Eventide H3000 Factory Mk II is a powerful and versatile multi-effects plugin that emulates the iconic Eventide H3000 Ultra-Harmonizer hardware unit. This updated version brings significant improvements over its predecessor, including a redesigned user interface, enhanced sound quality, and improved functionality. The plugin faithfully recreates the unique character and capabilities of the original hardware, offering a wide range of effects such as pitch shifting, delays, modulation, and filtering. With its modular architecture, users can create complex signal chains and design custom effects using various modules and routing options. The H3000 Factory Mk II incorporates new modeling of the analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converter sections from the original hardware, capturing the subtle nuances and warmth that made the H3000 a staple in professional studios. The plugin’s interface has been optimized for modern workflows, featuring resizable windows and improved visual feedback, making it easier to navigate and tweak parameters.
Pros:
• Improved sound quality with accurate modeling of the original hardware’s converters
• Redesigned, resizable user interface for enhanced usability
• Vast array of effects and modulation options for creative sound design
• Modular architecture allows for complex routing and custom effect creation
• Faithful recreation of the iconic H3000 sound
Cons:
• Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with the original hardware or complex modular systems
• Limited to only a few algorithms from the original H3000, missing some classic effects
H3000 Factory Mk II boasts an impressive set of features that cater to both seasoned professionals and creative sound designers. At its core, the plugin offers a modular environment where users can combine and route various effect modules to create unique soundscapes. The main modules include two delays, two pitch shifters, filters, envelope followers, LFOs, and amplitude modulators. These can be interconnected using virtual patch cables, allowing for intricate signal flows and complex modulation schemes.
The pitch shifting capabilities are particularly noteworthy, offering high-quality pitch manipulation without artifacts. Users can create harmonies, octave effects, and even micro-pitch variations for subtle thickening. The delay modules provide a range of options from simple echoes to complex rhythmic patterns, with the ability to sync to host tempo or run freely. Modulation is a key strength of the H3000 Factory Mk II, with LFOs and envelope followers that can be applied to various parameters. This allows for dynamic, evolving effects that respond to input signals or create rhythmic variations. The filter section includes both low-pass and high-pass filters, which can be modulated for classic swept filter effects or more experimental textures.
One of the most significant improvements in the Mk II version is the modeling of the original hardware’s converter stages. This addition brings a subtle but noticeable enhancement to the overall sound quality, adding warmth and depth that was characteristic of the hardware unit. The emulation of these analog components contributes to a more authentic and musical sound, especially when pushing the plugin to extreme settings.
The resizable window allows users to adapt the plugin to their screen size and preference, while the enhanced visual feedback makes it easier to understand signal flow and modulation. The interface is divided into several sections, including the main routing matrix, individual module controls, and a comprehensive modulation section. Advanced users will appreciate the “Expert” mode, which provides deeper access to all parameters and routing options. This mode allows for even more precise control over the effect algorithms and opens up possibilities for sound design that go beyond traditional effects processing.
H3000 Factory Mk II also includes a comprehensive preset library that showcases the plugin’s versatility. These presets range from classic H3000 effects to modern, experimental sounds, providing an excellent starting point for users to explore the plugin’s capabilities or quickly find usable effects for their productions.
When comparing the H3000 Factory Mk II to similar plugins, it stands out for its authentic emulation of the original hardware and its modular approach to effects processing. While there are other multi-effects plugins on the market, few offer the same level of flexibility and iconic sound character. Competitors like Universal Audio’s MX4 or Native Instruments’ Molekular provide modular environments for effect creation, but lack the specific H3000 flavor that many producers seek. The plugin’s closest competition comes from other Eventide offerings, such as their H9 series plugins. However, the H3000 Factory Mk II distinguishes itself with its focus on the specific algorithms and workflow of the original H3000 hardware. It offers a more specialized toolset compared to broader multi-effects plugins, making it particularly appealing to those seeking the authentic H3000 sound and functionality.
This plugin is best for:
• Audio professionals seeking the authentic sound of the Eventide H3000 hardware
• Sound designers and electronic musicians looking for complex, modular effects processing
• Producers wanting to add depth, space, and movement to their mixes
• Film and game audio creators needing unique and evolving soundscapes
• Musicians and mix engineers familiar with the original H3000 hardware
Eventide H3000 Factory Mk II is a significant update that brings the iconic sound of the H3000 hardware into the modern DAW environment. Its improved sound quality, thanks to the modeling of the original converter stages, provides a more authentic and musical experience. The redesigned interface enhances usability without sacrificing the depth and complexity that made the original hardware so revered. While the plugin has a steep learning curve and is limited to only a few of the original H3000 algorithms, it offers unparalleled flexibility for creative sound design and effect processing. The modular architecture allows for endless possibilities in effect creation, making it a powerful tool for both traditional mixing tasks and experimental sound design. Despite its complexity, the included preset library provides an excellent starting point for users of all skill levels. The H3000 Factory Mk II successfully balances the preservation of a classic sound with modern functionality, making it a valuable addition to any digital audio workstation for those seeking the unmistakable Eventide sound.