The Smear module is the only "non-spectral" processing
module in the sense that it doesn't operate on individual spectral bands.
Instead, the Smear module is a four stage analog modulated delay that operates
on the entire frequency range. Like sweet and sour sauce, it turns out
that digital spectral processing and analog modulation works together as a nice
combination of opposites.
The Smear module offers overall wet/dry gain
controls, with the ability to invert the polarity of the wet signal. You can
also tailor the frequency response of the wet signal with the mini-spectrum at
the top of the screen. As shown below, simply drag the handles on the spectrum
to filter the modulated signal. Note that this does not effect the frequency
response of the wet signal.
Each of the four delay lines can be accessed by the tabs labeled Echo 1-4. Each delay line has a set of independent controls which are shown and explained below.
Enable: Turns this delay line on or off.
Delay: Sets the initial delay of the delay line, within a range of 0 to 10 milliseconds
Rate: Sets the rate of modulation (LFO) for the delay, within a range of 50 to 5000 milliseconds
Depth: Sets the depth of the modulation, within a range of 0 to 10 milliseconds.
Echo Phase: Sets a phase offset for the delays LFO relative to the other delay stages. In other words, if Echo 1 has an Echo Phase setting of 0, and Echo 2 has an Echo Phase setting of 180, Echo 2's LFO will be oscillating 180 degrees out of phase relative to Echo 1. This allows you to set LFOs that have similar rates but are offset in phase.
Stereo Phase: Sets the difference in phase between the LFO controlling the left and right channels of the signal. With a Stereo Phase of 0, the left and right LFOs are perfectly in phase. With a stereo phase of 180, the left channel will be 180 degrees out of phase relative to the right channel. In that situation, the left LFO will be falling when the right LFO is rising, providing a wide spatial modulation effect.
Crossmix: For stereo signals, the crossmix control provides additional spatial separation by widening the differences between the left and righ channels. With a crossmix of 0, the stereo imaging is the same as the original. As the crossmix is increased, the widening or difference between the two channels will be increased for increased stereo separation.
Feedback: Feedback enhances the modulation effect by feeding back part of the modulated/delayed signal. To accent modulations or emulate classic 70s flanger "swooshing" sounds, try increasing the feedback.
Invert Feedback: Inverts the polarity of the feedback signal to provide additional notches in the wet signal.
Smear Tips:
1) For phaser type effects, try short delays and
depths. For flanger effects, try longer delays and feedback.
2) Try mixing up settings between the delay lines. For example, a long delay and long rate on one delay with a shorter delay and shorter rate on another line.
3) The noise LFO shape is effective for creating modulated "swirls" that are less predictable than your typical sine or triangle shape. Try two or three delay lines with long rates and noise LFOs to create complex flanging/chorusing effects without any discernable "repeats" to them.
4) The good old triangle LFO is appropriate for creating those classic flanging effects.
5) As you add (enable) more delays lines, you'll need to turn down the wet and dry controls to maintain the same output level (as you'll have more delay lines generating output signals)
6) The Smear module is a unique modulation effect in its own right, but the real power of Spectron shines through when you combine subtle smearing with spectral modulated delays. Go for it.