Vocal Use: How Do H90 Users Get Ducking on Algorithms Without Native Sidechain?

[vincegraphic]

I purchased an H90 Harmonizer about a month ago (via Amazon), which I use for live lead vocal processing with my band (synthpop/new wave covers). I’d like to raise a product question and, if it doesn’t already exist, a feature request.

For vocals, dynamic ducking of the wet signal based on the dry input level is essential: I want the delay/reverb to stay out of the way while I’m singing, and swell back up in the gaps and at the end of phrases. Currently, this seems to be available only in specific algorithms: DynaVerb (via its Omnipressor mode with Threshold, Release Time, Ratio, and Sidechain) and the dedicated Ducked Delay algorithm (via Ducking Ratio, Threshold, and Release Time). All the other delay and reverb algorithms – SP2016, Hall, Room, Mod Delay, Vintage Delay, Tape Echo, Head Space, Bouquet Delay, and so on – have no built-in way to attenuate the wet signal while I’m singing and release it when I stop.

This is a real limitation for vocal use specifically: I’d like to use the full breadth of the H90’s algorithm library – not just the one or two algorithms that happen to include ducking natively – but without ducking, most delays and reverbs either mask diction and intelligibility while singing, or have to be kept so low in level that they’re barely audible.

I’m also curious, and this is really the core of my question: how do other vocalists and artists using the H90 live actually solve this? Is there a known workflow or best practice for getting ducked delay/reverb behavior out of algorithms that don’t have it natively (short of dedicating both algorithm slots to DynaVerb and Ducked Delay, or adding an external hardware compressor on the return)? If there’s an established approach I’m missing, I’d love to know it. If not, I’d like to formally request it as a feature: a Program-level (or per-Preset) ducking control, driven by the dry input envelope, that could attenuate the Mix parameter of whichever algorithm is loaded in that slot, with adjustable Threshold, Attack, Release, and Depth/Ratio – similar in spirit to how the H9000’s Modifiers system allows an Envelope Follower to be assigned to any parameter.

This would let vocalists actually exploit the full algorithm library for ducked, vocal-friendly delay and reverb sounds, rather than being limited to the one or two algorithms that happen to include ducking natively – on a unit with over 100 algorithms, that limitation feels like a real missed opportunity.

Thank you for considering this, and for the work that’s gone into the H90 – it’s an extraordinary piece of gear.

[tbskoglund]

Hello,

Thanks for your post and your kind words about the H90.

As you have found, there is no global ducking that can be applied to the Program or individual effects. Ducked Delay or DynaVerb would be the best options for your application.

We can consider a global ducker / envelope follower for a future update.

A few options you may consider:

• It looks like the Copilot Autodialer is a simple enveloper follower stompbox that can output an expression pedal/CV signal. That may be a good option for you, but I have no experience with this product: https://www.copilotfx.com/products.html
• Ableton Live has a built in Envelope Follower, you could use that to modulate a MIDI CC on the H90 for the mix parameter of the Program or any algorithm specific parameters

Let me know if you have any questions.

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