Enhancer block

Contents
1 Available on which products
2 Channels or X/Y switching
3 Stereo Enhancer types
4 Position of the Enhancer block on the grid
5 Input and output signals
6 Parameters
7 Tips and tricks
7.1 Prevent phase cancellation
7.2 Widen the Panner
7.3 Alternatives
8 More information

Available on which products

Axe-Fx III: 2 blocks
FM3: 2 blocks
Axe-Fx II: 1 block
FX8: 1 block
AX8: 1 block

Channels or X/Y switching

Axe-Fx III and FM3: 2 channels
Axe-Fx II: no
FX8: no
AX8: no

Stereo Enhancer types

Modern – uses multiband techniques for a natural effect. The effect is mono-compatible with no phasing
problems when summing to mono. It both widens stereo signals and “stereoizes” mono signals. Low-cut and
High-cut parameters allow control over the region of influence. It is NOT recommended to use the Enhancer if
just using one side of a stereo output as phasing effects may be encountered.

"The algorithm is such that when Width is zero there is significant cancellation in the right channel
that will cause a shift in the balance."

Classic – uses old Haas-effect delay-based processing. The right channel is delayed by a very small amount to
increase the apparent stereo separation between the left and right channels. Wikipedia: Haas effect (http://en.wik
ipedia.org/wiki/Precedence_effect)

"Classic enhancer mode is just a delay on one side (adjustable from 0 to 20 ms) plus pan & phase
adjustment. The non-delayed side will tend to seem louder, just like if you used a delay block to get
the same delay time." source (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/video-haas-delay-and-how-to-u
se-it.113156/page-5#post-1422336)

Stereoizer – while the Classic and Modern types rely on micro-delays and inversions to create artificial stereo,
the Stereoizer type uses multiple high-order filters to create a realistic stereo image.

Discussion about the Enhancer types (https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/understanding-the-enhancer-block.

157833/)

(Matt from Fractal Audio) "The stereoizer rocks! Try this approach:

1. Set Width to 100%

2. Set Depth to 0%
3. Gradually increase Depth.
4. When you find a setting you think you like, set width to taste." source (https://forum.fractalau
dio.com/threads/fm3-firmware-1-02-beta-6.159772/post-1912677)

Position of the Enhancer block on the grid

The Enhancer block should always be placed at the end of the chain.

Input and output signals

While a STEREO INPUT signal works best with the Enhancer, it can also "stereoize" a MONO INPUT signal.

Using the Enhancer makes sense only with a STEREO OUTPUT signal. Don't use it if you only use one
channel (left or right) of a stereo output signal.

More about mono and stereo signals

Parameters
 Parameter Axe-Fx III / FM3 Axe-Fx II AX8 / FX8

Type yes
Width yes

Depth yes

Modern – Low Cut, High Cut yes

Classic – Phase Invert yes

Classic – Pan L, Pan R yes

Tips and tricks

Prevent phase cancellation
When summing a stereo signal to mono, the Enhancer in Classic mode can cause phase cancellation. Use the
Modern Mode instead which is mono-compatible to prevent this.

"Never put the enhancer in parallel or you'll get phasing problems. That's why there is no bypass
mode because it should always be in series." source (https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/absenc
e-of-bypass-mode-for-the-enhancer-block.95041/#post-1142168)

"The Modern Enhancer will survive collapsing to mono but any enhancer should be used
judiciously, especially for recordings." source (https://forum.fractalaudio.com/posts/1224764/)

Read this: Phase cancellation

Widen the Panner

Make the Panner effect (Tremolo/Panner block) appear fuller and wider, by adding the Enhancer.

Alternatives
Use the micro delay in the Cab block to improve stereo imaging. Or use the Delay block itself:

"Another way would be to use the Delay block. Set the Mix to 100%, dial in the desired amount of
delay and set Balance to full right." source (https://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/30-ms-delay-but
-nothing-else.75709/#post-924932)

More information
Danny Danzi tutorial: HAAS delay and how to use it (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/video-haas-d
elay-and-how-to-use-it.113156/)
Live double tracking (http://forum.fractalaudio.com/threads/double-tracking-effect-on-live-guitar.119376)
 Out Of Phase Stereo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Out_Of_Phase_Stereo)
Classic Stereo Widening (http://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/classic-stereo-widening)

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This page was last edited on 31 March 2020, at 08:18.