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Chapter 14 Specialized eects and utilities 261
Exciter
Exciter generates high frequency components that are not part of the original signal. It does this
by utilizing a nonlinear distortion process that resembles the one used to produce overdrive and
distortion eects.
Unlike this process, however, Exciter’s distortion process involves passing the input signal
through a highpass lter before feeding it into the harmonics (distortion) generator. Articial
harmonics are thus added to the original signal, and these added harmonics contain frequencies
at least one octave above the threshold of the highpass lter. The distorted signal is then mixed
with the original, dry signal.
You can use Exciter to add life to recordings, particularly audio tracks with a weak treble
frequency range. You can also use Exciter to enhance guitar tracks.
Exciter parameters
•
Frequency display: Shows the frequency range used as the source signal for the excite process.
•
Frequency slider and eld: Drag to set the cuto frequency of the highpass lter, which is
expressed in Hertz. The input signal passes through the lter before (harmonic) distortion
is introduced.
•
Input button: Turn on to mix the original (pre-eect) signal with the eect signal. If you turn o
input, only the eect signal is heard.
•
Harmonics knob and eld: Rotate to set the ratio between the eect and the original signals,
which is expressed as a percentage. If the Input button is turned o, this parameter has no
eect.
Note: In most cases, it is preferable to select higher Frequency and Harmonics values, because
human ears cannot easily distinguish between the articial and original high frequencies.
•
Color 1 and Color 2 buttons: Color 1 generates a less dense harmonic distortion spectrum, and
Color 2 generates a more intense harmonic distortion.
Note: Color 2 also introduces more intermodulation distortions, which can result in
unpleasant artifacts.