Wiardgroup

Sorry, Grant, for using Wiard space....

ok - I read the E&F review. I can now hear Gino Robair's comment on
this list about how small manufacturers often don't like to review
devices like the Ebbe und Flut, because they sometimes get bad reviews...

I have to say, with all due repect to the reviewer, that the review
covers the very superficial features of the unit, not coming anywhere
close to anything that is close to the meat and potatoes of why one
would spent $2000 on a device like this....  Most of the demo mp3s on
the Schippman website are patches that supercede this particular
journalist's skills with the device, which includes optimizing noise
levels.

Noise?  One of the noisiest devices that I used in my lifetime was the
Buchla 200 Series.  This didn't detract from its incredible music
potential.

All I can say is that there is such a clarity and headroom in this
filter when operating at frequencies where most other filters simply
sound like crap.  It is almost worth the money for the allpass
modes....  Most modular filters are useless when processing vocals -
this one excels.

Using this unit as a typical lopass filter is a total waste of time -
and money!

The controls on the E&F are rather wide range, so it took me some time
to dial in patch ideas that optimize sound with the least amount of
noise.  Even the compressor is unique and quite versatile, albeit a
single knob controlled device.

Measuring noise on this unit is useless - I don't think that measuring
noise on any sound mangler has any validity whatsoever.  The unit has
no gain stage built in, so having a mic pre or something like that
will aid in keeping the s/n optimized.  Just like any modular filter,
when you turn down the gain and turn up the Q, you get more filter,
but also more noise - so what?  You back off the setting until you get
any acceptable amount of effect with an acceptable noise level.  I
have used this on several recordings as the last unit in a patch - it
is certainly quieter than most stuff.


Yes, the patch points are on the back of the unit.  There is quite a
good patch on the front panel, though.  In fact, most of what you
would do with this unit is found on the front panel, configured by
toggle switches or knob settings.  I would be happy even if there were
no patch points - I have some favorite patches that I use all the time
- easily configured from the front panel.

Why is this unit so expensive?  The first run was 36 units!  Need I
say more?  (Just don't hold your breath for production numbers to
increase soon).

enough about the Ebbe und Flut - back to Wiard.

gary