{"id":489,"date":"2018-05-18T14:36:00","date_gmt":"2018-05-18T14:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wooolfsounds.com\/?p=489"},"modified":"2021-01-06T16:46:10","modified_gmt":"2021-01-06T16:46:10","slug":"shape-your-sound-audio-effect-types-and-their-uses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wooolfsounds.com\/index.php\/2018\/05\/18\/shape-your-sound-audio-effect-types-and-their-uses\/","title":{"rendered":"Shape your sound: audio effect types and their uses"},"content":{"rendered":"

In an earlier post<\/a>, I talked about some audio effect plugins you can download for free. \u00a0Some of the effect categories are known to most musicians e.g. chorus, delay, reverb. Others can be somewhat more technical in nature.<\/p>\n

In this week post, I\u2019ll go over the most common effect types and how you can use them.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Equalizers<\/h1>\n

The equalizer is a tool to shape the frequency content of an audio signal. \u00a0It comes in many forms. From the low\/mid\/high knobs on your guitar amp over the parametric equalizer on a mixing desk, to the 31(!) bands on a P.A. or monitor graphic equalizer.<\/p>\n

Essentially, there are two types of common equalizer concepts: graphic <\/i>equalizers and parametric <\/i>equalizers. \u00a0Apart from that, most devices or plugins also have low-pass and high-pass filters. \u00a0Low-pass is sometimes called high-cut and high-pass can be called low cut.<\/p>\n

Graphic equalizers<\/h2>\n

These are called graphic, because on some devices, the bands are adjusted with many faders close to each other, so that you can see the frequency curve in the blink of an eye. \u00a0The bands are fixed to a certain frequency and resonance (or Q factor).<\/p>\n

Use: <\/b>These types of equalizers are mostly found on consumer devices in their simpler form with only a few \u2018bands\u2019. \u00a0They allow a quick adjustment of the overall sound in a simple way. Also, in P.A. situations, versions with many more bands (31 is common) are an important tool in controlling resonances and feedback loops caused by speaker\/microphone placement and room resonances.<\/p>\n

Parametric equalizers<\/h2>\n

You get more parameters per band on these devices or plugins. \u00a0There\u2019s a setting for gain: the amount of boost or attenuation for that frequency band. \u00a0Second, you have a setting for frequency: this determines which frequency that band will affect. \u00a0Next you have the \u2018Q\u2019 or resonance factor: this determines how wide the affected frequency band is.<\/p>\n

Use:<\/b> Because of their flexible nature, this type of equalizer is very useful for mixing purposes. \u00a0Their main uses are for cutting or boosting certain frequency bands. \u2018Resonant\u2019 frequencies that come across as a little loud can be attenuated, mostly with a narrow bandwidth or Q. \u00a0To reduce a ringing snare drum frequency or a \u2018nasal\u2019 character in a vocal for example. Wider frequency bands can be boosted to highlight a certain character of the audio signal. This can help to allow an instrument to cut through the mix better.<\/p>\n

\"Cockos
Cockos ReaEQ Equalizer Plugin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gates<\/h1>\n

The gate, sometimes called noise gate<\/i>, is a simple processor that blocks all sound below a certain threshold. \u00a0Some gates have a floor<\/i> or \u2018dry\u2019 setting that allows a bit of the blocked sound to pass through.<\/p>\n

Use: <\/b>Commonly used as noise suppressor, for example on an electric guitar, to block the amplifier noise when the guitar is not playing. \u00a0In mixing, the gate is often applied to separate parts of the drum kit, e.g. toms, to prevent \u2018bleed\u2019 from the rest of the kit while the tom is not in use.<\/p>\n

Compressors<\/h1>\n

This type of device is a bit more obscure to many musicians and is usually a tool for mixing and mastering. \u00a0It can be used to alter the dynamic response<\/i> of an audio signal. \u00a0A good way to visualize what a compressor does is by thinking of an automatic robot-arm that adjusts a volume knob based on the volume of the incoming signal. \u00a0On louder parts, the volume \u2018knob\u2019 is dialed back a little, to result in a more consistent output volume.<\/p>\n

Use:<\/strong> Learn more about the workings and applications of compressor in this recent post<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Kjaerhus
Kjaerhus Classic Compressor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Saturation<\/h1>\n

Saturation is the addition of harmonics to a sound or instrument, by distorting<\/i> the sound. \u00a0It\u2019s a bit more advanced as a mixing technique, but you\u2019ve probably heard of the terms \u2018overdrive\u2019 and \u2018distortion\u2019. \u00a0Especially if you play the electric guitar.<\/p>\n

Saturation comes in many intensities. \u00a0Some examples ranging from subtle to destructive:<\/p>\n