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144 Chapter 11 Special
The actual frequency band can be modulated by three parameters: Speed determines
the modulation frequency, CF Mod. (Center Frequency Modulation) defines the
intensity of the center frequency modulation, and BW Mod. (Band Width Modulation)
controls the bandwidth modulation.
The Gain slider lets you adjust the level of the generated effects signal.
We suggest you use a drumloop when you begin experimenting with this plug-in. Set
Center Freq. to its minimum, and Bandwidth to its maximum, values (the entire
frequency range is processed at these settings). Turn up the Super Energy or Sub Energy
knobs—one at a time—and experiment with the Threshold knob. You’ll soon get a feel
for how different Threshold levels affect the sound of Super Energy and Sub Energy.
When you’ve come across a sound that you consider particularly nifty (or even just
useful), you can narrow the Bandwidth drastically, gradually increase the Center Freq.,
and use the Low Level and High Level sliders to mix in some treble and bass from the
original signal. At lower Speed settings, turn up the CF Mod. or BW Mod. knobs.
Pitch Shifter II
The Pitch Shifter II takes a minimalist approach—with just a few parameters available in
the Editor view.
Semi Tones is used to set the transposition value—in semi-tone increments, within a
range of one octave upwards or downwards. Cents controls detuning in increments
equivalent to 1/100th of a semi-tone step. Use the Mix slider to control the desired
balance between the original and processed signals.
The Drums, Speech, and Vocals buttons allow you to choose between three presets that
optimize the Pitch Shifter II to deliver the best results for different audio material.
• When you select Drums, the groove of the original track remains intact.
• With Vocals, the intonation of the original is retained unaltered. Hence Vocals is well-
suited for any signals that are inherently harmonic or melodious, such as string pads.
• Speech mode is a compromise between the two—the program attempts to retain
both the rhythmic and harmonic aspects of the signal, which is desirable for complex
signals, such as spoken-word recordings or rap music. Speech is thus also suitable for
other hybrid signals, such as rhythm guitar.