thanks for the video, it has been very useful
Thanks for that. You're exactly the person I shot the video for 👍
Glad I watched this before thinking more about buying the Infinite, I used to own the freeze but didn't like the fact it couldn't carry the other effects going in to it(if you were to switch them off after freezing), now the infinite has come out and its got an amazing selection of modes just unfortunately with that warble it tarnishes the tone :/
I know what you mean - my hopes were sky high!
I still love my Boss Me 80 which has the freeze effect and for some reason they do it much more ambient.
How about going to the App and do the adjustments there?? I would think the App will let you do a lot of adjustments!
It does yes, but not to that initial sampled sound, unfortunately.
To my ears it sounds like the infinite is trying to hide some aliasing issues with some pre-built lfo... It might sound more natural but imo a static signal is easier to manipulate with more effects rather than a pre modulated one
Agreed and agreed!
To be fair, there's so many more options in the TC pedal, I imagine there's some modulation type effect that's making it that way? surely it's capable of a basic freeze sound.
Yes there is lots of functionality in the pedal as I mentioned. It's great actually IF you can get on with the basic freeze sound. Unfortunately (for me) you cannot change that. This was confirmed by TC support...
Wow.... That's a super bummer. Maybe they'll do a firmware update. They should... I love the Freeze pedal even though I'd love to see it have more functionality it does produce a very smooth and lightly modulated sound. Even the Plus Pedal by Game Changer Audio often can make very choppy drones. I bought one for a Cello set up and we often had trouble with it making stuttering drones which is the exact opposite you want when trying to make ambient music. The Freeze is awesome.
The Freeze is best in class, yep. Quite amazing when you remember that it was designed quite a few years ago.
I notice you are only using the L1 position on the FX type... This just samples one note, and because you are playing an entire chord I am wondering if it may be getting confused about which note to sample? ... Does it improve if you use the L2 (2 note samples) L3 (3 note samples) or Infinite FX Type
...?
I tried all the settings- it made no difference unfortunately. Think they simply change the amount of possible layers but the core sound of the effect remains, no matter what.
it doesn’t work like this. it doesn’t try to sample a single note, it’s just a general sampler and it takes an overall audio snapshot
@@phladjki yes I think he was talking about sampling a single note and layering it...of course the unit itself just takes a slice / sample of whatever you put through it.
i haven’t messed with one yet, but just grabbed one on reverb. tbh, i absolutely HATED how sterile and bad the freeze sounded. (in addition to only being mono.). the freeze always sounded harsh and mechanical. so i’m hoping the infinite will be the opposite of everything i disliked about the freeze.
Might be just what you’re after…
Have you ever tried the freeze effect on the Boss Me 80 pedalboard, so ambient. These single pedals for a mental price don't come close. Don't understand why Boss doesn't come up with a freeze pedal.
can you do a video with the deep freeze pls
Didn’t know there was one! Very cool, if I grab one I’ll do a video for sure 👍
Thank you for the video. The Freeze is muddy. That's why you don't hear the absolutes of your pulling the pick across multiple strings. Whereas the Infinite finely and more accurately records the actual sound. You will have to judge when you push the switch to record your tone to more finely adjust getting the sound of the guitar. I would suggest waiting a 1/2 second later before recording the chord. Or use a different pick, or adjust the speed in which you pull your pick across the strings. And certainly adjusting the dials affects your sound greatly.
Thanks the input, the tone isn't the problem though. Bright or dark would fine. the phasing and flanging of the TC isn't effected by tone which could be proven easily. Lots of people like the pedal of course!
To me, a note held on the Freeze sounds like a Hohner Melodica. I think it's the attack that's missing. Of course this wouldn't matter if you were playing a keyboard.
Yeah it does sound a bit like that. As far as the attack goes, it's still there - only frozen in time 😆
Definitely too much movement in the TC pedal. The poly sustain patch actually sounded the most stable but it was maybe a little too stable. Of course you could follow it with a chorus if you want some modulation so it's not a huge problem. The EHX definitely sounded the best on its own. I have a SuperEgo and it's essentially the same algorithm with more controls.
Agree with you on the TC, definitely too much movement.
The poly sustain is super if you already have a stomp,but it doesn’t too well at all under the ‘stress’ test I put the others to - close a striking chord can sometimes be unusable. Whereas with the freeze, it’s always fine. The stomp is fine if you give if a second or two though.
. After my misadventure with TC pedal, I am now looking at the superego line, I did love the idea of having extra glide and fade out. I am assuming the Electro harmonic used the same algorithm they nailed with the freeze for the superego (and superego+) can you confirm that you hear with yours?
Does playing with the toneprint software affect this at all?
There's tonnes you can do in the tone print app, but you cannot change the warbling nature of the sound. As mentioned I contacted support about it and they said it's a 'feature not a bug'
Listening to the new mini demos - they are using the same algo I think. If anyone says they're not I'll buy it to test.
@@JeremyJames_studio thanks for getting back, and good to know
@@c0untbakwerdz no worries, I was hoping the answer would be the tone print app...but alas no...
Thanks so much for this. I've had trouble with other TC electronic pedals in the fast and love everything EHX do so I didn't want to be biased but I'm happy to stay away from the infinite now.
The only other TC pedal I've tried was the flashback - which was fine. Which ones didn't work out?
@@JeremyJames_studio the ditto, but planning to give it a firmware update soon
@@RealRealming that should sort it. The dittos are pretty solid
Did you try tweaking with the tone print app? I’m positive you can work on that wave sound so it doesn’t sound to deep and more straight…
Quite a few people have asked that - but unfortunate you can't change the sound of the sample.I mentioned that in the video. I asked support and they confirmed that it couldn't be changed.
@@JeremyJames_studio all right I guess it is what it is. Still your video gives another perspective and im sure there'll be people who won't like that feature either.
@@franciscodominguezguitar2510 exactly- some like it some don't. I just felt that the other demos, including the tc demo, made it hard to hear the nature of the sound. Thus, this video?"!
@@JeremyJames_studio true! this video let us hear better that wave on the sound which kinda helps it to wether decide to get one or not.
@@franciscodominguezguitar2510 Cheers Francisco, that was the plan. All the best:)
What does he means by “close to the chord”?
Just the time between strumming a chord and pressing the switch - the smaller the time the worse the TC pedal sounds
Thought there must be a batch of defective pedals. SAME PROBLEM HERE.
After seeing/hearing your video, I hear the DRONE effect on them as well, though some are pretty well hidden. Seems the pedal should be named "Infinite DRONE effect" and should have parameters for the timing of the pulse, width, and amplitude. Just slapping on a random effect... well, was driving me crazy trying to find the problem in my gear.
And, there are other compounding problems with my unite - on the Dry setting, the pedal does nothing at all... simply a bypass.
When set to Verb, on mine device pressing the tap button does nothing, unless there's also a return input. Then, once the InfiNite starts working with the wild pulsating, there's no means to stop it... other than to get on the floor and turn the knob to another FX type. Eg, after stepping on the switch to start the sustain the switch has no further function until the FX is changed by turning the knob. it does not layer, double tap does not turn it off, etc... it's stuck running forever.
When trying to debug the issue, tried starting the capture closer to the strum on my guitar - the results were a nightmare of horrid sound. At least now, thanks to you, a better understanding of the problem.. Sigh of some relief..
I like a Harmonium type of effect on a lot of things, and might find use for this on a few songs, but only when I choose it - not forced on every capture at an exaggerated level.
There are many videos showing simple operation that works exactly as expected (eg, FREEZE).
Spent way too much time trying to figure this out and missed the return date.
Thanks for this video! I'll forward it to my sales rep instead of making my own video.
On to check out your other videos!
Hi Stephen - it sounds to me as if your pedal may have some other issues! But in terms of the warbling quality, you're experiencing a 'feature not a bug' ( don't you just love marketing departments. )
Taking a sample right beside the strum will give you the absolute worst result as you've found. Completely unusable for my tastes.
It's been interesting seeing the comments come in through the months - most (well more than half ) are happy for the heads up. More than a few think it should be fixable in the tone print app - indicating that they didn't watch the video. Quite a few like it and find the freeze too sterile. Different strokes for different folks at the end of the day!
The Freeze is awesome. Had one for years. Wish it wasn't so clicky.
Ha yes, isn’t the quietest pedal switch every made is it. Someone in the comments said the newer ones are quieter, but I’m not sure when they starting being made. Mine isn’t one of them!
@@JeremyJames_studio I wonder if there's anything you can do mechanically to reduce the clickiness. Great comparison, by the way!
There must be, I think any decent tech could change out the switch...I've never thought about doing that. But i will grab a new one if my old one fails. Unfortunately I don't think it ever will. Rock solid!
I prefer much more the modulation and oscillation of the Infinite rather than the Freeze. I never bought the Freeze because I found it really blunt and annoying, in my opinion the TC Electronic sounds more natural and organic. Just my opinion
No doubt lots of people prefer the sound of the Infinite Sample Sustainer - sound is subjective after all. I'm just putting the relative sounds out there so people can compare themselves before buying. Wish I heard it like you Samuel, then I wouldn't have had to sell my unit at a loss! All the best.
@@JeremyJames_studio Definitely! Thanks a lot for your video, it's honestly very helpful! It's a matter of taste more than any other thing, I totally think that the erratic movements could be more pleasant to the ear than a steady drone if you are improvising over it for minutes. But hats off to EH, they created something unique and very necessary for our community
@@sambleach It is a matter of taste 100%. One thing I might have added in the video is that I often use the freeze to practise slide guitar and having a stable note is kind of essential when working on intonation. Either way with all this affordable tech, it's a great time to playing guitar! Cheers Samuel.
Isn’t this solved by just turning the fade in to zero??
The Pedal Platform channel shows how to get a more stable sound by sampling further away from the initial pick attack.
The TC Infinite is full of quirks that I hope they will fix with firmware updates. One “feature” I’ve noticed is that the Infinite takes a better sounding sample if the foot switch is held down slightly longer than I would if I was using the Freeze. Maybe it’s just in my head? There’s no in-depth manual for this pedal (why I can’t imagine) so is players are left to figure it out.
Hi Gary, I have to admit that holding down the switch longer was about the one thing I never tried! Are you sure it doesn’t release the sample while you’re stepping on the switch though?
@@JeremyJames_studio I’m not sure, and to be completely honest I’m experiencing some glitches with it, so some of my interactions have been experimental as I try to figure out if the glitches are a lack of understanding on my part or a “feature.”
@@yesiamgary TC have them squarely in the 'feature' category! I tried everything to settle the units response. Was really hoping for it to work well - I bought it on pre-order w international shipping. 🥲
If they do update the firmware let me know please- but I still get the feeling they are selling well...
@@JeremyJames_studio Ouch sounds expensive! I bought mine after watching another review video that was overwhelmingly positive. None of the glitches I’ve experienced were in that video of course. If I had found your video first I may not have made a purchase. None the less, thanks for your service!
@@yesiamgary Cheers Gary - all the best.
i ve seen your video before i bought it.. i didnt believe you.. now i am selling it :) it wasnt too bad anyway (some people love this tremolo thing )and has a lot of other good things on it but i can do all of those with helix. i had the superego+ before absolutelly different sound. only tc electronics pedal i like is the tuner, all the other ones something is wrong with them
Oh man, I should have been more persuasive in the video!
I have the superego + at the moment. Might do a video on it and compare it to the others. I have the TC ditto which works well - this is the first TC electronic pedal I haven't got on with.
Give a try to the Chords of Orion Toneprint or use the FX Loop delivered…. it might make the difference
Thanks but already sold. I tried everything and contacted support. I would buy again if they update the algorithm though.
@@JeremyJames_studio
I will buy it , next time possible.it s very musically with the fx Loop. I like Your comparison With the Indian organ, … it s Not the Perfect freezer, obviously.
But combined with Other pedals ( fx Loop) you have a decent layered companion.
If it Had an additional for organic dry/wet adjust, it would be perfect
Thanks you just saved me some cash. Also I have an HX stomp and never noticed it has a sustainer. 😂
Happy to help Robert. That polysustain pitch is really good actually - for the past few months I've just been using that to practice with. Don't even have the freeze on my board at the moment.
I wonder if this has been addressed by TC yet? Great vid, thanks.
Well support described the warble as a ‘feature not a bug’ so I would be surprised if they look at changing it. The smaller one they put out has the same characteristics 😅
@@JeremyJames_studio Hmmm, that doesn't seem like the best idea in that case....
@@blackie75 In other news though, Electro Harmonix (the maker of the freeze) released a smaller freeze pedal, that has the gliss function of the bigger superego pedal. Someone in the comments mentioned it and asked if I would test it out...I'm planning to!
@@JeremyJames_studio Nice, looking forward to that ☺
Have you tried the gamechanger audio sustain pedal? It's really expensive, but seems to have great sound and much more options than the Freeze.
I thought the infinity had great features, but going by your demo here, I agree that the raw sound is not very good.
Hi Jonas- I very nearly bought a game changer pedal but just before ordering I found a video like this one that compared the retained notes at some point in the video. Thought the freeze far superior and didn't end up getting one. Seems to me that the algorithm needed to generate these retained notes isn't all that straight forward.
@@JeremyJames_studio Now that you mention it, yeah, the Gamechanger Plus does seem to also have this warbly character to its sound. I never noticed that before.
I own the Freeze, got it many years ago just after they released it. I like the sound a lot, but I feel like it is lacking in other features, especially when compared to the GC Plus and TC Infinity.
First of all, mine has a very loud switch, which kind of ruins ambient music (they might have fixed that in later editions, how's yours?). I would really like a separate out for dry and effect. An option to have the sustained tone drop in volume over time. And the ability to layer more than one sound at a time.
Some say that the EHX Superego and Superego+ are like an upgrade to Freeze, and they have some of those features, have you tried any of them?
@@JBergmansson Yes the gamechanger is a bit better than the TC but at 15-16 mins here ua-cam.com/video/2j7z-0UkqAA/v-deo.html the difference between it and the superego is laid bare. No comparison for me, and one of the reasons I never tried the gamechanger.
My Freeze switch is loud too! Looking into mods for it which I didn't realise were possible. But also looking at the superego cause as you can see in the vid above it sounds every bit as good as the freeze (just a little big!) I'm never tried the superego but will....if I grab one I'll post a quick video!
@@JeremyJames_studio I've modded mine slightly, with a socket where I can connect an external pedal that does the same job as the switch. Really easy mod, it's just soldering the jack to the terminals of the existing switch, in parallell. Takes up more space your board though. I should have posted it online...
Yeah, the superego+ especially seems really cool. I can't warrant a purchase right now, having the freeze, but if I'm ever in a project where I use sustain a lot, I would get it.
@@JBergmansson supposedly the newer Freeze pedals have soft-touch/quiet switches.
Hmm... I think I might stick with my Freeze pedal after all. You just saved me 138 euros!
Ha, great stuff. I wish I could have watched the video BEFORE i bought mine!
Why can't anyone make a single pedal that sounds like the freeze function on the Boss Me 80. None of these pedals come even close.
Thank you!!! Thank you!!!! Thank you!!!! I am sooOOOOooo frustrated with how so many reviews are so deceptive, even the ones that aren't sponsored. Why? How? Really? - I've watched 4 reviews by "famous" UA-camr guitarists on this pedal...... and NONE OF THEM, ever mentioned this, what I'll call Lo-Fi issue. I was about to buy this thing too, not now. This is TERRIBLE. How can you honestly put out a product like this. If anything - have fx on the pedal to add in the Lo-Fi sound, but that should NOT be the default.
You sir are more than welcome, and I agree with you - I do feel the fundamental sound of the pedal was kind of glossed over with busy playing. I mean it’s kind of there but it’s not obvious really what the sound and what’s effected sound. Wasn’t obvious to me anyway cause I bought one!
I have the freeze, and use it. On down my pedal chain I add the tone you don't like. Most of the time more pronounced.
Well it’s not so much that I don’t like but that I don’t want it all the time. 👍
Thanks for posting. I don’t mind the modulation but I might not want it all the time. I’ll stay away from the TC for now.
I sold a Superego and was hoping this would work as a replacement.
Maybe the old EHX wasn't so bad after all. Oh well. Live and learn.
EHX pretty much nailed the algorithm years and years ago! I am waiting patiently for some company to improve it…
@@JeremyJames_studio Yeah, I think in my case it was just user error. Probably didn't spend enough time with the Superego.
At least that's what Dr. Freud told me...
@@mattgilbert7347 😂
I already own a Freeze. Thanks for this video - now I know the TC sounds different enough to posibly justify the purchase price... [Not that i can control my addiction for still buying Fuzz boxes that basically all sound nearly the same...]
Yes, it definitely does sound different. If you’re a sound retainer fan then why not!?
Re Fuzz, I’m a massive tone bender fan which is I guess is a type of fuzz…what fuzz would you recommend with that sound in mind? I have my eyes out for a kingtone fuzz as they have that kind of quality about them but they aren’t so easy to find
@Jeremy James My primary Tone icon is Mick Ronson, since my early teens way back in the Ziggy era. His bender was a very early version.. I remember Tonebenders were just the common Fuzz Boxes in local UK Guitar Shops. Almost affordable enough for us school kids learning Guitar. We used to plug a Stylophone into a Tonebender, then into a 50 watt Valve amp and 4x12 cab. A magnificent loud out of control fuzz and feedback drone noise. That's the nearest we could get to sounding anything like a big Hammond organ, or Moog synth. Anyway, wish I'd kept one of those early 70s original benders.. I'm afraid I can't recomend any modern boutique benders. They are all too expensive for me now. I guess the latest Boss Bender is worth a look, but again too expensive.[ Forget about the earlier very ltd edition Boss using rarest transistors - being sold at ridiculous profiteering rip off prices by parasitic scalpers ]... I bought a bunch of various low price bender clones about a decade ago from UK ebay sellers, who hand made them to high standard using authentic exact NOS vintage transistors.. These pedal makers were usually enthusiast part time builders making low runs of pedals to learn pedal building, and as away of subsidising their own music making. These days I'm mostly into mid 60s buzzsaw fuzz, which is the kind of fuzz box more easily available at reasonable prices from the usual big brand names, and cheap Chinese Amazon brands. Freeze combined with Fuzz is more interesting to me than clean ambient sustained pad tones...
When I think of fuzz, I’m thinking Mick Ronson as well. There’s a passage where his guitar comes in on Bowie’s ‘Time’ that will forever be the gold standard for me. I was interested in that boss run of tone benders but the prices now are like 1K USD. What the…?! Madness. All the schematics are out there for those early units so I just don’t see the value. An original maybe but a new pedal? Ridiculous. Anyway there are a few builders in China that make interesting pedals (I’m in Hong Kong at the moment) so I’ll look into options there. Good chatting Gary.
I have the Digitech Freakout pedal which is really good.
I had that pedal as well...bit of a one trick pony but what a great trick. Got to play it like an instrument and it doesn't always work - but when it does it's hard to tell from the real thing. Need to pick up another!
The Infinite sounds more like a reverb and the freeze is more of straight up sustainer
I think you’re right, if the infinite was MORE like a reverb I would have kept the thing 😂
I prefer the modulated sound
Yep some people do 👍
The InfiNite acts more like a granular sampler and I like the moving and changing artifacts but I can understand why you may not. For me, it's why I chose it 🤷. Good and informative video though 👍
Thanks, yes i can understand why people might like this…but as a pure sustainer there’s a bit much going on for some people.
@@JeremyJames_studio you're right, sometimes you do need that purity for sure. Be nice if there was a choice in one pedal. I was disappointed that the InfiNite isn't stereo. When I saw the 4 inputs I assumed L and R and didn't notice the effect loop. Oh well, so it goes
Just open the tone print app and set up the pedal to do or not do whatever you want. You have very minute control over every aspect of how the pedal functions. In fact, you can save three presets to the pedal, so you can have three different types of sustainers for three different applications. Easy Peasy, but if you wanna sell it cheap to me, I've got cash, baby.
Tone print was where I went first, obviously. You can't change the swirling, unstable nature of the sound. This was confirmed by TC support. Some people love the sound but if you don't you CANNOT change it.
Honestly, I think the comparison to my ears shows that TC electronic is the best. It has the most interesting sound. The others sound a bit bit bland. Maybe the erraticness does that.
Well if that's the case, grab one. You'll love it!
I believe the best sounding pedal you demonstrated was the Infinite.
A few others seem to like it as well 👍
I think it's a individual thing, whatever you prefer and what type of sound you are going for. I like the Infinite but I could see getting both also.
Thx
Amazing video. I was just about to buy the Infinite but I don't want modulation that I can take away.
Cheers Drew, I made the video for someone in exactly your position! You might want to check out the freeze.
It works best post amp modeling.
Really, how so?
I wish I''d looked for this before ordering one, going straight back, didn't like the sound at all. Thanks!
Sounds like you had exactly the same experience as I had….no doubt you were mucking around in the tone print editor trying to stabilise the sound before giving up and selling at a loss :(
Get the EHX super ego if you want extra functionality
Yes, had it. Great. A little big though, unless you’ve got a huge board.
Seems like the TCE Infinite would work better as a pad. The Freeze is more of a true hold. Like Limelight.
Limelight I don't know...Will have a look online
@Jeremy James Limelight by Rush. Lifeson plays a beautiful lead where the last note is held and the band comes back in on top of it with the chorus and the note eventually fades away underneath. You know, Limelight.
Of course it was done originally in the studio, but they had to use something to play it live for 35 years. I think it was probably the hold function on one of Lifeson's rackmount delays. That is the type of thing the EHX Freeze does well. It's kind of a one trick pony.
@@TheRealcdawg22 oh right sorry - not a rush listener! Will check it out. Cheers 🍻