Alesis QS7.1, QS8.1 manual Mono Flange

Part 6: Editing Effects

MONO FLANGE

First used in the 1960s, “flanging” was achieved by using two tape recorders to record and play back the same material at the same time. By alternately slowing down one tape machine, and then the other, an interesting phase cancellation could be generated. There is a much-repeated legend that this slowing down was done by pressing fingertips againsts the flanges of the tape supply reels, hence the effect’s name. But nobody actually knows for sure.

Flanging is achieved by splitting a signal and giving one part of it a variable time- delay. (This is similar to Chorusing, except here we use the LFO to modulate delay time instead of pitch.) The delayed signal is then mixed back with the original sound to produce that well-known “swooshing” or “doppler tunnel” sound.

As with Chorusing, the Flanging algorithm offers great things to play with. The speed and depth of the LFO can be varied, and part of the signal can be fed back into itself to make the effect stronger. This feedback setting can be either “Normal” or “Inverted”. Try using “Inverted” for a more dramatic flange.

STEREO FLANGE

In a Stereo Flange, the signal is split into three parts: a dry signal and separate left and right signals, each with its own delay. While one channel flanges up the other channel automatically flanges down, making the effect more pronounced.

QS7.1/QS8.1 Reference Manual 89