October 2024: Fractal Audio's VP4 Virtual Pedalboard has been added to the wiki.
Formant block
Contents
Available on which products
- Axe-Fx III: 2 blocks
- FM9: 2 blocks
- FM3: 2 blocks
- Axe-Fx II: 1 block
- FX8: 1 block
- AX8: 1 block
Channels or X/Y
- Axe-Fx III and FM9 and FM3: 4 channels
- Axe-Fx II: no
- FX8: no
- AX8: no
About the Formant block
The Formant filter models human vowel sounds.
More information:
Formant block position on the grid
For best results, put the block between the Amp and Cab blocks.
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 simulate a talkbox 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.
More information:
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.
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.
