TC 2290 Dynamic Digital Delay + TC 0144 Remote Controller

TC Electronic’s 2290 Dynamic Digital Delay is a rackmount processor that became a reference point for professional delay sounds through the 1980s and 1990s. The model was introduced in 1985, and it quickly became a standard in studios, PA racks, broadcast setups, and touring guitar rigs because it combines high audio quality with quick, hands-on control.

A big part of the appeal is how much is accessible from the front panel. Alongside straightforward delay, the 2290 includes programmable modulation, panning, and dynamic functions such as gating and ducking, plus sampling with real-time looping and Sound on Sound. The dynamic section is especially useful in a live rig: it can keep repeats out of the way while you’re playing and let them bloom back in the spaces, which suits the tighter, more produced guitar tones associated with the late 80s and 90s.

Technically, the 2290 is known for its fast, clean response and its ability to stay clear even with complex settings. It offers precise time entry, practical filtering in the feedback path, and flexible routing options for building anything from subtle slapback to wide stereo rhythmic repeats. It’s also widely associated with major touring and studio players, and is often mentioned in the same breath as classic 80s/90s delay sounds from artists like David Gilmour and The Edge.

This particular unit works 100% and includes the original TC 0144 remote controller, a piece that has become very difficult to find on its own today.

SPECIFICATIONS

Core

• Type: Rackmount digital delay with sampling, modulation, panning, and dynamic processing
• Presets: 100 programmable presets

Delay and time

• Delay memory: 4 seconds standard
• Double mode: up to 8 seconds (Double Sampling / Double Delay Time)
• Memory expansion: options up to 32 seconds (via optional expansion)
• Delay resolution: 0.1 ms to 999.9 ms, then 1 ms increments
• Group delay: <30 microseconds

Conversion and performance

• Converter system: Dynamic Differential Delta Sigma
• Sampling rate: 1 MHz, no downsampling
• Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+0 / -0.5 dB)
• Extended response: 25 kHz (-3 dB); 30 kHz (-12 dB)
• THD: <0.05% at 1 kHz, 0 dBm Dynamic range: >100 dB
• I/O levels and impedances
• Max input level (XLR): +22 dBu
• Max output level (XLR): +22 dBu
• Max input level (1/4″): +14 dBu
• Max output level (1/4″): +10 dBu
• Input impedance: 1 MΩ unbalanced / 20 kΩ balanced
• Output impedance: 750 Ω unbalanced / 50 Ω electronically balanced

Connectivity

• Audio I/O: XLR and 1/4″ phone
• MIDI: In / Thru / Out
• Rear-panel control: Assign switch; TC Link / serial controller connection
• External control: 5 programmable effect loops for external effects/pedals
• Front panel / functions
• Learn (tap): delay time entry; also sample start/stop
• Modulation: separate control for Delay, Pan, and Dynamic sections
• Mod waveforms: Sine, Random, Envelope, Trig
• Pan: pans direct, delay, or both
• Dynamic section: gating, ducking, sampling, auto-trig functions
• Feedback filters: LPF 8 kHz / 4 kHz / 2 kHz; HPF 100 Hz / 200 Hz / 400 Hz
• Feedback: level in %; phase inversion available
• Output modes: Delay; Direct; Delay + Direct
• Output routing: flexible L/R placement; delay phase inversion
• Input gain trim: ±10 dB
• Metering: 5-section LED PPM (-20, -10, -3, 0, +3)
• Display: 4-digit multi-function numeric display
• Time entry: up/down scroll plus numeric keypad
• Bypass: electronic bypass with non-volatile memory function

Power / size

• Power: selectable 100/120/220/240 V, 50–60 Hz, 30 W
• Dimensions: 3.5″ x 19″ x 9.5″ (89 x 482 x 242 mm)
• Construction: black anodized aluminum front panel; steel chassis