Crystallizer by Soundtoys

Pitch shifting granular reverse echo. A mind-warping sound design trip.

Crystallizer is an otherworldly creative effect that transforms instruments using a combination of pitch shifting and reversed echo. Based on the Eventide H3000’s innovative “Reverse Shift” algorithm, Crystallizer brings granular echo slicing, old-school pitch shifting and powerful new features together into one inspiring tool.

If you listened to the radio in the late 80s, you’ve heard the Crystal Echoes effect from the Eventide H3000 effects processor. The sound is absolutely unmistakable, and has been used on countless records to transform simple chords into epic soundscapes. Once musicians and engineers got their hands on this unique technique, and realized how it instantly turned minimal guitar lines into shimmering symphonic textures, there was no going back. You can hear it on hundreds of records—from 80s anthems, to ambient compositions, to modern indie rock and chillwave. And now you can have it, too.

Getting the Glitch Right

Because Soundtoys’ founders actually designed algorithms for the original H3000, you can be sure we didn’t rest until we’d recreated its icy tones flawlessly. One of the key elements of the Crystallizer sound is its old school pitch shifting. Modern pitch shifters (like our own Little AlterBoy for example) use sophisticated mathematical algorithms to transform music and vocals as naturally as possible. The original old school devices (like Eventide’s classic H910 Harmonizer) used a simpler resample and crossfade technique that introduced audible artifacts in the pitch-shifted audio. This retro technique adds a glitchy character to the sound that is an essential part of Crystallizer’s 80s-futuristic charm.

Upping the Ante

Once we nailed the sound of the original effect, we didn’t stop there. We put our heads together to improve it. We added MIDI sync and automation to give you precise creative control. A built-in Gate and Duck feature adds a new level of dynamic control over triggering echos, helping you keep this sometimes wild effect in check. You can also shape the sound with low- and high-cut filters to create bright shimmery blooms or dark, rich beds of sound. In short, we’ve brought a classic effect up to date with all the convenience and tweakability of a Soundtoys plug-in.

Instant Inspiration

Does “granular echo synthesizer” sound a bit hard to get your head around? Don’t worry. We’ve included over 200 ready-made presets that you can explore, organized into categories that make finding the perfect starting point for your tracks simple. We’ve included everything from the subtle to the all out psychedelic, so don’t be afraid to experiment! When you’re ready to go deeper, you’ll find plenty of tweakability and control for making your own signature presets.

Highlights

Recreate the classic crystalline sounds of the Eventide H3000

Turn simple melodies and chords into shimmering, textured soundscapes

Create rich, evolving effects with reverse echos and pitch shifting

Lock the effect to your project’s tempo and even add custom automation

Transform guitar, bass, drums or loops into something completely new

An amazing tool for creative sound designers