Flanging

Definition

Flanging is an audio effect created by mixing two identical signals together, with one of them being slightly delayed, producing a characteristic swooshing or jet-like sound. This technique became especially popular in music during the British Invasion and psychedelic rock eras, where it was used to create a more dynamic and immersive listening experience. The effect can evoke a sense of movement and space, adding to the experimental nature of the music from these periods.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Flanging was heavily utilized by artists like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones during the British Invasion, helping to define their unique sounds.
2. The effect is created by taking an audio signal and combining it with a delayed version of itself, typically with a delay time of less than 20 milliseconds.
3. Flanging became synonymous with psychedelic rock in the late 1960s, contributing to the genre's experimental approach to sound production.
4. The distinct 'jet plane' sound associated with flanging can be manipulated through various parameters such as depth, rate, and feedback, allowing for a wide range of effects.
5. In the context of recording technology, flanging was originally created using analog tape machines before being popularized through digital effects processors.

Review Questions

• How does flanging contribute to the overall sound and feel of British Invasion music?
  • Flanging adds a unique texture to British Invasion music by creating a swirling, ethereal effect that enhances the emotional impact of songs. This effect helps to create a sense of movement and depth, allowing listeners to experience the music in a more immersive way. The use of flanging during this era helped define the sound of iconic tracks and contributed to the innovative spirit that characterized the period.
• Discuss the technical process of creating flanging and how it differs from similar effects like phasing.
  • Flanging is created by mixing two identical signals where one is slightly delayed, usually less than 20 milliseconds. This creates a series of peaks and troughs in the frequency response, resulting in its signature swooshing sound. In contrast, phasing alters the phase relationship between two signals but does not necessarily involve a simple delay; instead, it uses frequency filtering to achieve its sweeping effect. While both techniques produce unique sounds, flanging has a more pronounced and recognizable jet-like quality.
• Evaluate the impact of flanging on the evolution of psychedelic rock music and its legacy in modern music production.
  • Flanging played a pivotal role in shaping psychedelic rock by encouraging experimentation with sound and creating an auditory experience that mirrored the mind-altering themes prevalent in the genre. This effect contributed to the distinctive soundscapes that characterized landmark albums from bands like The Doors and Jefferson Airplane. Today, flanging remains a popular technique in modern music production across various genres, illustrating its lasting influence on sound design and artistic expression within music.

Related terms

phasing: An audio effect similar to flanging, achieved by varying the phase relationship between two signals, creating a sweeping sound without the distinct delay of flanging.

reverb:

An audio effect that simulates the natural reflections of sound in a physical space, often used to add depth and atmosphere to music.

tremolo: A modulation effect that varies the amplitude of a sound signal over time, creating a rhythmic pulsing effect.