 | 17 Other Effects
In its simplest form, a digital delay will add distinct repeats of a sound.
|  | | There'll be a control called something like 'delay time' which sets the time interval between repeats and one, usually called 'feedback,' which sets the number of repeats that you get.
Using a delay, three other effects are possible. 'Phasing' - that kind of whooshing effect that you often hear in D&B tracks, 'Flanging' which is kind of like phasing only a bit more metallic, and 'Chorus' which adds a lush sheen to instruments.
These are all created using one or more very short repeats and continually varying the delay time.
You'll probably also find a 'tremolo' effect which is like you're turning the volume knob up and down really quickly and is great for creating weird sounds.
You may also find a gate and/or compressor.
A compressor is a device which can control the loudest parts of a signal.
For example, a singer in a vocal booth may switch between quiet subtle moments and loud dynamic shouts and this can be hard to record without gaining unwanted distortion.
Adding compression can control these peaks while still picking up the quietest moments of their performance.
A gate is also a device which reacts to the level of a signal.
In its normal state the gate is shut.
The gate is opened when the input signal reaches a certain level, known as the threshold.
Then it simply lets the sound through.
A gate can be used, for example, to filter out noise from a signal.
You set the threshold just above the level of the noise so that the gate shuts it out.
Then, when the signal you actually want comes along, it will push the input over the threshold level, thereby opening the gate and letting itself through.
When the sound of the instrument dies away, the level at the gate's input drops below the threshold and the gate shuts again.
You'll find that gates, compressors and other effects can really alter the sound and feel of your arrangements.
Although effects and dynamics do have rules for correct usage, it's all about experimenting and pushing the boundaries, so don't be shy about getting into them.
Get separate on them!
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