October 2024: Fractal Audio's VP4 Virtual Pedalboard has been added to the wiki.
Formant block
Contents
Available on which Fractal Audio products
- Axe-Fx III: 2 blocks
- Axe-Fx II: 1 block
- FX8: 1 block
- AX8: 1 block
X/Y and channels
- Axe-Fx III: 4 channels
- Axe-Fx II: no
- FX8: no
- AX8: no
What does Formant do
The Formant filter simulates human vowel sounds. See table below.
More information in the Owner's Manual.
Parameters table
| Parameter | Axe-Fx III | Axe-Fx II | AX8, FX8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start Vowel | yes | ||
| Middle Vowel | yes | ||
| End Vowel | yes | ||
| Resonance | yes | ||
| Control | yes |
Simulating a 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 a LFO, or a pedal.
Examples in these forum discussions:
- http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii-recordings/55728-talkbox-livin-prayer.html
- http://forum.fractalaudio.com/ultra-zone/33366-living-prayer-need-help.html
- http://forum.fractalaudio.com/share-request-patches/30949-looking-its-my-life-talkboxeffekt.html
- http://forum.fractalaudio.com/share-request-patches/22642-living-prayer-talk-box.html
- http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii-wish-list/57554-talk-box-digital-wireless.html
- http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii-discussion/69277-ideal-output-level-effects-loop-output-2-a.html
- http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii-discussion/81794-need-help-w-talk-box-effect.html
- http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/living-on-a-prayer-without-an-expression-pedal.123521
A real talkbox doesn't use a speaker, so experiment with leaving out a Cab block.
Want tips for integrating your real talkbox to your Axe-Fx rig? Search the forum for "banshee".
Troubleshooting
Clipping
Because of the resonant frequencies of the Formant filter, it's easy to make the digital signal clip. Make sure there's enough headroom in the preset level.
