Help dialing this tone in on Pitchfactor

[Gozerhead]

John Popper from Blues Traveler uses an Eventide H8000.  On this song, he starts a solo at 2:20 that has a pitch-shifted delay/reverb.  It sounds a lot like a "Crystals" sort of algorithm.  You can stream it for free here:

http://www.bluestraveler.com/albums/live-on-the-rocks/this-ache/

I just picked up a Pitchfactor (to use with harmonica) to try and nail a sound close to this.  Any help with a good preset to start with and what I may need to tweak?  Thanks!

[brock]

Great tune.  And a 'PitchFactor' effect on a harp.  I just had to make a run at this.  Disclaimer:  I found it difficult to catch the effect on the streaming version.  But – to me – it didn't sound like a Crystals effect.  In the opening phrasing, the glides and bends didn't sound reversed.

So, now you're kind of stuck with the PF and an external reverb unit (possibly ducking, through a send, or parallel loop).  Or another delay before an (undelayed) PitchFactor – and faking the reverb. The only other algo with reverb (but no delay) is the Synthonizer.

On the bright side, it appears to be a simple octave up effect; delayed at 1/2 note.  You could use the Diatonic, Quadravox, HarModulator, or H910/H949.  I chose the latter, but each one would have a unique advantage here (doubling, thickening, shallow modulation).  Here's a very basic preset (I guess at about 125-130 BPM):

ThisAcheNoVerb

Mix = WET:50

Pitch Mix = A10+B10

Pitch A = 2:000

Pitch B = 2.000

Delay A = 1/2

Delay B = 1/2

(encoder) = 910/949 / TMP ON

Depth / Key = MODERN

Speed / Scale = CHROMTC -or- NORMAL

Xnob = FBKA: 0

Ynob = FBKB: 0

 

I used both pitch shifters.  You can thicken it up by using Speed / Scale = NORMAL and dropping Pitch B to 1.992 – plus or minus.  One reason that I chose the H910/H949 is that you can add a subtle (or dramatic) 'barberpole octave' effect.  Change the Xnob = FBKA: 40 and Ynob = FBKB: 40.   It makes up for the lack of reverb in a unique way.

Quote:

I just picked up a Pitchfactor (to use with harmonica)

If you haven't already, test out the various System settings under Utilities -> Source.  SYNLEAD sacrifices some of the polyphony sensing of the default GUITAR setting.  I've found that it works well with monophonic input.

Now I'm curious:  What kind of mic are you using (or is it a Green Bullet)?  How is the PitchFactor handling any extraneous noise pickup?  I imagine it's like anything else – accurate technique leads to cleaner results.

[Gozerhead]

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That nails the delay. There is a verb or something washing it out.  What sucks is I dialed this in via a Zoom G5…sounds a lot like the Popper sound except the delays repeat….https://soundcloud.com/mike-fugazzi/attempt-at-eventide-crystals

I got the PF used, but after poking around (didn't catch there was an ET forum or I would have hit here first) people were saying it was a variant of Crystals.

 Your efforts are SO GREATLY APPRECIATED!  I am super thrilled you chimed in.

I use a modified SM58, but have moved back to a SM57.  The 57 has more handling noise, but it responds to my overdrive pedal better than the 58.

The first time I heard the effect was here:

He uses it part way through his solo at 4min.  

Your patch sounds about 99% the same.  There seems to be a bit of delay or verb washing it out a hair more, but this is so damn close!!!!  I've been trying to nail this down for like 4yrs!!!  I think the trick is that it is one single repeated delay slowed down.  The Zoom requires extra notes in there.

[Gozerhead]

The effect kicks in here at 4min.  I swear I already replied, but I didn't get a notice about the message pending…

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!  I've been after this for like 4 years and that is about 99% of what I hear, especially on the above clip.  SWEET!

I use a modified SM58 usually, but have switched to a SM57 because it dirties up better when needed.  My style is very similar to Popper's and I play mostly rock music.

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