DelayLah

A modulated delay chorus effect I made using JUCE for my audio software development class. < Code>

Description

A Chorus Effect works by duplicating the original signal and altering its pitch, timing, and amplitude. The chorusing effect can produce a range of effects from a subtle moving sheen to a swirling, seasick, de-tuned madness. But how do we create a digital chorus?

To create a chorus effect, we modulate the Delay Time with an LFO (Sine, Triangle, Saw). The delay time is very short (max of around 50 ms), and the modulation depth and rates that affect the delay time create an out-of-pitch, out-of-sync effect that makes up the Chorus sound. In the chorus, delay time modulation is bipolar about a center point.

Analog chorus never include feedback. Digital chorus effects may include feedback, but this is dependent on the designer’s preference and can produce some sickening results if used incorrectly.

LFO modulating delay time

Block Diagram, UI Mapping, and more

Using two delay lines modulated by a sine wave LFO with a maximum delay of 50 ms, modulation depth of 30 ms, modulation rate of 5 Hz, and feedback up to 0.3 to avoid nasty artifacts.

• The plugin induces a low-pitched delayed character to the sound and can be a cool choice for sounds or vocals that need an extra flavor in the low-frequency region.

• This effect is not a “true” Chorus but has the characteristics of a chorus. The sound signature of this effect can allow for creative use in sound design like creating alien or robotic voices.

• To introduce more “depth” in a sound, since the effect is a modulated delay and these effects can create thicker sounds due to the addition of multiple copies of the same signal.

• If the user wants a chorus that is not a vintage 80's sounding chorus effect, DelayLah creates a sound that is more “electronic”.

• Sticking with this Algorithm has its advantages, but also has some nasty drawbacks.

• Preferably, switch to one delay line and modulate that delay line for cleaner output and output as stereo instead of modulating two separate delay lines.

• Consider removing feedback.

• Add more LFO Waveshapes.

• Add labels for units of the parameters.

• Possibly add a knob for mono and stereo mix.

• Add filters for the wet signal.

Future/Fixes