Hi peeps, does anyone know how these two (H9 & Zoia) compare when it comes to the quality of the different FX types? I do understand that Zoia has the option to create all kind of combinations, but is the (for example) reverb module as good as the H9 reverb? Or would you say that the H9 is better?
(I know it’s a personal taste thing, but I’d love some subjective feedback)
Tata…
PS Did anyone try the TC Electronics Plethora X5, how does that one stack up…
I’m not able to answer your exact question. I did have the timeline and big sky from strymon, then wondered if the OtO bim and bam would be better. Then mod devices duo x…oh, Erica zen delay - looks good too. And the Dreadbox Hypnosis.
Then I found this box on my desk, which also had a built-in synth, a sequencer and chorus, delay and reverb. It’s called the Digitone. It actually sounds really good.
Ok, I’m not here to talk about the Digitone. Just that trying to work with what you already have sometimes is good enough.
/Thomas
In my research of different reverbs I came to one concrete conclusion: reverb is one of the most subjective and personal tastes in production. I would give them all a good listen and determine for yourself.
That said, the reverbs on the Zoia (to my ears) range from excellent (low cpu Lite) to wonderful (heavy CPU Ghost). But keep in mind it is not a reverb unit. It is a modular multifx unit. The fact that it is “limitless” put it above the H9 for me.
Yes, you are right, work with what you got is a good tip. Actually, I do own a Digitone, and I do run my MAM MB33 through it, and it sounds good.
But some of my other stuff could do with some good (extra) FX. The fact that you can create a whole series of FX with the Zoia looks really promising. The H9 is a more one type per preset kind of pedal, and you’d need more boxes of you want to make a chain of FX. I was thinking maybe that the H9, per instance, would do a better job quality wise. Maybe I’m wrong here…
If you want to, I could run some stuff through my H9 for you, so you could hear it with your own material.
You’d just have to upload something, that you want me to run through the H9.
The problem is that I can only go by Youtube, as my local stores do not hold both the Zoia & H9.
But I agree that it’s highly subjective. Your feedback & opinion is very much appreciated though.
Thanks for the offer…
Yeah I understand. I was in the same boat re: Zoia: no store near me carried it.
I looked around YT and there are surprisingly no examples of just the two (that I could find). Maybe cause they’re very different things.
Here’s one just Zoia fx algorithms. The verbs are there. Plenty of H9/Space videos to compare it with https://youtu.be/ktMKdwDWtrM
But again I think it’s important to consider what is your main focus: reverb or multifx. If reverb, then a dedicated reverb or H9 will be your best bet. If multifx, then Zoia hands down. The H9 is not a multifx in the way the Zoia is. And the reverb algorithms are not in any way disappointing.
By multifx, do you mean stackable FX (or FX chain)?
Stackable. You can only have a single algorithm at a time, not multiple. Unlike the Zoia with which you can have any fx any way you imagine it.
Some algorithms in the H9 basically are multi fx, though.
Mostly it’s a combination of reverb or delay + modulation or dynamics processing, but there are also things like the DualVerb (two reverbs), Undulator (Two delays + detuning + fm), SpaceTime (two delays + reverb), PitchFuzz (Fuzz + Pitch Shifter + Delays) EQ Compressor…
Not the same as a real multi fx, though ofc.
https://www.eventideaudio.com/support/downloads/h9-algorithm-guide
There are some H9 algos which combine effects; some delays and pitch modulation which also have reverb. But the H9 is a bit of a gateway drug: I at least want a second one and fantasize about an Eclipse. The Zoia came out shortly after I got an H9, I probably would have bought the Zoia had it been available, but my H9 stays.
Fair enough. But my point is that the H9 is (much) more limited compared to the Zoia as a multifx unit.
But in terms of quality of algos alone, the H9 or Empress’ Reverb or whatever else will do you much better (Except Strymon. Too digital 
)
One thing to keep in mind with the H9 is that all the algorithms cost quite some money until you have a decent amount to choose from. Unless you have enough cash and you´re aiming for the maxed out version right away. I use mine a lot less than I should but every time I use it I´m more than satisfied with the result and with a attached pedal it also quite fun to use. And I second that the Digitone FX sound pretty good when running external sounds through it.
I can’t speak for the Zoia but I recently got a maxed out H9 and it is absolutely stellar. I got it to replace a Boss RW-500 which is fantastic but needs a lot of programming to get the most out of it (although not as much as the Zoia I imagine). I have an Octatrack, a Machinedrum, and a DX11 so I have reached my limit of devices that involve deep programming while staring at an lcd screen. The iPad interface for the H9 is fantastic but there are so many excellent presets that I’ve only had to do minimal tweaking so far.
Modulating H9 parameters with an elektron sequencer can get super fun and out there!
Interesting! I only scratched the surface of the H9 so far because my main focus recently was to create sounds that sound good without additional FX. I assume it´s done via MIDI CC´s?
I guess it should also be said that the Zoia is not for the faint of heart: either you rely on people’s presets or count on some modular patching. It is in no way plug and play (as far as getting the most from it). I can totally understand that as a turnoff.
The Lexicon MPX1 is pretty much a modular multifx in that you can choose the order of FX in the chain, create parallel chains etc. The interface is very menu much menu diving a struggle to get used to, but it’s very flexible and it sounds pretty damn good IMO. I’d describe its reverb algos as more “realistic” to most of the eventide ones. It can be had relatively cheap.
Sure, using CC’s