Exciter

The Exciter generates high frequency components that are not part of the original signal. It does this by employing a nonlinear distortion process that resembles overdrive and distortion effects.

Unlike these effects, however, the Exciter passes the input signal through a highpass filter before feeding it into the harmonics (distortion) generator. This results in artificial harmonics being added to the original signal. These added harmonics contain frequencies at least one octave above the threshold of the highpass filter. The distorted signal is then mixed with the original, dry signal.

You can use the Exciter to add life to recordings. It is especially well suited to audio tracks with a weak treble frequency range. The Exciter is also useful as a general tool for enhancing guitar tracks.

Figure. Exciter window.
  • Frequency display: Shows the frequency range used as the source signal for the excite process.
  • Frequency slider and field: Sets the cutoff frequency (in Hertz) of the highpass filter. The input signal passes through the filter before (harmonic) distortion is introduced.
  • Input button: When the Input button is active, the original (pre-effect) signal is mixed with the effect signal. If you disable Input, only the effect signal is heard.
  • Harmonics knob and field: Sets the ratio between the effect and original signals, expressed as a percentage. If the Input button is turned off, this parameter has no effect.

    Note: In most cases, higher Frequency and Harmonics values are preferable, because human ears cannot easily distinguish between the artificial and original high frequencies.

  • Color 1 and Color 2 buttons: Color 1 generates a less dense harmonic distortion spectrum. Color 2 generates a more intense harmonic distortion. Color 2 also introduces more (unwanted) intermodulation distortions.