Thru Zero Flanging In Your DAW

Sep 29, 2009 7:25 PM, By Richard James

At some point, most people have discovered the astonishing sound from simultaneously playing back two copies of the same track. This is created by producing a comb-filtering effect that sweeps across the frequencies depending on the time interval between the two audio tracks. An upward sweep is created as the delay time reduces between the two tracks; i.e., as the tracks become more aligned. The point at which they coincide is often referred to as the"thru-zero point." Beyond this, the delay between the audio tracks starts to increase and the effect sweeps downward.

For those without a couple of reel-to-reel machines handy, it is still possible to get the same effect inside your DAW without simply resorting to a flanger plug-in.

One method is simply to record your mix on tape (any basic home tape recorder will do) and then re-import the audio back into your DAW. It’s then a question of making very small adjustments to how this imported track is aligned with the original mix.

Alternatively, if you have an old 4-track tape unit handy, you can use the varispeed control when playing back off tape. The only tricky part is getting the playback started at the same time as the mix in the DAW. It requires some trial and error, but it’s more rewarding and unique than just loading up a flanger plug-in.

The audio example contains the original mix, followed by the flanging effect after importing the mix back in from tape. The tape track was loaded onto two separate tracks (see the Pro Tools screen shot above), which were then aligned and cross-faded to give the final effect.

Recommended listening for the absolute classic and definitive version of this effect: Itchycoo Park by the Small Faces.

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