Effects by Function

Using this page: Please know that each kind of effect described below is just a brief description. This page itself merely serves as a listing for the various kinds of sound effects that are available. For a deeper understanding of how each effect works, please click on the subject headers themselves. The subject headers are also links to more expansive articles describing the effects.

Example

The "boost" effect just below has a brief description of what a boost is. To get to a more expansive description of boost, how you would use it, and what equipment options are available for a boost, you'll need to click on the "Boost" description title which is also a link to the larger boost article.

Boost

A boost will increase the volume of a signal within the amount of decibels designated for the signal. Most signals are designated as -10db ("instrument level") and +4 db ("signal level", or post-preamp level).

Chorus

A chorus is an effect that takes a "dry" signal, makes a copy of that dry signal, and then slightly alters the pitch of that signal, and then mixes it back into the original "dry" signal. Depending on the level of mix, the two almost-identical signals can make it sound like more than one instrument is playing. Lower mixes can result in a thicker or fuller sound.

Compressor

A compressor will take a signal and, based on the minimum and maximum volume levels selected for the compressor, will increase the volume when the instrument signal is below the minimum threshold, and will lower the volume when the instrument signal exceeds the maximum threshold.

Delay

A delay will repeat the instrument signal that is put through it. The feedback of the instrument signal can trail off, or depending on the settings, can drift into self-oscillation.

Distortion

Similar to overdrive and fuzz, distortion is the modification of a sound wave such that peaks of the sound wave are "squared off". This creates higher-order harmonics. Differs from overdrive and fuzz by the degree of squaring and frequencies that are "squared off".

Envelope Filter

An envelope filter senses for a certain signal level (usually set by an effect sensitivity control knob) and when that signal level is reached the filter effect is engaged. The filter effect sweeps through the frequency range of the note or notes being played. As the envelope closes (as the signal level decreases) the filtering disengages. Characterized by an "Oww" or "Wah" sound.

Tremolo and Volume

Tremolo is characterized by a periodic "on-and-off" or oscillation of volume level. When applied to a musical signal, it can be described as a stuttering sound. Tremolo and Vibrato effects can often be confused with each other. Volume effects usually just refer to the use of a potentiometer to attenuate signals coming from an electric instrument and going to an effect or an amplifier.

Vibe

The "Vibe" effect was first created as a means of replicating a rotating Leslie cabinet. While not entirely successful in capturing a Leslie's sound qualities, Vibe is an interesting and significant effect. Vibes operate mostly like Chorus effects except where a chorus uses a simpler pitch detune, a Vibe instead applies a Vibrato effect to the wet signal.