Process To Set Uniform Volume of H90 Programs In Lists?

[apalazzolo]

Hi All,

When I have created lists of H90 program to share in the past I have had a hard time establishing a uniform volume level across all the programs.   So I wonder if anyone can suggest a standard process or technique to do that better and faster.

In the past, I would pick a program I made that seemed to be as loud as various Eventide programs.  Then I’d just skip around the list comparing and adjusting other programs by ear.  I suppose I could set up a looper and let that run while I adjust levels.  I don’t have an oscilloscope so I can’t use that to measure the output.   So as you can see, I am in dire need of help. lol

Many thanks for any thoughts you can share.

 

 

 

[rantanplan747]

I think it’s just a problem that comes when using multi-effects-pedals / modellers. People keep asking for unity gain across presets/programs on every forum whatever the device. And understandably so. It would make things a lot easier. But it simply doesn’t work like that, because different sounds are perceived very different in volume. So you can’t just set it to a certain number and be done.

The H90 also depends on how it is used (pre, post, pre+post, as a drive+boost, as a mod and ambient fx, etc.). Sometimes you may actually want the dynamic in volume. A Lo-Fi program using sticky tape doesn’t translate well when it is as loud as a lead sound for example.

Once you share a preset, it simply becomes impossible, because you don’t know what instruments, levels and overall setup the next person will use it for. If everyone used the exact same guitar, a guitar amp wouldn’t need a gain control (not talking about tone of course, just level).

To sum it up: I don’t think there is a real solution to this problem and you simply have to go through every program in your setup dialing it in using your ears and check levels and maybe even waveforms. And the next person will have to do the same. Describing your setup can certainly help others. And a looper makes it easier as well as you mentioned.

One thing I always do is to check for clipping. I hit the strings hard and turn up the output gain of a program in the H90 until it starts clipping, then dial back (6-12dB typically). That way I get a pretty good idea about how loud the program is in that very setting and go from there.

Hope that helps 🙂

[apalazzolo]

Thank you.  I appreciate your thoughts and agree with many of them.   I really do.  But …

I’d like to improve is my ability to level-shift programs across my own lists, even if it’s for myself with my same guitar and board.  After creating a dozen or two programs with my own gear, I have to circle back and level shift them for consistency for my own use.  Doing this by ear can be difficult, especially if my perception of volume shifts by the time I get to the end of the list.   So I skip around the list, but boy that takes time.

Further, program volume in Eventide’s lists are almost always consistent when I play their lists.  So even with all the variability that you correctly note, someone must know something about this. No?

I actually do like your clipping idea:  1. deduce how much added gain will barely induce clipping in a benchmark H90 program; 2 apply that amount of gain to new programs; and 3. adjust new program level until gain is barely induced.

Howsebout this:  1. select an Eventide program that seem “right” 2. play a sustained note from my digital organ through this program; 3. measure the AC voltage at the H90-OUT with a voltmeter; 3. play the same organ note through my programs and level-shift them all to the same measured voltage.    I might try this.

 

 

 

[h90rus]

A db meter would be great. Wouldn’t have to be on device, could be just in the app enabling a user to work through numerous programs in succession and level them to one another.

right now my work around is connecting the h90 to my interface inputs and monitoring the db levels from there.

[apalazzolo]

h90rus wrote:

A db meter would be great … could be just in the app enabling a user to work through numerous programs in succession and level them to one another …

Now THERE’S an awesome idea!   Someone buy this person a beer!

[apalazzolo]

I’m circling back on this topic because I’ve made some progress implementing @h90rus’ idea.  I now have proof of concept.

I don’t have a real signal generator for a uniform input signal but I do have an old and cheap Korg electronic metronome with an 1/8″ jack to output an A-440 sine wave for a tuning reference.  It is so basic I can’t even adjust the level.  That’s my uniform input signal.  A basic synth or organ could be used as well.

I’m running that through my H90 and into my H9 OG.   The H9 is connected to my computer with a USB cable and I’m monitoring the input to the H9 with the input meter in the pedal settings part of the H9 app.   Please see attached image.  It works great because the meters in the H9 app are HUGE and there is even a gain control for calibrating test levels.  The system works pretty well and has reasonable adjustability.

Now I’m going to deduce a generic benchmark level by analyzing some of Eventide’s programs.   Then I’ll use the preset A and preset B gain parameters to adjust my program levels to the benchmark.  This part won’t be simple because the signal exiting the H90 often jumps around due to the effects themselves.   If you think about it, that exactly what tremolo is by definition.  Obviously delay does it too.  So I’ll have to use some judgement and common sense.

Many thanks to those who posted above to help me get to this point.

 

 

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