Chorus
Chorus is a commonly used effect. The term “chorus” comes from the idea that two performers playing the exact same part wouldn't be exactly in tune and exactly in time with each other. The delay might be only several milliseconds, but that's enough to create an effect of multiple players. Applied to one part, chorus makes it sound as if more than one person is playing; the end result is that they sound richer. Chorus achieves this by copying the signal, delaying it a bit, and detuning it through a modulation effect. Modulations are changes to the pitch that rise and fall in a steady pattern. The change in pitch gives chorus its distinctive sound.
Parameters
The amount of control you get from chorus varies depending on your equipment. A traditional chorus effect will give you the control of these elements:
Delay: Controls how long it takes for the second, copied signal to appear. The amount of time is generally kept fairly low—usually between fifteen and thirty milliseconds.
Depth: Controls the amount of change in modulation or pitch of the sound. The higher the number, the weirder it's going to sound!
Rate: Controls how fast the pitch will rise and fall.
Some choruses really go to town. Take a look at how much control Pro Tools gives you (see Figure 16-1). The extra control can yield some incredible sounds.
Figure 16-1: Digidesign's AIR Chorus
