With the introduction of the Harmonizer®+ suite, the H90 is stepping into new territory as a serious tool for vocalists. Featuring advanced effects like VocalTune and VocalShift, Harmonizer+ brings Eventide’s flagship vocal processing to the pedalboard. But how do you actually connect a microphone to the H90? That’s where the MixingLink comes in. This compact expander bridges the gap between your voice and the H90’s stunning vocal effects, giving you a flexible and professional setup built for live performance. Let’s take a closer look at how they work together.
Vocal Processing Perfection
The MixingLink isn’t just a microphone preamp: it’s the missing link between your mic and the H90. This compact but mighty device provides 65dB of clean gain and seamlessly integrates into the H90’s effects loop, delivering studio-quality results in a pedal-friendly format. What makes this combination particularly powerful is the ability to process both vocals and instruments at the same time with independent level control, wet/dry mixing, and direct monitoring options for zero-latency performance.
Setting Up Your Vocal Processing Chain
Step 1: Physical Connections
Here’s how to connect your MixingLink with the H90 for vocal processing:
- Connect your microphone to the MixingLink’s XLR input
- Connect the MixingLink’s “To FX” output to Input 3 on your H90
- Connect Output 3 from your H90 to the MixingLink’s “From FX” input
- Connect the MixingLink’s main output to your mixer, audio interface, or PA system
H90 and MixingLink Wiring Diagram for Guitar and Vocals
For performers who also play guitar:
- Connect your guitar to Input 1 on the H90
- Connect Output 1 to your guitar amplifier or direct to the mixing board
Step 2: Configure H90 Routing
The magic happens when you set up the H90’s Dual Routing mode:
- Access the System Menu on your H90
- Navigate to Global Routing Configuration
- Select “Dual Routing” mode
- Press the Routing Button and use Quick Knob 1 to set the routing position to “Pre/Post”
This configuration allows Preset A to process your vocal signal on Path 1, while Preset B handles your guitar signal on Path 2 – completely independent processing chains!
Finding Your Signature Vocal Sound
With the pedals connected and properly configured, you’re ready to explore the vast sonic possibilities of this powerful combo. Creating vocal presets for your performances is remarkably intuitive. Try starting with a subtle enhancement preset using VocalTune with moderate pitch correction set to your song’s key.
VocalTune | Preset: AstroVox
Perfect for rap, hip hop, and trap, this VocalTune preset delivers clean, locked-in pitch correction that keeps your vocals sharp without losing vibe.
When you’re ready to explore further, experiment with VocalShift to create harmonies at perfect fourths and fifths, using the MixingLink’s wet/dry control to blend your natural voice with these lush harmonies. For more adventurous moments, push the boundaries with extreme formant shifting for truly unique vocal textures.
H90 | VocalShift | Preset: 3rds Harmony
Ideal for pop, dance, and electronic, this VocalShift preset adds up to three voices for lush layers that fill the mix.
Performance Tips for MixingLink + H90
Managing Feedback
When using microphones with effects processing live, feedback can be challenging. Here’s how to mitigate it:
- Use the HI/LO button to match the input type (HI for mics, electric guitars, etc., LO for line-level signals)
- Position yourself and your mic appropriately relative to monitors
- Keep pitch-shifting moderate when using stage monitors
- Consider in-ear monitoring for clearest results
Maximizing the Footswitch
The MixingLink’s built-in footswitch is perfect for momentary vocal effects:
- Configure the footswitch for FX Loop
- Create an H90 preset with dramatic settings that work best as accents
- Use the footswitch to briefly activate the effect at key moments
- Create performance highlights by temporarily engaging extreme harmony or pitch settings
Finding The Perfect Blend
MixingLink + H90 together open up creative possibilities well beyond just vocal processing.
- Process acoustic instruments through a microphone
- Connect electronic instruments via the MixingLink’s line input
- Create a dedicated effects loop for a hardware synthesizer
- Use it as an additional aux send/return for your mixing board
Exploring Beyond Vocals
The MixingLink + H90 combination opens creative possibilities well beyond just vocal processing. Try micing acoustic instruments through the MixingLink or connect electronic instruments via the line input for specialized processing chains. Many producers use this combo as a dedicated effects loop for hardware synthesizers, adding depth and movement to otherwise static sounds. The flexibility of this pairing encourages sonic exploration in ways that dedicated vocal processors simply can’t match.
A Complete Vocal Solution
Combining the H90’s new vocal algorithms with MixingLink provides a complete vocal effects rig that rivals dedicated vocal processors while providing a comprehensive and personalized experience. Whether you’re a singer-songwriter looking to enhance your live performances, a producer seeking creative vocal textures, or a gigging musician who needs to sing and play simultaneously, this pairing provides professional-quality vocal processing in a compact, stage-ready format.
