Chorus
Chorus is a commonly used effect. The term “chorus” comes from the idea that, if someone were playing the exact same part as you, he or she wouldn't be exactly in tune and exactly in time with you. The delay might be only several milliseconds, but that's enough to create an effect of multiple players. It makes it sound as if more than one is playing; the end result is that they sound richer. Chorus replicates 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.
Chorus produces its modulation through a low frequency oscillator (or LFO). The resulting sound is a shimmery effect that replicates doubling of an audio signal.
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 Waves, for instance; they make MondoMod, the “Rolls Royce” of plug-in effects. Take a look at how much control MondoMod gives you (see FIGURE 14-1). The extra control can yield some incredible sounds.
FIGURE 14-1
Waves MondoMod
The parameters for chorus must be tinkered with. It's impossible to give you standard chorus presets because everyone will use them differently. Play around and have a good time. Check the included presets, too.
Uses for Chorus
Chorus is used on many different sounds. Guitar players love it for creating clean sounds. Keyboard and synth players commonly use it to thicken up their sound. For vocals, chorus can help cover up subtle pitch problems. Chorus can also add the illusion of width to a sound, making it appear fuller and wider. As always wherever you use chorus, go easy and don't go overboard.
