Audio Foundations: Delay and Modulation

Course details

In this installment of Foundations of Audio, author Alex U. Case explains the fundamentals of delay and modulation effects and how to apply these effects, technically and creatively, to improve the sound of a mix. The course covers adjusting individual parameters such as delay time, level, and feedback; working with long delays to create echoes, enhance groove, and add support; using delay modulation for chorus and doubling effects; and dialing-in spectral effects from delay, such as flanging. This course also includes Get in the Mix (GITM) sessions for both Avid Pro Tools and Apple Logic Pro. Exercise files are also included with the course.

Learning objectives
Adjusting the delay time, level, and feedback parameters
Utilizing a low-pass filter and polarity reverse
Setting up an effects loop
Setting the delay time by tempo or by ear
Understanding the distinct uses of short, medium, and long delays
Adjusting modulation rate, depth, and shape
Adding double tracking and spreader effects
Manipulating tone with constructive or destructive interference
Creating a comb filter and flange effect

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Welcome
02 - What you should know before watching this course
03 - How to use the exercise files
04 - Using the Get In the Mix Pro Tools session files

1. Understanding Delay

05 - What is delay
06 - Creating delay effects overview
07 - Delay time, level, and feedback parameters
08 - Utilizing a low-pass filter and polarity reverse
09 - Setting up an effects loop for delay
10 - Setting up an effects loop in a DAW
11 - Setting the delay time by tempo
12 - Setting the delay time by ear

2. Echo Effects

13 - Overview of short, medium, and long delays
14 - Long delays
15 - Get in the Mix - Using long delay on key lyrics
16 - Get in the Mix - Establishing groove with long delays
17 - Get in the Mix - Creating slap-back echo with long delays
18 - Advanced tape-delay effects

3. Modulation, Chorus, and Doubling Effects

19 - LFO
20 - Get in the Mix - Modulation rate and depth
21 - Get in the Mix - Modulation shape
22 - Delay effects examples in various plug-ins
23 - Medium delays
24 - Get in the Mix - Chorus
25 - Get in the Mix - Double tracking
26 - Get in the Mix - Spreaders and thickeners

4. Spectral Effects from Delay

27 - Constructive and destructive interference
28 - Short delays
29 - Get in the Mix - Creating a comb filter and a flange effect
30 - Get in the Mix - Flanger and phaser effects

Conclusion

31 - Using delays in a real-world mix
32 - Course summary and goodbye