We're all familiar with parametric EQs that let you select a shape
or group of frequencies and adjust their gain. Spectron extends that
concept to let you select a group of frequencies and individually set
their delay, feedback, panning and morphing.
The first step in applying spectral processing to a group of frequencies is to set the range of frequencies to be processed. You can do this by dragging any of the four dark circles, or nodes, on any of the spectral screens (morph, filter, pan, and delay).
You'll note that handles appear around a node when it is selected. The handles on the left and right let you set the width of the node, to apply processing to wider ranges of frequencies. The handles on the top-bottom allow you to set the shape of the node.
Once you've set the width, shape and position, you can then apply effects to the region covered by the node. For example, in the Delay module you can drag the node vertically to change the amount of delay. In the Pan module, you can drag a node of frequencies up to pan it to the left, or down to pan it to the right.
Offsetting the Baseline
In addition to applying effects to specific nodes, you can apply effects to the entire frequency range by dragging the "baseline" or "zero" line. Offsetting the baseline from its zero position effectively applies the same amount of processing to the entire signal.
"Harmonic Only" Option
By default, effects processing is applied to all of the frequencies covered by the node. If you select a node and choose the "Harmonics Only " option, Spectron will only apply effects processing to frequencies that are harmonics (multiples) of the position of the node.
If the "Mute Unprocessed" option is selected for a module, any frequencies that are not being manipulated by a node will be muted. For example in the case of the Delay module, this would mean that any frequency that isn't being delayed will be muted.
Tips for
Setting Nodes
1) If you right-click (under OS X you can also ctrl-click) on a node, you can copy and paste the bandwidth and shape from one node to another.
2) If you hold down the shift key and begin dragging a node, the movement will be constrained to the direction of your initial movement. In other words, if you start dragging vertically, the node will be constrained to only move in the vertical direction as you drag it with the mouse.
3) Once selected, you can use the arrow keys on your keyboard and the mouse wheel to adjust the position and shape of the node.