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In a phaser the signal is split into two paths, one straight through and the other diverted through a phase shift network, controlled by a low frequency oscillator (LFO).
The straight signal is slightly out of phase with the affected signal. This coupled with the cancellation caused by the treated signal, a deep notch filter is created which sweeps across the frequency spectrum under control of the LFO.
The Phaser sound is similar but less strong (due to the lack of delay) to a Flanger but has a drier ans shallower "whoosh" sound. The phaser sound spaces a few notches at even intervals across the frequency spectrum, wheras the flanger the notches are harmonically related and more frequent.
Phasers have a number of stages (typically 4,6,8 or 10). Each stage shifts the phase by 180 degrees. So every pair of stages has a in and out of phase set of notches. Also the more stages, the more noisy is added to the signal, (though this only really applies to hardware phasers, since software phasers should be noise free).
Setting Explanation
Speed
How fast the notches are moved
Depth
How far the notches are moved
Resonance or Feedback
How much of the output is fed back into the input
Mix
How deep the notches are.
Phaser Tips
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Phaser like chorus will de-localise and push the sound further back into the mix.
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Using chorus and phaser at the same time will give an etheral type effect. However, to be effective, the track needs to have a sparse arrangement of sounds.
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For guitar solos, add a phaser before the distortion, set to a slow speed to add a slight movement to the sound, by varying the affected frequencies distortion intensity.
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Normally used as an insert effect.
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Phasing works best on harmonically rich sounds, like overdriven guitar.
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Using a 4 stage phaser and setting a correct resonance can give an auto wah effect.
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Using a 10 stage phaser with high resonance can give a vague flanging effect.
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Turn depth up and rate down for a slow dramatic sweep
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Turn depth and rate to halfway and apply to pads for a shimmering effect
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A phaser with a rate set to max to get a silly wibbly wobbly under water sound.
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Too much feedback makes the sound artificial and metallic
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Clean sounding bass guitars can benefit from a touch of phaser.
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Phasing is a typical effect used on pad sounds, with a slow rate, middle resonance and high modulation rate.
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Phasing can be used to thicken a bassline
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Phasers sound great on electric pianos
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If you use a phaser as an insert effect, place a Compressor afterwards to even out the phased output
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On machine gun drum intros \ fills, phasing can be used for an interesting effect.
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Phasers can sound nice on single words or short phrases but not an entire vocal track. Though can be used to give a watery like effect
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Add a phaser after reverb for a weird reverb sound.
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