Eventide’s H90 harmonizer delivers a vast sonic palette, offering extensive effects and routing options within a compact, robust design for musicians and engineers.
Key Features
The Eventide H90 boasts an impressive array of features designed for both live performance and studio recording. It offers a comprehensive selection of algorithms, encompassing classic Eventide effects like Harmonizer, delays, pitch shifting, and modulation, alongside newer innovations.
Its flexible I/O allows for diverse connectivity options, including mono, stereo, and dual mono operation. The H90 supports various routing configurations, such as wet/dry, wet/dry/wet, and pre/post effects processing.
Quick Knob assignments provide immediate access to crucial parameters, streamlining real-time control. Furthermore, the H90’s intuitive interface and Play Modes facilitate easy navigation and customization. The device’s compact form factor belies its powerful processing capabilities, making it a versatile tool for any sonic exploration.
A Few Words of Advice
To fully unlock the Eventide H90’s potential, dedicate time to explore its extensive algorithm library. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different routing options – wet/dry, pre/post – to discover unique sonic textures. Utilize the Quick Knob assignments to tailor real-time control to your performance needs.
The search function within the manual is invaluable for quickly locating specific algorithms or parameters. Remember that the H90 is a deep device; patience and exploration are key.
Back up your custom presets regularly to avoid losing your creations. Consider utilizing the MixingLink feature for seamless integration with vocals and guitars. Finally, embrace the H90’s flexibility and allow it to inspire new creative avenues in your music production and live performances.
What’s in the Box
Upon unboxing your Eventide H90, you should find the H90 Harmonizer unit itself, a robust and compact stompbox designed for professional audio processing. Included is a power supply, specifically tailored to the H90’s voltage requirements, ensuring stable operation. You’ll also receive a USB cable, facilitating firmware updates and preset management via Eventide’s software.
A Quick Start Guide is provided for immediate setup and basic operation, while the full User Manual, available online, offers comprehensive details. Expect to find documentation regarding warranty information and safety precautions.
Carefully inspect all components for any signs of damage during shipping. Retain the original packaging for potential future transport or warranty claims. The H90 is ready to elevate your sound!
Hardware
The Eventide H90 features a durable metal chassis, intuitive controls, and versatile I/O connectivity, designed for both studio and stage environments.
Top Panel
The H90’s top panel is meticulously designed for immediate access and control. Centrally positioned is a large, high-resolution color display providing clear visual feedback of selected algorithms, parameters, and program settings. Flanking the display are the Quick Knobs – three versatile encoders that dynamically map to crucial parameters within the current program, allowing for real-time adjustments.
These knobs offer two pages of assignments, toggled for expanded control. Dedicated footswitch jacks enable hands-free operation, facilitating seamless transitions between presets and effects. A Value dial provides precise parameter adjustments, while the Navigation buttons allow for easy browsing through algorithms and settings. The panel also includes a dedicated Bypass footswitch for instant signal comparison and a comprehensive set of LEDs indicating status and activity. The overall layout prioritizes intuitive operation and efficient workflow.
Rear and Side
The H90’s rear panel offers comprehensive connectivity for diverse studio and live applications. It features both XLR and ¼-inch TRS inputs and outputs, supporting balanced and unbalanced signals. Dedicated stereo ins and outs facilitate integration with mixing consoles and audio interfaces. An auxiliary input allows for external signal processing or looping effects. MIDI In, Out, and Thru ports enable synchronization and control with other MIDI devices.
The side panel houses a USB port for firmware updates and preset management. A power supply connection ensures stable operation. Robust construction and high-quality connectors guarantee reliable performance in demanding environments. The thoughtful I/O configuration provides flexibility for various setups, from simple guitar rigs to complex studio configurations, making the H90 a versatile processing hub.
Setup
Eventide H90 setup involves connecting audio inputs/outputs, MIDI devices, and potentially a USB connection for updates and preset management, ensuring proper signal flow.
Simple Guitar Setup
For a straightforward guitar setup with the Eventide H90, connect your guitar directly to the H90’s Input 1 (typically a ¼” instrument cable). Then, connect the H90’s Output 1 to your guitar amplifier. This configuration provides a basic wet/dry signal path, allowing you to process your guitar signal with the H90’s algorithms.
Ensure your guitar’s volume is at a reasonable level to avoid clipping the H90’s input. Begin with a clean preset and gradually adjust the H90’s mix control to blend the processed signal with your dry guitar signal. Experiment with different algorithms to discover the sonic possibilities. Remember to adjust your amplifier’s volume to match the overall output level. This simple setup is ideal for exploring the H90’s core functionality and creating inspiring guitar tones quickly.
Consider using a high-quality cable for optimal signal transfer and minimal noise.
Two Mono Inserts
Utilizing the H90’s two mono inserts offers expanded routing capabilities for integrating it into your existing setup. Connect the signal source to Input 1, and a return signal to Input 2. Then, send the H90’s Output 1 to an insert return on your mixing console or audio interface, and Output 2 to the corresponding insert send. This allows for seamless integration of the H90’s effects within a larger mix.
This configuration is particularly useful for processing individual tracks, such as vocals or instruments, with the H90’s diverse algorithms; Adjust the send and return levels on your console to control the amount of effect applied. Remember to monitor the signal levels carefully to avoid clipping or unwanted noise. Experiment with different algorithms and settings to achieve the desired sonic results.
Proper gain staging is crucial for optimal performance.
One Stereo Insert
The H90’s single stereo insert functionality provides a convenient method for processing stereo signals, such as stereo drum overheads or a stereo keyboard. Connect the stereo output of your source to the H90’s Input 1 (left) and Input 2 (right). Subsequently, connect the H90’s Output 1 (left) and Output 2 (right) to the corresponding insert return of your mixing console or audio interface.
This setup enables you to apply the H90’s effects to the entire stereo image, creating a cohesive and immersive sound. Adjust the send and return levels on your console to fine-tune the effect’s intensity. Explore the H90’s stereo algorithms to add width, depth, and character to your stereo sources.
Ensure balanced connections for reduced noise and optimal signal quality.
Guitar and Vocals with MixingLink
MixingLink offers a unique approach to integrating the H90 into your guitar or vocal signal chain, allowing for parallel processing and blend control. Connect your guitar or vocal source to the H90’s Input 1. Then, send a copy of the dry signal to your amplifier or mixing console. Utilize the H90’s Output 1 for the processed signal, blending it with the dry signal at your amplifier or console.
This method preserves the original signal’s dynamics while adding the H90’s effects subtly or dramatically. Experiment with different blend ratios to achieve the desired tonal balance. MixingLink is particularly effective for adding harmonies, delays, or modulation to vocals or creating layered guitar textures.
Careful gain staging is crucial for optimal results.
Wet/Dry Amplifier
Wet/Dry configuration utilizes two amplifiers – one for the unprocessed (dry) signal and another for the effected (wet) signal. Connect your instrument to the H90’s input, then route the dry signal to your primary amplifier and the wet signal to a separate amplifier. This setup allows for independent control over the dry and wet tones, creating expansive and layered sounds.
The H90’s MixingLink feature is essential for balancing the levels between the two amplifiers. Adjust the wet/dry mix on the H90 to achieve the desired blend. This is ideal for creating stereo effects, doubling guitars, or adding subtle ambience to vocals.
Experiment with different amplifier types for unique tonal combinations.
Wet/Dry/Wet Amplifier
Wet/Dry/Wet routing employs three amplifiers: one for the original dry signal, and two for the processed wet signal. This configuration delivers a richer, more immersive stereo effect compared to standard wet/dry setups. Connect your instrument to the H90’s input, sending the dry signal to one amplifier and the dual wet signals to a stereo amplifier pair.
This setup is particularly effective for creating wide, spacious sounds, especially with modulation or delay effects. The H90’s MixingLink feature becomes crucial for balancing the levels between all three amplifiers, ensuring a cohesive and well-defined soundstage.
Explore panning the wet signals for enhanced stereo imaging and depth.
Pre/Post Amplifier
Pre/Post amplifier selection determines where the H90’s effects processing occurs within the signal chain. ‘Pre’ places the effect before the H90’s internal amplifier, allowing for a more raw and potentially distorted sound, especially when using drive or gain-based algorithms. This is ideal for shaping the initial tone before further processing.
Conversely, ‘Post’ places the effect after the amplifier, resulting in a cleaner, more polished sound. This is best suited for effects like reverb, delay, or modulation, where you want to add depth and texture to an already established tone.
Experiment with both settings to discover how they impact the overall character of your sound, and leverage MixingLink for precise level control.
Algorithm Guide
The H90 boasts a diverse selection of effects, easily searchable within the manual. Exploring this guide reveals the extensive sonic possibilities available to users.
Algorithm Overview
The Eventide H90’s algorithms represent a comprehensive collection of studio-quality effects, ranging from classic harmonizers and delays to innovative pitch-shifting and modulation tools. These algorithms are the core of the H90’s sound, providing the building blocks for creating unique and inspiring sonic textures.
Each algorithm is meticulously crafted, offering a wide range of adjustable parameters to fine-tune the effect to your exact specifications. The H90 doesn’t simply replicate existing effects; it expands upon them, offering new levels of control and creative potential. You’ll find algorithms inspired by legendary Eventide processors, alongside entirely new creations designed to push the boundaries of sound design.
Understanding the algorithm structure is key to unlocking the H90’s full potential. Many algorithms feature multiple sections, allowing for complex layering and modulation. The manual provides detailed descriptions of each algorithm, outlining its key features and parameters. Experimentation is encouraged, as the H90 is designed to be a platform for sonic exploration and discovery.
Searching Algorithms
Navigating the extensive library of algorithms within the Eventide H90 is simplified through its integrated search functionality. The H90 manual highlights that the most efficient method for locating specific algorithms is utilizing the device’s search box. This allows users to quickly pinpoint desired effects by entering keywords related to their sonic goals.
Alternatively, browsing through the algorithm list provides a more exploratory approach. Algorithms are categorized, enabling users to discover related effects and uncover hidden gems. The manual suggests a “stroll” through the guide to gain an overview of the H90’s diverse capabilities.
Effective searching involves considering variations in terminology. For example, searching for “delay” might also yield results under “echo” or “repeater.” The H90’s algorithm descriptions are comprehensive, providing detailed insights into each effect’s characteristics and potential applications, aiding in informed selection.
Quick Knob Assignments
The H90’s Quick Knobs dynamically map to program parameters, offering immediate control. Two pages of assignments are available, toggled for versatile adjustments.
Play Mode Knob Mapping
Within both Play Modes – Live and Preset – the three Quick Knobs on the H90 are intelligently mapped to various parameters of the currently selected Program. This dynamic assignment allows for real-time, hands-on control over crucial effect settings without navigating menus. The specific parameters controlled by each knob are determined by the Program’s configuration, offering a tailored experience for each sound.
Understanding this mapping is key to unlocking the H90’s expressive potential. The knobs aren’t fixed; their function changes with each Program, adapting to the sonic needs of the moment. This intuitive design encourages experimentation and allows musicians to sculpt sounds on the fly. The H90’s responsiveness ensures that subtle adjustments translate into impactful sonic shifts, making it a powerful tool for performance and sound design. Exploring different Programs reveals the breadth of control offered through these versatile knobs.
Toggling Knob Pages
The H90 expands its control surface with two distinct pages of Quick Knob assignments, accessible via a simple toggle function. This feature effectively doubles the number of parameters directly controllable from the front panel, providing deeper and more nuanced editing capabilities. Switching between pages allows users to access a wider range of settings without needing to enter menu-diving mode.
To cycle through these pages, a dedicated function is utilized, allowing for seamless transitions during performance or sound design. This is particularly useful for Programs with complex parameter sets, where immediate access to all controls is essential. The H90’s design prioritizes intuitive operation, and the knob page toggle exemplifies this philosophy. Mastering this function unlocks the full potential of the Quick Knobs, transforming them into a versatile and dynamic control center for shaping your sound.