October 2024: Fractal Audio's VP4 Virtual Pedalboard has been added to the wiki.
Difference between revisions of "Enhancer block"
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| − | | Depth | + | | Depth |
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| − | | Modern | + | | Modern: Low Cut, High Cut |
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| − | | Classic | + | | Classic: Phase Invert |
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| − | | Classic | + | | Classic: Pan L, Pan R |
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Revision as of 13:04, 8 September 2020
Contents
Available on which products
- Axe-Fx III: 2 blocks
- FM3: 2 blocks
- Axe-Fx II: 1 block
- FX8: 1 block
- AX8: 1 block
Channels or X/Y switching
- Axe-Fx III and FM3: 2 channels
- Axe-Fx II: no
- FX8: no
- AX8: no
Stereo Enhancer types
Modern – uses multiband techniques for a natural effect. The effect is mono-compatible with no phasing problems when summing to mono. It 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.
"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. Wikipedia: Haas effect
"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." source
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.
Discussion about the Enhancer types
(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." source
Position of the Enhancer block on the grid
The Enhancer block should always be placed at the end of the chain.
Input and output signals
While a STEREO INPUT signal works best with the Enhancer, it can also "stereoize" a MONO INPUT signal.
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
Parameters
| Parameter | Axe-Fx III / FM3 |
|---|---|
| Type | yes |
| Width | yes |
| Depth | yes |
| Modern: Low Cut, High Cut | yes |
| Classic: Phase Invert | yes |
| Classic: Pan L, Pan R | yes |
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." source
"The Modern Enhancer will survive collapsing to mono but any enhancer should be used judiciously, especially for recordings." source
Read this: Phase cancellation
Widen the Panner
Make the Panner effect (Tremolo/Panner block) appear fuller and wider, by adding the Enhancer.
Alternatives
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." source
