Unless you were around back in the mid-70s when the first harmonizer was introduced (the Eventide H910), you can’t appreciate what an impact it had on mixing. This was a device that did something that couldn’t be done before. It was hard to explain exactly what that was, but you knew it instantly when you heard it.
Just like Harmonizers today, the H910 adds a thickness and sound that you just can’t get any other way. Plus it also had a very limited amount of delay (112.5ms) built in, which again was totally unique for its day. It was a considered a magic box when it first came out, and it is so now. Thankfully there’s a plugin version of all the Harmonizer variations available.
Speaking of which, the original H910 was subsequently superseded by the H949 and H3000, 4000, etc., devices that were more advanced and more “perfect.” The fact of the matter is the 910’s appeal was because of its limitations and imperfections, just like many other early digital effects devices (the EMT250 immediately springs to mind).
The great video below is a sales tool from Eventide for its H910 plugin, but it’s also an eye opener when you hear what so many of the hitmakers say they used it for and on.
Interviews include Tony Visconti (David Bowie, T.Rex), Shelly Yakus (Tom Petty, Susan Vega), Tony Platt (AC/DC), Jimmy Douglass (Led Zeppelin, Justin Timberlake), Laurie Anderson, Roy Hendrickson (Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis), Tony Bongiovi (Jimmy Hendrix, Talking Heads), Flood (NIN, U2), Kevin Killen (U2, Elvis Costello).
Check it out. You can also read more history of the unit here.
