> There’s usually a bit more to a modulation plugin than just basic controls. Here’s how some of the other parameters that you might find work ‘Voices’ refers to the number of copies of the original signal that the modulation effect creates. For example, a chorus effect with three voices would create three slightly detuned copies of the original signal. Increasing the number of voices can help create a thicker, richer sound, but it can also make the effect sound more artificial.
Feedback refers to the amount of the effect’s output that is fed back into the input, creating a looping effect. In a flanger or phaser effect, increasing the feedback can create a more intense and resonant sound. However, too much feedback can cause the effect to become unstable and produce unwanted noise.
INCREASING THE NUMBER OF VOICES CAN HELP CREATE A THICKER, RICHER SOUND
Notches are specific frequencies attenuated or boosted by the modulation effect. In a phaser effect, for example, notches are created by the phase cancellations that occur when two signals combine. By adjusting the notches, you can create different tonal colours and textures. Centre refers to the frequency around which the modulation effect is centred. In a flanger effect, for example, the centre frequency is the frequency at which the effect’s delay time is shortest. Adjusting the centre frequency can change the character of the effect, making it brighter or darker.
Spread refers to the amount of detuning applied to the copies of the original signal created by the modulation effect. A wider spread creates a more pronounced detuning effect, while a narrower spread makes a subtler effect. The spread parameter is often used in chorus effects to create a thick, lush sound. Width refers to the stereo width of the effect. A wider width creates a more immersive sound, while narrower will create a more focused sound. The width parameter is often used in chorus and flanger effects to create a sense of stereo spread.
Exploring advanced modulation parameters
1Let’s dig deeper into modulation parameters. Here in Native Instruments’ Choral, we’ll start with the Mix control, which controls how much of the effect (vs the dry original signal) is present.
2 LFO settings control movement speed of delayed and copied signal. By increasing Amount, we can increase the LFO modulation depth, and Rate makes it slower or faster. We put the speed so high that it smooths everything out again.
3 The Voices parameter creates the chorus effect multiple times, using different delay times for a thicker effect. With the actual Delay parameter, we change the base time of those knobs. Feedback sends the whole effect through itself again.
4 The phaser has a Notches parameter that commands the number of frequency dips. We also get Spread and Stereo parameters. Spread mov
