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 TC Electronic FireworX At a Glance   arrowT. C. Electronic News(312)   Streaming Video (43)
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arrowReleased: 1998  arrowVersion: 0.00
arrowRated: 8.9/10arrow User reviews: (22)
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Jakesmitty007 writes:
The FireworX is t.c. electronic's flagship multieffects unit, and as such includes a VERY comprehensive I/O section, a mind-boggling number of effects, up to 8 of which can be used at the same time. The quality of the effects in general is superb, but what sets this processor apart from the crowd is the degree to which these effects can be edited, re-arranged, and then controlled via MIDI. Also the presets really show off what this machine can do (especially units with the version 2 software, which adds 200 presets as well as word clock). Some of the presets that use the synth generator, which can be arpeggiated internally, are some of the coolest presets. The synth generator is a monophonic synthesizer that can actually be played via MIDI (check out preset 199), and in some presets acts as a carrier for the vocoder (like 002) or ring modulator. There's really no reason for me to go into all the effects individually because they are almost universally of excellent quality, except for the pitch shifter, which has a limited "usable" range. This was kind of surprising to me because the pitch shifting algorithms were created by Wave Mechanics, a company that makes very expensive TDM/pro tools pitch-shifting plugins, and was founded by two ex-Eventide engineers. . .The only other problem is a lack of a global effects mix control, which is a huge oversight in my book, because I almost always use the FireworX in an aux send/return config. Maybe t.c. prefers you use it in series, but since no 1/4" inputs are provided this still seems strange.

Other interesting features include an "alpha" dial on the far right of the front panel, which basically serves as a modulation wheel (like on a synth). Also, thanks to the large LCD and easy-to-follow interface, this processor is pretty straightforward for something so complex.

Good Points
excellent effects quality and control with very unique effects algorithms and presets. good reverb. kickass presets. very comprehensive and flexible I/O (you can even sidechain an external device into the signal path by using a set of I/O not in use). logical interface. powerful midi implementation. the alpha dial is tres cool.
Bad Points
no global master effects mix setting (you must adjust the wet/dry ratio for each preset individually). the pitch-shifter has a fairly limited range (though this means a lot more to some people than others--personally I don't mind). Finally, next month's credit card statement!!!
 

 TC Electronic FireworX Specifications:

Digital IOs:
AES/EBU, S/PDIF, ADAT, TOSLINK, word clock
Analog IOs:
XLR
Midi IOs:
In/Out/Thru
Maximum Resolution:24 bit 96khz
EQ:
yes
Dynamics:
expander/gate, soft (knee) compressor, hard comp/limiter
FX:
Dynamics, Filters, Distortion, Vocoder/Ring Modulator, Synth Generator, Pitch, Chorus, Delay, Reverb, Autopan, and EQ.
Software supported:
none. EMAGIC please give us sounddiver support!
Upgrades/Extras:
PCMCIA expansion slot for storing effects programs

 FireworX Links


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