Turning samples into atmospheres with Kilohearts Resonator effect
The Resonator effect in Kilohearts Phase Plant is a fantastic tool for turning almost any sound source into a pad.
The Resonator effect in Kilohearts Phase Plant is an easy-to-use and super powerful tool for turning almost any sound source into a pad or atmospheric sound. It works in a very similar way to a vocoder, although instead of accepting an audio or MIDI input, the note is predefined on the interface. For static atmospheric sounds, this is fine, although for pads where the note changes – you may want to apply key tracking to the note input of the effect.
The resonator effect works by enhancing and resynthesizing specific harmonic frequencies which are present in the source sound – you then have control over the intensity and decay of the resynthesis algorithm. Running a vocal sample through this with relatively high intensity and decay results in a deep robotic effect, which is a nice starting point for an atmospheric part for your track.
Like I’ve mentioned, one of my favourite things about Phase Plant’s Sampler module is the ability to modulate the start and endpoints of the sample, by doing so before running it through the resonator – you’re creating a varying input signal. The result is a stable tone, with varying dynamics throughout.
A varying sample as a modulation source…
Another awesome feature regarding the Sampler module is that you can send its audio output as a modulation source. This is great for creating dynamics in slight vibratos or trill effects on high-pitched pad sounds. Using the waveform of the sample as a sort of LFO but altering wherein the sample it’s looping – creating endless variations. You can also modulate the pitch of the sample, that would speed up or slow down the vibrato effect.
For a walkthrough on how to achieve these effects, check out this week’s tutorial video here:
[youtube_sc url=”https://youtu.be/Em5sMdCqDpk”]
