Always consult the official Owners Manuals first!
March 2024: all pages have been checked and are up-to-date

Formant block

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Revision as of 13:56, 24 April 2019 by Yek (talk | contribs)
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Available on which products

  • Axe-Fx III: 2 blocks
  • FM3: yes
  • Axe-Fx II: 1 block
  • FX8: 1 block
  • AX8: 1 block

Channels or X/Y switching

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

What does the Formant block do

The Formant filter simulates human vowel sounds.

Vowels.png

More information in Wikipedia and the Owner's Manuals.

Parameters

Parameter Axe-Fx III / Yes 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:

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".

Wikipedia

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.

Make other sounds more vocal

Add the Formant 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. Keep sufficient headroom.