Effects

Which of these is NOT a type of effect?

• Reverb

• Gain

• Delay

• Chorus

• Phaser

True or False:

A compressor, or many types of effects, may be called 'signal processors'

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Many effects can also be called a 'signal processor'. This is because the signal is being processed (like a production line) through various componenets in a signal chain - pre-amp, Compressor, EQ...

The guitar has what kind of effect on it?

• Reverb

• Delay

• Chorus

• Distortion

Overloading a circuit (typically in analogue equipment) will cause what kind of effect?

• Reverb

• Delay

• Chorus

• Distortion

Answer explanation

Distortion is an overloading of the audio circuit that causes the signal to clip. It might sound like something you wanna stay away from—but when used right it’s very effective as a creative tool. Bit-crushing is the lo-fi digital equivalent of the distortion effect.

Analogue equipment often has a 'soft' clipping effect, which is warmer.

Digital distortion is called 'Hard Clipping' is is much harsher and loses information.

Which effect would typically be used on a kick drum channel to reduce the range between the loudest and softest parts of the signal?

• Compressor

• Delay

• Flanger

• Echo

Answer explanation

A compressor reduces the dynamic range of a signal. This means that the loudest and softest parts are squished closer together. This means that the track is less prone to parts becoming too soft or too loud.

A tremolo effect...

• Creates a cavernous sound

• Gets louder and softer

• Repeats the signal

• Sounds harsh and brittle

Answer explanation

A tremolo effect affects the 'amplitude' (the volume). It makes the signal get louder and softer in quick succession. This can create a warbled or watery sound.

Which effect can be described as an out of time and slightly out of tune double of the original signal?

• Delay

• Chorus

• Reverb

• Tremolo

Answer explanation

Which effect is also known as 'Echo'

• Delay

• Chorus

• Reverb

• Phaser

Answer explanation

Which effect was originally created by sending a recording of a track to a concrete room which is then re-recorded

• Delay

• Chorus

• Tremolo

• Reverb

Answer explanation

Reverb rooms still exist today in large or old studios. These are typically concrete rooms that have a speaker and a mic in it. The track would be played through the speaker and the mic would capture the sound of the room.

This can also be done by sending a copy of the signal through a large metal sheet (plate reverb), springs (spring reverb) or using digital methods.

Which two effects can be used in the beginning phase of mixing to 'balance' the instrument tracks?

• Delay

• EQ

• Reverb

• Panning

Answer explanation

EQ can be used to boost or amplify frequencies. This affects how loud or soft the track then becomes. This is also the same of panning.

Panning can send a channel/track either left or right. This then affects how much signal is then present in the left and right channels.

This can then affect the overall balance of the tracks in a mix.

Automation can then be used to alter how much or how little of anything there is throughout the track.