 George
Shilling reviews:
Eventide H7600 Ultra-Harmonizer
This new Harmonizer is not quite the top-of-the-range model, that honour goes to the H8000FW, an eight channel unit featuring 5.1 presets. But the H7600 is now the top stereo unit in the range, replacing the DSP7000 series.
 Apart from a different finish on the front, there are few visible differences between the old and new. The main improvements are more processing power, an even larger selection of presets and algorithms, and, thankfully, a good search facility in order to find them.
Back in the 80’s, before the DAW changed everything, the H3000 caught the attention of many as a terrific source of unusual effects processes. It sounded different and modern, with great spangly and sparkly stereo effects, and an interface which, although it followed the 80’s ‘DX7’ trend of data entry rather than knob-per-function, was remarkably easy to get to grips with. However, although the succeeding models from the DSP4000 onwards added further functions and features, they lacked the elegance of operation of the original H3000 range.
Here are the essentials: Analogue inputs and outputs are of course provided on XLR, but usefully the inputs are combi sockets allowing jack input. The DSP models were popular with professional guitarists (there are presets created by Steve Vai and Joe Satriani), so perhaps that’s why the jack inputs are remarkably clean and tolerant of even low-level signals from instrument outputs. Digital connections come as AES/EBU, S/PDIF, along with WordClock In and Out. MIDI In, Out and Thru are provided, along with two assignable pedal control jack inputs, plus a Relay jack. There is a traditional Serial connector for computer connection, plus a socket for connection of an Eve/Net remote control, originally devised for the Orville model.
If you are of a mind to fiddle, Vsigfile is a free PC editor (download from eventide.com; there is a Mac version in Beta available at wholecheese.com) for configuring Algorithms from the 230+ Modules, but this is surely for serious boffins/sound designers only – with over 1,000 presets onboard, (each one a unique algorithm), there is plenty to be going on with. The case is typical Eventide untreated steel, with a few expansion blanking plates. The manual is a hefty ring-bound affair which implies you’ll be taking a college course to learn how to use the thing. Thankfully, it’s not so difficult. The controls are mostly familiar to users of previous models – the four softkeys, cursor keys, the keypad and Knob are all just the same, the display is as clear as ever (brightness/contrast is adjustable), and there is a useful Tap tempo button at the top. The PCMCIA memory card slot allows you to take your favourite programs with you.
Booting takes about 30 seconds. The OS has been subtly re-jigged to be more helpful than previous models. The main list view shows program number (starting with bank number), a descriptive name, Number of I/O channels, a ‘96’ if the program can be loaded when running at 88.1 or 96kHz (many can), and a coded indication of the type of effects blocks used. For example, R, D, E means that Reverb, Delay and EQ (or Filter) blocks were used in the program. One can therefore filter the list to show all programs that include a particular module. One can also list programs by source type, i.e. the intended program material to be processed, such as Guitar, Vocals, Drums, etc. Programs are already sequenced into 85 categorized banks – the Presets section of the manual is useful for browsing. And every program includes a useful Info parameter where there is a text description and/or operational hints.
There are, generously, 1,099 programs to wade through. As well as all the crazy, gimmicky effects one expects, there are plenty of subtler and more useable programs. The pitch shifting is excellent of course; Ultra-Shifter convincingly preserves formants, and works diatonically. There is also a 174 seconds sampler onboard. All manner of vibrant delay and modulation presets are provided as expected, but also effects such as compression and EQ are comprehensively covered, even mild distortion and tube emulation are well implemented. The more unusual presets are created by combining different modules in clever ways. There is plenty of stuff you’d never have imagined, such as a program to make a voice crack like a teenager, and Traffic Report which filters the voice and adds helicopter sound effects. All sorts of ambiences, distortions and degradations are provided for production. For musical applications it is easy to find what you are looking for, thanks to the list by effect or source criteria, whether you need an insert process or a send/return effect. Reverb programs are exceptionally rich and smooth sounding, and with 455 programs including a reverb module there are plenty to choose from. Some H3000 favourites are included, and tc, Lexicon and AMS programs are emulated. There is immense processing power within the unit, and with a rock-solid operating system and the possibility of comprehensive MIDI and pedal control, the H7600 makes a flexible and reliable device for stage and live use.
In a DAW one can have any number of plugins and the possibility of many multiples of each type, yet one H7600 probably costs more than your DAW’s host computer - and looks 80s enough to be fashionable again. But the H7600 is still relevant. It simply sounds stunning, refined, glowing and always useful. Through some very clever and tasteful programming of the presets, and some high quality digital building blocks, there is an air of quality that is hard to achieve from plugins alone. Eventide have been in digital processing for longer than most competitors, and their no-nonsense attitude is to be applauded. They offer free software updates, have a friendly customer service policy, and a charmingly amateurish website. I am pleased the H designation has returned – operation seems more elegant and friendly than the DSP models – at last, here is the true successor to the H3000.
Pros
Best (stereo) Harmonizer yet; Over 1,000 presets; Easier to find relevant presets; Sounds classy, stunning, rich, vibrant… and useful!
Cons
Expensive
Reproduced with kind permission from George Shilling. Copyright George Shilling.
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