Does Reverb Hardware Really Hold Up?
The Eventide H3000 is one of the most iconic effects processors ever made — and for decades, the hardware unit has been the gold standard. But with the release of the H3000 Factory MKII plugin, the big question is: how close does the plugin actually get to the real thing?
In this session, I put the H3000 Factory MKII plugin head-to-head with the H9000 hardware, along with a few competing plugins, to hear what really matters in a real mixing context.
What We’re Comparing (and Why It Matters)
This isn’t a specs-on-paper comparison. The goal here is to answer a practical question most mixers face:
Can the plugin replace the hardware in real sessions?
I walk through:
The original H3000 sound and why it’s still relevant
How the MKII plugin is designed to capture that character
Where modern hardware like the H9000 still has an edge
Plugin Workflow vs Hardware Workflow
One of the biggest differences comes down to workflow.
The plugin:
Is faster to audition and automate
Integrates easily into modern DAWs
Makes classic H3000-style effects more accessible
The hardware:
Offers deeper routing and control
Has a distinct feel and response
Excels in complex, high-end signal chains
I demonstrate how both approaches affect decision-making while mixing — not just how they sound in isolation.
Sound Quality: Subtle Differences That Add Up
Sonically, the MKII plugin gets impressively close. In blind listening, many of the differences are subtle, especially once the effect is sitting inside a full mix.
That said, the hardware still delivers:
Slightly more depth in modulation
A different sense of movement and density
More flexibility when pushed to extremes
Whether those differences matter depends on how and where you’re using the effect.
Final Takeaways for Mixers
If you want classic H3000 flavors with speed and convenience, the H3000 Factory MKII plugin is more than capable for professional work.
If you’re building complex effects chains or chasing that last few percent of depth, hardware like the H9000 still earns its place.
The key isn’t choosing one over the other — it’s knowing when each tool makes sense.
Where to Go Next
If you want to hear these differences for yourself, watch the full walkthrough above and try applying the same comparisons inside one of your own sessions. Subtle choices like this are often what separate a good mix from a great one.
If you’re curious to go deeper, try this workflow on one of your own stereo mixes and listen closely to how it translates across headphones and speakers. Small adjustments make a big difference in Atmos.
I’ve linked the tools and templates I use throughout this walkthrough so you can experiment at your own pace. And if questions come up as you’re working, feel free to explore the other tutorials here — they’re all built around real-world sessions and practical decisions, not theory.