All three involve digital implementation of harmonic distortion, and it’s worth mentioning that some of Dave’s current analogue designs, for example the Europa mic preamp, feature related (but not identical) processes operating purely in the analogue domain. Phoenix has seen an update, becoming Phoenix II, the Dave Hill Designs RA plug-in offers a unique approach to second- and third-harmonic distortion, and the Crane Song Peacock plug-in represents Dave’s take on the characteristics of vinyl. While those original designs have maintained their reputation for sublime sonics, Dave has delivered new analogue designs, and has also ventured even further into the digital world. One might be forgiven for asking “Well, back then there wasn’t much choice for getting analogue-style colour in the box, and while it might have been great at the time, is it really still relevant 13 years on?” When you have mixers with effectively limitless budgets using it on current projects, the answer is an emphatic “yes”. The plug-in has been heard on countless hit records since, and a search through the archives of SOS’s Inside Track articles reveals a long and distinguished list of advocates. With Dave having designed the revered Aria electronics for ATR’s tape machines, and with the HEDD algorithm sounding so good, a lot was expected of Phoenix, and it did not disappoint. In 2001 Dave released Phoenix, a tape emulation plug-in for the Pro Tools TDM platform, derived from the code in the HEDD.
In combination with superb conversion, this ability to add harmonic colour has made the units indispensable to those who have access to them. The HEDD two-channel converter, introduced in 1997, and the Spider eight-channel mixer and A-D converter feature digital ‘colour’ circuits, providing a form of tape emulation. Furthermore, these designs are not simply beautifully made clones, as much high-end outboard can tend to be, but genuinely innovative pieces that often combine the best of analogue and digital technology.
Whether they are marketed under the long-standing Crane Song name or the more recent Dave Hill Designs brand, the highest possible sonic standards are assured.
His units sit comfortably in the world’s top studios, alongside the most revered outboard processors available (or not so available). When a top hardware expert turns his attention to plug-in design, the results are a bit special.ĭave Hill is one of the most highly respected designers of professional audio recording equipment.
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