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Difference between revisions of "Enhancer block"

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* '''AX8''': no
 
* '''AX8''': no
  
=Modes: Classic, Modern, Stereoizer=
+
=Enhancer types=
  
 
'''1. Modern''' – Multiband techniques for a natural effect. Also, the effect is mono-compatible with no phasing problems when summing to mono. The effect 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.
 
'''1. Modern''' – Multiband techniques for a natural effect. Also, the effect is mono-compatible with no phasing problems when summing to mono. The effect 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.

Revision as of 21:44, 18 April 2019

Enhancer block.png

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: 2 channels
  • Axe-Fx II: no
  • FX8: no
  • AX8: no

Enhancer types

1. Modern – Multiband techniques for a natural effect. Also, the effect is mono-compatible with no phasing problems when summing to mono. The effect 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."

2. Classic – 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

3. Stereoizer – While the Classic and Modern types rely on micro-delays and inversions to create artificial stereo, the new Stereoizer uses multiple high-order filters to create a realistic stereo image.

Mono or stereo input, stereo output

While a STEREO INPUT signal works best with the Enhancer, it can also "stereoize" a MONO INPUT signal.

The Enhancer vends out STEREO OUTPUT. Don't use it if you only use one channel (left or right).

Phase cancellation

When summing a stereo signal to mono, the Enhancer in Classic mode can cause phase cancellation. The Modern Mode 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

More about phase cancellation

Position of the Enhancer block on the grid

The Enhancer block should always be placed at the end of the signal routing.

Parameters

Parameter Axe-Fx III Axe-Fx II AX8, FX8
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

Widening the Panner

Make the Panner effect (Tremolo/Panner block) effect fuller and wider by adding the Enhancer.

Alternatives to the Enhancer block

Use the Delay in the Cab block to improve stereo imaging. Or 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

More information