The Differences Between Original Paradox TZF and TZF2

Posted by Dave Fox on 7/27/2015 to Effects

A few people have asked for a rundown of how TZF2's features differ from the original Paradox TZF (now referred to as TZF1). What follows is a list of everything I could think of. Slimming down the original design wasn't easy - I love all those features. So I made a compromise. I got rid of some features to save space, and I added a couple to make up for it.

The differences between the original Paradox TZF and TZF2

1) TZF1 has stereo outputs, TZF2 has a single mono output. The stereo outs on TZF1 are comprised of the direct signal at both outputs mixed with the effected signal. The stereo image comes from the effected signal appearing at both outs with one side's polarity inverted. For a proper stereo image, you must dial in the audio mix so it includes direct signal and modulated delay. This is the principal behind most modulation effects with a mono input and stereo outputs. As you turn up the TZF knob (fixed delay level) you will hear the through-zero sweep. TZF2's output is mono. The output is made up of the fixed delay mixed with the modulated delay. There is no direct signal present at the output.

2) TZF1 has jacks for external SPEED control and MANUAL control. Use an expression pedal to control the SPEED setting or the MANUAL setting, or both. TZF2 does not have jacks for external control. Instead, it has the momentary RAMP button for manipulating SPEED and MANUAL. There is a selector switch for choosing SPEED or MANUAL.

3) TZF1 has a foot switch with two-color LED for selecting mix polarity. TZF2 has a small toggle switch instead and there is no indicator LED.

4) TZF1's audio mix section consists of one knob to mix between direct signal and modulated delay, and another knob to set the TZF (fixed delay) level. The most intense through-zero sweep happens when you dial in an even mix of fixed delay and modulated delay with no direct signal at all. TZF2 has a MIX knob that gives you the fixed delay signal when all the way down and an even mix of fixed+modulated delay when all the way up. There is no direct signal at the effect output, everything you hear has passed through an analog delay and its associated circuitry (pre/de emphasis, noise reduction).

5) TZF1 has a REGENERATION knob that creates positive or negative feedback depending on which way you turn it. This gives you some tubular flanging sounds, but it is not really part of through-zero flanging. For this reason, and to save space and keep things simple, TZF2 does not have a REGEN knob.

6) TZF1 has no volume knob, TZF2 does.

7) TZF1 uses a pair of audio relays for signal switching. TZF2 uses a 3pdt footswitch.

8) TZF1 runs on 9 Volts AC with a 2.5mm plug. TZF2 runs on 18 Volts DC with a 2.1mm plug (center negative)

9) Learning curve. TZF1 has a reputation of being hard to dial in. This is because there is a lot of range in the controls and unless you really understand how the pedal works, you're in for a big learning curve (but the rewards are worth it). Good for someone who loves to tweak, but bad for someone who doesn't have the patience or desire to become a flanging expert. TZF2's features and control ranges are tailored to (hopefully) make it easier to dial in and to cut down the learning curve.

Why so many changes? :(

Date 6/30/2016

By the time I could afford to get a Paradox TZF(1), they were no longer available. I will most likely be getting one of the TZF2's, but I'm pretty bummed out that there's so many massive differences.. It's like a completely different pedal, and many of the features that I looked so forward to, have been removed or changed! ie. Stereo, signal mixing, expression pedal control, regeneration control, 18v power(!?!?).. all these are some of the biggest reasons of why I wanted this pedal, and what made it so great in the first place! I'm left crying out "why???"

Jamey Simms

Date 7/9/2016

Really wish the TZF2 was stereo. I don't mind a difficult learning curve! I like having more features on a pedal, and I enjoy the process of learning how to use one, especially a REAL flanger. The TZF2 certainly appeals to me. The TZF1 is going for $600 now, when I can find one. I'm not going to pay that much for a pedal. Going to have to settle for the TZF2.

muddy

Date 9/22/2016

look, this ia a "house burnin' down" flanger, pure & simple. it's what dave originally had in mind (as it would be for a jimi buff), & it's what i've always had in mind. if you're lookin' for cheezy 70's-80's mxr/ada jet, heart-stlye flanging, yer in the wrong building. certainly, since the tzf1's short life, their have been others that (FINALLY) took up the/MY call, & have produced some fine, credible alternatives, amongst the total misses, bt NONE have really nailed the warmth of dave's tzf, not even close. i've personally been in dave's ear (even while the original was still still in production) to produce what it's bigger brother started, but more simply, a mini-tzf if you will, with all it's eggs devoted to his beloved jimi/kramer flanging (& not compromised by a jack-of-all-trades affair, where you're lucky if it excels at any one style). & for years, dave told me what he needed wasn't available (including a redesign to make it happen in a smaller enclosure, i'd wager. well, guess what? he DID pull it off in the end, & the wait has been worth it, because i'm hearing that warmth & expanse that the tzf was capable of. AND, it's MUCH easier to configure, even with the inevitable/accidental foot settings-changer move, which can be a nightmare on a pedal with lotsa knobs/buttons/parameters (& on a dark stage?). BET!!! & for a guy that uses it the way he might a 'vibe, who wants "house burnin'..." WHEN he wants it, it's a no-brainer. why would anyone want to complain about missing parameters that don't enhance what the tzf2 does SO beautifully as is? if i could afford to buy any pedal in the near future, THIS would be it. this is a pedal that to me, at least, feels like home...

The Differences Between Original Paradox TZF and TZF2

3 Comments

Why so many changes? :(

Jamey Simms

muddy

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