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10 Things To Know About Modulation Effects
The problem with today’s society is that we are ridiculously shallow. I don’t want to know about everything that makes our work fascinating. We know we need to use various pedals to enhance our sounds, but we don’t know why. In fact, we are all Jon Snow when it comes to knowing about a bit more than the mass people. We know nothing, and we seem to be very proud of it.
Not anymore. We are going to tell you about 10 different things you never knew about modulation effects. Read on and thank us later.
1. LFO is the real boss.
There are a number of modulation effects, and they are mostly controlled by the low frequency oscillator (LFO). Its operating frequency is 0-20 Hz. If you concentrated on your high school physics, then you know that humans cannot hear less than 20 Hz, so no, we can’t hear the sound the LFO creates. But depending on the functions we are using, the LFO alters the signal and hence creates the effect.
2. Your effects change depending solely on the delay time.
There are 3 fundamental modulation effects that are used widely. What separates them is the delay time. Phasers are the fastest- having the delay time of very few milliseconds. Flangers are a little slower than the phasers- they take about 5-15 milliseconds. On the other hand, choruses are the slowest of all. They can take up to 35 milliseconds. Combine all three of these effects, and you will be having the time of your life.
3. Want to add depth? Chorus is your answer.
The chorus effect is one of the most popular effects people use these days. But sadly, we hardly have any idea how to make the most of it. This fantastic effect has so much more to offer us than what we are using it for. Want to add depth to your sound? A little stereo would sound nicer? The chorus effect is your answer.
4. A little depth goes a long way.
Be it vocals, guitars or any other instrument, adding a little depth to your sound will go a long way. And Chorus effect is the best way to do this. Even a simple chorus pedal can drastically change your sound. If you want to double your voice, then adding chorus effect will be the best thing you can do. But be careful. You don’t want your original sound to drown in overwhelming chorus effect. So do not overdo it.
5. Use Flanger to bring out your Beatles voice.
Yes, you heard right. It is possible to imitate that distinct Beatles voice we all love so much. How? Just use a touch of flange.
Unlike Chorus, the Flange effect has some unique features that make it a great effect for regular use. The delay time of a flanger is a little bit more than a phrase, about 5-15 milliseconds. It never splits your signal, and last but not the least, you can control the feedback with it. It sounds different and really, really cool.
Believed to be invented in the 60’s, it is often said the Beatles used this unique effect on their vocals when they were recording Abbey Road. Throughout the 70’s, many artists created their own signature sound using the flanger. So if you think that old is gold, then probably you should at least try it out.
6. Flanger is not only for the guitar.
Sure, adding a dash of flange to your sound makes your guitar sound really unique and cool. However, that is not the only thing that a flanger can be used for. They can also make great accompaniment when you use it in your post production. If you need to metalize certain sounds, then you could try using a hint of flange. You will get that awesome robotic sound in no time.
7. Phasers and Flangers: Brothers from different mothers
Of all the modulation effects, Phasers have the fastest delay time. Though it is a lot similar to flangers, you should not mix them. Phasers have their own distinct characteristics that make them really great. A phaser usually cuts your signal in half, keeps the first half whole and alters the other half. And just like that, you get your desired sound. Sounds pretty simple, right?
In reality, phasers are quite complex. But the end result is magnificent. So if you want to play like Van Helen, You should keep it in consideration.
8. You should use vibrato more.
The name says it all. The vibrato effect creates a vibrating effect on the signal, just like guitarists or violinists bend their strings subtly to create a vibrating sound. This particular effect makes a great signal greater without overdoing it. End of story. So go ahead. Use this one.
9. Use the tremolo effect.
The tremolo is a great effect, but it is not as popular as the chorus or the flanger. This effect creates appealing textures to your sound, and using this effect will enhance your sound like no other. It will make your guitar sound completely different, and not to mention- amazing. So go for this effect once in a while. You will not regret it.
10. Modulation effects are great for adding excitement to your sound.
Maybe you like your sound to be a little toned-down. But once in a blue moon, it feels great to have some exciting effects on that blandness. If you are looking to do that, then modulation effects can be a great solution for you.
Creating great music is not easy. But with the right effects at hand, it is certainly not that hard either. That being said, now you know why modulation effects are so great and why you actually need to use them. So get up off the couch and experiment with a few modulation effects. Great music is waiting to be created. All you need to do is shake off all the doubts and pick up some modulation effects.
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