Filters & Effects

This lesson is part of the Electronic Music & Sound Production category.

Objectives

• Students will be familiar with the concept of filters and effects and how they are used to manipulate sound.
• Students will be able to use filters and effects on a sound to create a given musical effect.

Resources

Readings

• Ask•Audio: Schwartz, "Synthesis Survival Guide: Filters"
• Landr: Trandafir, "Audio Effects: The Beginner's Guide to Shaping Your Sound"
• Audacity: "Principles of Delay Effects"
• Haas, Introduction to Computer Music:
  • "Signal Processing (Effects)"
  • "Filters"

Listening or Videos

• Effects 101:
  • "Chorus"
  • "Delay"
  • "Reverb"
  • "Tremolo"
  • "Flanger"
  • "Phaser"
  • "Wah"
  • "Compressor"
• Empress Effects: "How Does a Phaser Work?"
• Joe Quick: "Phaser and Flanger Basics"

Class Activities

• Discussion and demonstration of filters and effects, including within digital audio software and through the use of effect pedals
• Analysis of filters and effects in music of different styles
• Use of software and hardware to modify sound to meet given criteria
• Improvisation using filters and effects in live performance

Assignments

• Identification and analysis of filters and effects in recorded music