Excellent all-around effects processor

[DevonB]

I had an Eventide DSP-4000 that I bought in 1996 or so and sold it recently. I was looking to get something to replace it that's 'newer'. I would "prefer" to find something that's available off the shelf still.

Requirements - Must have SPDIF. That's how I prefer to get the sound in and out of my DAW. Must be a good 'all arounder'. I loved the reverb on my Eventide, it sounded great, but it wasn't perfect. I love more variety and things that have NOT been done in software on a DAW, hence why I loved the DSP-4000 so much.

What I'm NOT looking for - Something that only does one thing 'well'. I'm not after just a great reverb. I'm not after just a great mangler. I want some that does a little of everything, and does a good job of everything.

What I've considered - I'd like to look at the latest Eventide, so the H7600 and Eclipse are certainly on my short list. What else should I consider? I did take a look at the Kurzweil KSP-8 briefly, but need to do more research. I didn't realize Kurzweil did stand-alone effects processors.

What else would you suggest looking at that does a good variety that does things that typical software doesn't do? There are some great software effects, but I know 10-15 years from now, the hardware effects processor will *STILL* work, regardless of platform, upgrades, OS updates, etc.

Devon

[synthoid]

Kyma is probably the best all-round effects box ever. But it comes, how to say, with some assembly required haha. It's definitely no one-trick pony, and it's certain to outlive all of the special-purpose boxes out there.

The learning curve is, well, it's vertical.

-synthoid

[kittonian]

From what you describe, the H8000FW is exactly what you're looking for. Not only does it do a million things but with the VSIG editor you can make it do just about anything that comes to mind. Additionally, the H8000FW lets you layer more complex algorithms together and come up with even more different sounds.

Truly a box that never gets old. The more you learn about it, the more you find is possible. Amazing.

[DevonB]

Originally Posted by synthoid

Kyma is probably the best all-round effects box ever. But it comes, how to say, with some assembly required haha. It's definitely no one-trick pony, and it's certain to outlive all of the special-purpose boxes out there.

The learning curve is, well, it's vertical.

-synthoid

No thanks. I want to turn it on, and just go. I barely have time to write music, let alone learn something as deep and extensive as the Kyma. I have a friend who has a Kyma who knows me well, and I've been warned away by him. It wouldn't be my thing.

Devon

[DevonB]

Originally Posted by kittonian

From what you describe, the H8000FW is exactly what you're looking for. Not only does it do a million things but with the VSIG editor you can make it do just about anything that comes to mind. Additionally, the H8000FW lets you layer more complex algorithms together and come up with even more different sounds.

Truly a box that never gets old. The more you learn about it, the more you find is possible. Amazing.

I tried playing with VSIG. It's written by engineers for engineers. I like the ability to have it open to edit, but in the 10+ years I had the DSP4000, I only tried editing and making my own stuff a couple of times... and that's was when I *HAD* time to dig in and play. I had a hard time getting VSIG to work on anything but a MIDISport too. I no longer have that MIDISport.

I am first and foremost a musician. Engineering comes secondary. I'd rather write music. =) The DSP-4000 had 500+ great presets that were ready to dig in, tweak to taste and just play. I like and often tweak my effects presets, but nothing exessive.

What is the real difference between the 8000 and the 7600 besides surround and FireWire connectity though?

Devon

[Croaker]

How about Lexicon PCM 81? has effects and some reverbs and S/PDIF I/O. It wont break the bank either. if you want later on down the road you can add a PCm91 for more reverbs. Pre-sets are easy to use and basic tweaks easy too so you can just make music.

or look around for a used 80 and save even more money.

[OurDarkness]

H-8000 FW

Anyday.

[DevonB]

Anything more guys?

Devon

[Mike H]

The Yamaha SPX2000 has some very good reverbs and effects and the price can't be beat.

[DeBasement]

For the money, the KSP8 is still an awesome, great sounding box.

Solid reverbs (there's a reason some ex Kurzweil guys are working for Bricasti, if I'm not mistaken) and a great collection of other DSP algorithms for echo, chorus, phasing, flanging... With a very simple interface for 'chaining' effects any way you like.

THe best part to me is that you can set it up with ADAT i/o as four separate stereo engines. That's a huge boost to any DAW.

The only weak spot is the lack of good pitch shift algorithms, but I have enough solutions in the box to take care of that...

I'm sure the new Eventide stuff is more powerful, but it's also a whole lot more expensive.

[DarkSky Media]

Originally Posted by DevonB

I had an Eventide DSP-4000 that I bought in 1996 or so and sold it recently. I was looking to get something to replace it that's 'newer'. I would "prefer" to find something that's available off the shelf still.

If you were basically pretty happy with the Eventide (but want something newer), it's really hard to see why you'd go past their more recent releases. Plus I believe they meet your technical requirements (S/PDIF etc not certain about the H7600 as I don't own one, but the Eclipse and H8000FW certainly do). As others have indicated, the H8000FW is top of the heap - it is a sizable step up from both the H7600 and Eclipse in sound (including "dimensionality") and functionality/flexibility (not to mention price...).

[aaeronn]

I second the KSP8 - not as deep or "out there" as an Eventide or Kyma, but definitely a capable and good all-rounder. You already mentioned you didn't want to mess with the Kyma curve, so VSIG on the Eventides is probably not ideal for your situation either. KSPs can be had with the RSP remote for reasonable $ these days - under 2K. Easy to program, quick to get around and very flexible - can be run as 8 mono channels, 4 stereo, or any combo in between. It maxes out at 48khz using the digital IO, so if you run higher rates you'd have to use the analog IO or a converter capable of rate conversion. Since time is a concern, the KSP quality, flexibility, and ease of use is hard to beat. I own a Kyma as well as a KSP8 and everything they say about the time investment required to make the Kyma sing is true, but the depth and results are astounding. I don't own any Eventides, but I have used the DSP400. I'd love to have an H8000FW or 7600 to play with, but can't even remotely justify one given that I've only scratched the surface of the Kyma.