Eventide H3000 Band Delays Mk II is a powerful and versatile delay plugin that brings the iconic sound of the legendary H3000 Harmonizer hardware unit to the digital realm. This updated version of the original H3000 Band Delays plugin offers enhanced analog modeling, an improved user interface, and a wealth of new features designed to capture the essence of the hardware’s unique sound and functionality. At its core, the plugin provides eight bands of filtered delays, each with independent controls for level, panning, filter type, frequency, and Q. This allows for intricate and complex delay effects, from subtle stereo widening to lush, evolving soundscapes.
H3000 Band Delays Mk II boasts an impressive array of features that cater to both novice users and experienced sound designers. The eight independent delay bands form the foundation of the plugin’s functionality, each offering precise control over delay time, feedback, and panning. Users can shape the sound of each band using a variety of filter types, including low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch filters, with adjustable frequency and Q settings. This level of control allows for the creation of intricate delay patterns and textures that can range from subtle ambience to complex rhythmic effects.
Pros:
• Faithful recreation of the iconic H3000 Band Delays algorithm
• Enhanced analog modeling for authentic hardware sound
• Intuitive, resizable interface with visual feedback
• Extensive preset library with over 500 options
• Versatile eight-band delay structure for complex effects
Cons:
• Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with the original hardware
• Resource-intensive, potentially impacting CPU performance on older systems
H3000 Band Delays Mk II plugin interface is both intuitive and visually appealing, featuring a resizable window that maintains the iconic look of the original H3000 while offering modern functionality. Users can easily manipulate the eight delay bands through a visual display, providing immediate feedback on how adjustments affect the overall sound. The addition of assignable Macro Soft Keys and a Function Generator with 19 waveforms further expands the creative possibilities, allowing for dynamic and evolving effects.
One of the most significant improvements in the Mk II version is the enhanced analog modeling. Eventide has meticulously recreated the analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converter sections of the original hardware, as well as the filter behavior, including resonance and self-oscillation characteristics. This attention to detail results in a plugin that faithfully captures the warmth, depth, and character of the hardware unit, making it an invaluable tool for producers and sound designers seeking that classic Eventide sound.
The H3000 Band Delays Mk II VST modulation capabilities are equally impressive. The Function Generator provides 19 different waveforms that can be used to modulate various parameters, enabling dynamic and evolving effects. The assignable Macro Soft Keys allow users to map multiple parameters to a single control, facilitating quick and intuitive adjustments during performance or mixing. With over 500 presets, including recreations from the original H3000 hardware and new custom artist presets, users have a vast palette of sounds to explore and use as starting points for their own creations. The presets showcase the plugin’s versatility, covering a wide range of applications from subtle stereo widening to otherworldly soundscapes.
H3000 Band Delays Mk II also includes sidechain and noise inputs, expanding its creative potential. The sidechain input allows for dynamic control of the delay effect based on external audio sources, while the noise input can be used to add texture and character to the delays. MIDI control is fully supported, allowing for integration with hardware controllers and automation within DAWs. This feature is particularly useful for live performances or for adding movement and variation to static delay effects during mixing.
The H3000 Band Delays Mk II’s visual display is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It provides real-time feedback on the delay bands and their shapes, making it easy to understand and adjust the effect’s behavior. The Expert and Function tabs offer quick access to all controls and assignments, streamlining the workflow for more advanced users.
When compared to similar delay plugins on the market, the H3000 Band Delays Mk II stands out for its unique combination of vintage character and modern functionality. While there are many multi-tap delay plugins available, few offer the same level of band-specific control and modulation options. The plugin’s closest competitors might include Universal Audio’s EP-34 Tape Echo or Soundtoys’ EchoBoy, both of which emulate classic hardware units. However, the H3000 Band Delays Mk II offers a more complex and versatile delay structure, making it capable of a broader range of effects. The plugin’s analog modeling sets it apart from purely digital delay effects, providing a warmth and depth that is often lacking in software emulations. While some users might prefer the simplicity of more straightforward delay plugins, the H3000 Band Delays Mk II offers a level of depth and customization that is hard to match.
This plugin is best for:
• Sound designers seeking complex, evolving delay effects
• Producers looking to add vintage hardware character to their mixes
• Electronic music artists experimenting with rhythmic and textural elements
• Film and game audio professionals creating immersive soundscapes
• Musicians wanting to recreate classic Eventide hardware sounds in-the-box
Eventide H3000 Band Delays Mk II is a powerful and versatile delay plugin that successfully captures the essence of its hardware predecessor while offering modern features and an improved user interface. Its eight-band structure, extensive modulation options, and analog modeling provide a vast playground for sound designers and producers to create everything from subtle stereo enhancements to complex, evolving soundscapes. The extensive preset library offers an excellent starting point for both novice and experienced users, while the depth of control allows for endless customization. While the plugin may have a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with the original hardware, its versatility and sound quality make it a valuable addition to any producer’s toolkit. The H3000 Band Delays Mk II stands as a testament to Eventide’s commitment to bridging the gap between classic hardware and modern software, offering users the best of both worlds in a single, powerful package.