Eventide H8000FWFrom real comments

Name: Eventide H8000FW
Rating: 2.8 (13 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 13 mentions across 9 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment46%

PROS 46%

CONS 54%

Rank based on 13 mentions across 9 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want the distinctive wide, breathing Eventide reverb character
You need dual-DSP routing for complex parallel effects chains
You have or can get an interface supporting dual AES/ADAT I/O

What users love

Superior reverb character0 mentions

Strongly positive

Rare digital connectivity options0 mentions

Widely praised

Dual-DSP flexible routing0 mentions

Strongly positive

Strong tone quality0 mentions

Widely praised

Skip this if...

You need guaranteed manufacturer service and parts support
You rely on modern OS/Firewire compatibility without troubleshooting
You want a simple, quickly learnable interface out of the box

What users complain about

Reliability and hardware issues0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Complex interface and presets0 mentions

Generally negative

Lack of manufacturer support0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Firewire/PC connectivity friction0 mentions

Generally negative

Interface compatibility limitations0 mentions

Generally negative

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

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2Premium

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Simple, intuitive controls

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Cheaper alternatives seen as comparable

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3Premium

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Sweet, low-gain tone quality

High price versus clones

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Limited mid control

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4Mid

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Powerful 3-band EQ

Demo videos undersell the pedal

Noticeable noise floor

Volume drop when engaged

5Premium

Eventide Orville

Exceptional reverb qualityHigh-quality warm pitch shiftingStrong aspirational appealHigh priceCheaper alternatives may sufficeEffect can feel like it plays for you

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High-quality warm pitch shifting

Strong aspirational appeal

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Cheaper alternatives may suffice

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6Premium

Origin Effects Deluxe61

Authentic amp-like toneExcellent low-to-mid gain driveUnderrated favorite among ownersHigh price pointLimited gain-staging flexibilityNo built-in reverb

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Authentic amp-like tone

Excellent low-to-mid gain drive

Underrated favorite among owners

High price point

Limited gain-staging flexibility

No built-in reverb

7Premium

Roland TR-808

Iconic, powerful kick drumWarmer, more alive analog characterCultural and historical influenceExtremely high collector priceAnalog noise and static requiring EQReliability concerns of aging hardware

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Iconic, powerful kick drum

Warmer, more alive analog character

Cultural and historical influence

Extremely high collector price

Analog noise and static requiring EQ

Reliability concerns of aging hardware

8Premium

Moog Subsequent 37

Inspiring and addictive to playWarm, fat analog toneStrong DAW/VST editor integrationHigh price for what it offersLimited versatility outside bass rangeNeeds effects/partner gear to shine

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Inspiring and addictive to play

Warm, fat analog tone

Strong DAW/VST editor integration

High price for what it offers

Limited versatility outside bass range

Needs effects/partner gear to shine

Wampler Tumnus V2

Klon Centaur-style toneConvincing demo influenced purchaseExcellent clean boostNot suited for metal tones

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Convincing demo influenced purchase

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Not suited for metal tones

10Mid

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Two-channel routing complexity

Dry signal bleed-through

Inconsistent demo impressions

You are here

31Premium

Eventide H8000FW

Rare digital connectivity optionsSuperior reverb characterDual-DSP flexible routingComplex interface and presetsReliability and hardware issuesFirewire/PC connectivity friction

Eventide H8000FW

Rare digital connectivity options

Superior reverb character

Dual-DSP flexible routing

Complex interface and presets

Reliability and hardware issues

Firewire/PC connectivity friction

Versatile
1. MXR Super Badass Distortionarrow_upward15
2. Wampler Paisley Drivearrow_upward6
3. Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrivearrow_upward4
Expensive
1. Moog Subsequent 37arrow_downward3
2. Origin Effects Deluxe61arrow_downward3
3. Eventide Orvillearrow_downward4
Dynamic response
1. Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrivearrow_upward8
2. Wampler Paisley Drivearrow_upward2
Build quality
1. Moog Subsequent 37arrow_upward3
2. Origin Effects Deluxe61arrow_upward1

Overall Impression

Its reverb character is what sets it apart from newer Eventide gear. Multiple commenters directly compared the H8000FW to the H9000 using identical source material and found the H8000's reverb noticeably wider, taller, and more 'breathing,' expanding the stereo field, while the H9000 sounded comparatively narrow and centered. This side-by-side listening comparison was cited as a decisive factor in preferring the older unit over its modern successor.

The dual-DSP design enables flexible, creative routing. Owners describe the two internal DSPs as independently routable, allowing one to run pitch-shifting while the other handles reverbs, delays, or loops simultaneously. This is described as enabling ambient, layered soundscapes in the style of Fripp and Eno, making the unit feel like getting two processors in one box rather than a single effects unit.

Getting the most from it requires the right interface and some patience. Because the unit offers rare dual AES digital channels and 8-channel ADAT I/O, users note that finding a compatible audio interface can be difficult, with older RME gear specifically recommended. Additional friction comes from boot ROM errors, backlight dimming, discontinued manufacturer support, and reported difficulty getting Firewire connections working reliably on newer Windows versions.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

graphic_eqSuperior reverb character

2 mentions

Strongly positive

Direct comparisons against the H9000 show the H8000FW's reverb as wider, taller, and more expansive with a distinctive 'breathing' quality. Commenters described the newer unit's reverb as narrow and muffled by contrast.

@italoop7850

Listen to the same point in the tune, that E5 played on the high E string at 12th fret! Same guitar and same hands.\nH8000 listen at 0:43 - H9000 listen at 0:42. The H8000 verb is wrapping with huge width and tall azymuth, expanding... the typical Eventide verb you've come to expect. On the H9000 version.... the verb is narrow, muffled, it doesn't expand and stays pretty much in a very centered stereo field. not the same magic. LISTEN!

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January 22, 2022

@italoop7850

MUUUCH BETTER than the H9000 version! The level is lower and the balance w/fx could be a bit higher. But the very difference is how much more THIS version is breathing and the typical Eventide verb is wide and wrapping the source. No comparison to me if I had to buy. I know right away what I'd get. Listen to 0:42 on the H9000 version and 0:44 here w/the H8000FW. Same E5 on the E string at 12th fret, same guitar, same musician! Listen to what happens to the H8000 reverb in terms of spatial width and vertical azymuth... and compare it to the H9000 version... kind of narrow, dumb... not expanding, no breath... no Eventide! LISTEN!

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January 22, 2022

cableRare digital connectivity options

2 mentions

Widely praised

The H8000FW offers two channels of AES digital I/O and 8-channel ADAT, features a user found uncommon even on newer interfaces. This allows extensive channel routing when paired with the right interface.

@atarirob

Hey, Adam! Thank you so much for making this series - super informational and useful. I'm in the UK, just got lucky and managed to cop what I assume is one of the last H8000FWs, S/N: FW01086.\n\nWithout this video series, I'd have probably paid the same amount for an earlier model and been on the forums asking why my screen's turned purple! Been a DSP4000/Vsig user for a little while....I cannot wait to see what 8 channles of ADAT i/o does for me!!\n\nAlso, I love your editing, all the historical and conspiratorial pictures you add had me laughing so hard. The one of the diagram of the bullet that went through JFK had me dying.\n136 subscriber! Cannot wait to see what you have planned in the future, I'd love to see a detailed run-down of how you incorporate the H8000 with both hardware and DAW.\n\nThanks man!

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June 23, 2023

@Eventual420

When I was shopping for an interface to handle the Eventide units, I came across very few with two channels of digital audio, AES, but the Fireface UC, which is an older RME product, served that purpose. I outgrew it, so I had to get another interface and again, could not find 2 AES channels, not even on new RME interfaces. While troubleshooting the new setup I was on RME tech forum where they informed me of the special UC feature, 2 digital channels. So it is uncommon. I ended up keeping both of them, and now have channels galore, extra preamps too. This is something you should consider, in order to run your Eventide as a post process line-level device. The reason is some presets are input sensitive, and they base their response on how hard you play into them. Others are completely too loud, some of the flangers etc. So you'll want a way to control the to/from (send/receive). Just like any device, you can slam them too hard, with the Eventide that is difficult to do in Analog, but with some effort you can clip the digital. Adorable examples. Thank you, I enjoyed this.

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September 18, 2018

call_splitDual-DSP flexible routing

1 mentions

Strongly positive

The unit contains two DSPs that can be routed independently, letting users run pitch-shifting on one and reverb, delay, or looping on the other simultaneously. This enables complex ambient soundscapes.

@lifeinstrings5591

Well I've got mine last week and it is an incredible box! Or better to say: 2! Because you have 2 dsp's that can be routed as you like. So you can use one for pitchshift and the other voor spectacular delays, reberbs, loops you name it! It is \"easy\" to make soundscapes a l Fripp and Eno.

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January 29, 2016

music_noteStrong tone quality

1 mentions

Widely praised

A commenter specifically praised the unit's tone as 'gorgeous,' reflecting satisfaction with its sound character in use.

@mattcamacho5570

Gorgeous tone! I have one question about the H8000fw midi wise. How is The midi switching capability of this unit? Is it fast like every other effects unit?, or is there latency with it like the eclipse? Just curious. Thanks.

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March 22, 2018

warningReliability and hardware issues

2 mentions

Frequently criticized

Some owners reported problems like a boot ROM error on purchase and a dimming backlight, raising concerns about the unit's long-term durability given its age.

@janvanzuilekom

Great videos and very informative, Adam’s advice convinced me enough to buy a H8000fw (with a Boot Rom error ) and hopefully i get that sorted out , its remarkable that Eventide doesn’t support (service and parts) these units anymore but im hopeful

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December 1, 2023

@ewheelsfanclub4027

Q: Have you been able to get the 1394 to connect to your PC or do you use a Mac? I was able to get it to work on Windows 10.. but am now having issues and unable to connect to Windows 11. Do you have the LARC as well? Some lights are dimming in the backlight of mine and I'm wondering if anyone else has had to have them replaced and where they might have had success. Nice to see others appreciate the H8000 enough to own one. Keep posting!!!

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January 22, 2022

psychology_altComplex interface and presets

2 mentions

Generally negative

Even a multi-year owner described the unit as still complex to navigate, and another user asked for clarification on preset tweaks, pointing to a steep learning curve.

@thesoundpurist

Is the chorus 100% wet? I own the H8000 since few years and it still complex to my eye. I use the switchblade GL btw.

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October 28, 2018

@lifeinstrings5591

Chez Michel is not a preset if a am correct. Can you tell me if this is a preset you have tweaked and renamed?

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February 8, 2016

build_circleLack of manufacturer support

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

Eventide reportedly no longer services or provides parts for this unit, which is a significant concern for owners dealing with hardware faults.

@janvanzuilekom

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December 1, 2023

usb_offFirewire/PC connectivity friction

1 mentions

Generally negative

A user reported getting the 1394 Firewire connection working on Windows 10 but then running into issues connecting on Windows 11, suggesting compatibility problems with modern operating systems.

@ewheelsfanclub4027

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January 22, 2022

settings_input_componentInterface compatibility limitations

1 mentions

Generally negative

Finding an audio interface with the dual AES digital channels needed to fully use the H8000FW was described as difficult, requiring an older RME product rather than newer models.

@Eventual420

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September 18, 2018

Eventide H8000FWchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

thumb_up_off_altBuy this if...

What users lovefavorite_border

thumb_down_off_altSkip this if...

What users complain aboutheart_broken

Compare in seconds

Who wins on what

Versatile

Expensive

Dynamic response

Build quality

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

Eventide H8000FWFrom real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression