The device is partially functional and will need to be repaired before it can be used.
Audio sent through the unit can be heard being pitch-shifted / delayed by changing the parameters but the sound is very distorted.
The Input Level indicator LEDs flicker at random and the knob doesn't seem to have any effect. There are bumps, pops and noise on the output, there is self-noise when no input signal is present.
Cosmetically it is in very good, clean condition and is complete, with no controls missing or broken. This particular unit lived all its life installed in a rack of a former broadcast sound control room. There are a few small marks on the top of the metal fascia and a graze on the top bottom covers, but it would look stunning sitting in your studio rack.
The information sticker on the back says it has option 'Alg 3'.
This one has been used with 230VAC 50Hz mains. The info written on the unit says 120 / 240 VAC, 48 - 66 Hz. The manual states:
'The AC input receptacle is mounted on the rear panel and accepts a standard IEC line
cord. The receptacle also contains the unit's 1/2 amp 'slow-blow' fuse (3/8 amp for
230 volt operation) and a small plug-in circuit card which determines the operating
line voltage. This permits conversion to and from 230 volts without removing the
unit's covers.'
I can't confirm compatibility with mains power other than 230VAC. 50Hz as I have no way to test other voltages and frequencies.
The instruction and technical manual can be found here: https://therackofages.com/Eventide/Model%20H949/manual.pdf
Check the various demos of the H949 on YouTube and you'll get an idea of how musical and surprisingly versatile this vintage gem is.
Please see the photos and make any inquiries about the item before the auction ends. The item is sold as seen and returns will not be accepted. To reiterate, the device is unusable in its current condition.
The buyer is most welcome to collect in person from Stoke on Trent in the Midlands (halfway between Birmingham and Manchester just off the M6 at J15). I travel to central Birmingham every week, so the buyer may also arrange to collect from there, at my convenience. Otherwise I’ll package it carefully and post after instruction from VEMIA.
Check the various demos of the H949 on YouTube and you'll get an idea of how musical and surprisingly versatile this vintage gem is.
Some info from various websites on the H949:
Building on the legacy of the H910 pitch shifter, the H949 was Eventide’s first de-glitched pitch-shifter. Produced from 1977 - 1984, it introduced MicroPitch which used a proprietary single sideband modulation technique for precise control of small pitch shifts.
It has two main algorithms: a primary 'pitch change' algorithm and a 'delay' algorithm, with the latter offering various modes like random, flange, and reverse.
Pitch Change Algorithm: This core algorithm provides pitch shifting from two octaves down to one octave up.
Delay Algorithm: This algorithm offers several modes:
Normal Mode: Adjusts the pitch ratio.
Extend Mode: Affects the length of the audio segment.
Micro Pitch Change Mode: Limits the pitch ratio to micro-pitches.
Delay Mode: Adds successive amounts of delay before the main output.
Random Mode: The output delay varies at a constant rate between set limits.
Flange Mode: An automatic flanging effect where manual control sets the variable delay rate.
Reverse Switch: Plays back short signal segments in reverse.
Here’s how it was described when first introduced:
...a combination digital delay line, pitch changer and all-around special effects unit. The TIME REVERSAL feature is entirely new. When used as a variable-speed tape recorder, the Harmonizer® is capable of shortening or lengthening a piece of program material to fit a given time slot without altering the pitch.
Popularized by Jimmy Page (as the only piece of digital gear to grace his rig) and cherished by Suzanne Ciani.
