If you're into guitar effects or studio production, you've probably heard whispers about Eventide's legendary processors. The eventide h90 vs eclipse debate has been heating up in forums and Facebook groups lately. Both units promise studio-quality effects, but they're built for different purposes and budgets.
I've spent time with both processors, and honestly, choosing between them isn't as simple as picking the "better" one. It depends on what you actually need. Let's break down everything so you can make the right choice without regretting it later.
Key Takeaways
- The H90 is newer, more compact, and designed for pedalboards
- Eclipse offers more raw power and dual processing engines
- Price difference is significant – about $600-700
- H90 works great for live performance setups
- Eclipse excels in studio environments with complex routing needs
- Both deliver signature Eventide sound quality
What Makes Eventide Special?
Before we jump into the eventide h90 vs eclipse comparison, let's talk about why these units matter. Eventide basically invented digital effects processing back in the 1970s. Their algorithms are used on countless hit records.
When you buy an Eventide processor, you're not just getting effects. You're getting decades of research into how sound behaves. That's why they cost more than your average multi-effects unit.
Eventide H90 Overview
The H90 came out in 2022 as Eventide's answer to modern players who want serious power in a pedalboard-friendly package. It's basically a condensed version of their flagship H9000 processor.
What the H90 Brings to the Table
The H90 runs dual DSP engines, which means you can load two algorithms simultaneously. You get access to 62 different effect algorithms pulled from classic Eventide units like the H9, H3000, and yes, even some Eclipse algorithms.
The interface uses a touchscreen and physical knobs. Some people love this combo, others find touchscreens annoying on stage. It really depends on your workflow.
One thing I appreciate about the H90 is its size. It fits on a pedalboard without taking up half your board real estate. For traveling musicians, this matters more than you might think.
Eventide Eclipse V4 Overview
The Eclipse has been around since 2005, but don't let its age fool you. The V4 version still holds up incredibly well against newer gear. It's a 2U rackmount unit that was designed for professional studios and touring rigs.
What Makes the Eclipse Tick
The Eclipse runs two independent effect engines. You can process two separate signals or run serial/parallel effects on one signal. This flexibility is huge when you're working on complex productions.
It comes loaded with over 100 presets and more than 1200 factory programs. The Eclipse also includes some algorithms you won't find in the H90, particularly vintage reverbs and modulation effects from older Eventide units.
The learning curve is steeper with the Eclipse. The front panel interface uses a small screen and lots of buttons. It's functional but not exactly intuitive if you're used to modern touchscreens.
Detailed Comparison: Eventide H90 vs Eclipse
Here's where we get into the nitty-gritty details. According to recent discussions on Big Write Hook, understanding these differences can save you from buyer's remorse.
Design and Build Quality
| Feature | Eventide H90 | Eclipse V4 |
| Form Factor | Pedalboard (compact) | 2U Rackmount |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs | 8 lbs |
| Display | Color touchscreen | Small LCD screen |
| Controls | 8 knobs + touchscreen | Multiple buttons + encoder |
| Connectivity | MIDI, USB, Expression | MIDI, S/PDIF, AES/EBU |
| Power | 9V DC adapter | Standard AC power |
The H90 feels modern and sleek. The Eclipse feels like tank that could survive a nuclear war. Both are built incredibly well, but they serve different environments.
Effects and Algorithms
This is where the eventide h90 vs eclipse comparison gets interesting. The H90 has 62 algorithms, while the Eclipse has access to more algorithms overall but some are older.
H90 Algorithm Highlights:
- UltraTap modulated delays
- MicroPitch harmonizer
- Shimmer reverbs
- Modern pitch shifting
- Crushstation distortion
Eclipse Algorithm Highlights:
- Classic reverb algorithms
- Vintage delays from H3000
- Advanced pitch shifting
- Modulation effects
- Time-based effects
The H90 sounds more "polished" and modern. The Eclipse has this vintage character that some engineers prefer for certain applications.
Processing Power and Routing
Here's a major difference that impacts real-world use:
The Eclipse has true dual engines that can run completely independently. You can literally process two different instruments at the same time.
The H90 also has dual engines, but they share resources differently. You can run two algorithms, but certain combinations will eat up more processing power than others.
For live guitar players, the H90's approach works perfectly fine. For studio engineers running complex signal chains, the Eclipse's separation makes more sense.
Sound Quality
Both units sound fantastic. Let's be honest here – if you can't make great music with either processor, the gear isn't your problem.
That said, there are subtle differences. The H90 sounds cleaner and more transparent. The Eclipse has a slight color to its sound that some people describe as "warmth" and others call "character."
In blind tests, most people can't reliably tell them apart. Your mic choice and preamp probably matter more to your final sound.
User Interface and Workflow
The H90 wins for ease of use. The touchscreen makes editing parameters much faster than scrolling through menus on the Eclipse.
But the Eclipse's physical button layout has advantages too. Once you memorize the layout, you can edit without looking. Try doing that with a touchscreen when you're in a dark venue.
The H90 also has better computer integration. The software editor is modern and works smoothly. The Eclipse's editor feels dated by comparison.
Price Comparison
This is a big factor for most people:
- Eventide H90: Around $899 (street price)
- Eclipse V4: Around $1,500-1,600 new, $800-1,200 used
The price gap is real. You can find used Eclipse units for close to H90 prices, which makes the decision harder.
Performance Comparison Table
| Category | H90 | Eclipse | Winner |
| Sound Quality | Excellent | Excellent | Tie |
| Ease of Use | Very Good | Good | H90 |
| Live Performance | Excellent | Good | H90 |
| Studio Work | Very Good | Excellent | Eclipse |
| Portability | Excellent | Poor | H90 |
| Routing Options | Good | Excellent | Eclipse |
| Algorithm Selection | 62 | 100+ | Eclipse |
| Modern Features | Excellent | Good | H90 |
| Value for Money | Good | Good | Tie |
Pros and Cons Breakdown
Eventide H90 Pros
- Compact size fits any pedalboard
- Modern touchscreen interface
- Great for live performance
- USB connectivity and editor
- Lower price point
- Lighter weight
- MIDI control is more straightforward
Eventide H90 Cons
- Fewer total algorithms than Eclipse
- Processing power shared between engines
- Touchscreen can be finicky on stage
- Limited routing compared to Eclipse
- Some vintage algorithms missing
Eclipse V4 Pros
- True dual independent engines
- More total algorithms available
- Excellent for studio work
- Professional I/O options
- Vintage Eventide character
- Rock-solid reliability
- Better for complex routing
Eclipse V4 Cons
- Much larger and heavier
- Dated interface design
- Steeper learning curve
- Higher price when new
- Not practical for pedalboards
- Older technology overall
Which One Should You Choose?
The eventide h90 vs eclipse decision comes down to your specific situation.
Choose the H90 If:
You play live shows regularly and need effects on your pedalboard. The size and weight advantage is massive when you're loading gear in and out of venues three times a week.
You want modern connectivity with USB editing and easy preset management. The H90 integrates better with modern recording setups.
You prioritize ease of use and quick editing. The touchscreen speeds up workflow significantly.
Your budget is tight and you want the newest technology. The H90 gives you current-gen processing at a lower price.
Choose the Eclipse If:
You work primarily in a studio environment. The rackmount format makes more sense when the unit stays in one place.
You need true dual-engine independence for processing multiple sources. The Eclipse's architecture handles this better.
You love vintage Eventide algorithms and want that classic sound character. The Eclipse has algorithms not available on the H90.
You can find a used unit at a good price. A $900 used Eclipse is an incredible deal compared to an $899 new H90.
You need professional digital I/O options. The Eclipse has S/PDIF and AES/EBU connections the H90 lacks.
Real-World Usage Scenarios
Let me paint some pictures of how these work in actual situations.
Scenario 1: Touring Guitarist Sarah tours with a rock band. She needs delays, reverbs, and pitch effects that don't fail mid-show. The H90 fits on her board next to her overdrives and fuzzes. She programs presets at soundcheck using her phone. Winner: H90
Scenario 2: Studio Engineer Mike runs a recording studio. He needs to process vocals, guitars, and keyboards with different effects simultaneously. He routes things through his patchbay and doesn't move the unit. Winner: Eclipse
Scenario 3: Home Studio Producer Jenny makes beats and records vocals at home. She wants great-sounding effects but also needs portability for occasional live shows. This one's tough, but the H90's versatility probably wins: Winner: H90
Scenario 4: Professional Post-Production Dave does sound design for films. He needs deep routing options and doesn't care about size. He wants every possible algorithm. Winner: Eclipse
Software and Updates
The H90 gets regular firmware updates with new features. Eventide is actively developing for this platform. The Eclipse still gets occasional updates, but it's not thier focus anymore.
This matters for long-term value. The H90 will probably stay relevant longer just because it's the active product line.
The Verdict: Eventide H90 vs Eclipse
After comparing everything, here's my honest take:
For most people in 2025, the H90 is the better choice. It's more practical, easier to use, and costs less. Unless you specifically need the Eclipse's advantages, the H90 delivers 95% of the sound quality in a much more convenient package.
But the Eclipse isn't obsolete. If you're building a professional studio or need its specific routing capabilities, it's still worth buying. A used Eclipse at the right price can also be a better value than a new H90.
The "best" choice depends entirely on your situation. Neither unit is objectively superior across the board.
Should You Buy Used?
This is worth discussing. Used Eclipses are common and usually well-maintained. Studios upgrade equipment regularly, so you can find barely-used units.
The H90 is newer, so used prices haven't dropped much yet. You might save $100-150 buying used, which isn't huge.
For the Eclipse, buying used makes a lot of sense. For the H90, you might as well buy new unless you find a really good deal.
Final Thoughts
The eventide h90 vs eclipse comparison reveals two excellent processors that serve different needs. Neither is a bad choice – you really can't go wrong with Eventide quality.
My advice? Think about where you'll actually use it most. If it's moving around, get the H90. If it's staying put, consider the Eclipse.
Also think about your workflow. Do you like touchscreens or physical controls? Do you need modern USB integration or professional studio I/O?
Answer those questions honestly, and the right choice becomes obvious.
Both units will make your music sound better. That's what actually matters at the end of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the H90 do everything the Eclipse can do? Not exactly. The H90 has many of the same algorithms but not all of them. The Eclipse also has more flexible routing options. However, the H90 has some newer algorithms the Eclipse lacks.
Is the Eclipse still worth buying in 2025? Yes, especially used. If you need its specific features or can get it for under $1000, it's still an excellent processor. The technology hasn't become obsolete.
Which has better reverbs? This is subjective, but many engineers prefer the Eclipse's vintage reverb algorithms. The H90's reverbs sound more modern and clean. Both are excellent.
Can I use the H90 in a studio rack? Yes, but you'd need a rack shelf. It's designed for pedalboards but works anywhere you can power it and connect it.
Does the Eclipse work with modern DAWs? Yes, through MIDI control. It doesn't have USB like the H90, but MIDI works fine for preset changes and parameter control.
Which one is better for vocals? Both excel with vocals. The Eclipse might have a slight edge for classic vocal effects, while the H90 is easier to dial in quickly during sessions.
Can I run both in stereo? Yes, both support stereo in/out. The Eclipse has more routing flexibility, but the H90 handles standard stereo perfectly fine.
Which one holds its value better? The Eclipse has already depreciated most of its value, so used prices are stable. The H90 will likely depreciate more over the next few years since its new.