A flanger is an audio effect that creates a swirling, swooshing, or jet-like sound by mixing a signal with a slightly delayed copy of itself. The delay time is constantly changing, which creates a distinctive comb-filtering effect as certain frequencies cancel out and reinforce each other.
This processor is used to create movement and texture, making it feel more dynamic. Its especially used in electronic music, rock and pop to give texture and life to sustained notes or simple melodies. When a flanger is applied to guitars, synths or vocals, it can evoke a dreamy, psychedelic quality that enhances emotional impact. Producers typically use them to add drama to transitions or build up sections in a song. By adding the delayed, modulated version of the audio back into the original, flangers can make a sound feel wider and more layered so they are often used for chorus’ to add that richness and musical expression.
Flangers are typically used in experimental genres as a result of their spacey and futuristic sound. They’re commonly used in films and ambient music because of the enhanced textural element they create. They’re very versatile as they can simply be used for subtle shimmering to an intense whooshing effect. For example, this whooshing effect is used famously by The Police and Van Halen on a guitar to create a jet-engine sound. When applied to vocals, a robotic or spacey feel is created which makes it typically more used in synthpop and psych-rock. A more popular use of the flanger, as it is more natural, is for drums as it simply adds movement to hi-hats or snare hits.
However, if overused, flangers can muddy a mix or distract from the main elements. They work best when balanced with other effects and used to serve a musical purpose.
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