In this video for Production Expert, Eli Krantzberg takes a look at the Eventide H949 Harmonizer. He puts the H49 through its paces by testing the versatility of the drum loop functions, demonstrates how well the drums perform with the delay mode and the two different algorithms and also puts the Dual H949 version through its paces on a lead guitar, by displaying the excellence of the harmonizer effect.
New Effects For Old Fashioned Processing
This loving recreation of one of the first effects processors created by Eventide in the late 1970s captures all the original hardware's magic, vibe, and attitude. Besides a huge three-octave range, it also does micro pitch and random pitch detuning, delay-only flanging, and some interesting and unique reverse effects.
The original H949 hardware unit featured two outputs. The Main Output passed the effected signal, and a Delay Only Output passed a delayed (but otherwise non-affected) signal. These are recreated in the plug-in, alongside a mix knob and some stereo linking modes for the harmonizer's dual version.
Because this is one of the first units of this type, there was no prototype to work from in terms of the user interface conventions. As a result, a quick skim through the manual is necessary to understand how things are laid out. Feedback levels are available separately for the Main Output and the Delay Only Output and high and low EQ frequencies. The signal to the Main Output and the Delay Only output have their own set of radio buttons to set delay time values. The user presses them in various combinations to create variable delay times.
The Function Select knob is where the primary algorithms are chosen. A radio button toggles between a row of pitch-based functions and a row of delay-based functions. Each mode has its own unique character. Pitch shifting includes normal and extended ranges and micro pitch changes in either positive (sharp) or negative (flat) values. The delay choices are between regular, random (great for a double-tracked effect), flanging (created by frequency cancellations when a signal with a varying delay is added to another constant signal), and reverse.
The H949 Dual Harmonizer couples two panels together, running in parallel. The expanded panel controls at the bottom provide various linking functions between the two. This version expands the creative possibilities well beyond simple doubling effects.
Final Thoughts
This plug-in is hard to beat for authentic old-school double-tracking effects. The controls provided are unique, i.e., not what we tend to see in modern plug-ins. This has its merits and drawbacks. On the positive side, it forces you to think outside of our modern mindset regarding how we set delay and pitch shifting parameters. The signal flow and the way the various stages interact are extremely creative, flexible, and versatile. The drawback is that, unless you are an old-timer, familiar with the original hardware, you will need to roll up your sleeves and put it a bit of time in with the plug-in to really understand and harness its full potential. There is, of course, an extensive collection of presets to help lead the way. This is one plug-in where they, along with the manual, are extremely instructive.
If you are the type of person who values vintage aesthetics, this plug-in is the real deal in terms of old-fashioned authentic effects processing from the 70s and 80s. It is well worth the time necessary to reveal its full beauty.