Formant block

Available on which products

• Axe-Fx III: 2 blocks
• FM9: 2 blocks
• FM3: 2 blocks
• VP4: 4 blocks
• Axe-Fx II: 1 block
• FX8: 1 block
• AX8: 1 block

Channels or X/Y

• Axe-Fx III, FM9, FM3, VP4: 4 channels
• Axe-Fx II: no
• FX8: no
• AX8: no

About the Formant block

The Formant filter models human vowel sounds.

For more information see:

• Wikipedia: Formant
• The Owners Manuals

Formant block position on the grid

For best results, put the block between the Amp and Cab blocks (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:

• The forum discussion Living on a Prayer Without an Expression Pedal
• Search the forum for banshee or talkbox.
• Wikipedia's Talk box article.

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 to avoid clipping.