Eventide MicroPitch Delay

EVENTIDE MICROPITCH DELAY

DURING THE LATE Seventies and early Eighties, a few recording engineers discovered that they could create thick, rich, realistic-sounding chorus effects with excellent clarity using the micro pitch shifting capabilities of Eventide Harmonizers. This method became a secret weapon of L.A.’s “Bradshaw Bunch” studio guitarists (Bob Bradshaw rack enthusiasts like Dan Huff, Mike Landau and Steve Lukather) as well as Eddie Van Halen, but due to the expense of multiple Eventide Harmonizer units it remained off limits to most players until Eventide introduced the PitchFactor and H9 pedals.

Like Eventide’s recent Blackhole and UltraTap pedals, the MicroPitch Delay takes a focused (and affordable) approach to provide highly beloved Eventide effects for players who want that elusive Eventide sound but don’t need a full assortment of algorithms. The MicroPitch Delay also provides user-friendly operation in a pedal boardfriendly format, but without sacrificing the versatility and pro-level sound quality of

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Eventide’s renowned rackmount processors. In addition to the classic MicroPitch chorus effect, the pedal can generate a wide variety of sounds, including spacious delays, hypnotically lush slap backs and wild special effects.

FEATURES The Eventide MicroPitch Delay features the same layout as the Blackhole and UltraTap pedals, with six knobs, an LED/ button for switching the knobs to a secondary set of controls, two footswitches (Active and Tap, with functions toggled by corresponding LED/buttons) and a column of five LEDs that indicate the selected preset. In Primary mode, the knobs control dry/wet mix, pitch A (from 0 to +50 cents), pitch B (from 0 to -50 cents), LFO or envelope depth, modulation rate/envelope follower sensitivity, and pitch mix (stereo or mono output). In Secondary mode, the knobs control tone, delay A and B (up to three seconds max in Time mode or up to six seconds max in Tempo mode), modulation type select, feedback and output level. The rear panel provides a single input (mono or TRS stereo), outputs 1 and 2, a ¼-inch expression pedal jack, mono/stereo switch (for input), guitar/ line level switch and mini USB jack for software updates, MIDI control and connecting the pedal to the free Eventide Device Manager software via a computer. The Eventide Device Manager software allows users to save, import and export additional presets (55 MicroPitch Delay presets are included with the software), edit system settings and presets and much more.

PERFORMANCE Unlike the usual “plug and play” pedals, the MicroPitch Delay is not initially intuitive to use and requires a brief study of the quick start guide to understand how to access presets, toggle between preset select or tap tempo modes, select latch/ momentary switching and so on. Fortunately, the pedal is simple to operate after an initial period of familiarization. The five presets available on board are more than enough to satisfy most players, but should you need to access more, up to 127 presets are accessible via MIDI.

The sound quality of the effects is consistent with the elevated standards that Eventide processors are known for. While the MicroPitch wet/dry/wet chorus effect sounds incredible, with a thick texture, outstanding clarity and precise intonation that works well with clean and heavily distorted guitar tones alike, the pedal can do much more, including trippy “auto whammy” pitch bends controlled by playing dynamics and reverb-like delays that retain crisp attack clarity. The 55 presets included with the Eventide Device Manager software provide a good overview of the pedal’s capabilities, making ideal launch pads for further tweaking, customization and exploration.

The Eventide MicroPitch Delay is an ideal “gateway” pedal for players who want to experience the Eventide sound. From its “ultimate chorus” effects to sophisticated delays that go well beyond the average digital delay pedal, it’s also a great value for guitarists seeking a versatile tone-shaping tool.