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Enhancer block
Contents
Available on which products
- Axe-Fx III: 2 blocks
- FM3: 2 blocks
- FM9: 2 blocks
- Axe-Fx II: 1 block
- FX8: 1 block
- AX8: 1 block
Channels or X/Y
- Axe-Fx III and FM9 and FM3: 2 channels
- Axe-Fx II: no
- FX8: no
- AX8: no
Types
Modern – Uses multi-band techniques for a natural effect. The effect is mono-compatible with no phasing problems when summing to mono. It widens stereo signals and “stereoizes” mono signals. Low Cut and High Cut parameters allow control over the region of influence.
"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."
Classic – Uses 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. Try a setting of 35% = 7ms.
"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." [1]
Stereoizer – While the Classic and Modern types rely on micro-delays and inversions to create artificial stereo, the Stereoizer type uses multiple high-order filters to create a realistic stereo image.
"An allpass filter is a crude approach and will create comb filtering when collapsing to mono. The Stereoizer is expressly designed to prevent this." [2]
(Matt from Fractal Audio) "The stereoizer rocks! Try this approach:
- Set Width to 100%
- Set Depth to 0%
- Gradually increase Depth.
- When you find a setting you think you like, set width to taste."
Discussion about the Enhancer types
It is NOT recommended to use this type if just using one side of a stereo output as phasing effects may be encountered.
Enhancer block position on the grid
Put the Enhancer block at the end of the chain.
Input and output signals
Input — While a stereo input signal works best with the Enhancer, it can also "stereoize" a mono input signal.
Output — Using the Enhancer makes sense only with a stereo output signal. Don't use it if you only use one channel (left or right) of a stereo output signal.
More about mono and stereo signals.
Factory presets
The Stereo Enhancer block is present in some factory presets. Search the Factory presets page for "enhancer".
Tips and tricks
Prevent phase cancellation
When summing a stereo signal to mono, the Enhancer in Classic mode can cause phase cancellation. Use the Modern Mode instead which 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." [3]
"The Modern Enhancer will survive collapsing to mono but any enhancer should be used judiciously, especially for recordings." [4]
Read this: Mono/stereo.
Widen the Panner
Make the Panner effect (Tremolo/Panner block) appear fuller and wider, by adding the Enhancer.
Alternatives
Cab block
Use Mic Distance or Micro Delay in the Cab block to improve stereo imaging. Or use the Delay block itself:
"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." [5]
Pitch block
Use the Pitch block as explained in "Petrucci Rig" Factory Preset Update JPIIC+ and MIMIQ.
