Welcome to the world of rich and dynamic sound textures with Phaztronic XL – a unique stereo phaser from developer novaflash. A phaser is a classic modulation effect that creates distinctive “sweeps” or “waves” by shifting the phase of the audio signal at different frequencies. Phaztronic XL takes this effect to a new level with its 32-stage architecture and flexible modulation capabilities.
Phaztronic XL Features
This plugin doesn’t just add phase shifting; it gives you total control over the movement and space of your sound. With 32 filter stages, Phaztronic XL is capable of creating extremely deep and complex phase effects, from barely noticeable “drifting” to intense “whooshing.”
Main Control Sections
PHASER Section
- HORIZONTAL SLIDER: Allows you to set the center frequency of the phase effect in Hertz. This determines which part of the spectrum the main phase movement will be focused on.
- STAGES: The number of filter stages. In Phaztronic XL, there are as many as 32, which is an impressive figure and allows you to achieve incredible depth and richness of the effect.
- FDBCK: Controls the feedback, i.e., the amount of processed signal that is returned to the input of the first stage. Increasing this parameter amplifies the resonance and intensity of the phase “peaks” and “dips.”
- HPF: Built-in high-pass filter, which is applied before the main phaser. Allows you to limit processing with low frequencies, making the effect more expressive in the mid and high-frequency range.
- STEPS: Quantizes the steps of the input frequency modulation (in Hertz). Adds a stepped or discrete effect, which can create interesting digital or rhythmic textures.
- WIDTH: Controls the width of the stereo field of the effect. Allows you to expand or narrow the phase movement across the stereo panorama, creating from a focused mono to a wide, immersive sound.
- SAND: Adds a special type of noise. This parameter can give the effect a unique character, adding texture or “graininess.”
Modulation Sources
To provide dynamics and movement to the phase frequency, Phaztronic XL offers two powerful modulation sources:
LFO 1 & 2 Section
Two low-frequency oscillators (LFOs) can be used to automatically move the center frequency of the phaser, creating classic wavy or pulsating effects. Each LFO has the following parameters:
- SPEED: Sets the modulation speed, which can be synchronized with the project’s tempo (BPM).
- DEPTH: Determines the amplitude of the LFO’s effect on the center frequency of the phaser (FRQ*).
- SYNC: Allows you to synchronize the operation of LFO 1 and LFO 2 with each other.
- PHASE: Shifts the phase of the LFO, which is especially useful when using both oscillators or to create asymmetrical movement.
TRACKER Section
The tracker allows you to modulate the center frequency of the phaser based on the dynamics or contour of the incoming audio signal. This opens up opportunities for creating effects that respond to the volume or specific frequency content of the sound.
- TRIM: Adjusts the input signal level for the tracker. Important for proper tracker triggering.
- Hz/WIdth: Allows you to select the frequency band that the tracker will follow.
- MON: Monitoring button. Allows you to listen to the filtered signal that the tracker is following, helping to adjust Hz/Width.
- ATCK: Attack time (in milliseconds). Determines how quickly the tracker responds to an increase in signal level.
- REL: Decay time (in milliseconds). Determines how quickly the tracker returns to its original state after a decrease in signal level.
- RESP: Response shape. Affects the tracker’s response curve to signal dynamics.
- AMNT: The amount of signal from the tracker that is sent to modulate the center frequency of the phaser. Determines the intensity of the tracker’s effect.
Application and Potential
Phaztronic XL is an extremely versatile tool. It is ideal for processing guitars, electric pianos, synthesizers, vocals, or even entire mixes. You can use it to create classic funk or psychedelic sounds, add movement to atmospheric pads, create rhythmic pulsations on bass lines using the tracker, or to experiment with unique textures thanks to the 32 stages and the “SAND” parameter. The stereo functionality allows you to create wide, voluminous soundscapes that fit perfectly into modern music genres.
Download Phaztronic XL today to expand your palette of sound effects with this deep, flexible, and multi-functional stereo phaser.
