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Enhancer block
Contents
Available on which Fractal Audio products
- Axe-Fx III: 2x.
- Axe-Fx II: 1x.
- FX8: 1x.
- AX8: 1x.
X/Y and channels
- Axe-Fx III: 2 channels.
- Axe-Fx II: no.
- FX8: no.
- AX8: no.
Classic, Modern and Stereoizer modes
Classic: Old Haas effect delay-based processing. The right channel is delayed by a very small amount to increase the apparent stereo separation between the left and right channels. Haas effect in Wikipedia.
"Classic enhancer mode is just a delay on one side (adjustable from 0 to 20 ms) plus pan & phase adjustment. The non-delayed side will tend to seem louder, just like if you used a delay block to get the same delay time." Bakerman
Modern: Multiband techniques for a much more natural effect. Also, the effect is mono-compatible with no phasing problems when summing to mono. The effect both widens stereo signals and “stereoizes” mono signals. Low-cut and High-cut parameters allow control over the region of influence. It is NOT recommended to use the Enhancer if just using one side of a stereo output as phasing effects may be encountered. More information.
"The algorithm is such that when Width is zero there is significant cancellation in the right channel that will cause a shift in the balance." [source
It's coincidental that you bring this up because one of the things I've been working on the last few weeks is a new "Stereoizer" algorithm. I finished it tonight and it works well. It will be in the upcoming 1.10 firmw
Stereoizer: While the Classic and Modern types rely on micro-delays and inversions to create artificial stereo, the new Stereoizer uses multiple high-order filters to create a realistic stereo image.
Mono and stereo
Output: The Enhancer only works with stereo output. Also, don't use it if you only use one channel (left or right) of a stereo signal.
Input: While a stereo input signal works best, the Enhancer can also "stereoize" an incoming mono signal. Of course, the output signal still has to be stereo.
| Parameter | Axe-Fx III | Axe-Fx II | AX8, FX8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | yes | ||
| Modern/Classic/Stereoizer - Width | yes | ||
| Modern/Classic/Stereoizer - Depth | yes | ||
| Modern - Low Cut, High Cut | yes | ||
| Classic - Phase Invert | yes | ||
| Classic - Pan L, Pan R | yes |
Tips and tricks
Widen the Panner
Make the stereo Panner (Tremolo/Panner block) effect appear fuller and wider by adding the Enhancer.
Alternatives to Stereo Enhancer
"Another way would be to use the Delay block. Set the Mix to 100%, dial in the desired amount of delay and set Balance to full right." source
Troubleshooting
Avoiding phase cancellation and comb filtering
When summing a stereo signal to mono, the Enhancer in Classic mode can cause phase cancellation. The Modern Mode is mono-compatible to prevent this.
"Never put the enhancer in parallel or you'll get phasing problems. That's why there is no bypass mode because it should always be in series." source
"The Modern Enhancer will survive collapsing to mono but any enhancer should be used judiciously, especially for recordings." source
