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November 2025: the entire wiki has been updated with information about the new AM4 amp modeler.

Difference between revisions of "Formant block"

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__TOC__
 
__TOC__
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=Available on which products=
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= Formant block=
  
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* '''Axe-Fx III''': 2 blocks
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'''Axe-Fx III''', '''FM3''', '''FM9''' — 2 blocks, 4 channels<BR>
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* '''FM9''': 2 blocks
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'''VP4''' — 4 blocks, 4 channels<BR>
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* '''FM3''': 2 blocks
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'''AM4''' — n/a
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* '''Axe-Fx II''': 1 block
 
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* '''FX8''': 1 block
 
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* '''AX8''': 1 block
 
  
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=Channels or X/Y switching=
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'''Axe-Fx II''', '''AX8''', '''FX8''' — 1 block, no X/Y
  
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* '''Axe-Fx III''' and '''FM9''' and '''FM3''': 4 channels
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=About the Formant block=
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* '''Axe-Fx II''': no
 
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* '''FX8''': no
 
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* '''AX8''': no
 
  
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=What is the Formant block=
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The Formant filter models human vowel sounds. This lets you emulate a talkbox, see below.
  
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The Formant filter simulates human vowel sounds.
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[[image:Vowels.png|150px]]
  
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[[image:Vowels.png|125px]]
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For more information see:
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* Wikipedia: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formant Formant]
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* [[Owners Manuals]]
  
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There is more information at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formant Wikipedia's Formant page] and in the [[Owners_Manuals|Owner's and Blocks Manuals]].
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=Position on the grid=
  
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=Position of the Formant block on the grid=
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For best results, put the block between the Amp and Cab block (after distortion).
  
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For best results, put the block between the Amp and Cab blocks.
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=Tips, tricks and troubleshooting=
  
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=Factory presets=
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==Factory presets==
  
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The Formant block is showcased in a few factory presets. See the download pages for each product's specific presets:
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The Formant block is showcased in a few [[Factory presets]], such as MEN IN THE BOX.
  
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* [https://www.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-iii-downloads/ Axe-FX III]
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==Talkbox==
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* [https://www.fractalaudio.com/fm9-downloads/ FM9]
 
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* [https://www.fractalaudio.com/fm3-downloads/ FM3]
 
  
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''NOTE'': The Axe-FX III can load all presets for the FM9 and FM3, but the FM3 won't be able to load all presets for the FM9 and Axe-FX III. Similarly, the FM9 can not load all presets for the Axe-FX III but can load all FM3 presets. This is because of hardware limitations in the smaller units. In all cases, attempts have been made to ensure the sound of the preset has been preserved as much as possible. Review [[Comparing_the_FM3_and_FM9_and_Axe-Fx_III#Effects|Effects]] in the FM3, FM9 and Axe-FX III comparison for more information.
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The Formant effect lets you create a talkbox effect and, if you really really must, play <q>Livin' on a Prayer</q>.
  
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=Parameters=
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Attach a controller to the Control parameter in the Formant block, either an internal controller such as an LFO, or an [[Modifiers and controllers|external controller]] like a pedal.
  
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{| class="wikitable"
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A real talkbox doesn't use a speaker, so experiment with leaving out a Cab block in the preset.
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|-
 
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! '''Parameter'''
 
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! '''Axe-Fx III / FM9 / FM3'''
 
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|-
 
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| Start Vowel
 
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! yes
 
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|-
 
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| Middle Vowel
 
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! yes
 
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|-
 
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| End Vowel
 
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! yes
 
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|-
 
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| Resonance
 
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! yes
 
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|-
 
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| Control
 
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! yes
 
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|}
 
  
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=Tips and tricks=
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For more information see:
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* The forum discussion <q>[http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/living-on-a-prayer-without-an-expression-pedal.123521 Living on a Prayer Without an Expression Pedal]</q>
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* [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/search/911787/?q=banshee+talkbox&o=date Search the forum] for <q>banshee</q> or <q>talkbox</q>.
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* Wikipedia's <q>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk_box Talk box]</q> article.
  
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==Simulate a talkbox==
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==Emphasize frequencies==
  
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The Formant effect lets you simulate a talkbox and, if you really really must, play Livin' on a Prayer.
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The Formant can be used to emphasize frequencies, for example when creating a [[Wah_block#Seek_Wah|Seek Wah]] effect. Put the Formant after the Wah block.
  
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Attach a controller to the Control parameter in the Formant block, either an internal controller such as an LFO, or a pedal.
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==Voice Reverbs==
  
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The [http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/living-on-a-prayer-without-an-expression-pedal.123521 Forum discussion] has more information.
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<blockquote>
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'''FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES'''
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<HR>
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<blockquote>
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[https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/strymon-voice-reverb-on-fm9.208977/#post-2610862]
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Put the Formant Filter block in series with the Reverb block and run the two in parallel with the Reverb Mix at 100%.
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</blockquote>
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</blockquote>
  
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A real talkbox doesn't use a speaker, so experiment with leaving out a Cab block in the preset.
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==LFO==
  
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Do you want tips for integrating your real talkbox in your Axe-Fx or AX8 rig? [https://forum.fractalaudio.com/search/911787/?q=banshee+talkbox&o=date Search the forum for "banshee" or "talkbox"].
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Make the Formant do its thing without an expression peak by attaching the LFO controller to the Control parameter.
  
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Also see "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk_box Talk box]" at Wikipedia for more information.
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==Make other sounds more vocal==
  
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==Emphasize frequencies==
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Add the Formant to make other sounds more like human vocals. Try it with the vowels <q>A</q> + <q>E</q> + <q>I</q>.
  
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The Formant can be used to emphasize frequencies, for example when creating a [[Wah_block#Seek_Wah|Seek Wah]] effect. Put the Formant after the Wah block.
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==Prevent clipping==
  
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==Make other sounds more vocal==
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Because of the resonant frequencies of the Formant filter, it's easy to make the digital signal clip. Keep sufficient headroom to avoid clipping.
  
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Add the Formant to make other sounds more like human vocals.
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=Videos=
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==Prevent clipping==
 
  
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Because of the resonant frequencies of the Formant filter, it's easy to make the digital signal clip. Keep sufficient headroom.
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[[video:MusicMadnessFormant]]
  
 
[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
 
[[category:Axe-Fx2]]
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[[category:FM3]]
 
[[category:FM3]]
 
[[category:FM9]]
 
[[category:FM9]]
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[[category:VP4]]
 
[[category:AX8]]
 
[[category:AX8]]
 
[[category:FX8]]
 
[[category:FX8]]
 
[[category:Sounds]]
 
[[category:Sounds]]
 
[[category:All]]
 
[[category:All]]

Latest revision as of 16:30, 28 November 2025

Formant block

Axe-Fx III, FM3, FM9 — 2 blocks, 4 channels
VP4 — 4 blocks, 4 channels
AM4 — n/a

Axe-Fx II, AX8, FX8 — 1 block, no X/Y

About the Formant block

The Formant filter models human vowel sounds. This lets you emulate a talkbox, see below.

Vowels.png

For more information see:

Position on the grid

For best results, put the block between the Amp and Cab block (after distortion).

Tips, tricks and troubleshooting

Factory presets

The Formant block is showcased in a few Factory presets, such as MEN IN THE BOX.

Talkbox

The Formant effect lets you create a talkbox effect and, if you really really must, play Livin' on a Prayer.

Attach a controller to the Control parameter in the Formant block, either an internal controller such as an LFO, or an external controller like a pedal.

A real talkbox doesn't use a speaker, so experiment with leaving out a Cab block in the preset.

For more information see:

Emphasize frequencies

The Formant can be used to emphasize frequencies, for example when creating a Seek Wah effect. Put the Formant after the Wah block.

Voice Reverbs

FRACTAL AUDIO QUOTES

[1] Put the Formant Filter block in series with the Reverb block and run the two in parallel with the Reverb Mix at 100%.

LFO

Make the Formant do its thing without an expression peak by attaching the LFO controller to the Control parameter.

Make other sounds more vocal

Add the Formant to make other sounds more like human vocals. Try it with the vowels A + E + I.

Prevent clipping

Because of the resonant frequencies of the Formant filter, it's easy to make the digital signal clip. Keep sufficient headroom to avoid clipping.

Videos

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