The
Eventide DSP4500
EVOLUTION OF AN INDUSTRY LEADER- THE EVENTIDE DSP4500 ULTRA-HARMONIZER
The outstanding success of Eventide's DSP4000 Ultra-Harmonizer¨ brand
studio effects processor has led to two additional versions of the platform:
The DSP4000B , with specially written software for broadcast and production,
and the GTR4000, the industry's first and only professional guitar processor.
Eventide has also created a versatile internal sampler for use with the
4000 series models.
It didn't take long before users of one DSP4000 version began asking
for some of the program presets found only in the other versions, and Eventide
has met that demand with plug-in PC (PCMCIA) cards. But creative people
being what they are, it's not surprising that a number of users want all
the preset programs available in the DSP4000, GTR4000 and DSP4000B. For
the user who wants it all, juggling PC cards is not the ideal answer.
Thus, the Eventide DSP4500 was born. This limited edition model comes
standard with every program preset found in the DSP4000, GTR4000 and DSP4000B...
and then some. The "then some" is quite a package in itself. It's Alchemy
101, a brand new collection of 225 presets from Scott Gilfix. Alchemy 101
will be available to DSP4000 owners as a $495 PC card. But it's built right
into the DSP4500. You get over 1000 program presets in all, far more than
any other effects processor ever made.
And we're not through yet. The DSP4500 includes as standard, an 87-second
internal sampler. And a unique look, with a ruggedized heavy gauge all-metal
front panel.
The DSP4500 is definitely a vehicle for unlimited creativity. What makes
it a limited edition? Eventide has priced the DSP4500 to be an exceptional
value. So exceptional that the number of DSP4500 units to be produced must
be limited. (You'd pay thousands of dollars more if you bought a DSP4000,
all the program preset cards and the internal sampler separately.)
BUILD YOUR OWN ALGORITHMS
At the heart of the DSP4500's versatility is its ground-breaking design.
Conventional effects processors include a limited number of fixed digital
processing algorithms. In these units, all programs and user presets Ñ
no matter how many or few Ñ are simply variations of these fixed
algorithms. But the DSP4500's 1000+ software factory programs and presets
draw on a newly-expanded roster of 147 distinct effects modules to create
a wider variety of truly distinct programs than ever before possible. What's
more, the unit's object- oriented Algorithm Construction Kit function lets
users (and third- party developers) build totally new effects algorithms
by linking modular effects "building blocks" which are presented on the
unit's large, graphics-based LCD screen.
To use the Algorithm Construction Kit function, you create new effects
from the front panel or from your PC, using Eventide's full screen graphical
editor, via the DSP4500's Patch Editor Ñ essentially a virtual patch
bay. You can choose from over 147 effects modules and connect scores together
in one preset, in whatever combination and configuration you choose, much
the way you'd use patch cables when working with a modular synthesizer.
Put pitch shift after a reverb, or string together effects and put EQ on
only the ones you want Ñ you decide which blocks "talk" to which.
The unit's internal digital mixing function seamlessly combines these building
blocks to create a virtually unlimited number of programs (6x1025 at last
count) for limitless creativity.
EXPANDING THE EFFECTS UNIVERSE
The unparalleled processing power of this unit is just one half of the
DSP4500 equation. The other half? All the innovative ways our software
designers have harnessed this power.
For starters, there's pitch shifting that stands in a class by itself.
The new DSP4500 features a fully digital real-time pitch transposer. The
DSP4500 generates up to eight simultaneous voices of pitch shifting, or
four pitch shift voices plus simultaneous stereo reverb. It features the
world's first programmable multi-diatonic pitch transposer and the world's
best multi-voice reverse shifter with delay. The DSP4500's pitch change
capabilities include an amazing eight-octave pitch shift range.
Everything you need in a reverb, from small and ambient reverb to large
rooms and halls, you'll find among the DSP4500's world class digital reverb
programs, including more power and flexibility of parameter control than
any other reverb at any price. The DSP4500 can build reverb presets with
up to four pitch shifts, allowing a very subtle chorusing for lush vocals
and string instruments. And only the DSP4500 allows for sequenced reverb
segues from lead vocal to chorus and back Ñ a powerful time saver
for busy professionals.
EFFECTS PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
You'll find mastering quality EQ and compression, with up to 6 bands of
stereo EQ, all on the digital I/O bus. The DSP4500 lets you put compression
on the equalizers and mix them with other modules. Plus, you have dynamics
processing, envelope generators, both transistor and tube-simulation distortion,
LFOs and more to work with... the DSP4500's capabilities are almost endless.
And while the DSP4500 embodies today's most forward thinking in signal
processing, it also respects the past. The DSP4500 includes practically
every wonderful and classic effect Eventide has ever created, all in a
single box! These include the lushest Chorus progams in the universe, the
best Phaser, Flanger, Delay, Diatonic Shifter, and Dynamics Processors
available, just to name a few.
GUITAR EFFECTS TURN PRO
The DSP4500 contains every one of the effects that made the GTR4000 the
choice of the world's top players. Case in point: The incredible Picker's
Paradise template, a pre-configured master effects routing template that
makes it easy to tap into the creative power of the DSP4500's patch editor.
Picker's Paradise lets you create ten effects boxes right at your fingertips.
Each one full bandwidth, full quality. Compare that to typical multi-effects
boxes, with effects quality that starts off limited and degrades from there
as you string effects together. To a pro, this alone is worth the price
of the DSP4500. The DSP4500 also lets you create and customize "virtual
pedalboards" Ñ up to six simultaneous pedals, with instant on/off
and parameter changes in real time Ñ strapped via MIDI to your favorite
MIDI foot controller. Real time switching between pedals assures instant
effects access during solos, rhythm or lead breaks.
ARTIST PRESET COLLECTION AND ALCHEMY 101
Top name artists have seized the power of the 4000 platform to create custom
presets. People like Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Trey Gunn (King Crimson),
Jimmy Olander (Diamond Rio), Matt Henderson and Michael James have written
the most expressive presets ever created for any effects processor. Scott
Gilfixs new Alchemy 101 library of presets also debuts in the DSP4500.
This amazing collection includes a chromatic tuner (accurate to one cent),
tap tempo delays, new reverbs and some exciting preamp flavors (you can
plug your instrument right into a DSP4500). Its dynamics bank is packed
with useful compressors, noisegates, panners and tremolos.
INSTANT PRODUCTION CREATIVITY
The versatility of the DSP4500 also extends to post production and broadcast,
thanks to a unique set of software programs created by sound designer Jay
Rose. Dozens of audio environments that would be impossible to achieve
with most processors are instantly available with the DSP4500. Just press
a button and this is your captain speaking from the cockpit of a 747. Press
again and now it's the kid at the drive-thru window at a fast-food place
asking if you want fries with that. Another press and you'll hear your
words coming out of a computer voicechip, or the TV in the next room, or
a cellular phone. Fantasy voices are just as easy. Is that your conscience
talking back to you, or is it the "dark side of the force"? It's a snap
to create a whole cast of character voices or "strange places" effects.
Whether you're live on the air with a "Morning Zoo" or doing TV, radio
or film postproduction... or even looking for unique effects for a hot
rap track, the DSP4500 has the sounds you know you want, plus the sounds
you've never heard before.
SAMPLING, STANDARD
The DSP4500 comes standard with a built-in 87 second sampler (43.5 seconds
in stereo), which adds tremendously to the versatility of the unit. Sounds
captured by the sampler can be combined within many DSP4500 presets. Advanced
stereo looping and multiple looping capabilities allow several samples
to be stacked and independently edited, pitch shifted and/or time compressed
or expanded. Tap tempo looping is also provided. Audio samples and edit
parameter values can be downloaded to the PC card for convenient removable
storage. The internal sampler also allows full on-the-fly Timesqueeze¨
compression/expansion. Commercial spots can be compressed with no need
to varispeed the source material.
PACKED WITH POWER
The DSP4500 lets you use more than one program at a time; in fact several
programs can run in various combinations. While some other professional
processors can split their power into two using A/B Machine Mode, the DSP4500
goes well beyond that. Its enormous processing power can be split into
a number of virtual processing "machines." In addition, the DSP4500's ability
to run multiple programs simultaneously gives it crossfade capability where
desired. A unique Effects Segue feature provides the smoothest transition
between presets, with fade-in/fade-out times adjustable from instantaneous
to 60 seconds. With the DSP4500, you can fade or segue gracefully from
one program into another. It's the equivalent of having an entirely new
category of effects from which to choose.
MORE CREATIVE OPTIONS
The Eventide DSP4500 processor includes a front-panel slot for removable
PC cards. In addition to storing user presets in RAM, a user can create
and save presets on a memory card and transport them to 4000-series units
in other studios, or just save them as a safeguard against the prying eyes
and ears of other users. New and third party programs can be plugged into
the unit via the PC card slot, such as "Masderring Lab," which offers a
suite of digital mastering capabilities. This program provides precise
digital compression and limiting, as well as a 4 band fully parametric
EQ on both input and output signals.
EVENTIDE QUALITY THROUGHOUT
The DSP4000 provides full 24-bit AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital I/O for an
all-digital signal path as well as standard XLR-type analog inputs and
outputs. Optimal audio quality is assured via 24 bit A/D and D/A converters
and 56-bit internal processing for >96 dB dynamic range and .005% THD.
With available sample rates of 32 kHz, 44.056 kHz, 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz,
audio bandwidth at the analog connectors is up to 22 kHz. The DSP4500 includes
MIDI In/Out/Thru jacks. The rear panel sports a foot pedal input and two
foot switch inputs, plus two relay-closure outputs for controlling guitar
amplifier channel switching. The configurable "Kill" switch can function
either as a relay bypass and an electronic bypass, or as a mute on the
analog input; and either as an electronic bypass, or as a mute on the digital
I/O.
The limited edition Eventide DSP4500 Ultra-Harmonizer brand effects
processor isn't just a great signal processor. It's three of the most versatile,
most musical, most creative, most programmable signal processors ever built.
It's over 1000 sonically impeccable program presets, plus the ability to
create your own. It's the power of a built-in sampler. It's the greatest
value ever in a professional processor for recording studios, live performance,
radio and TV stations and post-production facilities. But most of all,
it's the box that shatters all previous limits to give you that extra edge.
SPECIFICATIONS
Harmonizer Technical Notes
Return to Harmonizer Page
Return to Eventide Home Page
This page created 20 February 1998
The
Eventide DSP4500