Distortion Effects

Harmonic Enhancer

Adds high frequency harmonics to brighten very dull recordings that don't respond to Equalization.

Details

Author: Jvo Studer

Adds high frequency harmonics to brighten very dull recordings that don't respond to Equalization. On already good recordings, you can add a little extra "sparkle" or "air". The harmonics are generated by soft-clipping the high frequency band as in a diode limiter, then recombining this signal with the original.

Parameters:

  1. Enhancer Crossover Frequency: [2000 to 4500 Hz - default=3200] - lower this for very dull sources, or increase it to add only very slight or subtle high frequency harmonics.

  2. Enhancer Drive: [-10 to 10 dB - default = 0] - increase this to generate more harmonics and vice versa.

  3. Harmonic Generator Mode: [Even order,Odd order - default = Even] - generates even harmonics or odd harmonics. Even harmonics tend to be less harsh.

  4. Enhancer Noise Gate Threshold: [-40 -16 dB - default = -28] - increase this to prevent adding un-necessary noise in quieter recordings.

  5. Enhancer Mix Level: [-26 to +6 dB - default = -10] - how much of the generated harmonics are mixed into the original audio.

  6. Output: [Mix (Normal),Effect Only,Effect Level - default = Mix] - the two "effect" modes let you see and hear the generated harmonics on their own. Use "Effect Level" specifically to test if the Enhancer Drive level is set correctly. Edit > Undo and run Harmonic Enhancer in Mix (Normal) mode to apply the effect.

Tape Saturation Limiter

A tape saturation simulation effect.

Details

Author: Jvo Studer

A tape saturation simulation effect. When used as intended this plugin enhances the apparent loudness of an audio track, adding just a little controlled distortion, similar to the effect of recording on a tape-based recorder with a "hot" signal. It is based on a soft clipping limiter but also "shapes" the high frequency response. The effect is not calibrated for precise modelling of a real tape recorder, but nevertheless should be capable of producing a similar tonal character.

  1. Saturation threshold: [-6 to -1 dB. Default = -3 dB]. The level at which the soft clipping begins.

  2. Limiting ratio: [1 (soft) to 4 (hard). Default 2]. The "hardness" of the clipping. High values will tend to create a more harsh sound.

  3. High freq. saturation crossover: [2000 to 9000 Hz. Default = 4500 Hz)] The crossover frequency where high frequency signals are limited earlier than low frequency signals.

  4. High freq. saturation reduction: [-8 to -1 dB. Default = -5 dB] Sets by what amount the limiting of high frequency signals exceeds that of low frequency signals. The more negative this setting, the more that high frequencies will be shaped.

  5. Auto make-up gain: [(choice) Off or On. Default = Off] Applies amplification after processing to make up for the lowering of the peak level produced by the effect.

It is recommended to Normalize the audio track to 0 dB before applying this effect so that the Saturation threshold can be conveniently set to a predictable level.

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