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
- Axe-Fx II: 1 block
- FX8: 1 block
- AX8: 1 block
Channels or X/Y switching
- Axe-Fx III: 4 channels
- Axe-Fx II: no
- FX8: no
- AX8: no
What does the Formant block do
The Formant filter simulates human vowel sounds.
More information in Wikipedia and the Owner's Manuals.
Parameters
| Parameter | Axe-Fx III | Axe-Fx II | AX8, FX8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start Vowel | yes | ||
| Middle Vowel | yes | ||
| End Vowel | yes | ||
| Resonance | yes | ||
| Control | yes |
Tips and tricks
Simulate 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 an LFO, or a pedal.
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 in the preset.
Want tips for integrating your real talkbox in your Axe-Fx or AX8 rig? Search the forum for "banshee" or "talkbox".
Emphasize frequencies
The Formant can be used to emphasize frequencies, for example when creating a "Seek Wah". Put the Formant after the Wah block.
Make other sounds more vocal-like
Insert the Formant in the chain to make other sounds more like human vocals.
Prevent clipping
Because of the resonant frequencies of the Formant filter, it's easy to make the digital signal clip. Make sure to keep ample headroom in the preset level.
