Always consult the official Owners Manuals first!
March 2024: all pages have been checked and are up-to-date

Difference between revisions of "Tremolo/Panner block"

From Fractal Audio Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m (edited for readability)
 
(160 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
__TOC__
 
__TOC__
 +
=Available on which products=
  
[[image:Tremolo block.png|250px]]
+
* '''Axe-Fx III''', '''FM9''', '''FM3''': 2 blocks
 +
* '''Axe-Fx II''', '''FX8''': 2 blocks
 +
* '''AX8''': 1 block
 +
 
 +
=Channels or X/Y=
 +
 
 +
* '''Axe-Fx III''', '''FM9''', '''FM3''': 4 channels
 +
* '''Axe-Fx II Mk I''', '''II''': no
 +
* '''Axe-Fx II XL''', '''XL+''', '''AX8''', '''FX8''': X/Y
 +
 
 +
=Tremolo/Panner types=
 +
 
 +
; VCA Trem  : Previously known as <q>Tremolo</q>, Regular tremolo is based on a voltage-controlled amplifier topology.
 +
; Panner : Stereo panning between left and right.
 +
; Bias Trem : Tube simulation algorithm that replicates the bias tremolo in vintage tube amps. As the FM3 does not support Bias Tremolo in the Amp block, use this instead.
 +
; Harmonic Trem : Recreates the famous sound of the tremolo circuit in the old <q>Brownface</q> amplifiers. This effect splits the spectrum and applies modulation to the two frequency bands. The Crossover Slope parameter selects the filter order for the crossover. The original circuit used a 6 dB/octave crossover. Higher slopes can give a more intense effect. The crossover frequency can be changed with the Crossover Frequency parameter. Note: unlike most implementations, the Axe-Fx III version is full stereo and can be used before or after the Amp block without losing stereo separation. Additionally, the effect supports the LFO phase for the left/right which can be used to achieve unique sounds. Furthermore, the effect supports LFO types other than Sine for even more unique sound.
 +
; Optical Trem 1 : Based on optical pedal tremolos where depth controls the intensity of the LED.
 +
; Optical Trem 2 : Based on optical pedal tremolos where depth controls a <q>mixer</q> pot. This type has more <q>throb</q> than Optical Trem 1.
 +
; Neon Trem : Based on the optical tremolo in classic <q>Blackface</q> amps which used a neon bulb to illuminate the LDR.
  
=Available on which Fractal Audio products=
+
The Bias and Harmonic types use nonlinear processing techniques and, as such, may add distortion to the audio signal, just as their tube-based counterparts would.
  
* '''Axe-Fx III''': 2 blocks
+
The Tremolos were improved in firmware 23. An LFO waveform monitor has been added for appropriate types.
* '''Axe-Fx II''': 2 blocks
 
* '''AX8''': 1 block
 
* '''FX8''': 2 blocks
 
  
=X/Y and channels=
+
For more information see:
 +
* The forum's discussion: <q>[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/the-flint-tremolo-done-right.109107 The Flint Tremolo Done Right]</q>
 +
* Strymon's white paper: <q>[http://www.strymon.net/amplifier-tremolo-technology-white-paper Amplifier Tremolo TechnologyPaper]</q>
  
* '''Axe-Fx III''': 4 channels
+
<blockquote>
* '''Axe-Fx II Mk I and II''': no
+
'''FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES'''
* '''Axe-Fx II XL''' and '''XL+''': X/Y
+
<HR>
* '''AX8''': X/Y
 
* '''FX8''': X/Y
 
  
=Position of the Tremolo/Panner block=
+
<blockquote>
 +
[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/axe-fx-iii-firmware-version-2-03.145132/page-3#post-1716717]
 +
I like the Harmonic Trem on clean and light crunch before an amp. It takes on a slight phaser vibe. Another cool thing to try is to put it near the end of the chain and set the LFO Phase to 180. Funky stereo tremolo.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
</blockquote>
  
If the Tremolo block is placed before the Amp block and there's a lot of amp gain, the tremolo effect will be less noticeable because of the compression. Adjust the waveform or the Duty parameter to emphasize the pulse. Or move the block to a position after the Amp block.
+
=Tremolo/Panner block position on the grid=
  
=Panner effect=
+
If the Tremolo block is placed before the Amp block and there's a lot of amp gain, the tremolo effect will be less noticeable because of the compression of the signal. Adjust the waveform or the Duty parameter to emphasize the pulse. Or move the Tremolo block to a position after the Amp block.
  
 
The Panner pans the signal left and right, just like a ping pong delay. This requires the signal not being summed to mono after the Tremolo/Panner block.
 
The Panner pans the signal left and right, just like a ping pong delay. This requires the signal not being summed to mono after the Tremolo/Panner block.
  
You can make the Panner effect appear “fuller” and “wider” by adding the Stereo Enhancer behind it.
+
=Tremolo/Panner block diagram=
 +
 
 +
[[image:Tremolo block.png|225px]]
  
 
=Parameters=
 
=Parameters=
  
==Parameters table==
+
==LFO Phase (mono/stereo)==
  
{| class="wikitable"
+
Set LFO Phase to 0 for mono output, and to any other value for stereo output.
|-
 
! '''Parameter'''
 
! '''Axe-Fx III'''
 
! '''Axe-Fx II'''
 
! '''AX8, FX8'''
 
|-
 
| Type
 
! yes
 
!
 
!
 
|-
 
| Rate
 
! yes
 
!
 
!
 
|-
 
| Tempo
 
! yes
 
!
 
!
 
|-
 
| Depth
 
! yes
 
!
 
!
 
|-
 
| LFO Type
 
! yes
 
!
 
!
 
|-
 
| LFO Duty Cycle
 
! yes
 
!
 
!
 
|-
 
| LFO Phase
 
! yes
 
!
 
!
 
|-
 
| Start Phase
 
! yes
 
!
 
!
 
|-
 
| Crossover Slope, Freq
 
! yes
 
!
 
!
 
|-
 
| Panner — Width
 
! yes
 
!
 
!
 
|-
 
| Panner — Pan Center
 
! yes
 
!
 
!
 
|}
 
  
 
==Depth==
 
==Depth==
  
There's no Mix parameter In the Tremolo block. Depth is the same as Mix, because a tremolo's modulation is volume-based.
+
There's no Mix parameter In the Tremolo block. Use Depth instead, because a tremolo's modulation is volume-based.
 +
 
 +
<blockquote>'''FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES'''<HR></blockquote>
 +
<blockquote>
 +
<blockquote>
 +
[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/can-we-get-a-mix-knob-for-the-tremolo-block.125674/page-2#post-1495700]
 +
Mix makes no sense in a tremolo as it is the same as reducing the depth.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
</blockquote>
 +
 
 +
==Duty==
 +
 
 +
Use this parameter to change the character of the tremolo peaks from a regular tremolo to electronic <q>blobs</q>.
 +
 
 +
=Tips, tricks and troubleshooting=
 +
 
 +
==Factory presets==
 +
 
 +
The Tremolo/Panner block is showcased in many factory presets. Search the [[Factory presets]] page for <q>tremolo</q> or <q>panner</q> or <q>panned</q>.
 +
 
 +
==Trigger the tremolo==
 +
 
 +
To trigger the Tremolo when engaging the block: use the Start Phase parameter.
  
<blockquote>"Mix makes no sense in a tremolo as it is the same as reducing the depth." [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/can-we-get-a-mix-knob-for-the-tremolo-block.125674/page-2#post-1495700 source] </blockquote>
+
To trigger the Tremolo when hitting the strings (synchronize the Tremolo to your playing): turn up the Trigger Threshold parameter. When the Tremolo is triggered, it will start and the LFO phase will start at the Start Phase value. Turn Trigger Threshold all the way down to defeat the trigger.
  
==Start Phase==
+
In firmware without the Trigger Threshold parameter, set Rate to <q>LFO1 SYNC</q>, sync LFO1 to a Tempo, and attach the LFO to the Envelope follower.
  
You can make the Tremolo start on the beat (triggered) by using the Start Phase parameter. This applies to engaging the effect, not to hitting the strings.
+
<blockquote>
 +
'''FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES'''
 +
<HR>
  
To align the Tremolo to the moment that you hit the strings, set Rate to “LFO1 SYNC”, sync LFO1 to a Tempo, and attach the LFO to the Envelope follower.
+
<blockquote>
 +
[https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/trigger-threshold-affects-start-of-tremolo-cycle.180831/post-2213018]
 +
You can adjust where in the waveform it starts with the Start Phase control.
 +
</blockquote>
 +
</blockquote>
  
==Duty==
+
==Bias Tremolo in Amp block==
  
Use this parameter to change the character of the tremolo peaks, from a regular tremolo to electronic "blobs".
+
The [[Amp block]] in the Axe-Fx II and III and FM9 provides its own Bias Tremolo.
  
=Special Tremolo effects=
+
==Widen the panning==
  
==Tremolo in Amp block==
+
Make the Panner effect appear fuller and wider, by adding the [[Enhancer block]].
  
The Amp block provides its own Bias Tremolo effect. Its effect depends on the specific amp model.
+
==Alternative for Panner==
  
Read more: [[Amp block]].
+
As an alternative to using the Panner block, attach an LFO to a panning parameter in a block.
  
 
==Ring Modulator as a tremolo==
 
==Ring Modulator as a tremolo==
  
You can configure the Ring Modulator to operate as a tremolo, by turning down Frequency all the way.
+
You can configure the [[Ring Modulator block]] to operate as a tremolo, by turning down Frequency all the way.
  
==Flanger as a tremolo==
+
==Tremolo as an On/Off switch==
  
You can even turn a Flanger into a tremolo.
+
Set the Tremolo block's LFO to Square with Depth at 100%.
  
 
==Shuffle tremolo==
 
==Shuffle tremolo==
  
[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii-discussion/90991-shuffle-tremolo-tempo.html Create a "shuffle" tremolo]
+
See the forum's <q>[https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/shuffle-tremolo-tempo.90991/ Shuffle tremolo tempo?]</q> discussion.
 +
 
 +
==Vox Percussion Tremolo==
 +
 
 +
To recreate the Percussion Tremolo effect on old Vox guitars, set LFO Type to Saw Down.
 +
 
 +
==Syncing to the metronome==
  
==Flint tremolo==
+
See the forum's discussion about <q>[https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/how-to-sync-the-tremolo-to-a-metronome.155954/page-2 How to sync the Tremolo to a Metronome?]</q>.
  
[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/the-flint-tremolo-done-right.109107 Create a "Flint" harmonic tremolo]
+
=Videos=
  
[http://www.strymon.net/amplifier-tremolo-technology-white-paper Strymon's white paper about tremolo types]
+
[[video:Cooper-Tremolo]]
 +
[[video:Leon-NewTremolos]]
  
 
[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx3]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx3]]
 +
[[category:FM3]]
 +
[[category:FM9]]
 
[[category:AX8]]
 
[[category:AX8]]
 
[[category:FX8]]
 
[[category:FX8]]
 
[[category:Sounds]]
 
[[category:Sounds]]
 +
[[category:All]]

Latest revision as of 03:43, 6 March 2024

Available on which products

  • Axe-Fx III, FM9, FM3: 2 blocks
  • Axe-Fx II, FX8: 2 blocks
  • AX8: 1 block

Channels or X/Y

  • Axe-Fx III, FM9, FM3: 4 channels
  • Axe-Fx II Mk I, II: no
  • Axe-Fx II XL, XL+, AX8, FX8: X/Y

Tremolo/Panner types

VCA Trem
Previously known as Tremolo, Regular tremolo is based on a voltage-controlled amplifier topology.
Panner 
Stereo panning between left and right.
Bias Trem 
Tube simulation algorithm that replicates the bias tremolo in vintage tube amps. As the FM3 does not support Bias Tremolo in the Amp block, use this instead.
Harmonic Trem 
 Recreates the famous sound of the tremolo circuit in the old Brownface amplifiers. This effect splits the spectrum and applies modulation to the two frequency bands. The Crossover Slope parameter selects the filter order for the crossover. The original circuit used a 6 dB/octave crossover. Higher slopes can give a more intense effect. The crossover frequency can be changed with the Crossover Frequency parameter. Note: unlike most implementations, the Axe-Fx III version is full stereo and can be used before or after the Amp block without losing stereo separation. Additionally, the effect supports the LFO phase for the left/right which can be used to achieve unique sounds. Furthermore, the effect supports LFO types other than Sine for even more unique sound.
Optical Trem 1 
Based on optical pedal tremolos where depth controls the intensity of the LED.
Optical Trem 2 
Based on optical pedal tremolos where depth controls a mixer pot. This type has more throb than Optical Trem 1.
Neon Trem 
Based on the optical tremolo in classic Blackface amps which used a neon bulb to illuminate the LDR.

The Bias and Harmonic types use nonlinear processing techniques and, as such, may add distortion to the audio signal, just as their tube-based counterparts would.

The Tremolos were improved in firmware 23. An LFO waveform monitor has been added for appropriate types.

For more information see:

FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES


[1] I like the Harmonic Trem on clean and light crunch before an amp. It takes on a slight phaser vibe. Another cool thing to try is to put it near the end of the chain and set the LFO Phase to 180. Funky stereo tremolo.

Tremolo/Panner block position on the grid

If the Tremolo block is placed before the Amp block and there's a lot of amp gain, the tremolo effect will be less noticeable because of the compression of the signal. Adjust the waveform or the Duty parameter to emphasize the pulse. Or move the Tremolo block to a position after the Amp block.

The Panner pans the signal left and right, just like a ping pong delay. This requires the signal not being summed to mono after the Tremolo/Panner block.

Tremolo/Panner block diagram

Tremolo block.png

Parameters

LFO Phase (mono/stereo)

Set LFO Phase to 0 for mono output, and to any other value for stereo output.

Depth

There's no Mix parameter In the Tremolo block. Use Depth instead, because a tremolo's modulation is volume-based.

FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES


[2] Mix makes no sense in a tremolo as it is the same as reducing the depth.

Duty

Use this parameter to change the character of the tremolo peaks from a regular tremolo to electronic blobs.

Tips, tricks and troubleshooting

Factory presets

The Tremolo/Panner block is showcased in many factory presets. Search the Factory presets page for tremolo or panner or panned.

Trigger the tremolo

To trigger the Tremolo when engaging the block: use the Start Phase parameter.

To trigger the Tremolo when hitting the strings (synchronize the Tremolo to your playing): turn up the Trigger Threshold parameter. When the Tremolo is triggered, it will start and the LFO phase will start at the Start Phase value. Turn Trigger Threshold all the way down to defeat the trigger.

In firmware without the Trigger Threshold parameter, set Rate to LFO1 SYNC, sync LFO1 to a Tempo, and attach the LFO to the Envelope follower.

FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES


[3] You can adjust where in the waveform it starts with the Start Phase control.

Bias Tremolo in Amp block

The Amp block in the Axe-Fx II and III and FM9 provides its own Bias Tremolo.

Widen the panning

Make the Panner effect appear fuller and wider, by adding the Enhancer block.

Alternative for Panner

As an alternative to using the Panner block, attach an LFO to a panning parameter in a block.

Ring Modulator as a tremolo

You can configure the Ring Modulator block to operate as a tremolo, by turning down Frequency all the way.

Tremolo as an On/Off switch

Set the Tremolo block's LFO to Square with Depth at 100%.

Shuffle tremolo

See the forum's Shuffle tremolo tempo? discussion.

Vox Percussion Tremolo

To recreate the Percussion Tremolo effect on old Vox guitars, set LFO Type to Saw Down.

Syncing to the metronome

See the forum's discussion about How to sync the Tremolo to a Metronome?.

Videos